Chapter 28: Everything that Can Go wrong...
Ilbani's POV
A baby. We were having a baby…
How long had she been pregnant? Hadi says she was sick for a while. Thinking back, I had noticed she was getting tired pretty easily. Hadi and Sakuwai had reported they had seen her throwing up, but she waved it off as food poisoning. How long had she been sick and hiding it from us?
And she had been fighting in a war. She has been active and pushing her stamina well beyond herself. Riding horseback, fighting. All while in her condition.
I sighed. Even if she knew, I wonder if she would have pulled out of the war? I doubt it. That would be unlike her. She put everyone above herself. She fretted over Shala when her pregnancy was discovered, yet she herself charged into one of the biggest, most dangerous war she has ever seen.
Why did she leave so suddenly? When I heard Princess Yuri's speculation and began to connect the dots, I was ecstatic! A child…our child.
I never thought I would have a family. All of my life, when I pictured my future, I saw myself standing beside His Majesty overlooking a powerful, peaceful nation. I had always seen myself alone. I would just live my entire life standing beside His Majesty.
That began to change. That changed the day I saw a goddess emerge from the spring.
Since then, my view of the future began to change. Suddenly, that girl was there as my assistant, helping me keep an eye on the empire. Then I began to see her as more then that. As a lover. Then as a wife. Now, I see something else. It's not really a person. An idea perhaps. A family. I begin to see faceless children running about.
I'm beginning to see more. A brighter future. I always thought I would be happy to just live as I was. To just accept my meager role. But now I want more then a lonely future. I wanted a life with Yuki. I wanted to share my future with her.
Then I began to worry. Even if the child was not harmed during the war…Yuki was so tiny. Childbirth was dangerous in itself, but with Yuki's size, it seemed impossible. Would she be able to safely deliver the child?
I stood in front of our door. She had been in there for a while. I pushed it open and saw her, unsurprisingly, sitting at the desk, clay tablets stacked high.
"Ilbani! I was just writing the report. Perhaps I will try my luck at getting Urhi to talk. I doubt I can really convince him, but it's worth a try, right? Oh, I am so glad Prince Juda is fine now. I assume we won't be sending him back to Hattusa alone, are we? That would be dreadfully dangerous for him." She prattled on. She sounded cheerful…but fake.
"We could name her Ursula. Or Zannanza." I say nonchalantly. She didn't respond.
"It's a stomach virus." She said curtly.
"And if it's not?" I urge. She remained silent.
"You know, we are going to have to address this sooner or later. Why not now?" I sighed and sat on the bed.
Her hand drifted to her stomach and she stared down on her lap. I could see emotions flickering through her eyes too quickly for me to identify.
"It's ok to be afraid. Many new mothers are. We can get nursemaids and midwives…" I trailed off. I know I was trying to address my own worries.
"It's not that." She whispered.
"…Yuki. Do you not want this child?" As I asked this, my heart was breaking. I had this passing thought, but I never wanted it to be reality.
"No! No. I want…this is ours…of course I want this child." Her voice was getting softer. She wrapped her arms around her stomach protectively. Her bangs hid her face from me.
"So what's wrong? You have to tell me, Yuki." I pleaded. She still wouldn't look up at me. I stood my ground. I waited for her to get all of her thoughts in order.
"I don't know how to be a mother!" She looked up quickly. She wasn't whispering anymore.
"Ilbani. I've never had a loving mother. I don't know how to do it! How can I teach a child right from wrong when I don't fully know it yet? What if I mess up? What if this child hates me? There is a little person in me…depending on me! Their life depends on me! I don't know how to do this! I can't-" She buried her head in her arms.
I got up and plucked her out of the desk, sitting on the bed and just holding her.
"You know, I never had a father either. I don't know how to be a father." I whispered in a soothing voice. "Since we are both lost, I suppose we will have to learn as we go."
"What if I mess up? What if I end up like…" She trailed off. I knew who she meant. Her own mother back in Japan. The one that she loved dearly, yet at the same time feared.
"You won't. You won't because you are you. You won't because I will never leave you." I swore to her. She was quiet.
"Promise?" She whispered, looking up at me.
"I promise. I know, that this child will grow to be a courageous young man."
"And if it is a girl?" She had a hint of fear in her voice.
"Then she will be as beautiful and smart as her mother." I chuckled lightly.
"…I don't want to name her Ursula. Or him Zannanza." She said after a moment of comfortable silence.
"Oh? Here, it is often customary to name a child after a loved one. In hopes that they attain some of their attributes." I run my fingers through her hair. "Is it not acceptable in your country?" I ask out of curiosity.
"In Japan too. But I don't want this child to be a reflection or a shadow of someone lost. This child…is unique. Their own person. I want a name that is just his or hers. One day, others may name their children after ours." She leaned into me. She had calmed down, but I know she had her fears still locked away inside her.
She suddenly got up and went back to the desk, feverently writing. I sighed, thinking I had lost her again.
"Yuki, you have to take it easy." I pleaded with her.
"No. Now I have to work harder than ever." She said. Her voice was set in that stubborn tone again.
"And why might that be?" I ask wearily. I know it was pointless to argue with her. She turned and looked at me dead in the eye.
"Because when this child comes, I don't want Queen Nakia still walking free."
I couldn't argue with that logic.
Yuki's POV
After Ilbani left, I turned back to my work. I was tentatively happy that I was pregnant…but I wish it had been at a better time.
We finally have enough evidence to condemn Queen Nakia. I can't let her slip through the net because of my own condition.
…Pregnant. I never pictured myself as a mother. Actually, I never knew how I pictured my own personal future. I always saw the future as a big picture. In Japan, I saw college, a home, and Yuri. Here I focused on a peaceful Orient.
I don't know how to raise a child. But I know one thing, I want to give this child a happy life. I want to give this child all the love I could give. I never want this child to feel ignored. Or unloved.
I shook my head and turned back to my work. One situation at a time. At least this one had a set date. I could deal with this in nine months. I had to get Queen Nakia taken care of while we still had the upper hand.
"Yuki?" Yuri's muffled voice came from the other side of the door.
"Come on in, Yuri. I was just finishing up." I called.
"Yuki! We are heading back to Hattusa soon. The treaties are drawn for Egypt, Prince Juda has agreed to come with us and…" She trailed off.
"And Queen Nakia is cornered. Yes, it would be wise to return before she snakes her way out again, wouldn't it, Yuri?" I finish for her.
"And that we will be having some new arrivals soon." She came and sat right next to me.
"Yuri, I have more to worry about." I sighed.
"Bigger then this? Yuki, you can't run away from this forever." She nudged me, forcing me to look at her.
"No, not forever. But for at least nine months." I laugh flatly. "I have to take care of one thing at a time."
"This isn't a 'thing' Yuki. This is a child. Yours. You can't ignore this." She stared at me for a long time. I was the one that finally broke eye contact.
"I'm not ignoring it. How in the world can I ignore it? I just…" What was I doing? Was I avoiding it? Perhaps. Maybe I was just avoiding it. Maybe they were right. I was just burying myself into my work to avoid it.
"You'll be fine, Yuki. If it's you, then you will be fine. Now let me help you pack." She ruffled my hair playfully and began to rustle through my drawers. I smiled and pulled out bags to pack all of my clay tablets away.
"Thanks Yuri." I say as I pack away my clothes around the tablets.
"We're back." I whisper as I walked into the palace. No time to relax, though. Even as I see the familiar buildings, maids and hallways, I know danger still lurks in the shadows. I wonder what snares Nakia has set in our absence.
"Yes, we're back." Ilbani whispered behind me. I heard the worry in his voice too. We both knew that this place was a sand trap.
That now we really had to watch our step. The Queen had her eyes and ears all over this palace. She knows we have the evidence needed to condemn her. No doubt she won't go down without a fight.
"Ilbani. Please call together the senate." I say as we step into the palace.
"Now, Yuki? We just got here." His Majesty frowned at me. "No doubt that everyone will want to celebrate our recent victory."
"I understand your hesitation, Your Grace, but I fear that giving the Queen any leeway she will find a way to worm herself out of this. Sire, I don't want to wait. I want the Queen brought to justice now." I stood tall. His Majesty nodded and had Ilbani gather the senate.
I took a deep breath before I walked into the meeting. From here on out, it will be a different kind of war. Nakia will go down kicking and screaming, I know that for a fact. So we just need to keep a firm grip on was it. Our last chance.
"Zannanza. Ursula. You will have your justice. I whispered before I pushed the doors open.
"Princess Yuki. Perfect timing. We were just about to start." His Majesty smiled at me. I confidently walked and sat next to Ilbani. I also happily noted that Yuri sat in the Tawananna seat.
Queen Nakia. It had been months since I had seen her face. If possible, she looked even colder then she had before. The look of entitlement was still there, but the arrogance was disappearing. She was afraid.
As the meeting progressed, it was obvious that we were finally a step ahead of her. She avoided answering questions or just downright refused to speak. Even the senate had to see how incriminating this was. And when faced with treason with Egypt, she stood up and made a move to leave the room.
"Guards." I stood up and looked to the door. Dassu nodded at me and moved to block the door.
"What is the meaning of this? Do you think you have the right to command my guards to detain me?!" She turned and seethed at me. She turned to try and intimidate the guards but Dassu stood his ground.
"I will take this right if it is in the interest of the Empire's safety. Your Grace, you don't seem to realize the weight of your situation. Highness, you are under scrutiny for treason. As an advisor, I suggest you cooperate with us." I smile sweetly at her. Perhaps I have overstepped myself. Nobody seemed to stop me so I just kept at it. I won't let her run. Not this time.
"What arrogance. I need to prove nothing to you. As you say, you are an advisor. I am Queen. Now guard, I command you, move." She hissed at Dassu. I began to step forward to stop her but Dassu stopped me with a look.
"I am sorry, My Queen, but I am loyal to Princess Yuki. I will not move. The royal guard supports Princess Yuki." He looked over at me and smiled. The men behind him did not budge either. I couldn't help but feel my heart fill something akin to pride...and worry. Dassu had put his life on the line for me many times. Now he was putting himself publically at my side.
"Your Highness, I am afraid for the time being, the senate must agree with Princess Yuki. If you would please, we will give you some time to rest before testifying. Though you must be guarded at all times." Senator Agil cut in.
"Fine. Do as you please. But remember this. That girl may live in the palace. She may dress like royalty and believe she has the rights of royalty, but she is nothing more than a commoner from the streets. You will regret listening to the goddess of death." Queen Nakia spit venomously before exiting the room with Senator Agil.
A commoner, huh? Well I guess I am. She was right I was not royalty. Speaking to the Queen in that way was a risk I took, a right I did not have.
I leaned back on Ilbani. He slung a supporting arm around me and led me out of the room, muttering about pushing my limits. I may never be a true princess in the sense, but I found a man that would treat me like a princess. And that was royal enough for me.
Ilbani's POV
I shut the door to our room as Yuki slept. She was still recovering from the journey and to call the senate meeting the moment she set foot on Hittite soil had taken its toll. I left Sakuwai to watch over her and to call me if she were to wake.
"Ilbani. Senator Agil has put Nakia in the Red Oak room and is under watch." His Majesty said. I nodded to show I heard, but something was making me nervous.
Yuki was right about one thing, we had to act quickly when facing an opponent like Queen Nakia. This down time set me on edge. Queen Nakia herself seemed a bit too calm for my liking.
"And Urhi is locked away too, right?" Princess Yuri asked.
"Yes, in the northern dungeon." Dassu bowed. My blood ran cold. I looked to His Majesty and saw he must have realized our mistake as well.
"The northern dungeon…is right below the red oak room." I say in a hollow voice. "She might kill our witness!" I say in a louder voice.
"Where is Yuki? She will know what to do! She should know! What if she is in danger now? Queen Nakia was very upset at her during the meeting today!" Yuri gasped. I realized that fact as well.
"Dassu. Please stand guard outside of Yuki's door. I want you and only those you can trust near her. Make sure nobody gets in except the sisters and Sakuwai." I commanded.
"Yes sir." He bowed and was gone in seconds.
"Shouldn't we tell her what's going on?" Princess Yuri made a move towards Yuki's room.
"No. Yuki is finally getting some much deserved rest. I don't want to get her too worked up. Tell Sakuwai, though. Make sure she keeps an eye on Yuki while she is resting." I say firmly. I knew as I said it, I had put my own personal interests above my duty. It is true that waking Yuki would be a wise thing to do, leaving her out of the loop will only result in her anger later. But she had finally caught some of that sleep she had been lacking all this time. I refuse to wake her and take that away.
Luckily, His Majesty and Princess Yuri understood and did not question my decision. Hopefully, we will catch this in time and Yuki will not have to know about any of this.
Hopefully.
Sakuwai's POV
As I was finishing unpacking for Miss Yuki, I heard some noise outside and peeked my head out to check.
"Sakuwai! That's you in there, right?" Shubas whispered from the other side of the door. I quietly slipped outside and was surprised to see Shubas and Dassu standing outside.
"This isn't a social call, is it?" I questioned, already knowing the answer. They were both in their military clothes and armed. Something was wrong.
"We've just gotten word that Urhi and Nakia may be planning something. Ilbani commanded that we guard Princess Yuki while she is resting until the problem is resolved." Dassu said.
My heart rate quickened. Queen Nakia can't have access to Princess Yuki. I looked back into the room to see Miss Yuki sleeping soundly. I quietly tiptoed in and gathered all the jugs of water.
"Sakuwai, what are you doing?" Shubas asked as he watched me dump out jug after jug of water into the garden.
"Queen Nakia uses water to control people, right? Well then we must make sure there is no water near us." I concluded, dumping out another jug of water.
"Sakuwai, I think you should stay with the sisters. It's dangerous here, you could get hurt." Shubas suggested softly.
"No. I will watch over Princess Yuki while she rests. I don't care if I get hurt. I will gladly lay my life down to protect Miss Yuki." As I said it, I stood taller. I meant it. Miss Yuki had saved my life. She had given me more happiness then I could have ever hoped to attain in my whole life. If needed, I will die for her.
"Sakuwai…I think you are one of the bravest ladies I've ever met." Shubas looked to me in awe.
"Me? I'm not brave. Princess Yuri, Miss Yuki and the sisters are brave. They are the ones fighting." I look at him in confusion.
"No. You are brave. Even if you don't know how to fight, you put your life on the line. Just like them. Sakuwai, I think you are the bravest person in the world." Shubas suddenly looked away with a blush.
"Sorry to interrupt, but we do have a job to do." Dassu coughed. Shubas quickly turned around and I in turn retreated back into Miss Yuki's room. I leaned against the door and sighed happily.
Then I pushed off the door and shook my head to clear my thoughts. When had I become such a romantic? How could I be lovesick at a time like this?
I pulled a chair over and sat right next to Miss Yuki's bed. I glanced over and saw one of Miss Yuki's daggers on the table. I tentatively picked it up and held it in my hands.
I know Miss Yuki didn't want me to have to wield a weapon, but I was doing this of my own free will. If it was to protect Miss Yuki, I would do whatever it takes.
"Hm? Sakuwai? What's wrong? I heard some noise." Miss Yuki got up and rubbed her eyes groggily.
"Oh, I was just trying to unpack you things. I'm sorry if I was too loud; please try to get back to sleep." I smiled and urged her back under the covers. She gladly obliged and was asleep in seconds. I felt a stab of guilt for lying to Miss Yuki, but I pushed it away as I watched her peaceful, sleeping face.
Ilbani's POV
"Fool! I am such a fool! Everything was laid out perfectly! Absolutely perfectly! And I let it slip through my fingers!" I growled and slammed my fist into the wall.
"Ilbani, it wasn't your fault. It was a crazy coincidence. None of us saw it coming." Princess Yuri tried to comfort me. I was beyond comfort. A few hours. I only had to keep him for a few more hours before Queen Nakia's trial, and I couldn't even do that!
"Ilbani, all is not lost. Urhi still lives, Queen Nakia did not kill him." His Majesty added when I failed to respond to Princess Yuri.
Yes, I suppose we could find him again. But it took us nearly two years to catch that snake the first time. How will we manage to catch him in only a few hours?
"What's going on?" Yuki walked in suddenly, a yawn lingering on her lips. I looked away from her. I was ashamed. In the mere hours she was resting, I had managed to ruin everything.
"Yuki. Urhi has escaped. Queen Nakia found a way to release him." Princess Yuri said gently. As if she was afraid to get Yuki too agitated. Yuki closed her eyes and took a deep breath. I didn't want her to open them right now. I was afraid to see the blame in her eyes. Not just the blame, but the disappointment.
"I understand. Well nothing is to be done now. I doubt we can get our hands on him before the trial." When Yuki opened her eyes, it wasn't blame or disappointment in her eyes. I saw that she had her guard up. Her mask was back in place. It had been a long time since I have seen that stoic mask. It put me on edge. I couldn't tell what was on her mind.
"So what should we do? Yuki, perhaps you should leave this issue to us and go back to bed?" Princess Yuri suggested. She sounded like she was walking on eggshells with Yuki.
"I am not a child, Yuri. I will not step back from my duties. And yes, I do have a tentative plan. I need some information though." Yuki carelessly waved her hand in Princess Yuri's direction, as if to just wash away her suggestion.
"So we are going after Ilbani?" His Majesty finally jumped into the conversation.
"No. There would be no point. I want the guards tightened around Queen Nakia. Were there any witnesses to Urhi's escape? I want the maids that were with Queen Nakia here right now. We can use this to our advantage if we work it right." Yuki said. But her voice was flat. I realize how difficult this has made it. If I had only kept a closer eye on Urhi, Yuki wouldn't have to overexert herself. She had to create a plan in merely a few hours.
"There were some guards that witnessed Urhi's escape. The water cut his bonds. And I will get the maids here immediately. Yuki, let me help you, I can…I…" Princess Yuri seemed at a loss of words. This was purely Yuki's element. Yuki was the one that could talk circles around the senate. She grasped the laws and used them to her advantage. Princess Yuri must understand that going in blindly would be counterproductive.
"Yuri. I am not made of glass. If you could, I would like you to oversee the guards guarding Queen Nakia. I would also like it if Shubas and Dassu watch over Princess Alexandria and Sakuwai. I am going to the parlor. I need to think." She turned on her heel and walked off. As she passed by me, she grasped my robe and pulled me down for a chaste kiss.
"Yuki. I'm sorry…I-" I began, but I had nothing to say.
"My dear, those two are sly. They would have found a way out either way. I'm glad you weren't standing watch and got hurt." She smiled at me. I must have still looked guilt-stricken because she sighed sadly and kissed my cheek again before heading out to the parlor.
"Ilbani, I told you she wouldn't blame you." Princess Yuri smiled at me,
"No. I guess I never thought she would. I can't escape the blame and guilt I've forced on myself." I say quietly.
Yuki's POV
I mumbled to myself as I walked to the parlor. This new information complicated things. Of course I was upset of the news of Urhi's escape. But that look on Ilbani's face…I couldn't possibly voice my worries when he was already so down on himself.
I wasn't worried about convicting Nakia. Not really. We had sufficient proof and enough witnesses to show she was the one responsible for his escape. And even if she were to destroy the tablet from Egypt, the senate had already seen it. She was stuck.
No, it wasn't Nakia that worried me. It was Urhi.
Urhi was a wild card. He is running about the palace freely. That is dangerous to all of the innocents walking about. I can't let that happen. A sane man would take his freedom and run. A smart man would run and disappear, begin a new life. But right now, Urhi was not a smart, sane man at the moment.
"Queen Nakia is setting her love free! They are in love, that is the only explanation."
Yuri was right. Urhi was a man in love, and love made people unpredictable. I know he is still hanging around. That's what put me on edge.
In the back of my mind, I felt a pang of pity for the two lovers. In a way, this lonely land had pushed these lovers to be cold and conniving. I wonder, if I hadn't met Ilbani, would I have ended up like them? Queen Nefertiti was proof that a good, pure girl can sour under pressure.
I pushed this feeling out of my head. Yes, I understand how they ended p how they did. Yes, I felt a certain amount of pity for their situation. But I had to watch after my loved ones first. That was the difference between Yuri and I. Yuri is set on trying to help them get on the right path. When Yuri was made aware of someone's misfortune, she does everything she can for them. She did the same for Queen Nefertiti. I am not like that though. I will protect those I love first and foremost. If Queen Nakia wants to lash her misfortunes on those around me, then I will lash right back.
Did it make me heartless? If it does, then so be it.
I sat on the parlor couch mumbling about this and that when a little voice snapped me away from my thoughts.
"P-princess Yuki? Are you ok?"
"Oh, Prince Juda. I didn't see you there. Oh, goodness were you sitting there the entire time listening to my crazy ramblings?" I laughed lightly, spying the young prince sitting by the little table, staring at an apple before putting it back on the table.
"It's alright, Princess Yuki. I come here to think and be alone too." He smiled easily at me.
"Well it seems I've invaded in your sanctuary, huh? And please, call me Yuki. Or really, anything but 'princess'." I stretch and get up.
"No, no! Please, sit! I really don't mind the company! And I haven't had any time to talk to you since Ugarit. I wanted to apologi-"
"Stop. You have nothing to apologize for. None of this was your doing, understand?" I interrupted him. I probably shouldn't be talking to a prince this way, but right now, I felt like I was speaking to a little brother. Perhaps I was thinking I saw a part of me in him. The part that wanted to reject his mother, and the part that still loved her all the same. The huge part that was terrified that we were looking our future in the eye.
"No, my mother is the one who is causing all of this." He sighed miserably. "You know, they say…they say that I may not be a prince. That I might be Urhi's son."
"Yes. I heard. And it is your mother causing this. Not you. Please understand the difference." I scooted over and patted the seat on the couch next to me for him to sit. He was much too young to have these worries piled up on only his heart.
"I don't know anymore. She is my mother. How could she do such a thing? Lady Yuki, she kept me under a spell for months! And if I am not a prince…what am I? Will I turn into her? I heard she used to be a kind soul. Urhi told me so. But will I be cold like her when I grow up?" I heard the fear creeping into his voice. I suddenly gathered the poor boy into my arms. Embracing a prince…I could get in a lot of trouble. But who cares of titles right now? Right now I saw a lost child.
"Prince Juda. Who are you? You will ask this question for a long time. And one day you may answer this question for yourself. But know this, who you are is not who your parents are. It doesn't matter who your father is or how your mother acts. You are Prince Juda Hasparupi." I pet the young prince's head.
"I still love mother. I want her to see the right path." He was barely audible.
"I know, Prince Juda." I smile at the boy.
He suddenly got up.
"Thank you very much for this, Lady Yuki." He smiled at me but it was a sad smile. I don't think I really got through to him. I sighed as he walked away. I can't really seem to comfort anyone today. I made a mental note to check on Prince Juda later. This must be taking a great toll on him.
The clock was ticking. Every hour going by is another hour of danger. The trial is approaching rapidly. I have to get going.
So i was spelling Pharaoh's name wrong the entire chapter...
It's Horemheb, not Hohemreb, sorry! Thanks to Nyght elf for pointing that out, i totally missed it!
I know I'm pushing back Yuki's wedding, but i cant seem to squeeze it in with all the stuff going on, but it's coming, i promise!
Thanks again Nyght Elf for pointing that out! And thanks to everyone for reading!
~EternallySnowy
