Chapter XXXVI: The Artist

It had been a whole week and a few days since Bakura had left and she started working. Meskhenet had two days off, thank Ra but with Bakura not here (she wasn't sure when he was going to come back) she didn't really have anything to do. She had sent a letter to Zaim but had yet to receive a reply. She hadn't received her staff either but that wasn't really concerning her right now.

What was concerning her right now was what to do. She was bored. Bakura was not here, and she didn't really need anything from the marketplace but maybe she should just stroll around the village. She could go to Thebes and see if she could find where Maat (her friend) lived or maybe see if Gamilla was there…ugh, she didn't want to go to Thebes, she spent most of her days there. She put on a white kalasiris and left to the marketplace. She decided she would just window shop to pass the time. She hoped Bakura would come back soon.

Exiting the gates to her house, she spotted some children playing ball with two dogs which made her smile. She brushed her hair behind her ear and pursed her lips, what would it be like if she and Bakura had children? No, they weren't parent material. She had just straightened her life out and he…he was a thief, children was probably the last thing in mind. Suddenly, she felt a presence from behind her and turned around and to her disappointment, she found Magda. It had been nearly two weeks and she hadn't run into them, but now she had and she wished she had stayed home. He smiled at her.

"Hello," he said, placing his hands behind him. "I was wondering, is Bakura around?" She shook her head and stepped away from him. "Ah, I see… you do not trust me." How could she? He hung out with Nephthys and Saa, he too had been a part of Zaabit's orphans. "That is quite alright. I do not trust you either."

"Um… but you are talking to me?" she said confused, but he chuckled.

"Yes, I am. I just wanted to speak with Bakura, but he is not home as you have said," said Magda. He placed a finger on his chin and looked up at the sky. "I have yet to introduce myself." She didn't want an introduction to him. She didn't want to be talking with him. She inched away from him. He looked down at her and smiled. "I am Magda, and you are?"

"You know who I am," she said a little nervously. Nephthys and Saa had known her so she assumed Magda would've too.

"No," he said simply. "I know Bakura used to talk about a girl named Khenet with hair the color of the desert. You were his first friend after some time was what he said." It kind of made her happy to hear that but she still was trying to move away from Magda without being obscenely rude.

"Well…" she said a little uncertainly. "I am Meskhenet."

"See? I did not know you," he smiled. He seemed nice compared to the others but something about his demeanor was similar to Zaabit's fake self. Ata had also seemed nice and he was as twisted as Zaabit. For all she knew, Magda too was hiding a monster behind that smile and attitude. "I wanted to know… and it really is not my business to… but you know about Bakura, yes? That he is a thief…?"

"Yes, that is actually how we met…" she said. "You are a thief too."

Magda laughed. "Yes, but I am a thief of a different kind." She looked at him questioningly. He leaned forward, and she leaned back. He stopped and smiled. He whispered, "I steal secrets."

She laughed. Secrets? It sounded odd for someone to say that. She always assumed thieves stole materialistic items. "Really? Secrets?"

He nodded and leaned closer until his mouth was near her ear. "I know that Bakura killed Zaabit." Her heart jolted and her body shivered. She was shocked. Nephthys hadn't known and she assumed no one else did but here was Magda admitting he knew the truth. He moved away and smiled. She didn't really know what to say and decided to move away. "Ah, did I frighten you?"

"I think I should be getting home," she said, moving further away.

"Allow me to walk you home?" he asked, but she didn't want him to. She shook her head only for him to laugh. "A lady should not be wandering a village of thieves alone."

"A lady shouldn't be wandering around a village alone with a thief!" she said as she ran off, but he seemed surprised and quickly ran after her, calling her back. Ah! She couldn't go home; she didn't want him to know where she lived! She made a mad dash to the left of the village and into an alleyway but just her luck she smacked right into Saa's back and he turned around and smiled wickedly at her.

Magda came in the alleyway and seemed surprised to see Saa. Oh no! She was surrounded. She scooted away from Saa but stopped before reaching Magda. Saa approached her and crouched down in front of her. "Well, well, look what the cat dropped in," he said, chuckling.

"Saa, leave her alone…" Magda said, concerned and yet kept his distance.

"Where's Bakura? Did he leave you? That's just like a thief to take off running when it comes to responsibility," he flipped her bangs from her face, and she pressed away from him into the wall. He looked up and down her body and she didn't like that at all. She summoned a flame to her hand, and he backed off, getting up. "Whoa! Whoa!"

"Magic…" Magda said amazed as Meskhenet quickly stood up.

"Yes! Magic! Now back off or I'll burn you!" she kept waving the flames in front of the dark haired man, but Saa laughed, not moving out of her away. Magda was too amazed at the flame that he didn't seem to be there. Meskhenet looked at the two wearily, getting ready to throw the flame at Saa or Magda should any of them approach her.

"So he wasn't lying that you're a magician. That's pretty impressive," Saa said. "What kind of magic does he makes you perform for him?"

"I have no obligations to answer you!" she said as he took a few steps closer to her. She moved the flame near him, and he stopped but he wore a smirk on his face.

"Do you want to know what a real man is?" he said in a low purr. She gave a disgusted look at him, but Magda seemed to snap out of his trance. "I can show you…" he reached over to her hip, but she burned his hand with her fire, and he quickly pulled his hand away. What in Ra's name was wrong with this man?

"Stop that, Saa…" Magda said as he came closer to them, only for Meskhenet to move the flame his way. Her heart was thumping wildly like a frightened animal, she wished she hadn't met these damn thieves!

"Get away!" she said. She looked passed Magda; she could get out through that way. He seemed like kind of a wimp, she could try to knock him down… but he was so much taller than her and Saa. If he decided to jump on her, she wouldn't stand a chance. She wished Bakura or Zaim was here…no, she couldn't rely on them. She was going to be a Queen's Guard, a priestess, she had her magic, she wasn't defenseless and if worse came to worse, she had her ka. "You want to know what kind of magic I perform?" she said, a thought coming to her. "I'll show you!" she made a smoky mist appear in the palm of her hand and she threw it down onto the ground. It exploded into a thick smoke and she heard the two fools start coughing. She took off at a sprint, pushing pass Magda who didn't even try to stop her as he covered his face. Her heart was racing as she took off back towards home, hoping the two wouldn't follow, luckily they didn't and she quickly entered the gates of her home and closed them. She was breathing hard and Bakari stomped his feet

What a day to spend on her first off day ever… where was Bakura? She walked over to Bakari who neighed at her. She petted his muzzle, and he shook his head. It was good to have a horse again. She hugged his muzzle and then heard another horse neigh in the distance and suddenly the gates were kicked open and Kek came galloping in, Bakura on his back. He pulled Kek to a halt and jumped off. Oh! The gods were indeed kind!

"Khenet!" he said happily as she ran over to him and hugged him. He hugged her back. It was good to be in his arms again. She inhaled his scent and kissed him. She wanted to tell him about what happened but he seemed preoccupied. He untied something from Kek and handed it to her. It was her staff! How'd he get this? Maybe Zaim gave it to him when he returned the horse to him.

"Oh! Thank you!" she hugged him. He changed their hug into a deep, passionate kiss that hinted he wanted something a little more than that. She could practically feel the lust and zeal in him. She pulled away. "Oh! Wait…" she looked at her staff. Not only could she focus more precisely in attacks now but she could also use it to whack people! Great! Now Saa and Magda wouldn't try and bother her. Gripping the firm wood in her hands, she somehow felt like a shepherd again. Oh, the smell of the wood and the smooth but slightly jagged carved staff felt at home in her hands. She really wanted to use some magic with it.

"Look," Bakura pulled out a fancy gold necklace from one of Kek's bags, moving behind her to place it around her neck but the thing was heavy! She gave him a strained smile. It was really putting pressure on her neck and chest. He looked her over and smiled, tugging her hand as he glanced at their house, a wicked smile coming to his lips.

Oh, no, she knew that look. "It's morning."

He frowned, "Sometimes I feel like you try every possible excuse to not have sex with me." He pulled her to the house, leaving Kek to wander to the stables himself. "Private property and it's all ours." He told her, closing the door to the house, throwing her staff aside which made her a little angry at his carelessness. He moved her hair behind her back and caressed her neck and face, kissing her. After her strange encounter with Magda and Saa, she wasn't sure if she really wanted this now, but he kept on kissing her, making her moan and then his knee shot up and hit her on her nether regions. It was like a wild beast in her awakened and she could no longer think straight. The desire for more than just kisses came over her and she deepened their kiss, placing her hands on his hips while his hands found her breasts and squeezed rather roughly, making her blush and give out a cry of surprise. "I missed this."

"I missed you," she told him, her breathing becoming ragged while he groped her harder, chuckling. Ra, sometimes his roughness was appreciated; she could feel her breasts tingling. He rubbed his knee over her nether regions before he picked her up bridal style, making her yelp in surprise. "Bakura!" her face was red hot as he took them to their room. Oh, she missed him so much! She could think of all the possible ways they could spend time with him, intimately or simply platonically, she wasn't sure what it was going to be, but the thought was exciting and heartfelt. Her thoughts wandered elsewhere while he carried her, to more personal matters: it got her excited just thinking of his nude form, his hot body touching her, skin to skin and oh, his breathing and heartbeat!

She was already on her back now, and the next moments were simply heaven to hear, she had forgotten all about the time. it must've been a few hours or at least it felt that way. It felt like they had been at it for an eternity, she couldn't say she disliked it though. She felt like he had took her to heaven and back. Panting and breathing hard, he flopped down next to her as she went to lie down on her stomach, hugging a pillow to her breasts that hurt a bit from all the groping. She knew she would end up bruising later in the day as she almost always did after sex. Bakura really wasn't gentle at all.

As much as she loved Bakura and their time together in intimate ways, it was messy and that meant she had to do laundry which she had always hated since she was a little girl. She buried her face in his pillow while he stared up at the ceiling, seemingly lost in thought. She looked at him, blushing a bit from his profile. He always looked so handsome, albeit now he looked a little conflicted over something. He usually made some embarrassing comment about their sex or her body, she nudged him with her arm, and he turned to look at her.

"What's wrong?" she asked, crawling over to lay half her body over his chest, molding her breasts against him and moving the pillow down to her abdomen. She ran her fingers through his hair and kissed him on the neck.

"I'm planning to make a band of thieves," he said. A band of thieves? She blinked at him, processing that in her head. Wait…wasn't that what Zaabit did? Why would Bakura want that? What was wrong with him being solo? Was there a treasure he couldn't get without help, if so, she'd help. She didn't want him to make a band.

"What's wrong with you doing it alone?" she asked quietly, staring him in the eyes. He laid his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them. "You've always done well by yourself."

"I want to be King of Thieves, Khenet, how can I be a king without any subjects?" he really was taking this whole 'King of Thieves' thing seriously. Not that she minded, but it seemed like he was going to be an anti-king or something, king of the wrongs whereas the Pharaoh was king of the rights… "I can be ladled in gold all I want, if I have no subjects, servants, then I might as well be a corpse in a tomb."

"I can be your subject…"

He burst out laughing, his chest vibrating as he ran his hand through her hair. "You're my queen, not a subject," he grinned at her. She looked down uneasily. "You don't like the idea?"

"You told me thieves have no… rules, conviction, who's to stop anyway from betraying you?" she asked quietly. She worried for him whenever he left for a tomb, she didn't want to worry about him being stabbed in the back.

"You rule with fear," he told her. She looked up, a bit shocked. Fear? She remembered what Zaim said, fear was the strongest emotion. She remembered the oracle that she told had given Bakura fear and yet, here he was, saying he wanted to rule by fear. "People won't hurt me if they know I'm stronger. They'll obediently listen."

"That's tyranny," she replied, "Zaabit did the same thing! Do you plan on being like Zaabit?!" she rose up, staring down at him, anger and distraught tearing at her as he quietly looked at her back.

"I'm not Zaabit," he gritted his teeth. "Zaabit had a grading system. I'm not planning on following his rule." Grading system? She didn't understand. Upon seeing her look, he sighed and looked up at the ceiling. "He never laid a hand on us…" she didn't understand, Zaabit was a monster, how can Bakura even say that…? She then realized, she didn't know anything of Bakura's time during the five years or his time with Zaabit. Meeting Nephthys, Saa and Magda should've been a clear indication of that. It suddenly made her sad thinking she knew so little of Bakura. "He raped and had sex in front of us, the older ones did the same, there were no rules against it, it's how most of the orphans learned sex, they got curious, and others were horrified. I kept to myself because I knew what kind of man he was. He was an authoritative figure, he mentally abused us, made us think he had all the power, we had to do our best and when we didn't we got beaten." He became quiet as he looked to the side, "Worst part about it? He didn't beat us. He had one of our own, the better ones do it and they'd do it…just to please him. If you were a girl…he'd have you raped."

She never knew just how bad it was with Zaabit. Everything he saw, everything that happened, it was brutal for a child. While she had to live with her father's sickness, trained and got accommodated in a new area but he had to live in a nightmare even after already witnessing the destruction of his village. Why did the gods make him suffer so? She reached over and pulled him into a hug, wanting to take away his pain.

"It never happened to me, I didn't participate," he frowned as if that meant it didn't affect him, but she knew it did. "Khenet, I didn't rape anyone."

"Bakura!" she shouted, and he became quiet. Did he think she cared about that? She knew he didn't. He never hurt her, he always was patient with her, sure he got rough, she bruised, but never had he forced his way over her. He always made sure she wanted to do it and when she didn't, he dropped it if she persisted or he'd persuade her, that's how he was. She knew he wouldn't hurt anyone else. "That's not what I'm saying. Bakura…you've been hurt and I just want to take the pain away."

He smiled and leaned his head on hers. "I'm alright. I'm not going to be like Zaabit. I'll show them my power and so long as they stay in line I'll be nice to them… for the most part," he chuckled.

"Is making a band really that important to you?" she asked, she still didn't like the idea, but he seemed set on it. The least she could do was be supportive. She should trust that Bakura could handle it and that Diabound was there to protect Bakura when she wasn't (not that she actually had yet, disappointingly).

"It's something I want to try," he told her. Sighing, she leaned back down on him, resting her head on his chest.

"Then I guess…" she looked up at him and smiled, "I'll support you!"

"Really?" he asked, amused.

"Yes," she said, not entirely certain but she would trust him. He always seemed to have better judgment than her. "So how do we go about doing this?" she rested her elbows on his chest and began to swing her legs in the air. "Do we post flyers with the words 'thieves for hire' or 'calling all thieves'!" he laughed as he took her hands in his and kissed them, her fingers and palms.

"Most thieves don't know how to read," he reminded her. Realizing her mistake again, she frowned. She kept making that mistake, assuming people could read just because she could. "I know just the person."

"Who?" she asked, taking his hand and bringing it closer to her mouth as she felt his wiry fingers then licked at his fingers, biting lightly and sucking on them. He watched her for a while, seemingly amused. "Who can help?"

"Magda," he replied, kissing her forehead. She pulled her mouth away from his hand. She became quiet. Magda had been looking for Bakura too this morning. He stole secrets. That's what he said; he seemed a lot more patient and nicer than the others. Was he good at persuading? He must've been otherwise, how did he get people's secrets.

"I saw him," she told Bakura who sat up, pushing her aside and looking a bit annoyed. "He knows your secret…about Zaabit. He was asking for you this morning."

"Why didn't you say anything?!" Bakura asked angrily, practically shoving her aside as he scooted off to the side of the bed. "Where did you see him?" offended, she moved off the bed indignantly and picked up her dressed and shooting him a look. Well! She would've said something but he had come riding like some prince and asking for sex, the hog. Bakura quickly tied his shendyt over himself while she sulked, trying to find something to wipe herself. He looked at her, staring as she frowned and lightly picked at her dress that she held in her lap.

"What happened?" he asked, staring at her, apparently noticing something was wrong. He came over to her and caressed her face when he saw the look on it. She didn't really know what to say so she just told him of her run in with Saa and Magda. He frowned and took her by the shoulders. "Are you alright?"

She nodded. "Y—yes, I am fine. I was just a bit frightened," she was glad to see he was concerned for her, it made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. He kissed her hands before helping put her dress on inside out then he grabbed her hand and pulled her along outside. "Uh… are we going somewhere?" He didn't answer but he took her through the marketplace. He looked around as if searching for someone. She hoped he wasn't trying to find Saa or Magda but mainly Saa. She didn't want to see that disgusting man. She spotted Magda shopping for some fruit… Bakura must have spotted him too as he marched them straight towards the tall man.

Magda thanked the seller and turned around but was met with a punch to his face. He fell over backwards and looked up, surprised to see Bakura. Meskhenet was huddling behind Bakura and looking around. No one seemed to care that something was probably going to go down; then again this was probably normal for them. Magda got up and dusted himself, picking up his basket of fruit.

"Hello, Bakura," he said a bit wearily. "I suppose I deserve that. I was not aware you were home," he looked at Meskhenet, and she knew he was implying that she had lied to him. She merely frowned at him.

"I wasn't until just moments ago," Bakura replied, though she was quite certain it must've been a few good hours. "We need to talk." Meskhenet didn't like this one bit. She huddled closer to Bakura, Magda gave her the vibe of Zaabit, and perhaps it was the way he talked. "There's something I'd like to ask of you."

"I have something to ask of you as well," Magda replied, standing up and rubbing his face. "Perhaps in a quiet area?" he suggested. Meskhenet grabbed Bakura's hand tightly, and Magda turned his gaze to her, looking down at her clothes and apparently realizing what they did not so very long ago as his eyes traveled to her hair. Blushing, she buried her face in Bakura's shoulder, averting her gaze from the thin, tall man.

"It'd be best at our house," Bakura suggested, causing Meskhenet to snap her head up. In their house? No! She didn't want anyone knowing where she lived especially not a thief! She nudged Bakura's arm only for him to ignore her.

Magda laughed, seeing her reaction. "She does not trust me nor do I her." Yes, that's right, she didn't trust him.

Bakura turned to Meskhenet and she looked at him then at Magda. Bakura placed his hands on her shoulders. "I need his help, love," he told her like that made everything better. She bit her lip and glanced at Magda, still not happy with that idea. He turned his attention back to Magda. "Next time grow a backbone and actually try to stop Saa. Where is he by the way?"

Magda shrugged like he didn't care. "Probably headed to the brothel," Bakura let Meskhenet go and started walking away. Magda quickly said, "Wait!"

Just then, Meskhenet grabbed Bakura's hand, and he looked at her. "Don't go!" she said frantically as she gripped his hand tightly. She didn't want to be with Magda! She didn't know him, even if Bakura said that Magda was weak, that was years ago! Magda could've become a better thief now, right?

"Show him to our place," he said to her, and Magda looked a little frightened at that idea. "She doesn't bite." He added to the tall man.

"Wait…" Meskhenet couldn't believe him. He was really leaving her in the hands of Magda?

He stroked her face and smirked. "Don't worry; I'm just going to pay Saa a visit. I'm not going there for anything else." She wasn't worried about him going to the brothel. She was just concerned of why he was leaving her with Magda. She looked at Magda, and Magda looked at her. Didn't some days ago Bakura told her not to trust Magda either? He wasn't really going to leave her with him, right?

Bakura ran off. He was leaving her with him! She couldn't believe it. Magda approached her and smiled. "Shall we get going?" he led the way, and she slowly followed, keeping her distance. He led her straight to her house, wait…he knew where she lived? He opened the gates and she quickly ran over to her house, thankfully he kept his distance and she did too. She wasn't going to enter her home until Bakura came back. She was going to stay near the horses in case she needed to make a run for it.

They stood there awkwardly in silence, and Magda looked at Kek. "May I?" he asked but she didn't respond. He didn't move so she gave a small gesture and he went over to Kek, petting the black stallion. "I used to have a horse like this one…" She didn't say anything.

She sighed, what a lousy way to spend a day off. Bakura owed her tomorrow and she'd make sure he'd pay. She crossed her arms, and Magda looked at her. "So how can you help?" she asked irritated.

Magda looked around. "Ah… I cannot really say… I do not know what he wants of me"

"And yet you agreed?"

"Where do you work?" he asked out of nowhere, ignoring her question. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to let him know but regardless if Bakura said it was alright, she wasn't going to tell. She didn't say anything so Magda continued. "I see you ride out every morning towards Thebes."

"Where I work… is not really your business," she stated, looking down at her feet. Her staff was inside, she could get it and use it… He looked worried at her statement, but it was irritating her. She didn't know what was going on. She hadn't seen Bakura in days and after having an intimate moment with him, she was here with Magda, unbathed, still a little distracted and annoyed by Bakura and Magda.

"Thebes… can be just as dangerous as Deir El-Medina. You should be careful," he warned. She wondered if he was threatening her, but it didn't seem like it. Suddenly, he changed the subject again. "So you are a magician…"

"And you… a secret stealer," she retorted. He laughed at that.

"Ah, I guess you can say that…"

"You blackmail people?"

He shrugged. "Yes… it is how I work. Everyone has secrets," he walked over to her, but she took a step back, and he stopped. Why was he coming this way? She narrowed her eyes at him as she placed her hands behind her, readying a spell should she need one. She needed her staff. "Some have more than others and others less than some. What are your secrets?" he whispered, leaning near her.

She laughed bitterly. "Why would I tell you my secrets?"

"So you have some?"

She thought about that for a moment. Did she have any secrets? She hadn't kept anything from Bakura, though she realized she never did tell him about the black book but it wasn't like she was keeping a secret, it just sort of slipped her mind. She made a mental note to tell him later, maybe tomorrow. The only secret she was keeping was from Magda, about her working at the palace.

"I have… one," she hesitated. He looked somewhat happy.

"I would love to know this secret?"

She laughed. "Oh, if you try to exploit my secret, I will exploit all of yours!" She didn't really mean that, the worse she would do was use magic against him but she didn't like him asking for her secret, acting all friendly and it really, really bothered her of why he was here!

He seemed surprised at her answer as he moved away, but suddenly he burst out laughing like it was funny. She looked around. Maybe he went crazy, maybe it was time for her to run… but he continued to laugh for a long time until he stopped, holding his stomach. "I think I understand why he likes you."

"No, I don't think you understand at all…" she inched closer to Bakari who was twitching his ears between her and somewhere else.

Magda shook his head. "Alright, I see. I will not ask for your secret. I would not like it if you knew mine."

"I guess we have made our first agreement." She said, perking up when she spotted Bakura coming through the gates, relief washed over her. She hoped he was going to send Magda away, unfortunately when he finished closing and locking the gates. He turned to them he looked annoyed.

"Why are you standing out here?" he looked at her, and she didn't really know what to say. He walked over to the front door. "For someone always nagging about etiquette, it's rather rude of you to make him stand outside."

Nagging? She didn't nag! She gave him an angry, look but he ignored her completely. The nerve he had! He opened the door and walked in, Magda hesitated but she angrily gestured him in before following after only for her to quickly turn around to put Kek away. She led Kek to the stall next to Bakari and started to untack him. Nagging? Ugh, is that how he saw her? He was the rudest person here! She slammed Kek's saddle on the wall that separated him and Bakari. Bakari warily moved away from her.

She needed to make some friends at the palace and hang out with them while Bakura was hanging out with his friends! She petted Kek who snorted at her. "And what do you think of your rider?" she muttered to Kek who shook his head when she tried to remove the reins but the horse was just too tall. "Isn't he… just so infuriating?!"

"What are you doing?" Bakura asked as he came out of the house. She glared at him. He walked over to Kek and took off his reins like it was easy, putting them aside. "I thought you stopped talking to yourself."

"I wasn't talking to myself," she replied indignantly, petting Kek's muzzle. "Kek and Bakari happen to be better company than some people. At least when they come home, they respect each other"

He didn't look like he understood. She could see though that he was getting angry. She didn't care since she was already infuriated by him. "I'm not disrespecting you. You said you'd support me now get inside so I can explain."

"Get Magda out of the house. I don't want him here," she crossed her arms. Bakura glared down at her.

"No, I need him here for a while. He'll leave when we're done."

"Get him out."

"Are you really going to do this now?"

"I waited for you to come home!" she shouted. Kek whinnied and moved closer to Bakura who placed a hand on his horse's neck. Bakari was getting restless. "I waited almost two weeks! I thought I could spend time with you o—or enjoy my days off but instead I run into that freak!" she pointed to the house, referring to Magda. "And the other one too! And after just a moment of ecstasy, you are so much more inclined to be spend your time with this thief business than me!"

"I fail to see your problem," he said annoyed. Argh! She balled her hands into fists, anger rising within. He probably thought sex was all the time she needed from him, but it wasn't. That seemed more like for him than her. She shook her head and walked away. He followed after her. "Magda isn't going to be here long. We can spend time after that."

"Oh, that makes everything better!" that actually would have made everything better but she didn't want to let go of her anger. Magda came out and stood in the entrance, scratching the back of his head.

"Should I leave?" he asked nervously.

"No," Bakura replied.

"Yes," Meskhenet interjected. Bakura turned to her, glaring but she just glared back at him.

"We'll finish this later," and he walked back into the house. "Get in here." Ugh! She stalked over there, and Magda quickly moved away like she was going to hurt him. She slammed the door close behind her. "Go fetch some wine or water."

She didn't move from the doorway, rather she crossed her arms and tapped her foot. Magda looked really nervous, "Maybe I should just go…"

"Sit down!" Bakura said, and Magda quickly took a seat at the dining table. He gestured for Meskhenet to go to the kitchen, but she didn't budge. She looked at Magda who was looking at his hands. "Khenet, go an—"

"Get it yourself!" she snapped and ran off to their room. She didn't care that Magda was there or that she was acting childish. She closed the door and went over to their bed, dropping down onto it. She didn't know who Magda was or Nephthys or Saa but they all were connected to Zaabit and she didn't want Bakura getting involved with anything that had to do with Zaabit. Couldn't they do this without his 'old friends' help? Magda and Saa had given her a fright back at the alleyway; maybe that was why she was mad. Or perhaps the real reason she was upset was the fact that Magda and the other two were a part of Bakura's life that she never was… they seemed like they knew each other well and despite not seeming to like one another they had something that made them similar: they were all thieves. And she? She was a shepherd's daughter turned servant…she'd never have what they did and despite not exactly wanting it, she wanted to be as much a part of Bakura's world as she could.

What are you doing? She didn't really know why she was mad, Jealousy perhaps…, sighing, she pushed her thoughts away. She should probably apologize to Magda and Bakura but she didn't want to. She rolled onto her side, grabbing a pillow and placing it on her head. She must've still been exhausted from her days at work because she fell asleep shortly afterward.

She woke up when she heard the door open, but she was too tired to move. Someone (most likely Bakura) sat down at the edge of the bed, removing the pillow from her face. There was a long moment of silence before she felt his warm hand move her hair out of her face. "Did I upset you?" he asked. She didn't look at him.

"Hmm…" she thought about it. Did he really upset her? It was more the timing and situation, not really him. "No…"

He was silent. "Did I hurt you?" she turned to him and raised an eyebrow. He was looking at her seriously but he didn't look mad. She shook her head, and he seemed relieved. He kissed her on the forehead.

"So what did he say?"

"He's going to help me," Bakura replied, scratching his hands. She frowned. "I'm trying to become the King of Thieves." He already told her that. It still bothered her that he was making a band, no, no, she needed to be supportive of him.

"Why?" she asked. She couldn't understand what was so great about being King of Thieves. People will know him and fear him and what…? "Why do you want to be King of Thieves? You're a king to me."

He shook his head. "I told you, it's like being the Pharaoh except of having priests and servants, I'll have other thieves."

"But do you really need that? I know you explained but… you're good enough on your own…" she didn't really want him running around with other thieves, she knew she said she'd support him but she just couldn't help but feel horrible about this idea.

He shook his head and placed a hand on her waist. "It's not that simple, Khenet, having other thieves is quite beneficial. For one thing, more gold can be taken, I'll have other people to do my dirty work," she looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "Sell our goods, I mean. It'll also help with the guards." She wasn't sure how to feel about this. It was like… an underground of Egypt, the dirtier side of it. Didn't that mean it would be more dangerous for him? She gave him a concerned look, but he smiled at her. "Don't worry, Khenet, I know what I'm doing."

"And how is Magda going to help?"

"Spread the word; gather some other thieves for me."

"I don't like the sound of it, Bakura…"

"Khenet, I know what I'm doing," he reassured her, but somehow she thought he didn't. She merely smiled at him. "How is your work?"

She laughed a bit. "Oh… busy… are you hungry?" he shook his head.

"Is that all? Busy?" he raised an eyebrow at her. She didn't really know what to say about her job. "What do you do all day? You meet other people?"

"Hmm, well… I'm at the kitchen nearly all the time. We cook, bake, cut, clean and bring out the food. Some slaves work with us. Most of the servants in the kitchen are women," he seemed pleased with that. She scooted herself over so that she could lie her head on his lap. "We have to eat after everyone else and we have to cleanup. We get an hour break in between and… sometimes, we get special orders. Hmmm, oh! And I don't cleanup after dinner since I have to do priestess training…"

"You're still doing that?"

She laughed. Unfortunately, yes, she was still doing that. It had been on hold since her father's death. "Yes…I told you this, didn't I?"

"Yes," he said. "So you don't work with any men?"

Why did it matter? She hoped he wasn't worried that she was going to be unfaithful to him. "There are some men servants in the kitchen but not a whole lot… there's these two priests though… they come often to the kitchen. One's really scary and rude and the other… he's detached and aloof."

"But no one touches you, right?"

What kind of question was that? Perhaps because thieves had no morals or manners he would think of such a thing. Normal people wouldn't go around doing anything weird unless they were some sort of pervert, "Of course not!"

He smiled. "Good." He leaned over her and kissed her. "Are you hungry?"

"No," she smiled. "Magda's gone?" he nodded. "What time is it?"

"Night."

"Night?!" she shot up from the bed. Did she sleep the whole day? She didn't really do anything but sleep… she sighed. She wanted to spend time with Bakura but she would have to wait until tomorrow… it was late now. She didn't want to go back to sleep. "You should have woken me up earlier…"

"You seemed tired," he said, pulling her closer to him. "Take a stroll with me."

"To where?" she asked as he shrugged, kissing her.

They walked around the village that night and returned home after bathing. She was glad he was back. They spent the night together and when she awoke, she was for once on the edge of the bed; his arms were around her waist while her back was to him. Their bodies still felt hot from last night, but looking at him he looked so at peace now which was good, he usually had nightmares. She looked down at her nether regions and blushed, sometimes she thought she was so stupid, going out to bathe and then having sex right afterwards. Tomorrow she would need to go back to work. The thought of it made her feel tired.

What day was it anyway? She moved his arms off her waist and slipped on her dress. She went over to her library and checked the calendar. It was around the second week of the New Year. She and Bakura had been together officially for a few months now. She should do something nice for him, make him dinner or breakfast. No, no, she should make him dinner, that was more romantic? Breakfast was too short of notice for her, she didn't know what to make with the food they had here.

She went over to the kitchen to see what they had. She took an apple from a basket but suddenly a knock came at their door. She went to the front and opened the door; Magda was there with a messenger bag slung over his shoulder. He looked rather nervous but when he saw her, the color drained from his face and he stepped back a bit. Was he afraid of her? She rather liked it better that way, least he'll keep his distance.

"Morning," she greeted cheerily.

"Is Bakura here?" just then Bakura came from behind Meskhenet, leaning on the doorway of the entrance wearing nothing but his shendyt. "Oh!"

"What do you want so early in the morning?" Bakura asked irritated as he took Meskhenet's apple from her and ate it. She frowned at him and left to go get another apple for herself. Magda looked around as if someone was listening.

"It seems some other thieves just stopped in town… there are soldiers scouting the area for them. I just wanted to warn you about the soldiers, I apologize for disturbing you," he bowed a bit before awkwardly leaving.

"Wait," Bakura called, and Magda fidgeted as he turned to them with a nervous smile. "Stay here with Khenet."

"No," Meskhenet said quickly, but Bakura shook his head.

"I'll be back in a bit. Magda, stay here," Bakura closed the door and pulled her into their room. She hoped he wasn't trying to sneak in something, a part of her though did hope that was what he was doing. To her relief and disappointment, he pulled a tunic from the chest along with a robe.

"Where are you going?" she asked, not wanting him to leave her with Magda again. It was her second off day and them having sex didn't mean they spent time together. He still owed her. He dressed himself and pulled her in for a kiss. "You're not leaving me alone today, are you?"

"No, there's someone I need to see." What was with all the secrets? She glared at him and pouted. He seemed to notice her look and shot her a look back. "I'll be back later."

"When?"

"Not long," he told her then paused before adding, "I'm going to see Saa."

"Saa?! Didn't you see him last night?"

He shook his head, pulled the door open and left, pushing passed Magda. She called after him, but he left without warning. Out of frustration, she threw an apple at him, which hit his back and made him turn around and glare at her. She thought he was going to come back, but he didn't. What did he need to see Saa again for? Did he not find the jerk last night? Sighing, she bit her lip and turned her attention to Magda who fixed his already perfect bag as he stood there like an idiot. Meskhenet frowned at him, and he averted his eyes.

Magda watched Bakura go before Meskhenet called from the doorway. "You can stay out there if you wish or you can come in," She swore to Ra if he tried anything, anything she was going to burn him and summon her ka to obliterate him. He had already come in yesterday and he already knew where she lived. He seemed to be a very timid man; she could easily overpower him with magic (that's what she concluded). He hesitated but came in anyways, and she gestured for him to sit. "I'm sorry for my behavior yesterday." She sighed, her issue right now was with Bakura, if he trusted Magda she would trust him ten percent more than she did initially, that's right.

"Oh, no, it is quite alright. I cannot exactly blame you..." he sat down on the chair and twiddled his fingers as he looked around. "How long have you two been together?"

"A month or so," she said, eating her apple. She realized she was talking with her mouth full and quickly swallowed, blushing a bit embarrassingly, but Magda hadn't seemed to notice. Ugh, Bakura's habits were rubbing off on her. That wasn't good.

"Oh, did you know each other long? I mean… for the past three years after he left Tanis?" three years? So that would have made him… twelve when he killed Zaabit?! Oh, he did say he was with Zaabit for a couple of years… the thought of child Bakura killing someone was rather unsettling but she pushed the thought away and shook her head. He had his reasons.

"No… we met a year ago."

"Oh, so he did not track you down?"

"Why does everyone keep saying that? Bakura and I met by coincidence, he didn't track me down or anything. I found his horse and he went to take it back, Ammit, he pointed a knife at me!"

Magda laughed. "I am sorry. It was just… he did not talk about his family like everyone else but rather about you. It is rather… odd that he is with you now."

"The gods can be gracious," she said. "What of you? Are you married?" she didn't think it was rather nice of her to ask about his relationship status, but he was probing around her and Bakura's relationship.

He looked embarrassed and surprised but chuckled. "No. Most thieves do not marry… most thieves are without families. An honest man does not steal; he slaves away to society to make a living for his family."

She didn't know if that was true, but if she thought about it, didn't that make Bakura better than an honest man? Slaving away to the cruel and corrupt society seemed rather… stupid but then again a thief life didn't seem safe. No, no, Meskhenet… conforming to society is not bad…

Before she could open her mouth to speak, a loud knock came at the gates. Magda, comically, shot up from his chair and frantically looked around. It was almost as if he expected some soldiers to be after him. He looked around like he was on edge before he ran off deeper into her house. Sighing, she was about to go and tell him to leave but more knocks, louder this time, came at the gates. Some morning she was having, she stalked over to the gates and pulled one open and to her utter surprised Ahmed stood at outside her house.

No! What was he doing here?! Didn't he live in Mallawi? No…he's a soldier at Thebes now. Ammit! "Wh—wha—Ahmed," she stammered, trying to hide her surprise. "It's, uh, a pleasant surprise."

"I would say likewise, but honestly I'm not at all surprised. Gamilla told me you lived here." He glared down at her, but his eyes trailed above her to look past her at her house. Gamilla? Why was he talking to Gamilla? "Have you seen a dark brown haired man, tall with a dark blue sky like scarf?"

"No," she said honestly. That must've been one of the thieves. "I haven't seen anyone."

"And where's your…thief," he didn't bother to say husband which bothered her. She faked a smile and was about to answer before he cut in, "It doesn't matter. One day he's going to screw up and wind up in the dungeons where he belongs."

"One day someone is going to get tired of yo—" she could feel the anger rising within but she was trying her best to keep it at bay. No, today was going to be a good day before she headed off back to work. Ahmed, Magda, Saa, whoever in the Nile else wasn't going to ruin her day. "Never mind, if that's all you had to say then I guess we're done."

He finally stopped looking around her house and stared at her. He probably thought she was harboring thieves now. Well, just because Bakura was one didn't mean she was alright with all thieves. "You're aware you're having sex with a criminal, yes?"

"Wha—ugh!" she looked up at her hair, realizing it must've been messed up but who's to say it wasn't just bed hairs? "Oh!"

"Try to comb your hair next time, hide those bruises and put on underwear." He looked down at her neck. She touched her neck and chest and winced a bit while simultaneously moving behind her gate to shield her body from view. "Everyone knows those are from teeth." And without a goodbye or anything else he left. She closed her gates and kicked at it.

Oh! How humiliating, she hadn't thought to put anything underneath because she hadn't expected to see anyone on her off day. It was supposed to be just her and Bakura. Looking down at herself, she tried to see if she could tell that she had nothing underneath. Everything looked normal; she swayed her hips to see if any movement revealed anything, nothing. Was he just messing with her, the damn jerk? She hadn't heard anyone come in from behind; she jumped when someone laid a hand on her shoulder.

"What are you doing?" Bakura asked, seemingly amused as he was staring at her body.

She touched her hips, worriedly, "Can you tell if I'm wearing anything underneath?"

He quirked an eyebrow, "It's a bias question. I know the answer."

She sighed and stroked her curves. Ahmed was trying to mess with her, that's it, it still bothered her though. Realizing Bakura was home quite quickly, she looked at him, "You couldn't find Saa?" Bakura's eyes lingered on her body before he frowned and shook his head. "I left Magda at the house. Guess who was in town? Ahmed."

"You're ex-fiancé? Why is he here?" Bakura threw an arm around her shoulders and they both walked over to their house. "I thought we left all your friends back in Mallawi."

She shrugged, "No. Gamilla said something about seeing me in Thebes and I know for certain Hasana must've moved here. I guess he finally moved to Thebes." Bakura just grunted. Suddenly a loud crash was heard from their bedroom; both of them ran over to their room where they spotted Magda lying on the floor with the chair to their desk overturned. He was rubbing his head. "He's gone now."

Magda looked up at them. "Oh, yes, eh-heh, well, ahem, I think I should go now." He stood up and brushed his robe. The look on his face told her he was uncomfortable either by the situation or the fact he was in their room as his eyes kept darting to their bed which was unmade. Bakura seemed to notice his gaze and smiled at him tauntingly as if he was making fun of him. It took a while for Meskhenet to realize why.

"Still acting like some chaste man?" Bakura mocked Magda who frowned.

"Well, I would not say that. I just do not go around flaunting my…sexual activities."

"Oh!" Meskhenet said, laughing nervously, "No…that's…we just haven't done our laundry yet…"

Magda gave her a crooked smile before maneuvering around them. Ugh, how embarrassing, she had forgotten that she needed to do the laundry. Magda shouldn't have come in her room. There weren't any windows big enough to fit a person through in this house, Bakura apparently made sure of that probably because of his innings and outings at her previous house. And then Magda scurried away as if frightened by their room or perhaps simply disgusted. Neither one of them showed him out but by the sound of the door closing she knew he had left. Magda wasn't bad. He was nice. His timid nature was similar to Skylar's but he also seemed to be hiding something, but Meskhenet couldn't put her finger on it. Sighing, she put a hand to her face and went over to sit at the edge of the bed.

"I need to do laundry," she really didn't want to.

"That can wait," he replied. "I owe you a day."

She spent her entire day with Bakura which she was glad for. They went out to eat and then rode Bakari and Kek out in the desert. They went to the Nile and he told her his tale of tomb raiding while he was away. She told him the story about how the world was created, but he told her it was all a lie much to her disappointment. They were walking along the Nile on their way home when night fell. Meskhenet felt like she was forgetting to tell him something.

"Oh! I forgot to tell you there is this man named Aknadin," she said, and Bakura frowned at her.

"Who's Aknadin?" a hint of anger in his voice. She giggled at him.

She shook her head. "He's one of the Pharaoh's Court members."

"Isn't the Pharaoh dead?"

"Yes, but the Pharaoh's Court works for the Queen now, but anyway. Aknadin is a very nice old man; he said he used to talk to my father. He's very merciful and always corrects the other court members should something go wrong."

"Should I be worried that you are talking about this old man?"

"Yes, Bakura," she said playfully, taking large steps in front of him as he slowed his pace, frowning at her. "I am going to leave you for an old man."

"You better not," he smirked, grabbing her waist from behind and pulling her back. She laughed as she struggled to get out of his grasp. "I don't like what is mine ending up in someone else's hands."

"Alright, I won't leave you," she kissed him. "No, I was talking about him because he has this eye, this golden eye in his left socket. It's kind of creepy! But it looks neat. It's one of the…" Bakura let her go and went quiet. She turned and looked at him. "Bakura…?"

"There are six others, yes?" he spoke up. She looked at him surprised. Was he referring to the Millennium Items? How did he know that? She hadn't told him. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her near him. "What about the other six items?!"

"T—there with the other guardians…" she didn't know why he was getting so angry, but his grip was really tight on her wrist. "Bakura, you're hurting me!"

He let her wrist go, but he looked angry. "Stay away from them." She didn't want to ask how he knew there were seven items in total. He was frightening her, she rubbed her wrist but he shook his head. He grabbed her hand gently and pulled her along. "Let's go home…" He took her home and went straight to bed without a word, seemingly lost in thought. She changed into her nightgown and crawled over him.

"Bakura…? Is something wrong?" she asked, quietly, worry creeping into her mind. He didn't say anything. He was lost in thought. She leaned down and kissed him, but he didn't kiss her back. She pulled away and rolled onto her side. "Goodnight…" she didn't get much sleep that night but when morning came, he was already gone and she had to get ready to go to the palace.

When she arrived at the kitchen, Undine instantly made her knead some bread then sent her to get some spices from the outside storage. She went to work absentmindedly and ended up pouring the wrong spices in the food which she got yelled at for. Last night's event kept playing in her head. How did Bakura know there were seven Millennium Items? It wasn't common knowledge. She only knew because of her father had worked for the palace… oh, it was all so confusing!

After lunch was made, Meskhenet was kneading some more bread when suddenly a girl came in the kitchen. Meskhenet didn't recognize her, but the girl was looking around the kitchen as if searching for something. The girl was wearing a scarf over her head and a plain white gown. She had a niqab over her face too, revealing only her pretty green eyes.

"May I help you?" Meskhenet asked a little nervously. Who was this girl? She didn't recognize those eyes as any of the other servants. The girl looked too young also…

"Oh, no, I was just wondering if you had any fava beans left?" the girl said quietly. Every time Undine passed by, the girl looked away as if she didn't want Undine to notice her. Meskhenet looked at Undine then at the girl. "I won't bother you in your work."

"Oh no, it's no trouble!" Meskhenet quickly left to the storage and picked out a jar of fava beans. She gave it to the girl who thanked her. Maybe the girl was a priestess or perhaps the princess? Oh no, if it was the princess she didn't greet her properly. "Um… is there anything else you would like… Princess?" she asked uncertainly. The girl's eyes widened in surprise before darting about the kitchen, she shushed Meskhenet. So she was the princess?! "I am so sorry for my rude manners! I—"

"Shh! It's alright. I'm not the princess," the girl said but she was looking around. She was acting odd; she must have been the princess! But her eyes… they weren't like the Queen's or the Prince's… "My name is…"

Undine came from behind the girl, her hands on her hips. "Taira," Undine said. The girl, Taira, turned around and laughed a bit nervously. "What are you doing here? If you need anything cooked, please, you are more than welcome to come and ask me to make something for you."

"Oh, it's quite alright, Undine," Taira tried, "I was ju—"

"Let me take that," Undine took the jar of beans from Taira who looked a little disappointed. "Did you want something made?"

"Oh, no, no, I just wanted to know if you had any fava beans, that's all!" Undine nodded but another servant called her over and she excused herself. Taira sighed in disappointment. Meskhenet looked around. Taira noticed her and removed her niqab. She had a pretty face, with her dark hair hanging loosely around her tan face, she smelled real nice too. "I'm sorry for the trouble."

"Oh, no, it's no trouble at all…" Meskhenet said. Taira smelled like cinnamon and something else, but it smelled nice. "I'm assuming you are not new here?"

Taira looked at her surprised. "Are you new here?" she asked.

"Um… something like that," she said sheepishly. She hoped Taira wasn't anyone important that she was supposed to remember otherwise this encounter was going to be incredibly embarrassing to her.

Taira smiled. "Well, it's nice to meet you. I am Taira and you are…?"

"Meskhenet," she replied.

"Oh, like the goddess?" Taira giggled, and she nodded. "Well, it is good to meet you, Meskhenet. If you can, do you mind saving me some fava beans and cumin powder?" she looked back at Undine. "Without Undine noticing…"

"Oh, of course, I'll put them in the outside storage if you'd like. Undine doesn't go there." She beamed at the pretty girl. Taira was considerably younger than herself, if anything she was around the Prince's age, but somehow talking to her made her feel at ease, like she was talking to one of her childhood friends. Speaking of friends…she really needed to find where Maat lived.

Taira beamed at her. "Thank you! I must be going now," and like that, Taira took off. Meskhenet wondered if Taira was Undine's daughter or niece. She didn't look like Taira at all though. But Meskhenet shook her head. When the servants had their break, everyone took off like usual and Meskhenet went to organize the outside storage, putting the fava beans and cumin powder onto a table. She came back after some minutes and to her surprise there were some papers on the center table. She looked around, there wasn't anyone there.

She went over to the papers and looked at them. She was amazed! It was a sketch of a village, perfectly aligned and neatly designed, with precise lines making up squares and rectangles into the forms of buildings, shops and awnings. She flipped the paper and saw a sketch of a tomb with some words and traps on the next pages. There was a sketch of a sarcophagus; whoever drew these was an amazing artist.

Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her. She whipped around and to her complete surprise, Amon stood behind her, looking down at her. She leaned away from him but he leaned near her. "It is… not nice to be looking… at other's belongings." He talked rather slow and almost emotionless, but he had nice eyes and a nice shade of blonde hair. He wore a violet cape with golden earrings and robes of light tan and white. He had a medallion hanging at his waist, the Akhet Medallion. Right, he was one of the Queen's Guards.

"Oh… I am so sorry," she stepped to the side, and he straightened himself, looking at her. If he didn't want people looking at his stuff, he shouldn't have left it unattended. He slowly started fixing his papers. "Did you design those?" he merely looked at her. "They are very beautiful."

"There is always… room for improvement." He looked her over. "You are the new servant…"

Incredulously, she blinked at him. New servant…? We met. Did he not remember her from when Zaim took her here the first time or when he came in while Set was here? Perhaps not…she remembered him though. He was part of the Ishtar Household, one of the three magician households in Thebes along with the Re House and Hadiqa House. Clearing her throat, she forced a smile, "Yes, I am Meskhenet," she said a little nervously. He should've known her father…

"I did not… ask you for your name," he organized his papers. She patted her arms at her sides, looking around. She didn't know what to say. Wasn't it courtesy for her to introduce herself? He didn't seem to care. He didn't introduce himself though she already knew him from a year ago. "Those are… a nice pair of… shoes."

She looked at her feet. Why was he looking at her feet? It was rather odd but she merely smiled and said, "Thank you…"

He leaned near her, and her back hit the table when she moved away from him. Ow! "They look… rather expensive for… a servant."

"What?" she asked rather surprised. Was he trying to imply something? She looked at her shoes. Oh no! What if they were too fancy for a servant? She didn't know where Bakura got these. "Um… m—my husband got them for me!"

He looked her in the eye. "I see all lies." She wasn't lying. Bakura had gotten them for her but she just didn't know if those were stolen. She hoped Amon couldn't read her mind. She was trying to inch away from him but her back was at the table. He moved away and walked out the kitchen. She sighed in relief. What a strange day…

When she got home, she was exhausted. Kek was in the stables so maybe Bakura was home. She wondered if he was alright. She entered her house, kicked off her shoes and went to her room. Bakura was sitting on the bed, staring blankly at the floor. He didn't seem to be there. He didn't greet her; she yawned and went over to the chest. "Hello…" she said rather quietly, but he didn't look at her. His silence was killing her. She pulled out her nightgown and then some natron. She went over to him, her dress to her chest. She poked him in the shoulder, and he looked up at her. "Did you eat anything?" he got up and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Bakura…?"

"Don't worry about what I said last night," he said and kissed her. Well, not worrying was rather hard when her husband seemed rather angry about the mentioning of the Millennium Items. Wait! Maybe he didn't like the palace because of the Items not because of the Pharaoh, right? The Pharaoh had the Millennium Pendant so maybe that was why he didn't like the mentioning of the Pharaoh. She remembered Ata asking Bakura…something about the tablet with the shape of the items, Bakura knew something…something connected him and the palace and Ata, and she didn't like it.

"Khenet?"

"Oh! Um, are you hungry?" she asked again. He shook his head. She realized she had forgotten to make him dinner last night. She should've made him dinner… "Did you already bathe?"

He smirked at her. "There's always room for more bathing." She punched his arm lightly.

"Of course there is," she shook her head and forced a smile.

Author's Note: I'm so sorry this has taken me practically a month to submit, I haven't been on my comp away. Anyways, Star Moriko has posted her story which is about Halima's daughter :3, you can check it out, it's called a "The Faithful Heart and the Longing Soul". Also, I tried posting a link to Meskhenet's pictures on deviantart but I guess we can't post links nowadays so if you want to see her refs, you can go to dA and go to Getsuei-san's favorites in 'my characters, adoptables etc.'.