Chapter 4: Knowing Nefertiri
Aanen and Nefertiri had decided to carry on what they had started last night and so set out on spending the whole day together, just the two of them. They walked through the temple corridors laughing and whispering as they shared each other's secrets ignoring the stares and comments being completely oblivious to everyone around them. They finally reached a secluded spot by the Nile where they sat enjoying each other's company telling stories of past events that occurred in their lives.
"You didn't?"
"I did… It wasn't one of the most proudest moments of my life and I did hope to forget it… but the fact that I'm always reminded of the event every time I walk out onto my balcony does not let me do so… I can just imagine the scene I must have cause, I was so ashamed"
"I am quite sure that the locals didn't mind…I know that I wouldn't have" Nefertiri gave Aanen a playful punch in the arm, shocked at how she didn't mind his 'forward' behaviour.
"Yes well you weren't the one hanging from your bedchamber balcony in nothing but a robe…"
"No, I wasn't…" Aanen couldn't help but be amused as he pictured the event in his mind. He imagined her as a young child seeking adventure, driving the servants mad with mischievous games and jokes "I am sure Tey has a few interesting stories from your childhood"
"Yes I'm sure she does…" A sly grin grew on her face as she moved closer so that only he could hear "but I promise you Aanen my most darkest secrets are well guarded…" Her warm breath on his ear sent shivers down his spine, as his senses drifted in every direction the effect she had on him was slowly sending him crazy. To him she was a flower, her fragrance so hypnotic and inviting, and as her hair fell onto his shoulders he could not imagine any petal as soft.
Nefertiri was amazed at how close they had become, how inviting he was to her. As she pulled away the love in his eyes was evident; she smiled placing her small delicate hand on his cheek "Thank You Aanen"
"For what Princess?"
"For coming to me, for not judging me… and well…for being you"
"No Princess, thank you… for bringing me here"
~#~#~#~#~
As the sun started to go down Nefertiri and Aanen made their way back to her chamber. Aanen had promised to let her have some space and to make sure that she rested in her chamber. Reluctant to leave his side Aanen promised that he would guard her door all night, and not leave unless she requested.
" I suppose I should rest…I have not slept since, well since the night you arrived…"As she finally gave in to the man who now held her heart Nefertiri prayed to Isis to protect their new love, to make sure that it lasted for eternity and many lifetimes to come. Nefertiri managed to get some sleep though it was not as peaceful as she had hoped. Whilst her body was exhausted her mind was still very active thinking all of the things her and Aanen could and would do.
Giving up on the idea of resting Nefertiri called for Tey. She had not eaten properly that day only having a slight snack for breakfast and nothing at all for lunch. As she opened her bedchamber door she found Aanen talking to Tey who held a very large tray of food
"Princess…you are awake at last. How was your rest?"
"Restless, I did manage to get some rest but unfortunately not enough…"
"It was time for your evening meal and seeing as you didn't eat much for your breakfast I thought it wise to bring enough for two?" Tey walked in a smiling at Nefertiri as she lay the tray of food down on her table found in the centre of the room. Nefertiri had known Tey long enough to know when she was trying to interfere with her love life. When many Princes had attended the temple before Tey always made extra food for them, thinking that it would bring them together in some way.
"Thank You Tey, you may leave now" when the old lady was out of sight Nefertiri found her opportunity, she became very nervous as she stood in the doorway to her room "Aanen?"
"Yes Princess?"
"Do you want to?…no would you like… I mean would you care to join me? There is enough food as you can tell, and I know that you haven't eaten much today either and it would be such a shame to waste all of that lovely food…?"
"I would be honoured to join you Princess"
They both smiled at each other as they walked in to her chamber. Both of them were new to this love thing and found themselves short of things to say and do. Constantly in the back of Aanen's mind were doubts, he knew that he shouldn't get to close to the Princess, that it wasn't right but he couldn't bear to be away from her. At the beginning of their dinner both of them were silent, Nefertiri worried that they had nothing more to say to each other, they had spoken for hours before 'maybe they had nothing in common to talk about?'
"Princess?…"
"Aanen, before you continue can do please do one thing for me?"
"Of course anything"
"Please don't address me as Princess. I know that you have been ordered to but I feel that we are past that and that you can start calling me by my name…if you don't mind? I mean in the company of others you must address me by 'Princess' but when we are alone… like this… then..."
" Whatever you wish… Nefertiri"
After the awkwardness had vanished their usual conversation started. Aanen spoke of some of his adventures and Nefertiri made him promise her that he would take her to some of the places he had been to. He told her what the west was like and was amazed to hear that she had never left Egypt.
"I would like to see other places, but I love Egypt to much. It is in my Blood, I belong here" Her passion and love for Egypt shone though her "It is the only home I have ever known. Why would I not love it here?" Unlike Nefertiri, Aanen had travelled for most of his life, never settling in one place for too long.
"I've never felt comfortable anywhere? I always felt like I was being pulled somewhere and I never knew where?"
"Do you think that you will find it… somewhere where you feel secure?"
"I think that I already have?"
Aanen reached for Nefertiri's hand holding it tightly "Nefertiri I…" just as Aanen found the courage and the words that he wanted to say he was interrupted by a knock at her door.
"I'm sorry Aanen" letting go of his hand Nefertiri stood and moved towards her door "Enter" she was a little upset that her night had been interrupted so quickly. The door opened as 2 servant girls and Tey walked in.
"I am sorry to disturb you Princess but I have just got word that Pharaoh is on his way to visit Anck-Sunamun and I am quite sure that he will visit your chamber as well tonight"
"Thank You Tey, can you make sure that the table is cleared and tidy so that everything is spotless for his arrival?"
"Of course Princess" Giving out orders for the other girls to clear the room knowing how Nefertiri liked to please her father.
Aanen walked the short distance of her room to stand at Nefertiri's side "Would you like me to wait outside when your father arrives?"
"No Aanen, I want to tell him"
"Tell him what?"
"About my feelings for you, Of course I don't want to say anything unless you feel and want the same thing…"
"What do you feel?"
"I think…I know I love you…" Aanen paused before he spoke and Nefertiri was starting to get nervous, didn't he feel the same? had she rushed things? how could she expect him to love her in such a short period of time? "Oh I've said the wrong thing…"
"No, no... I just didn't think that you felt the same as me, I didn't want to rush anything that's all" Taking her hand in his, "Nefertiri…I Love You more than anything, for all eternity." He had made her the happiest Princess, woman, human on the planet and she thanked Isis over and over again for his love. Aanen finally took her into his arms and for the first time in her life Nefertiri felt whole, like one with this man she belonged with him and tonight she was going to tell her father.
"I'm going to go see if Tey needs any help with anything then I will be back ok?"
"Don't be long" Smiling at the idea of her wanting him near made Aanen glow inside and out "I will only be at the door, you can still see me"
Glad to know that he wasn't going away Nefertiri walked out onto her balcony, to watch her favourite view. As she remembered her day with Aanen a smile crept across her face. She couldn't wait to tell her father about her new love, she knew that he would be pleased for her. Looking out she caught a glimpse of Imhotep in his chamber, 'who was that he was with? Anck- Sunamun!!! No she wouldn't dare!' watching the two lovers kiss disgusted Nefertiri and she found herself looking away with disbelief, that woman was to marry her father and she was betraying him with his Priest!
Nefertiri watched as Imhotep removed Pharaohs sword from him 'no, no he wouldn't he couldn't!!' It took just a few short seconds for the event to sink in and for her to actually react ...
"Med-Jai!" Pointing towards Imhotep's chamber panic evident in her eyes "My father needs you!" Hoping against hope that her fathers Med-Jai would reach him in time.
"NO!!!" Helpless to stop her father's murder Nefertiri found herself numb and unable to stop herself fall over the balcony.
~#~#~#~#~
Hearing her cries Aanen had dropped everything and ran to find her. "Nefertiri?!" he ran towards her balcony just trying to reach her. He watcher as her body swayed from side to side and finally fall towards the ground…
End of Chapter 4
Aanen and Nefertiri had decided to carry on what they had started last night and so set out on spending the whole day together, just the two of them. They walked through the temple corridors laughing and whispering as they shared each other's secrets ignoring the stares and comments being completely oblivious to everyone around them. They finally reached a secluded spot by the Nile where they sat enjoying each other's company telling stories of past events that occurred in their lives.
"You didn't?"
"I did… It wasn't one of the most proudest moments of my life and I did hope to forget it… but the fact that I'm always reminded of the event every time I walk out onto my balcony does not let me do so… I can just imagine the scene I must have cause, I was so ashamed"
"I am quite sure that the locals didn't mind…I know that I wouldn't have" Nefertiri gave Aanen a playful punch in the arm, shocked at how she didn't mind his 'forward' behaviour.
"Yes well you weren't the one hanging from your bedchamber balcony in nothing but a robe…"
"No, I wasn't…" Aanen couldn't help but be amused as he pictured the event in his mind. He imagined her as a young child seeking adventure, driving the servants mad with mischievous games and jokes "I am sure Tey has a few interesting stories from your childhood"
"Yes I'm sure she does…" A sly grin grew on her face as she moved closer so that only he could hear "but I promise you Aanen my most darkest secrets are well guarded…" Her warm breath on his ear sent shivers down his spine, as his senses drifted in every direction the effect she had on him was slowly sending him crazy. To him she was a flower, her fragrance so hypnotic and inviting, and as her hair fell onto his shoulders he could not imagine any petal as soft.
Nefertiri was amazed at how close they had become, how inviting he was to her. As she pulled away the love in his eyes was evident; she smiled placing her small delicate hand on his cheek "Thank You Aanen"
"For what Princess?"
"For coming to me, for not judging me… and well…for being you"
"No Princess, thank you… for bringing me here"
~#~#~#~#~
As the sun started to go down Nefertiri and Aanen made their way back to her chamber. Aanen had promised to let her have some space and to make sure that she rested in her chamber. Reluctant to leave his side Aanen promised that he would guard her door all night, and not leave unless she requested.
" I suppose I should rest…I have not slept since, well since the night you arrived…"As she finally gave in to the man who now held her heart Nefertiri prayed to Isis to protect their new love, to make sure that it lasted for eternity and many lifetimes to come. Nefertiri managed to get some sleep though it was not as peaceful as she had hoped. Whilst her body was exhausted her mind was still very active thinking all of the things her and Aanen could and would do.
Giving up on the idea of resting Nefertiri called for Tey. She had not eaten properly that day only having a slight snack for breakfast and nothing at all for lunch. As she opened her bedchamber door she found Aanen talking to Tey who held a very large tray of food
"Princess…you are awake at last. How was your rest?"
"Restless, I did manage to get some rest but unfortunately not enough…"
"It was time for your evening meal and seeing as you didn't eat much for your breakfast I thought it wise to bring enough for two?" Tey walked in a smiling at Nefertiri as she lay the tray of food down on her table found in the centre of the room. Nefertiri had known Tey long enough to know when she was trying to interfere with her love life. When many Princes had attended the temple before Tey always made extra food for them, thinking that it would bring them together in some way.
"Thank You Tey, you may leave now" when the old lady was out of sight Nefertiri found her opportunity, she became very nervous as she stood in the doorway to her room "Aanen?"
"Yes Princess?"
"Do you want to?…no would you like… I mean would you care to join me? There is enough food as you can tell, and I know that you haven't eaten much today either and it would be such a shame to waste all of that lovely food…?"
"I would be honoured to join you Princess"
They both smiled at each other as they walked in to her chamber. Both of them were new to this love thing and found themselves short of things to say and do. Constantly in the back of Aanen's mind were doubts, he knew that he shouldn't get to close to the Princess, that it wasn't right but he couldn't bear to be away from her. At the beginning of their dinner both of them were silent, Nefertiri worried that they had nothing more to say to each other, they had spoken for hours before 'maybe they had nothing in common to talk about?'
"Princess?…"
"Aanen, before you continue can do please do one thing for me?"
"Of course anything"
"Please don't address me as Princess. I know that you have been ordered to but I feel that we are past that and that you can start calling me by my name…if you don't mind? I mean in the company of others you must address me by 'Princess' but when we are alone… like this… then..."
" Whatever you wish… Nefertiri"
After the awkwardness had vanished their usual conversation started. Aanen spoke of some of his adventures and Nefertiri made him promise her that he would take her to some of the places he had been to. He told her what the west was like and was amazed to hear that she had never left Egypt.
"I would like to see other places, but I love Egypt to much. It is in my Blood, I belong here" Her passion and love for Egypt shone though her "It is the only home I have ever known. Why would I not love it here?" Unlike Nefertiri, Aanen had travelled for most of his life, never settling in one place for too long.
"I've never felt comfortable anywhere? I always felt like I was being pulled somewhere and I never knew where?"
"Do you think that you will find it… somewhere where you feel secure?"
"I think that I already have?"
Aanen reached for Nefertiri's hand holding it tightly "Nefertiri I…" just as Aanen found the courage and the words that he wanted to say he was interrupted by a knock at her door.
"I'm sorry Aanen" letting go of his hand Nefertiri stood and moved towards her door "Enter" she was a little upset that her night had been interrupted so quickly. The door opened as 2 servant girls and Tey walked in.
"I am sorry to disturb you Princess but I have just got word that Pharaoh is on his way to visit Anck-Sunamun and I am quite sure that he will visit your chamber as well tonight"
"Thank You Tey, can you make sure that the table is cleared and tidy so that everything is spotless for his arrival?"
"Of course Princess" Giving out orders for the other girls to clear the room knowing how Nefertiri liked to please her father.
Aanen walked the short distance of her room to stand at Nefertiri's side "Would you like me to wait outside when your father arrives?"
"No Aanen, I want to tell him"
"Tell him what?"
"About my feelings for you, Of course I don't want to say anything unless you feel and want the same thing…"
"What do you feel?"
"I think…I know I love you…" Aanen paused before he spoke and Nefertiri was starting to get nervous, didn't he feel the same? had she rushed things? how could she expect him to love her in such a short period of time? "Oh I've said the wrong thing…"
"No, no... I just didn't think that you felt the same as me, I didn't want to rush anything that's all" Taking her hand in his, "Nefertiri…I Love You more than anything, for all eternity." He had made her the happiest Princess, woman, human on the planet and she thanked Isis over and over again for his love. Aanen finally took her into his arms and for the first time in her life Nefertiri felt whole, like one with this man she belonged with him and tonight she was going to tell her father.
"I'm going to go see if Tey needs any help with anything then I will be back ok?"
"Don't be long" Smiling at the idea of her wanting him near made Aanen glow inside and out "I will only be at the door, you can still see me"
Glad to know that he wasn't going away Nefertiri walked out onto her balcony, to watch her favourite view. As she remembered her day with Aanen a smile crept across her face. She couldn't wait to tell her father about her new love, she knew that he would be pleased for her. Looking out she caught a glimpse of Imhotep in his chamber, 'who was that he was with? Anck- Sunamun!!! No she wouldn't dare!' watching the two lovers kiss disgusted Nefertiri and she found herself looking away with disbelief, that woman was to marry her father and she was betraying him with his Priest!
Nefertiri watched as Imhotep removed Pharaohs sword from him 'no, no he wouldn't he couldn't!!' It took just a few short seconds for the event to sink in and for her to actually react ...
"Med-Jai!" Pointing towards Imhotep's chamber panic evident in her eyes "My father needs you!" Hoping against hope that her fathers Med-Jai would reach him in time.
"NO!!!" Helpless to stop her father's murder Nefertiri found herself numb and unable to stop herself fall over the balcony.
~#~#~#~#~
Hearing her cries Aanen had dropped everything and ran to find her. "Nefertiri?!" he ran towards her balcony just trying to reach her. He watcher as her body swayed from side to side and finally fall towards the ground…
End of Chapter 4