I sighed softly and turned a lock of blonde hair around my finger for inspection. My handmaidens were overjoyed to begin the transformation of my wardrobe into Pharaoh fashion. For once, I could have cared less. My conscience nagged at me each time I unconsciously wondered when Radames would be in, or if I would become eager to share a concern with Aida. Then, it would be as though someone slapped me in the face, and I remembered. I remembered the two people I loved most, locked to the death under the sands. For what? Aida, for letting her father escape? Radames, for helping her? I still don't know what exactly had happened, but suddenly, I knew what could happen. I was Pharaoh! I made the rules! People had to obey me! Tears of joy clouded my vision, and I stood regally from my position on the throne. Time stood still, as everyone looked expectantly at me, excitement flowing through their veins as I took my first stand in leadership. I snapped my fingers, and soon a crowd of people swarmed around me. Tossing my hair back, I cleared my throat.

"Release the Nubian slaves!" I ordered firmly. "Tell them to meet me at the burial ground of the traitors, Aida and Radames!" A small murmur echoed through the hall. "Tell them that if they do not comply," I hesitated. This was where my logical speaking skills fell. "Tell them they are losing the chance to free Princess Aida, and Captain Radames!" –Smooth talking, Amneris-- I groaned to myself. Putting my most confident leader-face, I dared anyone to disobey me. Not a moment could be spared. As I spoke, precious gasps of air were being drawn in by Aida and Radames. I just had to keep reminding myself that they were dying down in the sands.

I soon stood before the Nubian slaves, looking them up and down as they settled. A ragged bunch they were, but as I saw for the first time, the glimmer of hope in their eyes, I respected them. "I am your Pharaoh," I addressed them. "There is no time for small talk, but I say this. If it takes 5,000 of you to build a majestic pyramid in a short a time as a year or two for a dead person, I'm sure it could take you less time to free two dying people from the sands." The Nubians shared dumbfounded looks, and I could feel their joy churning. "If you could pull a ton of blocks to the tips of the sky, you can dig a few hundred feet down." I pointed to a certain area of the sand. "This spot covers the opening. No more must be said. Free Aida and Captain Radames!" the Nubians took up the rallying cry, and dug furiously.

For the first several hours of work, I watched them hesitantly. They were getting so dirty! I shuddered occasionally, wondering how I could help. –Dig, featherhead!—my mind screamed. –dig?—the other part argued. –but it's so…-- --Dirty, yes! It is called sand! But watch people struggle to save two dying people?—Finally, I summoned all the guards. "Dig!" I ordered them, on the verge of hysterics.

"But Your Highness…those people down there…"

"Are my friends who deserve a chance!" I yelled. "Are you defying me?" The guards shook their heads and ran off. I smiled. I was getting good at this Pharaoh business. Soon, dawn touched the sky. I forced down the tears that built up in my throat. There was no way Aida and Radames could have…

"Your Majesty! We see the tomb!" One of the Nubians bellowed happily. Kicking off my sandals, I flew over. Sure enough, a greenish stone could be seen. As I joined the digging, thoughts of my new dress being ruined vanished.

"Get the lid up!" I screamed. Together, thousands of people groaned and grunted, heaving until the lid moaned and gave….

~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*

Aida shifted weakly, and burrowed her head into Radames' chest. Death was supposed to be peaceful…quiet. Why was there screaming? She opened her eye a slit. Blue?…Devoid of energy, she barely nudged Radames. "Ra-mes?" she mumbled drowsily. No answer. "Ra-mes..'kup. think its over. Think we're dead. Ra-mes?" fear clutched her heart. No..gods no…don't take Radames… "Ra- mes!" Aida whispered. "Oh gods, Ra-mes…w'kup! RA-MES!"

"Uh." The simple sound was the sweetest Aida ever heard. "If wer d'ead, Eeda, why sh've me?"

"AIDA!"

"M'neris?" Radames squinted up. "Eeda, is M'neris dead?" Aida shook her head slowly.

"RADAMES! OH, GODS, SOMEBODY GET THEM OUT! ARE THEY ALIVE?" When Aida opened her eyes again, there was a chain of hundreds of slaves creeping down the side of the tomb.

"Kino?" Aida muttered, peering at one of the men. Kino grinned joyously.

"YOUR HIGHNESS! THEY ARE ALIVE! JUST BARELY! THEY NEED FOOD!" Kino bellowed. The message traveled up, and Kino grinned. "Captain, Princess, all is well, we're going to get you out." Aida nodded dazedly, and sank back into Radames' arms.

"W'k m'up when you do," Aida mumbled. Kino's eyes widened.

"NO! Princess, stay awake. Captain Radames, keep her up, and you stay up as well." Radames glared at Kino, old habits edging into his consciousness. He didn't like this slave telling him what to do. With a sigh, he looked at the drowsy Aida, and nodded.

"Eeda, stay up for me, love," Radames whispered. Radames was very lucky. He'd had a lot to eat before the wedding-that-never-was, but Aida hadn't. It was important to him that Aida get out, get fresh air, and eat.

"Captain Radames! We're going to pull you up by a chain!" Kino called.

"Fine. Eeda first!" Radames replied firmly. It was amazing what Aida had done for him in a week. He was actually thinking about others before himself…especially when it came to Aida. Kino nodded, and Radames carefully nudged Aida toward the opening, where she was gingerly passed up. Radames frowned. His strong Aida was so frail, the defiant glimmer in her eyes dulled. Finally, Radames was pulled up, and was greeted by sunlight, and warmth….

~*~**~**~*~*~*~*~**~

"AIDA!" I screamed as she was pulled out of the tomb. No, that wasn't Aida! That was a corpse! I bolted over to her, and sank to my knees. She was alive, but as Kino said, just barely. "Aida?" I whispered softly.

"Hi, M'neris," came the soft reply.

"I NEED FOOD OVER HERE!" I cried, but it was already done. Desperately, I stuffed her face, forgetting that there was another occupant of the tomb, before he was led over, limping. "Radames," I whispered, raising to meet him. He looked at me through haggard eyes.

"Hi, M'Neris. It's good to be alive," he said, kissing me on the cheek gently, before limping off to Aida. Watching them, I smiled sadly. I knew the truth, and it hurt…but now I know how good it feels not to be kept in the dark.

A few days later, a strong, healthy Aida approached me. "Your Highness," she greeted, sweeping into a bow.

"Amneris," I corrected, smiling.

"Amneris," Aida repeated, smiling as well. "Looks to me, Amneris, that you've found your strongest suit." I smiled at her, and nodded. Radames came up and slipped his arms around Aida. This didn't bother me…I knew Radames loved me, just not in "that" way.

Captain Radames and Princess Aida were wed a few days after the ordeal. This was perfectly understandable, because Radames loved a certain princess. Not to mention the fact that I had a heck of a lot of say in that time.

{SLY One's Tomb Lovers dictionary: Ra-mes: Radames….'kup: wake up…Eeda: Aida….M'Neris: Amneris…wer: we're…sh've: shove…W'k m'up: Wake me up}