Buff, Diva Queen, Quiet One… Thank You!! Reviews are inspiring! (hint hint :D )
Bolero
Chapter 3 ~ Escaping Confession
Nefertiri sped though the palace at an alarming rate. Her little adventures last night had caused her to oversleep and miss the morning meal with her father. Surely Onus had already told him of the six men as she tired to run away, earning himself great praise, no doubt, and her great trouble.
She tore through the throne room, finding it to be vacant, but the terrace was quite crowded with servants and Med-jai surround the Pharaoh. Her eyes caught sight of Onus, though she could not bring herself to meet his eyes.
"Good morning, my Nefertiri," Seti said from his seat in the shade.
"Father, about last night," she started, her entire explanation planned like a well-rehearsed speech. "I—"
"Don't worry, child," Seti said, sipping from a golden cup. "Onus has already explained everything."
"He has..." Her voice trailed as she glanced toward the Med-jai, fighting to hold back a grin. Anger boiled in the pit of her stomach, furious mostly at herself for thinking this man, this Med-jai, to be different from the others. "I'm sure I can explain."
"There is no need, child," Seti said kindly. "I hadn't realized you were so ill. You hide it well, Nefertiri, but Onus saw through your little rouse." The Pharaoh and the Princess glanced to the Med-jai, the first in admiration, the second in shock as the third bowed his head in salute.
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"Why did you tell him that?" Nefertiri asked as she and her Med-jai protector reached a quiet hall. "He could have you put to death if you're caught." Onus thought for a long moment before answering.
"Perhaps," he started slowly, "it was because I know too well how it feels to have your destiny plotted for you." Onus continued on, leaving the Princess to think. She shook her head to clear her thoughts, running to catch up with the Med-jai.
"I have training today," Nefertiri said as she slowed along side him. "Will you be there?"
"It is my duty."
"Perhaps afterward, we can go out into the city?"
"If that is your wish."
"What is your wish, Onus?" Nefertiri demanded, stopping in the vacant hall. The Med-jai stopped, unsure of really why. Perhaps it was the fact that she, for once, seemed to care for someone other than herself. Perhaps it was the simple fact she had called him by name and not 'Med-jai.' He closed his eyes for a moment, stating plainly:
"What I wish has never mattered before. It doesn't matter now." His voice was slightly bitter as turned slowly to face her, his eyes softening in the shadows of the hall. "My duty," he said once more, "is to the Pharaoh and to you. What I want matters little." He turned away, resuming his trek down the hall. "You're going to be late for training." Nefertiri watched him curiously as he continued down the hall.
"Right," she said softly, following him a few feet back.
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She was ready to scream at the other woman's mocking laughter. "You're going to have to try harder than that, Princess," she said, her cat-like grin hidden behind the golden mask. Nefertiri glanced behind her, her opponent spinning her sais with fluid ease. "Really, Princess, have you learned nothing from me?" she said, lifting her mask.
"I have learned never to let my guard down," Nefertiri said, swiping at the woman. Her attempted failed miserably as the golden woman caught Nefertiri's arm, disarming the Princess, leaving her only one sai.
"You'll have to try harder than that, little Princess." She lowered her mask, lunging after Nefertiri.
Onus watched from the side of the room, surrounded by other curious watchers of the training session. No one dared to breath a word as the two women battle fiercely, trading insults as well as blows. Several flinched as their princess hit the hard alabaster tile as she was flipped over by her opponent.
"You disappoint me, Nefertiri," the woman said, lifting her mask once more.
"I have to admit," she replied, gasping for the air that was knocked from her lungs, "that the feeling is mutual."
"Wonderful!" All heads turned to the voice, many bowing immediately as the Pharaoh stepped into the light of the practice chamber. "Excellent job, Anck-su-namun," Seti said. A large grin spread across Anck-su-namun's lips, with a smug glance toward her counterpart still sprawled out on the floor. "Nefertiri, I expect you to learn everything you can from your magnificent trainer. There is much she can teach you." Nefertiri scrambled to her feet, her face reddening from anger.
"Yes, Father," she said, bowing her head, her blood racing. Everyone bowed once more as Seti and his entourage made their way out of the practice chamber, followed by all of the on-lookers, save Onus.
"Shall you return tomorrow for more humiliation?" Anck-su-namun said as the room emptied. "Or have you had quite enough of this nonsense?" She did not wait for an answer, leaving the empty chamber with a flourish.