It's been way too long, I know. But, hopefully my muse will hold out and I'll be onto Book 2 very soon!
Thanks to Nat, Buff, Natters, sje, and Skye. I will update again soon! I promise!!!
Chapter 8 ~ Defy the Gods
Onus stood on guard outside Nefertiri's door. Several times, when the hall was empty, he had turned to the golden doors, raising his fist to strike...and there he would stand of two or three moments before backing away. Courage to face an entire army, maybe. Courage to face one crying woman, none at all. She had more power over him than even he knew.
The sky had finally darkened when Nefertiri, kohl streaking her cheeks, stood alone on the silent balcony. Time to think had sent her on wave after wave of emotion, siding with herself and with Onus. While he was probably right about her father doing something, she was certain it would not have been anything as drastic as the Hom-Dai. She shook her head slowly, pulling off the wig, running fingers through her short hair. She stopped, realizing it was the same gesture as Onus had done the night he had said he was leaving. She smiled in spite of herself. He hadn't left, and for that, she wouldn't trade for anything.
She resolved to do what she couldn't remember ever having done before – Apologize. She replaced the wig over her natural hair, stepping quickly across her chamber before she could change her mind. She reached the door, stopping as her hand settled on the handle. What would she say?
Onus stood once more, his hand poised to knock, but he could not find the strength to bring it down. What would he say to her? After all, the Hom-Dai was a very real threat...but he did care for her. He just couldn't say for certain yet that it was enough to defy the gods.
Nefertiri lowered her head, drawing her hand away from the door, wrapping her arms around her. He had seemed sincere, but what if he really didn't care for her like she did him? What if it had all been an act, to set himself closer to the Pharaoh? She stepped away from the door, sitting down upon her bed.
Onus lowered his fist, resuming his post beside the door. He had to know for himself first and foremost how she felt for him before he would risk the anger of the gods. When the whole of the palace slept once more, he slowly made his way back to the Med-jai's wing.
Nefertiri laid awake, hundreds of thoughts barraging her mind. What-if upon what-if...nothing was certain anymore.
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"Good morning, Med-jai," Nefertiri said as she stepped regally into the hall.
"Good morning, Your Majesty." The voice that greeted her was not the deep voice she had desired and dreaded hearing all at once. She spun around, facing a Med-jai more than twice Onus' age, shorter with weathered skin.
"Who are you? Where is Onus?" she asked, almost fearing to hear the answer.
"I am Nertet, Your Highness. And Onus was called away on business of the Pharaoh."
"So you are to be my guardian then?"
"I am." Nefertiri felt her heart sink in her chest. She stood erect, rolling her shoulders back. This battle was not yet lost. She made her way quickly to the throne room, seeking out her father.
"May I speak with you privately?" she asked softly.
"Of course child." Seti waved his hands, and the servants and attendants scattered like blossoms on the breeze.
"Why have you reassigned the Med-jai that guarded me?" she said very quietly.
"I need Onus on a task that can use his skills more than guarding you, my daughter," Seti replied casually.
"Like what?" Seti raised an eyebrow at his daughter, but pushed it off as child-like fancy.
"I have decided to have him oversee the guarding of the Bracelet of Anubis. Onus is an excellent fighter, as he continues to prove. It is of the utmost importance that there be someone, along with the festival's duel choice, as it were, to guard it."
"Very well, Father," Nefertiri said. "It is as you command." She stepped back, bowing her head toward her father before leaving the throne room. There was training to be had, and plans to scheme.