Lara awoke the next day to the sound of knocking at her door. Slowly she
crossed to the door and called, "Who is it?" She truly hoped that it was
not Yami. She knew that she had spoken out of line last night and was not
yet ready to apologise for this.
"It is I!" Called back Galena. Gratefully Lara unbolted the door and opened it to reveal Galena holding a plate of breakfast.
"I thought you might want something to eat." She explained, placing the plate on the table before settling herself in a chair. "You had better get dressed you know, we have work to do!"
"Thanks." Said Lara, pulling out a white robe to wear and starting to get changed, with Galena politely averting her eyes. "I really don't feel like work today though!"
"Don't worry, I swapped your shift with mine. I'm doing the stables this morning, you are watching the girls."
"Thanks Galena." Said Lara, sitting down and pulling the plate of food towards her.
"So, how was last night?" Prompted Galena, she was obviously not there for idle chitchat.
"Wonderful, at first. We ate and then we danced."
"We, being you and the Pharaoh?"
"He chose me as his partner for The King's Dance!" Lara said, smiling at the memory of that night.
"Seriously? Wow he must really like you."
"Yes, but then we had a small disagreement. It was my fault, I misinterpreted something that someone said and I got the wrong impression of him. But we straightened things out. He walked me back here and we were getting close, but then he said something. I don't remember exactly what now, something snide about my house and friends. I had a huge argument with him, I am surprised you didn't hear us!"
"Well, I did actually!" Admitted Galena. "But from what I heard you were totally right. He spends so long with his head in the air that he can't see what we go through." She reached over a hugged Lara. "Don't worry, you had every right to be angry."
"But I was out of order!" Protested Lara. "I shouted at the Pharaoh. I'm surprised that the guards have not already locked me up for life. I'm surprised that he didn't hit me!"
"He likes you too much!" Said Galena, standing up and taking Lara's empty plate. "You'll see, I don't think you ruined your chances last night. Quite the opposite in fact. But we shall see! Come on, we have to get to work!"
Lara walked to the small schoolroom where she would meet some children. It was a mixed group today so she couldn't plan to teach sewing or cookery. Sitting in a small chair in the corner of the room whilst she awaited the arrival of the children, she decided that etiquette lessons would be given today, as she needed them.
Half an hour later, around twenty children, five to ten year olds, were assembled in the small room. Lara stood in front of them talking.
"Today I am going to teach you manners. But these manners are extremely important. I am going to teach you how to behave in front of royalty. For example, if you were in the presence of the Pharaoh, what would be the first thing that you do?"
Silence followed, until one boy ventured, "Say Good Morning?"
"A nice idea Darren, and in any other case you would be correct. No, in the presence of the Pharaoh you never speak until spoken to. You get down on your knees and look at the ground. Like this." Lara demonstrated the humble position and then went around adjusting the positions of the children. Slave children were always well brought up and eager to learn.
"Well done!" She said finally as they straightened up in front of her.
"Miss Lara. How long do we stay like that for?" Asked a little girl.
"Good question Emily. You should remain this way until the Pharaoh has left you. However, if he taps you on the shoulder you are permitted to rise and speak to him, politely!" She explained. "Now let us move on to polite speech, if the Pharaoh address you." However the entrance of one of the palace guards cut her off.
"Sorry to interrupt you lesson." Spoke the guard. "But I have been given orders that all servants are to report to the main courtyard in front of the palace immediately. The King wished to address them." With that the guard left.
The children were excited and surged forwards, but Lara blocked their path.
"Children get into pairs. This excursion will be treated as a practical lesson."
The children formed an orderly queue behind Lara as they headed for the wide, open space where most of the slaves were gathered. Squinting upwards Lara could make out a few palace advisers standing on a balcony above them. Yami was with them. Averting her gaze she led the children to a space in the middle of the courtyard and said, "Kneel down children. Do not look up or move until I do."
Obediently they did as they were told. After about ten minutes a silence fell over the rest of the crowd as Yami stepped to the front of the balcony and took the primitive megaphone from Seto. It was only a hollow cone made of metal, but it still magnified his voice so that all the slaves could hear.
"You may rise!" He boomed. As a union, the slaves stood up and looked towards their King.
"It has come to my attention that you are unhappy with your current situation." Began Yami. Lara swallowed at these words. He was going to embarrass her in front of all of her peers. She had thought that Yami was more mature than this! Yami continued, "I apologise for my lack of interest in you recently. I assumed that you were all content, because your work was of such a high standard. However, circumstances have led me to see that this is not the case, so there will be a few changes around here. Firstly, you will all be paid for the work you do!" There was muffled cheering from some slaves, others just looked amazed. "However, this will mean that you will have to buy your own food and clothing. Rent for accommodation will also be introduced at a later date. You will have the option to buy property outside of palace walls or purchase your own quarters here. Secondly, each of you will receive forty days of holiday in each solar year. These may be taken over one period of time or spread out over many different times. Finally, children under the age of sixteen will be given compulsory and free education in basic crafts such as woodwork and sewing as well as reading and writing. After the age of sixteen education will not be free however. These changes will be in effect as of tomorrow. Thank you for your time!" The crowd was silent for am moment before the whole group erupted into cheers, yells of delight and, in some cases, tears of happiness. Up on the balcony Yami spotted Lara smiling broadly as she hugged a small child next to her.
Yami went inside to where Seto was waiting for him.
"A welcome change!" Observed Seto. "If a sudden one. May I ask why?"
"Why not?"
"Why now?"
"Because I only just found out how bad things were for some slaves, because that is what they were. Not servants but slaves."
"And she told you this?" Asked Seto, having heard a little about the events of the night.
Yami looked at him disapprovingly. "I hope that you are not suggesting that I only did this to win her over! Lara simply opened my eyes and made me see, not just look."
"No sire." Seto elbowed Yami gently in the stomach. "And the fact that this will make her happy is just an added bonus, huh Yami?" And he walked off, leaving Yami to consider whether to laugh with Seto or hurl a chair at him.
An hour later Lara was still trying to calm down the over excited children, without much luck. The fact that they were going to be having proper lessons excited them beyond belief and they were getting hyper. She took them outside for fear that they would break something in their small schoolroom. Suddenly a shadow fell on the ground behind her and the children went silent. Lara turned around to see Yami standing a few metres behind her. Instantly she, and a few of the older students dropped to the ground and bowed their heads. One boy, the youngest one called Michel, did not get down though. Scared of this new intruder he ran over to Lara and cuddled up to her. She put an arm over him protectively and pulled him close to her, still kneeling on the ground.
The shadow fell over her and she felt a tap on her should. Obediently, like a trained dog, she rose to her feet. Michel stood up too, but hid behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist as he peered up at the King.
"You may stand." Said Yami to the other children, who slowly got to their feet and moved towards Lara for reassurance. "You teach them well." He said to Lara.
"They learn well sire." Said Lara, not looking directly at Yami's face. "And they are grateful for your kindness today. Aren't you children?"
"Yes sir. Thank you sire!" Chorused the children.
Yami smiled and walked towards Lara and Michel, who had remained silent. Yami knelt down in front of Lara so that he was level with the boy, who did not let go over Lara's skirt and remained safely behind her, his arms attached to her legs and his hands gripping her skirt.
"And what is your name, little one?" Asked Yami kindly.
Michel looked at Lara who nodded. "M-M-Michel." He stammered.
"Well Michel. Why don't you come out from behind Lara?"
Michel shook his head and began to suck his thumb. Lara gently turned to him and disentangled his arms from around her legs. She pushed his forwards slightly so that he was facing Yami. Michel shook slightly and looked extremely nervous.
"I won't hurt you Michel!" Soothed Yami. "But tell me, would you like a present?"
Michel nodded shyly.
"Here." Yami reached into his pocket and pulled out some chocolate. He handed it to Michel who looked at it stunned. "Well, eat it then!" Said Yami in amusement. Michel quickly stuffed the chocolate into his mouth and ate it, not taking his eyes off of Yami. He swallowed it and said, "Thank you sir!"
"That is alright Michel. May I call you Michel?"
"Yes sir!" Michel said, amazed that the Pharaoh was being so nice.
"Would anyone else like some chocolate?" Asked Yami to the other children. They hesitated before walking forwards. Soon Yami was handing out chocolate to each of them. The last girl, a little girl called Dana, was so nervous that she could not say thank you, not even when prompted by Lara. In the end Dana just leaned forward and kissed Yami lightly on the cheek before running off to join her friends. Yami blushed slightly and stood up.
"Well, I had better go!" He said to them all.
"Wait!" Called Michel, forgetting for a moment that Yami was the King. "Doesn't Miss Lara get a present?"
"Michel!" Lara scolded.
"No, you are right Michel. But I have run out of chocolate. Do you think Lara would come and see me later so that I could give her some chocolate?"
"I think she would!" Replied Michel, leaving Lara agape without saying anything.
"Err, Michel.children look at the time!" She said. "It is nearly lunchtime. Why don't you all go and eat lunch and I will join you in a minute." Lara said as the children ran off towards the dining area. Lara watched them go, not wanting to talk to Yami alone but not wanting the children there either.
"Nice kids." Yami said, walking up next to Lara, not looking at her.
"Yes!" She agreed, not looking at him either. Finally she turned to face him. "I guess that I should thank you. What you did today was wonderful. The new laws and when you were with the children. And I apologise for what I said last night."
"No, I want to apologise for what I said last night. I was insensitive and selfish. I also should thank you for showing me the truth and speaking with me honestly." They began to walk slowly in the direction of the dining area, but they took a detour through a pretty, covered passageway with ivy growing up it. This passage ran around the gardens and was secluded and cool.
"I should probably go. I'm meant to be looking after the children." Said Lara, turning to go but Yami caught her arm and pulled her back.
"I meant what I said about you last night. You are attractive when you are angry. Almost as attractive as you are now!" He looked into her eyes. "Can I give you your present now?" He asked.
"I really don't want any chocolate, I'm just about to have lunch." Lara said.
"Oh your present is not chocolate." Said Yami, pulling her closer to him. "But it is just as sweet!" He murmured before pulling her into a long, passionate kiss.
Lara was shocked at first at this show of emotion. However her shock quickly wore away. She began to relax and let herself be pulled close to Yami. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she wrapped hers over his shoulder, thinking that her legs would soon give way. When they broke apart Yami smiled at her without letting her go, saying, "Mmm, you are sweeter that chocolate."
Lara giggled and looked up at him. "I really do have to go now!" She said, attempting to pull away from him, but Yami would not let her go.
"Come and see me later." He pleaded. "Meet me in the garden tonight, where we first met. I can't say farewell to you now, not knowing when I will see you again!"
"Alright." Agreed Lara.
"Until tonight!" Whispered Yami, kissing her briefly on the lips before letting her go and walking away. Lara walked slowly towards the dining area, feeling light-headed but immensely happy. She was already looking forward to that night!
AN - Ohhhhh, finally some proper romance? More of this or was it a bit over the top? Please tell me because I think I overdid it a bit! Read and review please.
"It is I!" Called back Galena. Gratefully Lara unbolted the door and opened it to reveal Galena holding a plate of breakfast.
"I thought you might want something to eat." She explained, placing the plate on the table before settling herself in a chair. "You had better get dressed you know, we have work to do!"
"Thanks." Said Lara, pulling out a white robe to wear and starting to get changed, with Galena politely averting her eyes. "I really don't feel like work today though!"
"Don't worry, I swapped your shift with mine. I'm doing the stables this morning, you are watching the girls."
"Thanks Galena." Said Lara, sitting down and pulling the plate of food towards her.
"So, how was last night?" Prompted Galena, she was obviously not there for idle chitchat.
"Wonderful, at first. We ate and then we danced."
"We, being you and the Pharaoh?"
"He chose me as his partner for The King's Dance!" Lara said, smiling at the memory of that night.
"Seriously? Wow he must really like you."
"Yes, but then we had a small disagreement. It was my fault, I misinterpreted something that someone said and I got the wrong impression of him. But we straightened things out. He walked me back here and we were getting close, but then he said something. I don't remember exactly what now, something snide about my house and friends. I had a huge argument with him, I am surprised you didn't hear us!"
"Well, I did actually!" Admitted Galena. "But from what I heard you were totally right. He spends so long with his head in the air that he can't see what we go through." She reached over a hugged Lara. "Don't worry, you had every right to be angry."
"But I was out of order!" Protested Lara. "I shouted at the Pharaoh. I'm surprised that the guards have not already locked me up for life. I'm surprised that he didn't hit me!"
"He likes you too much!" Said Galena, standing up and taking Lara's empty plate. "You'll see, I don't think you ruined your chances last night. Quite the opposite in fact. But we shall see! Come on, we have to get to work!"
Lara walked to the small schoolroom where she would meet some children. It was a mixed group today so she couldn't plan to teach sewing or cookery. Sitting in a small chair in the corner of the room whilst she awaited the arrival of the children, she decided that etiquette lessons would be given today, as she needed them.
Half an hour later, around twenty children, five to ten year olds, were assembled in the small room. Lara stood in front of them talking.
"Today I am going to teach you manners. But these manners are extremely important. I am going to teach you how to behave in front of royalty. For example, if you were in the presence of the Pharaoh, what would be the first thing that you do?"
Silence followed, until one boy ventured, "Say Good Morning?"
"A nice idea Darren, and in any other case you would be correct. No, in the presence of the Pharaoh you never speak until spoken to. You get down on your knees and look at the ground. Like this." Lara demonstrated the humble position and then went around adjusting the positions of the children. Slave children were always well brought up and eager to learn.
"Well done!" She said finally as they straightened up in front of her.
"Miss Lara. How long do we stay like that for?" Asked a little girl.
"Good question Emily. You should remain this way until the Pharaoh has left you. However, if he taps you on the shoulder you are permitted to rise and speak to him, politely!" She explained. "Now let us move on to polite speech, if the Pharaoh address you." However the entrance of one of the palace guards cut her off.
"Sorry to interrupt you lesson." Spoke the guard. "But I have been given orders that all servants are to report to the main courtyard in front of the palace immediately. The King wished to address them." With that the guard left.
The children were excited and surged forwards, but Lara blocked their path.
"Children get into pairs. This excursion will be treated as a practical lesson."
The children formed an orderly queue behind Lara as they headed for the wide, open space where most of the slaves were gathered. Squinting upwards Lara could make out a few palace advisers standing on a balcony above them. Yami was with them. Averting her gaze she led the children to a space in the middle of the courtyard and said, "Kneel down children. Do not look up or move until I do."
Obediently they did as they were told. After about ten minutes a silence fell over the rest of the crowd as Yami stepped to the front of the balcony and took the primitive megaphone from Seto. It was only a hollow cone made of metal, but it still magnified his voice so that all the slaves could hear.
"You may rise!" He boomed. As a union, the slaves stood up and looked towards their King.
"It has come to my attention that you are unhappy with your current situation." Began Yami. Lara swallowed at these words. He was going to embarrass her in front of all of her peers. She had thought that Yami was more mature than this! Yami continued, "I apologise for my lack of interest in you recently. I assumed that you were all content, because your work was of such a high standard. However, circumstances have led me to see that this is not the case, so there will be a few changes around here. Firstly, you will all be paid for the work you do!" There was muffled cheering from some slaves, others just looked amazed. "However, this will mean that you will have to buy your own food and clothing. Rent for accommodation will also be introduced at a later date. You will have the option to buy property outside of palace walls or purchase your own quarters here. Secondly, each of you will receive forty days of holiday in each solar year. These may be taken over one period of time or spread out over many different times. Finally, children under the age of sixteen will be given compulsory and free education in basic crafts such as woodwork and sewing as well as reading and writing. After the age of sixteen education will not be free however. These changes will be in effect as of tomorrow. Thank you for your time!" The crowd was silent for am moment before the whole group erupted into cheers, yells of delight and, in some cases, tears of happiness. Up on the balcony Yami spotted Lara smiling broadly as she hugged a small child next to her.
Yami went inside to where Seto was waiting for him.
"A welcome change!" Observed Seto. "If a sudden one. May I ask why?"
"Why not?"
"Why now?"
"Because I only just found out how bad things were for some slaves, because that is what they were. Not servants but slaves."
"And she told you this?" Asked Seto, having heard a little about the events of the night.
Yami looked at him disapprovingly. "I hope that you are not suggesting that I only did this to win her over! Lara simply opened my eyes and made me see, not just look."
"No sire." Seto elbowed Yami gently in the stomach. "And the fact that this will make her happy is just an added bonus, huh Yami?" And he walked off, leaving Yami to consider whether to laugh with Seto or hurl a chair at him.
An hour later Lara was still trying to calm down the over excited children, without much luck. The fact that they were going to be having proper lessons excited them beyond belief and they were getting hyper. She took them outside for fear that they would break something in their small schoolroom. Suddenly a shadow fell on the ground behind her and the children went silent. Lara turned around to see Yami standing a few metres behind her. Instantly she, and a few of the older students dropped to the ground and bowed their heads. One boy, the youngest one called Michel, did not get down though. Scared of this new intruder he ran over to Lara and cuddled up to her. She put an arm over him protectively and pulled him close to her, still kneeling on the ground.
The shadow fell over her and she felt a tap on her should. Obediently, like a trained dog, she rose to her feet. Michel stood up too, but hid behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist as he peered up at the King.
"You may stand." Said Yami to the other children, who slowly got to their feet and moved towards Lara for reassurance. "You teach them well." He said to Lara.
"They learn well sire." Said Lara, not looking directly at Yami's face. "And they are grateful for your kindness today. Aren't you children?"
"Yes sir. Thank you sire!" Chorused the children.
Yami smiled and walked towards Lara and Michel, who had remained silent. Yami knelt down in front of Lara so that he was level with the boy, who did not let go over Lara's skirt and remained safely behind her, his arms attached to her legs and his hands gripping her skirt.
"And what is your name, little one?" Asked Yami kindly.
Michel looked at Lara who nodded. "M-M-Michel." He stammered.
"Well Michel. Why don't you come out from behind Lara?"
Michel shook his head and began to suck his thumb. Lara gently turned to him and disentangled his arms from around her legs. She pushed his forwards slightly so that he was facing Yami. Michel shook slightly and looked extremely nervous.
"I won't hurt you Michel!" Soothed Yami. "But tell me, would you like a present?"
Michel nodded shyly.
"Here." Yami reached into his pocket and pulled out some chocolate. He handed it to Michel who looked at it stunned. "Well, eat it then!" Said Yami in amusement. Michel quickly stuffed the chocolate into his mouth and ate it, not taking his eyes off of Yami. He swallowed it and said, "Thank you sir!"
"That is alright Michel. May I call you Michel?"
"Yes sir!" Michel said, amazed that the Pharaoh was being so nice.
"Would anyone else like some chocolate?" Asked Yami to the other children. They hesitated before walking forwards. Soon Yami was handing out chocolate to each of them. The last girl, a little girl called Dana, was so nervous that she could not say thank you, not even when prompted by Lara. In the end Dana just leaned forward and kissed Yami lightly on the cheek before running off to join her friends. Yami blushed slightly and stood up.
"Well, I had better go!" He said to them all.
"Wait!" Called Michel, forgetting for a moment that Yami was the King. "Doesn't Miss Lara get a present?"
"Michel!" Lara scolded.
"No, you are right Michel. But I have run out of chocolate. Do you think Lara would come and see me later so that I could give her some chocolate?"
"I think she would!" Replied Michel, leaving Lara agape without saying anything.
"Err, Michel.children look at the time!" She said. "It is nearly lunchtime. Why don't you all go and eat lunch and I will join you in a minute." Lara said as the children ran off towards the dining area. Lara watched them go, not wanting to talk to Yami alone but not wanting the children there either.
"Nice kids." Yami said, walking up next to Lara, not looking at her.
"Yes!" She agreed, not looking at him either. Finally she turned to face him. "I guess that I should thank you. What you did today was wonderful. The new laws and when you were with the children. And I apologise for what I said last night."
"No, I want to apologise for what I said last night. I was insensitive and selfish. I also should thank you for showing me the truth and speaking with me honestly." They began to walk slowly in the direction of the dining area, but they took a detour through a pretty, covered passageway with ivy growing up it. This passage ran around the gardens and was secluded and cool.
"I should probably go. I'm meant to be looking after the children." Said Lara, turning to go but Yami caught her arm and pulled her back.
"I meant what I said about you last night. You are attractive when you are angry. Almost as attractive as you are now!" He looked into her eyes. "Can I give you your present now?" He asked.
"I really don't want any chocolate, I'm just about to have lunch." Lara said.
"Oh your present is not chocolate." Said Yami, pulling her closer to him. "But it is just as sweet!" He murmured before pulling her into a long, passionate kiss.
Lara was shocked at first at this show of emotion. However her shock quickly wore away. She began to relax and let herself be pulled close to Yami. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she wrapped hers over his shoulder, thinking that her legs would soon give way. When they broke apart Yami smiled at her without letting her go, saying, "Mmm, you are sweeter that chocolate."
Lara giggled and looked up at him. "I really do have to go now!" She said, attempting to pull away from him, but Yami would not let her go.
"Come and see me later." He pleaded. "Meet me in the garden tonight, where we first met. I can't say farewell to you now, not knowing when I will see you again!"
"Alright." Agreed Lara.
"Until tonight!" Whispered Yami, kissing her briefly on the lips before letting her go and walking away. Lara walked slowly towards the dining area, feeling light-headed but immensely happy. She was already looking forward to that night!
AN - Ohhhhh, finally some proper romance? More of this or was it a bit over the top? Please tell me because I think I overdid it a bit! Read and review please.