Speak
Softly
Trust Me
1935: Ardeth Bay is resurrected from the dead. He awakens to a world vastly different, to familiar faces changing and to the knowledge that he is Egypt's final hope for freedom.
He also finds out just how far love and despair can take him.
~~~~~~~
The room was shadowy and dark, given only a small measure of light from what was outside and that of the single candle on the nightstand. Dressed in a soft, white nightgown of sheer material she stood with a heavy heart at the window, leaning against the sill as she watched snow drifting to the frozen ground. The ring of Osiris felt oddly heavy against her finger. Evelyn closed her eyes and fidgeted with the symbol of her slavery on her hand. It was done now.
The ceremony had been strange to her, a mixture of modern clothing and ancient rituals. The night seemed to have wept for the fates being sealed, for there had been no joy in the small temple of Osiris that adjoined to the palace. Even the lights had been dimmed—fitting for a marriage that had taken place when day was gone. Celestine had married them with a cool expression and President Roosevelt had taken his 'honored' place to watch, his eyes filled with contempt for Imhotep. The room had seemed intensely silent during the ceremony and the reception afterwards quiet and unassuming.
Imhotep had been charming, despite the obvious hatred coming from the Americans. They weren't very impressed with him, but that was a given. He wasn't impressed with them either. She saw it when Roosevelt walked in, aided by a cane and a helping hand. The same expression he had given when she explained England's Parliament to him. Confusion and disproval. He could be so arrogant at times.
But she couldn't stay angry with him over that. It was his way, something she had grown to accept long before the proposal. Aside from his small lapses into pride he had been pleasantly patient today, gentle and undemanding. He understood how hard this was for her and seemed to be trying his best to not give her reason to fear. Even his claiming kiss had not been as possessing as she may have imagined.
Evy brushed her fingers against the window and again tried to touch the mock stars on its pane. It was getting very late. Sometime after midnight, to be sure. What would happen when he retired from the business he attended? Would he make her act as his wife? It would be asked someday, whether tonight, tomorrow or next year. He would expect it. Evy rubbed her arms together in the chill from the window and wondered if she could give it. It would be better to come on her terms rather than his. "I have to forget you, Ardeth," she whispered, searching the outside as if he would appear. She would forget him and forget Rick. She was a queen now.
She was not alone. Behind her the bedroom door opened slowly and light streamed in from the hall, then faded quickly. He left the light off and she could hear him approaching slowly, every footstep asking her the question he would have on his mind. "Why have you not gone to bed, my queen?" he said in a soft tone. A tone that wondered if she were willing to give of herself.
Evelyn turned her back to the outside and ran her eyes across her king in the candlelight. He was very handsome, dressed all in black and looking on her with almost caring eyes. When will you turn on me? she thought, meeting his dark vision. Evy brushed her straightened hair behind her ears and bowed her head. "I didn't know if you wanted me to sleep."
Imhotep took a few steps around her, watching and removing his robe, then worked at his gold cufflinks. When he neared she tensed. "You thought I would force you tonight," he assumed neutrally, crossing his arms when his sleeves were free.
"I…I wasn't sure what you would do."
His nod was slow as he closed in and stretched forth a hand to stroke her cheek. Those cool, black eyes measured her face and form. "I desire you, Nefertiri. I have thought of you, coming to me as a lady comes to her lord. Allowing for enjoyment, if not love." His fingers softly made a trail down her neck to a wayward strand of hair, which he brought to his lips to kiss. "This is what I ask of you. That you come to me with your desire, offering it freely and without fear. Perhaps some day you will give this gift to me." Evy stilled as he leaned warmly into her, pressing his lips into her own. His gaze made her tremble. The kiss was soft and ended lingeringly. "But I will not demand it."
He stayed close, fingering her hair gently as he looked her over again, his want clear. "Imhotep, I…I cannot love you," she stammered in a small voice, regretting it immediately after. Was she a fool?
Yet he remained controlled, if displaying his irritation openly. "I know for whom your love remains," he replied firmly, but his expression quickly softened once more. Imhotep exhaled and traced her jaw with his fingertips. "Therefore I will not ask of it." Her heart pounded as he leaned in again, pressing his mouth to her jaw and trailing to her neck. He wasn't really rough with her unless angry, but never completely gentle either. Yet this was pleasant…as pleasant as it could be, given the circumstances. Evy closed her eyes as he pulled her closer, caressing her flesh and silk with warm hands. "Ask me to stop, my queen, and I shall give you leave to rest."
His hand felt heavy, draped over her shoulder as he explored the other side with his hot kiss. Evy gazed over him with a held breath, wondering what to do. The time for her to protest was rapidly running out. Her mind kept yelling at her to stop him, to not give in and to hope for Ardeth or Rick to save her…but what if it would never be so? If she wanted to be honest with herself, it likely wouldn't. For peace she could do this. For the sake of not waiting for what would never come.
She would never be rescued. No one could cross the border without the spells and she didn't even want them to, for their sakes. They would be safe, away from Imhotep's wrath. They would go on, find other lives and be happy. Evy rested her head against Imhotep's strong shoulder and inhaled his scent, looking for things to make this easier. The incense from the temple coated his clothing—always did, for he was sure to awaken Osiris daily even still. It was soft and strong, masculine and warm. It was sensual.
If she could keep him here in England, so much the better. It would stop her loved ones from coming against him and save their lives. A long, luxurious honeymoon here in the snowbound privacy of her home country would be something he could give, she knew. It was something he would be highly pleased to give. Imhotep's breath hit her ear as he pressed his lips there and whispered, "Do not do this out of fear, Nefertiri."
Hands crawled through her hair, caressing and urging her to face him gently, but firmly. Those midnight eyes of his smoldered with a passion unlike before when she had lain beneath him unwillingly. He wanted her to want and enjoy this, and for the sake of peace she wanted that as well. Evy caressed her hand down his shoulder and took a shaky breath. "I…"
The priest's expression was not triumphant, nor arrogant or lustful. Imhotep drew her body to his, allowing his hands to search more freely. "Forget him, my Nefertiri," he breathed suggestively, tracing his fingers down the center of her back. "I will give you such a life if you will but let me. Will you not let me?" Evy stared off into the shadows as he tasted her throat hotly.
Forget him. She didn't want to do that. The idea made her heart sink. But what else could she do? To endlessly want something out of reach would be foolish and more damaging in the end. And so it was with this thought that Evelyn made the terrible choice to try and forget Ardeth, Rick and Jonathan with a kiss.
At first he was unresponsive, his eyes closed as he savored her willingness, but when he began returning it she knew the tide had come and would be unstoppable. A hand trailed down her side smoothly and curved to hold her hip as his mouth found her jaw again. Her body was tense despite her fervent wish to relax and she wondered why this was so hard. It wasn't as if she had never been with him before. This would be like every other time, wouldn't it?
It wouldn't. She was letting him do these things when he offered her the chance to deny them. He had taken her before when she would have screamed for him to stop, but now that the choice was hers she allowed him to continue. If Ardeth knew she were doing this…if Rick knew. Ardeth would be hurt, but Rick? He would be angry with her. He would hate her for this, maybe. No one despised Imhotep more than he and this would be hard for him to deal with. He would never understand. She barely understood it herself.
Without her permission tears began sliding down her cheeks as he drew one of the straps of her gown down to the middle of her arm and replaced it with his kiss, marking her pale shoulder in the stillness between them. Evy tried very hard to calm herself and return his passion, caressing her hand over his arm, but in her concentration of ending her tears her grip became tight. A whimper escaped her lips and caused him to stop. "I'm sorry," she said, desperately trying to get a hold of herself.
Imhotep straightened and looked down on her with disappointed softness. "Nefertiri," he began a little impatiently, but she cut him off.
"I'm just so tired," she explained to him, shaking her head and stepping closer. Despite all her efforts her tears were coming faster, blinding her nearly as she surprised him with an embrace. He was her husband now and it was his place to comfort her if he could pull himself from the evil in his heart. And she needed it from anyone right now, even if it were just to pretend he was someone else, maybe the old Imhotep she knew. She just felt so alone.
So Evy begged him for his comfort with arms around his waist and a head pillowed on his chest. Imhotep found her hair, petting uncertainly. "I'm tired of fighting everyone. I'm tired of worrying about tomorrow and putting things off so I can worry about them until I can't stop them from happening." She couldn't do this anymore. For two long years she had fought him, fear and depression all at once with little to no break. And she could do it with Jonathan to there to give her hope, but now she had no one. No one to save her from this monster. She was tired of being afraid and most of all tired of hopes that meant nothing. The king wrapped her into his arms again and held her firmly, brushing her hair with his fingers. "I just don't know what to do."
"Rest, my queen," he whispered to her, pulling back and gazing down at her in understanding. His fingers pushed her hair back. "Stop all your worries and all your fears. Forget the world outside and close your eyes. Close them." Evy obeyed his command and shivered in the chill of the room as she listened to his movements. His warmth disappeared from her chest as Imhotep came to stand behind her. She wasn't sure whether to cringe or melt when hands touched her shoulders. He started rubbing softly and she came closer to the latter. "You shake inside and wear yourself out with your cares."
Those suggestive fingers slid down her arms, causing her senses to tingle…causing her pleasure as he whispered, so near and husky, "Let go of everything and let me touch you. Let me please you as I should. As I can." His strong chest molded to her back, and Imhotep did not wait for her to give him permission, trailing his hand around her side to her stomach, caressing the silk as he moved up to her chest. He felt so good against her in the chill of the room. Her breath hit the air as the heat of his mouth closed over her shoulder blade.
It sounded so easy and so freeing. Just let go. Accept it. Let go of the hope inside, for that was what was killing her. It sounded terrible to give up on hope, but she had been holding herself so tense for so long that she just didn't think she could make it anymore. Imhotep completed the circle around her, coming back to her view with half-lidded, wanting eyes that were pleasant to look on. He cupped her cheeks and brought his lips to hers, whispering with his kiss, "One night, Nefertiri. And if you bid it, I will never touch you again."
Imhotep dropped his hands to her hips, caressing slowly, teasing her body to want and the sensations it produced surprised her. Her rising desire was just a physical reaction, but it gave her guilt. He was a demon. He should be hurting her and nothing else. But after all the pain, why shouldn't she enjoy his gentleness? For peace she could do this. For peace.
His mouth opened hers and Evy closed her eyes, becoming one with his warmth as he wrapped her into him. She found herself trembling inside, just as he had said, but now it was more than just cares and worries. It was fear of letting all those horrid things go. Fear of what would happen if it were suddenly quiet inside. But she wanted so badly just to rest. This didn't have to be the hardest thing she had ever done. One day it would come on his terms if not hers. All she had to do was take one step away from the light and it would become easier. Then she could rest.
So she took that step and urged him to follow her, then curled her fingers around his shirt when they reached their destination. Evy pulled him down onto the bed with her, willing herself to give in to the pleasure and finding herself both frightened and interested when Imhotep brushed her gown up her leg and laid his strong body down onto hers with a kiss. Instead of hurt and pent up energy crashing through her system as she had expected, there was only sudden emptiness. But she was right. It was easier now.
~~~~~~~
The gift of insight was fueling his fire to end the evil reign of Imhotep, for driving upon open sands in pursuit of the king's expansive palace he had known first that Evelyn was alive and safe, wherever she was—hopefully far from Necromancer's reach. And also he had been gifted the knowledge of her marriage. But it was nothing. It meant nothing. It was invalid as far as he was concerned. She had been sold away into a marriage she did not want, a ceremony performed before gods that were not hers.
Hood and robe drawn, the shade of Ardeth Bay stalked through the night, car abandoned, bent on one goal. The sky was a deep and stormy teal, and the wind whipped through the hood, caressing his set expression. The priest's days were numbered. His reign would end in blood.
Chilly and alone, Ardeth kept his mind calm and free of the anger that whipped against the shores of his thoughts. He was angry inside for her and tempted to let his vengeance drive him, but that emotion bred rashness and rash actions bred mistakes. This he had learned quite well over his return. Now was the time to think: to act, but to do it with wisdom. With Necromancer gone claiming her blood and Imhotep's advances, Evelyn needed him now more than ever. He had to find her. Someone at the palace would know. Someone would have the knowledge of where Imhotep had taken Evy or Ardeth would have blood.
He was clad in the robes of Osiris and hopefully that would buy his way through the palace—if only for a short time. Gathering the soft material in his hand, Ardeth passed the cold suspicious glare of several jackals as he dared the steps openly. Imhotep would have no clue where he was and what his intent was. He was learning how to conceal his mind from the other and with time hoped to drown out the dark thoughts of his unwanted guest.
The doors were parted for such a prestigious visitor and Ardeth grunted at the arrogance of the priest's servants to assume no one would come in the guise of a priest of Osiris, that truly any so dressed should be what they portrayed. It was foolish and helpful. They let him enter without more than a glance as he passed his hand before his face in the correct symbol of blessings. It occurred to him as he walked in that he had never been through the main entrance to this place. The first time he had been spirited through a back way and taken immediately to the dungeon where he met Sajul.
Ardeth folded his hands together in long, black sleeves and kept his eyes averted to the floor for fear he may be recognized. A very ornate door was down the long opening hallway and he knew that was his first destination. His footsteps led him to the throne room quickly and there he stopped beside two guards. "I have come to see the king," he told them in a slightly thicker accent than he was accustomed to using. "May I have entry?"
The guard to his left replied curtly, "The king has gone. You will have to speak with Nashean." Apparently as revered as priests of Osiris were, Imhotep and his followers did not have the love of their servants.
The Med-Jai bowed his head in thanks and dared another question. "Where may I find him?"
"He is in his personal chambers," was the answer and no more was given. He was expected to know where the caretaker was and for now that was what he would have to feign.
Ardeth again bowed his head and left them swiftly, heading down the first hall he came to. Would so official a person be found on the third floor as Imhotep and Evelyn would have been? He chanced lifting his head enough to see the path before him. Perhaps if he stopped someone less knowledgeable about the business of Imhotep they would answer without considering why he should not be asking.
As it was, for a long span the only people to be found wandering at this hour were guards and jackals, neither of whom he felt would be wise to disturb. In frustration he decided to chance the upstairs, but by chance a familiar voice stopped him. It was soft and sweet and coaxing, speaking in low, breathy tones that made Ardeth's brow furrow. He followed the sound to an unassuming door down a dim hallway.
Grasping the handle and turning revealed two forms against one another, one dressed in black and the other in a soft brown dress that was coming down a tanned shoulder. Ardeth shook his head and smiled at the two shocked expressions. "You really are asking for death, you know," he commented to the male, who now glared angrily.
"You!" he hissed, peeking out of the closet and frowning. "You hit me with the pan!"
The boy's judgment was obviously clouded; either that or he was really as arrogant as he seemed. But his lover Asimah? She noticed the clothing Ardeth now wore and her eyes widened. "I need your help," he said, looking to her and playing off the natural fear of priests these people had.
The young man went back to kissing his girlfriend on the jaw, muttering between, "And why should I help you?"
Asimah kneed her boyfriend in the thigh, hissing, "Because he is a priest, you fool! At least I think he's a priest…" Ardeth nodded. Her boyfriend groaned, but stopped his advances and looked up with slightly worried eyes. "We are sorry, Priest. How may we be of service?"
"All I need is to know where Nashean's private chambers are." He prayed fervently she would find nothing strange about that request.
Her brow creased, but she made no comment of his question. Asimah came into the hall and pointed to her left. "There is a stairwell that way on the right. Take it to the second floor. Once you get there, go straight two halls and turn right on the second. His room will be at the end on the left."
Nodding, Ardeth repeated softly, "Left, right, straight…"
"…right, right," the other man breathed to himself and Ardeth frowned. "I could swear his room was on the right side."
Asimah rolled her eyes and shook her head, muttering, "Quiet. Left, right, straight, right, left."
Before the confusion got any worse, he decided to chance the girl's advice over the man's. The Med-Jai nodded his understanding and began down the left hall, which was actually to his right. "Right," he said, turning away and picking up his pace. He had to grin when the young girl called after him, "Left!"
Ardeth followed her directions just as she had given them, finding a door decorated no better than any of the others he had seen. This Nashean seemed to value practicality over pride—a trait he considered worthy in formidable foes. He would have to take great care in making sure this man was secure before leaving. The Med-Jai raised his hand to knock, but at the last second his attention was snared and he stiffened. His bond with Imhotep quickly changed from the cold discussion of business to something wholly more evil.
He could sense Imhotep's want of Evelyn heighten and that froze Ardeth to the spot in which he stood. So gentle an intention would have been his, but the priest was displaying it for his new queen. Imhotep could feel Ardeth watching him and was irritated by that fact at first, but decided in pride to allow the Med-Jai audience for what he was hoping would take place. He wanted his watcher to understand that one day Evelyn would forget him and move on. He wanted Ardeth to do the same for the sake of peace. Or for the sake of ease, more accurately.
Pulling away from the door momentarily, Ardeth leaned against the window at the end of the hall and found himself unable to tear himself away from what was happening miles away. Be strong, Evelyn. See him for what he is, he thought, wishing the bond was between he and her instead. But it wasn't and he could not convey his concerns. Evy was on her own in her choices.
Her choices allowed Imhotep close enough to touch, for he could feel an appreciation for softness within the mind of the king. Such a thing made his heart ache, but more than any betrayal, Ardeth felt despair at her giving up. Mild surprise willed through Imhotep as if a prize was just handed into his care—a prize he meant to claim and take pride in. Imhotep forgot his audience and fell into the possibility lying before him. There was no mistake in what was happening. Nothing short of certainty would so heighten any man's desire.
Taking his back from the chill pane of glass behind him, Ardeth turned and gazed out at the night, his dirty hands tracing the dark, slick stones below. His black eyes looked to the sky for the white watcher, so fair and hopeful, but the king's gray cloud would keep it away forever. A veil likened to that was now pulled over Ardeth's heart as he felt Imhotep's pleasure growing. The Med-Jai's fists tightened with each flicker of enjoyment. He had to reach her. He had to rescue her from this life she was allowing herself to sink into. Had she truly lost all hope? Ardeth closed his eyes and willed his mind to close, blocking out the emotions and the prying. He could not allow this to shake him in his purpose. She would not suffer this for long.
The Med-Jai turned back to the door and took hold of a pale silver knocker, hit it once upon the metal before him and waited. It took less than a moment for the call to be answered and when the door opened his eyes fell upon someone familiar. This man who had followed him to the threshold of the dungeon and knocked him out, but not without whispering a secret into his ear, an assurance that hope wasn't lost. Was this man a friend?
Likewise Ardeth was recognized and after a small hesitation, Nashean drew him into the room with startled eyes. "Wandering around the palace alone," he muttered, locking the great silver door. "Where on earth did you get that robe?"
Ardeth drew his hood down and folded his arms tensely. "Imhotep," he said with renewed distaste, "gave it to me as a gift."
The other man went to a small drink cart and poured himself a little something, then offered his guest of the same bottle. Ardeth declined and Nashean drank deeply, then looked his guest over. "The king's wit seems to have dulled."
Bay nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps. Perhaps not."
"Indeed," the caretaker agreed, pouring another. "One can never tell with Imhotep. He is a snake whose pride clouds his judgment. Sometimes. What can I do for you, Imhotep's Fear?"
The Med-Jai watched Nashean begin to pace before him with ever watching eyes and a neutral expression. This man spoke to the point and right now Ardeth valued that, and so would mirror it. "Transportation to wherever Imhotep is. Or at least directions. Supplies, perhaps."
The tanned man nodded, tugging at a white cuff and biting his cheek. He stopped his pacing and offered a smile finally. "These things I can do. You seem to have fooled my guards with your disguise, so my open friendship will only quell any doubts. But we must be quick. I don't want you hanging around long." He began for the door, motioning Ardeth to join.
The Med-Jai narrowed his brow slightly and grasped the man's forearm, feeling caution well up in him. Surely it would not be this easy. He had expected a fight, but this man offered everything he needed freely. The world did not work this way. "You betray your king?" he asked, his dark eyes glinting to and fro between each of Nashean's. "Who are you?"
Nashean's smile broadened as he opened the silver exit. At the end of this walk could lay either a trap or the help he so desperately needed. "I like to think of myself as a friend of the people. You will have to know the spells to get through the great barrier."
They entered the hall and Ardeth pulled his hood back up, taking comfort in false security. Imhotep's bond did provide advantages, small and helpful. "I already know the spells," he replied, following closely and darting an uneasy glance down a dim hall. Perhaps he was too accustomed to being betrayed, but this felt too easy. He would have to proceed with caution and in this case, brute force if it came down to it.
~~~~~~~
Disclaimer: No infringement intended. Ahamad, Nashean, Mayadeh, Sajul/Necromancer, Arya, Layla, Sania and Reyhanen (and a few less significant originals) belong to me.
A/N: Hey, like the chapter name says, trust me. :-O Hey…Ardeth's on the way to save the day, eh? :-D
To Reviewers:
Aenigmatic – Thanks for the email! I know it's very angsty…I hope you can continue, but I'd understand if it was too much. I'm glad you gave it and Who We Once Were a try though! :-D
Zarah – Thanks for saying so! :-) I love the Ardeth/Evy pairing and wish more people would give it a try! :-O *sniff* There are plenty of author friends I'd love to see their take on the possibilities, but alas. We are a small population, us Ardeth/Evy fans. Great A/E action can be found here at this wonderful story being written: storyid=1275345 and though this is a Rick/Evy story, there is some A/E subtext in it, which I'm grateful for…I cheer her on whenever I have a mind so she'll add to this story: storyid=472007 I had to paste them like that because ff.net won't even let you put the text of a link. How silly, no offense to management, but crikey. :-/ I guess just paste those up after the ? in the ff.net story linkie thing. :-D
Anyway, thanks! I'm not really sure where other A/E can be found…there were some I recall here at ff.net, but I can't readily recall the names. One by Elbee I believe.
Elizabeth – Hehe! :-O Well, I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do about that particular storyline. ;-) You never know though…Neccy could be referring to when she dies as an old lady, cause he's just a jerk. I'm not even sure myself. :-D Thanks for the review!
Lula – Never too late to bail. ;-) And yes, Immy is extremely handsome. *swoon* I wouldn't mind being married to him. ;-D BUT of course I would be the ruler and he the slave. ;-) Yes, Neccy's full of obscene messages, no? Even if I killed Evy at some point I just don't think I could reduce her to a boiled spot of blood with arms and legs. ;-) That would be so darn cruel to do to Ardeth. By Joe I think I'll do it! ;-) Lol. No, not really. That's just too far I think for my blood. Anyway, thanks for the review my friend! I'm glad you liked!
Mommints – Thanks for taking the time to review at work! :-D I'm glad you're enjoying…yes, poor Evy's in some danger. Muahaha. Must pass it around. ;-) Can't let Ardeth have all the fun. Thanks muchly again!
Marxbros – Hehe…well, I'm glad it surprised you…I like to keep everyone guessing with him, you just never know what Neccy's gonna do. :-D So it's nice he's not predictable. :-D As for Celestine, yes, I'll explain a little more about her as time passes. Her powers come from the priests that Ardeth just left, however…they're conduits giving power not just to Immy, but his living priests as well, including Celly. She'll have some more background info next chapter. Thanks! Glad to have read Hereafter! Now must wait for 33! :-O Nooooo! ;-) Nice clilffhanger.
Dead-Girls-Watch – Heeey! Celly's a jerk…that's definitely true. ;-) Thanks for the review! How's Unfortunate going?
Marcher – Thanks! I'll take some of that R&R WITH Ardeth. ;-) *entertain's suntan oiling his body* God gawd, where is the Matrix? Anyway, I wanted to apologize for the wording I used in the last review I left for Captain. I reread it and felt kinda bad. I didn't mean I hated Furby character like…as in you did bad or like I hated that you wrote him. I just meant he was bein' a jerk. But anyway, I know you prolly knew I meant that, but I just wanted to say that anyway, cause I worded that kinda harshly in the heat of the moment and felt like a jerkface afterwards. So publicly I admit what a dork I can be, as if you people didn't already know. ;-) Thanks for the review, my friend. Don't know what will ultimately happen to Evy, but I'm tossing around some ideas. :-D
Jessie C – Thanks! And congrats on a fine end to Terror. :-D Good job!
Deana – Thanks, my friend! :-D Yes, I did get a little gross, huh? All the better to make Necromancer appear darker than before. Muahaha! :-D I hope tonight you'll give me a taste of that new Mummy fic you've been working on. ;-D *hint hint*