~*Author's Note: I don't own AIDA, I'm just writing this solely for entertainment. For me and for you. I know this chapter isn't long, I'm just getting a feel for my new writing style. And I'm setting up the scene for the next chapter. Enjoy!*~ Amneris pulled her hair back with a tie, letting it hang loosely over her shoulderblades. What was the point? Making herself beautiful for no one in particular. A long time ago, she had lost herself in fashion, hiding behind it to sheild herself from the pain that rested behind her light blue eyes. Now she had no one to admire her, no one to love her. She felt her heartbreaking all over again. That aggrivating feeling of pain that lingered in the depths of her heart. The Princess knew that she would never fully get over Radames. He was her first love. Everytime she closed her eyes at night, she would see his figure. The way his blonde hair would stick up profusely, even if he tried to smooth it over, the way his blue eyes would shine brightly when a smile touched over his mouth. Slowly, she stepped out of her room, heading outside. She needed to get a breath of fresh air. To feel it filling up her lungs that felt crushed under the heavy weight she held on her chest. As soon as her foot touched the sand outside, she felt her pain lift up. This was her home. She had to protect it, forget about the past. Focus on the present, and the future. Forget about Radames, and Aida. Push them into the back of her mind. She could afford to show the weakness that was eating at her. God she hated this. Amneris couldn't help but feel like a faulire. There was no way that she could ever live up to her father's greatness. A figure approaching her from the side pulled her hastily out of her thoughts, she turned her head. Her eyes locked intantly to Menes. He was strolling towards her, blood red robes touching very lightly to the ground beneath sandled feet. Brown hair was almost bouncing against his forehead as he walked, his brow was furrowed just a bit. His's eyes showed an instensity that she hadn't seen in a while. "Princess Amneris," Menes said cooly, half-way bowing in front of her. He tilted his head up, and looked at her. "Yes Menes?" "I hope you are fairing well?" He asked quietly, his eyes showing concern. Noticing the torment that lingered behind her sullen face. Concern? Oh yes, he was quite an actor wasn't he? He had never felt conceern for anyone in his life. When his worthless father had been killed in a knife fight, he only felt relief. Nothing affected his heart. It was as black as his eyes. But Amneris was unaware of that fact for a moment, she turned her head again. Eyes locking onto the horizon. She was never as a free-spirit as her former love was. She felt content to just sit in her palace. Perhaps that's what was her downfall. A soft smile touched at the corners of her mouth. "I'll be fine Menes, is there a reason for your visit?" "Actually there is," he responded, standing by her side, "I was hoping for a walk around the grounds with you. Perhaps we can learn to deal with each other." He couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. It added to the affect. When she turned to look at him once again, he could see her searching him. Almost testing the sincerity of his comment. Amneris wasn't a fool. She knew a lie at it's worse. But as he had said, he was a wonderful actor. He knew how to make even the darkest of lies ring with truth. "I would like that," Amneris said softly.