Spirit of the Heart
By: Tiger LiLy
*******
Disclaimer: I own what I own.
*******
Chapter 7: A Friendly Game
(Continue Flashback)
Reira woke with the sound of knocking at the door of the chamber. The Pharaoh spoke the truth and not only had he sent one servant, but he sent three. One woman drew a bath for Reira while the other two made the bed and cleaned the room.
The woman who drew the bath, also helped Reira undress and bathe. Reira was very uncomfortable with such treatment but didn't say anything, unsure if that would be wise.
After the bath, the women helped her dress and pampered her so she would be presentable to address the Pharaoh. When that was all done, the three women escorted her to the throne room.
Reira followed the women into the huge room. It seemed much larger without all the people there. She liked it much better without all the people. The room did contain several guards as usual, and sitting on the throne was the Pharaoh as expected. He was talking to the same white haired man that she had met with the night before.
The three women bowed before the Pharaoh. He nodded and they stepped aside. Reira stood alone before the mighty Pharaoh of Egypt. What was going to happen now?
"Good morning." The Pharaoh spoke. "You slept well, I hope?"
Reira bowed. "Yes, my Pharaoh."
"Good. I would like to speak with you later in the day. Feel free to travel about wherever you wish."
Reira was puzzled but tried to hide it. Why did he still want her here? He must know she lied last night.
The Pharaoh called forth the three women. "Make sure she has something to eat." And with that the three women bowed and escorted Reira out of the throne room.
Bakura smiled to himself and turned to the Pharaoh. "Pharaoh, if I may say, I think the gods must be pleased with you, do you not agree?"
"I know what you're thinking, Bakura, and no. I merely wish to investigate the possibility of her participating in a duel."
"But my Pharaoh, she's a woman. Her mind is frail."
"Maybe not."
"Are you sure that this is your only interest in her? Her mind may be frail like a flower, but she also possesses the beauty of one."
"My intentions are true and nothing more."
"Yes, my Pharaoh." Bakura bowed and exited the throne room.
'It matters not to me whether or not she can duel or not.' Bakura thought as he walked down the hall. He looked out a window to see Reira outside. 'That girl makes the Pharaoh weak. She's just what I've been looking for. I can't let her leave.'
Bakura walked up to a guard. "Do not let that girl leave the palace grounds. The Pharaoh's orders."
The guard nodded and left to inform the others.
Bakura smiled to himself. 'Yes, she will be able to weaken the Pharaoh through his heart, and then I will be able to take from the Pharaoh the power of his Millennium Puzzle. And I shall become all powerful.'
*******
After Reira had eaten, she took up the Pharaoh's offer and made her way out of the palace. She was going to go home. She needed to see her sister and let her know she was all right. She also needed to know if Nikkou and her mother were well. Of course she would come back. She had to. The Pharaoh wanted to speak with her again later that day. She would be back before then.
But when Reira approached the gates, the guards there had blocked off her exit.
"Please let me pass." She spoke.
"We have orders from the Pharaoh that you may not leave the grounds." The head guard replied.
Reira was confused. Didn't he say she could go where she pleased? Maybe he meant wherever as long as she was within the palace. She really was a prisoner here.
She headed back inside the palace and decided to wander the halls while she worried over her family. They needed her; and she needed them.
Reira was so wrapped up in her thoughts, she didn't see the man approaching her and nearly ran into him. "Forgive me." She bowed nervously. When she looked up, she recognized the man to be the one she saw this morning with the Pharaoh and last night at the party.
"No, forgive me." He bowed, being very gentleman like. "Ah yes, you are the excellent dancer I was so fortunate to discover." He smiled.
Reira blushed with embarrassment and nodded.
"I'm glad I found you when I did. The Pharaoh has taken a real interest in you since then."
Reira looked up at him in wonder.
"Well, since last night's events, everyone has been talking about you. But it's no wonder why. The thought of a woman dueling is not something that happens everyday."
Reira said nothing.
"But then again, it's not everyday that the Pharaoh has a beautiful woman stay at the palace as his guest. Well, good day, Reira. I hope you'll enjoy your stay." He said before he left.
'Guest?' she thought.
*******
Reira managed to find her way back to her room. While there, she laid on her bed as her thoughts consumed her.
'What does he want with me? He must know I'm lying. He's trying to get me to confess and if I do, he'll have me sentenced to death. I can't- My family needs me! Nikkou- I can't leave her. Oh gods! I'm so scared! I'm so confused! I want to go home!' Reira squeezed her eyes shut, trying to hold back her tears.
Just then, there was a knock at her door and the three women entered like before. They informed her that the Pharaoh wished to see her. Reira followed them back into the throne room.
The Pharaoh acknowledged her presence as he stood up from his throne and approached her. "I hope you found everything well."
"Yes, my Pharaoh." She bowed.
"Please, come."
Reira followed him to one of the many rooms. She heard a loud sound behind her and spun around to see the guards had clothed the doors.
"Please sit." He smiled as he gestured to a seat across a small table from him.
Reira swallowed the lump in her throat and did as she was told. She was alone with the mighty Pharaoh of Egypt once more.
"Do you like games?"
Reira blinked at the sudden question.
The Pharaoh just smiled and continued on as if she had responded. "I like games. Especially games that take strategic thinking. I'm afraid I don't like running from a challenge."
Reira nodded.
He looked at her for a moment. "I usually come to this room at this time if I can and play a game or two with someone. Would you care to be my opponent today?"
"I- If my Pharaoh wishes it so." She replied.
"Here, let's see if you know this one." He grabbed a block of stone that had little dips carved into it. In each hole were five stones. "The object is to get the most stones into your section here." He pointed to a larger hole. "You grab the stones and drop one into each hole as you go around to the right until you use all your stones."
(A/N: They're playing the game Mancalla. I like playing it. I don't want to go into details about how to play so if you don't know anything about Mancalla, go find out about it.)
The Pharaoh proceeded to explain the game to Reira. "Now then, why don't you start." He offered. Reira stared at the board for a moment before she picked up four stones in one and dropped them into their places. He looked at her after she finished. "Now, I think I should tell you, I believe in fair play. I want your best game."
Reira choked. She only made ONE move in the game and he could tell she was throwing the game! She could have made a better move in the game but had chosen a poor start.
'She knows more then she pretends to.' The Pharaoh thought. "I am not a sore loser. I expect you to play your best."
"Yes, my Pharaoh." Reira responded.
*******
"Shall we play again?" The Pharaoh asked. They had already played six games and he won each one.
Reira grew angry inside. 'He's taunting me!' she thought. 'He just want to keep playing to win just to get at me! How dare he!'
"Yes, my Pharaoh." She replied.
This intrigued the Pharaoh. He was expecting something more along the lines of 'If my Pharaoh wishes'.
'It would seem she is starting to come out of her shell.' He thought.
Reira's moves became better; more thought out. The Pharaoh seemed to be slipping in game. Then the unmentionable happened. She won.
She stared down in silent shock of what she had just done. Would he be angry with her? How could she have aloud herself to do that?! She was not just below the Pharaoh, she was also a woman! Her heart raced as she thought all of this.
"Very good! I see you are finally getting the hang of it!" The Pharaoh smiled at Reira.
Reira was shocked and confused but kept silent.
"I'm afraid I must go attend to business. Please feel free to go about wherever you please." He said as he got up and left the room.
She blinked at the door he just exited through. She then turned back to the game they had played and she stared at it for some time. She suddenly realized something.
"He threw the game. He let me win."
*******
Reira was greatly troubled by the Pharaoh's behavior. She didn't understand. She wanted to confront him but was scared to. What if she was wrong?
That evening, she went to the throne room to confront the Pharaoh. The guards stopped her from entering because she didn't have permission. The Pharaoh saw she had come and let her pass. He sent the guards away so to speak privately with Reira.
"What brings you?" he asked.
Reira swallowed the lump in her throat and bowed before him. "My Pharaoh, I- I wish to ask you something."
"Go on." He said giving her permission.
"My Pharaoh, I am not familiar with the game we played this afternoon and I don't believe that I could have possibly won to someone as skilled at the game as you are."
"Are you asking if I threw the game?"
Reira choked and slightly nodded her head.
"I didn't think you would notice."
"My Pharaoh?" she asked in surprise.
"Yes, I let you win. Do forgive me but I wanted you to see that it was alright."
"What is alright?"
"For the Pharaoh to lose a friendly game once in awhile!" he laughed.
"Yes, my Pharaoh." She bowed before leaving.
"Reira?"
She turned to him.
"We shall play again tomorrow and this time, we will both play our best."
"Yes, my Pharaoh."
When Reira got back to her room, she sat quietly on her bed and thought. 'Maybe the Pharaoh is much kinder then I perceive him to be.'
*******
Sorry for the long update! I had trouble with this chapter! I hope it's ok! Please review!
Tiger LiLy =^..^=
By: Tiger LiLy
*******
Disclaimer: I own what I own.
*******
Chapter 7: A Friendly Game
(Continue Flashback)
Reira woke with the sound of knocking at the door of the chamber. The Pharaoh spoke the truth and not only had he sent one servant, but he sent three. One woman drew a bath for Reira while the other two made the bed and cleaned the room.
The woman who drew the bath, also helped Reira undress and bathe. Reira was very uncomfortable with such treatment but didn't say anything, unsure if that would be wise.
After the bath, the women helped her dress and pampered her so she would be presentable to address the Pharaoh. When that was all done, the three women escorted her to the throne room.
Reira followed the women into the huge room. It seemed much larger without all the people there. She liked it much better without all the people. The room did contain several guards as usual, and sitting on the throne was the Pharaoh as expected. He was talking to the same white haired man that she had met with the night before.
The three women bowed before the Pharaoh. He nodded and they stepped aside. Reira stood alone before the mighty Pharaoh of Egypt. What was going to happen now?
"Good morning." The Pharaoh spoke. "You slept well, I hope?"
Reira bowed. "Yes, my Pharaoh."
"Good. I would like to speak with you later in the day. Feel free to travel about wherever you wish."
Reira was puzzled but tried to hide it. Why did he still want her here? He must know she lied last night.
The Pharaoh called forth the three women. "Make sure she has something to eat." And with that the three women bowed and escorted Reira out of the throne room.
Bakura smiled to himself and turned to the Pharaoh. "Pharaoh, if I may say, I think the gods must be pleased with you, do you not agree?"
"I know what you're thinking, Bakura, and no. I merely wish to investigate the possibility of her participating in a duel."
"But my Pharaoh, she's a woman. Her mind is frail."
"Maybe not."
"Are you sure that this is your only interest in her? Her mind may be frail like a flower, but she also possesses the beauty of one."
"My intentions are true and nothing more."
"Yes, my Pharaoh." Bakura bowed and exited the throne room.
'It matters not to me whether or not she can duel or not.' Bakura thought as he walked down the hall. He looked out a window to see Reira outside. 'That girl makes the Pharaoh weak. She's just what I've been looking for. I can't let her leave.'
Bakura walked up to a guard. "Do not let that girl leave the palace grounds. The Pharaoh's orders."
The guard nodded and left to inform the others.
Bakura smiled to himself. 'Yes, she will be able to weaken the Pharaoh through his heart, and then I will be able to take from the Pharaoh the power of his Millennium Puzzle. And I shall become all powerful.'
*******
After Reira had eaten, she took up the Pharaoh's offer and made her way out of the palace. She was going to go home. She needed to see her sister and let her know she was all right. She also needed to know if Nikkou and her mother were well. Of course she would come back. She had to. The Pharaoh wanted to speak with her again later that day. She would be back before then.
But when Reira approached the gates, the guards there had blocked off her exit.
"Please let me pass." She spoke.
"We have orders from the Pharaoh that you may not leave the grounds." The head guard replied.
Reira was confused. Didn't he say she could go where she pleased? Maybe he meant wherever as long as she was within the palace. She really was a prisoner here.
She headed back inside the palace and decided to wander the halls while she worried over her family. They needed her; and she needed them.
Reira was so wrapped up in her thoughts, she didn't see the man approaching her and nearly ran into him. "Forgive me." She bowed nervously. When she looked up, she recognized the man to be the one she saw this morning with the Pharaoh and last night at the party.
"No, forgive me." He bowed, being very gentleman like. "Ah yes, you are the excellent dancer I was so fortunate to discover." He smiled.
Reira blushed with embarrassment and nodded.
"I'm glad I found you when I did. The Pharaoh has taken a real interest in you since then."
Reira looked up at him in wonder.
"Well, since last night's events, everyone has been talking about you. But it's no wonder why. The thought of a woman dueling is not something that happens everyday."
Reira said nothing.
"But then again, it's not everyday that the Pharaoh has a beautiful woman stay at the palace as his guest. Well, good day, Reira. I hope you'll enjoy your stay." He said before he left.
'Guest?' she thought.
*******
Reira managed to find her way back to her room. While there, she laid on her bed as her thoughts consumed her.
'What does he want with me? He must know I'm lying. He's trying to get me to confess and if I do, he'll have me sentenced to death. I can't- My family needs me! Nikkou- I can't leave her. Oh gods! I'm so scared! I'm so confused! I want to go home!' Reira squeezed her eyes shut, trying to hold back her tears.
Just then, there was a knock at her door and the three women entered like before. They informed her that the Pharaoh wished to see her. Reira followed them back into the throne room.
The Pharaoh acknowledged her presence as he stood up from his throne and approached her. "I hope you found everything well."
"Yes, my Pharaoh." She bowed.
"Please, come."
Reira followed him to one of the many rooms. She heard a loud sound behind her and spun around to see the guards had clothed the doors.
"Please sit." He smiled as he gestured to a seat across a small table from him.
Reira swallowed the lump in her throat and did as she was told. She was alone with the mighty Pharaoh of Egypt once more.
"Do you like games?"
Reira blinked at the sudden question.
The Pharaoh just smiled and continued on as if she had responded. "I like games. Especially games that take strategic thinking. I'm afraid I don't like running from a challenge."
Reira nodded.
He looked at her for a moment. "I usually come to this room at this time if I can and play a game or two with someone. Would you care to be my opponent today?"
"I- If my Pharaoh wishes it so." She replied.
"Here, let's see if you know this one." He grabbed a block of stone that had little dips carved into it. In each hole were five stones. "The object is to get the most stones into your section here." He pointed to a larger hole. "You grab the stones and drop one into each hole as you go around to the right until you use all your stones."
(A/N: They're playing the game Mancalla. I like playing it. I don't want to go into details about how to play so if you don't know anything about Mancalla, go find out about it.)
The Pharaoh proceeded to explain the game to Reira. "Now then, why don't you start." He offered. Reira stared at the board for a moment before she picked up four stones in one and dropped them into their places. He looked at her after she finished. "Now, I think I should tell you, I believe in fair play. I want your best game."
Reira choked. She only made ONE move in the game and he could tell she was throwing the game! She could have made a better move in the game but had chosen a poor start.
'She knows more then she pretends to.' The Pharaoh thought. "I am not a sore loser. I expect you to play your best."
"Yes, my Pharaoh." Reira responded.
*******
"Shall we play again?" The Pharaoh asked. They had already played six games and he won each one.
Reira grew angry inside. 'He's taunting me!' she thought. 'He just want to keep playing to win just to get at me! How dare he!'
"Yes, my Pharaoh." She replied.
This intrigued the Pharaoh. He was expecting something more along the lines of 'If my Pharaoh wishes'.
'It would seem she is starting to come out of her shell.' He thought.
Reira's moves became better; more thought out. The Pharaoh seemed to be slipping in game. Then the unmentionable happened. She won.
She stared down in silent shock of what she had just done. Would he be angry with her? How could she have aloud herself to do that?! She was not just below the Pharaoh, she was also a woman! Her heart raced as she thought all of this.
"Very good! I see you are finally getting the hang of it!" The Pharaoh smiled at Reira.
Reira was shocked and confused but kept silent.
"I'm afraid I must go attend to business. Please feel free to go about wherever you please." He said as he got up and left the room.
She blinked at the door he just exited through. She then turned back to the game they had played and she stared at it for some time. She suddenly realized something.
"He threw the game. He let me win."
*******
Reira was greatly troubled by the Pharaoh's behavior. She didn't understand. She wanted to confront him but was scared to. What if she was wrong?
That evening, she went to the throne room to confront the Pharaoh. The guards stopped her from entering because she didn't have permission. The Pharaoh saw she had come and let her pass. He sent the guards away so to speak privately with Reira.
"What brings you?" he asked.
Reira swallowed the lump in her throat and bowed before him. "My Pharaoh, I- I wish to ask you something."
"Go on." He said giving her permission.
"My Pharaoh, I am not familiar with the game we played this afternoon and I don't believe that I could have possibly won to someone as skilled at the game as you are."
"Are you asking if I threw the game?"
Reira choked and slightly nodded her head.
"I didn't think you would notice."
"My Pharaoh?" she asked in surprise.
"Yes, I let you win. Do forgive me but I wanted you to see that it was alright."
"What is alright?"
"For the Pharaoh to lose a friendly game once in awhile!" he laughed.
"Yes, my Pharaoh." She bowed before leaving.
"Reira?"
She turned to him.
"We shall play again tomorrow and this time, we will both play our best."
"Yes, my Pharaoh."
When Reira got back to her room, she sat quietly on her bed and thought. 'Maybe the Pharaoh is much kinder then I perceive him to be.'
*******
Sorry for the long update! I had trouble with this chapter! I hope it's ok! Please review!
Tiger LiLy =^..^=