Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne.
"I told you, I am the queen's handmaiden! What's so hard to understand?" Isadora's cheeks were flushed with irritation. She was beginning to wish she had ordered her men to take her through the secret passages into the palace. Commander Schezar had not allowed her to budge for several hours, questioning her over and over about who she truly was. Her green eyes took on the look of a potion that contained a deadly poison as she hissed, "Queen Sitiah will not take kindly to my detainment."
Allen smiled politely, secretly indulging in the venomous flash in her eyes. Smoothly he replied, "Forgive me, my lady, but we must be ever cautious. You see Alexandria is not too fond of our presence here-"
"Right now I am not too fond of your presence here either!" Isadora cut in with a growl.
"And we are to be on our guard when it comes to all visitors. I mean it's bad enough we let the princess slip by unnoticed- not that having her here is a bad thing, my lady." He ignored her grandly, going on as though she'd never said a thing. He smiled at her impudently.
Gods! I'll throw this man to the mob myself! Isadora thought angrily.
She sighed closing her eyes a moment until she felt calm. She tried again in a more gracious tone, "Commander, my men and I have made a long journey to be here. Now, if you would allow a message to be sent to her Majesty, I'm sure she will be able to explain. And you will have to spend no more time worrying about us." Isadora gestured lightly to herself and the men behind her.
The man shook his head, "I'm sorry my lady, but as far as I know the princess is in audience with Strategos right now. I could not intrude." He went around the desk to stand in front of her. He smiled empathetically at her at her, "If you'll be patient I'll send one of my men to her once the two have…finished." His words caused some snickers from his officers who glanced at one another impishly.
Isadora frowned, "What are they laughing at, Commander?" Allen shot a glare at the cluster of men to his right, clearing his throat.
Looking back at the woman who sat before him, he feigned innocence, "I- am not sure, my lady. Some trifle of no importance I'm sure." Isadora's eyes narrowed and she slowly got to her feet facing him three steps away.
"You do know. What is it?" She nodded decisively. An odd feeling had crept in to her stomach. Whatever it was they were chuckling at, she knew she would not like.
"I don't think it's something appropriate for a lady-" The man began his hands clasping behind his back as he looked past her stubbornly.
"I can determine that for myself! Now what is it?" She snapped, tired of excuses. He was surprised by her tone and did not try to hide it. He blinked, his eyes resting on her again. He regarded her curiously his brow furrowing as he decided whether or not to tell her.
Finally he said, in an even tone, "Forgive me if this offends you my lady, but I believe they are laughing at the fact that Sitiah was seen in Strategos' chambers."
"What?" Isadora asked in confusion. She looked down at the carpet on the floor thinking of the last time she had spoken with her queen. Suddenly realization barreled into her mercilessly, and she gasped. One hand flew to her mouth, before she could stop herself. She swallowed, trying to pull herself together. The last thing she wanted was for the commander to think she needed to be comforted. She didn't want him or any of his men to think her ignorant, for it would reflect upon the queen she was sure. She looked back at Allen emotionlessly, her face a mask of nonchalance. "I see. Well you best tell your men not to imply things about Queen Sitiah, it is rather primitive." She commented, giving the men a cold glower. Immediately they began to look penitent.
"Again you must-" Allen bowed his head to apologize. He was interrupted by the sound of the door flying open and crashing against the wall. Isadora's heart gave a great leap as she turned abruptly to see the dark haired man in the doorway.
"Allen! There's been an attack on Strategos and the princess! Get your men together and go after the culprit, he was wearing robes like an Arab and he has a bow and arrows! Quickly, the east section outside the palace!" Van shouted over the sound of soldiers flying past the security office. Their boots echoed down the corridor as well as their shouts.
Allen's eyes took on a steely blue glint and he nodded sternly, "Right away, Lord prince. Let's go. Someone take the message to Gaddes." He strode to the door, all trace of casualness gone from his tall figure. The three guards in the corner trailed him without a word, looking as serious and determined as their commander.
"Where is Sitiah?" Isadora demanded her eyes wide with anxiety.
For the first time Van seemed to take notice of her, "Who are you?"
"My name is Isadora," She replied hurriedly rushing toward him, "I am the queen's handmaiden. Where is she?" Before she knew it she had taken a hold of his arms, her hands shaking tremulously.
To his surprise, as well as to hers he clasped her arms within his hands responding, "I know who you are. The princess told my servant to watch for you. You are the one she calls Prophetess, no?" He was gently leading her away from the door back towards the chair.
"Yes, but what of her majesty? Is she hurt-" Isadora pleaded allowing him to seat her in a chair. She watched as he quickly pulled up another placing it in front of her. He sat down leaning forward to watch her every move.
He shook his head, "She is fine. She's with my brother, he has kept her safe."
"Your brother?" Isadora cried finally recognizing who he was. My dreams! He is here!
Seeing the fear grow in her eyes he gently took her hands into his coaxing, "My brother is Strategos, he will let no harm come to her, I swear it." He was studying her intently, amazed by the emerald eyes, and the pale skin. She suddenly looked up at him feeling how heated his hands were in comparison to hers. A blush crept into her cheeks and she hastily pulled her hands away.
Bowing her head she murmured nervously, "Your-highness. It is an honor to- finally meet you-"
"But we have met before!" He insisted his eyes holding hers. His voice startled her as much as his words. She was speechless staring at him as though he'd spoken a foreign language.
"I-I don't-" She stuttered in shock. He sighed, frowning at himself in frustration.
He said quietly, "I'm sorry- I didn't mean to- scare you." Sympathy shimmered suddenly in her eyes as she looked at the black hair falling into his face. He shook his head slowly muttering softly to himself. He looked back up at her, his face calm. "I'm sorry about the commander, he did not know about you… You received a poor welcome, forgive me. We were all surprised at the arrival of the princess, so… If you'd like I can escort you into the palace." He said. The guards behind her paid close attention to him, but said nothing as they exchanged glances.
Isadora, too worried to protest sighed, "Thank you, your highness." She took his hand as he offered it politely. The prince helped her stand and led her to the door.
Miles' eyes narrowed as he stalked behind them, just in range of hearing. His companion, another of Isadora's guard, aware of his duty, solemnly stared ahead keeping his eyes open for any danger.
As they made their way from the security wing toward the main hall Isadora wondered about her strange first encounter with the prince. What had he meant by 'we have met before'? She tried to keep the confusion that gnawed at her from her features. Behind the thin gauzy veil she pursed her lips as she stole a glance at the man beside her. He was as fine as he had appeared in her dreams. His manners had unsettled her a bit for she had seen the wild and stubborn gleam in his red-brown eyes. She knew that there was more to him than the princely airs he had covered his blunt words with. It was odd to her that she held his hand and felt at ease, though her mind was so fogged by the events that had transpired.
This feels natural. Holding his hand like this, as though I am his princess, passing through the halls of my own palace. I know he feels at ease in this too, but why? I am only a servant, a prophetess… But then, I saw him; I knew I would meet him one day. I did not think it would be this soon, but I knew. She shook herself mentally as she realized they had stopped. He had turned towards her waiting for her to respond and do the same. She finally turned to him.
"Is something wrong, your majesty?" She inquired.
"Yes. I don't know your name," He said seriously with a frown.
"Isadora, your majesty," She replied slowly.
The prince shook his head as though refusing her words. "Your real name." He demanded. Isadora took to biting her lip as her brows drew together in befuddlement. Before she could get her head straight he pressed, "Your name, Prophetess."
Her crisp green eyes flashed with a heat that swept through her. What did he want from her? Then her mouth opened in awe as she searched his face. How does he know?
She swallowed, and then questioned quietly, "You have visions?"
"No, I hear words. Little whispers that tell me true things." He replied mildly, his eyes never leaving her face. Again he urged her, "Tell me your name, Prophetess. The name you were born with."
Her breath caught in her throat, tears glossing her eyes and she whispered, "Hitomi. My name-was-is…Hitomi." An old ache began to throb in her again. She wanted to run from him suddenly, to hide from his seeking gaze. A sigh escaped her, one full of hurt. She shook her head slowly, no longer able to meet his eyes. She stared at the shine on the floor; it gave her a glimpse of her own reflection. She saw the white glittering veil hiding all but her eyes. Still she could see the pink lips and pale nose through the thin material. She watched as the gown ruffled lightly as a breeze wound its way through the hall. But the stillness that had fallen over her spun away as a vision gripped her in panic. It was over as soon as it had come, leaving her with jangled nerves and a headache that whirled black.
The singing was soft, pleasant sounding as it dipped and flowed. She could hear the words, but could make no sense of them. The language she recognized immediately as Egyptian, but her head hurt too much to translate. Still she was soothed by the gentle voice, its low tone caressing each note. She forced herself to open her eyes. Her vision was blurred for a moment, but slowly focused. She could see the colors of the peacock fan as it rose and fell. She breathed in the fresh air it offered and moved her head slightly, turning away from the figure holding the fan. The pain was numbing, slipping away with every second. She sat up, placing her hands behind her to prop herself up. She looked around the familiar arrangement of her large room. Finally her eyes rested on the queen still singing as she brushed her long hair. Her hair was truly black, almost a dark blue, as it shone in the sunlight streaming in from the balcony to the left of where she sat. She began to hum the tune with a smile her eyes turning to her Prophetess.
"My lady-" Isadora hurriedly tried to question about the queen's health.
The queen silenced her with one finger to her lips, "Be quiet, dearest. It is morning, and you have slept well." Isadora nodded closing her mouth, waiting as Sitiah set the brush on the bench she sat on, stood, and crossed the floor to stand by the bed. The queen smiled down at her and sat down next to her. "Leave us." She murmured to the women who worked about the room. They bowed to her and left without a word.
When the door closed behind them Isadora asked quietly, "What has happened, my lady?" She stared at Sitiah as the woman looked away from her silently. Patiently she waited for the queen to speak her mind.
"The man who tried to kill me has disappeared. Strategos' soldiers have given up at his orders. It'd be too difficult to find a man with such a vague description. Alexandria has swallowed him up, and shall keep his secrets." She said staring at the space near the door.
"Majesty," Isadora began hesitantly, "I…have…had another vision." She finished hurriedly studying her mistress for a reaction.
Sitiah only nodded, "Yes. You passed out. The prince picked you up and put you in his own bed, before a messenger came to me. The prince even carried you to your room at my request." Her voice was distant, unemotional almost. Isadora blinked several times as she sucked in her breath sharply.
"Gods! Majesty! The prince himself brought me here? And-and- I was in his bed?" Isadora seemed horrified. How could- But why when I- Gods! I have completely made a fool of myself! And in front of the prince, no less! She was shaken by the thoughts, flushing red with embarrassment.
"Shh, Isa! Do not become so frantic!" Sitiah scolded her with a frown. She looked at the girl who swallowed hard, but managed to compose herself. "You can thank him later," She said looking away again, "Now tell me of the vision." Isadora nodded meekly with a little sigh.
"It was all in symbols. I can't remember much, but I was gripped with this feeling of- hate- so much of it- I- saw Osiris and then Isis- They were both consumed in a fire- and then splattered with blood. There were voices-people calling out to them-but they stood-like-like statues and didn't answer. Men were shouting-in all different languages- Fanelian and Greek- E-Egyptian…But they just stood there-they didn't even try to flee from the fire-and sparks just kept flying at them from every direction-I-I wanted so badly to save them! I-was…" Isadora shook her head, her shaking hands slowly going to cover her face. Sitiah was staring at her with a mix of shock and pity. The woman leaned toward Isadora to capture her in a hug. The prophetess gave way to tears relaxing into her friend's comforting embrace. "It is the future." She whispered fervently against the woman's hair. Sitiah said nothing as she stroked the sandy hair that fell to the girl's back. Isadora was so accustomed to the queen's warmth that she squeezed tighter to her as more tears fell. After a while she sniffed pulling away gently. She wiped at her face as she apologized, "I'm sorry, Sitiah. It was- terrifying."
Smiling weakly Sitiah nodded pushing away the strands of hair from the girl's face. "Of course it was, darling, it's good that you cried." She watched as Isadora blinked away the last tears and took a steadying breath.
"Thank you." Isadora smiled. She looked down at the covers over her legs with a sad frown. "I don't want it-to come-to come true." She said, though her lips still trembled. Sitiah's hands suddenly fell from her servant's soft cheeks that glistening with trails the tears had left. She became frozen and aloof, no longer looking at Isadora. At that moment the door was knocked upon, and immediately pushed open.
"I'm sorry, your majesty, but this could not wait!" Miles panted falling to one knee at her feet, his head bowed. He looked up, his eyes shadowed by a dark cloud. He stared at the side of the queen's face, and said stonily, "Ptolemy has come." The queen shut her eyes tight at his words and took a deep breath. She let it out as her eyes came open slowly.
She said, "Thank you, Miles. Stand guard at the door of your lady, until I send for her." Miles gave a solemn nod and was off his knee in an instant, hurrying out the door, which closed behind him. Quickly Sitiah turned to Isadora, "Please, be ready to go to the audience hall with me when I get back." The prophetess opened her mouth to argue, but she silenced her with a pleading look. "I must go retrieve something from my chamber, hurry and ready yourself." She said urgently. On her feet she squeezed her friend's arm affectionately and flew off toward the passage that led to her own quarters.
"Ugh-" Isadora made to protest. She frowned, at a loss for words. Ptolemy is here, and yes, I know he's a threat her, but…She seemed as though she was anxious about something. She's unsure of doing something-I know it. I saw it in her eyes when she looked at me so…so worriedly. Oh, Isis, please don't let her do something to ruin her chances! Let her not make this drama more scandalous! Her eyes widened, and she tossed the covers aside and scrambled to her feet.
"What have you done, Sitiah?" She cried running to the chest where she had placed her gowns. What are you going to do?!
Strategos narrowed his eyes at the boy who tried bravely to hold his chin high, though he was nervous under the weighty stare. Ptolemy shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
He could see Pothinus out of the corner of his eye, his bulky figure looming over his right shoulder. He found himself not comforted by the knowledge of the regent supporting him silently. The boy saw the sweat trickling from the wig upon his advisors head. Pothinus was no more pleased to be under Strategos' scrutiny than he. He swallowed glancing at the frowning prince who stood with his arms folded over his chest. His eyes went back to rest on the emperor who was rising from his chair. Folken went towards the group, stopping a few feet from them. He inclined his head to the young boy, then stared at him with his mysterious eyes. Ptolemy gave a curt nod waiting for the man to speak.
After leaving the boy in suspense he smiled mildly, "Prince Ptolemy, what has kept you?"
Ptolemy hesitated for a long second before he could choke out, "I-I'm sorry?"
"I thought you would be in Alexandria, as you should have been. What took you to Pelusium?" Strategos asked casually wandering back to his chair.
"Oh," Ptolemy could no longer meet the man's gaze, "Yes. Pelusium. Well-my sister- Si-Sitiah has gathered an army and-wishes to fight me for rule of Egypt. But-she-hasn't made a move yet-we're waiting for- for her to move-"
"But I have moved, dear brother." Her voice carried like a warm wind into the chamber. Ptolemy and his retinue whipped around to stare at her, their jaws dropped. She glided past them in cloak of deep red velvet and went to stand before Strategos. She showed her respect to him with her normal grace. She smiled at him seeing the light trace of surprise on his features, it vanished. He looked at his general's cloak she had hidden her body beneath. As she walked around him to acknowledge his brother, he noticed her bare feet.
The cloak trailed her like a train on a gown as she went to the other side of the table and seated herself. She crossed her legs, one knee over the other, letting the slit in the cloak fall from her thighs. Half of her naked thighs were exposed and she smoothed the cloak casually over her lap. He watched as she stood leaning across the table with a smile only to pick up his cup of half finished wine. She was careful to cover her chest as she did so and sat back down sipping calmly from the cup of gold. Folken's attention went to the boy-king suddenly as a scream pierced the silence. His face scrunched in anger, Ptolemy balled his fists in front of his chest. He screeched again shaking his head violently.
"No, no, no, no!" He shouted, tears squeezing from the squinted eyes. "No! She's here! How-how-grrrrrrr!" He jumped up and down in a fury. "Why Sitiah? I am king! You ca-can't do this!" His voice broke until it was so high it hurt his throat. Tears streaming down his face he whirled around to punch the large belly of his advisor, "Poth-inus! She is here!" The portly man was abashed, standing dumbly as he watched his king throw such a fit. Finally, balling, and hiccupping, young Ptolemy, turned and ran from the room.
Frowning sternly Strategos ordered, "Bring him back. Send him to his room until he has calmed himself. The rest of you are dismissed. Sitiah, stay."
Sitiah said nothing, watching like a wide-eyed innocent as the men trudged out murmuring amongst themselves. She smiled wickedly at their retreating figures now arguing as the door closed. She quelled the feeling of triumph rising in her as Folken got to his feet. She hid her smile looking up at him lazily. He slowly wandered around the table his hands clasped behind his back as he fixed her with a solemn stare. She smugly raised her chin, ignoring him as he stopped in front of her. He bent resting his hands on the arms of the chair, leaning in towards her. She still sat quietly pretending not to see his face a few inches away from her right cheek that she'd turned to him.
"Do you know what you've done, Sitiah?" He asked coolly. She turned her head slowly meeting his eyes.
"Bought myself some time, Strategos." She answered directly without flinching. He stayed where he was, letting the shiver that ran down his spine at the sound of his name on her tongue lose its strength. With sudden courage she brought her lips a finger width from his. She whispered seductively, "I, am the Queen of Egypt."
He recognized the challenge within her eyes and returned just as quietly, "Yes, and your king has run from the palace in a fit." Her eyes narrowed and she slowly sat back resting against the chair.
"He is only a child." She said looking away from him.
"So he is, and your husband as well," Strategos stood looking down at her with a smirk.
"I had no choice. To be queen, I had to follow tradition." She snapped, annoyed by his taunting tone.
"Hmm," He hummed walking toward the end of the hall. He smiled teasingly, "And is it not tradition to share your husband's bed?"
Sitiah stood up abruptly turning swiftly, her black hair flying behind her, only to crash against her cheek. "He is a boy! I would never think of sharing his bed!" Her eyes had grown light again in her frustration.
"Ahh, but you must have an heir, how will you-" He cut off watching from the corner of his eye as she stormed toward him.
"Don't mock me!" She swung at him with her open hand, but he caught it twisting it so that she was forced to stand at his side. "Do not think you can hold me." She glared at him. He laughed swinging her towards him to take hold of her other wrist. Facing her, he saw the outrage in her eyes. The look amused him, and he felt suddenly free of all the weight he carried as emperor. The look in her eyes filled him with a joy that he couldn't explain. "Why do you laugh? How can you-" She cried, but could not finish as Strategos drew her closer kissing her lips with an intense passion.
Author's Note:
Sorry about the long chapter. I hope you enjoyed it though. So, we finally know who Isadora is… Though I'm sure most of you figured that mystery out, and you probably didn't even need Scooby-Doo to help ya! Is any one upset about recreating the classic so that the characters suck? Sorry, that really bugs me! The originals are being butchered, man! Whoops, sorry about that little spaz! Anyway, thanks so very much for reviewing!
Historical Note:
The tantrum that Ptolemy threw in the palace is supposedly true. Remember Ptolemy was only about eleven or twelve at the time. He is believed to have been in his father's will along with Cleopatra. But for either to have any power they had to marry.
Now, Cleopatra the VII was completely Macedonian, there was no Egyptian blood in her (though in my story she is half). But she was the first ruler to take such interest in her country as to learn its ancient language. She knew how to read and write in Egyptian, and Greek, and at least five other languages, as well as to speak them. She was a well-educated woman and is thought to have filled her tomb with scrolls about philosophy, the arts, and sciences, and works by her favorite authors. As a young girl she was taught about all aspects of ruling in Egypt. And was a good leader because of the lessons she learned.