Chapter 16 – Kidnapped, Again
Tia had not been particularly surprised to find Ardeth gone when she awoke, but she had been disappointed. Last night had been surprising, and Tia realized she was looking forward to making love with Ardeth again. She shrugged. She would be here for quite some time – years probably. No doubt they'd be spending quite a bit of that time in bed.
Tia walked to the horse enclosures. She noted the absence of two-year-old Flute Song and assumed that Ardeth was out riding her. "Good morning," said a voice behind her.
Tia turned to see Evie a few paces behind. "Good morning, Mrs. O'Connell," Tia replied.
Evie waved a hand dismissively. "Call me Evelyn or Evie." She came up to the pen Tia was standing near and reached over to stroke the muzzle of the horse inside. "That conversation last night must have been fairly traumatic for you," she said. "I'm sorry for that."
Tia shrugged. "I'm not sure there is a good way to learn that you've a past life as a doomed Egyptian princess."
Evie laughed. "Probably not." She bit her lip and studied the horse. "I'm concerned about you, Tia. Are you all right?"
"What do you mean?"
Evie flushed a bit. "I mean with Ardeth. He's a fine man and all, but.... you ARE his captive."
Tia sighed. "It was either that or kill me. Of the two I'd say kidnapping was kinder."
"That's not precisely what I mean."
"I suppose you mean that I've been sentenced to some sort of sexual servitude?" Tia twisted her lips.
Evie flushed even more. "Well, yes."
Tia was silent for a moment. "Since you told me last night that I once was Princess Tiye, the memories have been coming easier. I remember being forced into a man's bed – Imhotep's bed. I remember what it felt like to be with a man that cared nothing for me. I was only a bloodline to suit his ambition and an acceptably attractive body to slake his lust. Ardeth isn't like that. He's been very kind to me. He makes me feel beautiful."
"Tia, I know I only met you yesterday, but I feel like your sister." Evie smiled wryly, "Especially since we WERE sisters once. I feel responsible for you."
"Evie, that means a great deal to me. I could use a big sister. I haven't any family left since my parents died. "Tia smiled. "I don't think Ardeth will let me go, not now anyway. Does it make you feel better to know that it's not so bad? The people here have treated me very well. I've become very fond of Lady A'isha and Lord Asim."
"Well," Evie said. "Ardeth will have me to answer to if he hurts you in any way."
Tia smiled. "I'm sure he knows that." She indicated the bay mare and foal. "Do you want to give me a hand? I want to walk them down to the oasis, and it's much easier with two people."
"What do you want me to do?"
Tia handed her a lead rope. "Take the mare. I'll lead the foal."
The two women had quite a time leading the pair to the oasis. The mare walked sedately, but the foal tried to drag Tia in several different directions. Both Evie and Tia were shaking with laughter by the time the horses had reached the water. "Whew!" Evie sighed as Tia released the baby to play in the water next to his mother.
"Believe it or not, that was easier than yesterday," Tia said with a smile. "That foal is a handful."
"He won't run off will he?"
"Not far," Tia replied, sitting on the ground near a clump of underbrush. "His mother will call him back if he strays too far away."
The man crouching under cover in the bushes couldn't believe his luck. He'd been sent to discover the whereabouts of the American girl, and here she was, sitting not fifteen feet away. There was no mistaking it. She'd loosened her veil to talk to the other woman, and her face was clearly seen. Surely no one else in this part of the desert could have blond hair and golden eyes? Carefully he scanned the area. There was no one else in sight except for the English woman. An opportunity like this might never come along again. Slowly he pulled out his pistol and cocked it as silently as possible. Moving slowly and silently he eased his way through the brush, trying to get as close as possible before they noticed him. He listened cautiously. The women were chatting to each other, their conversation covering the slight sounds of moving brush.
A slight movement behind her caught the corner of Evie's eye. She turned quickly to see a man standing there. His headcloth was wrapped around his face, covering all but his eyes. His hand was extended, with the barrel of a pistol pointed directly at her.
Thanks, Lometari, tellergirl and lilynlynn!