Disclaimer: I still don't own anything...

A/N: Ok so does anyone besides TriGemini read this...because if you do then you are doing a horrible job at reviewing...and as for TriGemini, YOU ARE AN AWESOME REVIEWER! Anyway, this chapter is from Mereb's point of view...and we are nearing the end here people!


Aida and I stood before the people as her father formally announced our engagement. Amneris stood with the royal court, but Radames could not bring himself to come. I had spoken to Amneris shortly after Aida had. She was so strong; she has grown so much in the time that we've known each other. When I first came to Egypt she had been a little girl. A beautiful little girl, but still only a little girl. I had seen her grow into a beautiful young woman, and then into the incredible queen that she must now be. I had always been a little infatuated with her, although any feelings of real love disappeared once I met Aida. Aida was everything I had hoped she would be, so strong and bold.

"Mereb," she whispered to me, "Has he said when we're getting married? I stop listening to the speech." I laughed, of course she had stopped listening. It was a very long speech.

"Seven days Aida. He wants the new Pharoah and his queen to be guests, so it has to be soon." I saw her stiffen. I knew it would hurt her to take her marriage vows in front of him. But it had to be done and she would do it.

After the ceremony Amneris came up to us and embraced Aida and me.

"I hope you'll let me help with the wedding garments Aida!" She nearly squealed. I smiled at a sudden memory of the Amneris I had known in Egypt, "I've been looking at the way the women in the palace are dressing and I have an excellent idea!" The smile on her face was contagious, because soon Aida was also smiling.

"Come on Amneris. You can show the dress makers a thing or two I think." They walked off, laughing. I loved Aida's laugh, even though it came so infrequently.

I walked along the Nile and felt a sense of peace. Ever since we had returned to Nubia walking on the River was my favorite thing to do. It was so beautiful, and it was the only link between me and my former life in Egypt. Even though it was a life of slavery, it wasn't as bad as some of the other slaves.

"Congratulations on the engagement." I turned and saw Radames standing beside me. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there for the announcement." There was a look of rage and pain in his eyes that scared me.

"I expect you'll be at the wedding though?" I looked at him sternly. I had only seen him like this one other time. The first time he found out I was selling his things to save the money to buy my freedom. I pretended that nothing was wrong though. "It would be an insult to the king, and to Aida, if you didn't come." Suddenly he punched me across the face and then stopped moving entirely. I don't think he even blinked.

"I, I'm sorry, Mereb." Suddenly there was fear in his voice, "You, you said her name and I got so angry. I can't believe it." I stood there, stunned. Radames had never hit me before. Even when he owned me he had never hit me.

"I don't think it would be wise for us to see each other again Radames." I spoke slowly, "I love her Radames, and I don't want to hurt you or her any more. I'll see you at the wedding."

I walked away from my best friend. I never spoke to him again.


A/N: That was a very sad chapter to write...but it got your attention didn't it! HAHAHA...this is the closest thing to evil I get!