Chapter 31

Shopping Spree

Their whirlwind tour of Italy continued. Anna led them everywhere she had been and a few places she hadn't. But she made sure to act like she did know what she was talking about, even though she didn't. She wasn't exactly sure Seto fell for it, he was too smart. But he most likely went along with it all because he was enjoying her company. They traveled up and down Italy on the train. Sometimes the train ride took them so far from their rented villa that they had to stay over at a hotel and go back the next day. Anna was amazed that even at last minute Seto could always wrangle the best suite in the hotel. He always got a separate room for Anna, so she didn't feel uncomfortable. But she never used it. Most of the time they stayed up all night talking. She didn't need it, but she liked the idea of having a sanctuary she could run too if things got too heated. And she was glad things had cooled off between them. He hadn't made any other moves on her since that day at The Forum, and that was mainly due to the fact that she tried very hard not to put herself in such a intimate situation again.

She had a feeling that today was going to be a good day. The sun was shining, the weather absolutely beautiful, and today she was going to do something she had wanted to do for a long time.

"I don't mean to be rude," Mokuba said. "But why are we here? There's nothing of historical interest in this city." Mokuba was reading his guidebook and walking at the same time.

"Are you kidding?" Anna smiled in delight. "There's a little old lady who runs a bakery around this corner. And there is a doctor on that street that teaches sign language. And a cute couple that meet everyday at noon in the city square for lunch. There is plenty of interest in this city."

Set was becoming suspicious. "How do you know so much about this place?"

"I used to live here. I went to the boarding school that's three blocks that way." Anna pointed down a street.

"That way?" Seto gestured. "This I want to see." He started walking down the designated street, much to the dismay of Anna.

"I don't know why you'd want to see that," Anna was trying to convince him. "It's just an old building. It's not even a school anymore."

Seto didn't listen, he just kept walking. He eventually pried some information out of her about its exact location, and quickly they found their goal. Mokuba peered through the iron bars of the gate that marked its entrance. The dilapidated building was visible from the street. The grounds were overgrown and the pavement cracked.

"They really must have let this place go after the school was closed." Seto commented about its shabby condition.

"No, it looked pretty much like this when it was open."

"You're kidding?" Seto was a little shocked that such an establishment would be allowed to operate.

"I wish I were."

"These signs," Mokuba pointed at the two signs that hung on the gate. "That one says 'condemned', and the other says...'repossessed'? Is that right?"

"You're Italian is really improving, I'm impressed." Anna praised him. "This sign says the building was condemned for structural problems. And this one says that the government took possession of the school and it's assets."

"Why did they do that?" Seto asked.

"After one of the students died, there was an investigation into the schools mishandling of funds and their treatment of the student body. Once that happened they couldn't hide their dirty secrets anymore, and they were shut down."

"Did you know the person who died?" Mokuba asked innocently.

"Yes, I did. She was a friend of mine. She lived in the room right next to me, actually. She was always so happy and cheerful. Even when the skies were cloudy she always had something nice to say. I guess that's where I picked up that bad habit. We did everything together. They used to call us 'sisters' because we looked so much alike. I miss her very much."

"What happened to her?" Mokuba wasn't sure he should ask, but his curiosity got the better of him.

"I woke up one morning and she had hung herself. I was with her the night before and she seemed fine. She was joking and laughing, not a care in the world. To this day I still don't know why she did it." Anna paused for a moment; she was fighting back her emotions. "Anyways," Anna continued. "It wasn't long after that they shut down the school and my Uncle shipped me off to France." Anna walked away. "But that isn't why we're here."

Mokuba and Seto followed her down a few more streets until they were standing in front of a shop.

"I would come here almost every day and stare into the window of this shop. Other kids wanted candy or ice cream, but this was my addiction, clothes. Of course they wouldn't let me step one foot inside, but still I found such joy just being able to look at the new fashions. I swore one day I would come back here and I would walk through that door and buy anything I wanted."

"You brought us here to shop?" Seto remarked.

"Not just any shopping, these are one of a kind originals by major designers."

Seto didn't look impressed.

"They have men's fashions too." Anna tried tempting him. "Oh, come on! How can you say no to Italian Leather and Faragamo shoes?"

Seto eventually gave in. He claimed it was because Anna was looking so pathetic and needy, and that he would never hear the end of it if he didn't. But really he was just as much of a clothes hound as she was; he just never let Mokuba see this side of him.

Anna held her breath as she entered the store. She was half expecting the clerk to tell her to leave, like they had done so many times before when she was younger. But now things were different, she was older, wiser, and wealthy. They wouldn't turn her away now. And if they tried Seto would be sure to give them an earful. Anna was absolutely delighted when one of the clerks greeted her kindly. She had wanted that for so long. Anna made sure to speak English to the clerk. That way Seto and Mokuba could understand what they were saying. She didn't figure the clerk was familiar with Japanese. Seto thought for sure that her first task would be to attack the shoes. She did love shoes. But instead she turned all her attention on him.

She pointed Seto out to the clerk and made some suggestions. "I'd like to see about getting him a nice suit, one with a high straight collar, like the Beatles used to wear. Something that's streamline and fits his shape." Anna gestured with her hands. "In blue or white, if possible."

"I think we might have something." Said the clerk and she left to pull the garments.

"I thought we were shopping for you." Seto commented.

Anna's only response was a smile.

"Years ago," Came a voice from behind her. "I had to wash my windows everyday because a little girl from the school used to come down here and press her hands and face against the glass. She would stare for hours. I remember she was a polite and sweet child who had a very addicting smile. And one day, when it was pouring the rain, I saw her out there. She didn't seem to care it was raining, she wanted one last look before she had to leave the country. I was very sad that she was going away so I gave her a pair of shoes to remember us by."

"I still have those shoes." Anna turned toward the voice and clicked her heels.

"I'm glad to see they finally fit." Said an older man in a suit.

Anna walked over to him and gave him a hug. "You always were a great judge of fashion and sizes."

"And I'm good judge of character too. I knew you'd be back."

Anna found great joy in introducing Seto and Mokuba to the shop owner. He pulled out all the stops to make them feel comfortable. He would have done the same whether they had money or not. It was a bonus that when Anna returned that she was able to buy out the store.

What followed was series of outfits Anna had to try on. The entire sequence would have made a movie montage proud. Seto made sure to give his opinion about each one, Anna would have had no less. But he enjoyed it too. For once he had a definitive say about something in her life. And if he didn't like it, she didn't buy it. When she decided to check out the shoes, she made Seto try on a few outfits. He was amazed at how she was exactly right. The suits she picked out for him looked great, and he felt great wearing them. They had been around each other so long that they instinctively knew what the other liked and needed. With much protesting from the subject, she next set her eyes on Mokuba. He had never understood Seto's obsession with clothes. He was always happy wearing plain old jeans and a t-shirt. It was comfortable and easy. But Anna insisted and dragged him around the store. She swore she was going to get him in a nice outfit, even if it killed her. And yet it was Mokuba who acted like he was dying.

Seto was greatly amused as he watched Anna pick out clothes for Mokuba, and as he heard Mokuba's wails of unhappiness. The mannequin next to him caught Seto's attention. It was displaying an elegant black and white dress with a low back. Apparently Anna hadn't seen this one.

A clerk approached him. "Your coffee, sir."

Seto took the cup from him.

"Is there anything else I can get you?"

"This dress." Seto gestured to the mannequin.

"Sir?"

"For her." Seto corrected the man. "Put it on my bill, and don't let her see it."

Seto began formulating a plan.

The train ride back was very quiet. Anna and Mokuba had both fallen asleep. As Seto sat opposite of them he couldn't help but think that this was the first time Anna had probably slept since they got to Italy. She never did sleep much, but today was physically and emotionally tiring. Seeing her old school was a lot harder for her than she let on. He couldn't be sure, but he felt like that was the school where she had been worst abused. He thought back to the night she showed them the scars on her back. He was certain the dress he bought her would cover them. Anna shifted in her seat. The reflection of gold around her neck caught Seto's attention. It was that pendant. He had always been drawn to it, felt some strange attraction to it. He liked looking at it, which was a little difficult considering he didn't want Anna to think he was looking down her shirt. His mind started to wander. He recalled all the times that her necklace had caught his attention. When Mokuba gave her the new chain for her birthday. When she removed it to wear his diamonds, and subsequently when she came to retrieve it the next day. Even when they first met, he noticed it then too.

'I even remember when she got it.' He told himself. 'It was the day I caught her trying to sneak out of the palace. She was dressed in the clothes of a commoner. Like that would make her less suspicious. She was a queen after all, and those rags didn't befit her. The sun was just breaking when I found her.'

"Where do you think you're going?" I said as I blocked her way.

"I'm going into the city."

"I do not believe Pharaoh would approve."

"Pharaoh put me in charge of the well being of the people. And I cannot determine the needs of the people by sitting on a golden throne in a palace."

"Pharaoh also put me in charge of your safety and to do my job I cannot let you go. It's not safe."

"I will have a protector with me."

"Who?"

"You." She smirked at me. "After all, you are in charge of my safety."

I stood my ground; I couldn't let her endanger herself.

"Don't make me order you to stand aside." She became very forceful. "Now, you can either get changed and come with me, or deal with Pharaoh's wrath when he finds out you didn't."

'I hated when she ordered me around. But her decisive forcefulness was also one of her traits I admired. She left me no choice; I had to go with her. I changed my clothes so as not to draw attention. I hated them. I swore I would never wear rags again, and here I was, in public no less. I could only pray to the Gods that no one recognized me. She was also surprised by my appearance. She had only seen me in my ceremonial garments and headdresses. Like everyone else, she had never seen my hair before. I think that is what mainly caught her attention. As we wandered about the streets she actually complained that I looked too stiff. She said I needed to relax. How could I relax when I was the only thing standing between her and whatever trouble might occur. All it would take is one stray arrow or a runaway cart and I'd be beheaded for allowing harm to come to her. I still wasn't sure I wouldn't be punished for even being with her. She is the queen; just touching her is an offense punishable by death. I did not like this, I didn't like it at all.'

'I tried not to let my guard down. Even when she stopped to talk to people on the streets or to point out structural flaws in some of the buildings. I knew she was highly educated, but I wasn't aware of the range of her learning. Her mastery of architecture would have rivaled that of the Master Builder in charge of the Pyramids. She was so at ease amongst these people. Strange considering her upbringing. She was born into a royal bloodline, one older than even Pharaoh's. She always had wealth and privilege. When I heard word that she was to be Pharaoh's bride, I expected her to be a spoiled and annoying child. But she has surprised me. She is very intelligent and even formidable. She impressed me the first time I saw her. And it has grown every day since.'

'I was startled by a noise. And then rocks flew through the air. I grabbed the queen and covered her with my body. Most of the stones missed us, but two made contact with me. They were small, and only stung a little. But it was better they hit me and not her. I looked to find the assailant. It was a group of children. They were playing and didn't mean to throw them at us. I gave them a scowl and they ran off. Next I checked on the queen. Thankfully, she was unharmed. I went to release her from my grip when I noticed she was holding my hand. During the excitement she must have latched on to it for security. I think she saw the panic in my eyes. If she were to report this I would surely be executed. She let go of my hand and gave me a quick smile and a nod to tell me that everything was all right. I knew she wouldn't tell.'

'I was most nervous in the marketplace. There were so many people; I couldn't possibly keep an eye on all of them. She approached the stands and spoke with the vendors. She was an expert negotiator; she talked her way into some very good deals on produce and even a basket to carry them in. I took the basket from her. Royalty should not do manual labor. She probably thought I was just being nice. We continued our journey. She reached into the basket and selected a piece of fruit. I stopped her before she could take a bite of it.'

"What are you doing?" I protested in an angry whisper.

"I'm hungry."

"That food hasn't been tested, it could be poisoned."

"Who's going to poison all the food in a marketplace just on the slim chance that the Queen in disguise is going to come by? Besides I have no servants here to taste it for me."

'She was angry with me, she thought I was being paranoid. But she was right; someone had to taste it. So I took the fruit from her and bit into it. I think that shocked her. She didn't expect me to risk my life like that. When I was certain the fruit was safe I handed it back to her. I did the same with everything she wanted to eat. I had to be sure.'

'Her majesty wanted to stop at a fine metalworker's shop. It wasn't unusual for her to have an interest in such a place. She was always dressed in the finest attire and jewels when at the palace. Even I had my attraction to gold bands and adornments. Mainly because I had nothing as a child, and now I wasn't going to stand for less than the best. I made sure the shop was safe before I let her enter. The shop owner was polite; he didn't want to upset a potential customer. He took one look at the Queen and dropped to the floor in a deep bow. He begged for forgiveness, he claimed he did not recognizer her at first. She made him stand.'

"How did you recognize me?"

"I was delivering some of my work to the palace on the day your caravan arrived." He began his story with downtrodden eyes. "I saw you in the grand hall. Once you have seen such beauty, you cannot forget it."

'She seemed embarrassed by his flattery. She never did like such personal praise.'

"What kind of things do you make for the palace?" She asked.

"Jewelry, your majesty. Mostly gold and precious stones."

"May I see?"

"Oh, yes. Yes your majesty."

'The little man scurried around the shop and pulled out trays of necklaces and earrings, headpieces, and arm bands. She looked over them with great delight.'

"You are truly a master metal smith. Your work is immaculate. This for instance..."

'She picked up a necklace. It was made of gold with red and black stones. It was designed so the wings of the figures flared out around the wearer's neck. And there was a ankh pendant imbedded in it's middle.'

"This is simple, but elegant. And the craftsmanship is beyond compare."

"But this is a minor piece. One I made for the wives of the lower court. It is far beneath your caliber. Perhaps one of these other pieces..."

"None the less, I wish to purchase it."

"I could not accept payment from you your Majesty. If it will bring you joy; please let it be my gift to you. To celebrate your marriage and the good fortune that brought you here to rule over us."

'With much protest she finally agreed. I think she was touched by the man's sincerity. She loved that necklace above all others in her collection. She wore it every chance she got. I still don't know if Pharaoh knew where she had gotten it. If he did, he most likely wouldn't have let her ware it. Later on she would make that man her official jewelry maker.'

'After we left there, I insisted that we should return to the palace. We were sure to be missed and they would send a search party. We spent most of the day out and we had to sneak back into the palace. The Queen wanted to keep our adventure a secret, for both our sakes. I left her where I found her that morning. She smiled at me as she walked down the hall. Although she placed herself in unnecessary danger and I felt like tearing my hair out in frustration, I'd say the day was very enjoyable. It was one of the last good days we saw. The events that followed started small but grew quickly. The next day the queen showed up in court with a bruise on the side of her face. She wouldn't tell me how it happened. That only made me more certain that it was Pharaoh that had done it. He must not have been pleased with her outing. Considering no punishment was brought upon me, I assume she kept to her word and didn't disclose that I had accompanied her. But she did not deserve what happened to her. She didn't deserve anything that happened to her. She was innocent of...'

The rattling of the train made a package fall out of the overhead storage compartment. It hit the floor with a loud bang. The noise snapped Seto out of his daze.

'What just happened?' He asked himself. 'Was I asleep? No, I wasn't asleep; it was more like a waking dream. That's never happened to me before. Perhaps I'm more tired than I know.'

The more he thought about it, the more he was able to dismiss it. He had obviously made the whole story up in his mind. The events in his story too closely mirrored things that have already happened in his life. He must have drawn on his experiences to produce such a wild tale. And her necklace must have inspired the Egyptian theme. They were all fanciful delusions. Maybe one day he'd tell Anna the story. She might think it was funny.