Far from the "village" Aida had claimed to be from, Ikaita was a bustling
city full of people. The structure and architecture was familiar to the
couple and the palace itself was actually somewhat reminiscent of their own
home back in Thebes. Once inside, they were taken to a large, elegant
bedroom. The furniture was made of the finest wood and the bed was laid
with a thick down comforter. In the right corner, opposite the wash room,
was a giant bath tub large enough for half the crew of the ship that had
brought them there. Amneris eyed the bath with longing.
"If you need anything," said Noribnin before his departure, "just ask. Feel free to wander the grounds, but respect any restricted areas. Just outside the East entrance there's a bazaar if that pleases you."
When he'd gone, Amneris turned and found Radames sprawled out on the bed.
"How long do you think we'll be waiting?" she asked.
"I don't know," he croaked out, "but I'd like to sleep until then."
Amneris rolled her eyes and wondered why she had thought any different. She was so jealous of how quickly he could fall asleep.
"And what if they leave us here for days?" she asked, checking herself over in the mirror. They'd arrived in Nubia looking somewhat "dressed down" from their normal wear. Looking at herself now, Amneris couldn't help but feel a bit plain in her single-toned blue dress. She reached into a bag and pulled out a head cover in a lovely shade of green, then turned back to her reflection, quite pleased at what the colors did for her eyes.
When Radames didn't answer her question, she assumed that he'd already dropped off to sleep. The more she looked around the luscious room, the better the bazaar began to sound. She took a small satchel of gold and headed out.
A knock came at the door two hours later. Radames, in a not so deep sleep, awoke to the sound with a start. He rubbed his eyes, then rolled off the bed to answer the door. Noribnin stood on the other side.
"You've been summoned," he said.
"Right now?" asked Radames, praying for another hour of sleep.
Noribnin shrugged, "You have something better to do?"
"No," Radames shook his head, "Do you know where Amneris went?"
"She was spotted in the market place. Would you like me to retrieve her?"
"No, I can handle this. Tell the king I'll be right down."
Noribnin made a modest bow the departed. The moment he closed the door, Radames regretted not asking that Amneris be found. If he went alone, he would have no one on his side. Deciding it was too late now, he made himself presentable then left the room. To his surprise, Noribnin had already returned and was standing outside his door.
"I've been asked to escort you downstairs," he said as they headed down the hallway, "His Majesty has been holding court all day. You're to appear."
"Court? Am I on trial?"
"No, sir, nothing of the sort. He simply wants you to meet his council and greet you properly."
Somehow, this did not make Radames feel any better. The closer they got the more nervous he became. By the time they stopped before a set of double doors, he looked and felt as though ready to pass out.
"Are you going to be alright, sir?" Noribnin asked warily.
Radames nodded and wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, "Find her, please."
"Of course," he replied graciously, "I'll announce you into the room, then send someone for her."
Noribnin walked through the doors, leaving them open for Radames to follow. He made his announcement in a large booming voice, then went out. Radames took a deep breath and stepped into the room.
The hall was lavish to say the least. The walls were covered in pictures from floor to ceiling; well, in places that there was a ceiling, anyway. Much of the space was uncovered. Radames stepped into the center of the room and found himself under a pinkish orange sky that within the hour would turn black and full of stars. Men dressed in black were seated upon plush cushions of rich colors at long tables that stretched around the room. At the front, filling an ornate chair amidst three empty ones, sat Amonasro.
Radames swallowed hard as the king looked him over. His ears picked up whispers from the men at the tables; nothing discernable, but obviously about him. After what seemed like an age, Amonasro called for attention and said, "I trust your journey was well."
For a good long moment, Radames couldn't answer. The lump in his throat was so overpowering that it blocked any sound from going out that way and since his stomach swirled so harshly, he feared he would throw up if he attempted to open his mouth to speak. Finally after another deep breath, he ventured "It was fine."
The words came out without a hitch to the surprise, it seemed, of everyone.
"Where is your queen?" the king continued, "I hope you brought her with you. You wouldn't be here were it not for her rather persuasive letters."
"She's in the marketplace," Radames answered, a bit more promptly this time, "She should be here soon."
"Good, I've been eager to meet her. Now, tell my council why you're here. They'd very much like to know your purpose."
Speechlessness struck again. Nearly a minute lapsed before he realized he was so tense that he wasn't breathing. He caught himself before he passed out and spoke quickly, "I'm here to come to an agreement about ending the war."
"And how do you propose that?"
"Negotiations, a treaty," Radames mouth was on automatic. He knew where these questions were leading.
"Why now?" asked Amonasro, confirming Radames suspicions. He gaped as the king reiterated, "What would cause a man accustomed to pillaging my country to suddenly turn around and want to make peace with it?"
"Here it comes," Radames thought as he began to breathe deeper, "the lights are going out any second."
He made a sad attempt to answer and his first words were drowned out by the opening of the double doors. Noribnin walked in and began to spread his noble voice through the room. He may as well have been speaking Greek for all Radames heard. He saw Amneris standing in the doorway.
Noribnin stopped speaking and she stepped forward. She stopped in front of Radames and made a polite bow to Amonasro, saying, "Please, forgive my tardiness, Your Highness. I didn't know we'd be called so soon."
At the sight of her Amonasro's demeanor became slightly lighter, "I've seen you before."
"Yes," she replied warmly, as though remembering something particularly enjoyable, "I stood behind my father when you appeared before our court."
"And now you stand beside your husband as he appears before mine."
"I do," she said smiling at him.
The more he watched her, the more pleasant he became. Amneris stole a glance at Radames and he saw her expression drop a bit. A momentary lapse, she returned to her sweet smile as Amonasro continued, "I must say I was highly impressed with your letters. It's not easy to imagine another's plight considering the circumstances."
"We appreciate your understanding," she told him, "and we know that there is little we can do at this point but offer our condolences. Hopefully this tragedy can be turned into something beneficial. We'd like to discuss the matter with you further in more private accommodations, if you don't mind."
"I'd be happy to meet with you," replied the king.
Despite the favorable dealings between his wife and Amonasro, Radames felt no better about standing in the middle of that room. When Amneris said "we" she was referring to the both of them, but Amonasro would reply with "you" and mean Amneris.
"Now," the king continued, "I have further business with your husband, but I'd like you to sit with me tonight at our evening meal. There is much to discuss."
"I would love to," she said kindly, "But am I not invited to remain now?"
Amonasro's face dropped a bit at her request as though she was ruining something fun for him, "Madam, unless your husband would send you away, you are free to stay at your will. He was about to explain to us his motives for wanting peace."
"Were my letters not reason enough?" she said, catching on to him.
"As he was unaware of your writing them, I believe that your letters were your own motives."
"Sir," she said levelly, stepping forward, "I've known Radames my entire life. He would not be here if his motives didn't correlate with mine."
Amonasro no longer looked at her with such congeniality, "Perhaps I wish to hear it with my own ears."
She was beaten and took it gracefully, stepping back beside her husband. Lucky for Radames, who was once again, fearing having to explain the happenings of three months previous, the doors flew open once more.
"Father!" cried an exuberant voice. All eyes watched as a young man strode into the room. One glance was all it took to know who he was speaking to. As he walked though the room, he looked at the two Egyptians standing in the center, his curious eyes resting on Amneris. He passed them and went straight to Amonasro saying, "I need a word with you."
The king sighed and glared at his son, "Kadoteas, you're late."
"I usually am," came the confident reply.
"Very true. I trust this is important."
"Extremely."
Amonasro sighed again, "Very well. Have you met our guests? This is the couple that rules Egypt."
Kadoteas looked sharply at them, taking a moment to observe the ill- stricken man.
"You're Radames?" he asked, slightly astounded.
Radames nodded slowly, looking rather shocked, himself. Aida'd never mentioned she'd had a brother. Kadoteas' hearty attitude fell and his face sunk into a scowl. Strangely, as he turned to face his father, the look of disgust worsened.
"Shall we convene elsewhere, Father?" he asked sharply.
They shared a contemptuous moment before Amonasro declared, "The court is dismissed for today. Madam, if I may have your company tonight."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Amneris replied, for the first time taking her eyes from Kadoteas.
Amonasro stood and the entire council followed suit. Once he and Kadoteas were out of sight, everyone began filing out of the double doors.
Noribnin met them and took them back to their room.
"I'll come for you at the evening meal," he told them, "It won't be long."
"If I may ask," Amneris said, "this Kadoteas."
"Ah, the prince," Noribnin said reflectively, "Heir to a throne he doesn't want. I would suggest that you stay on his good side. He's known for his short temper."
"Really," she said thoughtfully.
They entered the room and Noribnin took his leave. Neither said a word to the other for a long time. Radames was leaning on the dresser, trying to collect himself, while Amneris sat on the bed, facing away from him, so angry she couldn't bring herself to speak.
"Thank you," she heard him say from the dresser, "Your timing is amazing."
"Don't thank me," she said finding her voice, "I didn't get you out of that."
"You helped."
She wanted to yell at him, to tell him this was his job and his fight. Did he expect her to make the damn peace treaty? She'd rather be back in the bazaar where she's supposed to be during such political garbage, not making nice with the king and his son.
His son.the prince "Heir to a throne he doesn't want." Suddenly her thoughts were back on Kadoteas. She'd met him in the marketplace. He'd stopped a young boy from picking her purse then spent the afternoon with her.
Why hadn't he said who he was?
As her mind raced from one thing to the next, Radames lay down beside her and fell asleep.
"If you need anything," said Noribnin before his departure, "just ask. Feel free to wander the grounds, but respect any restricted areas. Just outside the East entrance there's a bazaar if that pleases you."
When he'd gone, Amneris turned and found Radames sprawled out on the bed.
"How long do you think we'll be waiting?" she asked.
"I don't know," he croaked out, "but I'd like to sleep until then."
Amneris rolled her eyes and wondered why she had thought any different. She was so jealous of how quickly he could fall asleep.
"And what if they leave us here for days?" she asked, checking herself over in the mirror. They'd arrived in Nubia looking somewhat "dressed down" from their normal wear. Looking at herself now, Amneris couldn't help but feel a bit plain in her single-toned blue dress. She reached into a bag and pulled out a head cover in a lovely shade of green, then turned back to her reflection, quite pleased at what the colors did for her eyes.
When Radames didn't answer her question, she assumed that he'd already dropped off to sleep. The more she looked around the luscious room, the better the bazaar began to sound. She took a small satchel of gold and headed out.
A knock came at the door two hours later. Radames, in a not so deep sleep, awoke to the sound with a start. He rubbed his eyes, then rolled off the bed to answer the door. Noribnin stood on the other side.
"You've been summoned," he said.
"Right now?" asked Radames, praying for another hour of sleep.
Noribnin shrugged, "You have something better to do?"
"No," Radames shook his head, "Do you know where Amneris went?"
"She was spotted in the market place. Would you like me to retrieve her?"
"No, I can handle this. Tell the king I'll be right down."
Noribnin made a modest bow the departed. The moment he closed the door, Radames regretted not asking that Amneris be found. If he went alone, he would have no one on his side. Deciding it was too late now, he made himself presentable then left the room. To his surprise, Noribnin had already returned and was standing outside his door.
"I've been asked to escort you downstairs," he said as they headed down the hallway, "His Majesty has been holding court all day. You're to appear."
"Court? Am I on trial?"
"No, sir, nothing of the sort. He simply wants you to meet his council and greet you properly."
Somehow, this did not make Radames feel any better. The closer they got the more nervous he became. By the time they stopped before a set of double doors, he looked and felt as though ready to pass out.
"Are you going to be alright, sir?" Noribnin asked warily.
Radames nodded and wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, "Find her, please."
"Of course," he replied graciously, "I'll announce you into the room, then send someone for her."
Noribnin walked through the doors, leaving them open for Radames to follow. He made his announcement in a large booming voice, then went out. Radames took a deep breath and stepped into the room.
The hall was lavish to say the least. The walls were covered in pictures from floor to ceiling; well, in places that there was a ceiling, anyway. Much of the space was uncovered. Radames stepped into the center of the room and found himself under a pinkish orange sky that within the hour would turn black and full of stars. Men dressed in black were seated upon plush cushions of rich colors at long tables that stretched around the room. At the front, filling an ornate chair amidst three empty ones, sat Amonasro.
Radames swallowed hard as the king looked him over. His ears picked up whispers from the men at the tables; nothing discernable, but obviously about him. After what seemed like an age, Amonasro called for attention and said, "I trust your journey was well."
For a good long moment, Radames couldn't answer. The lump in his throat was so overpowering that it blocked any sound from going out that way and since his stomach swirled so harshly, he feared he would throw up if he attempted to open his mouth to speak. Finally after another deep breath, he ventured "It was fine."
The words came out without a hitch to the surprise, it seemed, of everyone.
"Where is your queen?" the king continued, "I hope you brought her with you. You wouldn't be here were it not for her rather persuasive letters."
"She's in the marketplace," Radames answered, a bit more promptly this time, "She should be here soon."
"Good, I've been eager to meet her. Now, tell my council why you're here. They'd very much like to know your purpose."
Speechlessness struck again. Nearly a minute lapsed before he realized he was so tense that he wasn't breathing. He caught himself before he passed out and spoke quickly, "I'm here to come to an agreement about ending the war."
"And how do you propose that?"
"Negotiations, a treaty," Radames mouth was on automatic. He knew where these questions were leading.
"Why now?" asked Amonasro, confirming Radames suspicions. He gaped as the king reiterated, "What would cause a man accustomed to pillaging my country to suddenly turn around and want to make peace with it?"
"Here it comes," Radames thought as he began to breathe deeper, "the lights are going out any second."
He made a sad attempt to answer and his first words were drowned out by the opening of the double doors. Noribnin walked in and began to spread his noble voice through the room. He may as well have been speaking Greek for all Radames heard. He saw Amneris standing in the doorway.
Noribnin stopped speaking and she stepped forward. She stopped in front of Radames and made a polite bow to Amonasro, saying, "Please, forgive my tardiness, Your Highness. I didn't know we'd be called so soon."
At the sight of her Amonasro's demeanor became slightly lighter, "I've seen you before."
"Yes," she replied warmly, as though remembering something particularly enjoyable, "I stood behind my father when you appeared before our court."
"And now you stand beside your husband as he appears before mine."
"I do," she said smiling at him.
The more he watched her, the more pleasant he became. Amneris stole a glance at Radames and he saw her expression drop a bit. A momentary lapse, she returned to her sweet smile as Amonasro continued, "I must say I was highly impressed with your letters. It's not easy to imagine another's plight considering the circumstances."
"We appreciate your understanding," she told him, "and we know that there is little we can do at this point but offer our condolences. Hopefully this tragedy can be turned into something beneficial. We'd like to discuss the matter with you further in more private accommodations, if you don't mind."
"I'd be happy to meet with you," replied the king.
Despite the favorable dealings between his wife and Amonasro, Radames felt no better about standing in the middle of that room. When Amneris said "we" she was referring to the both of them, but Amonasro would reply with "you" and mean Amneris.
"Now," the king continued, "I have further business with your husband, but I'd like you to sit with me tonight at our evening meal. There is much to discuss."
"I would love to," she said kindly, "But am I not invited to remain now?"
Amonasro's face dropped a bit at her request as though she was ruining something fun for him, "Madam, unless your husband would send you away, you are free to stay at your will. He was about to explain to us his motives for wanting peace."
"Were my letters not reason enough?" she said, catching on to him.
"As he was unaware of your writing them, I believe that your letters were your own motives."
"Sir," she said levelly, stepping forward, "I've known Radames my entire life. He would not be here if his motives didn't correlate with mine."
Amonasro no longer looked at her with such congeniality, "Perhaps I wish to hear it with my own ears."
She was beaten and took it gracefully, stepping back beside her husband. Lucky for Radames, who was once again, fearing having to explain the happenings of three months previous, the doors flew open once more.
"Father!" cried an exuberant voice. All eyes watched as a young man strode into the room. One glance was all it took to know who he was speaking to. As he walked though the room, he looked at the two Egyptians standing in the center, his curious eyes resting on Amneris. He passed them and went straight to Amonasro saying, "I need a word with you."
The king sighed and glared at his son, "Kadoteas, you're late."
"I usually am," came the confident reply.
"Very true. I trust this is important."
"Extremely."
Amonasro sighed again, "Very well. Have you met our guests? This is the couple that rules Egypt."
Kadoteas looked sharply at them, taking a moment to observe the ill- stricken man.
"You're Radames?" he asked, slightly astounded.
Radames nodded slowly, looking rather shocked, himself. Aida'd never mentioned she'd had a brother. Kadoteas' hearty attitude fell and his face sunk into a scowl. Strangely, as he turned to face his father, the look of disgust worsened.
"Shall we convene elsewhere, Father?" he asked sharply.
They shared a contemptuous moment before Amonasro declared, "The court is dismissed for today. Madam, if I may have your company tonight."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Amneris replied, for the first time taking her eyes from Kadoteas.
Amonasro stood and the entire council followed suit. Once he and Kadoteas were out of sight, everyone began filing out of the double doors.
Noribnin met them and took them back to their room.
"I'll come for you at the evening meal," he told them, "It won't be long."
"If I may ask," Amneris said, "this Kadoteas."
"Ah, the prince," Noribnin said reflectively, "Heir to a throne he doesn't want. I would suggest that you stay on his good side. He's known for his short temper."
"Really," she said thoughtfully.
They entered the room and Noribnin took his leave. Neither said a word to the other for a long time. Radames was leaning on the dresser, trying to collect himself, while Amneris sat on the bed, facing away from him, so angry she couldn't bring herself to speak.
"Thank you," she heard him say from the dresser, "Your timing is amazing."
"Don't thank me," she said finding her voice, "I didn't get you out of that."
"You helped."
She wanted to yell at him, to tell him this was his job and his fight. Did he expect her to make the damn peace treaty? She'd rather be back in the bazaar where she's supposed to be during such political garbage, not making nice with the king and his son.
His son.the prince "Heir to a throne he doesn't want." Suddenly her thoughts were back on Kadoteas. She'd met him in the marketplace. He'd stopped a young boy from picking her purse then spent the afternoon with her.
Why hadn't he said who he was?
As her mind raced from one thing to the next, Radames lay down beside her and fell asleep.