A/N: I know the last one was short. This one should be a little better, Thanks for reading!
Disclaimer: I do not own Red River manga and/or original characters.
"We will be late if you don't hurry, Bastet!" Ramses called. He appeared in the doorway to our room, straightening his headdress.
"Okay, okay!" I reply, waving him away as I give more instructions for Nefert.
"I just fed them, so they shouldn't be too fussy. They'll probably take their naps soon. Just make sure you're always supporting their heads and don't let them-." Nefert rolled her eyes and interrupted me.
"Bastet, I promise not to suffocate, burn, drown, or otherwise kill my niece and nephew." She said, laughing. "You really will be late."
I sighed, then finished my braid and crossed the room to Nephtys and Seti, playing together on the floor. I picked Seti up and sat him on my hip. He had only continued growing into a carbon copy of Ramses, save the strange bright red curls atop his head. I then balanced Nepthys on the opposite hip. They both laughed in glee as I assaulted them with kisses.
"You'll be good for your Aunt, okay?" I talked to them in baby voices. They kept laughing, and I grimaced. I feared for Nefert; they were already getting into everything, but I sighed and tried to trust that she could handle them. I met Ramses at the stables, trying not to think about leaving them alone with Nefert. Ramses, already mounted, rose one blond eyebrow at my tarrdiness. He was clad in a headdress to shield his head from the heat, while I opted to endure it. If all went well, we wouldn't be in the sun for long.
In the nearly six months since I had returned to Memphis, King Tutkanhamun had passed away, and Zananza was on the way to marry Ankhesenamun, the current queen of Egypt. Ramses had already expressed his discontent over the arrangement, and I had to admit he was right; Egypt should be governed by Egyptians. Prince Zananza was an excellent leader, but only a foreigner when it came to Egypt.
"I don't know why they assigned us to this." Ramses complained for the umpteenth time. By the time we had gotten there, soldiers were still waiting for the Hittite prince's arrival.
"They probably think you already have experience with escorting." I explain jokingly, reminding him that he had met me in a similar fashion. "But honestly, we are the ones with experience with the Hittites."
"I really could care less." He mumbled. I shoved him.
"What if I decided to lighten your mood?" I whispered, away from the other soldiers assigned. My fingertips found his knee suggestively. He arched a brow at me.
"And where would that happen?" He asked, leaning closer.
"You know the oasis, near the nomad camps?" I asked. He nodded. "Race you there!" I coaxed Sahara into a gallop and left him there. I had a shortcut he was going to think was too long; it would be my pleasure to beat him.
Sahara and I raced across the dunes and sure enough, reached the beach of the oasis first. It did take Ramses longer than I had expected, but when he finally made it, I was dismounted, lying beneath a shady palm. He growled.
"Cheater." He greeted, and grabbed me by the waist and hoisted me over his shoulder. I squealed beating on his back.
"Put me down!"
"Not until you learn your lesson." He tossed me into the water, eliciting a large splash. I went underwater for a moment then resurfaced, sputtering with my eyes closed.
"User Ramses, I'll kill you!" I promised, but all sound had ceased. I wiped the water from my eyes to find Yuri, holding Ramses at dagger point. I gasped in surprise, trying to get out of the water.
"Yuri! What happened?" I exclaimed as I noticed the blood smeared on her clothes.
"This soldier, he has to take me to Hattusa. I have to warn them!" She screamed. I approached her carefully, the wildness in her eyes apparent.
"Calm down, Yuri. That soldier is Ramses. We will take you to Hattusa, but you need to tell us what is going on." I reasoned. She slowly lowered the knife, and I quickly grabbed it from her.
"War will…erupt…" she tried to explain, then passed out. I caught her before her body hit the ground and finally noticed the arrow sticking out of her back. I looked at Ramses in astonishment, and his expression mirrored mine.
"That's Yuri Ishtar?" He asked, incredulous. I nodded.
"Why was she so hostile towards you?" I asked suspiciously. He hesitated to answer until I narrowed my eyes at him. He sighed.
"Look, I saw her on the way here. I didn't know she was Ishtar, but she might have mentioned the Hittite caravan being attacked…" he explained.
"Ramses! How could you?" I exclaimed. I often forgot how ruthless Ramses could be.
"He laughed in my face when I explained…you two are perfect for each other." Yuri's voice flowed to my ears. I chose to ignore her comment.
"Yuri, we must treat this wound." I said, reaching for the arrow. She flailed in my arms.
"No! Don't worry about the wound, get me to Hattusa!" She exclaimed. I sighed, and grabbed my water skin. I motioned to Ramses.
"Since you've already proven yourself helpful, hold her up so I can give her water." I ordered sarcastically. He complied, then placed her on Aslan so her wound wouldn't be aggravated.
"What will we do about Nepthys and Seti?" I asked Ramses. Hattusa was several days' ride from here.
"Nefert will handle it. And remember, my mother is there." Ramses assured me. I nodded my approval. He grabbed a rope to tie Aslan to Sahara, and our journey began.
Please R x R!