Yuri's POV
I watched as Yuki hummed and practically skipped as she pranced around he village, getting everything prepared for our trip.
Prince Piyasili would be left in charge of the rest of the preparations and waiting for the reinforcements while Yuki and I stall Egypt for a few days.
I must admit, even though I was the one who proposed the plan, I was still uneasy with pretending to be a prostitute. I was surprised that Yuki had insisted on coming with me, she was never one to play these kinds of roles, she preferred to spy and scout. She was more of a general then I. I know that she is going just to protect me…but I sometimes with that she would see me as the woman I am. Sometimes, it seems like she will forever see me as a child.
But I have grown much since our arrival to this new land. She has as well.
I look at Yuki as she giggled and joked with Rusafa. I couldn't help but smile. The sadness that had always lingered behind her eyes, it was nearly gone. Her smile was carefree, it was no longer forced. This land has done her good. Yuki had always been the more mature one of the two of us. I suspected it was because she was forced to grow up so quickly. But emotionally, she always seemed frozen in time. She had put these walls up, kept everyone at arms length. She would always think logically. But now, I see her acting more compulsively. I saw her accept people into her heart. I see her finally beginning to heal.
Even so, her attitude today was quite drastic. I heard her giggle. Yuki. Giggling. It seemed unreal. On top of that, she was skipping as she moved from place to place. She seemed to sing as she spoke. Her joy was infectious; it seeped into the entire camp, drawing smiles and laughter from everyone around. For the first time, I saw no worry on her face. I just saw pure happiness.
"Sis! We are just about ready, Prince Piyasili will be arriving tonight and we will set out for Beduit tomorrow!" She nearly hummed as she looked up at me. I pushed my hand against her forehead, she looked at me questioningly.
"Just checking for a fever. You seem abnormally giddy to dress up as a prostitute." I say, raising an eyebrow, demanding some answers. She made a face and stuck her tongue out at me.
"I am not sick! Oh I just want to finish this expeditions so we can hurry back to Hatusa!" She pouted, taking a step back and making a face. "Don't you want to get back too?"
"Of course, you just seem…I don't know, overly excited." I scowl back. I looked at her again, she was wringing her hands, a habit she had when she was restless or nervous. But usually, the motion looked like she was washing her hands. She would run one hand over the other in a washing motion. It was different this time. She was focusing on one finger, twisting…was that a ring she was twisting on her finger? On her ring finger!
"YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED!" I suddenly screech, gathering her up in my arms and twirling her in a circle. She squeaked and giggled, returning my embrace.
I laughed and nearly cried. Yuki had found happiness here. I couldn't help the small bite of jealousy though. Her union would come so easily, without any problems with senate, or a kingdom…she just chose to get married and it would happen.
I pushed those ugly feelings away. She was getting married. To a person she loved. Of course I am thrilled for her. Someone else had finally pushed beyond her walls, someone else was responsible for this smile on her face. Someone would be there to wipe her tears, to laugh with her. To love her and protect her.
It was kind of lonely…all this time; it was me that was the center of Yuki's universe. I'm glad that she found love here in this land, that in this place, I know she will never be alone. I've always been so worried about her. She was strong on the outside, but I know that she was so incredibly breakable. But the only ones who could hurt her…were those close to her. Those she had let into her heart. Because of that, she kept her heart closed for so long, I was worried. How could she go through life without love? For a long time, she was my other half. She had depended on me, and I had depended on her. When did that begin to change?
I saw the way Ilbani watched her. The way he always kept a proprietary eye on her every move. The slight way the corners of his mouth quirked up when she crossed is view. How his face seemed to melt and warm when she spoke to him. I had seen his anxiety and utter panic when Yuki ran into trouble. He loved her. And they suited each other. They really did.
When had she grown up so much? When had she been able to stand so tall on her own? I had thought that it was the moment that she had chosen on her own to stay here. The moment she would have separated herself from me. But that wasn't right. She had always been that way, hadn't she? Just below the surface. She just needed a little push towards leadership. She always had it in her. She always shined. I wonder if she knew it?
I watched as she pranced about. How she didn't notice how the soldiers looked to her with awe and respect. How she didn't notice how Ilbani looked at her with admiration. No, she didn't notice. She doesn't know how much she glowed. How she affected the entire room with her presence, how she demanded attention when she spoke in her quiet voice. How a single look from her would silence a crowd. She was a jewel, hidden far beneath the ground. Unseen, unknown, but it was there. The jewel that hid right below the surface.
Yuki's POV
I sighed and nearly skipped back to my room. I was positively giddy right now. I never would have thought that someone like me would get married, that someone like me would find love. It made me want to twirl in circles with glee. I had fallen hopelessly in love. Two years ago, that realization would have petrified me. But now, now it makes my stomach swim and my heart flutter.
I froze suddenly outside my door, my hand barely on the handle. I heard movement from inside. Ilbani was outside with the other men, I had just seen him. I panicked; I had some important documents in that room, I had hidden it very shallowly compared to back in Hattusa. In Hattusa, Ilbani and I had modified our bedroom to have secret compartments about to hide our important files. But here, there wasn't enough time for something like that. If someone looked hard enough, it was possible to come across our important files and missives hidden under some of the loose floorboards. I put one hand on the handle and another on my dagger. In one moment, I slammed open the door and pointed my dagger at the first sign of movement I saw.
I was met with a gasp. I saw a girl standing in front of the mirror, wearing…was that my dress? And my jewelry too?
"M-miss general! I- I wasn't stealing! I was….I just wanted…" The poor girl stuttered. It was clear she wasn't stealing. A thief would not waste time trying the stolen trinkets on at the scene of the crime. I regarded her a bit. She had long blond hair that fell in waves down her back. She was petite, a bit taller then I was, but she looked to be the same age as me if not only a bit older. She had clear blue eyes that were filled with fear.
"You look familiar…" I began and she truly did. I just couldn't remember from where.
"U-um we really didn't formally meet. I actually came to apologize…for the other night…" She seemed scared stiff. I noticed her trembling, her hands clasped in front of her with her eyes downcast and full of regret and fear.
"Ah. You were that girl from the inn. The one that was hanging all over Ilbani, yah?" I suddenly remember the pretty blond that had her arms around Ilbani's neck the other night. She looked different when she wasn't dressed in skimpy clothes. The clothes of royalty seemed to fit her; she wore them like a true princess. I couldn't help but feel a pang of anger, maybe a bit of jealousy. I can't say I was happy with the fact that this woman was hanging onto Ilbani. I hated seeing it. But looking at the girl in front of me, I saw a girl who was miserable. Who was too young to be pushed to this point. I can't imagine someone choosing this kind of life. Someone so young.
"Y-yes. I came to apologize for that. I didn't know he was yours…I just…" She was frightened beyond belief. How did this girl go about doing the kind of work she does? She seemed dreadfully shy.
"What's your name?" I ask, putting my knife away. I glanced at my hiding place. It looked undisturbed so she wasn't out for my documents.
"S-Sakuwai. My name is Sakuwai." She glanced up. "I really am sorry…"
"No harm done. You were doing your job. Speaking of that…you don't seem like the kind of girl that would do this kind of thing. How did you come to this?" I ask, smiling a bit at her.
"My mother…she…my father left…and my siblings were too young to work…if I did this, I could sustain them for a while, until my brothers were old enough to work and help my mother. But when I began to do this…they wouldn't take the money. They said…it was dirty. I hate it though. I don't want to do it. But now, they don't want me back. I have nowhere to go. I'm trapped." Tears leaked down her face. I saw a reflection of my former self in her eyes. I saw the pain of abandonment, of betrayed love. Of wishing for more, but feeling trapped.
She seemed to notice right then that she still had my jewelry and clothes on her and rapidly began to take it all off. Apologizing the entire time.
"Leave it, dear. It's fine." I say waving her off. "It looks better then you then it ever would on me."
"N-no! I couldn't, I really didn't mean to steal it, and I wouldn't even have anywhere to wear it I just wanted…" She trailed off.
"Wanted to step into a world outside your own, just for a moment?" I finish for her. I smiled sadly. Escape, even for a moment...wasn't that what Ursula wanted back then too? I felt a painful stab in my heart. Ursula. Looking at this girl... it was as if i was looking at Ursula when she was apologizing to Yuri so long ago. There was still an ugly gaping hole in my heart from Ursula...
"…Yes. I'm so sorry…" She was still crying and taking off the jewelry.
"How bout I give you a place to wear those things?" I finally asked. She reminded me of Ursula so much. It was a look at the effects of poverty on the people here. How far it will push them.
"U-um…I'm sorry Princess Ereshkigal. I don't really understand…" She looked up. Her tears had dried.
"Sakuwai, I have been looking for a handmaid. Would you like to come back to Hattusa with me and work for the palace?" I ask. The look of surprise that flitted across her face was quickly covered by elation when a smile broke across her face and her tears began anew. She quickly bowed with her forehead on the ground.
"Really? Oh Princess Ereshkigal, thank you! I will not disappoint you! Thank you!" She laughed and cried all at once.
"I have some conditions though." I say.
"Oh yes, Princess, anything!" She was still on the ground but I could hear the happiness in her voice.
"First, you needn't ever bow to me." I say pulling her up to her feet. "And second, call me Yuki. I am no princess. I am just Yuki. And third, you keep the clothes and jewels." I say, putting the accessories back in her hands.
"B-but I couldn't!" She tried to push them back at me.
"Ilbani brought them in case I needed to show up for some formal parties and negotiations. I really hate dressing up." I say waving her off. " So accompany us on this expedition. We will make it back to Hattusa and you can live in the palace as a maid. Sound good?" I smile at her. She nodded vigorously and wrapped her arms around me impulsively. She froze and pulled back, as if she thought she had overstepped herself. I laughed and pulled her into my embrace. She giggled happily and returned my hug with vigor.
"Thank you Miss. Yuki! Thank you! I won't disappoint you!" She was sobbing and laughing all at once. I laughed along side her.
Yuri's POV
"Everything OK?" I ask unsurely as I entered the room. One of the ladies from the village had her arms wrapped around Yuki. Yuki was returning her embrace. Both were laughing uncontrollably.
"Yes. This is Sakuwai. She will be joining us on our journey. Then she will remain in the palace as my handmaid in Hattusa." Yuki declared, offering no room for argument. I laughed breathily. As if anyone would dare to argue with her.
"That's fine. Sakuwai, isn't it? You are welcome to work for the palace. Though as Yuki's handmaid, you won't really have much to do. Either way, welcome to the family." I say before grabbing the tablets I was looking for and leaving them.
I couldn't help but notice how much Yuki had changed. When she first came here, she never trusted someone so easily. She would keep people at arm's length, even when Ursula came here, I could tell Yuki was leery of her. She was subtle about it. But it was obvious to me. In the beginning, Ursula was not allowed into her room, Yuki would watch her carefully when she prepared food. She never allowed Ursula to help her clean up the training field after she trained. Ursula noticed it too.
I remembered Ursula going to Hadi and asking for help. Asking how she could get Yuki to trust her. She had even come to me for advice.
"Give her time." That was my answer. And so she did.
Slowly, Yuki began to open up to Ursula. I remember when it happened. I was lounging in the parlor with His Majesty,Kash and Rusafa that day, when Ursula came bursting in, thrumming with joy.
"She drank it!" She sung as she danced into the room and sat next to Kash. " I made her tea, and she drank it!"
Ursula had been so happy at that moment. The moment that Yuki had opened her gates for her.
It took months to get to that point though. For Yuki to accept a stranger so quickly, it was almost unheard of. I wonder if it is because she is finally beginning to heal. I knew, that she had been hurting for a long time. She never showed it. She always wanted to look strong. But I know that she was terrified. She was afraid to love, to let someone into her private world. After Ursula's death, I was afraid that she would fall into herself again. That it would prove that love would hurt her. I remember her talking about it at Ursula's funeral.
"Hey sis? I…my chest hurts. I hate this. I hate this feeling. But…I think…that the time that I spent with Ursula is worth all of the pain. I'm glad that I met her."
Yuki was all grown up. She was finally beginning to heal the old wounds that had been carved deeply into her heart since childhood.
Yuki's POV
I accompanied Yuri and Sakuwai into Ugarit. I was dressed in a dress that clung much too closely to my body and the neckline drooped way too low for my taste. I may as well be naked. I once again pulled up the neckline of dress only to have it fall back where it was.
"Leave it be!" Shala scolded, pulling my hands away from the dress. "You're supposed to look this way."
"Can we just get this over with?" I grumbled, pulling a cloak over my shoulders. I was not built for this kind of undercover. I was built to hide in the shadows, or blend into a crowd of people. But not something like this. Flaunting myself around the streets and batting my eyes. Uhg. Just the thought made my skin crawl. I pushed my bangs out of my face and surveyed the area; most of the Egyptians were…occupied. Ryui, Shala, Rusafa and Yuri went to release the horses. I was to stand watch in case our plans get discovered.
I had seen Ramses exit with a pair of ladies earlier. Following had the passing thought of following him, but I had no desire to keep watch of him while he's…having relations.
I pulled myself into the shadow of a building, pressing close to the walls and pulling my cloak around me. This was my element. Watching the world from the shadows. I wonder if the others released all of the horses by now? This might actually slow down the Egyptians more then the three days we planned for!
I smile to myself as I watched the streets begin to empty. With the men busy, I wonder if we could get any more sabotage done? Perhaps take apart the chariots, or breaking the weaponry! Oh, so many possibilities! I cackled to myself gleefully.
"Oh, seems I found another little mouse in this city!" A familiar voice snapped me out of my plotting. "And in such a pretty little dress! Must be my lucky day!"
"Ramses!" I gasp in shock, hadn't he gone off with those other ladies for the night? I snagged the dagger that was always present on my thigh and immediately charged at him. I couldn't afford to fail here; there were too many lives on the line. I just had to knock him out and…
I froze mid swing as he put something him front of him. Not something, someone! Yuri was wrapped up in a sheet, being supported by Ramses.
"Tsk, tsk, you wouldn't want to put your other half in danger, would you?" His playful tone was getting on my nerves.
"You coward. Hiding behind a hostage? Fight me like a man." I snarl at him, but didn't advance.
"I don't want to fight, silly little mouse. I want you. If this is what it takes, then so be it!" He crowed proudly. Shaking Yuri around a bit. "But if I have both of you, then all the better!"
"You good for nothing-" I shout.
"Now, now, do you really want to shout? This city is full of my men. Are the prostitutes with you as well? I doubt that they can defend themselves." He continued to gloat. I growl. I refuse to let him win!
"Don't get so arrogant." I say, but I lower my dagger. It seems I might be in some trouble this time…
"Why don't you come with me? No harm would befall Yuri or the other women, and we will even withdraw from Ugarit!" He pulled an arm around Yuri. I wanted to cut that arm off.
"You would negotiate with the lives of others?" I growl back at him. I needed to buy time, maybe I would think of some way out of this mess.
"Welcome to the world of war and politics, my dear little mouse." He was completely serious now. "So what do you say? Save countless lives by dropping your weapon."
"Don't do it, Yuki. Please don't! I'm telling you to leave. Get the others and…MMF!" Yuri pleaded, but was silenced quickly when Ramses pulled his arm over her mouth and muffled her words.
I let out a slow, even breath. I dropped my dagger. The clatter it made as it hit the ground seemed to rebound off the walls, echoing through Ugarit.
"Hah. I knew you would see things my way." Ramses boasted, slinging his other arm over me so I was pressed against his chest with Yuri on my right.
"You said you would let Yuri go!" I accuse him when I realized she was still trapped with me.
"I said no harm would come to her. So far, she is the only way to control you. She is staying, and we are all going back to Egypt!" I could hear the grin in his voice.
"No! Egypt? We can't head to-" My thoughts were interrupted when his mouth crashed on to mines unexpectedly. I screeched in rage, my voice smothered by his lips and Yuri began to thrash and kick.
"Miss. Yuki!"
"Princess!"
I heard familiar voices behind us. Oh gods please no. I saw our little team come up, swords drawn. They had drawn attention to themselves and now, the soldiers were realizing our little ploy. It was too late for cover up now!
"RUN!" I hiss at them. They all stood their ground, even Sakuwai. Oh gods, what have I dragged this poor child into?
"That was an order from your commander. You are to leave here NOW!" I say with full authority.
"But Princess…" Rusafa began. I saw the soldiers beginning to gather their wits. They will find us any second now!
"You would disobey a direct order from you commanding officer?" I held my head up high. I saw him hesitate and I continued to glare at him until he and the others relented and hastily dashed out of the city. Good. At least they are safe.
"So where were we?" Ramses leered down at me once again. He leaned down again and I snapped at him.
"Oh boo, do you have to be so difficult?" He leaned back and mock scowled at me. I hated how he always seemed to treat me like a child. Patronizing me at every turn.
He was about to lean in on me again when Yuri suddenly pulled away. He made a grab for her.
"Sick…" She began, her hand over her mouth. Ramses stopped and looked at her inquiringly. I also studied her a moment. She looked positively green.
"I feel sick…" She suddenly threw up into a nearby urn. I kicked Ramses off and patted Yuri's back. What were you supposed to do for people that were sick? I was not used to dealing with sick people…
"Jeez. You really were sick!" Ramses exclaimed. He seemed at a loss of what to do as well.
"I haven't been feeling well. And I haven't really been up to eating my regular favorite foods either. Instead, I've been eating some odd foods, craving certain things." She said after she finished throwing up.
"Getting sick and cravings? Sounds like…like…" Ramses trailed off and blushed, looking away.
"A baby!" I suddenly squeal. My momentary burst of joy was immediately dampened.
"You can't possibly think you can transport her to Egypt in her condition!" I turn to Ramses with rage lining my face.
"She is still in the early stages, it is possible." He sniffed. Yuri was still trying to collect herself, she was still crouched on the floor with her hands on her stomach.
"No!" I hissed, but Ramses had already slung Yuri over his shoulder and had his arm around my waist.
The next thing I know, we were on a chariot with Ramses. The chariot was not really made for three people. I had to keep my arm around Yuri's middle to keep her from tumbling out of the chariot. She had regained her senses and was shouting at Ramses to let her go. I vaguely considered shoving Ramses off the chariot, but his soldiers were right behind us. We would be skewered before we made it two feet.
"Who is that?" I heard Ramses mumble under his breath. I turned to see another army…a white horse…
"Kail!" Yuri suddenly shouted. I looked to see it was indeed the king himself, Ilbani as well. Their army split in half and surrounded the army, cutting off any escape. I saw His Majesty's face approach us, his face livid. He was coming up just beside us. I began to panic, if he got too close and fought Ramses on chariot, Yuri could get hurt. She couldn't jump while we were moving this fast. Wouldn't that jostle the baby?
As the chariot came up next to us, I loosened my grip on Yuri. I locked eyes with the king for a moment and loosened my grip on Yuri. She noticed and grasped my tunic. I shoved her before she could get a good grip. She landed into His Majesty's arms with a shriek. Perfect. Ramses looked over in surprise. I had to act quickly, once His Majesty's chariot pulled away, I jumped.
"Tuck and roll, Tuck and roll!" I chanted in my head. I felt the impact of the ground on my hands as I tumbled, the gravel cutting into my arms. I rolled my shoulder, I guess we were moving a bit faster then I thought. But it doesn't feel like I broke anything. A few scrapes and bruises? Pah. That's nothing. I didn't even have time to pull myself up before something snagged the back of my tunic and pulled me up toward a chariot.
I screamed, struggled and hissed. How had Ramses come up behind me so quickly? The hand grasping my tunic did not loosen, it instead hoisted me up to stand on the chariot. I whirled around with my fist cocked back; ready to swing when I froze. I stood facing an exasperated Ilbani.
"Will you calm down? It's just me." He sighed and reached around me to steer the chariot.
"Sorry! I thought you were Ramses!" I say with a grin.
"Quit smiling at me. It makes it difficult to be upset at you." He said, but he pulled me close to his body as we watched Egypt withdraw.
"Aw, don't be mad! We just took Ugarit!" I laugh.
"You just jumped out of a moving chariot. On top of that, Ramses had you when you were dressed like…like…" He trailed off.
"Like a prostitute." I say bluntly.
"As direct as always I see." He replies dryly.
For some reason, I found this entire conversation hilarious. I have no idea why, but I couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled up inside me and erupted. Soon I was in a fit of giggles and couldn't stop.
"Why are you laughing?" He asked. I could hear him begin to chuckle too.
"I don't know! Why are you?" I say in between giggles.
"Because you're contagious. Now stop. I need to steer." I could feel his chest shaking with laughter.
I tried to stem my laughter, but it was harder then I thought. Every little thing made me want to burst into chortles and Ilbani would chuckle soon after I gave into the little fits.
"Sorry to interrupt this…odd display of affection…but the Egyptians have fled." His Majesty tapped on our chariot. He looked at us with a raised eyebrow. A look that clearly questioned the sanity of his tactician and head adviser.
I completely lost it and was sitting on the floor of the chariot gasping and laughing so hard that I could feel tears in my eyes.
I have never laughed so hard in my life. And for the life of me, I couldn't understand what was so funny. Was it relief? Perhaps I had truly lost my mind. Was I happy about Yuri's pregnancy? I don't even care. It felt so good to laugh for nothing, to just be happy with life.
I looked up at the sky. It is a happy life right now. Our conquest was going well, Yuri was expecting, and I was going to get married. Right now, everything was absolutely perfect.
"Perfection never lasts long." A little voice in my head whispered. I smothered it and pushed it to the back of my mind. For now, I just wanted to live in this moment. Just for a while.
So Yuri is pregnant, I don't think I am going to give Yuki a baby just yet, but soon! I promise!
Sakuwai's name means "Too see"
Thanks for reading!
EternallySnowy