Chapter 24: Blinded

Yuki's POV

I bustled about Ramses' residence eagerly. Lots of work to do, if we want to oust two Queen Dowagers.

"Lots to do, lots to do!" Yuri mumbled beside me as she made more and more clay tablets. I was jotting down strategies, and just as quickly crumpling them up and tossing them into a pile of mutilated clay which Yuri then retrieved and patted into a blank tablet.

Yuri was working quite fervently. So was I.

Perhaps we both found the hard work as a welcome escape.

Yuri was trying to hide the sadness of her lost child. I could tell, that behind her cheery smile, her heart was still bleeding. I also know there was nothing I could say or do to help her now. Only the King may aid in her healing.

I was trying to forget…that the man I love sits merely a stones' throw away. And that I cannot touch him. That I cannot speak to him unless it is necessary for the strategy. I crumpled up yet another plan and tossed it over my shoulder.

"Open up!" A demand accompanied by a loud clang came from the front of the residence. We all got up and gathered at the door.

"Ramses. Your fiancée and her sister are hereby under arrest for subservience." A man stood in front of an army declared. An army to take two girls? I highly doubt it.

"Yes, those ladies, they interrupted a rite and injured many priests!" The Head priest from the other day said in a mockingly meek voice,

"That's a lie!" Yuri shouted back. Guards began to grasp at her. I leaned over and snagged one of the guards swords and intercepted them before they could touch her.

"Don't touch her. I was the only one at fault. My sister has nothing to do with this." I say with my head held high.

"No! Leave my fiancée alone!" Ramses suddenly stepped in front of me. I pushed Yuri behind me and stood my ground. Until a sudden realization hit me.

If Ramses protected us, he would be arrested. Our plan…it's ruined! Nefertiti…! She was one step ahead of us this entire time! She saw through our plot before we could even begin!

"Stop. I was the one at fault. I will go peacefully." I dropped my sword and was about to take a step forward. I felt a hand discretely pull on my dress. I turned to see it was Ilbani who was standing beside me. Holding me back. Why? Didn't he realize what was going on? Our entire plan would be for nothing!

I looked into his eyes. Yes. He knew exactly what was going on. All the more reason for him to let go! We cannot hope to fight here, where we have no allies!

"Ramses. You are now a co-conspirator and are under arrest." Spears surrounded Ramses.

"No!" I hissed. Hands held me back. Ryui, Shala and Hadi had a firm hold on me with Ilbani standing in front of me.

"We can figure this out without you having to go kill yourself." He hissed angrily at me.

"Damn it. Damn it all!" I curse quietly. Ruined! Everything is ruined!

"You know it isn't your fault. Nefertiti has been trying to get her hands on Ramses for a while now." Nefert tried to comfort Yuri. I was beyond listening. I needed to get him out of this.

"Uhg!" I growl, flinging another failed plan at the wall. It landed with a plop onto the floor.

"I'm going to the queen's palace to try and testify." Yuri suddenly shouted, getting up and heading for the door. Another plop was heard as a ball of unbaked clay collided with her back. She turned and scowled at me.

"Sit the hell down. Getting killed will get you nowhere." I hiss. "I'll find a way. She has a strong net, but all nets have holes. I will find one and rip it wide open."

"Or we could go home. We could leave without any trouble now." Ilbani suggested.

Home. We could go home right now, couldn't we? Go home and pretend it never happened. And why not? This country was not mine. I had nothing here. I could leave right now, leave and go back home.

"I can't." I buried my face in my hands. How hard those words were to say. I wanted to cry and beg Ilbani to take me home. To go home so I could freely love him. Home so I could see Sakuwai and all the people I loved. I want to go home.

"Yuki, please…" Ilbani sighed in exasperation.

"You know well that I can't. This opportunity…the opportunity to usurp Nakia. It's too perfect. I can't leave it. And Ramses' arrest…it was my fault. Even if I dislike the man, he doesn't deserve to die by a power hungry Queen's hands on my behalf." I run my hand through my hair. I want to go home. I really want to go home…

But I can't. Not yet. I do want to go home, but I want to go back to a safe home. I want to make it safe for everyone.

"Gods, Yuki! Can't you just take the safe route for once?" Ilbani's voice was rising with every word.

"I can't go home until I can make home safe!" I cry back.

In response to that, Ilbani simply turned on his heel and left in a huff. I just sat where I was, staring into space.

I've done it again. I've upset him. He has full right to be. I am being a fool. I should just go home right now. But instead I cause him more worry. I haven't seen him in months and the first thing I do? I anger him.

"I'm so sorry. I have to do this, though." I whisper to no one in particular.

Hadi's POV

Poor Yuki. I watched as she poured herself over her plans. Tablet after tablet crumpled. I could tell that Ilbani was hurting to. On the way here, Ilbani was a mess. Fidgeting, pacing. He was a wreck.

And now, they were there, yet couldn't even touch. I saw the pain in Yuki's eyes. She was hurting. She was hiding it, but I could see the pain just below the surface.

What could I do though? I can't leave things be. That's for sure. They needed to talk. But with all of these maids snooping around, there was no way for them to get any alone time, especially with the recent events. Yuki has been under extreme scrutiny. They didn't trust her anymore. Poisonous lies were whispered throughout the residence.

I know Princess Yuki heard some of it. She couldn't have missed it. But Princess Yuki never cared. She let the words wash right off her back as if it were nothing. But then again, it really is nothing.

It's odd now that I think of it. So many would be beyond angry hearing some of these lies. Even those of high rank try to keep their reputations squeaky clean. Even me, I would rankle if I heard lies circulating. It's silly though. With all the troubles going on, a few lies are nothing. Princess Yuki and Princess Yuri understood that. Perhaps it is because they know who they are. They know the truth about themselves. They don't care of the words of those petty ladies.

With all that those girls have faced…perhaps these little rumors are so easy to brush away.

I will admit, Princess Yuri is usually better at ignoring these things. Princess Yuki could put up with it for a while. But the timer will eventually run out with her.

In a way, they were both like volcanoes. Usually dormant. And even when dormant, will often strike fear into people. And when they erupt, there is no stopping them.

I heard Yuki sigh loudly and toss another rejected clay tablet into the pile with the others. I have to fix this. I grab some random tablets off of the ground.

"Miss. Yuki!" I chirped. " Won't you please drop these off with Ilbani?"

She looked at me oddly and glanced at the tablets in my hands.

"But those are…" She began.

"Very important. You will have to take these to Ilbani yourself. Don't worry, Yuri and I will make sure nobody interrupts your important meeting!" I prod Princess Yuki down the halls. Princess Yuri was following right on my heels and my sisters giggling beside her.

"But I…" Princess Yuki protested.

" Have very much to talk about, I know." I smile, shoving her into Ilbani's room and slamming the door.

"Hadi, you are simply the best." Princess Yuri laughed.

"I just pride myself in my work, M'lady." I smile back.

I hope my best is enough to fix this.

Yuri's POV

I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as I looked at the closed door Yuki disappeared behind.

Just behind that door, she was with the man she loved. And when we got back to Hattusa, she would be married.

I know that's unfair of me. Of course I'm happy Ilbani is here. Even more happy that Yuki is truly smiling again. I am happy for her. But I can't smother the ugly jealousy that keeps rearing its head.

Why is it so easy for her? Ilbani was allowed to come here for her. Kail can't leave his army unattended. She could wed without any problems. I have to prove myself to the senate and the entire empire.

If Kail and I wed…I will be a Queen. I often wonder if I could handle it. That's a lot of people depending on me. A lot of important decisions. Can I…can I do it? I can't voice these fears to anyone but Kail. Otherwise I would appear weak.

Kail. I miss Kail. I still feel an emptiness in my stomach where…where my child was…

That child…I failed my own child. I keep plastering a smile on my face and adding a bounce in my step. I need to look happy. Or else Yuki would worry.

But at night, I would toss and turn in my bed. I didn't want to sleep. Sleeping causes nightmares. Right now…I can't deal with nightmares. Not by myself.

I want to be held in Kail's arms again. I want to sob at the unfairness of it all. But I know I can't cry here. Yuki is right about one thing. We have a mission to do. We can't get sidetracked. Emotions have to be set aside now.

Yuki's POV

I squeaked and fell forward as the door slammed behind me. I landed with an unceremonious thump on the floor.

I pulled myself up to see a surprised Ilbani who had gotten up from his desk to help me up.

"What-"

"Hadi." I say simply. He nodded. We had both been a part of Hadi's plans when it came to pushing Yuri and Kail together. For some reason, it felt odd on the other end.

"Well, then why not just wait around here until she gets bored and lets you out." Ilbani turned and sat back at his desk. He was still mad. Of course he was…

"Ilbani…"I began.

"Don't bother trying to explain. I know the issue is not up for debate. I know you all too well." He didn't even turn around.

He had full right to be angry. I would be in his position. After all these months, I had almost forgotten what it was like to have someone worry over me. All this time, I had done the worrying. I worried over Sakuwai and Rusafa, over Yuri, and even over the situation in Egypt. I had forgotten how nice it was to be worried over.

On in impulse I wrapped my arms around his neck, burying my face into his shoulder. He still smelled like clay and incense. He still felt warm under my fingers.

"I missed you." I breathed.

I sigh in disappointment when I felt him get up, forcing me to let go. Then, I nearly sobbed when I felt his arms wrap me in his familiar embrace. After so many months, I still remembered his touch.

"I missed you. I just want you to be safe." He sighs into my hair.

"And I want you to be safe. Which is why I have to stay." I leaned into him.

" I know. I don't like it. But I know." He stroked my hair. "But that means I will stay too."

"Ok. I got it. Just be careful?" I look up at him. He grabs my hand and kisses the ring that was still on my finger.

"Of course. I wouldn't want to miss our wedding back home." He grinned playfully.

I laughed. It came out a bit hysterical.

"You're tired. Rest." Ilbani commanded.

I laughed again.

"I can't. I can't rest until it is all over." I smile. Looking at him, I wanted to cry. He had that effect on me. He made me want to just stay in his arms and cry. Cry for the lost months, for Prince Mali, for Yuri's baby. Vulnerable. He made me feel vulnerable.

I can't cry here. I can't. I will have time to rest and cry when we go home. For now, I must walk with my head held high and conviction in my voice. I can't cry until it is all over. When it is all over, I can sleep in his arms and sob until my heart clears. But not now.

It took all of my willpower to pull away when the door opened to reveal Hadi, the twins and Yuri.

"Sorry to interrupt." Yuri truly looked apologetic. "But we have a few queens to overthrow? Not that Yuki is back to her clever self, we really should start on a plan."

"Right. So I have an idea, I just don't know how to execute it." I say, brushing my bangs out of my eyes.

"Well let's hear what you've got." Yuri urged.

"I've completely scrapped the idea of trying to reason with the Queen in letting Ramses go or admitting to her alliance with Nakia. The law here is dictated by her. No point in even trying." I began.

"Well so far it seems like a pretty hopeless situation." Ryui sighed. Shala quickly hushed her.

"But, if we create a situation where the Queen will be forced to release Ramses and give us information, that's a different story. I just don't know how to create a situation big enough." I huff, thinking again.

"What's big enough to compel royalty?" Hadi asked, incredulous.

"The people rule. If the people push the government, there is no stopping them. Even in a monarchy, it is the people that rule." I say. "General Ramses is the only one who is capable of facing off with His Majesty. By letting Nefertiti take him, it makes the Pharaoh Hohemreb look like a fool. So we must have the people of Thebes realize this foolishness."

"A riot." Yuri suddenly said.

"A…riot…how do we start one?" I ask.

"I'm sure you will manage to naturally. You are always seemed to be the cause of a riot." Ilbani mumbled.

I thought for a moment. In a way he was right. Because of Yuri and I, there was a riot in Kizzuwadna against the Mittani army. In Katapa as well. We seemed to cause rebellions against higher government without meaning to. Yet now when we need one, I have no idea how we did it.

"Egypt is ripe for a rebellion." Hadi stated.

She was right. The country was poor, the monarchy corrupt, too many poor on the streets, and law was too strict. This place was ripe for a rebellion.

"I'll help. A rebellion in this environment is pretty simple." Ilbani grumbled.

"That mean's you'll help?" I perk up.

"I want it known that am joining this mission under protest." Ilbani groused.

"Yay! Thank you, Ilbani!" Yuri squealed, jumping up and giving him a hug. I laughed. I hadn't seen Yuri that spirited in a while. And the uncomfortable look on Ilbani's face was just too much.

"But a mob is hard to control. It's erratic and anything can happen. I don't think this is a reliable plan…" I trailed off.

"It's erratic if it has no leader. If we find a capable leader…someone who is charismatic, can gain trust quickly. Military experience would be good too." Ilbani answered.

"Where are we gonna find someone like that?" Yuri asked. We all turned to stare at her.

"What?" She fidgeted uncomfortably under our gazes. "It's an honest question…"

"You, you dolt." I deadpanned, flicking her forehead playfully.

"Huh? What do you mean me?" She still looked oblivious.

"Yes, you. Who else?" I laugh.

"Well…Miss Yuki would do well as well." Shala said suddenly. Ryui nodded in agreement. I shook my head.

"No, I don't have the charisma. People follow me due to fear. Not because they genuinely like me." I brush them off quickly.

"But that's why you and Princess Yuri make a good pair. Princess Yuri tends to be too forgiving and only demands attention when her temper has reached its limit. You may not have the same amount of charisma Princess Yuri has, but you command the attention of others. And trust me, it is not just fear. A good portion of it is respect. And automatic reaction to some. People cannot take their attention away from you. We deed you both to achieve this." Ilbani ruffled my hair.

I blinked up at him owlishly. Is that how people saw me? Plain, boring me? He suddenly flicked me in the forehead.

"Princess Yuri isn't the only dolt. You are both blind." Ryui giggled.

"We are going to need a boat and supplies." I ignore the exchange.

We sailed along the Nile in a boat Nefert had kindly provided us. She actually seemed quite happy to let us take supplies and the boat without explanation. I will have to be careful not to get her and her family in any more trouble.

On the boat, I finally had time to think about our earlier conversation. Was I truly blind? It was odd, as I looked in my reflection in the water, I began to see what they were saying. I didn't have charisma like Yuri, but I had a serious look that commanded attention. I had never seen it before. But the way Ilbani and the three maids talked about it, I had this quality long before our trip to Egypt. Why is it that I can see it now, but not then?

Yuri too, she didn't realize the effect she had on people. Perhaps, we are all blind to our own good qualities. But when they are pointed out, we begin to see ourselves through someone else's eyes. I wonder how I look in other's eyes? This reflection staring back at me…it is the me as I see it. What does Yuri see when she looks in the mirror? Perhaps she is blind to her luminosity.

I looked back up at the horizon, concentrating on our current situation. It was the middle of the night, dark; Yet in a way, so peaceful. When we drifted along like this, the crickets singing their song, the sound of the water lapping against the boat. It was easy to forget that this place was ridden with problems.

I looked up at the sky. The stars were so bright. They were never this bright back in Japan. I had never experienced this type of quiet back in Japan either. I found myself leaning on Ilbani. I had never felt so safe back in Japan either.

I felt my eyes droop lower and lower. The combination of Ilbani's warm embrace and the relaxing motion of the boat was lulling me to sleep. I fought to keep my eyes open. What if something happened? I can't let my guard down now.

"Go to sleep, Yuki. We can keep watch. You haven't slept for a while, have you?" Ilbani draped a blanket over me. I tried in vain to push it off me. I can't sleep now… But it was so warm. And I'm so comfortable.

"He's right, Yuki. Just sleep. My sisters and I will stay up." Hadi urged me.

"Yuki, please. Just take a nap." Yuri joined in.

"No…I…" I yawned and trailed off. I could slowly feel my willpower draining away as my eyes drooped. I tried to get up and stretch, maybe splash water on my face. But Ilbani had wrapped his arms tightly around me. He sighed when he felt me try to get up.

He held me close and began to stroke my hair. Then he began to sing. I lost my last sliver of willpower as soon as I heard his silky voice singing a familiar tune. I hadn't heard him sing since Hattusa. We would sit in the courtyard when we had free time and have a picnic. Sometimes, he would sing and teach me songs, sometimes, I sang and taught him songs from Japan.

I listened and snuggled into the blanket.

Ilbani's POV

"I missed home…" I heard her mumble quietly. I wonder if anyone else even heard her.

I stopped singing when I felt her relax and heard the steady breaths of sleep from her.

"Amazing. I don't think I've ever seen anyone push her into doing something she didn't want to do…" Princess Yuri said in awe. I continued to run my hand through her hair. I missed the silky feel of it. I noted the dark circles under her eyes. Once again, she was working herself past her limit.

"You're really special to her. You know that, right?" Princess Yuri continued.

"Of course I do." I smile fondly at the sleeping girl.

"You know…before she met you, I don't think I've ever seen her cry." Princess Yuri prodded me. I looked up at her oddly. She wasn't even looking at me. She was smiling affectionately at Yuki.

"She never cried. Everything painful just brushed over her shoulder. She had closed her heart so tightly, nothing ever got close enough to truly hurt her." Princess Yuri tucked the blanket under Yuki's chin.

"That sounds like a bad thing for some reason." I chuckle softly.

"No. It's good. You know, your heart can only feel pain, if it first feels love. She never got hurt in Japan because she didn't let anyone in. She didn't even want to try to feel love for anyone. But now…I've seen her cry over those she lost, over wounds in her heart. Thank you. Thank you for helping her. You can see the difference from when she first came here, can't you? Thank you, for helping her grow." Yuri smiled at me.

"I wasn't the only one." I say quietly. I know it took a lot to open up Yuki. Zanannza, Ursula, Yuri. Everyone had a part in opening Yuki's heart.

"But you were the main one." Yuri whispered yawning and leaning on the side of the boat.

I looked down at the goddess that slept in my arms. Never in my dreams had I thought that I would have a perfect girl like this even near me. Holding her in my arms…it seemed unreal. Like one day, I would wake up and the dream would end. When I wake up and she isn't next to me, I have a moment of panic. Maybe it was a dream. Maybe none of it was real. How could a perfect goddess like her be real?

I'll never tell her, but when she runs off and does these stunts I sometimes feel a bit of relief. These jolts the rushed through a perfect dream, it reminds me that she is real.

Now that doesn't mean that I want her rushing off into trouble. But I also know that it is who she is. Yuki is the one who takes things into her own hands. One who won't ask for help or rely on others. Yuki will rush into danger if she must. Yuki is the one I fell in love with.

These months she was away…I was nothing but a ball of anxiety. I remember eating and having a sudden panicked moment.

I wonder if she is eating…

These thoughts followed me everywhere.

Was she cold right now?

Was she lonely?

Did she hurt herself again?

Was she crying right now?

Every little thing… I kept thinking of her. All these lost months. All of this time I had left her alone.

I'm glad she wasn't lost by herself. I'm glad there was always someone there for her. Not that I believed she needed protection, but she needed someone who loved her to be by her side.

I vowed, that this would be the final straw for Queen Nakia. I will create a safe world for my Yuki. Where she could go anywhere and I know she would be safe. The first step…is ousting Queen Nakia for good.

Not really much happening here except some character development.

Next time, we will face off with Queen Nefertiti in Elephantine.

Thanks so much for nice reviews and thanks for reading!

~EternallySnowy