Neith

A Proposal?

Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.

- Marcus Aurelius

Aahotep's Pov

The girl stood frozen. Her eyes were wide and face fallen. She was in a state of shock. I have seen this girl somewhere, her face was very familiar. I tried recalling from where, and then it strikes.

''Neith?'' I asked getting up. Her face fell even further. I think she was scared of me.

''Hi... '' she said softly.

I was slightly shocked at the way she addressed me. She was probably the first person who has addressed me so informally. I wanted to laugh cause I think she just regretted saying that. Her face says it all, kind of like reading an open book.

I moved a bit closer to see her properly. She was so lost in thought she didn't realize it and when she looked up she backed away so quickly she almost fell.

''Careful, I didn't mean to scare you or anything,'' I said, trying to stifle a laugh that threatened to slip out. She is such a klutz. No wonder Ammon and Adio kept worrying about her all the time.

That was when she looked up at me. Normally people avoid direct eye contact with me, being the Pharaoh and all but for some reason she didn't look away.

She really is quite strange.

''So what did you come here for?'' I ask taking a step back.

''I... um... I'm actually here to see you sire,'' she said still looking straight at me without a hint of hesitation.

''Me? You're here to see me?'' I asked confused. Why on earth would she want to see me?

''Yes, I came to see if Abu was here so he could take me to see you sire'' she said firmly.

I was about to ask her why she came but was interrupted by Abu as he walked into the room holding a tray with two clay cups.

''Neith? What are you doing here?'' he asks looking confused.

''Abu I will be taking Neith outside. You rest up for today, I will come and visit you later,'' I say before Neith could answer.

Abu was about to say something before deciding against it. He simply nodded and came to see us out. Once we were outside I asked Neith to follow me. I didn't want to disturb Abu so I thought we could go to a quiet place to talk. On the way I asked one of the guards to have the swnw (docter) look at Abu.

We then continued to walk in silence. I wondered what she wanted to talk about. I brought her to one of the quietest places in the palace. This place was usually used to practice your sword movements alone. Father had prepared it specially for me.

It was a quite and peaceful place, away from all the noise of the palace. I used to often come here to think as well. The cold wind brushed past us making me feel relaxed and at ease. I turned around and put up a small smile. I usually didn't smile much but since this was Adio's daughter I didn't mind.

''So what did you want to talk about?'' I asked as softly as I could manage. I didn't want to scare her or make her feel uncomfortable.

''Well it's about my brother. He has been acting weird since father, um... I mean the General passed away, '' she said sternly.

Oh... so this is what she wanted to talk about. I wanted to avoid the topic so I should probably make up something.

''Ya, he is probably grieving in his own way,'' I said. It wasn't a complete lie though.

''No he isn't. He is hiding something about father's death and I would like to know what it is'," she said quiet aggressively which surprised me. I usually have people talk to me very politely. I seemed to keep getting surprised by this girl.

''I am sorry sire I didn't mean to say it like that. The thing is Ammon got really angry at me when he found out that I was investigating about father's death. He accidentally said I would be killed if I continued. Could you please tell me why Ammon said something like that sire?'' she asked more calmly.

''You investigated about your father's death?'' I asked shocked. What in Aten's name did she do. This was bad, very bad. This girl has no idea of what could have happened. Damn it... I broke the promise I made.

''You're a kid and you shouldn't go poking around asking silly questions. I can't tell you anything more because there isn't anything more to it. Your father did die from a heart problem. If that is all you wanted to ask, then you can leave,'' I said firmly. I'm a little too angry to deal with her right now. I should probably go have a little talk with Ammon. I start to walk away. I was about to walk down the flight of stairs before I hear her voice.

''I challenge you to a duel,'' I hear her yell. I stop abruptly. I turn around to find her holding a sword. I gasp in shock. Did she really know what she was doing or was she plain stupid? I normal would have been furious that someone would actually have the audacity to point one of my swords at me but for some reason I found this funny.

Well this is going to be fun.

''You can fight?'' I ask mockingly. I knew she could because Adio had told me about it before. He always seemed proud at the fact that his daughter could fight well. Lets see if his words were true.

She seemed to look angry. I guess my tone must have angered her.

Quite an interesting girl.

''If I win you have to tell me what's going on. Sorry but I don't think I have any other way to find out the truth sire,'' she said still holding the sword firmly in her hands.

I immediately cracked up. I haven't laughed like this in a long long time. She was actually serious about it. Well I guess she did posses some of her father's stubbornness.

I let out a sigh. I had to think of a way to make sure she doesn't go around asking stupid questions to the wrong people.

An idea clicks. It's not the best idea but it would definitely keep her safe, even if it means I have to sacrifice that place. It doesn't matter anyways. Besides I have to keep Adio's promise to protect his daughter. I owed him that much.

''You're serious about this aren't you? You really think you can win on top of that don't you?'' I say, humor still lingering in my words.

''I will answer your question if you win but if I win then you have to do something for me. Deal?'' I ask, my eyes challenging her to accept.

''What do you want me to do for you sire?'' she asks wary. She looked at me suspiciously.

At least she isn't a total moron and thinks of some of the consequences.

''I won't tell that now. But remember if you go through with this then you will have to do as I say since you promised. And if you decide not to go through with this then you will be thrown in jail for assaulting the Pharaoh,'' I say, trying to keep a cool face.

Now that I have her trapped she has to obey me. Ammon is definitely going to be furious with this.

She agrees and we begin the match. I got to say she is one strong fighter. She's quick and her blows are pretty decent. She did leave a few openings but she recovered quickly. Given her age I would definitely say she was above average. Guess Adio was right.

She came at me hard and I took this change to knock out her sword.

''I win," I say with a satisfied grin.

She stood transfixed for a few seconds, letting the loss sink in. Finally after recovering, she doesn't lose her pride. Instead she looks me, dead straight in the eye and asks what she had to do. I smile, she certainly was Adio's daughter.

''You have to marry me," I say trying to block out the screaming voice in my mind.