Neith

Confessions

Some of the best things in life are mistakes.

-Unknown.

Neith's Pov

We walked hand in hand through the crowd. All eyes transfixed on us, watching our every step. Some whispers were passed and a few nodes were exchanged.

I just made sure the heavy crown on my head stayed there while trying not to look like a limping duck.

Its harder then it sounds especially under the scrutiny three dozen pair of eyes.

Breath. It's going to be fine.

Aahotep introduces me and gives a speech about the event being held. We than proceed to speak about political matters for which I zoned out completely.

All that's running through my mind was the conversation that I had heard. I just couldn't get it out of my head. I excused myself and headed out. I needed to get some air.

I walked out of the hall and headed south from there. After taking a few turns, I came to a part of the castle I hadn't seen before.

Not that it surprised me, I hardly roamed the palace mostly cause I was too busy training and used all my time on it. I wasn't really into exploring this place as it just made me miss home even more.

I removed the crown as it seemed to be crushing my head. This place seemed to have another garden.

How many gardens does this place have?

I entered and somehow this place felt soothing. It wasn't too big but it wasn't small either. A small water fountain was planted in the middle. Under the moonlight the water looked like liquid silver. It was surrounded by a lot of flowers, mostly roses. Under the star light sky I could make out all the different colours or reds, whites and yellows.

I walked toward the fountain and placed the crown gently on the cold marble. I touched the cold water and felt instantly better.

Closing my eyes I relished the cool breeze gently brush against my skin, taking all my thoughts away. It had been a while since I felt so at ease. Even though I had a lot on my mind, I just let myself enjoy mother nature's magic.

“So this is where you ran off to,” came a voice that disturbed my peaceful moment. I turned to see Aahotep slanting on a pillar with a smirk.

Couldn't I just have a minute to myself?

I rolled my eyes at him,“I didn't run off, just took a break.”

I tried to look him in the eye but I couldn't. My heart felt heavy for some reason, like it has suddenly turned to stone. Maybe I was still frighted of him or maybe I just didn't want to confront him.

“You know this is the garden your father and mine first met. After my father passed Adio would visit this place almost every single day,” Aahotep said, looking around with a small smile on his face.

He seemed to look younger and his smile looked genuine this time. Not the fake one he held often.

“I heard the conversation you had,” I said slowly, afraid to say more. I hoped he would explain it even if it was a bit. I needed to know but at the same time I didn't.

I hear him sigh. I look up to see him run his hands through his dark brown hair. His brow tensed and his eyes showed an emotion of regret I think.

His hair seemed soft. Wish mine was like that. I mentally kicked myself. What am I thinking. Did I hit my head somewhere? Was wearing the crown for so long starting to affect my mind?

“I think its time I told you the truth but first lets head back. Wouldn't want people to panic when they find out the king and queen have gone missing,” Aahotep said with a grin but this one felt slightly off.

I wanted to ask a few more questions but decided against it. It was best if we discussed this in a more private area. We headed back to the Grand hall in silence.

**************

The party ended on a well note. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. Aahotep looked like a massive weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Me, Anka and Ammon had a brief conversation before I decided to head back to my room so I could give them some time to talk alone.

I giggled as I headed up the flight of stairs. Seems like it really was quite serious between them and I couldn't be more happier. If they got married than Anka would become my sister-in-law. Ah!! That would just be the best thing to happen.

I headed to my room and changed out of my 300 kilo dress to a more comfy pair. I put my hair up in a bun and washed my face.

Ah! I feel so much better now.

I sat on my bed wondering whether I should wait for Aahotep to come or I need to head to his room. After a few minutes debating, I decided to head to his room.

He probably would be trying to avoid me.

I climbed off the bed and headed towards the door. I opened it and a face smiled at me.

“Oh so now you can sense my presence?” Aahotep asked, smirking. I let his comment slide and stepped aside to let him in. Probably wasn't a good idea to talk back to him now.

He entered and took his usual seat near the desk. I walked and sat on my bed.

Awkward silence filled the room. I stared into my hands hoping Aahotep would start the conversation.

“Alright, first of all you have to promise me you won't act rashly or go snooping around the palace for any sort of information ok?” Aahotep asked, looking at me seriously.

I nodded.

“Good. So as you had suspected your father didn't die of a heart failure as nor did I kill him,” Aahotep said.

“But-” I started but was cutoff before I could say anything.

“Don't speak till I finish. If you need to know why your father was killed you need to listen carefully,” Aahotep continued, silencing me.

“When my father ascended the throne, and when he started his new belief system there were a lot of riot against it. It wasn't easy to build a new empire but nevertheless my father suppressed the opposition and established the new era.

But this didn't mean the riots stopped. Many of the nobels still tried to disrupt it. When I was born my father became worried that someone would use me to overthrow his kingdom. He couldn't trust anyone other then your father and Abu, his personal servant.

So he trained me himself and made sure I would continue his vision. When father died he asked Adio to look after me and took a promise from him to keep me safe. That was the promise that lead to your father's death,” Aahotep said, his eyes held so many emotions.

“A few weeks before Adio died I had heard some gossip from the servants talking about shadows that roamed the hallways at night. I feared that the nobels were plotting something so I asked your father to look into it.

I asked him to take someone with him to investigate but he refused because he didn't want to seem suspicious. Besides we knew there was a spy in the higher ranks and he didn't want to arouse them.

That was the last I heard of him. The next day I found his body near the great library. He was stabbed from behind. Not to arouse any sort of suspicion or chaos I covered up his murder saying he had a heart problem. I still haven't been able to find out who did it,” Aahotep said, looking away. His voice at the end almost cracked.

I could feel he was furious with himself for not being able to find out the murderer for over a year.

So I was right. Somewhere deep within I knew father had been murdered.

I wanted to hold his hand and console him. He looked so lost, just like Ammon, when father had died. Then something hit me.

“But why did you marry me?” I asked, confused.

“Before Adio left my room that night he asked me to promise him that if anything ever happened to him, I would protect you and Ammon at all costs. So when he died and I heard you had been snooping around investigating I thought you would be killed. So I did what I had to, to protect you. If you became my bride people would think twice before laying a finger on you,” Aahotep said looking at me. He seemed to look apologetic.

“But... I mean you didn't even know me yet you sacrificed such an important place. There had to be another way,” I said. I couldn't believe what he was saying. Anyone in their right mind wouldn't just give up the position of the first wife just to uphold a promise. This man was insane. 

“Perhaps, but at that time it seemed like the only idea that would work. Besides if anything ever happened to you or Ammon, I couldn't live with myself. After all Adio was like a father to me,” Aahotep said leaning back onto the chair.

“So you lied to me saying you killed father to protect me?” I asked, still shocked from all the information that was thrown at me.

“Yes, everything I did was to protect you and I am sorry that I did that but I had to make sure you wouldn't go investigating things on your own,” Aahotep said softly.

I stared at him. So I had worked so hard to beat a man who sacrificed so much to protect me. It just dawned on me how selfish I was. If only I had listen to Ammon that time than Aahotep wouldn't be stuck with me. He wouldn't have had to suffer so much because of me. This whole mess was because of me. It was all my fault. Everything was my fault.

I felt a small tear escape and run down my face.

“Neith! Why are you crying?” Aahotep asked, concerned.

“I'm... sorryyy frr... everything... I didddd,” I say, crying my heart out.

I felt so bad. I should have used my head instead of my fists. I was to angry to see what was in front of me. Too arrogant.

“Its fine, besides it wasn't too bad. I really enjoyed your company. I mean how can you not like a girl who says they will kick your ass on the day you met them,” Aahotep said, grinning.

A small laugh escaped me as I recalled the first encounter with him. It feels like it was a decade ago.

“What was the reason for today's party than? Does it have anything to do with father's murder investigation?” I asked, wiping my tears away.

I didn't want to look like a small child in front of him.

“Sadly no, It was about the peace treaty,” Aahotep said, suddenly looking excited.

I continued to ask him a thousand questions to which he answered without hesitation. We spoke and spoke for what seemed like hours. Finally I ran out of questions and Aahotep seemed to be the happiest person alive.

“Its getting pretty late. You better get some sleep. I will also head back to my room,” Aahotep said, getting up. He than made his way to the door.

“Thank you, for everything,” I say before he's gone. He gives me a dazzling smile and closes the door as he leaves.

I snuggled into my blanket, an array of emotions filling me. I felt relieved that I know what happened but at the same time I felt sad and angry. I needed to get to the bottom of this. I had to know who killed father.

I felt myself drifting away into a dreamless night, wondering if I would ever find out what really happened.

A/n:

Finally the cat's out of the bag, well sorta . Neith finally knows the truth now. So I guess things between Aahotep and Neith will be going much more smoothly now .

I think you guys have noticed that I haven't written in Aahotep's Pov in a while. Well that's because the story will become too big. Anyway I don't think I will write his Pov anymore, maybe occasionally if you want to or I want to show something from his side.

So who do you think could have killed Neith's father? Leave a comment and let me know ❤

Hope you guys have an awesome day/evening/night. Love ya!! ❤❤