Draping a shawl over her head, Aida crept out of the palace. She
hated all this sneaking around…especially past Amneris to see the
princess's own husband-to-be. A pang of guilt stole through her heart, and
she instinctively clutched the amulet around her neck, a small smile
spreading across her face. Her other hand folded around the piece of
parchment tucked safely in her pocket. Her smile widened. Radames had
requested that she meet him in the courtyard. It was risky, and Aida didn't
even want to think of what would happen if she-they- were caught.
Shivering, and pulling the shawl tighter around her, she broke into a swift
run, oblivious to the fact that the letter fluttered harmlessly out of her
pocket. Keeping to the shadows, she fled into the night.
Mereb walked silently across the palace grounds, a low whistle issuing from his lips. A soft crackling emitted from under his foot, and he paused, puzzled. Palace grounds were usually kept immaculately clean, not a piece of trash visible. Bending to toss it out, he froze. Aida's name was scrawled neatly on it. Curious, though he knew it was none of his business, he unfolded it. Actually, it was his business, he amended. If anything were to happen to Aida…the Nubians would forever be enslaved to Egypt. His heart quickened as he scanned the letter.
Aida,
At the hour of 2 am, I request your presence in the courtyard. Please join me. We've matters to discuss.
Radames
Mereb's brow furrowed. What would Radames want with Aida? Although Mereb respected his master greatly, it concerned him as to what he would want with Aida. Mereb was very protective of his princess, and decided that ever since Radames had forced that kiss, him being alone with her was not a good idea. Tucking the letter into his shirt pocket, he walked off.
Radames paced the courtyard nervously, running a hand through his hair. You actually expected her to come? he berated himself. You actually thought you might have something serious with her? You—
"Radames?" Aida's voice cut through his thoughts. "Radames? Rada…" Her question was smothered by a hand covering her mouth. She stifled a scream and jabbed the attacker with her elbow. The intruder's hand left her mouth as he staggered back, and Aida whirled defensively. "Radames!" she exclaimed, horrified. "Gods, Radames! You cannot do that! You'd think it's hard enough sneaking past the guards, and being with you in secret!"
Radames held up his hands in surrender, face twisted with pain. "From now on I'll learn from my mistakes," he said quietly, holding his hand helplessly out to her. Aida made a sad face, and pushed her lower lip out.
"Captain Radames received a disability from a woman?" she asked tauntingly, smiling.
"Oh, you!" Radames sprang forward, and pinned Aida to the ground, while she fought, laughing. At that moment, Mereb appeared in the groves of the trees. His jaw dropped at the sight of Radames forcing Aida down, while she fought. His mind lurched in two directions. Obey his master and stay quiet, or help his princess. His hand lingered on the hilt of his dagger, then withdrew. Aida's name was on his lips as he prepared to bolt forward, just as Radames' face lowered to Aida's, and he kissed her. –not again,-- Mereb moaned to himself. He was surprised to see that the kiss was gentle, and patient. Mereb shook his head slowly, as Aida returned the kiss, her arms encircling Radames' neck. Mereb froze. –no!—he thought. Aida? Radames? Aida AND Radames? Turning, he flew back through the trees.
"Did you hear something?" Aida whispered.
"Like what?" Radames replied, springing up, hand on his sword. Aida touched his cheek, forcing his eyes to hers.
"Nothing…I must be hearing things…" Aida said slowly.
"No." Radames drew his sword out slowly. "The bushes are moving. You must go, Aida. I can't risk someone having seen you." –us- he added to himself. Aida nodded, the need for safety briefly overruling her need to be with Radames. She reached up to kiss him softly on the lips, and was gone. Radames watched her go with a wistful look in his eyes. He reminded himself of the situation, and started off. –genius- he muttered to himself. –you're going in the same direction as her- but he had no choice, and he trotted off to the palace.
Mereb dashed through the palace grounds, swerving and darting to avoid being seen. As he neared the area where the Nubian slaves were kept, someone grabbed his arm. "Mereb?" Nehebka stared at him with wide eyes. "Is everything alright?" Mereb nodded briskly and unconsciously muttered something about Aida. "Mereb? What about Aida?" the grip on his arm tightened. "MEREB! What has happened? Is Aida alright? Is she OK?" Mereb shook off her grasp with an apologetic smile, and he hurried off.
"Yes," he murmured to himself. "She's alright." An image of Aida in Radames' arms flashed through his mind. "Or is she…" he slowed as he approached the palace. Aida and Radames? He pondered the statement, when he bumped into someone. –who would be up at this hour- he murmured to himself, before it came to him. "Hello, Aida," he whispered to the cloaked figure.
"How did you know it was me?" Aida whispered back, removing the shawl. Why was Mereb staring at her as though she'd committed a crime? Her dark complexion was flushed from her time with Radames, and from the run back. "Mereb?" she prompted.
"Ah, well, lucky guess, I suppose. Good night, princess!" Mereb smiled. "Sweet dreams…" Aida paused.
"Mereb?"
"yes?"
"Why are you acting like this?"
"No reason," Mereb replied, waving his hand dismissively. Aida nodded, and slipped into the palace. Luckily, all was quiet. Everyone slept like a rock. She slipped into sleep, her eyes closing as Amneris' eyes flickered open in time to see Aida slip in.
The next morning, Mereb approached Aida with a worried frown. Accidentally, Mereb had stumbled upon Aida and Radames, intertwined in yet another embrace. Mereb was confused. How could his master, Radames…and AIDA! His Princess! His eyes could not deny it…the two were in love! He saw how when Radames met her eyes, brave, confident, self-assured Aida would flush and avert her eyes like a new bride. When Amneris gently, but curiously, reminded Aida to fill Radames' cup, Aida's supple hands would tremble as she attempted to complete the task. Her eyes would be rooted to the ground, and each time Radames would so much as touch her hand, Aida's face would light up, and she failed to hide a smile.
"Aida!" Mereb called as he hurried to catch up with Aida's quick strides. She obviously had someplace do be…and Mereb didn't need to ask where. "Aida!" She had paused, and he took her arm with a smile. "Princess, we have to talk!" Aida smiled at him, while looking around hastily.
"Mereb, what have I told you about calling me princess?" Aida hissed softly. "You know if they found out…"
"They'd kill you," Mereb finished wearily. "I know, I'm sorry. Could I speak with you?"
"I really can't, Mereb. I have to go…somewhere," Aida replied gently, looking into Mereb's dark eyes. She tried to fathom what she saw there. Worry? Protectiveness? Suspicion? No…not suspicion. Mereb couldn't know. If he did, Radames surely had told him, trusting his slave completely. Turning, she began to walk off.
"Explain this, Aida," Mereb said desperately shoving the note at her. Aida recognized it immediately. –keep calm- Aida told herself. She smiled at Mereb as she casually reread the note.
"Oh Mereb! Radames and I had to discuss a surprise for the wedding," Aida said, though the term {the wedding} tore through her heart. Mereb nodding, seeming to buy it. "I must be going…off." As she walked off, Mereb called softly.
"Give my regards to Radames," Mereb said, forcing his eyes to keep to Aida's, which turned wide. "I know, Aida. I saw you two in the courtyard." Aida walked back toward him, her steps slow and awkward.
"What did you see?" she uttered. Mereb kept his gaze even.
"I came through the groves of the trees. I saw Radames push you down. I was about to attack my own master for you, then he kissed you. Considering what had happened on the Nile, I was worried. But then—then." His voice dropped. "You kissed him back." Aida placed a hand on his arm. –he knows!- she exclaimed to herself.
"Mereb, please! If you tell a soul!" Aida whispered hoarsely. Suddenly, and idea came to her. It was horrible, but it just might save her and Radames. "I am doing it for the Nubians. Obviously, Radames has affections for me. By getting close to him, and once he takes the throne…" her voice trailed off. Mereb wasn't believing her.
"Lying doesn't suit you, Aida," Mereb said. "But if you care for him, I will do whatever is in my limited power to keep you safe." Aida nodded, flinging her arms around her friend. She didn't see the lone figure that appeared around the bend, though Mereb did. "Aida? Well, to put this simply…Radames just came around the bend and saw us." Aida's hands flew to her mouth and she whirled. Sure enough, Radames was walking slowly back to the palace. "Go to him," Mereb whispered in her ear. As Aida ran off, Mereb smiled. –everything in my power, princess-
Radames walked dazedly back toward the palace. Mereb and Aida. It made perfect sense. Much more suitable than Aida and himself. Everything was so simple now! Now that he was sure Aida didn't love him, life could go as according to pla—his thoughts were evaporated as something slammed into him, rolling him behind a wall. Automatically, he drew his sword and placed it threateningly on his attacker's neck. As he breathed in a familiar scent, he released his captive, whirling the intruder to face him.
"You are crazy!" he muttered, as Aida faced him with defiant eyes. He leaned to kiss her, and she obliged, before he remembered Aida and Mereb's embrace, and he pulled back.
"You are jealous," Aida said. "Of what may have happened between Mereb and I. We will never survive this relationship if you act like this each time I embrace a man. People will see your jealousy, Radames, and wonder. Then they will become suspicious. We would never be able to look at one another. Ever. Again." Radames' eyes widened, and he pressed her into his arms. No Aida in his life? What kind of life would that be? –like the life you had before- he reminded himself. –nothing.-
Behind the confidentiality of the wall, Radames and Aida kissed, oblivious to the sound of racing feet. "Ai--!" Mereb paused at the sight of them. It still unnerved him. "Aida…" Aida turned, and Radames swallowed, and threw Aida to the ground.
"I show sympathy to you, and yet you, a slave woman, make advances to me, the Captain of the Egyptian army!" Radames boomed. To his surprise, Aida and Mereb exchanged a glance, and smiled. Aida struggled to her feet, and Mereb caught a stain of blood through Aida's dress.
"Radames, he knows," Aida said with a smile. "He promised to protect us, and that is why you saw us as you did. I did not know how to express my gratitude…" she glanced up at Radames, who hung his head in shame.
"I'm sorry, Aida. Mereb, you have proven yourself to me true yet again, and I trust this wont get out?" Radames said, arching an eyebrow. Mereb shook his head quickly.
"Of course not, Master. But I came to warn you that your father is on his way over this way," Mereb shifted a pack off his shoulder. "I brought you some diagrams of which you will pretend to be absorbed in. It will seem as though you went for some quiet to study."
"And Aida?" Radames questioned suddenly.
"We'll be leaving immediately….to get her medical attention," Mereb replied. Radames then noticed the stain of blood on Aida's dress. He leaped up in horror and grabbed Aida's hand. He hadn't meant to hurt her when he threw her down. Aida just smiled at him, and allowed herself to be helped up by Mereb.
"I have had more hurt than this, Captain," Aida said calmly.
"But I…" Radames protested.
"Aida, we have to go," Mereb said urgently, tugging at her arm. Aida nodded, and visibly touched her amulet, looking into Radames' eyes. Turning, Mereb and Aida blended into the night. After walking awhile, Mereb paused. "Aida, where did you get that amulet?"
"Radames."
"Radames gave you an amulet?"
"His amulet."
"But why? When?"
"Well, we had a bit of an intimate moment…hours," Aida admitted.
"You WHAT? AIDA!"
"Hush, Mereb. On the shore."
"WHAT! By the gods, Aida! When did he give it to you?"
Aida's color reddened slightly. "I told him I loved him."
"but that's not true…" Mereb froze at the look on Aida's face. "You do." Aida nodded. "Aida, you know this cannot work without someone getting hurt! Namely you! Don't do it, Aida. Please. For Nubia, don't fall in love with the man that was planning to attack it." Aida tilted her head and stared straight ahead. "It's too late, isn't it?" Aida nodded again, small smile turning at her lips. She walked off.
Mereb: It is one thing to fall in love, to be cherished, adored
But this one…Aida…you've got me floored
You want Nubia to prevail, our people to be free
But you, our princess, fell in love with the enemy
Your eyes shine with love, and you sneak about
So fluent, so calm, not a soul would doubt
Our hope for the future, love in your eyes
Yet never ignoring Nubia's cries
So talented, Aida, bold and brave
It fears me to think the end of your love…will be grave
Perhaps not your death, nor your love's, but the death of a nation
The fall of Nubia, gods creation
Princess Aida, our future's hope, please prevail
Love or lust, passion, joy, don't love the enemy, or golden Nubia will fail
Mereb shook his head as the last note died on his lips. Sighing, he walked inside, and went to sleep. Hours later, Radames walked quietly past his sleeping slave. No, Mereb wasn't a slave. True, he catered to Radames' every whim, but Mereb was a friend, a loyal companion. The only friend Captain Radames had.
The next morning, Aida rose with the sun and slipped out to wash her bloodied dress. She was so focused in her thoughts, that she never noticed Radames kneel by the stream to wash his face. Looking up, she studied him for awhile…his features, his eyes. Finally, she spoke.
"Couldn't sleep, Captain?" she said casually, dipping her dress. Radames shook his head and stared at the water, not noticing that the speaker was Aida. A small trickle of red spilled into the stream, causing Radames to look up in shock. "It's just the dress," Aida said thoughtfully, wringing the fabric out.
"Aida!" Radames stood and walked over to pull Aida into an embrace. Aida backed up, a warning look in her eyes. Radames was confused. She usually surrendered to his touch, so why was she backing up? "Aida?" Radames asked softly, worry in his eyes. Aida's eyes lit up suddenly.
"Mereb!" she called, pleased for the distraction, waving. When would Radames realize he could not act like that is public? Mereb jogged up, a smile on his face.
"Morning, p—Aida! How is your leg?" Mereb asked, inwardly groaning for nearly saying {princess} in front of Radames. Aida smiled at him. Mereb could tell that something was going to happen before he came up.
"Fine, its just a scratch. I think it's my dress that has more problems," she replied, holding the dress up for emphasis.
"Aida, I told you how sorry I am…" Radames said pleadingly. Aida smiled tightly at him, though her eyes radiated warmth and love.
"Aida, Captain Radames, we must speak in private," Mereb announced suddenly. A guard passed by and regarded Mereb's statement curiously. Was the captain actually going to take orders from his servant? Sure enough, Radames stood.
"Absolutely, Mereb. Come." He led Aida and Mereb inside to a secluded chamber. There, he sat and faced the two others. "Well?"
"In all honesty, sir," Mereb began. "You two have got to brush up! I mean, I don't know about anybody else, but if I were in anyone else's sandals, I'd think something was up. Master Radames, you keep looking like you're looking for an excuse to touch Aida's hand, or arm. Always smiling warmly. Aida, you get flustered everytime Radames comes close to you. I'm sorry, Master, but you should look that way to Amneris, not Amneris' handmaiden! In short," Mereb let out a long sigh. "You two look completely in love." Aida nodded slowly.
"You're right, Mereb. All I have to do, is forget how much I love him," she said, nodding toward Radames. "Act normal." Radames nodded as well, looking pained.
"And I must act as though Aida is nothing to me but a gift to Amneris," Radames said. "But for now…" he grabbed Aida's arm, who laughed, before their lips collided. Mereb stared at the floor, then back at the two lovers. Now this was getting out of hand!
"NO PRINCESS!" Mereb exclaimed. Radames and Aida broke away. Aida looked ready to collapse. –think, Mereb, think!—he told himself. –you got into this mess, now get yourself and Aida out of it!—
"Princess?" Radames choked, pulling back from Aida's embrace. Aida shook her head wildly.
"Master Radames, would you look at her?" Mereb suggested. "Well, not like you haven't….but have you really, really looked at her? She looks like complete nobility! I mean, despite the clothes, who wouldn't mistake her for a princess?" He smiled. Aida looked impressed, relieved, and drained all at once. Radames nodded finally.
"Of course, Mereb! Simple mistake! I'd go around calling her my princess," he said, while Mereb and Aida looked at each other, petrified. "But, that wouldn't help the cause, now would it?" he tilted his head. "Now both of you, OUT! You are dismissed!" Mereb frowned, but Aida shuffled out, eyes lowered, gesturing subtly for Mereb to follow. ***Guards outside*** she mouthed. Mereb nodded and followed.
Once safe, Aida whirled to face Mereb. "Do you know how close you were to getting me killed?" she gasped softly. Mereb lowered his head shamefully and muttered an apology. "Remember, Mereb. I'm not a princess. I am just a slave like you, our lives are not our own! If Radames were to ever find out…"
"If Radames loves you, Aida, he wouldn't tell a soul. Even in the name of capturing Nubia. He loves you, Aida. I know it. And Radames doesn't love easily." With that, he trotted off. With one backwards glance, he caught Aida touching her lips softly, and smiling. –this can never be—he thought sadly. –this can never be--.
Mereb walked silently across the palace grounds, a low whistle issuing from his lips. A soft crackling emitted from under his foot, and he paused, puzzled. Palace grounds were usually kept immaculately clean, not a piece of trash visible. Bending to toss it out, he froze. Aida's name was scrawled neatly on it. Curious, though he knew it was none of his business, he unfolded it. Actually, it was his business, he amended. If anything were to happen to Aida…the Nubians would forever be enslaved to Egypt. His heart quickened as he scanned the letter.
Aida,
At the hour of 2 am, I request your presence in the courtyard. Please join me. We've matters to discuss.
Radames
Mereb's brow furrowed. What would Radames want with Aida? Although Mereb respected his master greatly, it concerned him as to what he would want with Aida. Mereb was very protective of his princess, and decided that ever since Radames had forced that kiss, him being alone with her was not a good idea. Tucking the letter into his shirt pocket, he walked off.
Radames paced the courtyard nervously, running a hand through his hair. You actually expected her to come? he berated himself. You actually thought you might have something serious with her? You—
"Radames?" Aida's voice cut through his thoughts. "Radames? Rada…" Her question was smothered by a hand covering her mouth. She stifled a scream and jabbed the attacker with her elbow. The intruder's hand left her mouth as he staggered back, and Aida whirled defensively. "Radames!" she exclaimed, horrified. "Gods, Radames! You cannot do that! You'd think it's hard enough sneaking past the guards, and being with you in secret!"
Radames held up his hands in surrender, face twisted with pain. "From now on I'll learn from my mistakes," he said quietly, holding his hand helplessly out to her. Aida made a sad face, and pushed her lower lip out.
"Captain Radames received a disability from a woman?" she asked tauntingly, smiling.
"Oh, you!" Radames sprang forward, and pinned Aida to the ground, while she fought, laughing. At that moment, Mereb appeared in the groves of the trees. His jaw dropped at the sight of Radames forcing Aida down, while she fought. His mind lurched in two directions. Obey his master and stay quiet, or help his princess. His hand lingered on the hilt of his dagger, then withdrew. Aida's name was on his lips as he prepared to bolt forward, just as Radames' face lowered to Aida's, and he kissed her. –not again,-- Mereb moaned to himself. He was surprised to see that the kiss was gentle, and patient. Mereb shook his head slowly, as Aida returned the kiss, her arms encircling Radames' neck. Mereb froze. –no!—he thought. Aida? Radames? Aida AND Radames? Turning, he flew back through the trees.
"Did you hear something?" Aida whispered.
"Like what?" Radames replied, springing up, hand on his sword. Aida touched his cheek, forcing his eyes to hers.
"Nothing…I must be hearing things…" Aida said slowly.
"No." Radames drew his sword out slowly. "The bushes are moving. You must go, Aida. I can't risk someone having seen you." –us- he added to himself. Aida nodded, the need for safety briefly overruling her need to be with Radames. She reached up to kiss him softly on the lips, and was gone. Radames watched her go with a wistful look in his eyes. He reminded himself of the situation, and started off. –genius- he muttered to himself. –you're going in the same direction as her- but he had no choice, and he trotted off to the palace.
Mereb dashed through the palace grounds, swerving and darting to avoid being seen. As he neared the area where the Nubian slaves were kept, someone grabbed his arm. "Mereb?" Nehebka stared at him with wide eyes. "Is everything alright?" Mereb nodded briskly and unconsciously muttered something about Aida. "Mereb? What about Aida?" the grip on his arm tightened. "MEREB! What has happened? Is Aida alright? Is she OK?" Mereb shook off her grasp with an apologetic smile, and he hurried off.
"Yes," he murmured to himself. "She's alright." An image of Aida in Radames' arms flashed through his mind. "Or is she…" he slowed as he approached the palace. Aida and Radames? He pondered the statement, when he bumped into someone. –who would be up at this hour- he murmured to himself, before it came to him. "Hello, Aida," he whispered to the cloaked figure.
"How did you know it was me?" Aida whispered back, removing the shawl. Why was Mereb staring at her as though she'd committed a crime? Her dark complexion was flushed from her time with Radames, and from the run back. "Mereb?" she prompted.
"Ah, well, lucky guess, I suppose. Good night, princess!" Mereb smiled. "Sweet dreams…" Aida paused.
"Mereb?"
"yes?"
"Why are you acting like this?"
"No reason," Mereb replied, waving his hand dismissively. Aida nodded, and slipped into the palace. Luckily, all was quiet. Everyone slept like a rock. She slipped into sleep, her eyes closing as Amneris' eyes flickered open in time to see Aida slip in.
The next morning, Mereb approached Aida with a worried frown. Accidentally, Mereb had stumbled upon Aida and Radames, intertwined in yet another embrace. Mereb was confused. How could his master, Radames…and AIDA! His Princess! His eyes could not deny it…the two were in love! He saw how when Radames met her eyes, brave, confident, self-assured Aida would flush and avert her eyes like a new bride. When Amneris gently, but curiously, reminded Aida to fill Radames' cup, Aida's supple hands would tremble as she attempted to complete the task. Her eyes would be rooted to the ground, and each time Radames would so much as touch her hand, Aida's face would light up, and she failed to hide a smile.
"Aida!" Mereb called as he hurried to catch up with Aida's quick strides. She obviously had someplace do be…and Mereb didn't need to ask where. "Aida!" She had paused, and he took her arm with a smile. "Princess, we have to talk!" Aida smiled at him, while looking around hastily.
"Mereb, what have I told you about calling me princess?" Aida hissed softly. "You know if they found out…"
"They'd kill you," Mereb finished wearily. "I know, I'm sorry. Could I speak with you?"
"I really can't, Mereb. I have to go…somewhere," Aida replied gently, looking into Mereb's dark eyes. She tried to fathom what she saw there. Worry? Protectiveness? Suspicion? No…not suspicion. Mereb couldn't know. If he did, Radames surely had told him, trusting his slave completely. Turning, she began to walk off.
"Explain this, Aida," Mereb said desperately shoving the note at her. Aida recognized it immediately. –keep calm- Aida told herself. She smiled at Mereb as she casually reread the note.
"Oh Mereb! Radames and I had to discuss a surprise for the wedding," Aida said, though the term {the wedding} tore through her heart. Mereb nodding, seeming to buy it. "I must be going…off." As she walked off, Mereb called softly.
"Give my regards to Radames," Mereb said, forcing his eyes to keep to Aida's, which turned wide. "I know, Aida. I saw you two in the courtyard." Aida walked back toward him, her steps slow and awkward.
"What did you see?" she uttered. Mereb kept his gaze even.
"I came through the groves of the trees. I saw Radames push you down. I was about to attack my own master for you, then he kissed you. Considering what had happened on the Nile, I was worried. But then—then." His voice dropped. "You kissed him back." Aida placed a hand on his arm. –he knows!- she exclaimed to herself.
"Mereb, please! If you tell a soul!" Aida whispered hoarsely. Suddenly, and idea came to her. It was horrible, but it just might save her and Radames. "I am doing it for the Nubians. Obviously, Radames has affections for me. By getting close to him, and once he takes the throne…" her voice trailed off. Mereb wasn't believing her.
"Lying doesn't suit you, Aida," Mereb said. "But if you care for him, I will do whatever is in my limited power to keep you safe." Aida nodded, flinging her arms around her friend. She didn't see the lone figure that appeared around the bend, though Mereb did. "Aida? Well, to put this simply…Radames just came around the bend and saw us." Aida's hands flew to her mouth and she whirled. Sure enough, Radames was walking slowly back to the palace. "Go to him," Mereb whispered in her ear. As Aida ran off, Mereb smiled. –everything in my power, princess-
Radames walked dazedly back toward the palace. Mereb and Aida. It made perfect sense. Much more suitable than Aida and himself. Everything was so simple now! Now that he was sure Aida didn't love him, life could go as according to pla—his thoughts were evaporated as something slammed into him, rolling him behind a wall. Automatically, he drew his sword and placed it threateningly on his attacker's neck. As he breathed in a familiar scent, he released his captive, whirling the intruder to face him.
"You are crazy!" he muttered, as Aida faced him with defiant eyes. He leaned to kiss her, and she obliged, before he remembered Aida and Mereb's embrace, and he pulled back.
"You are jealous," Aida said. "Of what may have happened between Mereb and I. We will never survive this relationship if you act like this each time I embrace a man. People will see your jealousy, Radames, and wonder. Then they will become suspicious. We would never be able to look at one another. Ever. Again." Radames' eyes widened, and he pressed her into his arms. No Aida in his life? What kind of life would that be? –like the life you had before- he reminded himself. –nothing.-
Behind the confidentiality of the wall, Radames and Aida kissed, oblivious to the sound of racing feet. "Ai--!" Mereb paused at the sight of them. It still unnerved him. "Aida…" Aida turned, and Radames swallowed, and threw Aida to the ground.
"I show sympathy to you, and yet you, a slave woman, make advances to me, the Captain of the Egyptian army!" Radames boomed. To his surprise, Aida and Mereb exchanged a glance, and smiled. Aida struggled to her feet, and Mereb caught a stain of blood through Aida's dress.
"Radames, he knows," Aida said with a smile. "He promised to protect us, and that is why you saw us as you did. I did not know how to express my gratitude…" she glanced up at Radames, who hung his head in shame.
"I'm sorry, Aida. Mereb, you have proven yourself to me true yet again, and I trust this wont get out?" Radames said, arching an eyebrow. Mereb shook his head quickly.
"Of course not, Master. But I came to warn you that your father is on his way over this way," Mereb shifted a pack off his shoulder. "I brought you some diagrams of which you will pretend to be absorbed in. It will seem as though you went for some quiet to study."
"And Aida?" Radames questioned suddenly.
"We'll be leaving immediately….to get her medical attention," Mereb replied. Radames then noticed the stain of blood on Aida's dress. He leaped up in horror and grabbed Aida's hand. He hadn't meant to hurt her when he threw her down. Aida just smiled at him, and allowed herself to be helped up by Mereb.
"I have had more hurt than this, Captain," Aida said calmly.
"But I…" Radames protested.
"Aida, we have to go," Mereb said urgently, tugging at her arm. Aida nodded, and visibly touched her amulet, looking into Radames' eyes. Turning, Mereb and Aida blended into the night. After walking awhile, Mereb paused. "Aida, where did you get that amulet?"
"Radames."
"Radames gave you an amulet?"
"His amulet."
"But why? When?"
"Well, we had a bit of an intimate moment…hours," Aida admitted.
"You WHAT? AIDA!"
"Hush, Mereb. On the shore."
"WHAT! By the gods, Aida! When did he give it to you?"
Aida's color reddened slightly. "I told him I loved him."
"but that's not true…" Mereb froze at the look on Aida's face. "You do." Aida nodded. "Aida, you know this cannot work without someone getting hurt! Namely you! Don't do it, Aida. Please. For Nubia, don't fall in love with the man that was planning to attack it." Aida tilted her head and stared straight ahead. "It's too late, isn't it?" Aida nodded again, small smile turning at her lips. She walked off.
Mereb: It is one thing to fall in love, to be cherished, adored
But this one…Aida…you've got me floored
You want Nubia to prevail, our people to be free
But you, our princess, fell in love with the enemy
Your eyes shine with love, and you sneak about
So fluent, so calm, not a soul would doubt
Our hope for the future, love in your eyes
Yet never ignoring Nubia's cries
So talented, Aida, bold and brave
It fears me to think the end of your love…will be grave
Perhaps not your death, nor your love's, but the death of a nation
The fall of Nubia, gods creation
Princess Aida, our future's hope, please prevail
Love or lust, passion, joy, don't love the enemy, or golden Nubia will fail
Mereb shook his head as the last note died on his lips. Sighing, he walked inside, and went to sleep. Hours later, Radames walked quietly past his sleeping slave. No, Mereb wasn't a slave. True, he catered to Radames' every whim, but Mereb was a friend, a loyal companion. The only friend Captain Radames had.
The next morning, Aida rose with the sun and slipped out to wash her bloodied dress. She was so focused in her thoughts, that she never noticed Radames kneel by the stream to wash his face. Looking up, she studied him for awhile…his features, his eyes. Finally, she spoke.
"Couldn't sleep, Captain?" she said casually, dipping her dress. Radames shook his head and stared at the water, not noticing that the speaker was Aida. A small trickle of red spilled into the stream, causing Radames to look up in shock. "It's just the dress," Aida said thoughtfully, wringing the fabric out.
"Aida!" Radames stood and walked over to pull Aida into an embrace. Aida backed up, a warning look in her eyes. Radames was confused. She usually surrendered to his touch, so why was she backing up? "Aida?" Radames asked softly, worry in his eyes. Aida's eyes lit up suddenly.
"Mereb!" she called, pleased for the distraction, waving. When would Radames realize he could not act like that is public? Mereb jogged up, a smile on his face.
"Morning, p—Aida! How is your leg?" Mereb asked, inwardly groaning for nearly saying {princess} in front of Radames. Aida smiled at him. Mereb could tell that something was going to happen before he came up.
"Fine, its just a scratch. I think it's my dress that has more problems," she replied, holding the dress up for emphasis.
"Aida, I told you how sorry I am…" Radames said pleadingly. Aida smiled tightly at him, though her eyes radiated warmth and love.
"Aida, Captain Radames, we must speak in private," Mereb announced suddenly. A guard passed by and regarded Mereb's statement curiously. Was the captain actually going to take orders from his servant? Sure enough, Radames stood.
"Absolutely, Mereb. Come." He led Aida and Mereb inside to a secluded chamber. There, he sat and faced the two others. "Well?"
"In all honesty, sir," Mereb began. "You two have got to brush up! I mean, I don't know about anybody else, but if I were in anyone else's sandals, I'd think something was up. Master Radames, you keep looking like you're looking for an excuse to touch Aida's hand, or arm. Always smiling warmly. Aida, you get flustered everytime Radames comes close to you. I'm sorry, Master, but you should look that way to Amneris, not Amneris' handmaiden! In short," Mereb let out a long sigh. "You two look completely in love." Aida nodded slowly.
"You're right, Mereb. All I have to do, is forget how much I love him," she said, nodding toward Radames. "Act normal." Radames nodded as well, looking pained.
"And I must act as though Aida is nothing to me but a gift to Amneris," Radames said. "But for now…" he grabbed Aida's arm, who laughed, before their lips collided. Mereb stared at the floor, then back at the two lovers. Now this was getting out of hand!
"NO PRINCESS!" Mereb exclaimed. Radames and Aida broke away. Aida looked ready to collapse. –think, Mereb, think!—he told himself. –you got into this mess, now get yourself and Aida out of it!—
"Princess?" Radames choked, pulling back from Aida's embrace. Aida shook her head wildly.
"Master Radames, would you look at her?" Mereb suggested. "Well, not like you haven't….but have you really, really looked at her? She looks like complete nobility! I mean, despite the clothes, who wouldn't mistake her for a princess?" He smiled. Aida looked impressed, relieved, and drained all at once. Radames nodded finally.
"Of course, Mereb! Simple mistake! I'd go around calling her my princess," he said, while Mereb and Aida looked at each other, petrified. "But, that wouldn't help the cause, now would it?" he tilted his head. "Now both of you, OUT! You are dismissed!" Mereb frowned, but Aida shuffled out, eyes lowered, gesturing subtly for Mereb to follow. ***Guards outside*** she mouthed. Mereb nodded and followed.
Once safe, Aida whirled to face Mereb. "Do you know how close you were to getting me killed?" she gasped softly. Mereb lowered his head shamefully and muttered an apology. "Remember, Mereb. I'm not a princess. I am just a slave like you, our lives are not our own! If Radames were to ever find out…"
"If Radames loves you, Aida, he wouldn't tell a soul. Even in the name of capturing Nubia. He loves you, Aida. I know it. And Radames doesn't love easily." With that, he trotted off. With one backwards glance, he caught Aida touching her lips softly, and smiling. –this can never be—he thought sadly. –this can never be--.