by Lady Bast
Khemti-nub walked along the corridor, a serving board of fresh breads held carefully in her hands. The breads were stacked higher than she would have liked, but she had many apartments to visit and could not be late with a single loaf. Absorbed in her task, she did not notice the slight shift of shadow on the way or the virtually soundless pad of feet behind her.
An arm snaked out and around her throat. Startled, she gasped and one end of the tray slipped from her grasp, sending round loaves tumbling to the ground in a cascade. "You should be more careful," rasped a voice near her ear. "Ever the unwary fall prey to the Great Destroyer."
The approach had startled her, but the voice was familiar. Scowling, she kicked back, and when the hold was lessened by her attacker's surprise, she pulled free and spun on her heel, dealing him a hard slap across the face with her free hand and bringing the serving board up for a particularly sensitive strike with the other. Acting on instinct, she did not aim her blow - a fortunate thing for her attacker - but she connected with his inner thigh hard enough to cause him to stumble against the wall. "I hope you're happy!" she snapped. "Now Tamisheri will be angry and scold...if I'm not exiled outright!"
"Heh...sorry, Little Kemet," said Duo sheepishly. "I'll talk to her. She'll have no problem believing it was my fault. And you shouldn't go around slapping priests, you know."
Khemti-nub paled slightly before realizing that the priest was teasing her. Her face reddened in anger and she jabbed him once more with her serving board before turning tail and running back to the kitchens. Chuckling to himself, Duo sank down to the floor, picked up one of the discarded loaves, and broke off a piece, stuffing the fresh bread into his mouth. Leaning back, he closed his eyes to savour it.
"Why do you insist on tormenting the staff?"
Though he had been faintly aware of another's approach, Duo had not expected to be addressed. He opened his eyes lazily. "Hello, prince Trowa," he grinned. "Fresh bread is nicer when it's been on the floor. Do you want some?"
"No."
"Tetiun?" Duo held half the loaf out to the body servant who shook his head solemnly. The priest shrugged. "I didn't mean to scare her like that. Tamisheri will scold, but do no harm. I'll put it right."
"I know." Trowa crouched down beside him and Tetiun followed suit. "I haven't seen you in a few days. I was concerned."
"Concerned?" said Duo with mild interest. "About me? I'm honoured."
"You collapsed at Relena's feast."
"Oh...that. That was was nothing." Duo dismissed the incident with a wave of his hand. "I had forgotten my medication, that's all. The dancing gets the blood moving much faster and so it tires much faster. I thought there might be other things that would concern you and so stayed out of your way. Not trying to avoid you," he said quickly. "I wouldn't have run from you, but I avoided those places you were likely to be. I thought..."
"I don't think any less of you," said Trowa simply. "I always knew, on some level, why the Prince needed you."
"It's not the only reason!" said Duo peevishly.
"No, but it's a part of the reason."
Duo was skeptical. "It doesn't bother you?"
"It bothered me, but I understand. It would be hypocritical to claim that my tribe has not done the same," replied Trowa. "We are more straightforward, but the results are the same. I don't like it, but I can understand the Prince's reasoning. What I can't understand is why you do it."
A wry smile touched Duo's lips as he raised a piece of bread to his mouth. "So that my Prince won't have to," he said quietly.
"That isn't reason enough for me, but reason is different here." A heavy silence rose between priest and prince before Trowa spoke again. "I don't think any less of you. I don't hate you or fear you. I still think you are my friend. I wanted you to know that."
Duo closed his eyes and put his head back against the wall. He smiled as though a great peace had come over him. "I'm glad," he said quietly. "I'm glad that you were the one chosen to come to Nekheb and that you think of me as your friend. Will you make me a promise?"
"I can't promise anything beyond my reach, but what is mine to give is yours."
Duo opened his eyes and stared at Trowa with such intensity that the prince drew back, startled. "Don't judge my Prince too harshly and - whatever happens - promise me you will look after him. He isn't a bad person, but he's trapped in the web of his father's creation. I've been unable to connect him to his father recently and that's good, but because you have been spending time with him in the evenings, he hasn't thought to look for another to take my place...and that's even better. He used to be kind, Trowa. He used to be kind to everyone, but I think he's forgotten how. He'll destroy himself and the city if someone doesn't look after him. Promise me you'll do what you can."
"I...I promise," said Trowa, confused. "What's wrong, Duo? Is..." Duo raised his hand. "No questions. I don't know exactly what's wrong, but I feel like something's about to happen. I just want to make sure there will always be someone there. I am trying, Wufei is trying, and Rashid is trying...but if they need your help, I want to know you'll be there."
Trowa nodded and stood as the priest rose to his feet. "This I can do. Will you be going to the Chief Wife's garden to work again?"
"After I bring these loaves back to the kitchen," replied Duo, grinning as he bent to pick up the discarded loaves. "I'm sure the staff will have them. Will you come by to see it?"
"I may," replied the prince, helping to clean the hallway and pile the bread into Duo's arms. "I have to meet with Selket-em-paf this morning, but I might come by after the day's great heat."
Duo winked at him. "So long as you come before sunset. I'm entertaining someone else at that time. Until then, prince Trowa."
He could not raise his hand in greeting, but Duo bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement and walked down the hall in the directions of Khemti-nub's departure. Trowa stared after him, lost in thought, until Tetiun's concerned query broke the silence. "Master, is something wrong?"
"He said 'they'," replied Trowa in a low voice. "Not 'if we need your help', but 'if they need your help'. He said 'they'."
Trowa observed a number of things that day.
Meeting with Selket-em-paf was a pleasure. Despite the confusing rules regarding land, taxes, and other things he needed to know to persuade the Pharaoh to allow an independent faction to live on Kemet's soil, the man was a wealth of knowledge and a storyteller at heart. Although wary of any subject involving the Prince directly, Selket-em-paf was more than happy to pause in his political discourse to answer any questions that Trowa might have about the city and its people.
"You'll find many foreigners in Nekheb," he said when Trowa asked him about Rashid and the palace guard. "A fair number of them reside here permanently and as long as they obey our laws and adopt our customs well enough to preserve the balance of society, they are quickly thought of as natives. This can change, of course, if they commit any questionable act. Prince Amunmose preferred foreign guards mixed with native sons of Kemet because the latter could watch the former and the former could be controlled by a lack of roots within the city. A man is much more likely to fight authority if he thinks that his family can gain as much from the action as himself. Most of the natives in the palace guard have been put to work within the city since Katrah-en - may he live long, be healthy, and prosper - has taken his father's place. I am not certain why he feels more comfortable with the Seracen, but it is a fact that he has known Rashid from a very young age. The man has been the Prince's protector since he was an infant. As all of the palace guard are fiercely loyal to their commander and their commander is fiercely loyal to the Prince, I suppose there is no harm in it."
"Surely there must be some among the city guards who are disgruntled," said Trowa. "They've been dismissed from an important post. Has he taken no measures to placate them?"
"Perhaps," mused Selket-em-paf. "I suppose some might be disappointed, but they are well-paid and their wives remain in their homes. I don't think they are too angry. Although the city is rife with crime, particularly in the market, it offers a freedom that the palace does not."
The record-keeper paused to take a sip of wine, but before Trowa could speak, he continued. "This is why I think that Relena's new position is a good thing. Though temporary, it will open our Prince's heart once again to the possibility of true contact with the people. I think your welcoming feast was the first non-religious function held in the palace since Amunmose ruled the city. With you has come Relena and her women who have provided us with a second and the hope of more to come. The common people are generally content to have things remain the same from one day to the next, but the successful merchants and minor lords do not like to be ignored. Their anxiety is reflected passed on to their people and it infects the market and public houses. Formal functions are seen to and audiences can be had, but that is not the same as sharing in the life-blood of the palace. Duo has been the sole representative of both worlds for quite some time. He is too fine a thread to support such a great weight."
"He is in love with Hilde," said Trowa absently as he analyzed this new piece of information, filing it away for future use.
"The palace needs love," Selket-em-paf nodded, "but it is a dangerous thing for individuals. You would be surprised to find how many people are pleased that you allow this love. It's no secret that you have been spending much time with the Prince these nights and this eases some of the tension carried by the thread. Perhaps the city's linen will not come unraveled after all. But I've spoken too much," he added quickly. "There are many distrustful eyes and ears in the palace. Let us return to taxes and temples, shall we?"
Trowa was relieved when Selket-em-paf discussed the subject lightly, apparently aware and understanding of his lack of concentration. After a suitable amount of time, he excused himself and went to the training grounds, hoping that a little exercise and sword-work might clear his head.
He was disappointed. Tension ruled the training ground with shreds of whispered rumour circulating among Rashid's men. They spoke in their own language and Trowa could not understand a word they said, but their agitation was contagious. Even Heero seemed concerned.
"Something's wrong," he said flatly as they paused to rest. Having volunteered to act as Trowa's sparring partner gave him the perfect opportunity to initiate a private conversation. "I know a little of their language, but the most I can make out is that something happened last night. There was a communication...or an interference of communication."
Trowa was puzzled. "Nothing more than that?"
Heero's features darkened with concern. "They mention Duo. Not by name, but by office."
"Duo wouldn't hurt your family," said Trowa firmly. "Whatever else he is, I'm certain that he would never hurt your family."
"So am I, but that's no guarantee that they won't be hurt accidentally. Do you know anything about this?"
The soldier's face was grim. Trowa wanted to help him, but what he knew was no more than a jumble of facts, none of them seeming to relate to the matter at hand. "Duo thinks something's about to happen," he said, "but he doesn't know exactly what. And I have seen him holding quiet conversations with Rashid. I don't know what it means."
"You will tell me if you find out?" Heero's voice was anxious now, almost pleading.
"If I find out, I will tell you," Trowa confirmed.
They resumed their practise in silence. There was nothing more to say. As Trowa left the grounds, he saw the Prince himself approaching Rashid and his chest tightened for reasons he could not explain.
Duo stretched, yawned, and sat down heavily on a stone bench. The renovations to the Chief Wife's garden were coming along beautifully. It had been home to some of his happier memories and he felt sure that once it was properly tended, its influence would be felt by everyone in the palace, including Katrah-en. Even Wufei had seemed more at peace the longer he'd stayed. Every time he'd been called away, a look of worry had crept into his features. Duo thought he knew the reason and resolved to talk with him.
He sighed. So much to do and so little time. The future was not something he wanted to rely on, not since that fool messenger had come tearing into the garden. Although he could not be sure that they had been seen, Duo knew it was only prudent to assume that Quatre knew he was up to something. Perhaps he only had the vaguest notion or perhaps he knew all. It really came down to how much information the messenger himself had known. The important thing was that the Prince had no proof and, without proof, nothing could be done. Duo had burned the latest messages to ash himself. He would have to draft an apology those who had sent them as soon as he felt it was safe.
He looked into the darkening sky and wished for a moment that Trowa had come to visit him in the garden. He would have liked to share this part of his childhood with the foreign prince. He didn't know why, but Trowa was easy to talk to. Wufei was a dear friend, but guarded because of his position, and Quatre...well...Quatre had been taught to see enemies in every shadow.
Like an answering prayer from Nut herself, he heard voices near the palace entrance and turned to find Trowa coming toward him, his guards left behind to keep watch well out of earshot. "Welcome, prince," said Duo with a wry smile. "You're late! I have no time to show you how wonderfully the gardeners and stonemasons have been working."
"I'm sorry," said Trowa quietly. "I really am. I wanted to come, but I needed to speak with you privately. I've been waiting for Relena and Wufei to leave."
Duo felt an icy finger touch his heart. Not now. He didn't want bad news now, but there was no help for it. "What did you want to see me about?"
"I don't know if it's important or not, but you told me yourself that something was going to happen. Since then I have been noticing strange things," said Trowa before relating the day's observations. "Wufei has seemed nervous as well. I thought you should know. Perhaps it means nothing, but Selket-em-paf said you were the only real link between the palace and the people and I...I just thought you should know."
Duo swallowed once, his throat was dry. No proof, he reminded himself. As long as there was no proof, he was safe enough. Obviously, he would have to talk to Quatre. It was not the path he had chosen, but it had been his secondary option. Bring a few of his secrets to light, secure medial assistance, perhaps leave Nekheb. The news was not good, but the situation was still under control...
"It was a bad time, wasn't it," asked Trowa, bothered by the silence.
"Yes...but thank you," replied Duo. "I needed to know. I should...I should act on it now. I should..."
"What would you do? Meet with the Prince? I'm afraid I'm his scheduled entertainment for the evening," said Trowa wryly. "I've finally begun to notice how little time you take for yourself. The night is your time, you should enjoy it. Give Hilde my greetings.
Duo felt the smile tug at his lips. "Am I so transparent?"
"There is no one in the palace who doesn't know that you're in love with her," replied Trowa. "Although there is some dispute that it's really Bakara you're after."
He should laugh, make a joke in return, but instead Duo heard himself speaking sadly. "I like children. I...I wanted a family. I don't know that its worth hoping for any more. I'm only sixteen, Trowa. I shouldn't be a full-fledged priest. I wouldn't have been if I hadn't been raised in the temple and shunted off to lessons early to keep me out of the way. I shouldn't be a priest, I shouldn't know most of the things that I know, and I shouldn't need a physician. I wanted a family and Quatre was like a brother, but a brother is no longer enough. I want a wife and children."
"So find a wife and have some children."
There was no trace of mockery in the Teresh prince's voice, but Duo felt vaguely insulted nonetheless. "This isn't a game," he said.
"I agree," said Trowa. "It isn't a game. Nothing in Nekheb is a game. The lives of my people depend on what the Prince thinks of me. The lives of many women and children depend on the actions of every servant and guard. None of us are playing a game and if you truly want a wife and children, you will find a way to have them."
Bring a few secrets to light. Secure medial assistance. Leave Nekheb. Hadn't he been thinking these things only moments before? Duo knew it was possible and Trowa's words strengthened his resolve. He could return to the temple in Kom Ombo. Or, his mind tempted him, he could flee to the temple at the capital. Solo would be there to welcome him and he would be closer to...
"You may be right," he said, refusing to build the fantasy any further, "but no matter what I choose to do, I'll have to make my journey one step at a time. The path is a dangerous one to follow."
"You know what this about, don't you," said Trowa. It was a statement rather than a question. "I don't suppose you'll tell me?"
Duo's jaw was set, his resolved hardened. "I can't," he said. "Not yet."
"I'll accept that," said Trowa placidly, "but only because I'm still a stranger here." He admired one of the garden's many murals, half-uncovered by the gardeners. "I'd like to hear the story behind these paintings one day," he said, smiling, "but for now, I'll leave you. The Prince expects me for the evening meal and you are expecting company."
Duo managed a smile as Trowa clamped a hand on his shoulder. "Have our beloved Prince tell you about them sometime," he said. "I think the memories would be good for him. Have a good evening, prince Trowa, and keep safe."
"I will, for the sake of my family and friends, if not my own," replied Trowa. "I hope you'll do the same."
By the time Hilde entered the garden, Trowa had gone. In fact, she saw no one at all. She knew that guards wandered the perimetre just outside the walls - unlike the main garden, this run-down section of the women's quarters had little traffic - and she felt safe enough, but she could not help the shiver that ran up her spine. The place seemed eerie in the moonlight - dark and still, heavy leaves creating pockets of shadow roofed in silver, fragments of granite benches poking through at irregular intervals like the bleached bones of an ancient beast.
She stepped cautiously onto the paved pavilion, carefully picking her way along a recently cleared track so as not to trip over a root or into one of the narrow irrigation channels. "Duo?" she called, hesitant to break the heavy silence, but anxious to find company once again. "Duo, are you here? You promised to show me the murals. You'd better not have left me all alone!"
It was a silly statement, but Hilde found comfort in the sound of her own voice. She made her way carefully toward the small swimming pond where she knew a number of benches had been cleaned and restored. As she made her way to the edge of the water, she was very surprised to see that the little pond had been cleaned and filled since she had been there with Bakara in the morning. The front sloped gently down into its stone depths and the water gleamed like liquid silver tarnished by the silhouettes of the water plants that broke its surface.
He's swimming, she thought suddenly.
There was no sound from the pond, no lapping of water against a body, no larger patch of shadow, but Hilde knew almost certainly that Duo was swimming. Perhaps he moved beneath the water like a gleaming fish. Perhaps he breathed through a reed so that she could not see him, but she knew that he was nearby. She could sense him. He'll leap up and surprise me, she thought, feeling a twinge of annoyance at the thought of such a juvenile prank.
Annoyance, yes, but wasn't there also just a little thrill of excitement? He'll leap up or, more likely, reach out and grab my ankle, dragging me into the water without concern for my sheath or my wrap or my jewellery, she decided, feeling her cheeks flush in anger even as her heart trembled. She did not step away from the water's edge. He'll grab me and pull me in and when he thinks I'm helpless, he'll try to kiss me, but I'll be ready for him. I'll slap and kick and fight my way free, then I'll run. He'll chase me, of course, but then a man should work for...
So intently had she been staring out over the rippling water that she did not feel the presence behind her until a waterlily appeared before her nose. Gasping, she tried to step away, but felt her foot slip on the edge of the pond. She shut her eyes, taking a deep breath against the chill of the water, when an arm wrapped itself around her waist, preventing a fall. "I hurried to have the pond cleaned in case you wanted to go swimming," said a voice near her ear. "I didn't think you'd want to do it fully dressed."
Hilde sighed, surprised to find disappointment mingled with her relief. "No...no, I don't," she said, smiling slightly as she turned to face him, "but now you've ruined all my plans. You really are thoughtless, Duo."
"Am I now?" he replied, the moonlight casting a silver glow over the bronze of his skin. "Would you have preferred that I push you in?"
She let him fasten the flower in the short waves of her hair before replying. "Actually, I thought that you would pull me in." She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. He raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. "I had it all planned out. I would be angry and fight you. I'd break free and scramble up the incline," she indicated the slope of sand-covered stone with a dismissive wave of her hand. "I'd run, but not too quickly, and not directly toward the doors. I would make you chase me..."
"And if I'd have caught you?"
The wistful words made Hilde smile. "Then, perhaps, you would have had a reward. But none of that matters now, the plans are changed."
"That's alright. We can make new plans," said Duo, letting one arm drift down around her waist once again. He turned her away from the pond and walked toward the stone benches. "Are you hungry? I've rescued some cakes and wine from the kitchens."
"Shall I take 'rescued' to mean 'stolen'?" It was hardly a serious offense, but Duo looked away and closed his eyes, smiling secretly. It was easy to imagine his blush. Hilde laughed. "The same as always. How easy you are to read! Very well, I'll have your cakes and your wine and enjoy them as all stolen pleasures should be enjoyed."
She punctuated her comment with a gentle kiss on his cheek. All at once he seemed awkward and nervous - a stark contrast from the daring priest who had kissed her on the mouth before disappearing out the window. He was no longer in charge and it both thrilled and frightened him. Hilde had no doubt that, should the need arise, he could gather his wits about him, but it seemed that - for one night - he would not control his destiny.
The only thing upon which he insisted was that she should not serve herself. She sat, as cool and elegant as a princess, and let him attend to her whims. The cakes were served with slices of melon and the wine was light and flavoured with mint. He served her humbly and sometimes fed her small morsels from his fingers while she played her part, commanding his actions, until she commanded him to kiss her, tasting of honey and wine.
In the end, they did not swim, but walked the perimetre of the garden. Hilde smiled at the painted murals that were not still covered by growth. "This is you," she said, tracing the figure of a boy with a long braid down one side. "You parents did not shave your head and keep a youth's lock?"
Duo shook his head. "No. My mother was unconventional in that sense. She used to tell me that my hair was too pretty and soft to cut although she always bound it up in a braid like hers. That's my mother," he said, pointing to the figure of a woman engaged in conversation with the Chief Wife, Nefermeri. "Her name was Ba-het."
"Ba-het," said Hilde softly, running her fingers gently over the face of the woman carved in stone. "Oh, now...don't tell me this is the Prince?" she smiled, touching a child-figure drawn somewhat larger than the others, a golden youth lock curling around his ear.
"Katrah-en himself," confirmed Duo. Much of his giddy nervousness had vanished and, confronted by the familiar scene, his words grew firm as he related the story behind it. "These two here are Wufei and his mother, Jia," he explained, lifting a small torch to reveal a boy and woman painted in yellow, their hair blunt and dark. "This was the first time we went duck hunting."
"I would like to hear about it." She smiled as Duo gave her a puzzled look. "Really, I would like to hear about it," she repeated, reaching out to touch his hand.
He stared at her for a long moment and then nodded, once, before leading her back toward the garden itself. "There's a nice place to sit beneath this palm," he told her, brushing aside leaves to reveal a comfortable hillock at the base of the tree. "I come and sit out here sometimes. No one can see this spot from the palace and you'll be able to see all of the story at once."
Obediently, she sat and found his words to be true. The seat was quite comfortable and from her position she could see the whole of the mural as Duo cleared away some of the plants that, over time, had obscured it. Here and there the paint and carvings had been chipped and distorted, but it had held up well despite years of neglect. "There...can you see?" Duo asked her anxiously, as he raised the torch to light the figures gathered at the top-left corner of the division. She told him that she could and waited for him to begin.
"Here is the story of the young prince Katrah-en, his companion Wufei, and his friend Aket-Dua who are going duck hunting for the very first time." Duo lifted the torch to illuminate the three children playing in the garden by the pond. "Naturally, being boys, they were very busy and very bored so the Chief Wife, Nefermeri, called upon the guard Rashid to take them to the marshes and teach them to hunt ducks." The tall, bearded form of Rashid was brought into view, followed by the child-forms. The Prince, holding the highest rank, was the largest among them. "Grateful for something interesting to do, the boys followed Rashid gladly and did not make trouble."
Hilde cleared her throat, raising her eyebrows in question when Duo turned to look at her. "Well...not much trouble," he amended with a smile. "They knew that hunters had to be quiet and patient and although they didn't have much experience with the latter, they were capable of quiet when the need arose.
"In any event, there were many ducks and the boys had been practising with their throwing sticks so that , despite their youth, they did not go away empty handed. But just as Wufei was standing for one last throw, the skiff shuddered and jerked beneath his feet and, with a cry of alarm, he fell into the water."
The yellow-skinned image of the boy tumbled into the painted water and Hilde gasped in spite of herself. "It was probably only a stone or a log," said Duo, "but the heavy splashing had drawn the attention of other, more dangerous, water hazards. Wufei's fall had pushed the boat away from himself and he had surfaced in the water feeling quite disoriented. He did not see the crocodile and the skiff was out of reach. Afraid for the life of his friend, Katrah-en dove into the water before Rashid could restrain him." Startled by the name of the Prince, Hilde opened her mouth to speak, but if Duo noticed, he ignored her. "Aket-Dua had held back, afraid of being hurt, but when he saw the bravery with which his Prince had acted, he vowed never to let pain stop him from doing what was right and jumped in after them. Three boys could surely defeat one crocodile!
"Fortunately, Rashid had common sense enough for all of them and without the boys on the skiff, he was able to draw near and pull each out of the water in turn. This was a relief for, despite their intentions, none of the boys could find purchase enough to fight a crocodile and all three were flailing like babies learning to swim. In the end, only Wufei managed to hit the crocodile at all - punching him right on the snout! - allowing the boys to escape in the confusion. With the boys safe on the skiff, Rashid was free to threaten the crocodile with a spear and quickly bring them home.
"And that," said Duo, fixing the torch in an old, rusted sconce, "is the story of how Prince Katrah-en, his companion Wufei, and his friend Aket-Dua, went duck hunting for the first time and came home with one duck and an exciting tale of adventure."
"You actually thought you could fight off a crocodile?" said Hilde skeptically as Duo lowered himself to the ground beside her.
"Well, the part about the crocodile wasn't true. We made it up to scare our mothers who questioned Rashid for hours and then punished us suitably," chuckled Duo. "But Wufei did fall in and hurt his leg and Quatre did dive in after him, and I did follow after deciding that I was a coward. I don't think we were in any danger, but I remember the way Wufei cried out and how I was afraid. I remember the way Quatre leaped after him without even thinking and how his father scolded him for risking his life over a mere servant. He was very upset. He couldn't bear to think of Wufei as anything but his friend and equal."
"This is your Prince, Katrah-en?" said Hilde with incredulity.
"This was my Prince, yes," replied Duo. "He was shaped by other forces then. Our mothers had the story carved here as we'd told it - prominent enough for us to enjoy, but hidden well enough that Quatre's father wasn't likely to see it from the palace - because it was the lie and not the action for which we'd been punished. It's been a long time since Quatre has seen it."
Hilde reached out lazily to turn his face toward her. "If it's any consolation, I don't think you're a coward," she told him, smiling.
"And now you know why," he said wryly. "What's pain in the face of a friend's life? I did make a vow that day and if I haven't always succeeded, I've done my best to keep it. I'll protect my friends until I die and that includes Lord Heero and his family...and you as well."
Hilde shifted uncomfortably. The admission was sweet, but left her vaguely troubled. "Don't die for me, Duo. I don't think I could live with myself."
"Could you live with me if I didn't?"
"What do you mean?"
"I...I don't know what I mean yet," said Duo honestly. He tentatively slipped an arm around her shoulders. Hilde allowed it and leaned against his comforting weight. "I'll tell you what I told Trowa: something's going to happen. I don't know what it is or exactly when it will be, but something will happen soon. I might have to leave Nekheb. If I do, I might consider moving to the capital where I have friends in the temple. Whatever happens, one thing I would like to do is see a proper physician to get my sicknesses sorted out. It will take a really good one...the best. I might be able to arrange it, but it will be risky. I need to know if you will be there for me. It would make the risk worthwhile."
Startled, Hilde could only stammer. "Are you...I mean...are you asking about marriage?"
She could feel Duo's body relax as he smiled. "If you want to, I want to...but I wouldn't ask for that sort of commitment at a time like this. Right now, I only need to know if you will be there for me as a friend."
"Yes," she said quietly. "To both."
She lifted her head to kiss him and found his lips as he had sought hers.
They embraced in the moonlight, the night slipping away beneath roaming fingers, drowned in the scents of perfume, waterlily, and human musk. He was gentle with her - too gentle - and Hilde took it upon herself to pull him closer, her hands drifting lower, tugging at the woven belt he'd knotted around his waist. Eventually, Duo followed suit, his fingers toying with the straps of her sheath as though they were unfamiliar - as, perhaps, they might be - sliding them from her shoulders as he kissed her neck and slid his palms around to trace the curve of her back. She could feel the callouses from the grip of his bow, the handle of his axe, the reins of his chariot. Hands so sure and steady with a weapon, trembling as they sought to memorize the shape of her body. She had not realized how badly she wanted him - wanted this - despite the many days spent together, slowly growing comfortable in each other's company. She had not realized how badly she wanted him until that moment and her body screamed in agony as he pulled away and sat back on his heels. Even in the dim light of the torch, she could see his face, furrowed with concern.
"What is it?" she said, careful to hide her impatience.
"I...ah...do you want something?" he stammered. "I mean, I am a...well, I mean, I can give you something if you want it. A stone or a drug or something...if you don't want..."
A child. [45]
Hilde smiled and raised a finger to his lips. "I know what you are."
"Yes," he whispered against her skin.
"I know what you do."
"Yes."
"You think you are per neter, the home of a god."
Duo paused. "Yes," he said finally.
"I believe none of it," said Hilde firmly. "And if I did, what would it matter? It's the man I want, not the god. I'll take my chances."
"But if something happens to me..."
Hilde smiled and pulled him toward her. "Duo," she whispered, stroking his cheek, "you tell wonderful stories, you are full of life and wonderful, cheerful chatter, but now - for once in your life - will you please be quiet?"
He opened his mouth to protest, but she covered it with her own as the night wrapped itself around them.
[45] Set's generally thought to be sterile in relation to the desert (and because the universe isn't stupid enough to let certain people breed). Hence, in a brilliant display of common sense in action, Set's priests make contraceptives. Huzzah.
"The Prince of Nekheb" copyright A.C.Smith (aka Lady Bast), 2002. Send comments to asmith@ican.net Please do not repost or print (other than for personal use) without permission. The Gundam boys and all their paraphenelia belong to whomever currently holds the rights...I'm just borrowing them for a while. No infringement is intended, really. Really really. Please don't sue me, I have no money. If, however, you have a burning desire to hire me and PAY me money to write this kinda stuff, feel free to track me down.