Nefertaari agreed once more to keep quiet, telling her to take the makeup and the hash in a dismissive tone. Nia’s shoulders sagged an inch in relief, glad her sister seemed to drop the matter and return to her more familiar disdain. It was almost a relief after such a strange night, that her eldest sibling would behave so characteristically, even after her prolonged bit of concern. Maybe Nia should have been mad about it, should have slung some insult at her to bring yet more familiarity back into play, but in spite of it, she was still grateful for her sister’s aid—what little she could give.
“Thank you,” she said simply, taking the offered jars and tucking them in her grasp. “Honestly, you did… more than you think you did.” Just the little bit of human kindness Nefertaari had shown her this evening truly did go a long way, giving her the ability to ground herself after such a tumultuous and unreal evening.
Go rest, Nia. If you wish to suffer alone, that's on you. I tried to offer my help, but even when I do my best, you spurn me. It won't be dealt with unless you speak of it to someone, and you know damn well that we've got the resources to protect you.
Yes, that sounded much more like the Nefertaari that she knew. Her help rejected, she retreated behind the callous disregard she normally seemed to hold for the rest of them, essentially blaming Nia for her inaction. Gods, if only they did have the resources to protect her. If that were possible, she would have ended this weeks ago. Alas, what could Hei Sheifa do against the Pharaoh himself?
Rather than answer with a nasty retort, a single bitter laugh escaped her with a mournful shake of her head. “Of course, sweet sister. As always, you know best.” What must it be like, to be so ignorant? Perhaps once those words could have been said of her, and gods, Nia would give anything to go back to that blissful state. “Thank you again.”
Nodding curtly in her sister’s direction, Nia turned and left, footsteps echoing down the hall in retreat as she sought the haven of her own bedroom and the blessed silence within.
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