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“Come on. You can’t possibly want to stay in again, Nia,” she said, arms crossing over her chest as a pout came to her lips. “I’m bored. Aren’t you? We haven’t been out in forever!”
To say Chione was frustrated was an understatement.
At least tonight her best friend was actually around instead of mysteriously missing off to who knew where. She flopped onto her friend’s bed with a huff. “I’m tired of going out alone. It’s barely enjoyable and it not the same without you.” She missed her friend. Why couldn’t she just say that? More than that, why didn’t Nia seem to miss her? Had she found a new friend? Was it even possible that she had managed to replace Chione? That fear resonated deeper than she would have liked. What other explanation could there be?
“What is going on with you? It’s like you’re hiding or something. Even from me.” She hated the touch of vulnerability that leaked into her voice. She wanted to be mad. She had been fuming for days now, yet the moment she stood before Nia, she wanted nothing more than for things to be normal. For a moment, she had got her hopes up thinking that might actually be the case. But Neithotep seemed... reserved almost. Like she was faking being normal. Was she just trying to get rid of Chione?
Her brow furrowed a little. “Did I do something to upset you?” she asked finally, unable to think of another conclusion. She and Nia had been close since they were young girls, but even more so since they’d discovered the wonders of the male form and all the pleasure it could bring. They understood each other and more than that, they accepted each other. It seemed like everyone else wanted to change them except each other sometimes.
Maybe she didn’t want to know the answer to that question.
“Never mind. Forget it. I’ll just go and you can do whatever it is you actually want to do without me ever knowing. It’s fine.” She hastily stood up and began to move towards the door as she spoke, too afraid to stay and hear that her best friend was sick of her.
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“Come on. You can’t possibly want to stay in again, Nia,” she said, arms crossing over her chest as a pout came to her lips. “I’m bored. Aren’t you? We haven’t been out in forever!”
To say Chione was frustrated was an understatement.
At least tonight her best friend was actually around instead of mysteriously missing off to who knew where. She flopped onto her friend’s bed with a huff. “I’m tired of going out alone. It’s barely enjoyable and it not the same without you.” She missed her friend. Why couldn’t she just say that? More than that, why didn’t Nia seem to miss her? Had she found a new friend? Was it even possible that she had managed to replace Chione? That fear resonated deeper than she would have liked. What other explanation could there be?
“What is going on with you? It’s like you’re hiding or something. Even from me.” She hated the touch of vulnerability that leaked into her voice. She wanted to be mad. She had been fuming for days now, yet the moment she stood before Nia, she wanted nothing more than for things to be normal. For a moment, she had got her hopes up thinking that might actually be the case. But Neithotep seemed... reserved almost. Like she was faking being normal. Was she just trying to get rid of Chione?
Her brow furrowed a little. “Did I do something to upset you?” she asked finally, unable to think of another conclusion. She and Nia had been close since they were young girls, but even more so since they’d discovered the wonders of the male form and all the pleasure it could bring. They understood each other and more than that, they accepted each other. It seemed like everyone else wanted to change them except each other sometimes.
Maybe she didn’t want to know the answer to that question.
“Never mind. Forget it. I’ll just go and you can do whatever it is you actually want to do without me ever knowing. It’s fine.” She hastily stood up and began to move towards the door as she spoke, too afraid to stay and hear that her best friend was sick of her.
“Come on. You can’t possibly want to stay in again, Nia,” she said, arms crossing over her chest as a pout came to her lips. “I’m bored. Aren’t you? We haven’t been out in forever!”
To say Chione was frustrated was an understatement.
At least tonight her best friend was actually around instead of mysteriously missing off to who knew where. She flopped onto her friend’s bed with a huff. “I’m tired of going out alone. It’s barely enjoyable and it not the same without you.” She missed her friend. Why couldn’t she just say that? More than that, why didn’t Nia seem to miss her? Had she found a new friend? Was it even possible that she had managed to replace Chione? That fear resonated deeper than she would have liked. What other explanation could there be?
“What is going on with you? It’s like you’re hiding or something. Even from me.” She hated the touch of vulnerability that leaked into her voice. She wanted to be mad. She had been fuming for days now, yet the moment she stood before Nia, she wanted nothing more than for things to be normal. For a moment, she had got her hopes up thinking that might actually be the case. But Neithotep seemed... reserved almost. Like she was faking being normal. Was she just trying to get rid of Chione?
Her brow furrowed a little. “Did I do something to upset you?” she asked finally, unable to think of another conclusion. She and Nia had been close since they were young girls, but even more so since they’d discovered the wonders of the male form and all the pleasure it could bring. They understood each other and more than that, they accepted each other. It seemed like everyone else wanted to change them except each other sometimes.
Maybe she didn’t want to know the answer to that question.
“Never mind. Forget it. I’ll just go and you can do whatever it is you actually want to do without me ever knowing. It’s fine.” She hastily stood up and began to move towards the door as she spoke, too afraid to stay and hear that her best friend was sick of her.
Nia wished she could explain to Chione what was going on with her. Why she had been behaving so strangely, why she seemed so reluctant to engage in the pastimes that had once thrilled her. But she couldn’t, not without putting herself at risk. And more importantly, not without putting Chione at risk.
She thought she’d been hiding it well enough, that her excuses were perfectly acceptable and wouldn’t raise suspicion. Maybe at first, that had been true. Everyone was entitled to an off day or two, and for a while, Chione hadn’t questioned her. However, as time went on and nothing changed, she could tell her friend was getting more and more annoyed. But what could she really do? Tell her, and put her in danger? Or do her best to keep some distance between them and therefore keep the pharaoh’s attention off her? Gods knew enough people already held the secret to put her on edge. How could she knowingly count Chione among them?
“You haven’t done anything to upset me,” she was quick to reassure the woman, sidestepping her other questions. Even in her hastily woven tales of lies and half-truths, that much was honest. None of this had anything to with the Isazari lady. It was all to do with her.
If only she could find a way to express that without making her friend more suspicious, but, shallow as Chione could be, she was smarter than most gave her credit for. She doubted there was a plausible excuse she could make that would serve to put her suspicions to rest for longer than a day or two. And as much as she pulled away from everyone else, there were a few she just couldn’t bear to do the same to. Chione was certainly among them.
With the pharaoh off to war, however, she felt she could actually let loose a little more than she had the last couple months. While she certainly wouldn’t be throwing herself in the laps of any handsome strangers like she had been so apt to do before, she figured there was little harm in appeasing Chione with a few drinks. Maybe if they actually went out, the woman would stop asking such impossible questions.
Never mind. Forget it. I’ll just go and you can do whatever it is you actually want to do without me ever knowing. It’s fine.
Nia wanted to scream her frustration to the ceiling, this tragic comedy of misconceptions quickly wearing thin. If only she could tell Chione just how desperately she wanted things to be normal, but they never could be again. How long could they continue on this way before her friend finally gave up on her entirely?
“Chione, it’s not…” she started to say before sighing and shaking her head. Pulling herself from her bed, she shook out her rumpled kalasiris and started picking through her jewelry for something to wear. “I just… I haven’t been feeling well lately, ok?” Clasping the palm frond armband she typically wore around her arm, she selected a pair of lapis lazuli earrings and a matching collar inlaid with gold. “I’ve just been tired.” Her excuses even sounded lame to her own ears, but what could she really say? Nia had never been a very good liar.
Pasting a weak smile on her face, she stuffed her feet into some thin sandals and turned to Chione. “Come on, let’s go. First round’s on me.”
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Nia wished she could explain to Chione what was going on with her. Why she had been behaving so strangely, why she seemed so reluctant to engage in the pastimes that had once thrilled her. But she couldn’t, not without putting herself at risk. And more importantly, not without putting Chione at risk.
She thought she’d been hiding it well enough, that her excuses were perfectly acceptable and wouldn’t raise suspicion. Maybe at first, that had been true. Everyone was entitled to an off day or two, and for a while, Chione hadn’t questioned her. However, as time went on and nothing changed, she could tell her friend was getting more and more annoyed. But what could she really do? Tell her, and put her in danger? Or do her best to keep some distance between them and therefore keep the pharaoh’s attention off her? Gods knew enough people already held the secret to put her on edge. How could she knowingly count Chione among them?
“You haven’t done anything to upset me,” she was quick to reassure the woman, sidestepping her other questions. Even in her hastily woven tales of lies and half-truths, that much was honest. None of this had anything to with the Isazari lady. It was all to do with her.
If only she could find a way to express that without making her friend more suspicious, but, shallow as Chione could be, she was smarter than most gave her credit for. She doubted there was a plausible excuse she could make that would serve to put her suspicions to rest for longer than a day or two. And as much as she pulled away from everyone else, there were a few she just couldn’t bear to do the same to. Chione was certainly among them.
With the pharaoh off to war, however, she felt she could actually let loose a little more than she had the last couple months. While she certainly wouldn’t be throwing herself in the laps of any handsome strangers like she had been so apt to do before, she figured there was little harm in appeasing Chione with a few drinks. Maybe if they actually went out, the woman would stop asking such impossible questions.
Never mind. Forget it. I’ll just go and you can do whatever it is you actually want to do without me ever knowing. It’s fine.
Nia wanted to scream her frustration to the ceiling, this tragic comedy of misconceptions quickly wearing thin. If only she could tell Chione just how desperately she wanted things to be normal, but they never could be again. How long could they continue on this way before her friend finally gave up on her entirely?
“Chione, it’s not…” she started to say before sighing and shaking her head. Pulling herself from her bed, she shook out her rumpled kalasiris and started picking through her jewelry for something to wear. “I just… I haven’t been feeling well lately, ok?” Clasping the palm frond armband she typically wore around her arm, she selected a pair of lapis lazuli earrings and a matching collar inlaid with gold. “I’ve just been tired.” Her excuses even sounded lame to her own ears, but what could she really say? Nia had never been a very good liar.
Pasting a weak smile on her face, she stuffed her feet into some thin sandals and turned to Chione. “Come on, let’s go. First round’s on me.”
Nia wished she could explain to Chione what was going on with her. Why she had been behaving so strangely, why she seemed so reluctant to engage in the pastimes that had once thrilled her. But she couldn’t, not without putting herself at risk. And more importantly, not without putting Chione at risk.
She thought she’d been hiding it well enough, that her excuses were perfectly acceptable and wouldn’t raise suspicion. Maybe at first, that had been true. Everyone was entitled to an off day or two, and for a while, Chione hadn’t questioned her. However, as time went on and nothing changed, she could tell her friend was getting more and more annoyed. But what could she really do? Tell her, and put her in danger? Or do her best to keep some distance between them and therefore keep the pharaoh’s attention off her? Gods knew enough people already held the secret to put her on edge. How could she knowingly count Chione among them?
“You haven’t done anything to upset me,” she was quick to reassure the woman, sidestepping her other questions. Even in her hastily woven tales of lies and half-truths, that much was honest. None of this had anything to with the Isazari lady. It was all to do with her.
If only she could find a way to express that without making her friend more suspicious, but, shallow as Chione could be, she was smarter than most gave her credit for. She doubted there was a plausible excuse she could make that would serve to put her suspicions to rest for longer than a day or two. And as much as she pulled away from everyone else, there were a few she just couldn’t bear to do the same to. Chione was certainly among them.
With the pharaoh off to war, however, she felt she could actually let loose a little more than she had the last couple months. While she certainly wouldn’t be throwing herself in the laps of any handsome strangers like she had been so apt to do before, she figured there was little harm in appeasing Chione with a few drinks. Maybe if they actually went out, the woman would stop asking such impossible questions.
Never mind. Forget it. I’ll just go and you can do whatever it is you actually want to do without me ever knowing. It’s fine.
Nia wanted to scream her frustration to the ceiling, this tragic comedy of misconceptions quickly wearing thin. If only she could tell Chione just how desperately she wanted things to be normal, but they never could be again. How long could they continue on this way before her friend finally gave up on her entirely?
“Chione, it’s not…” she started to say before sighing and shaking her head. Pulling herself from her bed, she shook out her rumpled kalasiris and started picking through her jewelry for something to wear. “I just… I haven’t been feeling well lately, ok?” Clasping the palm frond armband she typically wore around her arm, she selected a pair of lapis lazuli earrings and a matching collar inlaid with gold. “I’ve just been tired.” Her excuses even sounded lame to her own ears, but what could she really say? Nia had never been a very good liar.
Pasting a weak smile on her face, she stuffed her feet into some thin sandals and turned to Chione. “Come on, let’s go. First round’s on me.”
Listening to Neithotep’s lies were exhausting. Yes, it was annoying that she had suddenly turned so remarkably boring. But that wasn’t what bothered Chione the most. It was that she wouldn’t tell her the truth about why. There had never been secrets between them before. She couldn’t understand it - this sudden secrecy.
At first she had believed her. After all, she had no reason not to. But the excuses became thinner and thinner, more and more transparent in their falseness. How could she be constantly tired whenever she saw Chione yet be out until all hours the next night? Unless... she simply didn’t want to go out with Chione. What other explanation could there be?
As such, she could only roll her eyes at Nia’s insistence that she had done nothing wrong. It felt like she was punishing her somehow. It... well, it hurt to be on the outside. Nia was pulling away more and more. Or pushing Chione away. Either way, there was too much distance between them. It was as if her best friend was becoming a stranger right before her very eyes.
She just couldn’t handle hearing one more lie.
Was storming out stupid and childish and petty? Perhaps. But as the emotion overwhelmed her, she didn’t know what else to do. It was just like after her mother passed and Berenike suddenly took on all authority, as though she wasn’t a mere two years her elder. The anger had come in waves then too, and she’d lashed out whenever it became too much for her heart to bear. So it felt now. The rejection was clear, even if she didn’t understand the why or the how.
How could she face that? Better to run than face that wound head on.
Still, Nia’s voice halted her in her tracks nonetheless. Her arms crossed defensively against her chest, even as she was too afraid to turn around. More lies. The same stale lies no less. How did Nia think that she would believe them anymore now than she did yesterday, or just a few moments before? But she heard her moving around behind her, so she tentatively looked over her shoulder, surprised to see her friend preparing herself.
She looked about as excited as if she was going to attend an execution. But clearly she was resigned to withholding the truth. So another plan formed in her mind. A little mischievous, but nothing sinister of sort... And if it finally gave her answers - real answers - then it would be worth it in the end.
“Try the first three rounds,” she said with a laugh and teasing shrug. She closed the distance between them, wrapping an arm around her friends thin shoulders and bumping their hips together. As if all the hurt and anger that had filled her just moments before was gone entirely. “You owe me after canceling so much. But a few good drinks and all will be forgotten.”
A few good drinks, and Nia would be spilling her guts.
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Listening to Neithotep’s lies were exhausting. Yes, it was annoying that she had suddenly turned so remarkably boring. But that wasn’t what bothered Chione the most. It was that she wouldn’t tell her the truth about why. There had never been secrets between them before. She couldn’t understand it - this sudden secrecy.
At first she had believed her. After all, she had no reason not to. But the excuses became thinner and thinner, more and more transparent in their falseness. How could she be constantly tired whenever she saw Chione yet be out until all hours the next night? Unless... she simply didn’t want to go out with Chione. What other explanation could there be?
As such, she could only roll her eyes at Nia’s insistence that she had done nothing wrong. It felt like she was punishing her somehow. It... well, it hurt to be on the outside. Nia was pulling away more and more. Or pushing Chione away. Either way, there was too much distance between them. It was as if her best friend was becoming a stranger right before her very eyes.
She just couldn’t handle hearing one more lie.
Was storming out stupid and childish and petty? Perhaps. But as the emotion overwhelmed her, she didn’t know what else to do. It was just like after her mother passed and Berenike suddenly took on all authority, as though she wasn’t a mere two years her elder. The anger had come in waves then too, and she’d lashed out whenever it became too much for her heart to bear. So it felt now. The rejection was clear, even if she didn’t understand the why or the how.
How could she face that? Better to run than face that wound head on.
Still, Nia’s voice halted her in her tracks nonetheless. Her arms crossed defensively against her chest, even as she was too afraid to turn around. More lies. The same stale lies no less. How did Nia think that she would believe them anymore now than she did yesterday, or just a few moments before? But she heard her moving around behind her, so she tentatively looked over her shoulder, surprised to see her friend preparing herself.
She looked about as excited as if she was going to attend an execution. But clearly she was resigned to withholding the truth. So another plan formed in her mind. A little mischievous, but nothing sinister of sort... And if it finally gave her answers - real answers - then it would be worth it in the end.
“Try the first three rounds,” she said with a laugh and teasing shrug. She closed the distance between them, wrapping an arm around her friends thin shoulders and bumping their hips together. As if all the hurt and anger that had filled her just moments before was gone entirely. “You owe me after canceling so much. But a few good drinks and all will be forgotten.”
A few good drinks, and Nia would be spilling her guts.
Listening to Neithotep’s lies were exhausting. Yes, it was annoying that she had suddenly turned so remarkably boring. But that wasn’t what bothered Chione the most. It was that she wouldn’t tell her the truth about why. There had never been secrets between them before. She couldn’t understand it - this sudden secrecy.
At first she had believed her. After all, she had no reason not to. But the excuses became thinner and thinner, more and more transparent in their falseness. How could she be constantly tired whenever she saw Chione yet be out until all hours the next night? Unless... she simply didn’t want to go out with Chione. What other explanation could there be?
As such, she could only roll her eyes at Nia’s insistence that she had done nothing wrong. It felt like she was punishing her somehow. It... well, it hurt to be on the outside. Nia was pulling away more and more. Or pushing Chione away. Either way, there was too much distance between them. It was as if her best friend was becoming a stranger right before her very eyes.
She just couldn’t handle hearing one more lie.
Was storming out stupid and childish and petty? Perhaps. But as the emotion overwhelmed her, she didn’t know what else to do. It was just like after her mother passed and Berenike suddenly took on all authority, as though she wasn’t a mere two years her elder. The anger had come in waves then too, and she’d lashed out whenever it became too much for her heart to bear. So it felt now. The rejection was clear, even if she didn’t understand the why or the how.
How could she face that? Better to run than face that wound head on.
Still, Nia’s voice halted her in her tracks nonetheless. Her arms crossed defensively against her chest, even as she was too afraid to turn around. More lies. The same stale lies no less. How did Nia think that she would believe them anymore now than she did yesterday, or just a few moments before? But she heard her moving around behind her, so she tentatively looked over her shoulder, surprised to see her friend preparing herself.
She looked about as excited as if she was going to attend an execution. But clearly she was resigned to withholding the truth. So another plan formed in her mind. A little mischievous, but nothing sinister of sort... And if it finally gave her answers - real answers - then it would be worth it in the end.
“Try the first three rounds,” she said with a laugh and teasing shrug. She closed the distance between them, wrapping an arm around her friends thin shoulders and bumping their hips together. As if all the hurt and anger that had filled her just moments before was gone entirely. “You owe me after canceling so much. But a few good drinks and all will be forgotten.”
A few good drinks, and Nia would be spilling her guts.
“First three rounds it is,” Nia agree with a laugh, a glimmer of her normal self present in the sound. “It’s Father’s money, anyway.”
The woman softened a little as Chione’s arm wrapped around her, returning the bump of her hip with a smile. Okay, maybe her friend wouldn’t stay mad at her forever. Maybe this night out would be enough to prove to her everything was fine, everything was going to be fine, and she would cease her endless questions. All she had to do was act normal. That should be easy enough, right?
Slipping out of the house before anyone could stop them, Nia linked her arm with Chione’s as they walked the well-known path to one of her preferred taverns, Tears of the Nile. It was not a tavern those of her and Chione’s status typically frequented, but that was part of the reason the Sheifa woman preferred it. For as long as she could remember, she had preferred the company of commoners over the nobility, and most especially their taverns. Sure, the booze wasn’t as high quality, but the poorer classes didn’t have to pretend to be something they weren’t. Laughter was freer, music was louder, and joy could be found even in the dustiest of corners.
Perhaps this night out really was what she needed.
There was a filmy cloud of smoke as they entered the common room, a heady mixture of hemp, tobacco, and opium filling the air. Like a hungry dog, her eyes sought the source of the bluish smoke of the poppy, practically salivating at the scent alone. Hearty Egyptian ale, the company of her closest friend, and the haze of opium, and she’d be right as rain. Wouldn’t she?
Stepping up to the bar, she offered the barkeep a friendly smile and slid him a few coins. “Two flagons of ale, if you please,” she requested, the order promptly filled and delivered. Another smile was directed his way before she grabbed them both and handed one to Chione, leading her over to one of the few open tables.
“Thank you for dragging me out,” she said once they were seated, taking a heavy swallow of the drink in front of her. “And I’m… sorry I haven’t been as eager lately. It’s… hard to explain.”
More like impossible, but she knew Chione would keep bringing it up, regardless. After all, could she really blame her? Would Nia not do the same if their positions were reversed? She knew it was concern that drove her friend’s questioning, but if only there was some way to drive home her urgency that she shouldn’t keep asking questions she couldn’t answer.
“So, tell me,” she said with a mischievous smile, her face conspiratorial as she leaned in closer. “Who was that positively gorgeous slice of man hanging off your arm in the market a few days ago? I’d almost be jealous if it wasn’t for—” She cut herself off before she said ‘Zoser,’ covering her lapse with another swallow of ale. “Don’t think I’ve seen that particular toy of yours before.”
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“First three rounds it is,” Nia agree with a laugh, a glimmer of her normal self present in the sound. “It’s Father’s money, anyway.”
The woman softened a little as Chione’s arm wrapped around her, returning the bump of her hip with a smile. Okay, maybe her friend wouldn’t stay mad at her forever. Maybe this night out would be enough to prove to her everything was fine, everything was going to be fine, and she would cease her endless questions. All she had to do was act normal. That should be easy enough, right?
Slipping out of the house before anyone could stop them, Nia linked her arm with Chione’s as they walked the well-known path to one of her preferred taverns, Tears of the Nile. It was not a tavern those of her and Chione’s status typically frequented, but that was part of the reason the Sheifa woman preferred it. For as long as she could remember, she had preferred the company of commoners over the nobility, and most especially their taverns. Sure, the booze wasn’t as high quality, but the poorer classes didn’t have to pretend to be something they weren’t. Laughter was freer, music was louder, and joy could be found even in the dustiest of corners.
Perhaps this night out really was what she needed.
There was a filmy cloud of smoke as they entered the common room, a heady mixture of hemp, tobacco, and opium filling the air. Like a hungry dog, her eyes sought the source of the bluish smoke of the poppy, practically salivating at the scent alone. Hearty Egyptian ale, the company of her closest friend, and the haze of opium, and she’d be right as rain. Wouldn’t she?
Stepping up to the bar, she offered the barkeep a friendly smile and slid him a few coins. “Two flagons of ale, if you please,” she requested, the order promptly filled and delivered. Another smile was directed his way before she grabbed them both and handed one to Chione, leading her over to one of the few open tables.
“Thank you for dragging me out,” she said once they were seated, taking a heavy swallow of the drink in front of her. “And I’m… sorry I haven’t been as eager lately. It’s… hard to explain.”
More like impossible, but she knew Chione would keep bringing it up, regardless. After all, could she really blame her? Would Nia not do the same if their positions were reversed? She knew it was concern that drove her friend’s questioning, but if only there was some way to drive home her urgency that she shouldn’t keep asking questions she couldn’t answer.
“So, tell me,” she said with a mischievous smile, her face conspiratorial as she leaned in closer. “Who was that positively gorgeous slice of man hanging off your arm in the market a few days ago? I’d almost be jealous if it wasn’t for—” She cut herself off before she said ‘Zoser,’ covering her lapse with another swallow of ale. “Don’t think I’ve seen that particular toy of yours before.”
“First three rounds it is,” Nia agree with a laugh, a glimmer of her normal self present in the sound. “It’s Father’s money, anyway.”
The woman softened a little as Chione’s arm wrapped around her, returning the bump of her hip with a smile. Okay, maybe her friend wouldn’t stay mad at her forever. Maybe this night out would be enough to prove to her everything was fine, everything was going to be fine, and she would cease her endless questions. All she had to do was act normal. That should be easy enough, right?
Slipping out of the house before anyone could stop them, Nia linked her arm with Chione’s as they walked the well-known path to one of her preferred taverns, Tears of the Nile. It was not a tavern those of her and Chione’s status typically frequented, but that was part of the reason the Sheifa woman preferred it. For as long as she could remember, she had preferred the company of commoners over the nobility, and most especially their taverns. Sure, the booze wasn’t as high quality, but the poorer classes didn’t have to pretend to be something they weren’t. Laughter was freer, music was louder, and joy could be found even in the dustiest of corners.
Perhaps this night out really was what she needed.
There was a filmy cloud of smoke as they entered the common room, a heady mixture of hemp, tobacco, and opium filling the air. Like a hungry dog, her eyes sought the source of the bluish smoke of the poppy, practically salivating at the scent alone. Hearty Egyptian ale, the company of her closest friend, and the haze of opium, and she’d be right as rain. Wouldn’t she?
Stepping up to the bar, she offered the barkeep a friendly smile and slid him a few coins. “Two flagons of ale, if you please,” she requested, the order promptly filled and delivered. Another smile was directed his way before she grabbed them both and handed one to Chione, leading her over to one of the few open tables.
“Thank you for dragging me out,” she said once they were seated, taking a heavy swallow of the drink in front of her. “And I’m… sorry I haven’t been as eager lately. It’s… hard to explain.”
More like impossible, but she knew Chione would keep bringing it up, regardless. After all, could she really blame her? Would Nia not do the same if their positions were reversed? She knew it was concern that drove her friend’s questioning, but if only there was some way to drive home her urgency that she shouldn’t keep asking questions she couldn’t answer.
“So, tell me,” she said with a mischievous smile, her face conspiratorial as she leaned in closer. “Who was that positively gorgeous slice of man hanging off your arm in the market a few days ago? I’d almost be jealous if it wasn’t for—” She cut herself off before she said ‘Zoser,’ covering her lapse with another swallow of ale. “Don’t think I’ve seen that particular toy of yours before.”
“Perfect!” she declared in triumph, only to dissolve into laughter at Nia’s declaration that it was merely her father’s money anyway. “Exactly. They shouldn’t make it if they don’t want us to spend it.” There was little that Chione enjoyed as much as spending someone else’s money. She was quite skilled at it too. Of course, tonight, she had a goal in mind which mostly involved pouring coins in the form of alcohol down her friend’s throat to loosen her tongue.
But for now, even a hint of their usual merriment felt like a relief.
It may not fix everything, but it was a start. Enough to give Chione hope that things might not be weird between them forever. Even if she couldn’t quite get that nagging thought that something was very wrong out of her mind. By night’s end, everything could be fine again. She wanted that more than anything.
After all, she didn’t have many friends, and certainly none she trusted half as much as Nia.
They slipped out of the house, arms linked, as they traveled the familiar path to one of their favorite haunts. Chione had never been known to turn up her nose at any party, and they always found that at Tears of the Nile. Low quality alcohol mattered little when it was cheap and surrounded by a crowd just as rowdy as they were. They always went home happy from here. Hopefully tonight would be the same.
Though her happy ending for once wouldn’t be going home with a handsome stranger, but instead getting some actual answers from her friend.
Chione inhaled the scent of all the indulgences the taveren had to offer - hemp, tobacco, opium, ale, sweat - the place was filled with promise of a good time. She saw the way Nia’s eyes quickly found the source of the opium smoke. That would certainly get her answers faster than ale... Perhaps. They made their way to a table, flagons in hand before settling in. Nia was quick to take a long swallow of her drink. Chione lifted hers to her lips, barely taking a sip.
She waved her hand impatiently. “We’re out now, the rest doesn’t matter,” she insisted with a shrug. Most nights that would be true. Tonight, well, she’d bring it up again later. When Nia was primed to be honest. She was terrible at keeping secrets to begin with, even less so if she were drunk or high. It would be so easy to get the truth from her. Chione just had to be a little patient.
“Well, you know I’d never be seen with anyone less than gorgeous,” she teased. There was no mistaking the slip that her friend nearly made. Was that what this was about? She had some secret new love? Since when didn’t she gush to Chione about whatever man had captured her heart’s affection. They rarely lasted, but she had never been the sort to withhold before. Was she ashamed of him? Could he be some past conquest of Chione’s? They did generally avoid sharing lovers.
She didn’t know what it was yet, but she would be damn sure to find out.
For now though, she pretended not to have noticed the slip. “He was short-lived,” she explained. “Wonderful to look at, but not as adventurous as I would have liked,” she said with a sigh. She lifted her ale to her lips, pretending to take a swallow much larger than the small sip she actually took. “He was a fair distraction, but nothing worth keeping around sadly. And I had such high hopes for him too,” she pouted.
“You must be practically dying though. You’ve been such a homebody lately. I don’t think I’ve ever known you to have such a lengthy dry spell,” she continued. “We have to find you someone to scratch that itch tonight. It’d be cruel not to.”
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“Perfect!” she declared in triumph, only to dissolve into laughter at Nia’s declaration that it was merely her father’s money anyway. “Exactly. They shouldn’t make it if they don’t want us to spend it.” There was little that Chione enjoyed as much as spending someone else’s money. She was quite skilled at it too. Of course, tonight, she had a goal in mind which mostly involved pouring coins in the form of alcohol down her friend’s throat to loosen her tongue.
But for now, even a hint of their usual merriment felt like a relief.
It may not fix everything, but it was a start. Enough to give Chione hope that things might not be weird between them forever. Even if she couldn’t quite get that nagging thought that something was very wrong out of her mind. By night’s end, everything could be fine again. She wanted that more than anything.
After all, she didn’t have many friends, and certainly none she trusted half as much as Nia.
They slipped out of the house, arms linked, as they traveled the familiar path to one of their favorite haunts. Chione had never been known to turn up her nose at any party, and they always found that at Tears of the Nile. Low quality alcohol mattered little when it was cheap and surrounded by a crowd just as rowdy as they were. They always went home happy from here. Hopefully tonight would be the same.
Though her happy ending for once wouldn’t be going home with a handsome stranger, but instead getting some actual answers from her friend.
Chione inhaled the scent of all the indulgences the taveren had to offer - hemp, tobacco, opium, ale, sweat - the place was filled with promise of a good time. She saw the way Nia’s eyes quickly found the source of the opium smoke. That would certainly get her answers faster than ale... Perhaps. They made their way to a table, flagons in hand before settling in. Nia was quick to take a long swallow of her drink. Chione lifted hers to her lips, barely taking a sip.
She waved her hand impatiently. “We’re out now, the rest doesn’t matter,” she insisted with a shrug. Most nights that would be true. Tonight, well, she’d bring it up again later. When Nia was primed to be honest. She was terrible at keeping secrets to begin with, even less so if she were drunk or high. It would be so easy to get the truth from her. Chione just had to be a little patient.
“Well, you know I’d never be seen with anyone less than gorgeous,” she teased. There was no mistaking the slip that her friend nearly made. Was that what this was about? She had some secret new love? Since when didn’t she gush to Chione about whatever man had captured her heart’s affection. They rarely lasted, but she had never been the sort to withhold before. Was she ashamed of him? Could he be some past conquest of Chione’s? They did generally avoid sharing lovers.
She didn’t know what it was yet, but she would be damn sure to find out.
For now though, she pretended not to have noticed the slip. “He was short-lived,” she explained. “Wonderful to look at, but not as adventurous as I would have liked,” she said with a sigh. She lifted her ale to her lips, pretending to take a swallow much larger than the small sip she actually took. “He was a fair distraction, but nothing worth keeping around sadly. And I had such high hopes for him too,” she pouted.
“You must be practically dying though. You’ve been such a homebody lately. I don’t think I’ve ever known you to have such a lengthy dry spell,” she continued. “We have to find you someone to scratch that itch tonight. It’d be cruel not to.”
“Perfect!” she declared in triumph, only to dissolve into laughter at Nia’s declaration that it was merely her father’s money anyway. “Exactly. They shouldn’t make it if they don’t want us to spend it.” There was little that Chione enjoyed as much as spending someone else’s money. She was quite skilled at it too. Of course, tonight, she had a goal in mind which mostly involved pouring coins in the form of alcohol down her friend’s throat to loosen her tongue.
But for now, even a hint of their usual merriment felt like a relief.
It may not fix everything, but it was a start. Enough to give Chione hope that things might not be weird between them forever. Even if she couldn’t quite get that nagging thought that something was very wrong out of her mind. By night’s end, everything could be fine again. She wanted that more than anything.
After all, she didn’t have many friends, and certainly none she trusted half as much as Nia.
They slipped out of the house, arms linked, as they traveled the familiar path to one of their favorite haunts. Chione had never been known to turn up her nose at any party, and they always found that at Tears of the Nile. Low quality alcohol mattered little when it was cheap and surrounded by a crowd just as rowdy as they were. They always went home happy from here. Hopefully tonight would be the same.
Though her happy ending for once wouldn’t be going home with a handsome stranger, but instead getting some actual answers from her friend.
Chione inhaled the scent of all the indulgences the taveren had to offer - hemp, tobacco, opium, ale, sweat - the place was filled with promise of a good time. She saw the way Nia’s eyes quickly found the source of the opium smoke. That would certainly get her answers faster than ale... Perhaps. They made their way to a table, flagons in hand before settling in. Nia was quick to take a long swallow of her drink. Chione lifted hers to her lips, barely taking a sip.
She waved her hand impatiently. “We’re out now, the rest doesn’t matter,” she insisted with a shrug. Most nights that would be true. Tonight, well, she’d bring it up again later. When Nia was primed to be honest. She was terrible at keeping secrets to begin with, even less so if she were drunk or high. It would be so easy to get the truth from her. Chione just had to be a little patient.
“Well, you know I’d never be seen with anyone less than gorgeous,” she teased. There was no mistaking the slip that her friend nearly made. Was that what this was about? She had some secret new love? Since when didn’t she gush to Chione about whatever man had captured her heart’s affection. They rarely lasted, but she had never been the sort to withhold before. Was she ashamed of him? Could he be some past conquest of Chione’s? They did generally avoid sharing lovers.
She didn’t know what it was yet, but she would be damn sure to find out.
For now though, she pretended not to have noticed the slip. “He was short-lived,” she explained. “Wonderful to look at, but not as adventurous as I would have liked,” she said with a sigh. She lifted her ale to her lips, pretending to take a swallow much larger than the small sip she actually took. “He was a fair distraction, but nothing worth keeping around sadly. And I had such high hopes for him too,” she pouted.
“You must be practically dying though. You’ve been such a homebody lately. I don’t think I’ve ever known you to have such a lengthy dry spell,” she continued. “We have to find you someone to scratch that itch tonight. It’d be cruel not to.”
He was short-lived. Wonderful to look at, but not as adventurous as I would have liked.
“How disappointing,” Nia sympathized with the older woman, plump lips lifting in a lop-sided grin. “It’s always such a shame when a man is gorgeous and has nothing to put behind it. Let me guess. He had a small spear too, didn’t he?” Her grin broadened, brows lifting in a suggestive tease. Making a circle with the thumb and forefinger of one hand, she pushed the forefinger of her other hand through it and eyed Chione with a laugh. “Couldn’t get it deep enough?”
Giggling into her flagon of ale, she took two more big swallows, letting the liquid warm her belly and settle her jittery limbs. This was fine, a bawdy conversation as normal as any other. See, Chione? Everything’s fine! she wanted to say, letting the smile linger on her face and relaxing some of the tension from her shoulders.
It was fine, until the Isazari lady mentioned finding her a man for the night. Instantly, she tensed again, trying not to let Chione see it. There were two big glaring reasons that wouldn’t be happening; for one, she never knew where the Pharaoh’s spies might follow her, and she would not be taking that sort of risk. As for the other…
Nia didn’t want another man to ‘scratch her itch,’ as Chione so ribaldly phrased it. She had a lover, one that she craved with a desperation she had never known. Gods, if only she could just seek him out when this night was over, throw herself into his arms and let the world fall away… but no. Of course, it wasn’t that simple. It could never be that simple with Zoser, no matter how desperately she wished it were so. Their affair was one of the utmost secrecy, and she could not just seek him out whenever she pleased. Every liaison had to be carefully orchestrated, and while there was a certain thrill to it, she would do anything to step from the shadows, arms and hearts linked for the world to see.
Fate was cruel, and her friend had no idea.
“I… don’t think that will be necessary,” she demurred, waving off the woman’s suggestion, peering around the smoke-hazed room. “Besides, there’s hardly a selection to pick from tonight,” she added in a haughty tone, flipping her hair back over her shoulder. “If I’m to break this dry spell, I won’t be choosing from this lot, that’s for sure.”
Tossing back the rest of her ale, she shook the empty glass and pointed at Chione’s to distract her. “You ready for another yet?”
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He was short-lived. Wonderful to look at, but not as adventurous as I would have liked.
“How disappointing,” Nia sympathized with the older woman, plump lips lifting in a lop-sided grin. “It’s always such a shame when a man is gorgeous and has nothing to put behind it. Let me guess. He had a small spear too, didn’t he?” Her grin broadened, brows lifting in a suggestive tease. Making a circle with the thumb and forefinger of one hand, she pushed the forefinger of her other hand through it and eyed Chione with a laugh. “Couldn’t get it deep enough?”
Giggling into her flagon of ale, she took two more big swallows, letting the liquid warm her belly and settle her jittery limbs. This was fine, a bawdy conversation as normal as any other. See, Chione? Everything’s fine! she wanted to say, letting the smile linger on her face and relaxing some of the tension from her shoulders.
It was fine, until the Isazari lady mentioned finding her a man for the night. Instantly, she tensed again, trying not to let Chione see it. There were two big glaring reasons that wouldn’t be happening; for one, she never knew where the Pharaoh’s spies might follow her, and she would not be taking that sort of risk. As for the other…
Nia didn’t want another man to ‘scratch her itch,’ as Chione so ribaldly phrased it. She had a lover, one that she craved with a desperation she had never known. Gods, if only she could just seek him out when this night was over, throw herself into his arms and let the world fall away… but no. Of course, it wasn’t that simple. It could never be that simple with Zoser, no matter how desperately she wished it were so. Their affair was one of the utmost secrecy, and she could not just seek him out whenever she pleased. Every liaison had to be carefully orchestrated, and while there was a certain thrill to it, she would do anything to step from the shadows, arms and hearts linked for the world to see.
Fate was cruel, and her friend had no idea.
“I… don’t think that will be necessary,” she demurred, waving off the woman’s suggestion, peering around the smoke-hazed room. “Besides, there’s hardly a selection to pick from tonight,” she added in a haughty tone, flipping her hair back over her shoulder. “If I’m to break this dry spell, I won’t be choosing from this lot, that’s for sure.”
Tossing back the rest of her ale, she shook the empty glass and pointed at Chione’s to distract her. “You ready for another yet?”
He was short-lived. Wonderful to look at, but not as adventurous as I would have liked.
“How disappointing,” Nia sympathized with the older woman, plump lips lifting in a lop-sided grin. “It’s always such a shame when a man is gorgeous and has nothing to put behind it. Let me guess. He had a small spear too, didn’t he?” Her grin broadened, brows lifting in a suggestive tease. Making a circle with the thumb and forefinger of one hand, she pushed the forefinger of her other hand through it and eyed Chione with a laugh. “Couldn’t get it deep enough?”
Giggling into her flagon of ale, she took two more big swallows, letting the liquid warm her belly and settle her jittery limbs. This was fine, a bawdy conversation as normal as any other. See, Chione? Everything’s fine! she wanted to say, letting the smile linger on her face and relaxing some of the tension from her shoulders.
It was fine, until the Isazari lady mentioned finding her a man for the night. Instantly, she tensed again, trying not to let Chione see it. There were two big glaring reasons that wouldn’t be happening; for one, she never knew where the Pharaoh’s spies might follow her, and she would not be taking that sort of risk. As for the other…
Nia didn’t want another man to ‘scratch her itch,’ as Chione so ribaldly phrased it. She had a lover, one that she craved with a desperation she had never known. Gods, if only she could just seek him out when this night was over, throw herself into his arms and let the world fall away… but no. Of course, it wasn’t that simple. It could never be that simple with Zoser, no matter how desperately she wished it were so. Their affair was one of the utmost secrecy, and she could not just seek him out whenever she pleased. Every liaison had to be carefully orchestrated, and while there was a certain thrill to it, she would do anything to step from the shadows, arms and hearts linked for the world to see.
Fate was cruel, and her friend had no idea.
“I… don’t think that will be necessary,” she demurred, waving off the woman’s suggestion, peering around the smoke-hazed room. “Besides, there’s hardly a selection to pick from tonight,” she added in a haughty tone, flipping her hair back over her shoulder. “If I’m to break this dry spell, I won’t be choosing from this lot, that’s for sure.”
Tossing back the rest of her ale, she shook the empty glass and pointed at Chione’s to distract her. “You ready for another yet?”
“Isn’t it though?” she agreed, sighing dramatically in disappointment. Yet the younger woman’s suggestion that his spear was lacking as well set her to laughing despite her best efforts to remain forlorn. “It wasn’t so much his size that was the issue as much as his... technique,” she answered with a wry grin. “And his stamina... well, let’s say he was done before I was even started. It was truly tragic. He had such a pretty face.”
It was both a comfort and aggravation how easily they could slip back into their normal teasing and joking. Like no time had passed and yet... there was some invisible, hidden thing between them. How could Nia spend so much time avoiding her, only to pretend nothing had ever happened? She took another tiny sip of her ale as Nia did, using the time to study the other woman carefully.
It seemed she didn’t enjoy Chione’s suggestion to find her someone tonight. So there was someone else. Why on earth would Nia hide that of all things? It made no sense! She had to get to the bottom of this. Tonight was the night to finally have answers.
So she pretended to be oblivious to Nia’s discomfort at the topic. She glanced around the room, grimacing a little. “Oh, you have a point there. We should try a different spot then. There has to be someone gorgeous you haven’t had yet,” she teased. She pressed a finger to her chin, in faux deep thought. “Unless, I could always pass off that gorgeous slice of man we were talking about to you. Maybe you’d have better luck with him. You’ve always been better at the whole tease thing.”
Chione shot her a grin that clearly said she was joking.
“Yes, another!” She waved a server over to request two more flagons. As they walked away, she turned her attention back to her friend with a laugh. “We are either gonna find some drool worthy men, or get drunk enough we think we have!” Two more flagons were placed on the table and she slid one towards Nia. “I know you well enough to know you can’t go without sex a week at most before you start going crazy. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t help you out?”
She offered an innocently sweet smile that practically dared her friend to correct her. She didn’t have many options really. She had to either tell Chione that she was wrong, basically rejecting the friendship she was out here trying to preserve, or play along. If nothing else, the tension of the situation would likely end up with half her cup drank in a moment. Nia wasn’t good at dealing with conflict.
“So who is he anyway?” She let the question hang in the air a long moment before elaborating. “The one you’re getting over. I can’t remember the last time I saw a break up leaving you so withdrawn. Yet I can’t for the life of me remember the last man to have your heart.”
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“Isn’t it though?” she agreed, sighing dramatically in disappointment. Yet the younger woman’s suggestion that his spear was lacking as well set her to laughing despite her best efforts to remain forlorn. “It wasn’t so much his size that was the issue as much as his... technique,” she answered with a wry grin. “And his stamina... well, let’s say he was done before I was even started. It was truly tragic. He had such a pretty face.”
It was both a comfort and aggravation how easily they could slip back into their normal teasing and joking. Like no time had passed and yet... there was some invisible, hidden thing between them. How could Nia spend so much time avoiding her, only to pretend nothing had ever happened? She took another tiny sip of her ale as Nia did, using the time to study the other woman carefully.
It seemed she didn’t enjoy Chione’s suggestion to find her someone tonight. So there was someone else. Why on earth would Nia hide that of all things? It made no sense! She had to get to the bottom of this. Tonight was the night to finally have answers.
So she pretended to be oblivious to Nia’s discomfort at the topic. She glanced around the room, grimacing a little. “Oh, you have a point there. We should try a different spot then. There has to be someone gorgeous you haven’t had yet,” she teased. She pressed a finger to her chin, in faux deep thought. “Unless, I could always pass off that gorgeous slice of man we were talking about to you. Maybe you’d have better luck with him. You’ve always been better at the whole tease thing.”
Chione shot her a grin that clearly said she was joking.
“Yes, another!” She waved a server over to request two more flagons. As they walked away, she turned her attention back to her friend with a laugh. “We are either gonna find some drool worthy men, or get drunk enough we think we have!” Two more flagons were placed on the table and she slid one towards Nia. “I know you well enough to know you can’t go without sex a week at most before you start going crazy. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t help you out?”
She offered an innocently sweet smile that practically dared her friend to correct her. She didn’t have many options really. She had to either tell Chione that she was wrong, basically rejecting the friendship she was out here trying to preserve, or play along. If nothing else, the tension of the situation would likely end up with half her cup drank in a moment. Nia wasn’t good at dealing with conflict.
“So who is he anyway?” She let the question hang in the air a long moment before elaborating. “The one you’re getting over. I can’t remember the last time I saw a break up leaving you so withdrawn. Yet I can’t for the life of me remember the last man to have your heart.”
“Isn’t it though?” she agreed, sighing dramatically in disappointment. Yet the younger woman’s suggestion that his spear was lacking as well set her to laughing despite her best efforts to remain forlorn. “It wasn’t so much his size that was the issue as much as his... technique,” she answered with a wry grin. “And his stamina... well, let’s say he was done before I was even started. It was truly tragic. He had such a pretty face.”
It was both a comfort and aggravation how easily they could slip back into their normal teasing and joking. Like no time had passed and yet... there was some invisible, hidden thing between them. How could Nia spend so much time avoiding her, only to pretend nothing had ever happened? She took another tiny sip of her ale as Nia did, using the time to study the other woman carefully.
It seemed she didn’t enjoy Chione’s suggestion to find her someone tonight. So there was someone else. Why on earth would Nia hide that of all things? It made no sense! She had to get to the bottom of this. Tonight was the night to finally have answers.
So she pretended to be oblivious to Nia’s discomfort at the topic. She glanced around the room, grimacing a little. “Oh, you have a point there. We should try a different spot then. There has to be someone gorgeous you haven’t had yet,” she teased. She pressed a finger to her chin, in faux deep thought. “Unless, I could always pass off that gorgeous slice of man we were talking about to you. Maybe you’d have better luck with him. You’ve always been better at the whole tease thing.”
Chione shot her a grin that clearly said she was joking.
“Yes, another!” She waved a server over to request two more flagons. As they walked away, she turned her attention back to her friend with a laugh. “We are either gonna find some drool worthy men, or get drunk enough we think we have!” Two more flagons were placed on the table and she slid one towards Nia. “I know you well enough to know you can’t go without sex a week at most before you start going crazy. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t help you out?”
She offered an innocently sweet smile that practically dared her friend to correct her. She didn’t have many options really. She had to either tell Chione that she was wrong, basically rejecting the friendship she was out here trying to preserve, or play along. If nothing else, the tension of the situation would likely end up with half her cup drank in a moment. Nia wasn’t good at dealing with conflict.
“So who is he anyway?” She let the question hang in the air a long moment before elaborating. “The one you’re getting over. I can’t remember the last time I saw a break up leaving you so withdrawn. Yet I can’t for the life of me remember the last man to have your heart.”
Gods, but why did Chione have to be so damnably persistent? She was like a dog with a bone, unwilling to drop no matter how Nia coaxed her. Wasn’t it enough that she had come out here tonight, that she was teasing and joking like nothing had happened? Why couldn’t she just drop it?
“A different spot, maybe, yeah,” Nia agreed, hiding her reluctance with a deep swallow of the fresh ale. “Though I feel like I’ve already been through half the city at this point,” she replied, poking her tongue out at the woman across from her. “Maybe I’m just getting bored of it. They always turn out the same, anyway.”
That much was true, unfortunately, no matter how hard Nia tried. Caught up in a man, she was easily swept away with grand gestures, only to be inevitably let down in the end. She couldn’t count how many times her life had followed this same pattern, leaving the woman to wonder if she ever really would find something lasting. Even now, embroiled in a love affair like none she had ever experienced before, she knew it was doomed to fail. Unless she could loosen Iahotep’s grip on her, there was no way she would ever be free to be with Zoser. Should the miraculous happen, and the Pharaoh did relinquish his claim, it still wouldn’t matter. Her parents would never allow her to wed a Court scribe. Like every other liaison before it, it was bound to end in failure.
I know you well enough to know you can’t go without sex a week at most before you start going crazy. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t help you out?
“You’re so thoughtful, it’s true,” Nia responded with a playful roll of her eyes. “Trying to get me laid. I think we should focus on getting you laid, especially since that beautiful slice of nothing didn’t work out. And no thank you to your generous offer. I don’t want him, either,” she added with a laugh.
Hopefully, that would be enough to divert her attention, turning it back on her. Of course, just Nia’s luck, that it still wasn’t enough, Chione back on the scent within moments.
So who is he, anyway?
For a moment, Nia froze, worried she had been found out. Was that what Chione assumed? That she was off with a man on all these nights she had neglected her. Better to assume that, she supposed, then learn the whole truth of it. It wasn’t that far off, even if it wasn’t of her choosing. However, she went on to ask who she was getting over, assuming it was a heartbreak that left her despondent like she was now.
If only it was that simple.
Ought she to lie? Let her think that’s what it was, after all? Then again, Chione knew her better than that. She knew how quickly she bounced back from a failed relationship, and given how long it had been since Nia was her ‘normal’ self, she doubted the Isazari woman would believe it for long. Besides, she was a dreadful liar; obviously, since Chione wouldn’t let any of this go. Perhaps she should have spent more time in Court, if only to learn how to weave words the way so many of the other courtiers did.
“It’s no one,” she muttered into her beer as she took another long swallow, for how could she explain what it really was? Chione was right; it had been a long time since any man truly held her heart, and none ever had the way Zoser did. “Or well, I’m not getting over anyone.”
Maybe half-truths would serve her better than outright lies, and would give Chione what she so desperately wanted. “It’s… complicated, okay?” Shaking her head with a frustrated snort, she sighed. “There is someone,” she finally muttered in a low voice, leaning in across the table so that her words would carry only to Chione’s ears. “It’s just… I can’t tell you his name. It’s a secret, all right? If anyone found out…” Swallowing hard and biting her lip, she shook her head again. “No one can find out, that’s all.”
It suddenly felt like a thousand eyes on her, like the tavern had stilled and quieted just to hear what she had to say. Nia felt a droplet of sweat form and roll down her spine under the imagined scrutiny, and she suddenly cleared her throat with an overly bright smile. “You mentioned finding another spot. Why don’t we do that? It’s getting a little too crowded in here, don’t you think?”
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Gods, but why did Chione have to be so damnably persistent? She was like a dog with a bone, unwilling to drop no matter how Nia coaxed her. Wasn’t it enough that she had come out here tonight, that she was teasing and joking like nothing had happened? Why couldn’t she just drop it?
“A different spot, maybe, yeah,” Nia agreed, hiding her reluctance with a deep swallow of the fresh ale. “Though I feel like I’ve already been through half the city at this point,” she replied, poking her tongue out at the woman across from her. “Maybe I’m just getting bored of it. They always turn out the same, anyway.”
That much was true, unfortunately, no matter how hard Nia tried. Caught up in a man, she was easily swept away with grand gestures, only to be inevitably let down in the end. She couldn’t count how many times her life had followed this same pattern, leaving the woman to wonder if she ever really would find something lasting. Even now, embroiled in a love affair like none she had ever experienced before, she knew it was doomed to fail. Unless she could loosen Iahotep’s grip on her, there was no way she would ever be free to be with Zoser. Should the miraculous happen, and the Pharaoh did relinquish his claim, it still wouldn’t matter. Her parents would never allow her to wed a Court scribe. Like every other liaison before it, it was bound to end in failure.
I know you well enough to know you can’t go without sex a week at most before you start going crazy. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t help you out?
“You’re so thoughtful, it’s true,” Nia responded with a playful roll of her eyes. “Trying to get me laid. I think we should focus on getting you laid, especially since that beautiful slice of nothing didn’t work out. And no thank you to your generous offer. I don’t want him, either,” she added with a laugh.
Hopefully, that would be enough to divert her attention, turning it back on her. Of course, just Nia’s luck, that it still wasn’t enough, Chione back on the scent within moments.
So who is he, anyway?
For a moment, Nia froze, worried she had been found out. Was that what Chione assumed? That she was off with a man on all these nights she had neglected her. Better to assume that, she supposed, then learn the whole truth of it. It wasn’t that far off, even if it wasn’t of her choosing. However, she went on to ask who she was getting over, assuming it was a heartbreak that left her despondent like she was now.
If only it was that simple.
Ought she to lie? Let her think that’s what it was, after all? Then again, Chione knew her better than that. She knew how quickly she bounced back from a failed relationship, and given how long it had been since Nia was her ‘normal’ self, she doubted the Isazari woman would believe it for long. Besides, she was a dreadful liar; obviously, since Chione wouldn’t let any of this go. Perhaps she should have spent more time in Court, if only to learn how to weave words the way so many of the other courtiers did.
“It’s no one,” she muttered into her beer as she took another long swallow, for how could she explain what it really was? Chione was right; it had been a long time since any man truly held her heart, and none ever had the way Zoser did. “Or well, I’m not getting over anyone.”
Maybe half-truths would serve her better than outright lies, and would give Chione what she so desperately wanted. “It’s… complicated, okay?” Shaking her head with a frustrated snort, she sighed. “There is someone,” she finally muttered in a low voice, leaning in across the table so that her words would carry only to Chione’s ears. “It’s just… I can’t tell you his name. It’s a secret, all right? If anyone found out…” Swallowing hard and biting her lip, she shook her head again. “No one can find out, that’s all.”
It suddenly felt like a thousand eyes on her, like the tavern had stilled and quieted just to hear what she had to say. Nia felt a droplet of sweat form and roll down her spine under the imagined scrutiny, and she suddenly cleared her throat with an overly bright smile. “You mentioned finding another spot. Why don’t we do that? It’s getting a little too crowded in here, don’t you think?”
Gods, but why did Chione have to be so damnably persistent? She was like a dog with a bone, unwilling to drop no matter how Nia coaxed her. Wasn’t it enough that she had come out here tonight, that she was teasing and joking like nothing had happened? Why couldn’t she just drop it?
“A different spot, maybe, yeah,” Nia agreed, hiding her reluctance with a deep swallow of the fresh ale. “Though I feel like I’ve already been through half the city at this point,” she replied, poking her tongue out at the woman across from her. “Maybe I’m just getting bored of it. They always turn out the same, anyway.”
That much was true, unfortunately, no matter how hard Nia tried. Caught up in a man, she was easily swept away with grand gestures, only to be inevitably let down in the end. She couldn’t count how many times her life had followed this same pattern, leaving the woman to wonder if she ever really would find something lasting. Even now, embroiled in a love affair like none she had ever experienced before, she knew it was doomed to fail. Unless she could loosen Iahotep’s grip on her, there was no way she would ever be free to be with Zoser. Should the miraculous happen, and the Pharaoh did relinquish his claim, it still wouldn’t matter. Her parents would never allow her to wed a Court scribe. Like every other liaison before it, it was bound to end in failure.
I know you well enough to know you can’t go without sex a week at most before you start going crazy. What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t help you out?
“You’re so thoughtful, it’s true,” Nia responded with a playful roll of her eyes. “Trying to get me laid. I think we should focus on getting you laid, especially since that beautiful slice of nothing didn’t work out. And no thank you to your generous offer. I don’t want him, either,” she added with a laugh.
Hopefully, that would be enough to divert her attention, turning it back on her. Of course, just Nia’s luck, that it still wasn’t enough, Chione back on the scent within moments.
So who is he, anyway?
For a moment, Nia froze, worried she had been found out. Was that what Chione assumed? That she was off with a man on all these nights she had neglected her. Better to assume that, she supposed, then learn the whole truth of it. It wasn’t that far off, even if it wasn’t of her choosing. However, she went on to ask who she was getting over, assuming it was a heartbreak that left her despondent like she was now.
If only it was that simple.
Ought she to lie? Let her think that’s what it was, after all? Then again, Chione knew her better than that. She knew how quickly she bounced back from a failed relationship, and given how long it had been since Nia was her ‘normal’ self, she doubted the Isazari woman would believe it for long. Besides, she was a dreadful liar; obviously, since Chione wouldn’t let any of this go. Perhaps she should have spent more time in Court, if only to learn how to weave words the way so many of the other courtiers did.
“It’s no one,” she muttered into her beer as she took another long swallow, for how could she explain what it really was? Chione was right; it had been a long time since any man truly held her heart, and none ever had the way Zoser did. “Or well, I’m not getting over anyone.”
Maybe half-truths would serve her better than outright lies, and would give Chione what she so desperately wanted. “It’s… complicated, okay?” Shaking her head with a frustrated snort, she sighed. “There is someone,” she finally muttered in a low voice, leaning in across the table so that her words would carry only to Chione’s ears. “It’s just… I can’t tell you his name. It’s a secret, all right? If anyone found out…” Swallowing hard and biting her lip, she shook her head again. “No one can find out, that’s all.”
It suddenly felt like a thousand eyes on her, like the tavern had stilled and quieted just to hear what she had to say. Nia felt a droplet of sweat form and roll down her spine under the imagined scrutiny, and she suddenly cleared her throat with an overly bright smile. “You mentioned finding another spot. Why don’t we do that? It’s getting a little too crowded in here, don’t you think?”
Chione wasn’t ignorant to her friend’s reluctance, even if she couldn’t understand it. “Bored of it? Is such a thing possible?” she asked in shock. A look of realization dawned upon her though as she remembered the difference between her and her friend. “Oh, you let your heart do too much of your thinking,” she said with a wrinkle of her nose. “Most men aren’t worthy of such affection. They’re simply meant to be tasted and enjoyed - like a fine mead,” she teased.
Nia had always been more of a delicate heart than Chione. Where she cared only for the worship of another’s body, Nia craved a different sort of devotion, though it never seemed to satisfy her for long.
Chione accepted her friend’s teasing praise with faux modesty, dramatically waving the words away. “I couldn’t stand to let someone so dear suffer so, what can I say?” She offered her friend a wide grin. If it weren’t for the tension of this dance of unsaid things between them, it would almost feel like old times. “Oh, I’ve kept myself quite busy while you’ve been under the weather dear friend,” she teased, a catlike smile moving over her features. Perhaps she was exaggerating slightly, but she had hardly been spending her nights alone when she could help it. Still, she laughed at Nia’s rejection of the disappointing man. “He’ll never know what he missed.”
Her gaze turned thoughtful as Nia murmured into her beer. Her heart leapt into her throat and Nia finally broke, leaning forward to confide in her once more. Only to be disappointed with half-truths. Still, she tried not to let her disappointment show on her face, though a trace of confusion did. “I would never betray you, Nia,” she whispered, trying to make sense of this revelation.
Before she could hardly wrap her mind around it though, Nia was changing the topic, suggesting a change in venue. For a moment, she was merely further confused. Wait, perhaps this meant she wanted to give her answers after all? Did she dare hope as much. “Oh yes,” she agreed quickly. “Barely room to breathe let alone flirt. We should find somewhere quieter. Don’t you agree?” She moved to stand. “Lead the way, then! You owe me a good time tonight after all.”
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Chione wasn’t ignorant to her friend’s reluctance, even if she couldn’t understand it. “Bored of it? Is such a thing possible?” she asked in shock. A look of realization dawned upon her though as she remembered the difference between her and her friend. “Oh, you let your heart do too much of your thinking,” she said with a wrinkle of her nose. “Most men aren’t worthy of such affection. They’re simply meant to be tasted and enjoyed - like a fine mead,” she teased.
Nia had always been more of a delicate heart than Chione. Where she cared only for the worship of another’s body, Nia craved a different sort of devotion, though it never seemed to satisfy her for long.
Chione accepted her friend’s teasing praise with faux modesty, dramatically waving the words away. “I couldn’t stand to let someone so dear suffer so, what can I say?” She offered her friend a wide grin. If it weren’t for the tension of this dance of unsaid things between them, it would almost feel like old times. “Oh, I’ve kept myself quite busy while you’ve been under the weather dear friend,” she teased, a catlike smile moving over her features. Perhaps she was exaggerating slightly, but she had hardly been spending her nights alone when she could help it. Still, she laughed at Nia’s rejection of the disappointing man. “He’ll never know what he missed.”
Her gaze turned thoughtful as Nia murmured into her beer. Her heart leapt into her throat and Nia finally broke, leaning forward to confide in her once more. Only to be disappointed with half-truths. Still, she tried not to let her disappointment show on her face, though a trace of confusion did. “I would never betray you, Nia,” she whispered, trying to make sense of this revelation.
Before she could hardly wrap her mind around it though, Nia was changing the topic, suggesting a change in venue. For a moment, she was merely further confused. Wait, perhaps this meant she wanted to give her answers after all? Did she dare hope as much. “Oh yes,” she agreed quickly. “Barely room to breathe let alone flirt. We should find somewhere quieter. Don’t you agree?” She moved to stand. “Lead the way, then! You owe me a good time tonight after all.”
Chione wasn’t ignorant to her friend’s reluctance, even if she couldn’t understand it. “Bored of it? Is such a thing possible?” she asked in shock. A look of realization dawned upon her though as she remembered the difference between her and her friend. “Oh, you let your heart do too much of your thinking,” she said with a wrinkle of her nose. “Most men aren’t worthy of such affection. They’re simply meant to be tasted and enjoyed - like a fine mead,” she teased.
Nia had always been more of a delicate heart than Chione. Where she cared only for the worship of another’s body, Nia craved a different sort of devotion, though it never seemed to satisfy her for long.
Chione accepted her friend’s teasing praise with faux modesty, dramatically waving the words away. “I couldn’t stand to let someone so dear suffer so, what can I say?” She offered her friend a wide grin. If it weren’t for the tension of this dance of unsaid things between them, it would almost feel like old times. “Oh, I’ve kept myself quite busy while you’ve been under the weather dear friend,” she teased, a catlike smile moving over her features. Perhaps she was exaggerating slightly, but she had hardly been spending her nights alone when she could help it. Still, she laughed at Nia’s rejection of the disappointing man. “He’ll never know what he missed.”
Her gaze turned thoughtful as Nia murmured into her beer. Her heart leapt into her throat and Nia finally broke, leaning forward to confide in her once more. Only to be disappointed with half-truths. Still, she tried not to let her disappointment show on her face, though a trace of confusion did. “I would never betray you, Nia,” she whispered, trying to make sense of this revelation.
Before she could hardly wrap her mind around it though, Nia was changing the topic, suggesting a change in venue. For a moment, she was merely further confused. Wait, perhaps this meant she wanted to give her answers after all? Did she dare hope as much. “Oh yes,” she agreed quickly. “Barely room to breathe let alone flirt. We should find somewhere quieter. Don’t you agree?” She moved to stand. “Lead the way, then! You owe me a good time tonight after all.”
I would never betray you, Nia.
“I know. It’s… it’s not that,” she whispered before she was suggesting a change in scenery, nervous and paranoid of the listening ears around them. What if one of them was Iahotep’s spy? He knew how she frequented the taverns of the lower city; she wouldn’t put it past him to have her watched. He always threatened such things, even if she had no way of knowing if he actually did them. However, there was little she would put past the man, and the longer they lingered here, the closer they got to the truth of the matter… No. They needed to go.
Nia rose from her seat as Chione agreed to the suggestion, dropping a few coins on the table before ushering her friend outside. Once they were past the door, she felt she could breathe a little easier. Some of the tension dissolved from her shoulders, taking a deep gulp of the fresh evening air. This was much better. No one could hear them now.
Still, she was wary as she took Chione’s arm, tucking it within her grasp as they walked a little further down the street. “It’s… it’s not that I don’t trust you, Chi,” Nia said haltingly once they were clear of the tavern, casting a quick look over the back of her shoulder. “I swear. It’s a lot… bigger than that.” Gods, if only she could just tell her; all of this would be so much easier. “I know I’m doing a terrible job of explaining,” she stumbled over her words, shaking her head. “And I know I… haven’t been around much lately. But I promise I would tell you if I could, okay? You have to believe me. When have I ever lied to you before?”
For a moment, her eyes were bright with the glossy sheen of tears. It was a lonely position she held, one she never would have asked for, had she been given the choice. She knew there were dozens, perhaps even hundreds of other women who would happily occupy her place if they could; how many could say they didn’t want to share the Pharaoh’s bed? Such power, such prestige… only Nia wanted none of it. She had never been a power-hungry sort of woman, and the sort of attention Iahotep offered… no. It was not worth any of what she could stand to gain, should she wish it.
Blinking the tears away before they could betray her, she turned to look at Chione again. “It’s not you, it’s really not. I’m just… I’m caught up in some shit I didn’t ask for, Chi. I don’t want you to get caught up in it too.” With Nia’s often reckless behavior, that shouldn’t be hard to believe—it was nothing short of a miracle that she hadn’t gotten herself into worse trouble before. Squeezing her friend’s arm almost too hard, there was a note of desperation in her voice as she added, “I would give anything for things to go back to how they were, I need you to know that.”
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I would never betray you, Nia.
“I know. It’s… it’s not that,” she whispered before she was suggesting a change in scenery, nervous and paranoid of the listening ears around them. What if one of them was Iahotep’s spy? He knew how she frequented the taverns of the lower city; she wouldn’t put it past him to have her watched. He always threatened such things, even if she had no way of knowing if he actually did them. However, there was little she would put past the man, and the longer they lingered here, the closer they got to the truth of the matter… No. They needed to go.
Nia rose from her seat as Chione agreed to the suggestion, dropping a few coins on the table before ushering her friend outside. Once they were past the door, she felt she could breathe a little easier. Some of the tension dissolved from her shoulders, taking a deep gulp of the fresh evening air. This was much better. No one could hear them now.
Still, she was wary as she took Chione’s arm, tucking it within her grasp as they walked a little further down the street. “It’s… it’s not that I don’t trust you, Chi,” Nia said haltingly once they were clear of the tavern, casting a quick look over the back of her shoulder. “I swear. It’s a lot… bigger than that.” Gods, if only she could just tell her; all of this would be so much easier. “I know I’m doing a terrible job of explaining,” she stumbled over her words, shaking her head. “And I know I… haven’t been around much lately. But I promise I would tell you if I could, okay? You have to believe me. When have I ever lied to you before?”
For a moment, her eyes were bright with the glossy sheen of tears. It was a lonely position she held, one she never would have asked for, had she been given the choice. She knew there were dozens, perhaps even hundreds of other women who would happily occupy her place if they could; how many could say they didn’t want to share the Pharaoh’s bed? Such power, such prestige… only Nia wanted none of it. She had never been a power-hungry sort of woman, and the sort of attention Iahotep offered… no. It was not worth any of what she could stand to gain, should she wish it.
Blinking the tears away before they could betray her, she turned to look at Chione again. “It’s not you, it’s really not. I’m just… I’m caught up in some shit I didn’t ask for, Chi. I don’t want you to get caught up in it too.” With Nia’s often reckless behavior, that shouldn’t be hard to believe—it was nothing short of a miracle that she hadn’t gotten herself into worse trouble before. Squeezing her friend’s arm almost too hard, there was a note of desperation in her voice as she added, “I would give anything for things to go back to how they were, I need you to know that.”
I would never betray you, Nia.
“I know. It’s… it’s not that,” she whispered before she was suggesting a change in scenery, nervous and paranoid of the listening ears around them. What if one of them was Iahotep’s spy? He knew how she frequented the taverns of the lower city; she wouldn’t put it past him to have her watched. He always threatened such things, even if she had no way of knowing if he actually did them. However, there was little she would put past the man, and the longer they lingered here, the closer they got to the truth of the matter… No. They needed to go.
Nia rose from her seat as Chione agreed to the suggestion, dropping a few coins on the table before ushering her friend outside. Once they were past the door, she felt she could breathe a little easier. Some of the tension dissolved from her shoulders, taking a deep gulp of the fresh evening air. This was much better. No one could hear them now.
Still, she was wary as she took Chione’s arm, tucking it within her grasp as they walked a little further down the street. “It’s… it’s not that I don’t trust you, Chi,” Nia said haltingly once they were clear of the tavern, casting a quick look over the back of her shoulder. “I swear. It’s a lot… bigger than that.” Gods, if only she could just tell her; all of this would be so much easier. “I know I’m doing a terrible job of explaining,” she stumbled over her words, shaking her head. “And I know I… haven’t been around much lately. But I promise I would tell you if I could, okay? You have to believe me. When have I ever lied to you before?”
For a moment, her eyes were bright with the glossy sheen of tears. It was a lonely position she held, one she never would have asked for, had she been given the choice. She knew there were dozens, perhaps even hundreds of other women who would happily occupy her place if they could; how many could say they didn’t want to share the Pharaoh’s bed? Such power, such prestige… only Nia wanted none of it. She had never been a power-hungry sort of woman, and the sort of attention Iahotep offered… no. It was not worth any of what she could stand to gain, should she wish it.
Blinking the tears away before they could betray her, she turned to look at Chione again. “It’s not you, it’s really not. I’m just… I’m caught up in some shit I didn’t ask for, Chi. I don’t want you to get caught up in it too.” With Nia’s often reckless behavior, that shouldn’t be hard to believe—it was nothing short of a miracle that she hadn’t gotten herself into worse trouble before. Squeezing her friend’s arm almost too hard, there was a note of desperation in her voice as she added, “I would give anything for things to go back to how they were, I need you to know that.”
Chione’s eyes narrowed slightly as her friend tried to reassure her that it wasn’t an issue of trust. What else could it be? What else would be powerful enough to make Nia hold back? She certainly couldn’t think of anything. But she was trying to trust in her. Trying to believe her insistence. For now, she tucked her doubts away, leaving the tavern and hoping for a shred of honesty to follow.
Nia took her arm as they stepped outside, leading her away, further down the street where they were away from those coming or going from the tavern. She listened, but in truth, Nia’s words only seemed to confuse her further. “Were your dozens of excuses these past weeks not lies?” she asked softly, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. “When have you ever not been able to tell me something? You know I won’t judge you or reveal your secrets...”
That’s what it came back to for her. Nia claimed it was impossible to tell her, yet she couldn’t understand why that was. What had she ever done to make Nia believe that? Not to mention she insisted she had never lied, but from where Chione stood, it seemed that was all she had done for a long time now. Trying to pretend everything was normal while pushing Chione away at the same time. Holding her at arm’s length. Avoiding her even.
“If I’ve done something... you could just tell me. I...” I’d gladly make it up to you. Yet she couldn’t quite bring herself to say that. She swallowed hard, mind racing for something less vulnerable to say. “I’d do anything for you, surely you know that.” We’re sisters, aren’t we?. That was always how they had been with one another. Sisters rather than friends. Blood didn’t matter when they were so clearly cut from the same cloth. When they understood each other in a way none of their blood family ever had.
But it felt like all that was slipping away. Right through Chione’s fingers. Like trying to grab water from the Nile.
Her expression was caught somewhere between concern and frustration at the notion that she was caught in a situation she didn’t want to drag Chione into. “I don’t care about that. Just tell me, I can help you,” she insisted. “We’ve always gotten each other out of sticky situations, haven’t we?” Why would this be any different? It didn’t make sense to her.
“I hear you,” she answered softly. She also heard the message underneath her words. Things wouldn’t go back to normal. Whatever had changed between them... apparently it was too broken to be fixed. Now it was Chione’s turn to look away, blinking away tears she was far too stubborn to shed. When she turned back, she forced a smile.
“Well, might as well make the most of the time we have then. Did you want to try another tavern?”
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Chione’s eyes narrowed slightly as her friend tried to reassure her that it wasn’t an issue of trust. What else could it be? What else would be powerful enough to make Nia hold back? She certainly couldn’t think of anything. But she was trying to trust in her. Trying to believe her insistence. For now, she tucked her doubts away, leaving the tavern and hoping for a shred of honesty to follow.
Nia took her arm as they stepped outside, leading her away, further down the street where they were away from those coming or going from the tavern. She listened, but in truth, Nia’s words only seemed to confuse her further. “Were your dozens of excuses these past weeks not lies?” she asked softly, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. “When have you ever not been able to tell me something? You know I won’t judge you or reveal your secrets...”
That’s what it came back to for her. Nia claimed it was impossible to tell her, yet she couldn’t understand why that was. What had she ever done to make Nia believe that? Not to mention she insisted she had never lied, but from where Chione stood, it seemed that was all she had done for a long time now. Trying to pretend everything was normal while pushing Chione away at the same time. Holding her at arm’s length. Avoiding her even.
“If I’ve done something... you could just tell me. I...” I’d gladly make it up to you. Yet she couldn’t quite bring herself to say that. She swallowed hard, mind racing for something less vulnerable to say. “I’d do anything for you, surely you know that.” We’re sisters, aren’t we?. That was always how they had been with one another. Sisters rather than friends. Blood didn’t matter when they were so clearly cut from the same cloth. When they understood each other in a way none of their blood family ever had.
But it felt like all that was slipping away. Right through Chione’s fingers. Like trying to grab water from the Nile.
Her expression was caught somewhere between concern and frustration at the notion that she was caught in a situation she didn’t want to drag Chione into. “I don’t care about that. Just tell me, I can help you,” she insisted. “We’ve always gotten each other out of sticky situations, haven’t we?” Why would this be any different? It didn’t make sense to her.
“I hear you,” she answered softly. She also heard the message underneath her words. Things wouldn’t go back to normal. Whatever had changed between them... apparently it was too broken to be fixed. Now it was Chione’s turn to look away, blinking away tears she was far too stubborn to shed. When she turned back, she forced a smile.
“Well, might as well make the most of the time we have then. Did you want to try another tavern?”
Chione’s eyes narrowed slightly as her friend tried to reassure her that it wasn’t an issue of trust. What else could it be? What else would be powerful enough to make Nia hold back? She certainly couldn’t think of anything. But she was trying to trust in her. Trying to believe her insistence. For now, she tucked her doubts away, leaving the tavern and hoping for a shred of honesty to follow.
Nia took her arm as they stepped outside, leading her away, further down the street where they were away from those coming or going from the tavern. She listened, but in truth, Nia’s words only seemed to confuse her further. “Were your dozens of excuses these past weeks not lies?” she asked softly, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. “When have you ever not been able to tell me something? You know I won’t judge you or reveal your secrets...”
That’s what it came back to for her. Nia claimed it was impossible to tell her, yet she couldn’t understand why that was. What had she ever done to make Nia believe that? Not to mention she insisted she had never lied, but from where Chione stood, it seemed that was all she had done for a long time now. Trying to pretend everything was normal while pushing Chione away at the same time. Holding her at arm’s length. Avoiding her even.
“If I’ve done something... you could just tell me. I...” I’d gladly make it up to you. Yet she couldn’t quite bring herself to say that. She swallowed hard, mind racing for something less vulnerable to say. “I’d do anything for you, surely you know that.” We’re sisters, aren’t we?. That was always how they had been with one another. Sisters rather than friends. Blood didn’t matter when they were so clearly cut from the same cloth. When they understood each other in a way none of their blood family ever had.
But it felt like all that was slipping away. Right through Chione’s fingers. Like trying to grab water from the Nile.
Her expression was caught somewhere between concern and frustration at the notion that she was caught in a situation she didn’t want to drag Chione into. “I don’t care about that. Just tell me, I can help you,” she insisted. “We’ve always gotten each other out of sticky situations, haven’t we?” Why would this be any different? It didn’t make sense to her.
“I hear you,” she answered softly. She also heard the message underneath her words. Things wouldn’t go back to normal. Whatever had changed between them... apparently it was too broken to be fixed. Now it was Chione’s turn to look away, blinking away tears she was far too stubborn to shed. When she turned back, she forced a smile.
“Well, might as well make the most of the time we have then. Did you want to try another tavern?”
Nia felt her heart might shatter as her dearest friend listened with glassy eyes to the admittedly weak explanations she gave. “It’s not you,” she insisted again, though she could tell Chione still didn’t believe her. If only she could tell her, if only the risk were not so great… But no. She would rather never speak to Chione again than subject the woman to Iahotep’s cruel whims. She would rather the other woman hate her until the end of her days, believe her a liar and a false friend, than ever have the Pharaoh catch wind of it and put the woman through all the same things he had done to her. It was as much as he’d threatened, and it was a threat she was more than willing to believe.
Enough people already knew. She had already risked so much. She could not risk Chione too, even if that meant she hated her from here on out.
“If only it was just a sticky situation, Chi,” she whispered, squeezing the other woman’s arm. “If it were only that, I would have told you weeks ago, I swear. This is… it’s so much more than the usual trouble we get up to. So much more.”
She hated this… this helplessness, this inability to lay her friend’s fears to rest. Of course she still loved her, of course she still trusted her, and of course she never wanted to let her go. But this was bigger than her, bigger than them both. If she could keep just one woman out of Iahotep’s grasp, especially this woman, it was worth whatever followed. Nia would rather die than watch Chione face the same fate.
But, unfortunately, the Isazari woman’s trust issues were deeply ingrained, and that was something Nia already knew. She never thought she would have to be in a position where she would be the object of such mistrust; she’d always believed their bond was too strong. What could she do? Was there any way to prove to her that she was genuine, a way that didn’t involve putting her in danger?
There was nothing she could think of that she had not already tried. If only Chione were not so damn clever, perhaps she could have fooled her. Or, if Nia were a better liar. Unfortunately, neither of these things could be changed. None of this could be changed. At least not yet.
“When it’s over, I’ll tell you everything,” she swore with a certain kind of resolve, though she was not so convinced it would ever end. Would the Pharaoh’s grasp on her ever loosen, or was she as bound to him as Hatshepsut? “I promise, okay? Just… please don’t give up on me yet.”
Swallowing hard, she nodded at the suggestion that they head somewhere else and offered her friend a tremulous smile. Even if things wouldn’t be the same between them for a long time, at least they could pretend. Just for a while.
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Nia felt her heart might shatter as her dearest friend listened with glassy eyes to the admittedly weak explanations she gave. “It’s not you,” she insisted again, though she could tell Chione still didn’t believe her. If only she could tell her, if only the risk were not so great… But no. She would rather never speak to Chione again than subject the woman to Iahotep’s cruel whims. She would rather the other woman hate her until the end of her days, believe her a liar and a false friend, than ever have the Pharaoh catch wind of it and put the woman through all the same things he had done to her. It was as much as he’d threatened, and it was a threat she was more than willing to believe.
Enough people already knew. She had already risked so much. She could not risk Chione too, even if that meant she hated her from here on out.
“If only it was just a sticky situation, Chi,” she whispered, squeezing the other woman’s arm. “If it were only that, I would have told you weeks ago, I swear. This is… it’s so much more than the usual trouble we get up to. So much more.”
She hated this… this helplessness, this inability to lay her friend’s fears to rest. Of course she still loved her, of course she still trusted her, and of course she never wanted to let her go. But this was bigger than her, bigger than them both. If she could keep just one woman out of Iahotep’s grasp, especially this woman, it was worth whatever followed. Nia would rather die than watch Chione face the same fate.
But, unfortunately, the Isazari woman’s trust issues were deeply ingrained, and that was something Nia already knew. She never thought she would have to be in a position where she would be the object of such mistrust; she’d always believed their bond was too strong. What could she do? Was there any way to prove to her that she was genuine, a way that didn’t involve putting her in danger?
There was nothing she could think of that she had not already tried. If only Chione were not so damn clever, perhaps she could have fooled her. Or, if Nia were a better liar. Unfortunately, neither of these things could be changed. None of this could be changed. At least not yet.
“When it’s over, I’ll tell you everything,” she swore with a certain kind of resolve, though she was not so convinced it would ever end. Would the Pharaoh’s grasp on her ever loosen, or was she as bound to him as Hatshepsut? “I promise, okay? Just… please don’t give up on me yet.”
Swallowing hard, she nodded at the suggestion that they head somewhere else and offered her friend a tremulous smile. Even if things wouldn’t be the same between them for a long time, at least they could pretend. Just for a while.
Nia felt her heart might shatter as her dearest friend listened with glassy eyes to the admittedly weak explanations she gave. “It’s not you,” she insisted again, though she could tell Chione still didn’t believe her. If only she could tell her, if only the risk were not so great… But no. She would rather never speak to Chione again than subject the woman to Iahotep’s cruel whims. She would rather the other woman hate her until the end of her days, believe her a liar and a false friend, than ever have the Pharaoh catch wind of it and put the woman through all the same things he had done to her. It was as much as he’d threatened, and it was a threat she was more than willing to believe.
Enough people already knew. She had already risked so much. She could not risk Chione too, even if that meant she hated her from here on out.
“If only it was just a sticky situation, Chi,” she whispered, squeezing the other woman’s arm. “If it were only that, I would have told you weeks ago, I swear. This is… it’s so much more than the usual trouble we get up to. So much more.”
She hated this… this helplessness, this inability to lay her friend’s fears to rest. Of course she still loved her, of course she still trusted her, and of course she never wanted to let her go. But this was bigger than her, bigger than them both. If she could keep just one woman out of Iahotep’s grasp, especially this woman, it was worth whatever followed. Nia would rather die than watch Chione face the same fate.
But, unfortunately, the Isazari woman’s trust issues were deeply ingrained, and that was something Nia already knew. She never thought she would have to be in a position where she would be the object of such mistrust; she’d always believed their bond was too strong. What could she do? Was there any way to prove to her that she was genuine, a way that didn’t involve putting her in danger?
There was nothing she could think of that she had not already tried. If only Chione were not so damn clever, perhaps she could have fooled her. Or, if Nia were a better liar. Unfortunately, neither of these things could be changed. None of this could be changed. At least not yet.
“When it’s over, I’ll tell you everything,” she swore with a certain kind of resolve, though she was not so convinced it would ever end. Would the Pharaoh’s grasp on her ever loosen, or was she as bound to him as Hatshepsut? “I promise, okay? Just… please don’t give up on me yet.”
Swallowing hard, she nodded at the suggestion that they head somewhere else and offered her friend a tremulous smile. Even if things wouldn’t be the same between them for a long time, at least they could pretend. Just for a while.
