NEITH [Completed]

THIRTY TWO:Is this love?

There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in.

-Leonard Cohen.

Neith's Pov

The warm breeze filled my room, making me feel slightly sleepy. An hour or two remained for the sun to set.

I closed the book I had been reading and placed it on the table. I walked towards the balcony and looked beyond the horizon. A small smile made its way as my mind drifted to the future.

I wondered how beautiful and peaceful the days to come would be. There was only a one week left till the day the treaty would be signed and then peace will be established throughout all the kingdoms.

This had to be a dream.

Aahotep pops up into my mind and immediately my smile fades away. I had been avoiding him since the garden encounter. Just thinking about him made me feel nervous.

His words came back to me. Perhaps I did like him but there was no way I would ever admit it.

Keep calm. He can't do anything without your consent.

Aahotep had been busy since than so we hardly met. This was a blessing since I could avoid awkward moments but if I were being totally honest I would say I missed him, just a tiny bit.

A knock on the door brought me back to the realm of reality.

"Come in," I say as I step back into my room. Maiu enters looking a little happier than usual.

"His Highness asked me to give you this," Maiu said, holding out a tray that had a papyrus and a single red rose in it. I took it looking confused.

What was this?

Maiu gave a slight bow and left before I could ask or say anything more.

Strange.

I walked over to the study table and sat down placing the rose aside as I began to read the small note.

Hello Neith,

Its been a while since we spent some time alone. With all the preparations going on I haven't been able to see my lovely wife so I want to make up for it. Today after the servants return to their quarters meet me at the rose garden. Will be eagerly waiting for your arrival. Also if its not too much trouble could you wear a simple dress?

With the most deepest of love,
Your idiot husband.

The last line made me laugh a little. I looked at the rose that I had placed on the table. I picked it up and smelled it. I thought about whether I should go or not but before I could decide my door flew open. I jerked at the suddenness of it and turned to see a familiar looking face.

"Is that a rose in your hand?" Anka asked, walking towards me. Oh no! If she finds the note she would definitely make me go.

Play it cool.

"Anka can't you come in more softly. You gave me a fright," I said, trying to hide the note but unfortunately she saw it.

"What you got in your hand Neith?" Anka asked, completely ignoring what I had just said.

"Nothing just some papyrus," I say hoping she won't peruse it anymore but we both know that ain't happening.

"Let me see it then," Anka said, stretching out her palm. There was no use resisting to I just gave her the note.