[right][h3] 28 September 48 BC - Pelusium, Egypt[/h3][/right]
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The guard Captain kept trying to catch Shani's gaze during the meeting as the handmaiden entertained him along with the Queen's council. Shortly after their return from the bathhouse in Pelusium, Cleopatra called for all her advisors to speak on the death of Pompey and in order to keep the meeting as private as possible, the Queen asked for Shani to serve food and drink. None questioned the handmaiden's presence or loyalty as she has been with the Queen longer than the men at the table and will be there long after their service to the Queen is done. The group consisted of Skylar and the two Generals of her army, Jabari and Karim.

[b]"So tell me, who killed Pompey?"[/b] The Queen demanded.

Karim spoke first, his voice rumbling deep from his chest. [b]"The locals described the men to us and we believe them to be Achillas, Lucius, and Savius."[/b]

[b]"And for what? To gain Caesar's favor?"[/b] Cleo asked.

[b]"That, or to eliminate a potential threat. Probably both are true."[/b] Jabari spoke this time, leaning back in his chair with his arms folded across his chest.

Shani walked around the tent, refilling water cups and food plates as the group spoke. She knew there was a large Roman presence in Egypt, especially in the armies. A lot of the men in the ranks of Ptolemy were remnants from when the Romans helped Cleopatra's father retake rule over Egypt.  As their conversation continued, Shani lost interest in keeping up with what was said and focused instead on her own thoughts. Her only contribution, if it would even be asked of her, would be to confirm the native resentment against foreign occupation. 

The young handmaiden took a seat towards the back of the war tent, arranging her skirts around her and suddenly found herself to be tired. It wasn't fatigue from their long day, but rather she was getting tired of running. This political game Cleo played was more than what Shani would have wanted for herself if she were in that position. She wanted stability and a home. A place safe from scheming and assassinations. What was the point in all this power if you had to constantly watch your back from those who would take it? 

Closing her eyes she fantasized about far away lands that she had once seen. Lands that were not dry, unforgiving deserts, but lush and green. She thought back to when they had been exiled when she was a child and afraid of traveling across the open sea, leaving everything she knew behind. Shani remembered how gentle Cleo's hands were as she guided her onto the large wooden vessel despite her father's angry and impatient words. How she stayed with Shani the entirety of the voyage, making sure that she was not alone while the ship rocked along the sea and when they finally docked, helped Shani to explore a whole new world. It was during this time her devotion to Cleo really blossomed. It was Shani's job to tend to the future queen, but her charge instead spent all her time making sure her handmaiden was comfortable and felt safe.

When she opened her eyes again, she found the young queen looking at her, her expression soft. Cleo beckoned her over, the men still engaged in their political strategy talk. Shani made her way quickly over to the queen's side. 

[b]"Are you feeling alright?"[/b] She asked, her voice filled with concern.

[b]"Yes, I am fine my Queen."[/b] Shani replied.

[b]"You can go, we will be discussing options for a while and these men can serve themselves. I can release Skylar as well if you'd like. He's been eyeing you since the bathhouse."[/b]

Shani quickly glanced at the Captain who currently was in deep talk with the two generals. [b]"Tempting, but I think he will be more trouble than fun. You sure you don't need me here?"[/b]

[b]"I'll be fine. Go enjoy some time to yourself, I'll see you in the morning."[/b] The queen reached out and placed her light skinned hand over Shani's darker one, giving it a light squeeze.

[b]"Yes my queen. Don't stay up too late. You can always continue these talks in the morning."[/b]

Cleo nodded, giving the handmaiden's hand a final tap before releasing her. [b]"Goodnight Shani."[/b]

[b]"Goodnight and may Ra watch over you." [/b]

[b]"And you"[/b] replied the Queen before retaking her place in the conversation without skipping a beat. Their private conversation hadn't kept her from listening in on what they had said in her absence.