Shards of Ankh

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Ankh and his uncle exchanged a quick glance at Lapis' utterance.

"It has to be him," Lapis said. Seemingly in a daze, Lapis fumbled forward, groped around for a chair, and then sank into it.

Thea was alarmed. "Lapis, are you alright?"

"No," Lapis replied, looking like death warmed over. "I hate that man. I hate him."

Thea looked at Ankh, who merely shook his head curtly. Thea looked back at Lapis in worry. For a few tense moments, there was silence. Then Ankh spoke gently.

"Lapis."

Seeming to come out of a trance, Lapis blinked several times before focusing his eyes on Ankh.

"I need you to go down to the docks and view the manifests."

Lapis nodded and lurched to his feet. Still looking dazed, he made his way to the door.

"Lapis," Ankh called. His vizier halted and turned around. "Take guards with you."

Lapis nodded and then seemed to float out of the room. Once the door was shut again, Thea turned to Ankh in great alarm. "Is Lapis alright?"

"Chisisi holds Lapis personally responsible for his loss over the throne," Gyasi began to say, "he—"

Ankh cleared his throat. Both looked at the Pharaoh. "I think Lapis should be the one to recant the tale, if he chooses to do so."

Gyasi slammed his mouth shut and inclined his head. "I do apologize, my King."

Ankh waved a hand dismissively. "You did not know."

"So what does all this mean?" Thea asked slowly, tucking some hair behind her ear.

"I believe by now, especially of Chisisi has spies looking at us, that he knows we're onto him. I am sure whomever is doing his bidding took note of my uncles arrival. Seeing as he wasn't put to death immediately—"

Gyasi paled slightly.

"—Chisisi must know that he is a suspect now. I imagine things to escalate quickly from here on out."

"That's why Lapis was attacked," Thea muttered, but then her eyes went wild. "Ankh! You sent Lapis to the docks!"

"Yes," Ankh replied gravely, "it had to be him."

Thea recoiled. "Why? Why must you continue to use your best friend as bait?!"

"Thea, please, you must understand." Ankh moved his hand in a patting gesture. "Yes, at first I attempted to lure out the assassin using him. However, as previously discussed, it was his idea—"

"And you are the Pharaoh!" Thea admonished. "You could have ordered him not to do such a thing!"

"You clearly are not from here," Gyasi broke in, snarling at Thea, "but you dare speak to a King like that?"

"Uncle, please."

"But—"

"Gyasi! Think of the words you just told my friend."

With a huff, Gyasi crossed his arms and glared to the side.

"Thea—I am showing that we are not afraid by sending Lapis. I am acting under the assumption that Chisisi knows that he is now a suspect. To show fear is to show weakness—"

"What if something happens to Lapis?" Thea argued. "Could you live with that guilt?"

Ankh looked away.

"Ankh?" Gyasi cried out. "Do you plan to wed this woman? That would be the only way it would be acceptable for her to address you as much, and even then—"