Egyptian Night

Egypt

From delays it took them several days to get back to Egypt. In that time Derek had grown kinder to Jasmine. When she hadn't shown any signs of trying to run after the first couple nights he'd let her move from the main group of slave to sleeping outside his tent. Maybe he'd noticed the bruises she had from getting in other people's space. She hadn't meant to, but sleep hadn't come easy and fidgeting was just a by product. Why ever he did it, she was just grateful for the change. Plus, when she'd been curling up for the first night she'd noticed that he'd left a small blanket for her outside. It wasn't much, but it kept the night's chill off a lot better than nothing.

"Just keep your wits about you, and don't cause trouble. It won't go over well if you do," Derek cautioned her quietly, turning in the saddle so his gaze met hers. That was another thing, the second real day they were on the road, the first one not really counting as they'd only moved a couple miles away from the village after the raid, he'd started letting her ride behind him. His stallion was certainly strong enough, and the terrain was tearing her soft feet up. Damn it, but he felt bad for her. No matter who she was, and where she came from she didn't deserve what she had coming. If she was lucky the prince would forget about her, but with the way she looked she'd more than likely end up as his personal slave; a position he didn't wish on anyone.

"Thank you for being kind to me," Jasmine whispered softly after she'd recovered from his warning. None of his humor had crept into his voice when he warned her. Over the last couple days she'd noticed the small spark Derek seemed to have in him. He wasn't dull, and emotionless like some soldiers, nor was he cruel, and cold hearted. He really didn't belong as a ruthless soldier. Well, not all of the soldiers were cruel, but Jasmine's opinion was a bit biased, but rightly so considering her position.

"Will I ever see you again?" Jasmine asked, a tinge of sadness creeping into her tone as she looked at his back. They were only a couple miles from Egypt, and their conversation was running short.

"Jas..I..." Derek started, guilt already weighing heavily on him. He dreaded turning her over to the palace guards. She was just so naive, so kind hearted for her fate. "I don't know, Jasmine, but I hope so," he finally mumbled, although his voice gave away the hopelessness of it.

"Maybe you'll be assigned to the palace sometimes. I guess it's not impossible," Jasmine suggested weakly, tightening her hold on Derek's middle as she rested her face against his back.
Derek was the only thing that gave her hope. Hope that things could be okay. Maybe the Pharaoh, or prince, or whatever he was would grow tired of her and she'd end up back in Derek's care. It was a long shot, but at least it was a nice thought, right?

"We're here," Derek announced softly as he murmured a soft 'whoa' to his horse. Stopping, the horse let out a soft snort, and chewed on the bit.

"Just...remember what I said, okay?" Derek asked, giving her a long glance before he looked down to his horse's mane, unable to watch as Jasmine was taken from the horse, and into the servant's entrance.

~I'm not sure about this chapter yet. Should I keep it or delete it? Comment what you think =) Do you guys like Derek?~