Page 30 of Ra
Ra’s face transformed into a carefully crafted mask of tolerance as he stood with his hands in his pockets and let her finish speaking. When she was done he knelt before her so that he was looking her in the eye rather than standing over her. “There is something you don’t understand, dear Azenath. Perhaps that is my fault for not being more clear.”
“And that would be?” she asked.
“I waited a very, very long time for you. I chose you from among all that I could have chosen. I watched. I waited. I had no doubt then, and I have no doubt now — you are the female I need. I will not have a simple servant turning your head before you realize what you mean to me.”
“I found two jackets — one blue and one a dark gray. I’ll have to order a suit.”
“They will do nicely,” Ra said. “When you order the suit, please ensure that it is of the most elegant style available as I may have unexpected celebrations to attend.”
“A tuxedo?” the salesman asked.
“A slim cut, black suit will be fine,” Azi said, clearing her throat as she stood.
“Consider it done. And what will you like to look at?” the salesman asked.
“I’ll come back for mine. I think I’ve had enough shopping for one day.”
“I understand. Here’s my card, please ask for me when you come back if I’m not readily available.”
“We will. Thank you very much for your patience,” Azi said, as he led them to the checkout counter so they could pay their bill.
“We need to get your clothing, dear Azenath,” Ra said, holding her elbow and guiding her through the store as they followed the salesman.
“I just don’t have the head for it today.”
“You do not have time to avoid it.”
“I have things at home. I’ll find something.”
“Ma’am, if I may… I noticed a dress that I think would suit you well, and it would match the dark blue your husband seems to favor in his choices.”
Ra smiled at her. “Your husband would like that. And you have no more time. You need something now.”
“Fine. I’ll try it.”
He handed the cashier the arm loads of clothes he carried, and hurried off to where he’d seen the dress. He was back momentarily with the navy blue dress he’d told her about, and two more similar in style. One was a cream color, and the other was black; they were all tea length, fitted skirts with a kick pleat in the back. The necklines of each was a little different from a ‘V’ neck, to a scoop, and then a keyhole with a delicate collar. The blue was silk as the salesman had said, the cream was linen, and the black was linen as well with silk piping around the collar, the keyhole, and the sleeves. The black dress was the only long-sleeved.
Ra took the seat she’d waited in as she tried on her dresses and came out one after the other to show him. Not because she valued his opinion, but because he wouldn’t stop calling out to her to come let him see.
The first she showed him was the blue. As she stepped out into the waiting area, he stood, his eyes glued to her. “You are stunning, dear Azenath.”
“It’s just a dress.”
He shook his head and smiled at her.
“Okay. I’ll take this one. I don’t actually mind this one.”
“I want to see the others, too,” Ra complained.
“I only need one.”
“No, you’ll need more than that.”
Sighing, she headed back to the dressing room and soon emerged wearing the cream one with the scoop neck. “Alright. What about this one?”
“It’s lovely. It makes you look kind.”
“Because I don’t usually look kind?” she asked.
