Lapis stood, outright gawking at Thea. Ankh had filled in Lapis as to who Thea was, and where she came from. Much to Thea's alarm, Lapis was suddenly on the ground, genuflect in position. His light brown eyes were lowered to the ground, and his head was bowed. Lapis began muttering to himself, making some sort of gesture that reminded Thea of someone making the sign of the cross. 

Ankh stepped forward, looking slightly alarmed, gently pulling Lapis to his feet. "There is no need for that, dear Lapis."

Lapis looked bewildered. "Ankh! You admitted to me you think she is other-worldly. I must pay my humblest respects!"

Thea held up her hands, equally embarrassed and amused. "Oh no, no, no you don't."

For a moment Lapis looked between Ankh and Thea. He then stood to his full height, smoothing the front of his slightly rumpled robes. "Alright, if you say so." Lapis looked Thea up and down, and for a moment Thea was afraid he was going to prostrate again. "We should at least have a ceremony--"

Ankh brought his fist to his mouth, clearing his throat. Lapis swallowed loudly and then slightly inclined his head to Thea. Awkwardly she returned the gesture. The King then sat down once again at his throne next to Thea. Leaning his cheek against his palm, he looked at her fondly. "Thoughts?"

Thea was confused, and she glanced at Lapis. "About...?"

"My situation."

"Oh! Oh, yes, of course." Thea looked at Lapis. "Is there anyone you can think of, Lapis, Sir, who would have a motive...or want...to harm...Ankh?"

Lapis was down on one knee again, muttering. 

"Lapis!" Ankh snapped now.

Lapis lifted his head, tears shimmering in his eyes. "She called me 'Sir'. She paid me respect, and I am but a beetle."

Ankh sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. The King then snapped his fingers, ordering another chair to be brought in. Once it was, he ushered Lapis to take a seat.

"There," Ankh tutted, "now you'll stop being ridiculous. Please, Lapis, leave your religious inanities behind and focus."

"Sorry. Where were we?"

Before an annoyed-looking Ankh could say anything, Thea gave a disarming smile and spoke. "I was asking who might want to see the King dead."

"Oh, right," Lapis said. He furrowed his brow, thinking, hand at his lips. "I mean, there is always the usual suspects." When Thea looked confused, he continued. "You know; political threats. People who believe they would make a better Pharaoh. People who are looking for some sort of political gain."

"Like you?" Thea said, charming smile never leaving her face.

Lapis looked wounded. Ankh answered sharply. "Thea, I have known Lapis since we were children. Before we went down our own separate, but equal, political paths, I trusted him with my life. I still do. Never make such an assumption."

Thea's smile left, and she suddenly felt humiliated. She hoped neither noticed tears gather at her mistake. "I'm very sorry, it won't happen again, I assure you."

Ankh looked at her, thoroughly displeased a moment. But then his features softened, and he patted her hand. "You didn't know any better. Lets all move on, shall we?"

Thea nodded, a lump in her throat.

"There are family members," Lapis said gruffly, still looking a bit hurt. "You do have a lot of those."

Ankh rolled his eyes. "Seth is jealous of my title, but not to the point of death."

Lapis snorted. "Sure."

Ankh narrowed his eyes. "Are you still holding a grudge because he wouldn't court you all those years ago?"

Lapis immediately turned deep crimson. "That has nothing to do with anything!"

Thea looked between the two and said nothing.

Ankh laughed. "I'm kidding, Lapis."

Lapis crossed his arms, glaring off to the side. "Are you ever going to drop that unfortunate event?"

Ankh grinned devilishly. "Perhaps. One day."

"What about your uncle?" Lapis grumbled. 

"He's been sent away to Greece." 

Lapis waved a dismissive hand. "That means nothing, Ankh, you and I both know that."

Thea sat up straight. "Why was he sent away?"

"He killed my mother," Ankh said demurely.

Thea gasped, hands flying to her mouth. "Ankh--I am sorry, I am so sorry--"

Ankh shrugged. "He was jealous of my father. She was to be married to him, and instead married my father. So he sought revenge in the form of murder."

Thea was stunned. He spoke as though it were nothing. Thea glanced at Lapis, and caught a look of deep sorrow in his eyes. Absentmindedly she tried to adjust her glasses that weren't there. Ankh looked evenly at Lapis. "It was a murder of passion, not political, Lapis."

"Grudges stick hard," Lapis replied simply, stroking his beard.

Ankh looked away. "Who else?"

"Perhaps we should entertain the thought of asking questions in town?" Thea suggested. "See if anyone saw who attacked the farmer and led him here to die?"

"We already sent a dispatch," Lapis replied. "Although, I doubt it will get anywhere. If anyone saw I'm sure they've been bribed for their silence against their life."

"Always the pessimist," Ankh said, and Thea was happy when a small smile played on his lips. 

"Realist," Lapis replied with am indignant sniff. 

That made Ankh laugh. Lapis grinned at him. 

"Well," Ankh said, "I suppose we might as well send a letter to Greece. Check on my dear uncles whereabouts. In the meantime, do we have any other leads?"

"Perhaps it would be wise to interview the entire staff?" Lapis suggested, rising to his feet. "I can order an investigation open."

Ankh frowned, deep in thought. It took the King a few moments before he replied thoughtfully. "Yes...but do it in such a way to not raise suspicion. I do not want to alarm the staff, nor tip off my stalker of what we're doing."

Lapis bowed slightly. "Of course. Although, while none know of the snake head, I'm sure many know of the dead man now."

Ankh waved a dismissive hand. "We can spin that many ways. Anything besides a poor man from town being jumped by a robber will simply be made into rumor fodder."

Lapis bowed again. "If you think of anything else, please summon me, my King."

Ankh rose to his feet, grinning again. He held out his arms. "Lapis...I said no more formalities."

Lapis grinned and hugged Ankh. When they stopped their embrace and Lapis began to leave the throne room, Thea got to her feet.

"Lapis?"

Lapis stopped and turned around. Thea smiled and rushed over. "Might I join you?"

Lapis looked around in disbelief. He put a hand to his chest. "Me?"

"Yes," Thea said. She then turned to Ankh. "If that's alright?"

Ankh waved his hand, siting back down. "You are a free woman here, Thea. Do as you please."

Thea smiled, offering the crook of her arm to Lapis. Lapis linked arms. As the two left the chamber, Thea looked over her shoulder at Ankh and smiled.