(Steam begins to fill the stage. WOMEN OF THE PALACE enter wrapped in sheets. SLAVES stand by with trays of fruit, oils and cosmetics. We see two girls swimming.)
[Amneris:]
(Climbing out of the pool and changing into robe.)
It is such hard work maintaining perfection. But worth the effort, don't you think?
[Women:]
Oh, yes. Definitely worth it! You're perfect.
[Amneris:]
Really? Perfect? Really? Then maybe one of you can explain to me why Radames, the man destined to be my one and only, is neglecting me?
(AIDA and MEREB enter unseen.)
He's been to see my father. I hear he's spent time with his father. In fact, he's probably chummed it up with every withered old man in Egypt. But clearly, the thought of visiting a ripe young princess, with fabulous hair, leaves him cold.
(AMERNIS powders herself.)
[Mereb:]
(Bowing low.)
Princess Amneris — first in beauty, wisdom, and accessories. Captain Radames has not forgotten you. He knows you will be at the feast tonight in all your extravagant finery. And he can hardly wait. But for now, he sends you this gift.
[Amneris:]
(Turns to see AIDA.)
Another handmaiden? I don't need another handmaiden. Does this gift have a name?
[Aida:]
Aida.
[Amneris:]
Did you just speak?
[Aida:]
My name is Aida, Princess. And I think you might wish to know…
[Amneris:]
How dare you! You do not lower your eyes. You do not tremble. Are you not afraid of me?
[Aida:]
Would it please you if I were?
[Amneris:]
Not so much.
[Aida:]
Then I am doing as you please.
[Amneris:]
True. Well that's true. You started to say something about…
[Aida:]
Captain Radames.
[Amneris:]
What do you know of the captain?
[Aida:]
Only that he is well. He suffered no injuries in battle. I thought you might want to know that.
[Amneris:]
I did. You see I've been so… You're very astute, aren't you, Aida?
[Aida:]
Only on occasion. But my true talent lies with a needle. And if you will allow me, Princess, I will make you a robe in a shade closer to that of your eyes. There's a dyeing process I use that makes fabrics glow. It's a secret that was passed down by the handmaidens of Queen Neferteti.
[Amneris:]
A slave who knows her fabrics? I'm keeping her! Oh Radames, he knows me. He really, really knows me. Go, Mereb, show Aida the sewing room.
(AIDA and MEREB exit.)
All right ladies, let's polish this gem.