(Flower petals fall from the heavens. ZOSER, MINISTERS and FOUR LADIES OF THE PALACE are in attendance. RADAMES takes his place at AMNERIS' side. He looks as numb and duty bound. The PHARAOH, sicker than ever, presides.)
[Pharaon:]
As witnessed by the Gods and all of Egypt, I pronounce you man and wife. May your lives be filled forever with the joy of this moment.
[Guard #1:]
Your Majesty, the Nubian King has escaped!
[Pharaon:]
Radames, call your men to arms.
[Radames:]
Fan out across the city!
[Zoser:]
The fastest route to Nubia is by water. Send a regiment to search the docks.
[Radames:]
(Remembers AIDA.)
No! Seal off the docks!
[Zoser:]
But…
[Radames:]
No one must reach the pier before I arrive there.
(Chaos ensues. The dissipation of the wedding ceremony dissolves into the next sequence.)