(RADAMES leads AIDA off as the set rises to reveal the ship's lower quarters.
Once in his quarters, RADAMES lifts his hand. AIDA covers her face.)
[Aida:]
Don't.
[Radames:]
You don't want me to remove your shackles?
(She holds up her hands for him and he unlocks her manacles.)
They'll only get in the way. Very impressive up there. I should enlist you in my army. Make you my Lieutenant.
[Aida:]
Are you mocking me, Captain?
[Radames:]
No. Admiring you.
(He removes his coat, dropping it to the floor almost as a dare.)
Do you know what's going to happen now? You're going to scrub the filth of battle from my skin.
(RADAMES sits on a stool in front of her. AIDA sees the basin of water and the sea sponge.)
It's been a long time since I've felt clean.
(AIDA begins to scrub his back with all her force.)
You're much better with a sword than you are with a sponge.
[Aida:]
I wish I had a sword now.
[Radames:]
There's mine. Help yourself. Who taught you to use a weapon?
[Aida:]
My father.
[Radames:]
Because he knows that Nubian men can't protect their women?
(She straightens, furious.)
You're not finished.
[Aida:]
Yes, I am.
[Radames:]
On your knees!
(He stands to confront her.)
You enjoy living dangerous, don't you?
[Aida:]
About as much as I enjoy washing your filthy Egyptian skin
(AIDA throws the sponge to the ground. RADAMES raises his hand to strike her.)
[Radames:]
You…