Darkness.
A voice.
Light.
Atem opened his eyes to the darkness- a different darkness than before. His body was covered in sweat and his breathing labored; he was still recovering from an illness. The Pharaoh pulled back the covers and let his toes touch the floor; he had been forbidden to leave bed until he was well again but... He made his way to the balcony and looked out to the sleeping city with a calm, violet gaze.
"What was that?" Atem never had such a vague dream before and he was stumped. Was it perhaps a vision? Since the previous Pharaoh died, things had taken a turn for the worse: Crime was on the rise and with it, the darkness in people's hearts. His court was being corrupted one-by-one. Atem was finding he could trust less and less of those around him – A creak.
The Pharaoh whipped around and went on the defensive, an instinct he acquired through his earlier years. "Who's there?!" He demanded from the intruder as he tried to pierce the darkness.
Seconds passed and no one answered. The young man edged forward, careful of the shadows and what lie in them. A knock at his door made him pause. "Yes?"
"My Pharaoh, I apologize for the inconvenience at such an hour but it's urgent." A guard voiced.
Atem slipped on a robe and embraced the dark for a moment to open the door. "What's wrong?" The palace guard was quick to answer and deliver, escorting the Pharaoh to Mana's room. There were already two stationed outside her own when they arrived, both of whom were eager to move out of the way and allow entrance. "Mana," The king mustered in a quiet voice when he saw her, pale and sickly in bed with Mahad sitting by her side. "Mana!" The sudden rise of voice caused him a coughing fit but he managed to push the Head Magician away and take a seat.
"Mana." He sniffled as he brought her hand to his cheek. "Everything is going to be okay! I-!"
"Your Majesty," Mahad interrupted quickly. "I need to tend to her wounds and I can't if…" He paused. "Mana is strong and she'll overcome this. But what she needs now is for me to finish healing her and some quiet."
Atem stood and looked between teacher and student before reluctantly letting Mana's hand go. "Let me know when she recovers. I'll be down to see her."
"You have some recovering of your own to do and until then, I will not allow you in here." Mahad informed as his fingers traced Mana's forearm.
"Mahad-?" The Pharaoh questioned in response.
"If you bring that sickness around her, there's a chance she'll get it too and her condition will only get worse. Do you want that?" He spared a glance at his master and long-time friend. "Because I don't. Please rest. You'll see her again soon."
::::::
Light flooded the room once the doorway was open but speculation still filled Atem's mind. "Do you mind taking a peek inside? I think I heard someone in my room before."
When the soldier came back empty-handed, the Pharaoh thanked him and apologized. "I apologize. It must be the illness." He shut the door and sighed, his mind fully awake now as he wondered if that noise was imaginary or not and if it meant danger; Mana and her safety and why no one wanted to say what happened; and of course, the dream with so little meaning, it had to mean something…right?
He had to sleep. It meant a new day and with it came solutions.
That was easier said than done however and it left the Pharaoh tossing and turning throughout the night, constantly in and out of consciousnesses. It wasn't until the sky turned silver did Atem give up. Once more, he tossed back the covers and stood at the balcony. His people were beginning to wake - he could hear the quiet yet busying sound echo from afar. Eventually, a small breath passed his lips as he thought about his own morning.
He was still fairly unwell and given that, the day would be own. Of course, Mahad and other Court Members would stop for a small visit...to get his signature and approval on certain matters. "Of course that's all they care about. Who would want to check up on me?" Mana. But of course! And she, herself wasn't able to. The Pharaoh moaned in frustration (he hated being cooped up like this) before turning around and heading back to sit on the bed. A hand absentmindedly wandered behind him to the cold and empty side of the mattress.
"Mana..." Atem remembered the sweet memory often.
Mana couldn't sleep and her mindless wandering led her to his room. Just as they had done as children, they shared the bed, hiding under the blankets and cracking jokes about the Priests. But this time was different. This time meant something: They shared a kiss.
The Pharaoh laughed as he remembered the Apprentice's squeals of happiness and delight after that. His fingertips brushed his lips as he remembered her soft touch before pounding his fist into the bed. "I need to see her. Guard!"