For the Love of Egypt

by Ohmyvariousgods

Set finally becomes a Priest in his own right to protect and stay close to the Prince he grew up with. Now in the position to take his and Atemu's childhood relationship to the next level, it's clear that Atemu's father, the current Pharaoh, has other plans. Will love or duty win in the end? (I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!)

A cough from behind sent Atemu scrambling to remove the stupid, silly smile off his face. He wasn't sure the contorted grimace that resulted was any better, but his mother nonetheless nodded her approval in the corner of his eye. Smiles had no place in a formal ceremony of the court. However, he knew the brightness of his crimson eyes could at least be mistaken for attentiveness to the ceremonial proceedings.

After many years of studying and apprenticeship with Priest Aknadin, Set finally was experienced and knowledgeable enough to be nominated as a candidate for joining the elite rank of the Pharaoh's Priests. The previous holder of the Sennen Rod had passed away a few months ago, and now safely buried in his magnificent tomb, it was time to elect his successor. During his time in the palace since boyhood, Set had gained much favor and trust in the Pharaoh's family and amongst the other priests. There hadn't been much doubt that he would be elected, yet when the news had been brought to Set only days ago it came as much needed relief to himself and Atemu. Atemu had tried to be understanding—he himself never had been unsure of what the future held for him, or his place in court—but as the end of the 70 days of embalming and funeral planning drew to a close for the previous Priest, Atemu finally lost patience for listening to Set's nervous rants.

Yet the wait had been worth it. Atemu couldn't help but look down upon the crown of Set's head that was bowed down in respect to the Pharaoh with admiration. Surely all of Set's efforts, (and Atemu's patience), was worthy of a smile.

Another cough. Atemu's head spun around to openly look at his mother with blatant confusion. He knew for a fact that he wasn't smiling this time. She glared at him with open eyes and gestured her head forward toward where the Pharaoh was sitting at Atemu's left side and Priest Aknadin who was leading the ceremony in the throne room. Atemu spun his head back around toward his father and uncle. His father, Pharaoh Aknamkanon, raised his one eyebrow slightly, while his uncle, Priest Aknadin glared at him with open frustration.

"I repeat, 'Prince, do you accept this man before you as a loyal servant to the interests of Egypt and her royal family? Knowing that someday it shall pass that this man shall be called upon to serve you in your own reign?" Priest Aknadin slowly repeated, as if the problem had been comprehension, not utter lack of attention on the part of Atemu.

"Oh—yes, I, Atemu, Prince of Egypt, accept this man before me into the royal Priesthood," Atemu quickly announced with evident practice. Not that he had expected to mess up, but he figured that if he did get distracted—as he clearly failed to prevent from occurring—he might as well say his part well with clear articulation.

"Hm," came Priest Aknadin's reply before continuing with the rest of the concluding parts of the ceremony.

Set risked this brief moment of distraction to glance subtly up to his left at Atemu from his bowed position on the ground in front of the raised platform of the Pharaoh. Atemu could have sworn he saw a smirk.