Sneaking out from the palace, Atem visits his usual spot.
Day by day, the rhythm of stepping out of the stuffy throne room, pretending to be a commoner for the day is like second nature to him.
Nothing surprises him. Catching a thief that steals the bread from the vendor, challenging the local kids on marbles, and running one alley after another from the guards make his blood race. For a moment, he didn't feel caged.
But alas, all good things must come to an end. The moment the sky turns into a deep shade of red and orange, Atem was forced to face reality. He dreaded the sunset.
Because it was the cue for him to switch his mask.
Atem got used to this. It was his duty after all. A true king cannot risk his people and the kingdom's safety for his selfish desires.
But that doesn't make it any easier to hide the pain.
He no longer have the luxury to talk to Mahad and Mana, now that all of them have a separate path to follow.
To hear his friends calling him "My prince" instead of "Atem" reminds him how people will view him. Even when Atem talks to his closest friends, he feels empty. Trapped. He cannot escape from the people's constant judgement as a prince. But that's one of the sacrifices he is willing to take to bring peace and order to Egypt.
It was meant to be this way.
But then, why did he still seek for this sense of belonging?
Where does it come from?
Why did she makes his heart beats faster?
How can one conversation with one person leads to this?
He was suppose to chat with Teana just like any other person. Her face should be quickly forgotten among the crowd.
He didn't expect to form a bond with this woman. He didn't expect to fall in love with her.
She didn't expect for him to be part of her life. She didn't expect him to reciprocate her feelings.
Neither of them expect daily meeting at the well, whispering among the stars of Atem's garden, and sneaking kisses behind the hidden alleys.
He didn't what made Teana attractive: Maybe it's her fiery spirit, her eyes spark with passion whenever they debate. Or perhaps, her openness and easy-going spirit ease him to trust her and opening himself that he couldn't see himself doing with anyone in the palace. Somehow he feels comfortable being with her. Each meeting he yearns to know more about her. Unknowingly, each meeting leaves a crack in his mask until one night he revealed his whole life to her.
The sunset that once was a symbol for a life of obligation and isolation is no more. Atem smiles at the hazy sky before returning to his home and reunite with the comfort of his wife's arms.