Chapter 2: I'm So Lost….

Mana awoke in total confusion. Where was she? Making the mistake of stretching, her joints ached painfully. It all came rushing back….the box…the pharaoh…his eyes….his….bed?! Sitting up as stiff as a board, Mana took a frantic look around. Was this his room? Did she…sleep with him? Mentally scolding herself, a red blush crept on her cheeks. Looking around again, Mana took notes on her chamber. She was resting on a large, soft bed, and was entangled in its white sheets. A huge window let sunshine pour in, brightening the whole room. Symbols and pictures were carved into the tan walls, creating an elegant effect. Several wooden chairs were positioned around a dark brown table. Getting up warily, she noticed a note pinned to the door. Pulling it down, she read the hieroglyphs.

'Dear Mana,

No, this is not my quarters. Don't think such dirty things. You, well, sort of fainted when I brought you here into the guest room. That's fine; I have that affect on women. If you could see me, I would be winking. A servant left you some breakfast, but it has undoubtedly gone cold; you sleep like a rock. I left some fruit on the table, if you're hungry. Now, listen carefully. Do not leave that room. Do not. If a certain someone, I'm not pointing any fingers, caught you in the halls, he wouldn't be pleased. If you could see me, I would be rolling my eyes and politely coughing the word 'Seto' under my breath. Stay there, I'll send someone later.

P.S. Brace yourself.'

Left with that mysterious and slightly sarcastic note, Mana thumped onto the chair. She was in the palace. As in where the pharaoh lives. She was still confused as what she was, though. A slave? A prisoner? And what did he mean by, 'Brace yourself'? It was all so confusing. Would she be beaten? All Mana could do was wait, cowering in the room that didn't seem quite as bright as before.

Atem paced the throne platform, thinking out loud, watched by a worried Siamun, his advisor.

"Raiders…raiders, Siamun! This could turn horrendous…and the village…three deaths already! I hope Mahado and Shada can find them…" he said, voice ladled with worry.

"Do not fret, great king. They will catch then soon enough, I assure you." The pharaoh didn't seem convinced.

"And the tombs…."he pulled at his hair," the tombs! If there's a grave robbing in the Valley of the Kings…we don't need another Bakura!" he said frantically. Siamun coughed.

"My lord, I don't think they will turn into the next Bakura. With all due respect, sir, are you sure you still aren't recovering from that? "

"Of course I haven't recovered yet! He robbed my father's tomb! It fills me with such fury-" He was interrupted by Mahado and Shada's sudden appearance.

"Lord, the thieves have been captured. Shall we commence the ka-removal?" he said steadily. Atem breathed a sigh of relief, plopping onto the throne.

"Yes, go ahead. 15 years hard labor. You may go." The priests bowed and left hurriedly, as there was much work to be done. Atem relaxed a little.

"Mmm. Tomorrow is Nile Wednesday, is it not?"

"Indeed it is, my king."

"Someone fetch the girl. The squirrely one. I fear she needs to get this over with. " He said, with a twinge of evil. A slave hurried to fulfill his orders. When the pharaoh gets that look in his eye, it makes you want to shut up and hop to.

Mana jumped when a loud knocking erupted from the door. A slave walked in, nodding her head.

"Lord summons you. Hurry." She said quickly. Mana, trembling, stood and walked at a fast pace after the woman. Taking a last look at the room behind her, she was pushed sharply around a corner. Just when she felt like her knees would collapse from weakness and that they seemed to have been walking for hours, her eyes were suddenly dazzled by flashes of gold. The whole gigantic chasm seemed to be made entirely of it. Huge pillars and columns were rowed in perfect lines, and the wall-sized open door let in large quantities of sun, lighting the room. Mana had never seen such a large space confined inside. Its utter size shocked her speechless. Atem watched her curiously, waving to come closer.

"Mana, I don't bite unless I need to," he said loudly. She gulped and the servant hurriedly pushed her forward, towards the raised throne. When they were about 10 feet in front of it, they both groveled, noses touching the spotless floor. Atem cocked his head.

"Get up, please," they did, but kept their heads bowed. The slave edged back, and then quickly joined the other servants next to the throne. Mana swallowed hard, feeling very much alone. Sweat rolled down her face. The pharaoh crossed his legs and arms.

"Well, Mana how was your first night? I suppose you wouldn't know, after a faint like that. It's nearly noon." He chuckled. She averted her eyes.

"I-it was fine, l-lord…t-thank you…" she stuttered, and he smiled.

"I'll take you on a tour now. The palace is quite large." She sniffled, and he stood,

walking down the few steps. He pulled her arm, and she followed his brisk pace in bewilderment. She had no idea where he was taking her.