HEADS UP!

Abubaker-Egyptian name for 'Noble'

Halima-Egyptian name for 'Gentle'

Aziza-Egyptian name for 'Precious'

Mana walked silently, being lead by Mahado back to the prince's room. He had not yet ordered whether she would have her own room or she would stay there in the prince's chambers. Mahado opened the door for her and smiled.

"Don't be so nervous, the prince is very kind." He said. "His father is almost done with his lesson, he'll be along soon." Mana nodded and sighed as Mahado exited. She hated being alone. The sound of the door creaking open she crouched down, expecting Marik to come barging in and take her away. But instead the kind smile of the prince made her eyes light up.

"Wow, Mai did a great job. That really fits you." He said, plopping down on his bed. "Have you made any friends?"

"Well, Mai and Mahado are very kind. I think Mahado said I would be learning magic from him. I also met two priestesses named Anzu and Shizuka." Replied Mana, she mentally slapped herself for speaking so much.

"It sounds like you've had a good day." He said. "They are all great friends of mine. Well Mana, I thought your first stay should be delightful."

"What do you mean?" she asked wincing.

"Come on, I'll show you." He said, grabbing her hand. He pulled her through the corridor, down some stairs, and they stopped at broad doors. He placed his finger over his lips, signaling her to stay quiet. He picked her up bridal style and quietly slipped past the doors and the guards. A blonde headed guard stopped them.

"Where do you think you are going?" he asked. Mana looked at him in horror.

"Jounouchi, cut it out." Groaned Atemu, then Mana perked up at the sound of Jounouchi. 'So this is Mai's husband.'

"Heh! Enjoy yourself." He said, clearing the way. They quietly made their way to the stables.

"Have you ever ridden a horse before?" asked Atemu, Mana shook her head. "Then you can ride with me." He said helping her on the horse. Mana admired the horse's mighty body, and flowing raven mane. Atemu helped her up, she didn't like the way she sat on the horse side-saddle, but her skirt prevented anything else. She blushed as Atemu sat behind her and grabbed the reins in front of her and kick the horse. She quickly grabbed her headdress to prevent losing it. The wind felt cool against her skin. Atemu didn't mind her hair hitting him in the face. He noticed her smile as they rode through the desert. "Let's stop and rest." He said after a few hours of riding. Mana was grateful, but also yearning to continue her adventure. They sat together on the sand, and looked at the sky. "Mana, who were your parents?"

She didn't want to say, but she couldn't reject the prince's question. "Farmers, their names were Abubaker and Halima."

"Beautiful names, what were they like?" asked Atemu.

"My memories are faint, but I remember my father's wise words and my mother's kind smile and touch." Replied Mana.

"What happened?" asked Atemu.

"Our village was attacked, my father tried to stop them but he was killed. They tried to take my mother and myself as slaves but she wouldn't allow it. Her efforts were in vain. Sadly, she was killed and they took me. I was only five." Said Mana. Atemu felt tears swell up in his eyes, but he quickly pushed them away.

"My mother's name was Aziza, when I was three she fell ill. Her sickness drove her into mental illness, causing her to sometimes forget who she was or who I was. Her sickness made her forget my father was her husband. When she was found with another man, she was put to death. I couldn't bear her death and I grew to hate my father, but it's hard to hate someone who loves you so much."

"I'm sorry, about your mother." Said Mana.

"Don't apologize…that man, Marik and Bakura, who were they?" asked Atemu.

"Marik was the one who owned me. He often rented me, so he could keep me for himself." She said softly. "I had one friend, her name is Kisara. I don't know if she is dead or alive, but she had the kindest spirit ever. She had such a unique appearance, of blue hair and pale skin. I miss her so."

"She sounds wonderful." He said.

"I wish I knew if she was alive or not, she was sold to a group of bandits a while ago." Said Mana with a sigh. "I pray to Isis, every night she is well."

Atemu sighed, he felt like hugging her and tell her that everything was alright now. But how come she never seemed to be at ease? What had that slave trader done to her? He didn't want to know. He didn't want to invade her privacy.

"Let's head back to the palace before someone figures out we are gone." Said Atemu, helping Mana up. There was a silent moment there, with nothing but them staring into each other's eyes. Atemu wanted to kiss her, but he knew he shouldn't. He helped her up on the horse and silently rode back to the palace. With the help of Jounouchi, they got in without being noticed.

The awkward silence between the two was easily broken by Atemu. "Well, I better show you your room." Mana was shocked that she was to have a room. "Cover your eyes!"Mana did as he said and blocked her sight. She let Atemu lead the way. The walk was short; she was glad that her room would be close to the prince's. The sound of the door screeching made her realize they had arrived. She took a few steps forward, and then felt the prince's warm hands against her's. "Open them."

Mana lowered her hands and then she thought her heart had stopped at what surrounded her. The room was filled with artwork, books, and even a closet full of clothes in case of a formal event. Her bed canopy was bright yellow, and kind of sparkly. She saw beautiful colors everywhere in the room. "I love it so much!"

"I thought you would, I knew from the beginning this fit your attitude." Said Atemu, Mana smiled and instantly hugged him. But realizing her mistake she quickly tried to pull away but the prince held her tight. She let herself be in his arms, and slowly listening to the steady sound of his heart beat.