"Can you believe it Mana? He is making me marry some Nubian princess, I do not even know!"

Mana looked at the prince unsure how to respond. She didn't have to because the prince continued to ramble.

"Ok, so I know I need to get married one day to produce the next heir and carry on the legacy and blah, blah, blah... but why her? She is not even Egyptian! She is from Nubia and not only that, but she is pale-skinned? I thought Nubian's skin was like ours, if not only slightly lighter! I bet she is snobby, spoiled and cares for nothing, but herself and her looks and... and.." Atem rambled.

"Prince."

"What?" Atem shouted exasperated.

"She could say the same for you too." Atem looked at her questioningly. "She does not know you either, maybe she is just like you and is afraid you will be just like all the things you are assuming about her."

"Well... I..uh."

"Besides, it seems like you are describing that princess that came here one time. What was her name Princess...?"

"Radina. Uggh." Atem shivered.

Mana laughed. "Yes! Haha, be glad you are not marrying her! It could be much worse."

"Oh gods yes! It could be much worse. I shall take this Princess Teana any day over Princess Radina assuming she is any bit better than her."

"Be thankful Atem. Your father liked her and chose her for a reason. Do not be quick to say things until you finally meet her. Then you can judge her."

Atem smiled and put a hand on Mana's shoulder. "You know Mana, you are not so bad to talk to about serious things. You know when um, you are not getting me in trouble and yourself in trouble all the time," Mana rolled her eyes, "you can be quite serious when you need to be."

"Of course I can! Besides, I do not get in trouble all the time..."

"Mana! There you are! You are supposed to be having a magic lesson with me right now! I just reminded you a little while ago! Where have you been avoiding me?" Mahad, her magic teacher scolded. Mana turned red.

"Spoke too soon Mana." Atem whispered.

Mana reluctantly got up. Mahad nodded to Atem, "Your highness."

Atem nodded and said, "Please don't be too harsh on Mana, she was just helping me with some issues I've been having. She has been of great help."

Mahad was a bit surprised. Atem also detected a hint of jealousy. Atem quickly continued. "You know, with my betrothal to the Nubian Princess and all."

"Oh, of course." Atem once again noted the relief that fled Mahad's face. "Come along Mana." He gestured to his apprentice.

As they left, Atem chuckled to himself. 'Oh gods, Mahad and Mana! I knew it, by the way Mana spoke of Mahad with so much praise and with that gleam in her eyes. I see her secret feelings are reciprocated.' He smiled and then sighed again. 'At least one of us will find love.' He added sadly. 'I wonder if I will be able to as well with Teana.'


So this is Atem's little talk with Mana. It also had mentions of Apprenticeshipping. Next two chapters will be about Teana finally coming to Egypt. Please review and if you have any suggestions for the story please do not hesitate. Some ideas concerning how Teana and Atem interact afterwards and fall in love would be helpful.
*Special thanks to port rocks and The Man With Imagination for reviewing each chapter. I appreciate it a lot. Thank you! :)

Until next time!

~Startistica