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Electrum

El3v3n

All characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi or Kazuki Takahashi.

A Dangerous Encounter

Serenity's eyes momentarily fluttered open but were soon squeezed shut in surprise to the bright light that filled the room. She whimpered softly and rolled over to her right side; sighing happily as she clung onto the soft and magnificent sheets that covered her body.

'Sheets?' she thought to herself as she abruptly sat up with her eyes open wide. Blinking, her mouth fell open as she observed her surroundings. This was certainly not the place she had fallen asleep. She sat atop a high bed decorated in purely white sheets of the softest material the princess had ever felt. Surrounding her was a translucent veil that hung over four intricately carved bed posts with golden finishes glimmering in the morning light. Slowly, she stepped out of the bed and felt the cool touch of the marble floor beneath her feet. Her hair graced the top of the floor as it had fallen out of its traditional style throughout the night. She straightened her wrinkled dress and walked around the room.

It was absolutely splendid, in both its massive size and intricate dressings. Symbols like the ones she had seen in the Pharaoh's throne room graced the walls as she looked toward a private balcony that extended from the room. She began to make her way to it when a knock came to the door. Quickly, she dashed to a large golden vanity and hurriedly pulled her hair into lazy pigtailed holds and further attempted to remove the wrinkles from her dress. Rubbing away the dried tears from the night before from her face, she cleared her throat and approached the door.

"Come in." She said sweetly as the door timidly opened.

"Rise and shine, sleepy head!" Mana announced as she suddenly burst through the door and hugged Serenity. Serenity yelped in surprised but happily returned the embrace to the girl of similar height.

"Good morning, Mana!" Serenity said cheerily. "I'm a bit confused though, where am I?" Mana laughed.

"This is the Pharaoh's room!" Mana exclaimed as Serenity's face turned a deep shade of red.

"What?" She demanded in disbelief as Mana rubbed the back of her head.

"Sorry, what I meant to say is that this is one of his rooms. This is the grandest one; he's given it to you for the duration of your stay." Mana corrected. Serenity breathed a sigh as the awkward moment was remedied. "I had one of the guards carry you in here last night. You looked so sad, so I didn't want to wake you." She explained.

"I'm sorry for that." Serenity said, guiltily, "Thank you. Yesterday was…trying." Mana momentarily frowned but her face quickly lit up again as she grabbed her hand and led her to one of the doors within the great room.

"Don't worry about it. I promise you're really going to enjoy your stay here. Let's get you cleaned up for breakfast!" She buzzed happily as she swung open the door. The new room revealed a large pool full of water that sparkled from the sky lights above. Its waters nearly glowed as the pool's bottom was crafted from solid gold and precious gems.

"Is everything in the palace made from gold?" Serenity asked in complete disbelief.

"The Pharaoh demands only the best, and this is one of his private baths!" Mana explained. Suddenly, the room went black as her dress went over her head and she felt herself tumbling into the water. "In ya go!" Mana laughed as she delicately laid her dress over a chair. Serenity's face became completely red as she sank down in the water, doing her best to not expose herself. "The Pharaoh insisted that you be assigned several servants to take care of you, but don't worry! I promised him I'd look after you instead!" She said happily as she stripped off her clothes and dove into the pool. The Princess yelped in shock as Mana swam up beside her. "Ok, let's wash that beautiful hair of yours!"

After the peculiar bathing ritual, both Mana and Serenity stood before the vanity wrapped in fine cloth material while styling their hair.

"I forgot to tell you Serenity, Endymion left you a note." Mana explained as she handed over the letter. She promptly dropped her brush and quickly opened the note to read.

My dearest Serenity,

I apologize for leaving with such haste yesterday. I couldn't bear to see your tears. I can assure you that you will be completely safe in Egypt while I'm away. The Pharaoh gave me his word that absolutely no harm would come to you and I know him well enough to be sure his vow is unbreakable. One of his magicians enchanted our horses to get us with Egypt's army to Elysion with great speed; I am truly thankful for his assistance although the cost has nearly been unbearable. Hopefully, you'll find it in your heart to forgive me for leaving you here for this short while. Please listen to Zoisite; his main objective is to protect you.

With all my love,

Endymion

Serenity wiped a silent tear away from her face as she quickly folded the letter and placed it atop the vanity. Mana eyed her carefully as the two quickly went back to getting ready. The princess reached to retrieve her dress when she was stopped by Mana.

"No way! The Pharaoh had his servants buy you a complete new wardrobe." Mana yanked her by the hand toward a large closet where hundreds of pieces of clothing hung.

"Wow…he is quite generous." Serenity said in wonder as she reached for a dress. Her eyes went wide as she held it before her. "This is rather revealing…" she said in awe and earning a giggle from Mana.

"And expensive too, those clasps are made from solid gold!" She explained, "It's the latest fashion." Serenity reached back into the closet to find a more modest dress. The one she found was quite elegant and made from a light pink fabric. As she pulled the garment on she spied something that sparkled within the closet and hung toward the very front away from the others.

"What is that?" Serenity asked as she stared in awe at the sparkling dress.

"Electrum," Mana breathed in wonder. It was incredibly beautiful although far too revealing for a proper princess to wear. Its fabric appeared to be silver although it had a soft tinge of golden color throughout the fabric and metallic accents along it. The midsection was open to reveal the wearer's waist as brilliant diamonds lined the top of the opening. High slits at the side of the skirt appeared to reach thigh high as intricate designs made in precious stones trailed the hem.

"What?" Serenity asked of the unfamiliar word.

"This is the dress the Pharaoh demanded to be made for you last night. Its cost alone could feed the kingdom for a year! Electrum is our word for a mix between gold and silver that creates a beautiful metal. The color looks just like it!" Mana exclaimed. "It's very formal, I'm sure he would like you to wear it to the grand hetmet which is coming up soon, I believe it's referred to as a celebration in your language. The city provides offerings to our great Pharaoh each year; it's really fantastic!"

"While I appreciate the thought, there is no way I can wear that. It's as revealing as it is beautiful!" Serenity protested.

"Oh you'll wear it. The Pharaoh always gets his way." She said smugly and paused to glance out the window toward the sun. "Uh oh! We have to go. The Pharaoh will not be happy if I bring you late!" Serenity allowed herself to be drug again for the umpteenth time as the women quickly exited the room and into the palace hallways.

"So I am eating breakfast with the Pharaoh this morning?" Serenity asked as the two quickly buzzed along.

"Yes, every morning the Pharaoh meets for a formal breakfast with his ganeum and a formal dinner with his council of priests, and me of course. He's insisted that you attend both! So, I won't be attending breakfast with you but I'll see you afterwards and we can eat together at dinner." Mana explained.

"What's a ganeum?" Serenity asked. Mana giggled and paused to think.

"I can't think of the word for it in your language at the moment. Hmmm, so, you know how your mate is Endymion?" Mana asked. Serenity blushed.

"Well, he's not my mate yet. Soon to be though, once we marry." She explained.

"Oh right, well, so instead of just having one mate, the Pharaoh has ten and that's a ganeum." Mana explained. Serenity stopped dead in her tracks.

"Ten mates!?" She exclaimed as she looked unbelievably toward Mana. Serenity leaned in close and whispered in Mana's ear. "Are you meaning to tell me that the Pharaoh has his own harem?"

"Yeah! That's the word!" Mana exclaimed as Serenity nearly fell over in shock. "Is there a problem?"

"Yes! That is illegal where I come from! What need would a man have for ten women?" Serenity said hushed as they were now completely stopped in the hall. Mana shrugged.

"Well it's not illegal here. Most people only have one mate but the Pharaoh is no ordinary man, you see, he's a living God, and I suppose no one woman could be enough for a God, don't you think?" Mana explained as Serenity still looked upon her in shock.

Her mind began to wonder as she visualized what breakfast with the Pharaoh and his scantily clad harem would be like. Scandalous thoughts coursed through her mind as she imagined the types of activities that could occur with such a party being present at a meal with the lustrous Pharaoh...

"I'm not hungry anymore." Serenity said, suddenly as she stared wide eyed at Mana, "there's no way I can eat with the Pharaoh and his harem." Serenity whispered regarding the word as a filthy one. Mana opened her mouth to speak when another voice interrupted.

"Mana! You were supposed to have Princess Serenity in the dining hall by now!" The man Serenity learned to be Mahad scolded as he approached them.

"Uh, sorry Master Mahad!" Mana answered nervously. Mahad shook his head and laughed making a slight bow toward Serenity.

"I am Mahad, one of the Pharaoh's six priests. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." He said as Serenity curtsied in response. "Please, allow me to escort you to meet with the Pharaoh." He extended his arm to her as Serenity tossed Mana a pleading look.

"Actually, Master," Mana cut ahead of him grabbing on to Serenity's hand. "She just said she wasn't hungry so I'm going to entertain her with something else." Mana said incredibly quickly as she went running with Serenity in tow down the hall.

"Mana!" Mahad yelled as he sighed while watching the two women's retreating figures.

"Mahad, what's going on here?" Mahad turned to see Seto approach as the high priest's hardened eyes bore into him.

"Well," Mahad began as he took a deep breath. "Serenity isn't meeting the Pharaoh for breakfast could you tell the Pharaoh for me, thanks." Mahad said quickly as he briskly walked away from him. Seto groaned as he shut his eyes in annoyance.

"Splendid."

Atem sat at a large table with his crimson eyes narrowed and blazing into the back wall of the room. He tapped his fingers impatiently, completely disregarding the glorious banquet of food that sat before him. The women of his harem who sat several seats away from his ate quietly as they seemed to take caution in noticing the Pharaoh was not pleased and therefore not to be disturbed. Atem suddenly perked up at the sound of the door opening and he stood expecting the arrival of Serenity. He glowered deeply as instead, Seto walked through the doorway.

"I certainly hope you have a superb reason for interrupting me." The Pharaoh said pointedly as his fiery eyes bore into Seto's. Seto stood before him composed and silent as his eyes traveled away from his and toward the women who sat at the table. Among the beautiful women of traditional dark skin and hair sat a woman, the newest addition to the Pharaoh's ganeum, who ate more timidly than the rest. Her hair and eyes were a delicate sky blue and her skin shone a color much lighter than found on a typical Egyptian. She slowly locked eyes with his as he quickly shifted his gaze back to the Pharaoh.

"Forgive me, Pharaoh, I've come to inform you that Princess Serenity will not be meeting you and your familiars for this meal. For further details I suggest you consult Mahad or Mana for I am just the messenger." Seto explained sternly as Atem gritted his teeth and angrily moved around Seto and out the door.

Serenity walked happily alongside Mana as she admired the many trees in the palace courtyard.

"Who would have thought there could be plant life in this place? Thank you very much for the fruit Mana, it made for a perfect breakfast." Serenity said politely to the girl who walked with her arms crossed.

"Well, your breakfast would have been much grander if you would have just met with the Pharaoh like you were supposed to." Mana commented grumpily. Serenity laughed at her adopted companion.

"Thanks Mana, I appreciate you saving me back there. There's no way I was ready for that kind of an experience."

"Yeah, well, we're not out of the woods yet." Mana commented sounding nervous as she promptly stopped walking. Serenity looked before her to see none other than the Pharaoh standing before them at the end of the courtyard appearing rather intimidating as he stood with his arms crossed. He wore clothing similar to the day before with a red cape flowing behind him in place of the previous blue. She stared and felt a wave of fear flow through her frame as his eyes seemed to nearly burn her flesh at just their sheer appearance. He nearly floated toward them as his footsteps silently approached.

"Serenity, it's a pleasure to see you've finally decided to grace me with your presence; you were certainly missed at breakfast this morning." His deep voice rumbled in her direction with the slightest of hint of annoyance in the undertones. Serenity stiffened. The Pharaoh's overwhelming presence certainly had a way of injecting fear into her heart, but she bravely lifted her chin and locked her big blue eyes directly with his.

"I do apologize for my absence, Atem." She used his name as he had directed her - earning a gasp out of Mana. "However, I found it quite inappropriate to accept your invitation as the use of a harem is forbidden in my culture." Serenity responded without fear as the Pharaoh's once angry eyes became surprised. Mana nearly fell over as Serenity smiled toward the great King. "Besides, I also believed I was informed I could do whatever I wished?" Serenity reminded as to surprise from Mana, a deep chuckle escaped from the Pharaoh's mouth.

"Well, Serenity, you will have to forgive me because to be quite honest, I'm not used to not getting my way." He said with a smirk as a chill traveled up Serenity's spine. "But, I suppose you're not either. It was not my intention to offend you." The Pharaoh said genuinely causing Serenity to lament the bold statement she had made just moments before. "Perhaps you will allow me to make it up to you." He gestured with his hands as Serenity protested.

"That's not necessary, truly."

"I'm traveling into the city today, would you like to accompany me? That is…if traveling within a city is not a crime in your culture as well?" he asked with a mischievous glint in his ruby colored eyes. Serenity flushed as Mana grinned and briskly walked away from the two royals.

"Sounds great, have fun Serenity!" She shouted back to Serenity, obviously not wanting to spend another moment trying her luck with the Pharaoh's temper.

'So much for taking care of me, great.' Serenity thought as the Pharaoh held out his arm to her, smirking, as he cast a shadow over her short stature. "Yes, I would love to accompany you." She responded by locking arms with his as he led her to the palace gates.

Before too long, Atem and Serenity were accompanied by a grand caravan to escort the kingdom's cherished Pharaoh into the city. The Pharaoh, his guest and his six priests were hoisted into the air in peculiar covered chariots carried by strong men. Serenity found the means of travel to be strange but was glad to be shielded from the burning sunlight. Atem's traveling chair, to which she shared with him, was quite plush with fine fabric to which she admired. Serenity looked in awe at the city around her as the people in the streets fell to their knees as the caravan passed.

"Hail Pharaoh!" the voices of the Egyptian people rang. This kind of worship was surprising to Serenity, while she and her mother were well revered and respected by the people of the Silver Alliance; actions of this sort did not occur nor were expected. Serenity turned to face Atem whose eyes were securely fixed upon her.

"Serenity," the golden tones of his voice rang silkily, "May I ask you a question? Forgive my intrusion, but there is much about the people of your kind I haven't learned." He asked politely. Serenity nodded. "Concerning our discussion in the courtyard earlier, is it true that you, the crown Princess of the greatest Kingdom in this universe, only share's her bed with one other?" He asked curiously. Serenity turned a colorful shade of purple as she crossed her arms.

'This is not a proper subject for a Princess to speak of!' her mind seethed as the Pharaoh blinked toward her.

"I've offended you again?" he asked genuinely as the flush faded upon realizing the king's true ignorance to the subject.

"Well, as of yet I share my bed with no one." She explained not making eye contact with him. "That is until my martial union with Endymion is official. In our culture, people are to keep their bodies completely pure until joining with the one they will spend the rest of their lives with." She explained turning shy eyes to the Pharaoh.

"No one. Pure?" The Pharaoh asked in complete amazement as Serenity nodded.

"As the driven snow." Serenity said with a small laugh as the Pharaoh smiled but still seemed confused.

"Snow?"

'Oh boy.' Serenity thought as she tried to explain that one. 'Of course there's no snow in this desert!'

"That's very interesting, and certainly not a custom of Earth." He commented smirking toward the blonde.

"Except for Endymion, he is pure as well." Serenity defended. Surprise filled Atem's face as he raised a thin brow.

"Yes, of course." He responded as he turned his eyes away from her. The sound of Endymion's name escape her lips briefly made her heart ache, but it was forgotten when the Pharaoh spoke again.

"Serenity, do you like to play games?" He asked with a glint in his eye.

"I do, I would often play them with my court when I was very young." She said fondly.

"As do I Serenity, in fact, I'm actually quite good at them."

"Yes, I recall how you were able to answer the riddle yesterday. Are those the kinds of games you're good at?" She asked. He leaned in closer to the princess like a predator sizing up its prey.

"I'm good at every game." The Pharaoh rolled as Serenity felt the blood rush to her face. "Would you like to play one, with me?" He asked and Serenity swallowed hard as his masculine and rich scent overwhelmed her senses.

"Ok." She answered simply, watching as he pulled a coin shaped object from his pocket.

"This is a pure gold disc and on one side" he showed her by extending his hand, "engraved is the eye of Horus and the other side is blank." He flipped the coin over to show her. "Now, to play the game, you must flip the golden disc. Then it will be my turn. If my coin lands on the same side your toss landed on; I lose, and if it lands on the opposite side in which yours landed; I also lose. Only if the coin lands on neither side can I win." Serenity scrunched her nose at the strange game.

"You must be glutton for losing, because with those rules there's no way you can win."

"I suppose so. Perhaps, we can make this game even more interesting with a set of terms. If I win, from now on, every morning you will join me and my ganeum for breakfast and if you win, you may do what wish on the matter. Agreed?" he asked. Serenity raised an eyebrow as she looked down at the coin.

'What's the point of this game? There's no way he can possibly win.' She thought to herself. "Alright Atem, you're on!" She decided as he, smirking, handed her the coin. Serenity flipped it into the air and it fell back into her hand with the eye of Horus side up. She handed the disc back to him and shuddered as the hot touch of his fingers made contact with her palm.

"My turn." He reminded and flipped the coin into the air. Serenity watched as the coin fell back into his hand; standing completely upright upon its edge, therefore landing on neither side. "Interesting." The Pharaoh commented as he tossed Serenity a wicked glance.

"Hey! How did you do that? That's not fair!" Serenity pouted as the Pharaoh took her hand and placed the disc within her palm. He curved her slender fingers over the object as he stared intensely into her eyes, a grin playing across his features.

"Well it appears that I win." He said winking at the princess. "I suppose then you will be gracing me with your loveliness each morning?" He smiled kissing the top of her hand which now held onto the trinket. Serenity glared and scrunched her nose as she looked down at the possession given to her.

"Well played Atem, a deals a deal." She said. "But I'm keeping this." She indicated to the coin in her hand.

"As you wish." He replied. Abruptly, the expression on the Pharaoh's face completely changed as he quickly extended his hand toward Serenity's face causing her eyes to immediately close. She heard the shouting of men around her and her eyes flew open only for them to be filled with a sharp, blunt object that sat inches away from her forehead. She yelped as the Pharaoh lowered his hand containing the arrow within his fist. His eyes glowered into the distance before them as he promptly snapped the weapon in his grip. Serenity shook in fear as she failed to shake the view of her near death experience.

Suddenly, she felt their chariot lowered to the ground and the Pharaoh promptly leapt from his seat; stepping outside.

"My pharaoh! Please, let us handle this!" A tall, bald man with a golden key in his hand pleaded.

"Silence, Shada!" The Pharaoh rumbled from the depths of his chest. Serenity studied Atem carefully as he looked past the caravan. His blood red eyes nearly glowed in a murderous rage as he gritted his teeth. She suddenly felt herself begin to hyperventilate as she watched a wicked darkness overtake the man who was just teasing her moments ago. Two guards carried a shackled and struggling man over to the Pharaoh. The man was promptly dropped to his knees before the angry king.

"Mercy!" the man pleaded, "I was being controlled by a monster within me, I would never attack the Great Pharaoh!" he begged. A growl escaped the Pharaoh as he opened his mouth to speak but halted upon hearing a squeak come from his right. He turned his hateful eyes toward Serenity who cowered in the chariot as she stared at the man who almost took her life. Atem's eyes flooded with concern as he sent a much calmer glance toward the man and back to the guards.

"Take him to the dungeons; I'll deal with him later." The Pharaoh waived the guards away and turned back to the caravan. "We're going back to the palace, now." The guards and priests all bowed as the Pharaoh returned to his chariot. "Serenity?" He asked as he sat beside the girl. The two were hoisted into the air as no response came. "Are you alright?" He asked, concerned. Serenity's frightened blue eyes filled with tears as she shook her head. Atem pulled the young girl against him and held her protectively. "We'll be back soon, Serenity, do not worry. Nothing will harm you." He explained softly.

The sun was setting when the caravan returned back to the palace and dinner started promptly upon their arrival. The dinner seemed to go by in a blur as Serenity listened to Mana's constant chatter while every once in a while meeting eyes with that of the concerned Pharaoh's. Her mind wandered about the day's occurrences. She realized that she had truly never been under any sort of threat of death before today, and more and more each day she was starting to realize how true her mother's words were. Earth was a very dangerous place, one she wasn't able to comprehend. During her entire life spent on the moon, never once had there been a murder, or a death threat against her or her mother, or anyone for that matter.

"Serenity?" She was woken from her daze at the Pharaoh's hand falling on her shoulder. "May I escort you to your room?" He asked, pleasantly. Serenity nodded as she silently took the Pharaoh's arm and exited the enormous dining hall. Silence overtook the two as Serenity found herself at a loss of words.

"Serenity, I assure you that that attack was not meant for you. A poorly aimed arrow - you are in no danger." He said breaking the silence. Serenity took in a deep breath.

"Why would anyone want to kill you?" She asked. He pondered for a moment before gifting the princess a small smile.

"I'm sure there are several reasons, but any sort of crime is driven by the darkness and ill will in someone's heart." He explained.

"My kind do not have darkness." She interjected, suddenly. He raised an eyebrow. "People do not murder. They do not hurt each other. I just do not… understand." She said to him. He tilted his head in confusion. Rapid footsteps stormed down the hall as the form of Zoisite appeared in Serenity's line of sight.

"There you are. I've been looking for you all day." Zoisite accused scathingly as he stopped before the Pharaoh and Serenity. "And what exactly have you been doing today, Serenity?" he asked eyeing Serenity's arm interlocked with the Pharaoh's. Atem narrowed his eyes as he stepped up closer to Zoisite.

"I must insist that you not speak to Princess Serenity with such a tone." He said dangerously. Zoisite scoffed.

"Or you'll do what? I specifically remember you promising Endymion that no harm will come to us, unless you plan on backing out of your vow." Zoisite snickered but frowned when both Mahad and Seto walked up behind Atem and Serenity.

"Princess," Mahad bowed respectfully, "I just wanted to inform you that I've doubled security outside your room tonight; just so you know that you'll be fully protected."

"Thank you," Serenity said warmly as Seto also nodded in affirmative.

"What's going on? Did someone try to attack Serenity?" Zoisite demanded as Atem ignored him. "You said you were going to protect her, not get her killed!"

"Sleep well, Serenity, I'll look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning." Atem smiled as he released the girl from his arm. She nodded a goodnight as she entered her quarters and shut the door.

"Well?" Zoisite asked expectantly, now earning a glare from the three men.

"I, too, must also insist that you not speak so rudely to my king." Mahad spoke coldly. Zoisite opened his mouth to protest but was interrupted.

"And in response to your previous statement; I should remind you that the Pharaoh promised no harm would come to Serenity, I don't recall him making any promises about your wellbeing." Seto threatened as a wicked grin played across the face of the Pharaoh.

"Good night." Atem bid toward Zoisite who was now pale in the face as the Pharaoh and his court took their leave.

Author's Note: This is a revised version of the original chapter. This one, in particular had several cringe-worthy mistakes. I have corrected them but no content has been changed.

Love,

El3