The palace was amuck with rumors. Few knew the extent of the King's illness and few were allowed to enter his presence. His condition was unknown, but the doctors feared the worse. No remedies were improving his status. He kept only his closest assistants and doctors beside him, along with one special woman. She was not a mistress of the pleasurable sort, but one of pure company and wisdom. Everything he could have hoped for in a wife was apparent in her demeanor. She reminded him a great deal of the wife he had loved and had lost…
The Pharaoh had first been enchanted with Iania as soon as he laid eyes upon her several years ago. He had not sought out to bed her and make her a concubine, for he could see that her beauty ran much further than skin deep. He had simply requested her presence more and more, eventually allowing her to know personal details that no one else knew. They had formed a friendship and bond. He respected her enough not to force her into a physical relationship, as she had a daughter and a 'husband' lost from war, possibly still alive. This small infraction of the truth was the most Iania kept from her pharaoh, unknowingly keeping her from a potential he hoped she could achieve. Egyptian law required women to wait 5 years for their husband's possible return before they can claim singularity or remarry.
'So close…' thought the ruler. Iania had been so faithful and loyal to him. He adored Anzu also and hoped that the plans he had recently finalized would go over well with Iania. She sat a few feet from him, placing a hand near his.
"Iania, I must speak with you concerning the future of your daughter," he whispered.
"Yes, sire. What of Anzu?" she wondered what he could be thinking. The Pharaoh coughed.
"It would make the very happy to ensure her safety and survival after those around her are gone. I want to reward your kindness to me….by giving her a gift I had hoped to give you," he said.
"I don't understand…." Iania gave her king a puzzled look.
"Would you accept a betrothal request for Atem to marry Anzu….and make her his Queen?" With that, Iania gasped. She could not believe her ears.
"Oh. Oh my dear sweet Pharaoh," she cried as she flung herself upon him and her eyes filled with tears. Not only was this a blessing for her child but the King of Egypt had just professed his love to her. It was more than she ever imagined…
"I take that as a yes," he said softly.
"Yes, yes of course! Is that truly what you desire?" she asked.
"Indeed. She is beautiful, kind, and loyal, just like her mother," he smiled. Iania blushed. "She has already begun the process of becoming a fine ruler and lady for Atem's side, but her curriculum will be slightly modified."
"Sire, is…this why she was not accepted as a priestess?" Iania asked.
"Yes. I had been pondering this for a while now. I should have consulted you before, but I was thinking I had more time than I apparently do…"
"Oh please don't say that!"
"Iania, we know it is the truth," he said as he took her hand. "Please…"
A few assistants entered and beckoned Iania to leave as they did an analysis and gave the king time to rest. As she turned from the King's bedchamber, Iania took a deep breath and sighed. She looked up and saw a cloaked figure before her eyes.
"Shadi! Why must you startle me like that?" she asked as she stared at him. His arms were folded and he did not look pleased. Something was bothering him.
"Well, I am sorry for surprising you, but you aren't the only one who has been surprised by the Pharaoh's conversation," he said annoyed.
"What? You were listening?" she couldn't believe him. Shadi looked around and pulled them into a more private corner of the hall.
"Yes, not on purpose of course. Don't you think you should have included me in the consideration for Anzu's future?" Shadi demanded.
"I…I didn't think you would object!" she stammered. "He is offering our daughter to be the next Queen of Egypt! Isn't that a blessing?"
Shadi hesitated for a moment as he thought of the Queen: Isis. Anzu being the next in line as Atem's wife would not hamper her return. Isis could still reclaim her title.
"It is much more than I ever dreamed for her. I just don't know if I want to put her through such a life," Shadi explained with complete honesty.
"Well, I do not see how you can change the king's mind, especially as Anzu's uncle in his mind…"
"I said nothing of the sort. This will simply be something that takes a little adjusting for me, that's all."
Anzu sat anxiously on the edge of a plush chair as Seto returned with little more news about the Pharaoh's health, merely shaking his head. She sighed and wondered when her mother would come retrieve her so the two of them might continue her embroidery lesson. She hated that the king was sick, but what could she do sitting here? All she had seen of her mother today was her shadow and faded figure down the corridor of the royal chambers. She knew little about her relationship with the king, but knew it was nothing she should ever ask about. Just as she looked up to hope for her mother, she was surprised to see the young prince before her, passing on his way to his room. She and Seto both rose, then bowed appropriately.
"Good evening," Atem greeted, riding gear tucked under his arm. He assumed the two were awaiting news on his father, as he was too. The thought of him becoming the next ruler was intimidating and scared him, although he would never admit it. His father had already taught him better than that.
"Likewise Your Highness," Seto said, eying him cautiously. Relations between the two cousins had seldom improved.
"How was your hunt today sire?" asked Anzu politely, for the sake of conversation. Her lovely voice teased Atem's teen senses as he realized his lack of manners for addressing a young lady.
"Extraordinary, thank you for asking. Any news of my father?" he asked as he approached Anzu slightly, making her a tad uncomfortable.
"None, other than I believe he is resting now," she stated, eyes darting about, wondering why he was coming nearer. Seto clinched his fists tightly under the long sleeves of his robe. Atem smirked gently at Anzu as he reached for her hand. He did not get a chance to kiss it as there was a sudden clamor down the hall.
"Atem!" Aknadin called. "Your father wishes to speak to you and Anzu immediately."
"Might I come Father?" asked Seto.
"No my boy. This does not concern you now," he stated plainly. Seto sighed as he attempted to find a good eavesdropping location.
The two entered the side room of the King's bedchamber hesitantly. Iania was seated at his side in a large golden chair. She beckoned Anzu to sit beside her.
"There we are now," the king sighed. "To business." He grasped his large wine chalice and drank as he watched the pair cautiously.
"What is going on Father?" asked Atem.
"Son, as much as I regret to say this to you all now, I do believe my time left here as King as drawing to a close…"
"No Father you have to get better!" Atem wailed, unwilling to accept his father's condition.
"Enough! I have had it with your childish outbursts! Listen to what I must tell you Atem," the king coughed. "You will be proclaimed King upon my death. You will be Egypt's next ruler."
"Yes Father…" Atem swallowed harshly. He knew where this was going. His father had mentioned something to him concerning his future before. His future bride. He smiled inside. Anzu would be a delightful trophy wife: smart, beautiful, and kind.
"And every king must have a queen. And that is why I have confirmed the arrangements for Anzu to be just that for you my son." Anzu gasped slightly, eyes wide and dead on her mother. Had she heard the Pharaoh correctly? She would have to marry Atem? When? They were so young! Atem was likewise flabbergasted as he stuttered.
"But, but why must I marry now?" Anzu blurted. Iania laid fierce eyes upon her child.
"Forgive her rudeness Your Majesties. You will not actually marry for some time. Its called an engagement Anzu," Iania said.
"Come," the Pharaoh beckoned to Anzu to come nearer to him and his son. He held out his hand in request for hers. Shaking, she laid her delicate hand in his, which the then placed in Atem's. She looked her future husband up and down discreetly as he smiled.
"Egypt's future is secure," the King said and sighed, sinking back into his chair, then rising to leave the room. Iania stood with him. "I will be returning to bed now. We'll leave the two of you to yourselves." Iania smiled at her daughter as Anzu stared at her with eyes full of questions. She hated to leave her there with such wonder, but the king had spoken.
Anzu kept her gaze on the ground as she sat on the edge of the ottoman nearest to her. She wanted to cry, not out of anger but of uncertainty and confusion. Sure, being a princess was not much different than her normal life, but her future had just been decided for her. She would not have the luxury of marrying for love or becoming a priestess as she had hoped. And the second highest title in the land had just been thrust upon her.
Atem could sense her displeasure. He knew it must be a trying experience for her and felt sorry for her in a way. Eager to ease her, he stepped closer to her and lowered himself onto one knee.
"Anzu," he said softly as he placed a hand under her chin and lifted it so that his eyes met hers. He could see the tears forming as she mustered up the strength to look at him. Before she realized what was happening, she felt his lips on the corner of hers as he kissed her and stroked her chin slightly. The seconds that passed felt like hours. For some reason, she felt powerless and helpless, weak and disgusted. Countless girls would trade places with her so that they might be the next queen instead, but Anzu did not want to be placed alongside Atem. She did not love him. Though she knew she would have to try, she could not allow him to have her heart, not when it belonged to someone else.
As the days passed on, Anzu became more adjusted to her fate. She continued her lessons as usual, participating in various tasks the king believed a queen should be familiar with. She excelled in embroidery, horseback riding, dance, writing, conversation, art and music. However she would soon begin taking basic leadership and militaristic training in the coming year or so. Atem had already begun this type of instruction and would receive far more intensive training, since he was to be king.
One afternoon several weeks later, the young royals sat in their courtyard, lounging and relaxing before dinner. Seto was playing with his pet tiger, Atem was trying to nap, and Anzu was writing a piece of poetry for her teacher. All of a sudden, Seto's puppy emerged from the hallway with a toy, anxious to play. Seto gasped at what he saw.
"Gangi, no! That's not for playing with!" he cried, disturbing the others. He ran to retrieve the item from the dog's grasp. Atem awoke annoyed and Anzu watched curiously.
"What does he have Seto?" asked Anzu. Atem narrowed his eyes and then too gasped in surprise. Seto walked over to the others, holding the toy.
"This," he started slowly, "was Prince Ryou's toy." Anzu looked confused. She had heard of a rumored other prince, but had never inquired about him directly before.
"I wonder how he found that," Atem wondered, taking the toy and headed back toward his old room where his belongings were kept.
"Seto..who was Prince Ryou?" Anzu asked. He sighed.
"He was the oldest child of the Pharaoh, Atem's half brother. His mother died and then he too was believed to be killed. His body was never found. He was…my friend. I haven't spoken of him in quite some time. The Pharaoh forbids it in his presence, but…" He told her all he could remember of the tragedy.
"That's terrible. What a shame I never got to meet him," Anzu replied.
"You would have liked him. He was wonderful," a voice cooed over the awkward silence.
"Princess Amane!" cried Seto. "You've returned!" Amane had been in her mother's homeland for many years, as the King had likewise feared for her safety. She had been sent for now in this time of his illness. She was a girl of 10 and full of spirit. She had long, flowing white hair pinned with a pink flower and kind brown eyes, adorned with Egyptian dress and décor. Anzu gazed at her in awe. She looked so familiar…
"Indeed! My attendants told me I must come home now that Father has fallen ill. I have just seen him. How have you been cousin?" she asked, hugging Seto.
"Just fine thanks. Amane, I'd like you to meet Anzu. She is betrothed to your brother, therefore your future sister-in-law." Anzu bowed graciously.
"I am so privileged to finally meet you," she said.
"I'm sure we'll be like sisters indeed," Amane said with a smile. She remembered little of her past here, but her advisors had warned her of her half brother. She knew the older girl was probably harmless and knew nothing of Atem's mother, but she was still cautious. Just then, Atem returned to the courtyard, surprised to see his half sister before him. She bowed slightly and he approached her, engaging in light, civil conversation.
"Fine time for a family reunion," Atem said sarcastically with a smile. The others laughed nervously. Suddenly, they heard a scream.
"Sire! Sire! You must come quickly!" a guard yelled for Atem. He darted towards the racket and the three others followed. Upon entering the room, the children saw the Pharaoh, gasping for air. He spotted Atem and reached for him as several others entered the large room.
"Atem, my son," he breathed heavily as the boy approached him, terrified.
"Yes Father?" Atem asked nervously, eyes wide.
"Remember all I have taught you in your endeavors. Keep a sharp…eye…for those who love you and those who hate you," the Pharaoh began. Atem's face was contorted with emotion. Iania was crying already, clinging tightly to Anzu. She glanced at Seto, who looked confused as his father, Aknadin stood in front of all of them. Seto calmly reached out and took Anzu's hand as a silent tear fell from her face. Amane was also crying silently beside Anzu.
"And lastly, protect our family Atem. Protect this nation. Protect….." his voice faded as the king took his last breath.
