IT'S ALIVE!
I'll spare you all the grizzly details of why this chapter was late and if you've read my page you know what was going on but I wanna say:
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO MOONLUSTER AND PINEAPPLEBUN1107 FOR ALL OF THEIR INCREDIBLE SUPPORT AND AMAZING BETAING SKILLS FOR THIS PROJECT!
And THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH TO MY FRIENDS AND READS FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE PAITENCE AND SUPPORT! I LOVE YOU ALL!
Now, without furhter ado...the next chapter of At The King's Pleasure!
WARNING: MAJOR PLOT TWIST AHEAD! You've been warned ;)
Chapter X
Wepet-Renpet
In which the New Year begins with several startling revelations.
His words were still on Yugi's mind a few days later when the royal barge sailed into the capital. The journey to Waset had not taken long: Nekhen was closer to the capital than it was Men-Nepher, and with the current and wind on their side, the voyage had been much swifter and—to Yugi's immense relief—much smoother.
Sacred guardians and courtiers alike stood a short distance away, waiting for the king's ship to dock, while Kisara stayed close to Yugi's side. Within moments, men swarmed the ship as they hauled mooring ropes and unloaded passengers and cargo.
Yugi scrambled onto the quay, half-landing on the smoothed stones. Never in all his life had he been so grateful to stand on dry land. Kisara leaped across the barge and landed on the stone beside him with the grace and elegance of an ibis landing on water, and passed her friend a worried glance. Yugi smiled at her reassuringly before surveying the capital city. A gasp escaped him as his bright amethyst eyes widened in awe and gazed at the beauty of the walled city; Kisara imitated his look of wonder.
The harbor stretched for miles and beyond, and the city itself rose like a labyrinth: quadrilateral houses and alleyways bordered either side of a long, central road, and simple mud-brick buildings shimmered white in the bright sun—all of which were enclosed by the city walls.
The main street was flooded with people: vendors sold their wares; neighbors chatted amongst themselves; children played in the streets, chasing stray dogs or feeding the resident neighborhood cats; and their mothers cooked dinner whilst watching them from the alfresco rooftops that crowned each house. Further away outside the city walls, large estates boasted fine villas, rich fields and flowering fruit trees.
In the heart of all this madness stood a large, trapezoidal temple: the Great House of Amun-Ra in all its golden glory. It dwarfed everything around it like the imperial sun god it housed; its smaller temples and structures hid behind its beautiful pylon walls. Further down an alley of lioness-headed women—guarding it from unworthy attainders—rested the smaller but no less beautiful House of Mut, with its luscious gardens and sparkling sacred lake. Both structures gleamed in the fading sunlight as though the sun god himself had stopped there to rest for the night.
Yugi and Kisara took in all these sights with fascination in their eyes. beyond the shore, Waset was not as green as Men-Nefer, but the city was no less magnificent.
"Is this the royal city?" Kisara asked, breathless in wonderment. It made Yugi ponder if she'd ever seen a city other than Nekhen.
"No," Yugi chuckled. "It's the capital, yes, but the king makes his home in Men-Nefer— further down river."
"Then I cannot wait to see it," Kisara stated with no small amount of excitement and nervousness.
Smiling a little, Yugi glanced across the river.
Daylight ebbed away into the early evening, casting a golden glow across the sparkling water and green bank, and over to the hills beyond—a chain of fierce mountains, shadowed by the setting sun and blood red sky. Clustered together within the shadows of the great mountains rested the Valley of the Kings. The great mortuary tombs and ancient temples loomed forlornly over the sand, huddled together like its own small city—a city of the dead where, deep within its catacombs, the great kings and queens of the past slept.
And where Atem would one day sleep, Yugi recalled with sudden dread. A chill swept through him despite the warmth of the day. He shivered, unable to tear his eyes away from the shadowy peaks, the cold, forlorn tombs, and the dead lurking in the shadows beneath.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" Yugi recognized that soothing, baritone voice long before he felt those slender, familiar fingers resting comfortably on his shoulders. The chuckle that followed was so deep and so natural that Yugi felt it sweep over him like a warm wind. "Though, I must confess, they chill me as well."
The words took Yugi by surprise. "You've seen them?" he asked before he could stop himself. As he spun to the king, he thought he saw a glimpse of a shadow flickering behind those dark, cerise orbs.
There was a distant look in Atem's eyes, as if he was looking beyond the world and into the heavens. "Twice," said the king, eyes focused as if in thrall to the very spell that had once held Yugi. "The second was when we laid my father to rest. The first," his fingers tightened around Yugi's shoulders, but did not grip him, "was when I was a child. My father brought me with him when he wished to pay homage to the gods."
He did not elaborate any further, but Yugi did not question him. His eyes looked sad and distant, as if they were spellbound by some long, dark memory. From his tone, it was clear that the visit had not been a kind one, and the scars of the memory still seared him deeply.
Yugi slid a comforting hand over the king's fingers; he almost flinched when their coldness bit into the warmth of his hand. The king sighed and turned to Yugi, all seriousness gone from his smile, though his eyes flickered with something that wasn't laugher. "Let us come away from his place." It was a gentle command, but Yugi obeyed anyway.
"This way, my dear." The king gestured to Kisara, who was standing next to Yugi. The girl jumped at the summons, looking flustered and surprised, then bowed her head in embarrassment.
The king chuckled and brushed the slight away, gesturing them both towards the procession. "This way, children. I'm sure the Ipet is anxious for our arrival."
He marched ahead and nodded once to Aziza and Mahad. After surrendering his two charges, he walked past them and into the throng of bodyguards and courtiers, donning the mask of the king once more.
The court and servants were already there with liters and carriages. The procession marched through the city as eager hands of the cheering people joyfully pronounced the king's return. The roofs of houses and the lower streets were crowded with people whom wept with joy, threw necklaces of flowers, and offered gifts of food and beer to those weary from the long journey.
Kisara clung tightly to Yugi's arm, her eyes anxious and wide, and she struggled to keep her head down against the cacophony and the heavy press of many faces. Yugi squeezed her hand in reassurance, suddenly grateful for Mahad and Aziza's assistance, as the procession swept them through the crowd.
The procession ended just outside the massive pylon gates of their new residence. Two thick wooden doors slowly swung open and all followed the king inside.
The palace was already live and bustling with activity; anxieties and tensions were high in preparation for the Opening of the Year. Servants scrambled about, smoke poured freely from the kitchens, lesser priests were reciting hymns, and far off, the music of the gods echoed from the temporary Ipet.
Within days, the entire court had relocated to one of the smaller palaces of the capital.
Though it was smaller than the king's main residence—and dwarfed by the much more impressive temple complexes—the palace was no less elaborate. Built in the style of the old golden era, the palace boasted a hypostyle hall with gigantic columns that led to the throne room.
Rooms to accommodate the needs of the court were located to one side of the hall, and government buildings to the other. There was no separate Ipet: the women's quarters were a collection of small rooms off the king's chambers. Though there were added lakes, gardens and pavilions, which created a magnificent residence for Kemet's kings, it was a modest space that was meant for temporary use and nothing more.
The procession divided then: servants and priests scrambled to see to final preparations; courtiers and bodyguards followed the king to the throne corridor; and Mahad ushered Yugi and Kisara behind Aziza towards a farther courtyard.
"Is this the king's palace?" Kisara asked, wide-eyed with childish wonder. Yugi suddenly realized that this was undoubtedly the first palace she'd ever seen.
Aziza responded with an amused laugh. "Oh goodness no, my dear. This is only the southern residence."
"Indeed," Mahad agreed, ushering them through the front gates. The hypostyle hall opened to a single, large courtyard, welcoming them. "T'is one of the oldest palaces, and a temporary residence for when the king needs to visit the south of his kingdom."
"Why not live here then? If Waset is the capital?" Kisara asked. "Why reside so far from it most of the time?"
Mahad shrugged. His smile was gentle and his tone reassuring, but his deep blue eyes flickered with something that wasn't happiness. "Waset is a new capital and its palaces are old but functional. The king needs nothing else."
"Why does the king not build another palace closer to the capital rather than continue to live so far away from it?" Kisara questioned further. It was a simple question, born from curiosity and nothing more.
"The king chooses to continue his father's practice of constructing much needed religious sects in the smaller territories to the south, in lieu of wasting resources on a grand palace closer to the capital. The king has his reasons, he always does," Mahad answered quickly. Too quickly, Yugi thought. "Great Houses and such things shall come."
On that unsatisfactory note, he left them to Aziza's care and departed for the throne room.
Servants and courtiers alike scampered about the courtyard, but the Ipet seemed to have settled easily enough.
They held court in a garden adjacent to the king's quarters: the space was much larger than the small chain of rooms that made up their temporary residence. Maya was bent over a desk in the shade of the pavilion, examining scrolls detailing the house accounts. Rehemna's pen scribbled furiously across parchment, documenting Maya's every syllable.
At their feet, Maya's oldest daughter was entertaining her sisters with a dazzling story. Shadya was in the courtyard conducting the musicians and singers of Amun; her young son was seated in her lap, banging a sistrum with surprising tune. Nefert and Misi sat in the pavilion's shade and oversaw the hairstylists and the seamstresses, who were busy beading wigs and sewing dresses for the ceremony. Masa splashed her feet in the pond and rested her swollen stomach as her boys crowded about her and tried to gain purchase of her sides in absence of her vanished lap. She laughed as Mana struggled to levitate a fish from the water and succeeded only in soaking her dress and hair. The rest of the children were chasing each other through the grass or reaching for the fish swimming in the pond.
Spying her dancers, Aziza immediately fell into time and clapped her hands loudly, scolding them for their insecure steps and ordered them to start again. Her twin children halted in their play and immediately bound over to her, catching her legs and tugging at her skirt. She scooped them both up and hugged them tightly before releasing them back to their nurse. Maya rose her head at the commotion and the others followed.
"Yugi!" Maya cheered, abandoning her work and nearly tripping over her skirt in her haste. "There you are, darling! Come! Give me a kiss or I shall take grave offense."
The others followed after her, bright-faced and wide-eyed, their welcoming hands eager to embrace their newest member. Maya reached him first and kissed his cheeks while her children scampered about, wanting hugs. Masa bounded past the others with impressive speed, and suddenly, Yugi found himself surrounded by arms and laughter. Yugi's face went red but he couldn't help but smile, having grown used to such zealous affection.
Then he heard a soft, nervous gasp. The sound was like a bell that summoned all their curious eyes to it.
Maya's sharp eyes shot up, a smile slitting her face as she scrutinized the young girl, then turned to Yugi with a curled grin. "...and who is this?"
He suddenly became aware of Kisara behind him, who stood there, too petrified to move in fear she'd make a mistake. Her white fingers suddenly tangled in her long-sleeved slip as the slightest tinge of pink filled her cheeks.
Had he a free hand, Yugi would've slapped himself for not bothering to ask the king for a new change of clothes for her. Doubtless, compared to all these ladies in their finery, the girl felt as timid and useless as he had when first brought to the Ipet.
He scrambled away and was immediately by her side. He took her hand and offered her a soft, reassuring smile before carefully guiding her to the throng of women. The gesture renewed some of her confidence, and she allowed herself to be presented.
Their wide eyes held no malice, bias, disgust or disapproval: only curiosity and surprise.
"This is Kisara," Yugi introduced her, gesturing a hand to his new friend. "She is my—" he stopped, words tangling his tongue. He had no idea what to call her. She was not a slave, nor was she a servant, but a friend and companion seemed too simple and unsafe. His time in Nekhen had taught him all too well about the power and protections of a title. He scrambled for the king's words and blurted out, "My Royal Ornament!" He cleared his throat and said with much more confidence, "The king has honored my request to have her as a companion and named her his Ward."
They stared at him with incredulous surprise.
Kisara let go of his hand and lowered herself in a respectful bow, unable to stop the blush heating her nervous cheeks.
It was Maya who broke the silence with a whoop of approval so loud, Kisara and Yugi both flinched. "Whoooyahahaha! The king, you say? How, pray tell, did you convince my brother, jealous little beastie that he is, of that?" She swooped about them like a bird, and her scrutinizing eyes fell on Kisara, though they were not unkind. A smile slit her face.
Kisara's eyes widened nervously; Yugi felt her fingers tighten around his hand. Her gaze dropped to the floor but Maya lifted her face with a curled finger. Her wide, blue eyes met sharp, violet ones so dark and calculating, they betrayed nothing. For a moment, Yugi thought she looked like Atem, but was then reminded of exactly who this woman was, and what she was to the king.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, darling," Maya cooed sweetly. "I am the Great Royal Wife of His Majesty and God's Wife of Amun, Lady of Two Lands and Deputy Overseer of the King's Ipet." Her smile widened as Kisara's eyes bulged with each new introduction. Then, with a curled laugh, she added, "But, just as with our mutual friend here," she pulled Yugi in a tight crushing hug with one arm and winked, "you may call me Maya in the privacy of this sanctuary."
Kisara blinked. Bewilderment caused all anxiety and terror to fall from her face like a wet mask. She turned to Yugi, eyes pleading for an explanation, but he merely shrugged his shoulders. She stared again, unable to fathom how this terrifying woman, whose power rivaled that of the king's, had suddenly transformed into this sweet, playful lady who was holding her friend as if he were a charge she'd nursed.
"Th-thank you," Kisara stuttered, unable to stop herself, nor stop her eyes from misting as she spoke. "Thank you very much."
Maya threw back her head with a loud, whooping laugh. "Whoooyahaha! There is no need for that, dear." Maya assured her. "I assure you: we only look terrifying."
Kisara blinked, then collected herself. Quiet confidence returned to her and she lowered her front in a respectful bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you…Maya…" she tested the name. It felt foreign and rude on her tongue, so she quickly followed it with, "God's Wife of Amun and Great Royal Wife to our good king." She smiled much more confidently, and, as she lifted her face, a new, familiar brightness came to her eyes. "I thank you for your kindness in welcoming me to my new home."
Delighted by the words, Maya released her captive—to Yugi's extreme delight—and clapped her hands together. "What a charming girl you are!"
With their lady's approval given, the other girls and their children surrounded Kisara, teasing her pretty hair and soft skin. Kisara gasped meekly, suddenly timid under the passionate welcome. Yugi had warned her of it, and yet…
"Oh, do you like heka tricks?" Mana asked, waving her wand about. "I can show you some." She managed to conjure a spark before it fizzled and exploded in the girl's face. Kisara laughed regardless.
"We'll have to make you some new clothes at once!" Nefert said with decisive glee, tugging at a loose thread of her smock. "Such a lovely figure! That frock does nothing for it!" She shuddered with distaste and beckoned an assistant over. "I'll have you measured first thing tomorrow!"
Masa plowed through the other woman, her gaze scrutinizing. "Smooth skin," she said with a quick look. "Never had smallpox then," she concluded. Kisara shook her head.
"You have beautiful hair!" Misi exclaimed delightedly, tucking a streak behind Kisara's ear. "But you haven't taken care of it: it needs a good washing! You'll need to spend less time in the sun, and a trim will take care of those broken ends. No worries, dear: a few weeks with me, and you'll have it healthy again."
"Can you read?" Rehemna asked eagerly.
"Only a little," Kisara answered with some nervousness.
"Then I will teach you!" the golden-haired girl beamed as she spun to Yugi. "I can teach you both together!" She gestured to Yugi with her hand and an impish grin. "This one is hopeless!"
"I am not!" Yugi snapped in indignation.
Kisara nodded gratefully, tucking another loose thread of her hair behind her ears. She then looked down, finding Maya's youngest daughter tugging on her skirt. "You're very pretty," the tiny golden-haired girl said.
She reddened at once as if shocked by such a kind compliment. Tears prickled in her eyes, but not from sadness. "Thank you, dear. Thank you very much."
"Now, girls, that's enough." Shadya ushered the children away, offering Kisara a quiet, comforting smile.
"Such a sweet girl," Maya smiled before turning to Yugi. "Yugi dearest, wherever did you find her?"
Suddenly spotlighted, Yugi froze and turned to his friend. She gave him a tiny smile and tugged at the stray strands of her blue-white hair. Nodding, Yugi proceeded to tell an abridged anecdote of what happened in Nekhen.
At once, the girls gasped in horror, and their passion shifted to soft, comforting words and reassuring hugs.
Maya smiled a little bit, then frowned and shook her head. "Why am I not surprised," she muttered as she ran a hand through her long golden locks.
Her stern eyes found Yugi's. "What were you thinking, Yugi, interfering with something like that by yourself?" She sighed, then smiled. "I am not in the least bit surprised at what you did, though I suspect my brother was furious."
"He was," Yugi shuddered.
Maya laughed. "Not to worry then, dear." She wrapped a motherly arm around his shoulders and gestured a thumb to their newest guest. He was surprised and pleased to find Kisara smiling in the circle of women, who were now seated on the grass. "We shall take good care of you both."
"Well," came a sudden, familiar chuckle. Startled, they whirled around. Jono was marching up towards them—Maalik, Omari and Hefez on his sides—and a wide grin stretched across his tanned, golden face. "This is certainly a surprise."
"Jono!" Yugi beamed as his eyes brightened. He rushed towards him and Jono caught the exuberant boy in a tight hug.
"What are you doing here?" Yugi asked as Jono released him.
Jono straightened his shoulders, remembering his posture in the presence of his friend and mentor. "I was called back for the new year," he beamed, running a hand through his hair. He gestured a thumb to his friend, who looked just as eager for the new year.
Maya swaggered over, a fresh brightness in her eyes. "Mwayahahahaha! Jono, you villain! How dare you return home and not come to greet me!" She threw up her hand and Jono kissed it politely; Yugi caught the way their eyes glittered with a secret promise and unsuppressed devotion.
"Forgive me, Great Lady," Jono apologized, and bowed so smoothly and dramatically it looked like a dance. "I'm afraid duty has kept me away longer than I'd intended."
Maya's lips pursed with mock displeasure. After pretending to ponder the situation, she said in her most imperial voice, "Very well. If it could not be helped, then I suppose that I must forgive you."
Yugi brushed passed them. "Maalik, Hefez." Yugi bowed to each man in turn. Only then did he realize that he did not remember the name of the fourth.
"Omari, Overseer of the King's Ships, at your service." The sea captain spun into a boastful bow. A brawny, sun-kissed complexion spoke of a harsh life at sea, but those glittering sea-green eyes and roguish smile hinted at a more jovial nature. "Apologies, lad. We weren't properly introduced on the barge: what with ya puking yer guts up half the time and me trying to keep the winds from blowing us all over."
Yugi blushed but nodded. "It's good to meet you, then."
"Ahahaha!" Omari laughed, "I can't tell if you're sweet or a very good liar."
"A bit of both, I think," Maalik piped up. His eyes wandered to the crowd of women. His stern, neutral mask shattered upon the sight of his wife, surrounded by their sons all clamoring for a space at her side. Words abandoned him, but after much struggle, he called out, "Masa," just loud enough for her to hear him.
She spun towards his voice as she pushed herself stubbornly onto her feet, and bounded over to him with surprising speed for her heavily-swollen stomach. Maalik caught her easily in one arm and kissed her fully before letting her go as the boys swarmed the archer, tripping over each other in their haste to greet their father. He held all of them with impressive strength and let them ply him with questions.
Not far behind them, all four of Maya's girls bounced over to Jono. He scooped up the the smallest two and ran his hand through the hair of the other two, who were clinging tightly to his legs.
Spying his own wife amongst the throng of dancers, Hefez abandoned the company and started for Shadya. Their son spotted him first and expressed his delight by banging the sistrum, his lips fumbling for a word to call him. Hefez smiled proudly and kissed his son's brow before kissing his wife, brushing a lock of auburn hair from her cheek.
Yugi tried to step away, only to be bulldozed aside by a pair of hyperactive, determined toddlers. Omari swept them into his arms, greeting them both with hugs and doing his best to answer their questions. His daughter favored her mother's looks, Yugi noticed, save for the jade green eyes; his son, however, was his father's splitting image, but his sharp eyes were his mother's sky blue—not his father or sister's bright green.
Yugi rose and dusted himself off, doing his best to ignore Omari's amused chuckle.
"They're just like their mother! Do you know me wife, lad? The great leviathan that dances?"
As if summoned, Aziza abandoned her troupe with a final command, and stormed over with something like impatience that demanded an explanation blazing in her eyes. Glowering at him with all the disgruntlement of an angry harpy, Aziza stayed silent. Omari met her glare with a lopsided grin, though his eyes were clearly nervous.
"Would you dare scream at me with our little'ns in me arms, love?" Omari said with a plea in his eyes. Their children exchanged confused looks between the two. Without hesitation, the strong woman seized him by the Hepi pendant he wore and brought his mouth to hers. When she pulled away, her eyes were set in a sultry smile. "Next time, you find me as soon as you make port, or I will not be so merciful," she purred, though a threat laced her words.
"I had to dock the whole of the king's armada!" Omari exclaimed with incredulous indignation, and the two stammered into an argument that ended with her kissing him again and their children making disgusted noises.
It was a relaxed atmosphere: the family bonds ran deep, and the chains of propriety and masks of command had no place or purpose here. It tugged at Yugi's heart strings, and he found himself drifting closer to Kisara, who looked just as envious as he did. Sensing the change, it was Mana and Rhemena who took their hands and joined Nefert and Misi around the pond.
Before long, the lot of them joined the small circle: the children were napping and the husbands placed themselves exhaustedly next to their wives. They spied Kisara, who offered a sweet smile.
"Who is this?" Jono asked.
"Our newest Royal Ornament," Maya introduced. "Yugi found this little treasure in Nekhen after he saved her from a crowd of brutal, ignorant beasts."
Surprised, they turned to Yugi with wide eyes. Before he could blush, Maalik threw his head back with a loud laugh, "Well done, spit! Didn't know you had it in you!"
Yugi blushed even darker and quickly changed the subject. "Jono, is there anything happening in the north?" he asked curiously.
Jono looked surprised. "No more than usual. The borders are secure and my men are all within the capital." He let out an exhausted sigh and slouched next to Maya, surrendering one of their daughters to run a hand through his golden hair. For the first time, Yugi noticed how tired his friend looked: the weariness in his eyes that tainted his smiles; the dustiness of his shenti; and the dirt and sweat that caked his skin. It was only then when he saw that Hefez and Maalik were in similar disarray: as if they'd just come home from war, or a very long journey.
"How long will you be in the city?"
"Until the end of the new year, at least," Jono replied, evidently pleased.
"Finally!" Omari chimed in, stretching his arms back lazily. Aziza rolled her eyes next to him.
"Aye," Hefez agreed. "The men are eager to begin the festivities."
"Eager to spend it drinking themselves sick, no doubt," said a snide voice.
They whirled towards it.
Seth stood in the heart of courtyard. His chestnut locks spilled out over his tan face, and his dark eyes looked brighter and bluer. The absence of the blue and gold costume and the heavy headdress he usually wore made him look less intimidating—almost human. Yugi watched him carefully, not failing to notice the way his eyes flickered with something unreadable, or who they flickered on.
Yugi squeezed Kisara's hand a little tighter.
"Of course," Jono fired back, clearly unimpressed, and a smile slit his face. "Certainly more fun than what you priests do, I bet."
Seth's eyes fell on Jono, and Maya draped her arm over his shoulder as his face set into a scowl. A seething look passed between the two men: something secret and silent between earned respect and total loathing.
With a sardonic snort, Seth replied, "Unlike you, we, at least, manage to keep our dignity intact."
Something dark flickered across Jono's eyes, but Maya laid a hand on his shoulder and pushed herself up.
"Oh Seth, must you be so cold?" she mollified, curling her fingers around Jono's shoulder.
At the sight of the God's Wife, Seth remembered himself and dropped to one knee in a bow of respect. "My Lady Majesty. Life. Protection. Health." Yugi did not miss the disapproving look crossing Seth's face as he glanced at Jono. "I only speak truths."
A laugh rang through the air: Omari's. "Ha ha ha! Don't play modest, Seth! You're not fooling any of us with that act."
Seth shot up, stumbling as if the words were a physical blow. "Why, you—"
"Children," droned a deep voice, cutting the air of the courtyard. Recognizing it at once, Yugi spun to the approaching king. He was striding towards them, and was flocked on either side by the Medjay and the sacred guardians. His face suddenly disappeared through a forest of bodies as they all rose to bow their heads. The servants dropped to their knees in acknowledgement; Kisara moved to do the same but Yugi stopped her. Mana scooted past them and bounded over to Mahad, who patted her head affectionately. Next to him, Isis acknowledged her with a smile that made Mana blush.
Amusement danced in the king's eyes as he ran a hand through his golden bangs in a dramatic sigh. "I come to see to the affairs of my House and find you all squabbling. Oh, sweet sister, help me. Whatever am I to do with this lot?"
Maya threw her head back with a loud, whooping laugh.
Seth looked and bowed his head, and out of the corner of his eye, Yugi saw him cast Kisara a glance. She must have noticed, because her eyes fell onto her lap and a hand rose to brush aside a stray lock.
The children abandoned their mothers' side and scampered over to the king. Their tiny hands tugged at his knees and fingers like tiny, playful kittens clamoring for attention. To Yugi's shock, the king did not snort nor brush them away: he simply smiled and patted each of their heads until their mothers came to take their hands.
Atem ignored the bowing servants and greeted Jono and the others with a casual grin.
The general and the captains bowed their heads in a brief salute.
"Per'a'ah." It was Jono who spoke for them. "Life. Protection. Health."
"At ease," the sovereign acknowledged the words with a dismissive nod. There was no command in his voice as he spoke. "I see you've all arrived safely. My army?"
"Is encamped within the city eagerly awaiting your command," Jono saluted. His voice was carefully smooth as he continued, "They are eager to begin the Wen-Repet."
"I imagine," Atem nodded before turning to Omari. "My navy?"
"The royal barge is docked within the harbor," Omari said, his voice absent of his usual, jovial tone. "The navy is provisioned, docked, and awaiting Your Majesty's command."
"My chariots?"
Hefez spoke next. "In the stables, nsu, being tested and inspected for repairs."
"Excellent," the king nodded. "And the horses?"
"Resting in the stables."
"And my infantry?"
"Stationed upon the pylons as you commanded," Maalik replied. "They are ever ready and ever watchful," he added with no small amount of pride.
"Good," Atem said with finality. "Well done, gentlemen." He nodded, and they bowed in salute.
He came straight up to Kisara and Yugi, fixing the boy with a warm, glowing smile. Kisara bowed her head and tried not to gulp. Any hope Yugi may have had of looking away was snatched when the king lifted his chin as his long, warm fingers stroked his cheek. Those rich, cerise eyes blazed in the golden light of the setting sun like flickering embers, and the smile curling about his lips was so warm and inviting. He leaned closer and Yugi's heart raced, expecting the king to kiss him. Instead, he whispered, low and sultry in his ear, "You are looking better, little viper."
Yugi nodded dumbly, heat rising in his stomach. He was unable to stop the blush rising in his cheeks.
Atem smiled and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. "I am pleased." He caught sight of Kisara beside him and acknowledged her with a nod and his sister with a smile.
"You're looking well, sweet sister."
Maya giggled at the compliment.
Atem nodded his head toward Kisara. "I trust Aziza has made you aware of the situation?"
"She has," Maya droned on playfully. She swept to Yugi and Kisara's side, graceful as a bird. "Though she certainly failed to mention what a charming beauty our newest Ornament was to be," she teased, setting her hands on Kisara's shoulders. "I'm surprised you let Paniwhotep Ib-nsu keep her."
The girl blushed, but not with shame.
Atem only chuckled. "Oh sister, you wound me." Atem sighed with mock hurt. "Surely you do not think so little of me?"
Maya snorted. "No, I think you possessive and jealous, you cad! You've absolutely no shame! Don't you dare deny it!
Atem's response was an amused laugh: a full, rich sound. "I suppose I am, but fear not, sweet sister. 'Twas not just Paniwhotep Ib-nsu who asked for her clemency, but our hem-netjer as well."
"Seth?!" Maya gasped incredulously. "Our Seth?!" She spun to the high priest, whose face was a mask of indifference, then back to her brother. "Oh brother, you lie!"
Yugi swore he saw the high priest jerk.
"Have I ever lied to you, sweet sister?" Atem teased, eyes narrowing and smile curling.
"All the time, you two-faced cad!" Maya laughed, swatting him playfully.
Kisara's eyes darted between the pair, widening more and more with befuddlement, though no one—not even Seth—seemed surprised by the banter or the sheer casualness of the exchange. She was grateful for Yugi, who was standing next to her with his gentle, reassuring smile.
"Regardless," Atem spun to them then, his eyes on Kisara, "I am pleased you are doing well, my dear."
"Thank you," she said, her eyes sparkling graciously.
Out the corner of his eye, Yugi thought he saw a small smile curling at the high priest's lips. Atem's gaze flashed to Seth, who was standing silent in the corner.
The smooth lines fell into a neutral frown. "I am surprised to see you back from the temple. I thought your duties to the Great House would keep you busy until the Opening of the Year?"
Something akin to worry flashed across the high priest's face. "All is well in the House of Amun-Ra," he began, "preparations for Neber-Het's feast are underway and the waters are expected to rise on the morrow."
"Expected, but not confirmed?" the king countered with a smirk. Yugi recognized that smile—the way his lips tugged at the corners like a cat with a bird, or a child with a secret.
Seth paused before answering. "Sopdet rises before Ra," he informed. "The waters will rise soon."
"Very well," Atem sighed dramatically. Only Yugi seemed to catch the priest's sigh of relief.
The king ran a hand through his hair like a phantom wind. For a moment, it looked like a crown of burning fire had rested upon his head; flashing in the light of the setting sun, it blazed a red so deep and dark it looked black in the twilight, shot through with bolts of gold—a living sunset blowing in the breeze. "I shall hold the ceremony at dawn, and Kemet shall spend the next ten days in celebration!" he spoke grandly.
His eyes flashed a bright scarlet like glittering rubies, and even his skin appeared to glow like a fire burned beneath it, as if the sun god himself had settled into the flesh of his avatar. Yugi gasped, his eyes widening and his heart beginning to gallop.
"Finally," Omari sighed, a yawn stretching his words. "We can all relax."
A sardonic snort came from Seth, "As if you lot do not relax all year."
"Ha!" Jono snapped with a snide comment of his own, "Like it's hard praying all day and barking orders."
"You would never get past the front door of Amun's temple," Seth snapped.
Jono started to rise but his words were cut off by a wave of the king's hand.
"Seth is my Right Hand," Atem said in a quelling tone. Seth fixed the general with a face of absolute triumph. "And Jono is my Left," the king added swiftly, a smirk crossing his lips at Seth's grimace. Jono preened and cast the priest a victorious glance of his own. Mollified by the words, the two men flashed the other a triumphant smirk, laced with challenging eyes.
Left hand? Yugi gasped in disbelief. He'd known his friend was the general of the king's armies, but the King's Left Hand? And Seth was his Right? Just how powerful were these men?
Atem's thin lips curled and he sent Yugi a smile before casting a glance to the children. "Best get these little ones to bed, then." He strolled back through the crowd, stopping only in front of Yugi and lifted his face.
Again, Yugi thought he meant to kiss him, but instead, the king pulled away and disappeared into the throng of bodyguards. Seth and the sacred guardians moved to follow.
"You'd best go after them," Maya urged Jono, "or Seth will bore them all to tears."
Jono snorted in response. "You heard her, men. Time for this lot to go to bed anyway." They kissed their children goodnight and followed.
"Wait, Jono," Yugi stopped him.
The general stopped and listened.
"Are you really the King's Left Hand?"
Jono blinked before a proud grin slit his face. "I am."
"What do you do as his Left Hand?"
Jono shrugged. "Same things I always do, 'cept I get a lot more praise, and I ride closer to the king in battle."
"So you're his most trusted general?" Yugi asked, unsure why he was so pressed for information.
"Something like that," Jono shrugged. "But I think it's mostly for the girls: the father of the king's nieces needs a title after all. And, I must say, Left Hand of the King—it has a nice ring to it."
"That it does," Maya chimed in coquettishly.
Yugi's eyes widened in shock. Never had he or Maya spoken of the affair so openly.
"You…" Kisara's voice trembled behind him, and suddenly Yugi remembered she was there. "You are the father of the queen's children?"
Jono nodded. "T'is an open secret, and why Seth is so obnoxious towards me, though Atem gave me the title long before then. It is mostly to let me command my soldiers as I wish, much like your title does."
Yugi blanched. "N-no, that's not…"
Jono flashed him a reading grin. "I know that it's why you asked. Not to fret. I imagine your friend Kisara will have one of her own within the next few days: best way the king can protect those he trusts and cares for, after all." He glanced over his shoulder and wished them all well before starting after the fading court.
Yugi slumped against a pillar, suddenly shaken, but he did not know why. Panihotep Ib-nsu: he'd been too angry then to think of what that title had meant at the time, and what freedoms it provided. He'd disregarded what the king's Kiss had done in giving him freedom to speak in the king's presence as he wished; perhaps it was a useless gift in private, but in public…
His eyes fell once more to Kisara and her beautiful blue hair, her bright eyes and her pale skin. But there were also the bruises hidden beneath the sleeves of her dress, the scratches still healing on her legs, and the cut above her brow hidden by a curtain of bangs.
He had never thought of it before; he had never once considered that his temper and outspoken willfulness had been anything other than a God-given right. To Atem they were, but in open court… He'd heard the rumors of what happened to men and women whom had disrespected the name of the emperors and leaders of the Hellas cities: tales of blood and pain and punishment. Would that have been his fate then, had Atem been a different man? He'd always assumed those "gifts" had simply been a means to control him, and were nothing more than a frivolous means for Atem to show off: he'd thought they were no different than trinkets to bribe him to the king's will and eventually his bed. Never once had he thought they were for protection.
The realization was so shocking and earth-shattering that, for a moment, Yugi could barely speak. The words Seth had spoken in Nekhen came back to him with roaring disapproval, and Yugi shuddered under the weight of them.
"Yugi?" Kisara's worried voice broke his thoughts. Her hand was still gripping his. "They're calling us inside. Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine." It was a smooth lie, but she smiled and let him guide her inside.
"I apologize for them," he said. "They are quite…passionate."
"Indeed," Kisara replied, almost breathless from such excitement. "How strange. I've never been exposed to such openness before."
"Aye," Yugi nodded. "It can be a bit unnerving."
"Yes," she nodded then smiled, "but strangely comforting."
X X X
They had only managed to obtain a few hours of sleep before they were ushered to the baths. They slept in Maya's room, opposite to the bed her daughters occupied—a privilege of Yugi's status when he utterly refused to sleep in the same room as the king or bring Kisara there, who refused to leave his side. Servants washed their hair and scrubbed their backs. Masa chose the bath oils and Misi, the style of everyone's hair; Nefert chose their wardrobe since new clothes were a tradition of Wepet-Renpet. Shadya and Aziza had already left to prepare their musicians and dancers.
They sat bundled together over a modest breakfast naked, save for their linen wraps. Kisara and Yugi shared equal looks of confusion and capriciousness as Maya and Nefert debated costumes and colors. Two servants suddenly stole into the room, halting further argument as they each bowed and held out a linen-wrapped package.
"What is this?" Maya demanded.
"A gift," the first one said without rising. "For the Wepet-Renpet."
Yugi and Kisara's eyes widened as the packages were placed in their hands.
Yugi opened his first. The linen sheets unfurled, opened and revealed the stunning gift: a soft ivory tunic and shenti with seams of crimson thread, and a deep purple sash decorated with golden embroidery. In lieu of sleeves, the tunic formed a triangle, and was held with a decorative clasp in the shape of a winged ureaus. The serpent's wings glittered with turquoise and lapis lazuli, set in gold veins, and would curl about his collarbone to clasp behind his neck; its eyes were set with large rubies, but its crown was a bright, sparkling amethyst. Accenting the tunic was a pair of golden armbands carved in the shape of coiled serpents, a set of intricately detailed golden bangles inscribed with lotus and protective charms, a set of gilded sandals, and a simple gold circlet with two raised cobras on either side of a deep, violet amethyst.
There was no questioning who sent it.
"You'll look stunning in that!" Nefert's voice was deep with awe.
"These will look amazing with your dark hair!" Misi—who often complained that his hair was too short and too thick to do anything beaded or intricate with—beamed with delight. Her fingers brushed across the jeweled ornaments as she set it upon his damp locks.
"Wadjet's protection and amethyst," Maya laughed in the loud whooping way she always did, but there was a sly snicker in her eye. "Whooyahahaha! Now he's just spoiling you!"
Yugi blushed: his mind darted about for anything else to occupy the conversation. "What is your gift, Kisara?" he asked, half-curious and half-desperate.
She looked at him quizzically before she started undoing the knots of her own package. It unfurled like the petals of a lotus falling about her lap. She gasped so loud it stole all the breath from her body. The girls crowded about her, their eyes widening as they beheld her gift. Horror and shock stole all the words from Yugi's throat as his fists clenched with indignantion.
Though it was but a simple, pleated, long dress, the silken material and soft cerulean color spoke of status and refinements. Lighter, mesh materials formed the sleeves and was held to the chest by a lovely sapphire brooch. There was a beautiful, deep blue sash and a pair of white, linen slippers, both embroidered with golden thread. A pair of bracelets inscribed with charms and a simple gold circlet set with a lovely lapis lazuli completed the look.
"It's…it's…" Kisara fumbled for words. Her nervous fingers ran over the silken material, softer and finer than anything she'd ever worn. "Beautiful!"
"You will look magnificent in that," Maya supported her.
The girl's eyes had not left the dress, the jewels or the sandals. The colors and styles were simple but the fabric was more expensive than anything she'd ever owned. She did not know whether to be grateful or intimidated.
"Lovely!" Nefert cheered, lifting the dress to Kisara's shoulders. It unraveled like a snake. "This will look stunning on you!"
"Yes!" Misi agreed earnestly. "With your hair and your eyes, you will look ravishing!"
"Indeed!" Maya whooped with approval. "It would be rude to refuse a gift from an admirer after all."
There was no hiding the color rising in Kisara's cheeks.
Before Yugi could move, Maya snatched him up and pulled him into her lap, rid him of his wrap, and tugged the new shenti over his hips. He blushed furiously the entire time; he snatched the tunic away and pulled it on himself, but struggled with the clasps of the decorative collar. Maya could only giggle at his indignant growl. Relenting but pouting, Yugi plopped down and allowed her to fix his claps and comb his hair.
"Make haste, everyone!" she barked over Yugi's bent head, who was only half-listening. "Much has yet to be done for the Opening of the Year. The king and all his court must be in attendance, as will the rest of Kemet! It is important that we all play our part. We must show no doubt or weakness."
It struck him like fireworks then: all of Kemet would be in attendance. Their attention would be on the rising sun, not a young boy from the Ipet. There would be feasting, drinking and celebration. Who would notice him slipping away? Who would notice him sneaking onto a ship ready to cast off? His jewels would be more than enough to charter a safe passage and rebuild his farm. It was a perfect chance to escape, and yet…
He cast Kisara a glance. Her long white fingers twirled nervously through her long blue locks as Nefert and Misi fussed over her. Her eyes shifted between emotions: feelings of pride and humbleness along with honor and inadequacy both fought one another, causing her eyes to flicker with confusion. Her hands trembled under their touches and a small frown pulled at her lips, anxious as if she was expecting to be thrown out any minute. Reaching for her hand, he gave it a gentle squeeze. Bemused, she met his warm eyes and returned his smile. He could not leave her—not yet. Not until he knew she was settled and safe.
"There!" Maya smiled as she snapped the brooch in place around Yugi's neck and set the circlet on his head. "You're ready!" He snapped back to reality as he and Kisara were lifted and propped up in front of a polished, silvery glass. "You both look lovely!"
He did, Yugi thought, staring. Then, the figure in the looking glass smiled back at him. The white linen and gold sparkled against his skin, and the brooch settled peacefully around his collar like it belonged there. The amethyst at his heart and crown gleamed in the dark, enhancing the shine in his eyes and the darkness of his hair.
Kisara gasped next to him with incredulous disbelief and awed humility. She did look lovely, Yugi thought with dull resentment. The color was stunning against her pale hair and skin, and the jewelry brought out the shine in her deep eyes. It did indeed look beautiful on her, but caution nagged at his mind in ignorance of its origin.
"Who are these from?" he asked the servants.
They bowed their heads before speaking. "Per'a'ah," said the first, to no one's surprise, but Yugi forced himself not to color under the girls' giggles.
"And who brought the second?" Yugi demanded, just as Kisara lifted her eyes.
"The high priest."
Kisara blushed sixteen shades darker as Maya whooped with hysterical laugher. "Whoooyahahaha! No one wonder my brother felt no need to be jealous!"
X X X
They assembled on the banks of the river just before dawn.
The air was thick with anticipation; all of Waset stood waiting at the top of the steps leading to the river. Their eyes focused on the sky where Sopdet glittered overhead—a tiny jewel against a blanket of the darkest purples and blues.
Nobles and commoners alike were dressed in all their finery, and stood huddled together atop the steps. After the king's blessing, there would be gifts, feasting and drinks to celebrate the return of Ra and his triumph over the demon serpent, and the rising of the river, which would bless the land with fertility. From their muted voices and the way children tugged their parents' hands, all were eager and impatient to begin celebrating.
Two golden chairs had been seated on the highest portion of the bank. In one sat the king, and on his left stood Jono, Seth, Mahad and an older, gray-haired man with a papyrus and brush in hand—he must've been Rehemna's grandfather, for he wore the badge of a royal scribe. In the other sat Maya, looking in every respect the imperial queen. Yugi sat between them with Kisara just beside him, still holding her hand. Rehemna sat at her grandfather's feet.
Anxiety hung heavily in the air and Yugi flinched. Expectation and anticipation had become a living thing, and crept under his skin like a swarm of insects. Rehemna touched his hand.
"You feel it too, then," she whispered. "T'is alright. The Opening of the Year is a fearful time. There is always that tremor of doubt when Ra sinks to do battle with Apophis that he might lose, and the demon serpent will plunge the world back into darkness and chaos." Her hands trembled as she spoke. "But we must not lose heart. The sun god is strong and our belief makes him stronger. His lineage is strong in our king, whom he is incarnate. We must not lose heart."
Yugi's eyes widened. She had told him this story before, but it was the first time she did so with such…certainty. It struck him then how close the Kemets were to their gods, and how meshed their worlds were. Hellas had its rituals and festivals and feast days to honor the Gods of Old, but never was there such devoted passion—not even from some of the priestesses who kept the temples.
There was never any fear of the Titans' escape or the fall of Mount Olympus: the people's service and belief in the gods was for fear of invoking their wrath and nothing more. The gods were above the common people, and thus free to do as they wished, and humans were obliged to be humbled and to serve them. Disasters were their own faults: either for greed, hubris, or some other sin the gods deemed insulting. The oligarchs were no more gods than they were rulers.
Here, in this kingdom of water, reeds and golden sand, the gods loved their people and the people loved them. Here, the gods shared their wisdom and their temple, and used their powers to help and heal the people. Here, gifts for the gods were not some tithe they were forced to pay, but a sacred duty they were happy to perform, for even the gods grew hungry and had their energy depleted; the people were honored and blessed to assist them in keeping the cosmic order. And Pharaoh, Per-a'ah, was a god among his people: an incarnation as well as a descendant.
His eyes lifted to the king, who was seated in his throne. In absence of his golden-winged circlet, the king wore the double crown of Ta-Shemu and Ta-Menhu: red as blood and white as bone. Even Yugi had to admit that the color looked striking against the king's dark locks, for it brought out the color flickering in those cerise eyes. It made him glow with a sort of golden color as if the sun itself blazed beneath his skin. He appeared more a god than a king.
He lounged in his chair with one leg elegantly crossed over his opposite ankle. Gold dangled from his arms, wrists, ears, neck and calves. He held a crook in one hand, and in the other a ceremonial flare which crossed his chest. He was a living golden god, ready to pass judgement and indulge in his desires. The slouch of his posture, the curve of his knee, and the way he experimentally twitched his flail somehow managed to make him look insolent and intimidating all at once: imperial and commanding, yet impish and childishly cruel. Yugi had not seen him look this way since that day in the throne room when he discovered the boy in the garden was a king. That rakish smile and those twinkling eyes that had once set his blood afire—and secretly still did—was a mask for a man who just as easily looked upon Yugi like a greedy god inspecting an offering, intrigued and pleased.
Seth and Mahad leveled a glance with the king. Maya shared a special look with her brother before clapping her hands and rising. An entourage of girls followed her—Yugi thought he saw Shadya and Aziza among them—banging sistrums, shaking beads, and singing in low, sweet voices. The God's Wife of Amun began chanting an old, special hymn to the Goddess Sopdet above and Hapi the river dwarf, and made a prayer of thanksgiving to the Amun-Ra. Other girls joined her and danced in small circles as the silken linens of their dresses spread, billowing in the light wind like soft wings, before they bowed and stepped back.
Only then did the king rise. Silence fell across the crowd, and even the wind stilled in his presence.
Crook and flail in hand, he held them out in a sort of ceremonial pattern. He spoke in a low, golden voice, deeper than his richer baritone; it carried on in the wind, the water and the waves. It was clear and bell-like, yet muffled and low; intimidating and powerful, yet buoyant and melodious. Yugi closed his eyes and let the words sweep over him.
Rustic tunes sang in his ears. The words were clicked and harsh, vowelless and yet clear. With a sudden jolt, Yugi realized he understood the words: hymns and prayers passed down through generations, documenting histories and blessings in the form of a choral song. They were a divine entreaty to Hapi, god of inundation, hymns to Sopdet, welcoming her home after the long journey, and of course, a loud speech for Amun-Ra. It struck him then, what he was hearing: the old languages of Kemet—the language of the pyramids and the first kings, of the scribe of Djehuti, whose gift of language Atem had blessed upon him with his lips.
Then, the song of the king's voice died and Yugi opened his eyes. For a moment, they struggled to adjust to the sudden light, then widened with understanding. All eyes of Kemet were focused on the east, where the tiniest slivers of light crested over the horizon.
Then, in a sudden ecstasy of brightness, it came. Like a lotus unfolding its petals, the golden heart of the sun peeked over the horizon in a burst of light like a lion shaking its crown. Shadows of blue and purple vanished from the sky and were replaced with a deep red, bright oranges and pale pinks. A cheerful applause rang from the desert, then a throng of vociferous screams erupted in joyful pleasure. Exuberant laughter joined the chorus of toasts and promises, and soon the whole country was celebrating.
With a nod from the king, Maya raised her hand. Musicians began to play as the dancers began to dance, and the servants who were passing out fruits and beer to courtiers seated themselves on grass mats along the bank. Down below, a group of girls were chasing and pelting each other with lotus blossoms, laughing, while boys were having sword-fights with reeds.
Though it was quiet around the king's chair, the children shared the people's enthusiasm. A smile spread across Yugi's face as he watched them: their joy was infectious, and soon, even calm, quiet Kisara was laughing beside him. Rehemna made no effort to conceal her bliss, and her laugh was as loud and bold as her personality.
Yugi heard Atem chuckle beside him as he watched the children, a small smile tugging his lips.
The morning air was cool and Yugi stretched his arms, feeling invigorated. Rehemna started clapping her hands to the beat before rising to join the frenzy. Kisara's eyes were on the dancers and the songstresses, and Yugi caught the look of longing in her eyes.
"You should join them," he suggested.
"What?" she gasped, blushing from being caught.
"It's clear you want to."
"Oh, I shouldn't…" she trailed off as she shied away, tucking her hair behind her ears.
"Oh no you don't," Yugi said, catching her hands and pulling her up with him. "Come on!"
They joined Rehemna's circle, and, though their steps were graceless and clumsy, they soon found themselves laughing. Before long, Kisara found her footing and her confidence, and was skipping and spinning with the best of them. After she lost herself in the thrall of dancers, Yugi smirked triumphantly and slipped back.
The rest of the court indulged themselves openly, calling for more drinks or chatting loudly amongst themselves. The king's court had not asked for refreshments, but Yugi thought nothing of it as he slipped passed them, spinning on his feet.
A long arm caught him around the waist and spun him into a hard, broad chest.
"Not thinking of slipping away again, are you?" The sonorous words snaked through his ears, laced with mischief and mockery. "Did you learn nothing from Nekhen?"
Yugi whirled on the king and found those blazing eyes on him; burning within them was the confident fire of a king who commanded all, a god who refused none, and a man who made no effort to hide his wants. The smile playing across his lips was a wicked thing slitting his face and curling just slightly at the corners.
Surprise flashed across Yugi's face before he could control himself, and the king saw it. His brows knitted together but his smile did not waver. Pulling Yugi tighter, he whispered, low and dark, "I told you, I'd catch you before you can turn into a tree."
Yugi steeled himself against his gaze. He tried to slip away but was trapped by that golden, muscular arm wrapped tightly around his waist. "I wasn't running away!" he snapped and meant it. The king's brow arched with doubt. Yugi understood why: they were so far from the royal residence, and there were less obstacles in Waset—less walls and less soldiers. It would've been all too easy for him to slip into the crowd and disappear. The worst part was he had thought of it only a few hours ago.
"I wouldn't leave Kisara," he said honestly. "I know she is safe with the Ipet." He bit his lip. "But I still would not leave her." Not a friend. Not again.
Taken aback by the words, Atem had the grace to look surprised, even remorseful. His arm loosened. "My apologies." He waved a hand and a servant appeared, holding a bowl of split pomegranates. Atem grabbed two and sent him off.
"Come, sit with me." It was an offer, not a command. The pomegranate was a bribe: its sweet nectar and bloody-red juice lured Yugi with its sweet, citrus aroma—the way its flowers lulled hummingbirds and butterflies. Another story from Yugi's youth entered his mind. It was one of a maiden spirited away from a controlling mother and the springtime by the dark god of the underworld to be his wife. She was a maiden who, in the darkness of the underworld, found rooms, riches and royal attire waiting for her, found purpose in her duties as queen, and loved in the dark god's arms—and whose fate was sealed by the very fruit the king now held out to him.
In his own way, he supposed he was Kore made Persephone, and Atem, Hades: he himself had been spirited away and promised rooms, riches, royal treasures and much more. Timidly, his hands reached for the fruit, halting briefly. If he took it now, would he too be bound to this underworld of gods and golden sands?
For once, without complaining, he let the king sweep him into his lap. He settled his feet across the golden armrest and popped handfuls of juicy pomegranate seeds into his mouth. He made a delighted humming sound when they burst in his mouth. He licked his ruby lips clean and smirked at the predatory smile crossing the king's face.
"Want some?" he teased.
Atem had the grace to look taken aback, then corrected himself when he saw the pomegranate held out to him.
Yugi swallowed a chuckle: it was a small victory, but still one.
"Where did you plan on running off to?" Atem asked bluntly.
Yugi bristled. "I wasn't running off!" he defended and cast a glance down to the city beyond, hidden by the shadow of the monstrous temple of Amun-Ra. "I wanted to see more of the city." It was an honest answer.
Twice the size of Nekhen, Waset promised an even more magnificent adventure. "You never let me go beyond the palace walls unless it's to ride Layla."
Atem's eyes expanded, struck by cold realization. Then, a frown tilted his lips downwards. Yugi was content to let it rest, but then the king said, "That is fair, I apologize." The earnesty in those words and the sincerity behind the apology struck Yugi like a wave of cold water.
He might have brushed it away had Atem not added. "Perhaps…perhaps when we return to Men-nefer, I can take you there myself."
Was he stuttering? The words lacked his usual confidence and it caught him so off guard that, for a moment, Yugi could not speak.
"Or, if you're so set on it, perhaps when things are settled here we can see Waset. There is still much to do and we should stay a few days to assure the people of the king's love during the festivities." His words were fumbled and innocent, and Yugi was once again reminded of the sweet-faced, bright-eyed lad who teased him at the oasis and fished him out of the papyrus pond.
Something warm stirred in Yugi's chest and spread. He found himself smiling as he began, "I'd like—"
"The perimeter around the city is secure, nsu," Jono interrupted. Yugi spun and knew from the heat in his face he was blushing. Jono frowned but gave no indication that he saw.
Atem nodded, eyes sharp. Gone was the sweet lad and in his place sat the hard, unyielding mask of the king. "My Medjay?"
"Stationed within the city. They are keeping to the shadows as you've ordered."
"Very good," Atem replied as he shifted Yugi in his lap. Yugi did not protest; his ears opened as he listened.
"My archers?"
"Maalik has them stationed on the pylon as you instructed," Jono explained, gesturing to his friend seated with his family, though his eyes were distant as if expecting some disaster.
"The armada?"
"Omari has organized the captains. All our ships are secure," came the calm response.
"Very well," Atem said quickly and curtly. "You are dismissed."
Jono bowed and was off. Yugi caught his glance out of the corner of his eyes and frowned.
He turned back to the king, who had ordered a goblet be brought to him and was now taking large gulps.
"What was that?" Yugi demanded, eyes hard and shoulders squared.
Atem met Yugi's glare with one of his own. Then, he sighed as if exhausted.
A small smile turned his lips. "Alright." He set the goblet down and pulled Yugi closer.
His voice was a low whisper. "We have been receiving reports of bandit attacks in the south along our border towns. There have always been reports of sand-dwellers, or the occasional rebel group, but never anything more than rumor and nothing the local Meday could not dissolve. Lately, however, they have grown more frequent, more severe."
Atem paused to take another drink. Yugi swore his brow was creased. The king's bright eyes were dulled by sadness or stress; it was an expression so shocking, so human, that Yugi hadn't thought the man capable of it.
"I sent Shada to investigate."
Realization burst behind Yugi's eyes. "That's why you sent him to Nekhen? And why you didn't treat it as a threat when Aknadin and those Sepets brought it up?" The clues fell into place like pieces of a puzzle revealing a clear image, and shame and aggravation brushed across his mind. How had he not seen it sooner? Oh, that's right: he had been too lost in his disdain for his situation and the king.
Atem nodded. "By the time they brought it up, I'd had him and several Medjay secretly investigating the area already, under the guise of royal festivity. By then, word had spread of a possible rebellion outside Nekhen—that thieves were teaming up with sand-dwellers to attack the city."
Kisara's words came back to him: the rumors of thieves in the area, of a tomb robber with white hair, and of the thief they'd captured.
"That's why you took us all to Nekhen, not—" he stopped himself and his cheeks burned with shame. Not on a selfish whim...
A smirk played at the king's lips, though it did not quite reach his eyes. "So quick to doubt me."
Yugi hung his head low, but Atem lifted his face. "To answer your question, yes, that is why I ordered the court to Nekhen, but I did not wish to place my sister and the children in such peril. The House of Amun-Ra had been demanding that I send Seth back to them for some time: it was a convenient excuse." His eyes swept across the large area, surveying his generals and Medjay scattered about the foyers; some were chatting with their families while others were protectively standing watch. His courtiers were relaxing and dancers were dancing in the sun. Rehemna and Kisara were among them, and jumping in circles between them was a little girl, whom he at once recognized as Aziza's daughter. "And I hoped to give them all some peace for a change."
That one did not surprise Yugi. "The rebellion?"
"Has been halted," Atem assured him, stroking his hair softly. "Our arrival gave Shada and my men the leverage they needed to find and quell it quickly. Much of them fled back to the desert, most were killed, but one or two were taken alive and questioned. The reports claimed that the sand-dwellers were traveling north towards the capital." He sipped his wine again and cast a dark glance towards the horizon. "It is why I hesitated in letting you explore the inner cities. I do not want to take chances. Not with my people."
No, he wouldn't. Yugi knew before he even realized it. A foreign question came to his mind, so distant, yet the answer so obvious, he could not fathom why he had struggled with it for so long. King or tyrant: which do you think I am? Except the words had not been a threat, or a challenge, but a test—a trial for Yugi to see if he was willing to look beyond the masks, the glamour and the finery. Had it really taken him so long?
Atem looked at him then, a smile on his face: not a clever, confident smirk nor a mischievous grin, but an earnest smile. Still, there was something in his eyes—something that Yugi almost thought was sadness.
"Did you…" Atem hesitated. "Did you enjoy the cities of your home…in Hellas?"
Yugi's eyes bulged wide with shock. It was the first time they'd ever spoken of his life from before—the first time Atem had ever asked.
"Forgive me," Atem apologized quickly, a hand risen in his defense. "I did not mean to stir any dark memories…"
"What?" Yugi blinked, owlishly. "Dark…memories?"
Atem bit his lip, hesitating. "That day…" he began gently. Yugi did not need to ask what day he meant. "…you said that the slavers burned down your home. The first time you sought to escape, I thought you were merely angry with me, and that anger made you rash, but…" He paused again, words seeming to fail him. "You never mentioned your family, and Maya—please do not think any less of her for telling me—she was merely worried for you and mentioned her suspicions. It was why I had not asked before, but—" He stopped and his face lowered, shadowed by remorse. "I see now that that was a mistake."
Yugi knew what he was asking.
A numbness fell over him, sudden and secret but there nonetheless. When was the last time he'd thought of home? Of Hellas? When had home become Men-nefer? His stomach twisted and prickled like he'd swallowed a thousand thorns. No, he realized. His shoulders started to shake and his hands fisted in his lap. No. He couldn't think that way. He couldn't. Not when they…
"At—Nsw," Yugi corrected himself; even saying his name felt like a betrayal. "You see—"
A sharp, sudden scream erupted through the air. Yugi and Atem spun around and leapt to their feet just in time to see the second of the king's docked boats erupt in flames. Scarlet fire quickly devoured the canopy and the papyrus chalking the hull, and the debris rained down like pieces of burning shadows. Darkness and smoke curled in the air like the oily, inky black plumes of the bennu bird unfurling its feathers; but, instead of finding joy in its rebirth, it only found despair.
Chaos ensued as people scrambled away from the banks. Children cried, screamed and ran to their mothers, who slid down the grass and clenched them to their chests. Sailors scrambled towards the jetty and started tossing buckets of water and screaming out orders.
"Get to the banks, now!" Atem shouted and ran forward. Yugi followed him. "I want those fires out!"
The singers and women rushed for cover. The Ipet rushed to grab their children and ushered the courtiers to safety. Jono grabbed his girls and handed them to Maya before barking orders at his men. Hefez joined him, rushing to the water with ars and pots to put out the fires. Omari stormed straight up to a gray-haired man, who must've been the captain, grabbed him by the throat and demanded, "What the hell happened?!"
"I-I don't know!" The man choked out.
"I told you to check those boats!"
"We did! There was nothing flammable! Not even candle oil!"
Omari threw the man aside and joined his comrades who were putting out the fire.
Another flame burst from the side, barely missing the boat docked next to it. Atem stopped short, holding out an arm to push Yugi beside him. A scream came from behind. Yugi spun just in time to catch Kisara running towards him. Her terrified fingers clenched his arm, and he held her tight and stroked her hair as she coughed. Being this close to the shore, the heat of the flames was worse than any desert sun, and the smoke was rancid.
"Omari!" Atem shouted. "Move the boats to the side, or we'll lose the whole armada!"
Omari nodded and shouted at several men to follow him.
"Jono! Maalik!" They turned to Atem, already awaiting orders. "Secure the city and summon the Medjay! Find who did this, now! Maya, Isis! Get everyone to safety! Mahad, Seth! Get the priests and join the ranks! I want the man responsible found!"
Only then did he turn to Yugi and Kisara. "Go with Maya back to the palace," he said gently. "I will find you when it's over."
Yugi nodded. Grateful, Atem smiled and rushed to join his priests.
Yugi gently ushered his friend from the quay. Kisara stopped suddenly and Yugi whirled on her.
"We—" He stopped, petrified.
Kisara's eyes were frozen open in terror, and her lips twitched as if she did not know whether to scream or stay silent. Her skin, if it were possible, had become even paler with fear, and her whole body trembled in his hands as she raised a shaking finger up the hillside.
Yugi followed it, and at once, he saw what she was pointing to. A figure stood upon the shore, dressed in a simple tunic; their feet were bare and dusty, their skin tanned slightly from the sun, and a hood hid much of their face and hair—altogether unremarkable.
Then, he saw it: a shadow—not the figure's, but a dark, twisted silhouette, like an inky black and purple flame tinted with rancid green. It curled like a snake around the figure's arm before vanishing behind their back.
"Do you see him?" her voice squeaked, barely above whisper as her hands trembled. "The man with the shadow!"
Even from the shore, Yugi saw it: the faintest traces of a smirk tugging at the figure's lips.
It was him! Yugi thought with sudden clarity. He knew enough of heka from Mahad to know both its helpful and dark uses. He started the fire!
He dragged Kisara from the shore, and, after spotting the retreating Ipet, shoved her into Maya's arms. "Stay with her!"
Maya caught the girl with a gasp. Yugi heard her scream his name as he dodged through the crowd and darted down the street. The figure he saw caught him approaching and took off running. Yugi gave chase and sprinted after them, following them into the heart of the city.
X X X
"Yugi! Come back!" Maya called, but her voice was lost in the wind. From the shelter of her arms, Kisara watched him sprint down the street and vanish into the labyrinth of Waset.
He must be going after that man! Her chest tightened with horror and she cursed her gift.
Thinking quickly, she shoved free from the God's Wife and spotted the king who was still on the quay. She ran before Maya could grab her. She did not care how many rules she was breaking. She did not care that her actions would no doubt cost her a chance at a happy home with such kind people.
She did not care, as long as she could save her friend.
On her last step, she stumbled and crashed into the king's side. She grabbed his arm to balance herself and struggled to catch her breath. He looked more surprised than angry as he caught her, and she could hear someone, possibly one of the other priests, shouting in outrage. "What is the meaning of this?!"
"Please!" She squeezed the king's arm and met his face—another sin but she did not care. "You have to go after him! Yugi—he ran off after that man!"
The name was like a spell that triggered something fierce in the king's eyes. Donning an indifferent but not unkind mask, he pulled her to her feet and asked, "What happened?"
Wiping away tears of utter relief, she told him of the man and his terrifying shadow, the dark heka, and how Yugi ran after him, convinced of his crime.
The king's eyes widened as she spoke. "And you saw this?"
She nodded.
"Where?" he commanded.
She turned and pointed towards the street where Yugi had vanished.
The king turned to his priest—the taller one with kind eyes and an Eye of Djehuti around his brow. "It is possible, nsu," he said in a serious tone. "Omari's men are not fools: they know to douse the lights. Heka makes sense."
Atem nodded and turned to her. "Go with him and speak to the high priest. Tell him all you saw."
She nodded mutely, unable to do much else, and let the magician priest take her hand.
"What about you, sire?" Mahad turned to him and gasped. Darkness shadowed Atem's face; his cape, double-crown and much of his gold laid in a pile on the quay. He said nothing as he dropped into a runner's position and sprinted down the street.
X X X
Yugi chased the man down a crooked ally, leaping over litter and vendors' stalls, and jumping to make sharp turns. Ahead, the man upturned clay pots and fruit baskets and kicked over limestone figures; they shattered and splintered across the ground. Though his quarry was fast and clever and left many obstacles in his wake, Yugi was faster and cleverer and had years of experience from running for his life from the slavers who'd stole him, the traders who'd tried to cheat him to the gruff, and disgusting men who'd thought to use him. From all this, he knew how to weave his way and use his lithe, small frame to his advantage. He leapt elegantly over the jagged pieces of clay pots, maneuvered his toes around the broken limestone faces, and jumped over baskets of spilled fruits, arms pumping at his sides.
The man spun sharply again and Yugi hurled into the alley after him, catching his hand on the corner of a rough stone building.
"Come back here!" he screamed. He would catch this man, this thief, this sand-dweller—whatever he was. He would catch him and make him pay for disturbing this city's peace, for terrifying his friend, and for ruining what was supposed to be a happy day for Atem's court and their families.
The alley ended suddenly, and Yugi saw the man propelling himself to catch the wall's upper ledge. He was quick and his hands were sure as he grabbed the ledge and swung his weight upwards, catching the edge with his ankle.
Red clouded Yugi's vision. Summoning his last burst of speed, Yugi sprang forward and grabbed him by the tunic, forcing all his weight into a mighty tug. A scream was his only warning before the two men tumbled backwards and sprawled across the street, rolling on top of each other.
Yugi caught the man's hood before they separated. He shot up, determined to face the monster who found pleasure in disturbing the peace of others. This man—this thing—had terrified his friend, had frightened the people of Kemet Atem loved so much, and had threatened the families of the men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting the peace. Yugi hated him with all his heart.
He squeezed the fabric in his hand and tossed it aside. What a hideous creature he must've been to hide behind a hood.
The man groaned as he got to his feet. His tunic was torn, revealing pale, pasty skin. Long white hair cascaded down his back where the hood once held it back. Dark green eyes blazed with fury as they met his purser.
Yugi knew his face. "R-Ryou?"
I warned you (queen sips her wine with a giggling kuriboh in her lap)
So, now that you've all had some time to recover from this chapter...
This one, was an ABSOLUTE BITCH.
I originally struggle with what to make it and was originally gonna do more with Kisara and the girls until i decided that would work MUCH better AFTER this current arc and after ten chapters it was time to jump into the action NO REGRETS! Part one was a struggle, it turned out much longer than i expected but there are a LOT of important moments and hints...let's see if you can figure them out ;)
Fortunately, the second half was a BREEZE, mostly because It ws the part i'd been dying to write forever and i was so happy to do it! and How awesome was Atem and Yugi's relationship building? I was SO happy to finish it!
and then i lost my flashdrive, and realized i didn't back it up like i thought i did...i was heartbroken! again special thanks to my betas an friends for their unbelievable support! So i relented and decided to rewrite the chapter from scratch. Again the first half was the struggle but i powered through and then...
I got a call from the Estuary Center i visited...THEY FOUND MY FLASHDRIVE! Apparently it fell out of my pocket on the trail and someone picked it up and put it in the plastic sealed map box and it survived three days with pf worth of torrential rain, snow snowfalls and a freaking damned Nor'easter it SURVIVED IN TACKED!
I was so happy and edited up the first part-some of the parts I'd rewritten i actually liked better than the original! WOOHOO!
So this chapter went through quite and bit and it was definitely a growing experience for me...so the next chapter for obvious reasons is still in the works, plus im also working on other projects and while i certainly don't want the next update to be another month, plese be patient with me ^^
Thank you all so much!
as always read, review comment, critique, ask questions and go nuts!