The struggle had been short lived, as they outnumbered her three to one. Two held her down as the other managed to get the sac over her head. One scream managed to leave her lips, echoing throughout the chamber. A shooting pain to the side of her head was the last thing that she could remember.
"Hurry, you fools!" The vicious whisper came from the Thief Lord's lips Iike venom, hearing the hasty footsteps headed towards the room that they now occupied. One of the men tossed the now limp Kaija over his shoulder, climbing over the edge of the window sill. His maneuvering was almost inhuman, managing to get down to the ground with only a few leaps from one balcony's to the next. Each bound was almost completely silent feet light as a feather, despite the extra weight he carried.
The dark eyes of the Their Lord saw him and the other of his comrades begin to make their escape just as Isis and two guards entered Kaija's chambers.
"Where is Kaija!?" The priestess demanded, standing before the threat with a sense of confidence, despite the immense fear she felt for Kaija and her safety. Eyes showed that fear, no matter how much she tried to hide it.
"That is none of your concern, as she belongs to me," the thief's expression was that of cockiness as a smug smirk formed on his lips.
"She belongs to no one but the gods!" Isis' words were retorted swiftly and without hesitation.
"She belonged to me the moments stole my millennium item from me!" He interrupted, giving Isis' a look of warning, "I am simply reclaiming stolen property," his smirk widened before a chuckle left his lips.
"Seize him!" The priestess demanded, hand lifting to point in direction. The thief's chuckle evolved into a cackle as he pulled upon his robe, revealing the millennium ring that he wore around his neck. Isis' couldn't help but let a gasp leave her lips as a blinding light radiated from it. As it dissipated, the figure that had once been there was no longer. Isis' could feel the clenching in her chest, eyes wide at the reality of the situation. Kaija was in extreme danger they needed to find her. How she was to tell the Pharaoh, she did not know.
She stood before the throne with dignity, back straight and hand folded in front of her. As strong as the priestess looked, there was a look of sadness in her eyes, a look of fear that most would only see from the eyes of a mother. The Pharaoh walked to his throne, slumber still fresh in his features only complimented the irritation he felt for being awoken in the middle of the night.
"Isis," he began as he took a seat, looking down at her with brows furrowed, "You wake me in the middle of the night, this had better be urgent," he warned, failing to take a moment to see the look in her eyes. However, when he did, his own eyes widened, brows lifted, "Speak," his voice was demanding, but no longer held the aggravation that it had before.
"My Pharaoh," the words were difficult were form. All who weren't blind could see the affection that the Pharaoh held for the young apprentice. And though Isis herself cared deeply for Kaija, none could match the intensity that Atem seemed to hold, "Kaija-"
The name caused the Pharaoh's lungs to inhale sharply, eyes widening as his heart begin to pound in his chest, "No..." It was barely audible to anyone but himself as fear overwhelmed him completely.
"The Theif Lord has taken her," she stated, voice showing a hint of vulnerability, "They have taken her for her millennium item," she finished, seeing the look of terror on Atem's face. Though it didn't last long, as his face turned to stone, one that resembled the royal status he held.
"Get my horse, and have every available man up and saddled," he demanded rising to his feet, turning to Mahod, "We will search day and night for her, no man shall rest until she is found," And in my arms he thought, the pit of his stomach sinking.
Kaija... He continued to think, I promise, when I find you, I will not hide our love and longer. I will make you my queen, no matter the consequences... Eyes closed for a moment, fists clenching, Please be safe...
They had searched for days, scouring the dunes of the desert, hoping for a mere inkling of where Kaija could have been taken. The Pharaoh hadn't slept in four days, his body and mind exhausted from the constant fear and distress. As much as his advisers tried to get him to slow down or stop to rest, he refused. He knew he had to be getting close to her, he needed to be.
It wasn't until Mahod spoke, "My Pharaoh, you need rest," the Pharaoh's dear friend placed a hand upon his shoulder in comfort and understanding, "Your people need you, and you cannot help them if you aren't well rested," such words had been spoken to him countless times by his other advisers, but it was Mahod's next statement that had Atem convinced, "She would want that," it was then that Atem's gaze snapped to Mahod's, a look of understanding on his expression.
A moment of silence passed before his gaze fell to the ground, slowly nodding his head as his eyes closed. Throat clenched as his heart pounded, knowing that what Mahod spoke of was true; it would have been what Kaija wanted, "Very well..." he finally spoke, lifting his head and looking his dear friend, "But the search does not end. Have guards searching for her at all times."
Mahod nodded, "Of course, my Pharaoh," he gave Atem a small bow before shouting out commands to the a small squad of men. In the meantime, Atem was escorted back towards the palace by Seto and Isis, small words of assurance spoken to him as the rode.
By the time Atem had made it back to the palace, he practically needed to be carried to bed, his legs exhausted from riding for so long. He would rest, but he would never stop.