Keep You Safe
#
The sun was beating on the desert sand as the people walked around the market place. Mana was walking alongside her master as they were getting a few things for the palace. Mana knelt down as she noticed a small child crying.
"What's wrong little one," she asked.
The child had injured their hand on a piece of wood that was sticking out from one of the stands. Mana summoned her wand and used it to heal the child's hand. The child stopped crying as the pain stopped. The child was in shock but then smiled before thanking her. Mana returned the smile as the child ran off to their friends nearby. Mahad stood there watching his apprentice with a smile. Mana and Atem were engaged to be married and so far; she had been proving to be a great queen when she and Atem tie the knot.
Mana stood up watching the children run off to play. Mahad chuckled as she turned to him. They continued walking along to get a few more things before they had to return to the palace. Mana was examining a fruit that they were looking to buying. She didn't notice a noble man was watching her from a distance.
"Sire," said one of his men, "we are ready to move out."
"Who is that woman there," the noble man asked.
The man looked to see Mana paying for the fruit once she was sure that it was good enough for her beloved. The man watched as she and her master walked away heading toward the palace with what they were needing for their lessons and some snacks for the Pharaoh.
"I do not know sir," the man replied.
"I want that woman as my bride," said the noble, "I want you to bring her to me at once."
"Yes sire," the man replied as he bowed to his master.
#
Atem had finished his duties for the day now and so he was free to do what he wished. He walked down the hall deciding to walk around the palace grounds. He looked to see that Mana and Mahad had returned from shopping. He smiled at the sight of his friend and betrothed. Mahad took the groceries to where they were needed to go. Mana nodded as they exchanged farewells. Atem took this chance to sneak up on her from behind.
He wrapped his arms around her waist. Mana smiled knowing that it her beloved since he was the only one that would do this. She turned around in his arms smiling at him.
"Hello my king," she said.
"Hello love," he replied, "but you do know that you don't have to call me that."
"I know but it's hard to break a habit like that," she replied.
Atem chuckled before he captured her lips. She returned the kiss happily. They pulled away as their need for air took over.
"How was the market," he asked as they walked.
"It's was nice," Mana replied, "a lot of people were there today."
"That is good to hear. Did anything exciting happen?"
"No, nothing of the sort, but I did heal a child that had suffered an injury on their hand though."
"I see, well that proves to me that you will make a fine queen Mana."
"Are you sure that about this, I love you and I would love to marry you but I don't think that I'm queen material."
"Nonsense love, you are perfect and will make a wonderful queen. I cannot see another woman that I would want at my side."
"If you say so my love but still I think that a princess is much more suitable for you. You deserve the best queen in the world."
Atem stopped causing Mana to stop as well. He reached over and took both of her hands in his. He stared into her large emerald eyes taking in their beauty.
"Mana, I've chosen you to become my queen because I love you and I wish to be with you for as long as I live. You are the only woman that I wish to marry and have rule this kingdom at my side. I do not need a princess; I only need you Mana. Do not doubt yourself for you are worthy of the title as queen."
Mana smiled at his words. Atem always knew what say to make her feel love. Atem reached up and stroked her cheek tenderly.
"Sire," a voice called.
They looked to see Seto standing there. Mana groaned knowing that duty calls for Atem. Seto bowed as he explained there was a noble man there to see Atem.
"Very well," said Atem, "I will be there shortly."
"Yes of course sire," said Seto before he walked away.
Atem turned to Mana and kissed her before walking off. Mana watched him walk off wishing that she could get more time alone with her betrothed.
#
Atem entered the throne room to see a man that he didn't care to deal with. This man was the eldest son of the family and was spoiled rotten by his parents. Atem never cared for him since he always turned any conservation they had toward himself. Atem knew that he had to be diplomatic at the moment. He fought back the urge to have this man thrown out. The head of the family which was his grandfather was a good man and Atem didn't mind doing business with him. The two of them got along well.
"Hello, what do I owe this visit," he asked.
The young man turned to him while smiling. He bowed in greeting. Atem returned the bow in respect. He knew that the young man only acted this way toward him because it was beneficial to be on the Pharaoh's good side for his family.
"Hello sire," said the young man, "I've come here because there is a woman that works for you that I wish to have as my bride."
"Oh," Atem said with a raised brow.
"Yes, I've come to see if I could possibly take her as my bride."
"Who is it that you have your eye on," Atem asked, "just know that I will not force her to marry you if she chooses not to."
"I only wish to meet her and get to know her for myself."
#
Mana was working on a spell that she needed to perfect before she could take her exam to become a master magician. A man walked toward her as she was focusing her energy. The man studied her carefully wondering why his master could want this woman as his bride. He cleared his throat causing her to open her eyes.
"Can I help you," she asked.
"Yes," said the man, "my master is in a meeting with the Pharaoh at the moment."
"I see, do you need directions to find the throne room?"
"No, actually my master wanted me to find you."
"Find me what for?"
An uneasily feeling was starting to wash over her. There was something wrong here. Why would a noble want her? As far as she was concern; she wasn't noble herself and the only man of nobility that could ever want her was Atem. She eyed the man carefully watching him as though he was a predator that would strike at any moment.
"Yes,"
"Why would your master want to see me?"
"My master would be honored if you agree to become his bride."
That was something that she wasn't expecting. She was to become Atem's bride and no one else's. She glared at the man as she stood up to her feet.
"I'm sure that your master is a good man but I am already betrothed to another," she replied, "please tell your master that I refuse to accept his proposal."
"I'm sorry but that isn't up to you," the man replied before launching at her.
Mana jumped to the side avoiding his grasp. The man turned around and went for her again. Mana summoned her wand and swung it forward pointing at the man's face. The man froze as her wand was in his face. Mana stared him down as she took a step forward.
"Tell your master that I am not interested of become his bride," she said glaring him in the eye, "and this is not a request but a demand. If you come anywhere near me, in order to force me to marry your master then I'll turn you to stone."
The man nodded slowly. Mana removed her wand but didn't take her eyes off him in case he went to make another grab for her again. Once she was sure that he wasn't she turned around and headed inside to inform Atem of this.
#
Atem's rage was boiling over as the young man described his Mana. This man wanted to marry his Mana! Atem would never allow it. Mana was his and no other man can have her. She was going to be queen of Egypt not some noble's wife.
"Do you know of such a woman," the young man asked.
"Yes, I do," Atem replied through clenched teeth, "but I'm afraid that you cannot marry her."
"What do you mean sire?'
Atem stood up from his throne as his rage was reaching its boiling point. This man will not have Mana if he could help it. Mana is his betrothed and he would make sure that she remains that way. He walked toward the man who seemed to be unaware of the anger that was radiating off him. The young man of course never could tell when he wasn't wanted or when someone was tired of him. Atem gave him a hard glare allowing his anger to show even more now.
"You will not marry that girl, do you understand me," he growled.
"But why not," the man asked still unaware of the rage that was pouring out from the Pharaoh.
"She's engaged to another and therefore is unavailable."
"But, I am sure once she gets to meet me then she will agree."
Atem knew that Mana wouldn't want to marry this man. She would find him very annoying and self centered. There was no way that she would go for this man. If he continued to insist then Atem would take drastic actions toward him and maybe his family as well. The door opened and both men turned to see a man walking into the room.
"Forgive my intrusion," he said, "but sire we must return home."
"What already, but I was about to…"
"It's best you leave," Atem said clenching both his fists and teeth.
"Fine then," said the man, "I will return and I hope that you will arrange a meeting between me and my future bride."
The man walked off leaving the room. Atem spun around on his heel before slamming his fist against the wall by his throne. That man will not touch his Mana. There was no way that he would allow him to marry her. The door opened again and a servant came in with Seto. Seto could feel the dark aura that was radiating off of the pharaoh.
"Is something wrong sire," he asked.
"Seto," said Atem turning to his advisor, "please bring Mana to me at once."
#
Mana was blowing off some stream after that encounter with the man. She was annoyed that someone thought that she would become their bride by force. She promised herself to Atem and him alone. She stopped when she heard footsteps walking toward her from behind. She spun around before swinging her wand forward thinking that it was the man from earlier.
Seto held up the rod to prevent her from hitting him. Mana gasped when she realized that she almost attacked a member of the royal court.
"I am so sorry master Seto," she said getting down to her knees.
"On edge, are you," said Seto, "never mind that now, the pharaoh wishes to see you at once in the throne room."
"Yes sir," Mana replied getting up to her feet slowly.
Seto nodded and gestured for her to follow. Mana nodded before following him down the hall toward the throne room. They reached the doors and Seto made a gesture to the guards to open the door. The guards nodded before they opened the door. Mana stepped into the room to find Atem discussing something with Muran.
Mana could tell that Atem was angrily about something. She wondered if something happened to upset her beloved. Muran nodded as Atem ordered him to do something. Muran bowed before leaving the room. Mana stepped to the side to let him pass. Atem let out a sigh before he looked up to see his love standing there.
He stood up from the throne and walked toward her. He wanted to keep her safe at all cost even if that meant his life. He reached her and pulled her into his arms while nuzzling his face into her hair. Mana wrapped her arms around him as she could feel him shaking with rage. She closed her eyes and used a spell to soothe him.
Atem could feel his rage wash away as he held her in his arms. He knew that she using a spell to help him calm down. Mana didn't have to use a spell since her presence alone was enough to soothe him. He pulled away and sighed.
"What's wrong Atem," Mana asked.
"Mana, there is something that I wish to discuss with you," he said.
He explained about the meeting he had with the noble and what he wanted. Atem could feel his anger returning as he explained this to her. Mana placed a hand onto his shoulder in an attempt to calm him. When he was finished his blood was boiling. He looked to see that she wasn't shocked by the news. Mana nodded before she spoke.
"I already know that," she explained, "one of his men tried to take me but I threatened to turn him to stone if he tried it."
"Mana," he said grabbing her hand, "I want you to stay at my side. I'm sure once we're married that he won't try anything."
"But what if he tries to…"
Atem pulled her into his arms again and held her close to him. Mana wrapped her arms around him. Atem wouldn't let that man anywhere near her if he could help it. If he had to then he would keep her at his side if that was the case. She was going to be his wife and no one will get in the way of that. Mana could feel the tension in his body leave him as she held him.
"I will not allow him to have you," he said, 'I will fight for us for as long as I can. I will marry you Mana and no man will take you away from me. Please remain at my side for now love."
"Atem…of course I will stay at your side. It'll take a lot to tear me away from you my love. I am yours and only yours, I will always choose you over any other man."
#
Mana and Atem's wedding was in a few days but unifornitaly Atem had to leave to another country to discuss trading with the neighboring country. Mana stood there watching as his ship left port to head for the country. She wasn't able to go with him but at least she would be safe at the palace during his trip. Atem looked out as he watched the image of his beloved fade away. He had told himself that next time he would take her with him.
Mahad walked toward Mana once the ship was completely gone. Seto and Shada had been chosen to go with the pharaoh during his journey. Atem had informed Mahad of what he had discussed with the noble man that wished to take Mana as his bride. Mahad promised to watch over Mana while Atem was away. Atem had wanted to take her with him but the plans for this trip were made much earlier before they learned of the current situation.
"Let's go Mana," said Mahad, "we must return to the palace now."
"Yes master," Mana replied before following behind her master.
They walked toward the horses that waited for them. Most horses didn't care for Mana since they found her to be a little much at times since she had high energy which was off putting to them. Mana walked over to the only horse that actually likes her which was Atem's horse. He couldn't bring it with him so it had stayed behind. Like its master the horse loves her. The horse nuzzled her face. Mana smiled at the stallion before climbing onto its back. The horse walked off following behind Mahad's horse.
The horses walked through the desert sand as they left the ports. Mana looked ahead to see the capital not far ahead. The horses strolled through the city heading to the palace. Mana tried to act proper since she was the people's future queen in a few days. She hoped that Atem would return soon in time for their wedding.
The guards that stood guard at the gate opened it to let them through. Mahad dismounted and handed his horse off to a stable boy. Mana got off her horse as well before handing it off to a stable boy that was a friend of hers.
"You look like a real queen," he teased before walking away with the horse behind him.
Mana rolled her eyes at him as he walked away. She walked into the palace behind her master. She saw Isis standing there. She bowed as she greeted the older woman. Isis gave her a kind smile before asking Mahad if she could have a word with him alone. Mana and Atem had thought that they were a secret couple and would tease Mahad about it.
Mana giggled before deciding that she would head to her room to rest since it was late and even though the pharaoh was gone there were things that needed to be done. Mana prayed for the day that Atem would return from his trip.
Return to me safety my love.
#
Isis led Mahad to the throne room where the other members of the court were there. They still needed to run the kingdom while Atem was gone. They all gathered around and discussed what needed their attention while the pharaoh was gone. Muran was acting as the leader until Atem made it home safety. Once everyone had their assigned task they were dismissed. Isis had asked Mahad to stay back since she had something to discuss with him in private.
"What is wrong Isis," Mahad asked.
"I foresaw the pharaoh's return," Isis explained, "but he does not return to the palace right away. I foresaw someone kidnapping Mana and when the pharaoh learns of this he goes off to find her."
"Did you see who it was that captures her," Mahad asked.
"No, I did not but I do know that whoever it is they will try to force themselves onto her."
"Try?"
"Yes, the pharaoh finds them and saves her. I believe that Mana is in danger and since she is the Atem's bride then we must keep her safe at all cost."
"I agree," Mahad replied, "the pharaoh has told me that someone wishes to come between him and Mana. He had made me promise to keep her safe while he is gone."
"I suggest that we have guards escort her around and outside of the palace until his return."
"Yes I agree."
#
Mana sighed as she finished her training for the day. Atem had been gone for two days now and already she missed him. She wanted to be in his arms and to kiss him but she couldn't right now. She hoped that he would return soon. The boat ride would be a three day journey there and back both ways. She knew that it would take a while until he comes home to her.
She decided to head to her room for a break from the hot sun. She walked off with the guards that Mahad had assigned to guard her behind her. She had no idea why he insisted on her having them. She was sure that Isis had a vision in regarding her. She reached her room and stepped inside while the guards stood outside. She noticed two female servants were in her room with flowers and something that caught the sunlight one of their hands.
"What is this," she asked.
"Gifts from the pharaoh," a servant replied.
Atem would send gifts to her room. Mana had told him not to do this but he didn't listen. She knew that Atem loves her and that he would give her the world. Atem spoiled her with all the gifts that he had given her. She smiled wondering she was going to do with him. For her the gifts were nice but she preferred to be in Atem's presence. She would rather have him than anything else in this world. The servants placed the gifts onto her desk before leaving the room. Mana closed the door behind them. She walked over to see what her beloved had given her this time. She saw her favorite flowers and a beautiful necklace that had a green gem to match her emerald eyes. Atem had said that her eyes were beautiful and that he found himself getting lost in their beauty. She smiled as she picked up the necklace.
"Atem, you are so romantic," she said a loud.
She had a servant bring a vase for the flowers while she wore the necklace around her neck. She traced the outline of the necklace with her fingers. She smiled as Atem's face appeared in her head. She sat down onto her bed staring at the flowers on her desk. Atem must have them brought to the palace before he left for the neighboring country a few days ago. She knew that royalty and nobles would court their desired partner with gifts.
Atem didn't need to court her. She gave him her heart without expecting any gifts from him, the only thing that she expected in return was his love. She lay back onto her bed looking up at the ceiling wondering if he would keep doing this after they were married. She had no doubt that he would do that. She knew that no what matter he would give her anything. She had decided that she would be his queen and didn't need anything else from him.
#
Mana rode through the capital with her master and a few guards. She had yet to learn of Isis's vision regarding her and that was what Mahad had wanted. He felt that if she knew then she would go looking for trouble as she usually did. They came to a halt as a noble man's carriage pulled up in their path. Mana looked to see the noble that Atem was talking with a few days ago sitting in the carriage. She looked to see the man that she had threatened on the driver seat. She glared at him causing him to turn around from her.
"What is the meaning of this," Mahad asked, "you cannot block the road like that."
The men that were walking along side the carriage just stood there. The noble ordered one of his men to open the door. The man moved forward and opened the door. The noble stepped out from the carriage and smiled at Mana.
"Hello there," he said.
"Hi," she replied as a feeling of unease was washing over her.
The noble walked toward her and took her hand before kissing it. Mana shivered in disgust only Atem was allowed to do that. She pulled her hand back while trying to hide her disgust for his action. Mahad moved his horse closer toward them watching them carefully. The noble gave her another smile before he spoke again.
"You are very beautiful," he said, "I would like you to become my bride."
"Thank you, I am sorry but I must refuse" Mana replied, "For I am promised to another."
"Sir," said Mahad, "please return your carriage it mustn't block the road like that."
"Do not speak to our master in such a tone," a man shouted.
The noble ignored Mahad only giving his full attention to Mana. Mana tried to get her horse to walk around him. She didn't want to be anywhere near this man. One of his men cut off her path. Mana sighed as she reached her hand behind her back and summoned her wand in that hand. Mahad had noticed this but didn't say anything as he made his own wand appear in case they had to defend themselves.
"I insist," the noble said walking toward her, "I treat you with respect and promise to shower you with gifts. You can have whatever you want and more."
"Sorry but no," Mana replied coldly getting ready to strike when the time was right, "I am happily engaged and I will not leave my betrothed for another. I do not care if you can give me everything. I do not love you and there is no reason for me to agree to your proposal."
The man's eyes flashed with rage. This girl was refusing him! No one could ever refuse him. He snapped his fingers and the next thing that Mana knew was that she was knocked off her horse and onto the sand. Her wand went flying out of her grasp flying a few feet away. Mahad cried out as he got down from his horse. He ran toward her but was cut off by two men. The noble walked toward Mana smirking down at her.
"You will become my wife," he hissed, "I won't take no for an answer. Take her away now!"
Mana reached for her wand hoping to call it to her but something hard hit her in the back of her head as she lifted it up. She could only watch as her world went dark. Mahad was trying to get through the two hulking men holding him back before he used his magic to send them flying back. He ran toward them to see Mana being carried into the carriage with the noble man. He held up his hand getting ready to use a spell when someone knocked him down from behind.
He looked up to see the carriage pulling away. He tried to get up but something was pining him down to the ground. He looked to see the two men pinning him down. He murmured a spell under his breath causing them to end up flowing in the air. Mahad stood up and walked toward them. He was going to question them to learn what was going on.
"Now tell me what is going on," he asked.
#
Atem had finished his meeting in the neighboring country earlier than expected and was on his way back now. It would take a few hours before he could arrive back in Egypt. He was relieved to return home and see Mana again. He missed her deeply and couldn't wait to her hold in his arms again. He was focused on getting back her than anything else at the moment.
He could hear the captain of the ship barking out orders to the crew. Atem was sitting in his cabin staring down at a map of the river that they were traveling on. He heard a knock on his door. He looked over and called for whoever it was to come in. The door opened and Seto appeared in the doorway.
"We've reached the port sire," he said.
"Yes thank you Seto," Atem said standing up to his feet.
Seto bowed before walking off. Atem left the cabin and headed toward the deck. He looked to see the desert sand as they headed into the port. He couldn't wait to return to the palace and see his betrothed after so long. The ship reached the port and Atem noticed that none of his other advisors were there to greet them. He found it strange that not one had come to escort him back to the palace. Seto and Shada had found this strange as well.
"Where are they," Shada asked, "They should have send someone to meet us."
"They weren't informed of our return this soon," Atem pointed, "perhaps they are unaware of our return."
"That shouldn't be the case," said Seto, "I've sent word that we were coming back early so there should be someone here to meet us."
Did something happen at the palace?
That thought crossed Atem's mind. Was there an attack? He had to get back and find out for himself. He had to find Mana and make sure that she was safe. He snapped out of his thoughts as he heard the sound of a horse's hooves running on the sand was heading toward them. Atem looked to the side to see his horse running toward them. The horse stopped a few inches away from them. It held back its head as it cried out.
Atem walked over to the horse and noticed that there was something hanging on one of the hoops that was made for someone to put their foot through. Whatever it was shining in the sunlight or what was left of the light as the sun was setting. He removed it to see that it was a golden necklace with an emerald gem in the center. He recognized this necklace. He had it made for Mana and made sure that it was given to her when he departed.
Something told him that Mana was in danger. He jumped onto the horse surprising the two men that were accompanying him.
"Sire," Seto cried out in surprise.
"Something must have happened to…"
Before Atem could finish his sentence a voice called out to them. Atem looked to see Mahad riding on his horse with sand on his clothes and a few bruises on his skin. He looked as though he was in a fight. He made his horse come to a halt once he had reached them.
"Mahad, what happened," Atem asked.
"Forgive my king," Mahad replied, "Mana and I were running some errands when a noble man appeared and took her."
"What," Atem roared, "which way did they go?!"
"North my king," Mahad replied, "I've questioned two of his men and learned that he plans on marrying her."
"Seto, Shada, go back to the palace and get some help," Atem ordered, "Mahad, you and I will go after them and get her back."
"Yes sir," the three men replied.
Seto and Shada had two horses brought to them and climbed onto the horses before taking off toward the palace. Atem and Mahad took off toward the north heading toward the noble man's home. Atem was furious and he was going to show that man just how mad he was.
#
Mana woke up to find herself in a room lying on a large bed. She groaned as she sat up holding her head. She looked around the room not recognizing anything in the room. This told her that she wasn't back at the palace. She got out of the bed and walked toward the door. She grabbed the handle and opened the large doors. She stepped out to see that the halls were empty. She walked along the halls trying to make since of her surroundings.
She came to a balcony and stepped outside onto it to feel the cool breeze of Egypt's night sky. She looked out to see a beautiful garden filled with several herbs flowers and other plants.
"Where am I?"
"Ah you're awake," said a voice.
She turned around to see an elderly man standing there with a cane in his left hand. Mana had seen this man before. He was the head of the family and had done business with Atem many times. The elderly man walked toward her slowly.
"You are quite the looker," he said, 'when my grandson claimed to have found himself a bride, I was a little concerned since I know that he likes to force his desires onto others."
"Well he has this time," Mana replied, "I do not wish to marry him."
"I see, then tell me girl," said the man, "have I seen you before?"
"Yes sir, I am close to the pharaoh," Mana explained.
"I thought so; you're very familiar to me. If you're one of the pharaoh's advisors then I must apologize on behalf of my family for my grandson's rudeness."
"Please sir, could you arrange a ride home for me? I need to return to the palace. The pharaoh will return soon and will be furious if I am not there to greet him."
"Tell me girl, are you and the pharaoh lovers?"
Mana placed her hand to her chest as Atem's face entered her mind. Atem was the one person in the world that she couldn't be without. She swore to remain at his side no matter what. She would go back to the palace to wait for him.
"I am his betrothed. I swore myself to him and him alone."
"His betrothed," the man cried out, "this isn't good that grandson of mine has done it now. The pharaoh will break down our door once he hears of this."
"Sir, I'm sure that Atem won't blame you for your grandson's actions. He respects you and will not hold you accountable for this."
Before the man could say anything the young man stepped forward while smiling at them. Mana glared at him daring him to come closer.
"I see you meet my grandfather the head of our family," the young man said, "grandfather what do you think of her. Isn't she lovely?"
"What have you done," elder cried, "the pharaoh will have your head for this."
"Why would he," the young man asked, "There is no need to worry about that. There would be no way that he would…"
A cry of a horse echoed throughout the night sky. Mana turned to see Atem riding toward the house with Mahad right behind him. The elder's face turned pale at the sight of rage burning in Atem's eyes. This was bad and no doubt there would be punishment coming their way.
"Atem," Mana cried out happily.
Atem had his horse jump over the gate and landed into the garden. Mana climbed onto the railing of the balcony. The elder called out to her to stop but it was too late. Mana jumped down from the balcony calling out his name. Atem looked up to see her falling toward the ground. He had his horse run toward her as he called out her name.
Once he was beneath her he held up his arms catching her into his arms. Mahad had managed to force the gate open by this point to see his pharaoh catching the girl. Mana wrapped her arms around his neck as she pressed her lips against his. Atem returned the kiss happily glad that she was safe and unharmed.
"You aren't hurt are you love," he asked once they pulled away.
"No, I'm fine," she replied, "I'm so happy that you came for me."
"Of course love, I will always come for you."
Atem looked over as footsteps could be heard running toward them from the entry way of the home. The elderly man and his grandson appeared in the doorway with several guards at their side. Atem gently set Mana onto his horse before climbing off and stormed toward them. He grabbed the young man by the collar of his shirt while giving him a hard glare that could put the fear into the gods themselves.
"I've told that you will not have her," he snarled, "You will be punished for your actions."
"Why would you care for some present girl," the man asked, "she's is of no concern to you."
Atem punched him in the face causing blood to shot out from his nose. The man fell onto the ground. The guards were about to step in when the elderly man held up his hand to stop them. Mana climbed off the horse and ran to Atem's side with Mahad right behind her.
"It is my concern when you take my betrothed," he bellowed, "if you came anywhere near Mana again then you will be thrown into the dungeon. Do I make myself clear?!"
"Your betrothed," the young man cried.
"Yes, Mana is to be my wife and I will protect her do you understand me?!"
"Atem stop," Mana cried grabbing his arm, "That's enough please."
Atem looked at her before he let out a sigh. He turned to her and pulled her into an embrace. Mana wrapped her arms around him.
"Next time, you're coming with me," he said, "I will not leave you behind again."
"Oh Atem," she replied, "We did not know that he would do this. Do not blame yourself my love. This is not your fault."
Atem looked to the elderly man standing there watching them. He glared down at the man before turning to the elder again.
"I will let you deal with him," he said, "but know this if he comes anywhere near my betrothed again then I will show him no mercy."
"Yes, I understand my king," said the elder, "my grandson will not bother you again nor will I allow him anywhere near the palace."
"Thank you," Atem replied, "let's go home Mana."
"Right," she replied still holding onto him.
#
Mana walked down the alley to see her beloved standing there at the altar smiling at her. Today was the happiest day of her life. She was finally going to marry the love of her life. She reached the altar and took Atem's hand that he had out for her to take. He helped her climb up the altar as the priest started the ceremony. Atem looked so handsome wearing his formal attire. Everyone was there to join in the celebration.
As the priest kept speaking their eyes and thoughts were of each other. Mana was happy to finally to marry him. Everything had led up to this very moment. She had been wanting this day to come. She was now his wife and no one could come between them. Atem was happy after so long he finally was marrying the girl of his dreams.
She was everything he could ask for in a woman and that's all that mattered. Mana was his best friend, his heart, his strength and his world, there was no one else like her. He couldn't see himself marrying a princess. It had to be Mana; there was no one else but her. The priest had finished and they kissed. The priest introduced them as king and queen of Egypt.
The room cheered with joy. The newlyweds walked off exiting the room with their arms laced together. Once they exited the room Mana turned to her husband smiling. Atem returned the smile before capturing her lips. She returned the kiss happily.
"I love you Mana,"
"I love you too Atem."
#
The celebration after the ceremony was under way. Atem and Mana sat there watching the entertainment that was prepared for tonight. Atem reached over and grabbed her hand. Mana smiled at him as she held onto his hand. Everyone was laughing and was having a good time. Atem was glad that everyone was enjoying themselves. He was enjoying himself too but he wanted to be alone with his wife at the moment.
He knew that they had to wait until later for when it was just them. Mana's things had been moved into his room since it was much bigger. They were going to share his bed from now on which neither of them were complaining. Atem stood up and clasped his hands together to get everyone's attention. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the pharaoh and his new wife. Mana looked up at her husband smiling.
"Thank you all for coming to join me and my new wife in celebrating our union," he said, "I would like to thank you all for your gifts and for joining us on such a wondrous occasion. Please enjoy yourselves."
Everyone clasped and cheered as he sat back down. Mana reached over taking his hand in hers. Atem smiled at her which she returned. He chuckled before leaning forward to place a kiss upon her lips. She returned the kiss happily.
"I love you," she said.
"I love you too," he replied.
#
The celebration was over and now it was just them. They walked into their bedroom. Atem lifted her up into his arms causing her to cry out in surprise making him chuckle in response. She looked up at him smiling then giggled.
"Atem," she said, "I can walk."
He chuckled as he set her down onto the bed and captured her lips. She didn't complain as she returned the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he climbed onto the bed leaning over her. They pulled away after a few minutes. Mana smiled up at him as she stared into his beautiful violet eyes. Atem leaned down and kissed her again.
"I'm not letting you sleep any time soon Mana," he said as he started to kiss her neck.
Mana's face turned red at his words. She had wanted this to happen when they tied the knot and now that it was happening; she was a bit nervous. There could be a chance that he might not like what he sees and would be disappointed.
"Sure about this," she asked, "you might not like what you see."
"Nonsense love," he replied pulling away to stare into her eyes, "I could never be disappointed in you. I love you and I know that you are very beautiful. I wouldn't want this if I wasn't sure about it. You are my wife and I love everything about you but if you aren't ready then I can wait."
"No, I am," she replied, "it's just…"
"Relax Mana, I promise to go slow if you are nervous. We don't have to go too fast. I'll go as slow as you want me to."
Mana reached up and touched his cheek. Atem placed his hand over hers. She sat up and captured his lips. He returned the kiss gladly.
"I trust you, I want this and it to be only you," she said, "I love you my husband."
"I love you too my wife."