Epilogue
The announcement of Atem and Mahad's union was announced to the city after court had adjourned. They returned to the Throne Room in the afternoon for a private celebration. They talked, laughed, ate, and drank as they discussed the union.
"Of course you will share a bed," Siamun said. "And Mahad, you will also assume the duties of a pharaoh in addition to your other duties."
Mahad's heart pounded upon hearing that. His marriage to Atem would make him a pharaoh as well. It was a matter he never gave a thought to when he fell for Atem.
"Mahad, I'm curious," Seto said. "That spell Mana tested for you. Why did she do that?"
"It wasn't her first choice. She had asked to switch bodies but the Blood Ties makes it so I can't use such spells on myself unless it's with the pharaoh."
"I see." Seto smirked.
"You still find it amusing that I was in her body briefly."
"Yes and as you and the pharaoh are tied, no one else can be pharaoh for a day."
"That doesn't disappoint you, does it?" Mahad cocked an eyebrow.
"Not one bit."
Isis came up beside Seto. "Perhaps we could switch, Seto."
Seto looked at her in surprise. "What?"
Mahad smiled slightly. "That would be…interesting. My question is would you like to switch bodies or genders?"
"Bodies," Isis said firmly and quickly. "And perhaps reverse it in the morning."
"What!?" Seto yelped.
"I could do that. I suspect I can't perform magic without hands so if I'm to switch you now, it would have to wait for morning to be reversed."
"Then do it, Mahad," Isis asked.
Mahad put a finger on Isis' forehead and another on Seto's forehead before chanting the spell. He saw both of their eyes go blank for a moment before returning to normal. He lowered his hands and stepped back as Isis and Seto stared at each other."
"Oh, gods," Seto gasped in Isis' voice, staring down. "I'm a woman."
Isis smiled in amusement that seemed odd on Seto's face. "Get used to it, Seto," she said in Seto's voice. "Night has fallen." She pointed at Mahad who was a wolf again.
Seto moaned. "You couldn't have let me voice my preference?"
"Well, what would you have said?" Isis cocked an eyebrow.
Seto then blushed before saying softly, "Bodies." He blushed harder as everyone gently laughed.
Atem snuggled his back against Mahad's stomach and Mahad draped a foreleg and back leg over the black wolf's body. "Well, confessing our love went smoother than I thought. Of course being tied together certainly helped."
"Mmm," Mahad murmured. "I'm a little nervous about being a pharaoh."
"I'll help you in those duties. I'll start by describing them tomorrow. The official ceremony isn't for two days."
"Thank you, Atem."
"You're welcome." Atem closed his eyes. Despite Aknadin's betrayal, he felt his life was complete. He had a life partner and in two days, the city would be ruled by two pharaohs. Oh, yes. I am quite happy.
There was much celebrating in the Throne Room two days later. The citizens talked, ate, and watched the entertainment. Various citizens would approach the steps to offer best wishes and congratulations to the couple.
Mahad felt a bit uncomfortable in his new clothes. Even though he was still a priest, he was required to be dressed as a ruler. He shifted slightly in the throne beside Atem's; it was so strange to be sitting above everyone. You better get used to it, he told himself. Siamun will come out with a crown soon and you'll be a pharaoh. He felt Atem's hand on his and looked over.
"I know how different and strange this is for you. Just know that I'm here to help."
"I appreciate that, Atem."
The doors opened and the people stood as Siamun entered, a crown gleaming in his hands. He ascended the steps and turned to face the crowd. "Welcome to this happy occasion. We are here to celebrate the happy union of Pharaoh Atem and Priest Mahad. As tradition dictates, it is my duty to crown a new pharaoh and his wife. I am proud to add to that tradition: The crowning of the pharaoh's life partner." He turned to Mahad and gestured. The priest stood and knelt as Siamun lowered the crown. "Priest Mahad, by tradition and duty I name you Pharaoh Mahad." He placed the crown on Mahad's head. "Rise, pharaoh."
Mahad stood and Siamun and the people kneeled before him. He saw Atem tilt his head, indicating he should address his subjects.
Mahad cleared his throat. "It pleases me that you all support our union and I promise to rule to the best of my ability." He sat and the crowd chanted his new title. He felt good at being addressed thus, though strange as it sounded at this time. He knew then that he wanted to make sure that the people lived long happy lives. Atem and I will do everything possible to make that happen. After all, our reign could be eternal.
The End