Nedjem Bit
(Sweet Honey)
chapter 3
By Sakata Ri Houjun

Rating:  R
Pairings:  Seth/Kasiya [Seto/Jou] Mentions of other pairings will spring up throughout.
Spoilers:  Egyptian Arc only [Very slightly]
Disclaimer:  Ha. Ha. Ha. No.

Warning: Yaoi. Mentions of abuse and rape.

AN: Do any of you still remember this fic?  If you've been waiting to read more, you're extremely patient and I dedicate this chapter to all of those delighted readers who've been anxiously awaiting this third installment.
I chalk up the delay in the death of a muse. [may he rest in peace]

Summary: The High Priest muses on the behavior of the youth that chanced into his keeping while a young scribe recollects about the speculations of the priests on Seth's recent actions.

Through the ornate hallways of the palace, the young scribe wandered, his long hair swaying as he moved, the sparkling beads woven within the shimmering ebony clinking together. The tucked linen that swathed his hips caught the waning breeze that wafted through the passageway as sandaled feet slapped softly against stone. At his side, a pouch trimmed with gold hung, bearing proudly the elaborate seal of the royals, the contents within rattling almost musically in time with the hair ornaments. He felt like humming a tune, but knew to keep quiet while traversing these hallways. It was not his place to make much noise; a scribe was meant to listen and not be seen unless summoned.

That was something of a skill valued with those in charge of the written word, an ever-silent presence to be responsible for the dictation of everything from the most mundane of tasks to the life-altering laws of daily life.  And in his pouch, he carried a shefdew that held every intimate detail of the recent meeting between the revered Pharaoh and his priests as they discussed the recent developments in threats received from a particularly dangerous individual.  But it wasn't so much the meeting that held his interest as it had been the whispered discussions after the High Priest Seth departed company to the privacy of his chambers.  The scribe knew well enough to keep his personal opinions out of what he wrote, only clinging to the facts that were represented and to be preserved with his skillful hands, yet he could not help but wonder - as humans are want to do – if perhaps the Hem-Netjer-Tepey's true age was finally revealing itself despite the prestige his position held.

The young Pharaoh's advisor, Shimon, could only ascertain that the High Priest was still dealing with the massive blow dealt to his pride from his defeat at Mahaado's hands at the last training session.  But even the scribe knew that to be faulty guesswork at best in hopes of sparing Seth disgraceful ridicule.  The high royals engaged in nothing less than an elaborate dance of politics, deadly as it was alluring.  It would take a great fool to turn their back on duties and deceitful colleagues, and certainly the High Priest was not such a fool.  So then why had he forgone certain duties to remain secluded within his chambers?

The scribe had his suspicions.  After all, one did not rise to such a position of importance by carelessly ignoring all words spoken around him in idleness.   He had heard the rumors floating amongst the servants about a youth secreted within the High Priest's chambers.  There was much speculation as to the reasons the boy was there.  Most tended to be nothing more than useless gossip that was easily dismissed, but even the knowledgeable scribe had no explanation for this undue phenomenon of compassion from the otherwise stoic man who was seated in a position of inscrutable power.  Taking an injured youth into one's personal chambers, especially one obviously of low birth, could cause more harm to Seth then good, despite how noble the cause might be.

But although such a thing would have the clout to upset the precarious ledge such a revered individual might tread, there was not one malicious or ambitious enough among the Pharaoh's followers who would scheme to replace the High Priest in his coveted role.  An outsider might think it had something to do with the loyalty the Pharaoh had to those of his blood, keeping protection over family above all else, but the scribe knew that there was a prefect balance of power within the current hierarchy.  None of the priests who stood guard over all of Egypt and her ruler desired Seth's position.  Though he could honestly admit that there was a rather less than benign sensation surrounding the eldest of all priests, Seth's father Akunadin.  But the young scribe merely assumed what he sensed was a trace of envy at seeing his nephew on the throne instead of himself.  But such was the delicate structure of power between kin, no matter which empire you visited.

As the scribe rounded a corner, he skidded to a halt, slender legs carrying him to the side to avoid the guards that were patrolling this corridor.  His jade eyes followed the armed men as they passed by, holding no malice or jealousy for their profession, instead revealing an earnest curiosity as he watched the muscled figures move.  He spared them one glance more before continuing on his way, immediately bumping hard into a previously unnoticed figure, the treasured contents of his bag scattered to the ground as the strap jarred loose from his shoulder.

Fearlessly he gazed upon the human obstruction, eyes instantly widening a heartbeat before they were lowered in respect, warmth spreading along his skin as he realized his error.  "My apologies, Hem-Netjer," came his voice, soft in reverence to the priest who stood before him.  The scribe at once kneeled down and began gathering up his belongings, thanking the gods that ink had not spilled from their containers to soil Shadi's clothes.

"There is no reason to fret, Ottah," came the dulcet tones of the Sennen Key bearer.  "No harm was done.  Just remember to keep your eyes forward from now on."  Shadi waited until the scribe had finished cleaning up the accidental mess created from their collision before continuing.  "The Per-a'a actually requires of your services as of this moment.  He awaits your arrival in the outer room of his chambers."

With full understanding of the message delivered, the scribe bowed his head, hands showing a sign of utter respect to the priest before nodding and moving off down the corridor, ready to serve his ruler to the best of his ability.  Shadi remained where he stood, watching until the sesh disappeared before a slight smile curved onto his lips.  Then he continued onward to his destination, readying a second message he knew was of utmost importance.  What news he bore was not meant for a mere sevant to relay, but something of grave consequence to be delivered in person to Seth and no other, for if they failed in their endeavor, the repercussions would be severe.

Nearly one phase of the moon had passed, since Seth had acquired the boy and though Kasiya's outer wounds had begun their healing, the emotional scars ran deeper than balms could reach.  Nightly he had the boy summoned to his chambers only to watch over the blonde before sleep claimed him into her dark embrace as well.  Seth's days were kept busy with his duties, so the young priest had always made certain that one of his most trusted servants was always in attendance in his absence, returning to Kasiya's side the moment he could get away.  It was through Aziza's observations that Seth learned anything of the boy's adjustment.  Seth had saved Kasiya not to have him feel imprisoned or to withdraw like a fragile creature seeking sanctuary from the garish light of day.  But despite his intentions to draw out the beautiful blonde from his shell, it had been nothing less than exactly what he had done. All this had bothered the young priest from that first morning afterward.  Looking up from his scrolls, he watched as the object of his proclivity stepped into his room, Aziza leaving after a curt bow.

'Tonight, by Ra, this ends! He will open to me.'

With silent steps, the blonde approached the High Priest and immediately kneeled by the stool where he was seated, slender legs curled underneath his body and hands braced against the floor in support.  Kasiya's gaze sought out the fall of rich purple-dyed linen, focusing on the folds in the beautiful fabric as he waited for brunette's words to come.  That initial night, confusion had shown in his honey gaze, but every night after, they were void of emotion, almost lifeless.  And Kasiya forever gazed solely at the High Priest, drawn to every regal movement the taller man made.

By the time the sun revived him from the darkness of dreamless slumber, he would discover himself alone in the massive bed with some servant waiting nearby with food and fresh clothes.  Despite the fare laid out for his indulgence, Kasiya only partook of bread and milk, picking lightly at his meals.  Then he would perch himself just inside the balcony, knees drawn to his chest and staring out silently, as though he were scanning the horizon cautiously for imminent danger yet fearing to venture out too far lest he be spotted. Only would be bother to leave his self-appointed post to relieve himself or when Aziza arrived to bathe and dress him up in preparation for Seth's return.  He would always look up when Seth addressed him and would watch him mutely, as though waiting for the High Priest to give him some sort of command.  And, and always, Seth would have to direct the blonde to his bed, not to take him but to envelop him in that wondrously comforting scent and lure him into a sleep.  Kasiya came to the eventual conclusion that he had gone from being a servant of pleasure to a doll – no, a puppet for Seth to admire.

The brunette looked down at the kneeling teen, eyes watching the play of dying light along the gleaming strands of sun-kissed gold, his heart aching in a fearsome need that he wished to answer.  "Why are you not happy here?"

Kasiya started at the sincere tone, certainly not expecting that question.  "I...do not know what you speak about, My Lord...  I'm happy beyond words can describe..." His voice was soft, hesitant, fingers flexing momentarily upon the polished stone of the floor.

Reaching out Seth gently grasped Kasiya's chin in his hand, fingers curling against the masculine curve of his jaw, and drew the teen's face upward, staring deeply into his amber gaze, searching for the answers to all the queries hidden deep inside his very soul.  "You think I do not know how you spend your days, gazing into nothing, silent as though death had claimed you. At night you come as summoned to my chambers and you remain quiet, choosing to hide the life I sense in you."

Honeyed eyes widened as the blonde stared back unwaveringly.  Though he had grown used to possessive gentleness inherent in Seth's touch, it was those fathomless eyes he truly feared, forever hypnotizing him and sending the blonde's heart racing as swiftly as though fear had ensnared him.  Even should he want to, Kasiya could not deny anything to that piercing gaze, the near soulless depths that chilled straight to the soul yet ignited a faint flame within the heart.  "My life belongs to you...  I am yours to do with as you please..."

"It would please me to see you happy, to show the life I know you have. The gods surely weep as their desert rose wilts," Seth returned, his page-worn thumb stroking gently across one bronzed cheek lightly, finding a near satiny feel to the touch.

Something inside Kasiya's chest ached at the High Priest's words, his breath hitching in his throat as he attempted to fathom what he was feeling.  "I am happy, My Lord..."

The High Priest shook his head in sadness as a sigh escaped him.  Perhaps this was to be a never-ending dance between them, an eternal fount of words that his chosen companion would murmur, assuming it was what he wished to hear.  "Your words say one thing but your eyes tell another story."  Carefully he brought up his other hand to caress Kasiya's cheek, ensuring that the intense connection established between their gazes would not be so quickly broken, eager to know the true spirit of the blonde youth that had been long-suppressed.

Kasiya remained where he sat, utterly still but for the faint tremor that worked its way through his body, unable to even blink lest he break the near-tangible bond linking their eyes.  "You saved me...  I am happy...  What more can I do to convince you of this since my words do not seem proof enough…?"

"I desire you to speak, to live.  I saved you for that."  Seth paused, contemplating the true depths he was pushing himself towards, knowing full well that if he allowed himself to even begin to admit to how much sway Kasiya held over his heart that it would spell a sociable suicide amongst his peers as well as his family.  But he could no longer bear the silent death that was slowly claiming the prize he had discovered and uttered the words he knew to be the truth that was destined that day in the market.  "I saw in you someone to complete me if given the chance."

Kasiya's eyes once more widened at Seth's words, something distant shimmering in the golden depths as the soft statement pierced through the walls of his heart, offering him more hope than he'd ever felt.  "You...need me...?"

"Is it hard to believe that you are wanted?  That day in the market, the Gods guided me to you because I needed you, and indeed when I saw you I felt drawn in. So I took you from that place and tried to heal you, but my desert rose continues to wilt."  Hands still cupping his face, he drew Kasiya up, helping him stand as he continued to gaze unwaveringly at the disbelieving blonde.

Kasiya's heart thundered against his chest, the movement of his speeding breaths barely noticeable as he stared at the High Priest, drowning in those impossibly blue eyes.  "I...don't understand...  If you want me...then why...?"

"Why have I not taken you?  Make no mistake, I do desire you so, but I want you to give of yourself willingly and until that time I wait."  That vow was thick with unspoken words of affection, promising a whole world that was bright.  Slowly, Seth rose from his seat and stepped back to capture one of his hands.  Eyes still trained upon Kasiya's gaze, the Scepter Keeper drew that scarred wrist to his lips and laid gentle fleeting kisses against the faint marks of imperfection that peeked out from around the band of gold.

The blonde opened his mouth to declare that he was forever willing, that if anything more, it was all he ever was raised to be in this world.  But all words died on his lips as Seth paid gentle homage to the rough lacework of pain that encircled his wrist, breath hitching in his throat at the action.  With utter confusion, he watched as the High Priest kissed one of the many painful reminders of what he was, the presses of those soft lips gentle and warm.  Unable to fathom the fulfilling warmth that blossomed in his chest, Kasiya finally turned his face away, tearing eyes from the tender sight he beheld, his bottom lip trembling.  "I...  I am unworthy of such attention, My Lord..." he murmured, voice wavering, trembling as much as his body was.  "I am just a nobody..."

Keeping his hold firm yet gentle on the roughened hand, the priest reached out and drew Kasiya's face forward once more.  "Shh....  No more of this nonsense...  You are more then you know.  Let not the lies of an infidel sway your heart."  His voice was stern but not hard since the priest spoke with true conviction of his soul.

Kasiya stared up at Seth, confusion swirling in the gold-flecked depths, his whole body trembling.  He had never been looked at in this way before, only in lust, like the object he believed himself to be.  But if what Seth said was true...  Desperately, he wanted to find out, to know if he were more than just an object to be used and tossed aside until the next night.  But how would one ask the Hem-Netjer-Tepey for a kiss?

Almost as if to answer the unspoken wish, the taller teen leaned down to claim Kasiya's lips, the blonde in turn tilting his head to receive this desired gift about to be bestowed.  His heartbeat thundered in his ears, leaving the youth to think that he would surely die in sheer anticipation, keeping his warm-hued eyes open and trained on Seth's chilling azure gaze so as to not miss a beat of this moment.

But an instant too soon it ended before it begun, a resounding knock vibrating off the resilient wood of Seth's door.  At once the moment was forgotten, snapped like a fragile thread.  Kasiya was the first to turn his head, a bright splash of crimson coloring his tanned cheeks as those wonderfully open eyes became shrouded behind his hair.  For half a heartbeat, Seth's gaze reflected sadness and regret, for he had come so close to opening his companion's heart to the glorious light he could offer.  But with the start of a second round of knocking, that emotion was wiped from his eyes, replaced with the calculating coldness that he presented the world.

As Kasiya moved like a silent shadow to kneel beside the bed in patient uncertainty, the High Priest rounded upon the door, his cloak snapping at the air as he pondered the pitiable soul who dare intrude upon his privacy, knowing that whomever it might be better have a suitable excuse less they face the wrath of the very Item he carried faithfully in service to his cousin.  But at the appearance of Shadi standing in utter tolerance, unfazed by the stormy countenance of the Hem-Netjer-Tepey, Seth decided to grant his companion a slight boon of graciousness since Kasiya had put him in a mood of generosity.

"What brings you to my doorway tonight, Shadi, when I have specifically required that none disturb me?"

The older priest bowed his head in apology, eyes shifting momentarily to fixate on the youth kneeling beside Seth's bed.  Instantly he knew this was the one mentioned previously by Shimon, the quiet servant that Seth recently had acquired for no apparent purpose.  But just as quickly he banished all thoughts concerning the blonde and returned his full attention on the tall youth before him that was still awaiting his answer.

"I bring you news about the prisoners we picked up a month ago, My Lord," he murmured smoothly, voice betraying no indication of the precarious situation at hand.  For indeed it would be unfortunate should Atemu discover their dangerous secret.  "It seems that some have developed way beyond the boundaries you initially suspected and have succeeded in escaping using their released abilities."

Seth's lips pressed into a tight line of annoyance, a brief sigh huffing through flared nostrils.  These were signs that he was upset yet still holding back from immediate retaliation.  Shadi had to wonder for a moment if that was for appearances or for the sake of the easily forgotten blonde that never moved from his spot.

"A minor setback," Seth muttered before stepping back into the room, sparing hardly a glance at Kasiya as he replaced his headdress securely atop the dark chestnut tresses and wrapped long fingers firmly about the Scepter.  "I will lead a small contingent of soldiers and see to it personally that each and every one of the escapees will not find such an opportunity again."

Shadi calmly met Seth's hard eyes, nodding in compliance before allowing the High Priest continued, leading the way out his chambers, his subordinate following.  "The sake of all we hold dear is dependant on the success of this endeavor and I will not suffer to allow fools to jeopardize that."

With that, the doors closed with an echoing throb of noise as Seth made his terse exit, leaving behind one who now had a look into the life of his savior and something to contemplate about in his solitude.

Vocabulary

Shefdew - papyrus scroll

Hem-Netjer – priest [literally Gods' Servant]

Ottah – name meaning 'born third' [bet you can't guess who this was]

Sesh – scribe [also means 'to write']

Phase of the moon – about a week's time