Disclaimer: Yu-Gi-Oh isn't mine. If it was, I'd be as rich as Seto Kaiba himself. (Well, probably not, but you get the idea…) And this fic is beta-read by Pamster. Thanks a lot to her for checking it and her advice, and the fact that she added in little bits of text here and there.

Author's Note: Marriages in Ancient Egypt weren't like they were today. It was more of a formal binding affair like a legal contract, giving the woman some legal protection. They were able to marry as long as the man was able to prove that he would be financially able to look after her and any kids she produced. So take a guess at what happens in this chapter and the next.

Summary: A piece of parchment can tie down a person, making them obedient. Set plans on this to work as he holds a social gathering and makes his move, ignoring Atemu's latest demand.

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Chapter 23: The Contract

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Several days later, Neith was unaware of Set's plans as she crossed his room, fluffing a cushion between her hands. She had seen him glancing at her conspiratorially with that mentor of his, but as soon as she had looked at them they had fell quiet. There had to be something going on, but what? Sometimes, it was better not to ask.

She noticed that Set was looking at her from beneath the covers of his bed, after which he leaned back his head and smirked at her. She smiled and came up to him as he leant forwards, allowing her to place the cushion behind him.

"And how are you this fine morning, lotus?"

"Oh, I'm doing fine. And you're getting better, I see. You'll soon be back on your feet in no time," she replied, running a hand gently across his left shoulder and seeing his sceptical look. "I know, I know. You're not dying. And soon you'll be in more of a position to dominate me. I know you'll be looking forward to that, if nothing else."

He looked away from her and at the wall, smiling. She felt him then tug on her dress, pulling her down to sit next to him. She did so, and what he did next caused her to freeze. Her eyes fell upon the silver-winged necklace that his opposite hand pulled out from beneath the covers, and she felt inwardly pleased as he held it out to her, his palm facing the ceiling.

"Did you think I would forget your birthday, my dear? I am not so much of a cold-hearted man that I would forget that one special day in my love's life." He nodded towards the necklace that she took from him. "That's why I wanted to give you this."

"It's beautiful."

Her hushed voice was one of amazement as she held it up to the light. It was wrought from silver, with two feathery wings emerging from a horned disc.

"I know. It used to belong to my mother." He looked at her, noticing the look on her face. "It's all right. She would have wanted you to have it. Try it on."

"Thank you. She must have been a wonderful woman," she whispered quietly.

"She was. I think she would have liked you a lot, Neith."

Silence filled the room, Set looking at her expectantly as she took off the golden point she wore and placed it on the bed, replacing it with his gift that meant so much to him. Her heart still needed time to recover from the shock that he had given her something so precious. Not just that, but she also knew that it must have taken him a lot to do such a thing.

"It looks beautiful on you. Come here." She leaned in closer and he held her close, a lone hand stroking her hair. "I don't mean to have you looking after me on your birthday. You have my heartfelt apologies."

What an adorable sentiment.

She allowed him to hold her close, all the while keeping an eye on his injured leg. He really was one in a million.

"It doesn't matter. To be here with you makes me happy."

She rose up from the embrace and delicately ran her hands over his bandaged leg. Carefully, she unwound the bandage from around his leg, setting his foot once more on the pillow. Once done, she reached to the side of the bed to unlock the gilt wooden chest, placing the used dressing into the chest and fetching out one that had been freshly soaked in comfrey.

"Now lie back and let me take care of my little baby," she smiled, elevating his leg and wrapping it in the bandage, whilst he shot her a sharp glare. "I know. You're not a baby, but I do care for you. I just get worried."

"I know. Lotus? What would you think of a wedding contract?"

His voice brought her to a stop and she almost let go of the bandages.

"A contract?" she whispered quietly, shocked.

"Think about it; it's a good idea. We'll be able to spend more time together, our future will be more secure and be rest assured that I'll be able to provide for any children that we produce – "

"Children?"

The room fell silent again.

Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, she remained quiet as she blankly wrapped his leg with the new bandage. Her mind was trying to untangle his words, though they had come out perfectly clear. He was looking at her, she noted, expecting an answer. Was this what she really wanted? Had Isis been right all along?

Sometimes you're so caring, and at other times I feel like I don't even know you, she thought.

Finishing off the dressing, she sighed as he looked at her, still waiting for her answer.

"You're taking an awfully long time to decide, lotus. It's really quite simple. Yes or no."

"It's a big deal, Set. I'll have to give up so much, and I'm still needed at the temple. If we do this, I won't be able to devote myself fully to my duties."

"Of course I know that!" He then waved his hand dismissively. "But I also know that I can make you happy. Do you remember the fun we shared together, drinking Per A'a's wine? Your laughter was like music to my ears."

She knew the truth in those words, and she did want him, but she was worried.

"If I say yes, will you involve me in any and all of your future plans?"

"Neith…" He sounded unsure. "I don't want to put you in harm's way."

"I'm a big girl. I can look after myself."

"I know, and that's why I like you. The gods only help those who help themselves." He then smiled. "Come here, let me hold you for just a moment."

She did as he said and shuffled up the side of the bed on the floor, embracing him with an arm. He did the same, and she did not move at all as his fingers danced at the back of her neck. Maybe he was right, perhaps she did need some stability in her life. He could offer her something that she needed.

"If I said yes, would it make you happy?"

"You mean…?"

She nodded, feeling his arms coil around her, whispering of love and promises of eternal devotion echoing in her mind. Perhaps this was what she needed.

--

Later that morning, she poked the smelly side of beef with the curved knife she was holding, her nose wrinkling in distaste. Disgusting. Foul. Smelly. Gods, she felt as if she was going to throw up! Why was it all the nice foods smelled as if they came from the Afterlife?

The table was decked with food eaten only by the upper classes: beef, fresh fruit, and copious amounts of wine. There was also a bowl filled with freshly baked bread, as well as Set, who stared at her from across the table.

"What's the matter? Isn't it to your liking? Or are you disrespecting my hospitality? Perhaps, as master of this house, I should punish you for such disrespect," he commented, putting his chin on his hands. "But then again, you'll soon be the mistress of this house. Hmm. What to do, what to do."

She glared at Set, who smirked back.

"I'd rather poison myself and be done with it."

She then grinned, lifting a slice of beef onto her plate. Her face then fell when she heard deep chuckling. Why was he laughing? He never laughed; it was out of the question.

"You are a feisty one! I'm glad. It makes breaking you in as my wife a lot more fun. And as I recall, you weren't complaining of being punished the other night, you bad lotus," he smirked, her cheeks burning.

"Are you comparing me with a horse? How dare you!" she snorted back, indignantly chewing on some bread.

Set was indeed an arrogant man, but she guessed that was part of his charm. Why change him? She was happy for once in her life. Set, Set, Set. She felt like a giddy young woman in love. Except, this man was High Priest to the Pharaoh, no less!

"Yes I am, priestess. Now be quiet and eat your food. Perhaps it'll shut you up, for a while," he muttered.

She looked at Set, seeing the arrogant smirk on his face as he broke his bread and dipped it in the beef juices. It was like he knew something she did not.

"What are you up to? You've got that look on your face again, my dear. I really don't know how I put up with you."

She was chewing on the beef as he raised his head to look at her.

"You'll get used to it. You will have to, for you shall find that you'll have no other choice. I have already moved things forward," he replied, simply.

Moved things forward? Moved them how forward, exactly?

She looked at him, and he was eating his lunch as if nothing had happened. Why was he so calm?

"What do you mean by that?"

She finished off the beef in her mouth and stopped eating. She was watching Set as he looked at her, a victorious smile on his face. Great, he had planned something without telling her, again. How nice it was of him.

"Seeing as we are going to be married, I have invited your mother down here to meet your prospective groom. I believe congratulations are in order, my dear wife-to-be," she heard him state, her bread dropping with a thud to the table as she was bored into by his ice-blue eyes.

Her mother? Here?

"But first we shall have to talk to my master. He deserves to know, though he probably does already, seeing as he possesses the Sennen Eye."

--

Later that day, once they had finished dinner, the two of them were seated before his mentor, to whom he had just delivered the news. And the old man, who he had looked up to for several years, had taken his news with a thin smile and a 'congratulations'. He knew his mentor meant every word, but they were both too alike. Both of them were quiet stoics, and this proposal of his had been his mentor's idea.

"Have you had words with her family?" he was asked, causing him to nod his head. "I thought so. You move like the desert wind once something catches your interest. What about you, Neith? Would you like to have them here?"

He looked at his intended as she nodded. Of course, he had to involve her family. Rights dictated it, after all. She was also thoughtful to the point of madness and would see it as being rude if they were not informed until after the ceremony. He himself looked forward to having her move in with him; to get her away from those vapid giggling girls she called friends. They were not good enough for her.

Once she has a child she'll be unable to see them. The baby will take up all of her time.

A smile appeared on her face as he clasped her hand lovingly.

Now all I have to do is meet the family.

--

Several weeks later…

"You didn't have to do this, you know. We could always have gone up to Per-Bast. But thanks for bringing them down. You truly are a thoughtful person."

She looked up at her tall husband-to-be, and she smiled when he wrapped an arm around her waist, his face unfathomable.

Several weeks earlier, she had been told that he had invited down her family of his own accord. Perhaps it was for the best; his leg was just starting to heal. It was no wonder that he had used his authority as Hem Ntjr Tepey to get them to come down to his abode for a private summons. And now he was holding a small, personal and private party for the two families of the intended. Well, her family anyway. At least she still had her mother. Set's mentor, the nearest thing he had to a father, was sitting on a chair, observing all that happened.

And now she found herself here, hanging on the arm of the man she loved as they attempted to involve her three relatives in the proceedings. In regards to the contract, a groom had to approach the family of his intended. And she was sure that her honoured mother and two uncles, from her father's side, were happy to have been informed.

"It was nice of me, yes."

"Of course it was! I know how much you value your privacy." She smiled and looked at her mother, who was now talking with Akunadin as Set bit hungrily into a peach. "It seems to be going well so far, don't you think?"

They both watched on as her two uncles walked over to sit next to her mother. It was a man's duty to look after their women, after all. Now that her father had passed on, they saw it as their duty as her next male relatives. No doubt Set's mentor was proving that his charge could financially provide for her and any other children that they produced. Food, shelter, and any and all amenities would be provided for, but they desired this in a legally binding contract.

She also knew that such a move, although born from love, would improve her status amongst the hierarchy. She was not a total social pariah.

It doesn't do for a woman to be single and childless.

She was now getting used to the idea of children. Isis's vision did not frighten her so much anymore. Or so she tried to tell herself. Once the time came, she did not know how she would react. They were two consenting adults. Something was bound to pop up sooner or later.

"Yes. Now all we have to do is for me to file the necessary paperwork. And then we can get down to business. I look forward to warming our martial bed." His voice held a suggestive tone and she protested in surprise.

"Set! My mother's in the room!"

He ignored her shock and bit into his peach, which he had commandeered from the Nubian slave that was waiting on the small gathering. She immediately walked after him when he strode over to where Akunadin was seated with her family.

"Welcome. As you can see, this is the boy I've been raising. Well, taught anyway. He's a fine upstanding man, perfectly suited for your daughter."

"Please, sir. You make me sound like a prize cow." Set coolly glanced down at his mentor, as she looked down at the table.

"Is that the contract?" she enquired.

Her mother nodded.

"Your intended was kind enough to have it drawn up for us."

Oh, he was, was he?

She looked down at the table, thinking about how much of her life would be tied down onto a piece of papyrus. Just how could one piece of parchment change her life?

--

Feeling somewhat tired, Set grunted as he carefully lowered himself onto his bed, trying not to put any weight onto his bad leg. He had taken his leave and had managed to walk all the way to his room, where he intended to rest. His precious lotus would soon be his. All he had to do was get this contract signed and that would be it. If he was a normal person, that is.

Atemu gets a ceremony, so why can't I? I can conduct it myself.

He smiled as Akunadin entered the room, watching his mentor as he pulled up a chair beside the bed and sat down.

"Set, spit it out. Silence shall not be your shield with me. Speak now."

"It's nothing much. I'm just thinking about what this shall mean. So many things will be expected of me."

Akunadin nodded, clasping his furrowed hands in his lap. He closed his eyes, savouring the silence. Why was it suddenly so quiet? His eyes flickered open, and he found himself glancing sideways at his old mentor.

A scroll was placed onto his lap and he glanced down at it, an eyebrow raised in surprise.

"What is that?"

"That is a summons from Per A'a. He desires that you bring yourself and your lady friend to his wedding ceremony, to present a united front." Akunadin then caught sight of his sceptical face. "Very well; that's all right. I shall inform our ruler that you are still in no fit state to travel. What he doesn't know won't hurt him."

"Thank you," he whispered quietly.

"But I am glad you're doing the right thing with Neith. Having a wife will elevate your status at court, as shall any children the two of you produce. A pure bloodline is still an important thing, as it should be."

He fell silent, feeling Akunadin's gaze upon him and the bitter nostalgia in the old priest's words. Why was it when the two of them talked this closely he felt at ease? It was almost as if they were like father and son, not mentor and student. Atemu's ceremony could wait. It was not as if anyone would want him there. And he was more than happy to stay away.

And to then tell them my own good news, he thought smugly.

"Yes, it shall be interesting, I admit, to see the reactions of our colleagues. I trust that you shall be conducting the ceremony yourself?" Akunadin's voice echoed, the Sennen Eye gleaming as he nodded.

"I want it to just be the two of us. She deserves something special and I need someone to keep an eye on her family while they stay here."

"I understand. I shall see the two of you when you return. So, you're getting married at last. I never thought I'd see the day my student found love."

"Found love?" He smiled. "Why yes, I suppose I have. And now it's only a day or two away from my grasp."

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