A/N Blah blah blah I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh blah blah blah so on and so forth

To my reviewers: Thanks you guys. You're all great. :sheds tear: I love you all, you're beautiful.


When Atemu awoke, Safiya was sleeping soundly. Knowing that she needed to sleep, he carefully rose from the bed, doing his best not to disturb her. He then put on his best robes and prepared for a big day.

As soon as he left his room, he encountered his guards. "Make sure that no one enters my room," he ordered.

"Yes, Pharaoh," the two answered simultaneously.

Atemu continued on down the hallway until he happened upon Seth. Seething hatred welled up in his soul, and he was about to say something until he remembered Safiya and his promise to her. He put on the best smile he could and greeted the priest. "Good morning, Seth. I trust all goes well?"

"No, actually, it does not." Atemu watched as a look of concern crossed Seth's face. "Safiya disappeared last night and I don't know where she could be."

Atemu bit his tongue. "I'm sure she will return sooner or later."

"I hope so. I don't know what I would do without her."

Images of Safiya's wounds conflicted so heavily with the concern in Seth's voice that Atemu literally choked on what would have been his response. He leaned against the wall for support, unsure of how to react to Seth's change of character.

"Atemu, are you okay?" He placed a hand on the Pharaoh's shoulder, in a gesture of concern.

Atemu brushed the hand aside and inhaled deeply, gaining his composure. "I'm fine, Seth. I'm fine."

Silence settled over the pair as they continued walking. Atemu thought of nothing more than Safiya and what Seth had done to her. Finally, he made up his mind. He was going to go against Safiya's wishes and take action, although probably not the action she expected. "I want you to know Seth that I have finally chosen a wife."

A grin spread across the priest's face. "It's about time. I thought you would have folded under the pressure long before now. It is not right for a pharaoh to rule without a queen by his side. May I ask who it is?"

Fear and concern flashed across Atemu's eyes, and were gone in an instant. "You may ask, but I will not tell. You will find out with the rest of my people." And with that, he quickened his pace and left Seth behind.

Atemu went on to find his council of advisors, seated around their gathering table just as they were every morning. He quickly took his seat at the head position and addressed his council. "I need you to gather the people. I have a very important announcement to make today."

One council member shyly raised his hand to speak. Atemu acknowledged him with a nod of his head. "Excuse me, Pharaoh, but may I inquire as to what this urgent announcement is?"

A broad smile spread across the Pharaoh's face. "I have chosen a wife." And with one swift motion, he rose from his seat and left the council members whispering excitedly to each other.

Atemu took his time in making his rounds. He informed everyone within the palace gates that he had chosen a wife, servants and royals alike. After a few hours, one of the council members approached him, bowing humbly. "Pharaoh, the people have gathered. It is time for your announcement." The Pharaoh smiled and followed the older man to the highest balcony of the palace.

When Atemu arrived, he found Seth waiting for him. Wherever the Pharaoh went, the High Priest was sure to be close by. Atemu neared the edge of the balcony and gazed upon the large crowd that had gathered to hear his news. When the people saw him, a large cheer erupted. Atemu laughed and raised his hands to motion for silence. After a few minutes, the crowd finally quieted.

"My people," he shouted in a strong, authoritative voice. "I have come before you to inform you that I have finally chosen a wife!" The crowd again erupted into cheering. Atemu raised his hands, motioning to the people that he had more to say. They quickly quieted. "I will bring her before you in five days time, when we will be wed." Laughing, he added, "And do not try to force information from those in the palace, for no one knows who I have chosen for my wife." With that, he turned and reentered the palace, leaving the people to talk amongst themselves.

Seth followed close behind him. "But Atemu," he whispered. "Why can't you tell me who you have chosen? If I'm not mistaken, I am still your closest friend."

Atemu could see the hurt look on Seth's face, and sighed. "You must wait with the rest, Seth. Be patient. I am telling no one; it's not meant to be an insult to you. Oh, and could you please inform the inhabitants of the palace that I will remain in my room for the next five days and am not to be disturbed? If anything arises, I trust you to deal with it as you see fit." Seth may have been a monster in disguise, but he was still trustworthy when it came to matters of politics. "You will be the only one that I will allow to see me, but do not consult me unless it is absolutely necessary." He stopped walking and turned to look Seth directly in the eyes. "I am not to be bothered with trifles, do you understand?"

The Priest stopped short, the Pharaoh blocking his path. "I understand, Pharaoh." Seth bowed his head and turned away to spread the news throughout the palace.