A/N I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, etc., etc., etc.
Chika of the high Mts: I don't have anything against Seto Kaiba, but I needed an antagonist in my story, so I chose the High Priest Seth Keep in mind that they are two separate beings, although they may be connected. In the second and third parts of this story, Seto Kaiba is his own character, and an all-around good guy... Well, as good as can be expected. But you're going to have to wait for me to get to that point in my posting. Oh, and the next few chapters will be longer.
Josephine Jekyl: Thank you for your awesome reviews. They make me smile. And since I liked your idea of a flashback so much, I havedecided to plugonein... but I think it's in the next chapter. Just be patient. I'm glad you're reading my story, by the way,and please take note that I have heeded your orders. Without further adieu, here is your update.
When he was sure that Seth was gone, Atemu turned and ran toward his room. He passed servants and council members who simply moved out of his way, knowing better than to question the Pharaoh's actions. As Atemu ran, tears formed in his eyes. His mind was racing with all of the happenings of the past few days. So much was plaguing him, and the only one who could listen was suffering pain on his account.
He slowed when he finally approached his door, and the guards stationed at the door turned to greet him. The taller of the two guards spoke first. "No one has entered your room, Pharaoh."
"Thank you," he answered, breathing heavily. "I informed the High Priest Seth to spread the word that I am not to be disturbed for the next five days. The only one who you will allow to enter this room is the High Priest himself."
"We understand, Pharaoh," replied the shorter guard.
Atemu entered his room and sat heavily on the corner of his bed, putting his head in his hands. Safiya was still sleeping, but he needed to speak his mind. "Saph, I'm so confused. My love for you and my trust in Seth are waging war in my mind. I have always trusted Seth with my life, and he has always been a true friend to me. But when I look at you and see what he is capable of, that trust begins to waiver." Safiya shifted beneath the bed sheets.
"My Atemu," her voice was soft and full of understanding. "You must not be angry with Seth. It is because of him that we are together."
When he turned to look at her, he found her cheeks to be stained with tears. He felt his own tears falling and he moved to lie beside her. "How can you be so forgiving? He nearly killed you, and yet you thank him."
She turned so that she could see him with her good eye. "Atemu, when life deals you unfavorable cards, you must play them to the best of your ability and hope to win the game. I never lost that hope, and I never will."
The two remained together in a comfortable silence for quite some time, Atemu deep in thought. Finally, he broke the silence. "Does it hurt Safiya?"
"Physically, yes. But emotionally, no. When you are here with me, my heart no longer aches." She looked deep into his eyes and found an unasked question there. "What are you thinking, my Atemu?"
He hesitated in answering, fiddling with his hands. "Safiya, if you'll have me, I would like you to be my wife."
"I would like nothing more." She reached out and placed her hand in his, smiling.
"It's good to see you smiling again. And," he added sheepishly, "it's a good thing you said yes, because I have already informed all of Egypt that I have chosen a wife." She stiffened. "What's wrong?"
"All of Egypt? If I marry you, that means that I am to be queen… I don't know if I am capable of handling that much responsibility."
He moved closer to her, and stroked her hair as he calmed her spirit. "Saph, ever since I first laid eyes on you, I knew you were different. You defend those in need of defense. You care for those in need of aid. And you remain strong for those who are weak. All of these are qualities that make a good ruler. You may play the part of a servant, but you have the heart of a queen."
Knowing that he loved her and had only the best in mind for her, she acquiesced. "So, when you told all of Egypt that we are to be wed, did you give them a date for the ceremony?"
He stopped stroking her hair and dropped his hands to his lap, fiddling with them again. His face turned a light shade of red as he answered somewhat ashamedly, "Five days from today?"
She laughed. "If only your people could see you now, hiding your embarrassment in the shadows."
A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "That is why I do not usually allow people into my private quarters, Saph." His smile broadened, and she couldn't help but laugh.
When the laughter subsided, they settled in next to each other and talked of their future from their upcoming wedding to her potential duties as queen to whether or not he would make a good father, and everything in between.
