A/N Yu-Gi-Oh doesn't belong to me...
A/N I'm sorry that this chapter took me so long to post. I've been under quite a bit of pressure lately between home and school, and things keep going downhill. But me being the duck that I am, it rolls of my back quickly, and I'm soon back on my feet, fixing problems and making the best of a bad situation. Oh, there's also the fact that I couldn't post this chapter until I was truly happy with it.
Yugikid: I also really like the way that they turned out as a couple. It's almost as if their relationship has had a mind of its own when it came to writing this story.
Josephine Jekyl: Oh, what movie is that from? I can see the scene in my head, I can see the character, hear his voice... Oh wait, I got it: George of the Jungle.Ha. You don't need to tell me the movie title anymore. Oh, and the dark magician/Mahado thing? I actually knew that. I've seen the Japanese episode where that took place. (Albeit in Japanese with no subtitles, but it was pretty easy to figure out.) But again, I needed to twist the facts to fit the story. And don't apologize for pointing out factual inaccuracies. I kind of enjoy reading your reviews and how things actually happened in the series.
While Atemu and Safiya prepared for the day, the palace was bustling with excitement as servants and royals alike made last minute preparations for the anniversary celebration, which was to celebrate both the Pharaoh's and Queen's wedding anniversary and the success that they had ruling the nation over the year. All in all, the first year of Atemu's and Safiya's reign over Egypt had been a glorious time for the nation, for they had brought both peace and prosperity to the land. When they were not honing their skills in the shadow games, they had been busy fulfilling their royal duties; and in a single year, the two had changed Egypt for the better. They were able to unite many villages and tribes that were once quarrelling and they had restored harmony to the land. They also fed those who were hungry, watered those who were thirsty, and tended to those who were wounded. The Egyptian people loved their Pharaoh and Queen for what they had done, and they intended to show their approval at the celebration.
The anniversary celebration was to take place in the palace common, which was a vast open area covered only by a thin canopy that could be rolled back, weather permitting. And while the women were busy hanging colorful banners and flags, the men were busy rolling the canopy back since the weather looked promising. The sky was overcast, just enough to block out the overbearing sun, but not enough to make the day dark and dreary. The scent of rain drifted with the warm breeze, and a gentle shower fell every now and then, refreshing everything it touched. The combination of cool rain and warm breeze was something that did not occur often, but it lightened the heart of every Egyptian, giving them much needed relief from the scorching desert heat.
Safiya had temporarily abandoned hope of finding suitable clothing, and was standing on the balcony of their quarters, observing the weather. "Oh Atemu, the weather is absolutely beautiful. I can't remember the last time we've seen a day like this." She breathed in deep, relishing the sweet aroma of rain. She felt strong arms wrap around her waist as Atemu came to join her.
"You're right." He kissed the back of her neck. "Let's hurry and get you dressed so we can see if there's anything we can do to help."
She nodded her agreement and turned to face him. He had already dressed himself for the celebration, and she looked him up and down, impressed. He was wearing a floor-length robe of emerald-colored silk with black bands running down its length. A golden sash crisscrossed over his chest, wrapped loosely about his waist, then fell down the front of the robe to the floor. About his bare shoulders hung a long violet cape with golden trimming. He had chosen to wear his traditional headpiece, decorated with the symbol of the Millennium eye, and all of his gold had been polished, including his rings, arm bands, headpiece, and dia diank.
"Well, someone's going all out," she mocked playfully. But before he could respond, she grabbed the front of his robe and pulled him in for a passionate kiss.
"That was unexpected," he said, breathless. A smile played upon his lips. "Unexpected, yet very much appreciated."
"I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself. You look that good."
He bowed low to the ground. "I'm glad you approve." He rose and looked her in the eye. "And now, we need to get you dressed."
"Oh, I have just the thing in mind," she said excitedly. "You wait here. I want it to be a surprise."
As she hurried past him and made her way to her wardrobe, Atemu looked out over the palace grounds. He could only see part the common, but what he could see looked magnificent. There were bright colors everywhere and people were hurrying about, putting the food and wine in their proper places. He gazed out over the common for almost half an hour before Safiya came to join him once again.
"So, what do you think?"
Safiya's voice startled him. He turned to look at her and he liked what he saw. When she had his full attention, she spun slowly, allowing him to see everything. She had chosen an elegant form-fitting robe of the same material and color as his, with the same black bands down the sides. A golden sash was wrapped loosely about her waist and hung to the floor in both the front and the back. The cape that graced her shoulders was shorter than his and was azure, not violet, but it did have the same gold trim. She wore a headpiece similar to his, although she had left her long white hair down and it obscured the sides. And like him, she had also polished all of her gold.
After a few minutes of intense observation, he stepped toward her and placed an arm about her waist in a possessive manner. He then pressed his lips to hers and kissed her hungrily.
When he finally pulled away, she was left at a loss for words, so she repeated his own words back to him. "That was unexpected." She paused, before adding, "Unexpected, yet very much appreciated."
Following her lead, he repeated her words back to her. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself. You look that good. No, you look even better."
Her smile grew in size until she could no longer contain it and she began to laugh. Atemu quickly joined her, and their laughter echoed throughout the halls.
"It's going to be a good day," he said finally.
"Yes it is. Now let's go get it started."
"Indeed," he agreed, holding out his arm. She placed her hand in his arm and followed as he led her down to the common.
When they arrived at the common, it was apparent that the festivities had begun without them. People were beginning to gather, partaking in the abundant food and wine, and there were even a few brave individuals dancing to the sprightly music.
Atemu smiled in spite of himself. He was glad to see his people enjoying themselves. It was not often that he was able to mingle with those who did not live in the palace, and he was looking forward to meeting his people, one on one. His guest list had included everyone from the high priests and priestesses to the lowliest beggars living on the streets. There was only one person who was not on Atemu's guest list, and he chose to attend, regardless.
A/N And the prediction prize goes to (drum roll, please)...Josephine Jekyl. I have yet to determine what your prize is, but I'm sure I'll think of something good. If there's anything you want in my writing (possibly a twist or character plug), let me know and I'll see what I can do.
