Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! or Egypt. But as the usual rules go, everyone else is mine.
Aura stepped through her doorway turning abruptly to close the door. She leaned against the heavy doors, cradling her pained hand to her chest. Bakura stepped out of his room. Intending to win the fight they had started earlier. He stopped as he saw her expression.
"Aura?"
She walked over to her bed, sitting on its edge. She rubbed at injured wrist, angry with herself for how she reacted to Seto. Bakura came over sitting down next to her.
"Aurahkah what's wrong?"
"I let Seto get to me."
"You know better than that. What's wrong with your wrist?"
"I went to stop him and he grabbed it and twisted."
Anger was suddenly clear in Bakura's dark eyes. "He put his
hands on you?"
"Don't get angry there's nothing you can do about it. We don't need to give
Seto any pleasure from it all."
Bakura took a hold of her hand lightly massaging her slightly swollen wrist. Bakura thought about how much he would like to put his hands around Seto's neck. He imagined himself squeezing and watching in delight as Seto's still form collapsed. Aura's gasp of pain brought him back where he realized he had been squeezing her wrist. She snatched her wrist away from him.
"I'm sorry Aura. Please, let me see it, I want to help."
She offered her wrist to him and Bakura inspected it. Slowly he felt it but
there were no broken bones. There were some bruises beginning to form and
Bakura felt himself getting angry again.
As if Aura sensed his anger she said "Like I said, leave it alone, you can't do anything about it."
Bakura had a much different opinion but he didn't say anything. "Did he hurt you anywhere else?" Bakura asked gently.
Aura shook her head, her eyes filling up with tears. Bakura gently took her in his arms and rocked her.
"Shh sweetheart, it's okay."
"It was all my f-fault. I knew I s-shouldn't have said anything but he m-made me s-so made." She said crying in earnest.
Bakura held her head to his chest and allowed her tears to soak his shirt. When she was finished he kissed the top of her head.
Aura lifted her head and looked at the man she loved so much. Her heart swelled with love when he leaned down and kissed away the tears on her cheeks. She offered her mouth for a kiss and he immediately took it in a passionate, hungry advance that ignited the fires in Aura's body. But she also felt a warmth that she knew came from his love. Aura kissed him back and basked in the pleasantness of it all.
Relah sat in her room waiting for Yami to show. She gave the pretense of being calm but inside she was seething.
"My Lady." Said the servant.
"What?!" Relah snapped.
The servant flinched.
"What is it?" She said in a softer tone.
"I have a message form the Pharaoh. He says to meet him in his bedchamber in ten minutes."
Relah's eyes flashed. She nodded to the servant and he quickly left the room.
"How dare he!" she raged. "Order me to meet him! Well he can come to me!" She sat down on her bed to wait.
Yami was furious. He stormed down the hall, ready for the scene that was about to take place. She would fight him, he knew. But then she would see his side and she would submit. By Ra that woman would submit to him. He threw open the door to his bedchamber. She wasn't on his bed. He walked in the room but Relah was nowhere to be found. He checked the bath and even his study but his search was futile. He was even angrier now.
"How dare she disobey my order!" He roared. He had half the mind to beat her until she couldn't take any more and then put her to the use Ra intended. But first he had to find her. He called the slave into the room.
"Did you give Relah my message?" he asked.
The slave winced at the anger in his master's voice. "Yes my Lord. I did."
"Then where the hell is she?" Yami roared
"I-I don't k-know."
"Enough. I've had enough of incompetent slaves! Guards take this bumbling idiot to the dungeons and me a new slave. And find Relah!" he roared after them. He stalked past the sobbing slave and left the room. He paced the hallway and finally stepped in front of Relah's door.
"Ra help her if she's in there." Yami muttered as he threw open the door.
Relah was standing at the window, staring at the courtyard. The sight of her made Yami want to beat her and kiss her all at the same time. "Relah why didn't you come to my room?"
His beautiful temptress turned from the window and Yami saw that she too was furious. Her hair looked like it was on fire and her emerald eyes were blazing. She glared at him but didn't answer.
Her silence only intensified his anger. He slammed the door and locked it. "Admit Relah you are pushing me and right now I am prepared to make perfectly certain you can't sit down for the next month!" he roared. "Now answer me!"
Relah glared at him but she said, "I felt that I needed time to cool down before I talked to you my Lord." She snapped.
Yami was incredulous. "You needed time to cool down? What in Ra's name could have upset you?" he asked. "I am the one who's upset."
Relah's eyes flashed. "What reason do you have?" She shot back. "You should be ashamed of yourself. You deliberately let me believe you were going to give Seraph a chance. Then you tore her story to pieces, humiliated her and to top it all off you had the nerve to chastise me in front of the council."
Yami glared at her. "You had no right to-"
Relah cut him off with a look. She walked over to him and pushed him onto the bed. "Now you listen to me! You humiliated that girl in there! You humiliated her Yami! From now on she's under my protection. And furthermore I am not your slave. Do not yell at me in front of your council! You embarrassed me and made Seraph feel like she was a no-good thief. When you feel like you can address me as a human being and not some slave your order about come find me. Then and only then we'll talk!" Relah finished her tirade and walked out of the room slamming the door behind her.
Yami stared after her. "Dammit to hell!" he roared. He got up and went to his study. He would show her, he thought to himself. She wanted him to go to her but it wasn't going to happen that way! "She is going to come to me!" he thundered. "And when she does apologize I'll be very nice and accept her humble apology but I swear to Ra that she will come to me!" With those thoughts he sat down and began to work.
Relah roamed the palace trying to think of someplace to go. She was furious with Yami but she had no one to take out her rage on. Relah continued to wander the halls. She passed and Seto and thought about going to see Seraph. Then she realized the woman probably needed some time to regain her composure. Besides it will just make me more irritated with Yami. She needed to get rid of her anger, not make it even worse. She stopped and nodded to a couple of passing slaves. "I know", she thought. "I'll go see Aura. She'll understand." Relah continued down the hall until she came to Aurahkah's door.
Bakura leaned up on an elbow and watched Aura sleeping. She looked so peaceful. He looked at the pillow and sighed. Her wrist was looking much worse. It was covered with ugly purple and green bruises. Bakura's hand clenched into a fist when he thought about Seto touching his Aura. "Damn it I'll get him for that," Bakura vowed silently. "Someway I'll get him for touching you." He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. He loved the taste of her. Lowering his head he began trailing kisses all over her face, neck, and breasts. Bakura felt himself growing hard while he patiently waited for the sleeping angel to stir. Finally he leaned down and suckled her breasts.
Aura's eyes flew open.
He kissed the valley between her breasts. "It's about time you woke up. How are you feeling?"
"Mmm." Aura smiled.
"That good huh?" he laughed and nipped her earlobe.
"You've had your fun. Now it's my turn." Aura said, pushing him back on the bed.
He quickly complied and said, "You are the mistress. I am the lowly slave who-"
Aura silenced him with a kiss.
Relah stopped and knocked on Aura's door. No one answered. She knocked again and she thought she heard someone say come in. She opened the door.
"Aura I-"
Relah stopped and stared.
Aura was straddling a very shocked Bakura. They both stared at Relah who was staring at them. Relah quickly regained her composure because she slipped into the room, turned around and shut the door. Still turned around she said "Would you two mind covering up?" she asked mildly.
If the situation weren't so dire Bakura thought he would of laughed when he got over his shock and saw Relah's face…her eyes were huge and her mouth had been hanging open, exposing her tongue and teeth. Bakura didn't laugh though. Instead he grabbed the blankets and covered Aura up, then he pulled them over himself.
"Did you need something?" Aura asked calmly.
"Well I just wanted to talk." Relah said turning around. "But I can see that you're busy so I'll just come back later."
Bakura stared at her speechless.
"Are you sure?" Aura asked her.
"Yes. Please don't let me stop you from having fun. Aura when you're finished just let me know okay?"
Aura nodded and Relah turned to leave. She suddenly turned back and said, "I'm glad to see someone else allows the women to lead at times. It gets very tiresome having men lead in everything. At least this way we lead in bed." Relah opened the door enough to slip through and closed it behind her.
Bakura gaped at the door. "Aura?" he said finally. "Don't ever forget me okay?"
Aura stared at him and then burst out laughing. Bakura looked at her.
"This isn't funny. I don't have a lot of time left." He got up and quickly threw on his clothes. He was pulling on his shirt when Aura finally was able to speak.
"Kura where are you going?"
"Probably a night in the dungeon and this time tomorrow…" He stopped. "Do you have any regrets?" he suddenly asked.
"Regrets?"
"Yeah. Do you wish we never would have gotten together?"
Aura continued to look at him.
Bakura was exasperated. "Aura the guards are coming any minute. Now do you have any regrets?" He was serious.
Aura burst out laughing again.
"She's gone insane." Bakura muttered. "She's already insane with grief and I haven't even left yet."
"Bakura you aren't going anywhere."
"Aura." He said gently. "I know this is hard for you but-"
"No you don't understand. You aren't leaving."
Bakura shook his head. "The Pharaoh is going to dismiss you and kill me. Come on Aura, I'll help you pack." He began to gather her clothes from the floor.
"Bakura! Listen to me! You aren't going anywhere!" She yelled.
"But Relah saw us and she's the Pharaoh's woman."
"She won't tell. Don't worry."
Bakura wasn't convinced. "Are you sure?"
Aura nodded.
"Well in that case…" He threw off his clothes and climbed back into the bed. Aura laughed and rolled into his arms.
Thirty minutes later…
Aura looked at Bakura. "That was…indescribable." She said breathlessly. "I may have to have Relah walk in on us more often." She said smiling.
Bakura laughed. "Imp." He said smacking her playfully. He got out of the bed once again and got dressed. "Now about your dinner my Lady."
"Is it that time already?" Aura asked.
Bakura nodded.
"Oh Ra! I forgot about Relah. She wanted to talk to me." Aura quickly got up and got dressed.
"I'll have your dinner ready when you get back." He said.
Aura nodded and left the room.
Dakar paced his room infuriated. "How dare he?" he muttered. "He has no right to touch her!" He had witnessed the scene between Seto and Seraph. Even now it made him want too kill Seto. Seto has upset his mistress. For that he would pay. "Poor Seraph. She needs me now", he thought to himself. He opened the connecting door and walked into his mistress' room. Seraph was sitting on the bed. Her tears were dry and she had been thinking.
"My Lady?" Dakar asked. "Is anything wrong?"
"No, Dakar. Thanks for asking though."
"Are you certain. You seem upset." He hesitated waiting to see if she would tell him. When she didn't say anything Dakar walked over to her. He took her hand in his and began to stroke it. "I'm here whenever you need me, my Lady. For anything."
"Thank you Dakar. If I ever need anything I'll be sure to let you know."
It was a dismissal but Dakar chose to ignore it. "For anything." He insisted, still stroking her hand. "Even if it means protecting you. I would give my life for you Lady Seraphic."
Seraph looked at him. He was such a sweet boy. She thought of him as her brother. Her little brother but knew if she ever told him he would be crushed. If he wanted to be her protector, then she would let him. Seraph pulled her hand away.
Dakar looked upset but he smiled when she hugged him instead.
"I'm glad to know I have someone I can always count on, Dakar. And I'm also glad we have this relationship." Seraph let go of him and said, "I think I'll go out to the gardens. It's still really nice out there."
Dakar nodded and she left the room. He couldn't believe it. She felt the same way he did. Of course she would never come right out and say it. No she was too much of a lady to do that. But hadn't she said she was glad they had this relationship? "Yes", he decided. "She feels the same exact way I do."
With those words he began to straighten out the room.
Yami stared at the journals in front of him. He had read almost every one and still no mention of Kali or Akur. There was only one left and it was the smallest. He opened it up and began to read, Yami read about famines and harvests of plenty. He read about the attacks made on Egypt and the slaves revolt. Finally about halfway through he saw Akur's name. He quickly turned the pages and read the entry.
Rashka died today. He was my High Priest, and a good friend. I will miss him dearly. However now I am left with the task of finding a new High Priest. My inner circle is incomplete and this will not do. I have my eye on the boy named Akur. He is young but his loyalty astounds me. I have talked to him in the past and he seems to be intelligent and wants the best for Egypt. Once Akur is officially appointed my inner circle will be complete again.
The journal went on and listed other things he felt about Akur but Yami had read enough. He decided that Kali must have fallen in love with Akur and he gave his necklace to Kali who passed it down to his daughter Seraphic. But why would my father give a man a necklace like hers?
"What were you thinking Father?" Yami muttered out loud.
He grabbed the official scrolls and opened them. This was his family tree and all the members of the inner circle. He followed it down through the dynasties until he came to his father. He saw a line that went from his father's name and linked to his mother's, both with the scarab-and-wings symbol meaning death. He continued to follow the line and stopped when he saw his own name. Then he looked again and saw another line connected to his father's name. Curious, he followed it and came to his father's first wife. Below that was a line with a name scribbled out. Yami stared at it in disbelief. My father had a child by his first wife. The realization hit him and he sat there stunned. Once he regained his composure he looked at the parchment again. Yami tried to make out the name but could only see Is.
I have a half-brother or sister out there somewhere. But why is his name scribbled out? What did he do to merit this punishment? Yami wondered.
He decided he would research it more. Grabbing the records he began to look through them.
Aura walked to Relah's room replaying the scene in the conference room in her mind. Relah must be really upset if she came to see me, Aura thought. She knocked on Relah's door. No answer.
"Relah?" Aura called. "It's me Aura. Open up."
Still no answer.
Aura cracked open the door and saw Relah sitting on her bed. She was staring straight ahead and didn't even turn to look at Aura as she came into the room.
"Relah?" Aura said softly.
She walked over to the bed and sat down next to Relah. Relah never once moved or acknowledged her presence. "Was there something you wanted to talk to me about Relah?" Aura asked.
Relah didn't say anything but lightly shook her head. The movement was so small that Aura would have missed it entirely if she hadn't been looking for it.
"Are you sure?"
Relah nodded slightly.
"Well it's about dinnertime so I'm going to get you something to eat. Ok?"
Relah nodded. Aura rang the bell and ordered Relah's dinner brought to her chambers at once. The servant quickly obeyed and soon a steaming platter was sitting in front of Relah.
"Here you go, Relah. Eat up and I'll be back later to check up on you." With those words Aura left the room.
Once she was outside, Aura sighed. She was worried about Relah. Her lively friend looked pale and bewildered. She wasn't talking either. Aura slowly walked back to her room trying to figure out what to do.
Seraph hugged her arms around her waist as she aimlessly walked the grounds. She was so confused. Yami thought she was a thief. She had probably inadvertently caused the fight between Relah and the Pharaoh. And she didn't even know what to think about Seto. She longed for the days with Micah. He would know what to so. But now Micah couldn't help her anymore. She was an adult. Finally she decided to go see Relah and see if her friend could help her out.
Seraph walked inside and went down the hall towards Relah's room. She saw Aura and said hello to her. Aura nodded. She began to walk again and suddenly stopped.
Turning Aura said "Seraphic? Where are you going?"
"To see Relah." Answered Seraph.
Aura shook her head and said, "She needs some time alone. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Seraph was silent for a moment, and then she said, "I really just wanted to talk to someone. It gets awfully lonely here with no one to talk to but the slaves. And they rarely ever talk to you."
Aura smiled. "Some are friendlier than others. Why don't you come with me? We'll eat dinner in my room and talk for a while."
Seraph nodded and the two set off.
They got to Aura's room and went inside. Aura nodded to her slave. He walked over and Seraph gasped. He was the man with the white hair she had seen before the council meeting.
Aura glanced at Seraph and said "Bakura go get another platter."
Bakura nodded and left the room.
"Now what was that all about? Does my slave interest you?" she asked Seraph.
"I think I know him from…somewhere." Seraph said slowly.
"How is that possible? He's been here since he was seven."
"I don't know. But I know I've seen him somewhere before. There aren't many with his skin, but even less have his hair. Not to mention his eyes. Yes I know I've seen him somewhere. It will come back to me."
Aura nodded." Now what did you want to talk about, Seraph?"
Seraph shook her head. "I'm so confused, Aura. None of it makes any sense!"
"What has you so confused?"
"Everything. Nothing. Oh I don't know!"
"Ok." Aura said slowly. "That is confusing."
Seraph laughed. "Well Pharaoh thinks I'm a thief and I'm not. I'm the cause of Relah and Yami's fight and-"
"Wait a minute. Slow down. Now first of all Pharaoh doesn't think you're a thief. He thinks you're hiding part of your story from him and that has made him suspicious. Secondly, you are not the cause of Yami and Relah's fight. Relah jumped to conclusions and got in his face. She embarrassed him in front of the council and guest."
"How do you know he doesn't think I'm a thief?"
"He told us after you left." Aura explained.
"Oh. Well he could have said it a little different."
"That's Pharaoh for you. Now what else has you so worried?"
"Seto's acting really strange."
"Stranger than usual?" Aura looked incredulous.
Seraph laughed. "Well one minute he's being mean and intimidating and the next he's kissing me and whispering softly into my ear."
"He kissed you?" Aura asked surprised.
"Yeah. He finger-combed my hair too."
"I'm still stuck on the kissing part. Why don't you tell me the whole story?"
Seraph told her everything that had happened. By the end she was in tears. "He acted like I was some kind of a w-whore or s-something." She sobbed.
Aura took her into her arms and soothed her. "Shh. Don't cry. What happened next?"
"I threw a perfume bottle at him."
"Did it him?"
"No I missed. He moved." Seraph explained.
"That's just bad luck. You'll get him next time." Aura said hugging her. "Tell him to hold still."
Seraph laughed and pretty soon Aura was laughing with her. They laughed so hard; tears started rolling down their cheeks. That's how Bakura found them when he brought in the plates of food. He quirked an eyebrow at the pair who looked like two giggling girls.
"I hope I'm not the reason for your laughter." He said dryly.
Seraph shook her head and wiped her cheeks.
Aura said "No of course not. Come on Seraph, let's eat."
The two women dug into their food with a relish.
"Bakura?" Aura said between bites. "Did you do what you were supposed to earlier?"
"Depends on what it is, Lady Aurahkah." Bakura said grinning at her.
"I mean the papers for Lord Seto."
Bakura nodded.
Aura reached for more and Bakura quickly got up. "Here let me help you, my Lady." He set the plate down in front of her and smiled.
Aura smiled back at him "Why thank you."
"Anything for you Aura. Anything." He said bowing.
Seraph witnessed the exchange silently. She was thoughtful and finally understood what was going on. They were in love!
Aura stood up to grab her plate and winced.
Bakura was at her side in seconds. Concern was evident in his face.
Seraph saw another man looking at her that way. There were men all around her, most were laughing. Bandits! "I know who he is now." Seraph thought to herself.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Bakura was asking.
"Yes, I'm fine. Now make yourself useful." She said handing him the plates.
Bakura took them and left.
"Was Bakura a bandit once?" Seraph suddenly asked.
Aura looked at her in surprise. "Yes. Why?"
"Because that's where I know him from." Seraph explained. She told Aura the whole story.
Aura listened and then said "Taken from your mother when you were only six. That's young."
"Yeah. So enough about me. What's going on with you and Bakura?" asked Seraph with a knowing smile.
"Why whatever do you mean?" asked Aura innocently.
"Do you love him?"
"With all my heart."
"Oh Aura that's wonderful." Seraph said breathlessly. "But how?"
"Well it all started when I became Pharaoh's advisor. See, my father passed, Ra rest his soul, and Yami chose me to be his new advisor. Because of my position I got my very own personal slave."
"Was it love at first sight?" Seraph asked.
Aura laughed. "Not exactly. I never had my own slave before so it was a little awkward. And Bakura found my situation…amusing. He used to mock me unmercifully. But one day he was teasing me and I started to cry."
"Why?"
"Well I had been really stressed with living up to my father's reputation. And it didn't help that everyone said I couldn't handle it. I didn't have many votes in my favor."
Seraph nodded and Aura continued, "I was crying and Bakura just kind of stared at me. I don't think he expected me to cry. He kind of patted me on the shoulder and told me it would be okay but I only cried harder." Aura smiled at the memory. "He tried everything but I wouldn't stop. Finally he pulled me into his arms and kissed me."
"Wow. What happened next?"
"Well Bakura was so relieved that he had stopped my crying that he continued to kiss me. That's when our relationship started." Aura finished.
Seraph sighed with pleasure. "That's quite a story."
"Yep, don't worry about Seto. He's always been strange. If he kisses you again and you like it then don't stop him. He needs someone Seraph. He's pissed off all the time. Maybe a woman will change that."
"I doubt that." Seraph said. "He's pissy by nature."
Aura laughed then she sobered. "Seraph, you can not say anything about what I just told you to anyone. Do I have your word?"
"Of course. Aura I won't tell. I promise."
Aura nodded. "Good because it's against the law."
Seraph's eyes widened. "Be careful Aura. What happens if you are caught? Ra forbid." She added quickly.
"Well I will lose my position and Bakura will lose his head."
Seraph winced. "They'll kill him?"
"Yes. Now why don't you come with me and we'll check on Relah."
Seraph stood up and the two women left the room. They stopped in front of Relah's door and knocked. When no answer came, Aura opened the door and motioned for Seraph to follow. Aura looked worried and Seraph understood why.
Relah was lying back against the pillows, her face pale. She didn't look good at all. Even her hair looked sick. It was limp and dull.
Aura looked at the full plate of cold food and shook her head. "She hasn't eaten anything." Aura said worriedly.
Seraph hesitated "Is this because of me?"
"Seraph we've been through this. She jumped to conclusions and upset the Pharaoh. None of it was your fault. Now let's let her rest and we'll check on her in the morning."
Aura and Seraph blew out the candles and tiptoed out of the room, closing the doors behind them.
"She doesn't look good." Seraph said.
"I know. She's stressed and she needs food and rest."
"She won't eat."
"I know." Aura sighed and Seraph became even more worried.
They left Relah's door in silence, each in their own separate thoughts.
Yami stretched his arms and yawned. Except for dinner, he hadn't stopped working. In all of the records he couldn't find a single mention of another child. They must have rewritten all the records. Had to make this hard didn't you Father? Yami sighed again. He was tired and still upset with Relah. He decided to go to bed and worry about his sibling in the morning. He stood up and walked into his empty bedchamber. He thought about going to Relah's room to see how she was doing but his pride stopped him. She was going to come to him he decided and that is that!
He climbed into his big empty bed and soon fell asleep.
Seraph couldn't sleep. She was worried about Relah. Even after what Aura said, she still believed it was her fault. If Relah hadn't taken her under her wing she never would have been so upset at the council meeting.
Seraph thought of how pale Relah looked lying against the pillows. So different from the Relah she had befriended. Her friend was quick and lively. Her hair suited her personality. She was original. Seraph's thoughts drifted to Seto.
"If he kisses you again and you like it don't stop him." Aura had advised.
Seraph wasn't willing to admit that she wanted him to kiss her again. She had never been kissed before and she liked it. It felt good to be held in his strong arms. Safe. Protected. She thought of Aura and Bakura and smiled. Aura loved him so much. It truly wasn't fair. Aura had found the one person she loved the most and the law prevented her from having him. Well it tried to anyway. Seraph said a quick prayer for protection and fell asleep.
The next morning Aura and Seraph made their way to Relah's room. She looked even worse. She had not touched her breakfast and even though she was awake, her breathing was labored and she was still pale.
"Good morning Relah." Aura said with false cheer.
"Hi Relah." Seraph said, "How are you feeling today?"
Relah didn't answer. She looked at Seraph for a few seconds and then stared straight ahead.
Seraph was devastated. Her friend's normally rich emerald eyes were dull and lifeless. They had lost their color and luster. Seraph pasted a smile on her face and joined Aura.
"Would you like us to get the Pharaoh?" Aura asked gently. "I'm sure he would like to see you."
A brief flash of pain entered Relah's eyes then died.
Aura sighed and motioned to Seraph to follow her.
Seraph looked at Aura. "This is very bad."
"I know. I'm really considering going to get the Pharaoh."
"She can't keep doing this Aura. She's going to die if she doesn't eat."
"I know." Aura sighed. "I don't know what else to do."
They turned to go back into the room but changed their minds when they saw Relah sleeping.
"Since you did dinner, I'll do breakfast." Seraph offered.
"Ok, let me go tell Bakura and I'll meet you in your room."
Seraph nodded and Aura left.
Seraph walked off to her room. On the way she passed Seto. She felt and unexpected jolt when he brushed her as he passed. She didn't understand why he had this effect on her. Seraph shrugged and walked into her room. She told Dakar to get two plates and sat down to wait for Aura.
Aura walked into the room a few minutes later. She sat down and Dakar set down the plates. As Aura was reaching for a goblet Seraph saw her wrist. Her eyes widened.
"Ra Aura what happened?"
Aura looked at Seraph and saw the concern in her eyes. "I hurt it."
"Doing what?"
"Well.." Aura hesitated.
Seraph gently took her wrist and examined it. "Aura you can tell me. Bakura didn't do this to you right?"
"No." Aura said shaking her head. "It wasn't Bakura. It was Seto."
"Seto?" Seraph was shocked. "Why would Seto do this?"
"He hates me Seraph. He doesn't think women should be advisors or anything else for that matter."
"He hates you because you're on the council?"
Aura nodded. "That and my relationship with Bakura. He sees it as a way to dispose of me. I'm blocking what he really wants."
"And that is?"
"To be Pharaoh's advisor."
"Oh."
Aura suddenly looked at Seraph. "Be careful Seraph. Seto isn't your average man. He's ruthless and when he wants something bad enough, he'll do anything to get it."
Seraph nodded. "I'll put some balm on your wrist for you. It will help conceal the bruises and help with the pain." Seraph stood up and walked to her dressing table. She grabbed a small jar and walked back to Aura. Unscrewing the lid she began to apply a generous amount to Aura's wrist.
Aura leaned her head back and sighed. The balm soothed the aching sensation she felt in her wrist. When Seraph replaced the jar, Aura moved her wrist experimentally and found it didn't hurt. "That's amazing Seraph! Where did you get that?"
"I made it."
"How? When?"
"Micah taught me and made a whole bunch before I left."
Dakar suddenly entered the room. He was breathing hard. The women looked at him expectantly.
"Lady Aurahkah…you are needed in Lady Relah's bedchamber. The Pharaoh…Pharaoh says he wants you there."
Aura looked at Seraph. "Why don't you come with me?"
Seraph nodded and they left.
Yami paced the room. He had never been so scared in his life. Relah was deathly ill. He had tried everything to her to acknowledge him. He had yelled at her, teased her, and even pleaded. Nothing worked.
He walked over to the bed and grabbing her hand said fiercely "Relah don't you dare die! Don't you dare! I'll…I'll marry that princess if you die. I will Relah! And she'll sleep in my bed every night and she'll-" Yami stopped when he felt pressure on his hand. He looked at her in surprise and then he realized she was telling him to stop.
"Jealous Relah?" He smiled. "I like it when you're jealous."
Relah squeezed his hand again and shook her head slightly.
Yami laughed and kissed her forehead. He sat there holding her hand, occasionally kissing her palm and fingers. Anything to be near her. When she slipped back into a restless sleep, he got worried again.
Seto walked into the room "My Pharaoh."
Yami waved a hand. "Take a seat Seto."
Seto obeyed. He sat there and tapped his fingers on his Millennium Rod.
Aura and Seraph walked in a few minutes later. If Yami noticed that Seraph was there he didn't say anything.
Yami took to pacing again. "My fiancée is sick." He said gesturing to the bed. "And I don't know how to help her."
"Did you summon the Healer my Pharaoh?" Seto asked.
"You mean the Healer who is now in the dungeons? Yes I summoned her. She told me she had no idea how to help her either. Incompetent chit." Yami said scathingly.
Aura glanced at Seraph. "My Pharaoh, Seraphic knows healing magic."
Yami immediately looked at her. "Is this true?"
Seraph nodded. "I was training to be a priestess but I never took my exam. I came here instead."
"Can you help her?" he asked hopefully.
"I'll do my best." Seraph promised.
Seto watched entranced as Seraph stood up and walked over to Relah. She leaned down and whispered something in Relah's ear. Then she took Relah's hands in her own and began to speak softly.
"Hikari naosu." Seraph said. (healing light) A/N: It's written backwards cuz its Japanese.)
Pale purple light traveled from Seraph's hands into Relah. A glowing aura surrounded Relah and she glowed purple for a few seconds before it disappeared. Seraph kissed Relah's hands and placed them back on the bed. She turned and slowly walked back to her seat.
Yami immediately took his place beside Relah. "Is she healed?"
Seraph hesitated. "She was exhausted and I put her to sleep I healed her just in case but what she really needs is food and rest. Keep giving her food and plenty of liquids too."
Yami nodded. He waved his hands to dismiss them.
Aura, Seto, and Sareph left without another word.
Seraph stepped outside the door and leaned her forehead against the wall.
"What's wrong Seraph? Are you tired?" Aura asked.
Seraph laughed. "After that little bit of magic? No, I'm not tired. I just don't think he believes what I said."
"He believes it. And if he doesn't, he will when Relah gets better."
"She didn't need any magic, Aura. She's had too much excitement and not enough food and sleep. The added stress of my arrival didn't help either."
"So she is going to live?"
"The only thing she was even in danger of dying from was starvation."
"Thank Ra." Aura hugged Seraph. "Thank Ra. We didn't know what to do. We thought she had some strange disease. We were certain she was going to die."
"Well she'll live." Seraph walked back to her room slowly, deep in thought.
Yami sat next to Relah, watching her sleep. Her breathing was deep and even, not the gasping breaths she had fought to get before. Her face was still pale but Seraph had said she would live. Yami gave his thanks to Ra for sending Seraph. He saw her healing Relah in his mind. She had reminded him of an angel in a light purple gown, her hair flowing down her back in graceful waves. He would thank her later.
Relah suddenly stirred. "Yami?" she whispered.
"Yes sweetheart, I'm here."
Relah struggled to sit up but didn't have enough energy. "What happened?" she rasped.
Yami got up and got her some water. Lifting the ladle to her lips, Relah drank her fill. "What happened?" she asked again.
"What do you remember?" Yami asked gently.
"We had a fight and I was really upset. Then I was…lost in this black place. I heard voices but they sounded really far away."
"You were really sick Relah. We thought we were going to lose you."
Relah smiled "You'll never lose me."
Yami leaned down and kissed her tenderly. When she began to move closer to him he stopped. "Seraphic said that you were to rest and eat plenty of food." Yami said briskly.
"Seraph said?" Relah asked smiling.
"She healed you." He looked at Relah but she just nodded. "She told me she could do magic." Relah said. "You were wrong about her Yami. She's not a thief."
"I know love. I never believed she was." He said
Relah stared at him "Yes you-"
Yami cut her off "I knew she wasn't a thief but I also knew she wasn't telling me everything. After I sent her out, I told the council that."
"Really?" Relah asked.
"Yes. You, love, jumped to conclusions and didn't let me finish."
The full reality of what she had done, finally hit Relah. She bowed her head and said, "I'm sorry."
The simple apology spoken softly meant more to him than if she would have spoken in anger or even submission. He felt his heart swell with love and he kissed her.
"Is that your way of saying I'm forgiven?"
Yami laughed. "No that comes later." He promised. "After you're well."
A servant suddenly entered with food. Yami looked at the plate in disgust. "What is this filth?"
"Mashed meat and some soup with mashed vegetables."
"Where did this come from? Who dares serve this to my fiancée?"
"Lady Seraphic ordered it made for when Lady Relah woke up."
Yami eyed the food uncertainly. "You're sure?"
The slave nodded.
Relah spoke up. "Just give it to me Yami. I'm starving."
"I don't think this will fill you." He said but Relah had already taken the plate and was eating it. He decided he would have a talk with Seraph later. He stayed with her and talked to her until late in the afternoon.
Seraph went down to the kitchens. She had put together Relah's meal earlier and knew if she didn't do something, Relah would be served hard foods. She knew from her lessons with Micah that a sick person needed soft, pliable foods that were easy to digest. She finished giving the menu to the chef and left the kitchen. Under her care, Relah would be up in no time. With those thoughts, she left the palace and went out into the courtyard.
Seto was amazed. He knew Seraph had been training to be a priestess but he never thought she knew how to heal. There were many things about her he didn't know. The mystery surrounding her intrigued him all the more. He couldn't believe this little girl could unsettle him so much. His thoughts drifted to her womanly body. She was made for a man's arms. Seto shook his head and turned back to his work.
Seraph stood outside and felt the cool breeze flow on her face. Late afternoon was her favorite time. The sky just beginning to turn the brilliant colors that signified dusk. It was a magical time although she really didn't know why. It was just something she knew was there.
Dakar came outside and Seraph smiled at him in greeting. "Isn't it wonderful?" she asked laughing.
"My Lady you are wonderful." Dakar said smiling.
Seraph laughed again. "Why thank you Dakar. Now what did you need?"
Dakar's smile faded. "The Pharaoh wishes to see you in the throne room."
Seraph nodded. "When?"
"Now." He turned and walked away.
Seraph wondered why the Pharaoh wanted to see her. "What did I do now?" she muttered.
Seraph walked into the throne room. Standing before Yami she bowed and said softly "My Lord."
"Seraphic. I offer you all of my gratitude. You saved Relah's life. I will never cease to thank Ra for sending you to us. I owe you a great debt that I can never repay. Is there anything you desire or need?"
Seraph slowly shook her head. "I accept your gratitude my Pharaoh I want no payment."
Yami ignored her. "I have one thing to offer you. You have an extraordinary gift for healing. If you choose to accept it, I have a place for you on my council." He saw her objection and raised his hand. "Hear me out before you speak." When she nodded he continued. "In addition to living here at the palace your new title will be High Priestess of the Healing Arts. You will be a respected member of my inner circle. It is a high honor Seraphic. Think carefully before you decide." Yami stopped and waited for her answer.
Seraphic finally found her voice. In a shaky voice she said, "I accept my Pharaoh."
Yoru: And another chapter done. I used to be Yoru Queen of Short Chapters. Not anymore. *sigh* Oh well long chapters are fun too! Lotsa stuff going on. Relah gets sick. Yami gets scared. Can we say love or what??? Oh and what is going on with Seto? I'll tell you. He needs to get laid! Bakura thinks he's going to die and Relah learns about Aura and Kura's 'relationship' And Seraph now is a member of the inner circle. Seto's gonna love that one… And the chaos continues. However this chapter was extremely long. It just kept going and going…never-ending chapter….if you want more you need to do two things 1. give me time to get my brain back and everything working right again and 2. R&R!!! R&R!!! ^_^