Full Circle

by Yoru Okami

Set in ancient Egypt. The daughter of the pharaoh and high priest fall in love. Pharoah forbids it and daughter flees. Pharoah erases them from Egyptian history but he couldn’t erase the child who now brings everything full circle.YamiOC BakuraOC SetoOC

15. The Written Word

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! Or Egypt…stupid lawyers…moving on. The story.

Warning: This chapter contains 'grown up' things. As will all the chapters after it. Yes we are growing up now. We are going to talk like adults and NOT giggle at words. If you find you can't handle it…for whatever reason….please stop reading now. There is no more story for you. Sorry play again. The rating is high for a reason people. And I swear if I get one of those omfg I can't believe you did that…I will delete. Rapidly. All of it. Find another way to articulate what you want to say. Thank you and enjoy the story.

Bakura watched the golden orb make its daily climb into the sky. He knew he should leave. But he simply wanted to savor it. Laying here next to Aura. It had been an interesting night, to say the least. And he was loathe to leave it all once again. He knew his time was slipping away and that the palace was on rest, but he also knew that if he didn't leave now, he never would again. He would be tempted to remain. Pretending things were like they used to be. Reality forced him to admit that things were very different. He was a wanted slave and now thief as well. A man that would be killed for running away and robbing if he was caught. He leaned up on his elbow and stared once more at the dawn. Then he turned to look at the peacefully sleeping Aura. She had a faint smile on her face. One he had put there, he thought with pure male arrogance. And I did a damn good job of it too, he added to himself.

Aura shifted in her sleep and snuggled closer to the warmth she felt beside her. Reaching a hand out she encountered a hard chest. One that tensed and jumped at her touch. Smiling she inched her hands up his chest. She decided to commit every inch of his body to memory and so relied on touch alone. Her hands slowly skimmed their way over the hard planes.

Bakura felt his blood stir at her simple caress and cursed. There was no way in hell he could let her…well maybe…just for a minute.

Aura's fingers continued their exploration up his neck until they came to rest on his cheek. She reached up to push back his hair and then once again laid her hand on the side of his face. But something unfamiliar lay beneath her hand. There were the lines near his eye. She opened her eyes and used her fingers to lightly trace the scars. Committing them to visual and physical memory as well.

Bakura froze when her fingers found the place where he had allowed the thief to strike him. It was a daily reminder of carelessness. One he intended to never repeat. Bakura looked down at her, emotion clouding his normally clear chocolate eyes. He wanted to stay forever but the rapidly rising sun was a continuous reminder of the time that was slipping through his very fingers. He cursed silently. He had to go. Now. Catching her hand as it began its foray back down, he said, "Aura, love, I have to go."

Aura met his eyes with her own. Blue looked into brown. "No you don't. The palace is on rest. Pharaoh is lost in his own little world. No one will know if you and I stayed in this room all day. It is expected."

Bakura shook his head. Such tempting words. It was true, no one would miss her. But he knew that he had to finish his plans for them. It was a small price to pay for a lifetime with her. There would be other days. Days when they could lay about in bed all day if they had a mind to. But now was not that time. Suffering now only to enjoy later. Sighing he stood up and quickly dressed. He walked over to his pile of weapons that were haphazardly tossed about the room. He collected them and began to return them to their normal spots.

Aura looked at him. "You know I'm so glad you came Bakura. But…am I simply to assume you came for the use of my body? Perhaps your affection is no longer mine. Could it be that you have found someone else who has stolen your feelings for me. They say true love can stand the test of time and distance but it appears all we had was lust."

Bakura listened to her in disbelief. "What are you saying? That I was with someone else all this time?"

"Well how am I supposed to know? You were gone for almost a year. That's plenty of time to warm a few beds, Bakura."

Bakura felt his irritation growing. He couldn't believe what she was instigating. He narrowed his eyes at her, pausing in the act of putting on the Ring. "Aurahkah," he growled. "Don't start."

Aura's temper was starting to show." You came in last night without so much as a 'hello' or 'I missed you.' Then you do the deed and go straight to sleep, not so much as an 'I love you.' If memory serves correctly, you used to always say it when you had brought me to that highest peak. And then you stood to lose so much more than you did last night. This morning you get up and are in an extreme hurry to leave. Now based on the facts presented what conclusion would you draw?"

"Aurahkah," He growled again.

"I won't have you doing this to me again. You can tear me up all you want but if you treat me like a whore again, Bakura I swear to Ra…"

Bakura had all he could take. He glared at her lying naked in the bed. He would have loved to simply scream out all his frustration at her and then bury himself in her beckoning softness. But duties called him. Gritting his teeth against his irritation he said, "Goodbye Aura. I will see you later." Without another word he finished gathering his various items and slipped stealthily out the window.

Aura looked after him in disbelief. "Don't bother coming back. I never want to see you again, Bakura!" She couldn't believe it. No explanation. No justification. She just wanted a little reassurance from him. He didn't even say 'I love you' after all that. She laid her head down on the pillow and cursed the man.

:::::::::::15:::::::::::

Seto sat at his desk staring at the paperwork in front of him. He was finally able to work. All his frustration was gone and now he could finally forget about Seraphic. But he couldn't. She was like a forbidden elixir he never should have tasted. She was addicting. He knew that as many times as he repeated his actions of last night he would never tire of her. Never stop needing her. And the thought scared the hell out of him. He, independent High Priest Seto did not need anyone. Anyone. And now he relied on a small girl with violet eyes that could turn sultry blue and raven locks so soft in his hands. He cursed inwardly and returned his gaze to the piles of paperwork still in front of him. He began to read an extremely long contract about the economics and such of Egypt.

In the next room, Seraph lay still asleep. She was wrapped in a cocoon of warmth one only achieves after being fully satisfied. She smiled and reached back and touched the spot where Seto had fallen asleep the night before and encountered only smooth silk sheets. Blinking she rolled over but the bed was empty with the exception of her. She looked around the room but he was gone. Her dress lay in a pile on the floor where he had removed it the previous night. She narrowed her eyes and glared at the connecting wall. Getting up she quickly pulled on a fresh dress and walked into the hall. She stopped outside of his closed door and her eyes narrowed. She may be naïve but even she knew that what he had done was cold and callous. She considered knocking but decided that with the recent events it wasn't important. So she barged in.

:::::::::15:::::::::::::::

Yami groaned. He knew something had gone wrong. His wrists were killing him and his shoulders and neck felt like they had been stretched. He had a crick in his neck and felt like he had been beaten. Severely, with a stick. He thought back to the previous day and remembered that it had been his wedding day. Which did not explain why he was tied to the bed. In a very uncomfortable position. He felt something move beside him. Trying to look down, but because of his sore neck, not succeeding, he saw a wisp of red peeking from under the covers. Relah. Ah. The events came rushing back. He sniffed. She forgot to untie me. Ow. He used his foot to nudge her. "Relah?"

Relah muttered something unintelligible and rolled over out of his reach.

"Dammit. Relah. Relah. Love? Please untie me. This is undignified and totally wrong. Why, if anyone saw me like this it would be the end. My authority would mean nothing. The rumors would start and oh…spread. Slaves can not keep their secrets secret."

"Stop babbling. I'm trying to sleep."

Yami narrowed his eyes. "Relah! Untie me NOW! By order of the royal Pharaoh. "

Relah sat up sleepily. "And that means?"

Yami sniffed, "Fine then. Since my authority as Pharaoh means nothing, I will assert my authority as your husband."

Relah stared at him and then burst out laughing. "I believe we had this discussion. We are equal. And I'm a rebel, so you might not want to remind me of those things I 'must' do, Yami dear. It tends to have the opposite effect."

Yami growled. "Fine."

Relah crossed her arms and stared at him.

"I love you."

"How much?"

"Umm…more than Egypt?"

"Was that a question?"

"No. Why would you think that? I love you more than Egypt. More than the Nile. More than….my laws. "

Relah laughed. She leaned up and kissed him. "I guess that's good enough." She quickly untied him amidst his groans.

"Ow…ow…ow. Never again. I won't tie you. You don't tie me." He rolled his head and winced as pain shot through his body.

Relah stood up without anything on and walked over to him. "Let me assist you, my Pharaoh." She began to massage his sore neck and shoulders.

Yami simply reveled in the sweet pleasure of it all.

:::::::::::15::::::::::

Seto looked up and saw Seraph standing in his doorway. She had a murderous look in her eyes and her hands rested on her hips. He pretended disinterest although his body was responding to her even standing there. "Seraphic. So good to see you."

Seraph glared at him and shut the door. Walking over to him she said, "Don't even start with me, Seto."

He raised an eyebrow and looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

"How could you use me like that? I should have known, that if I gave myself to you I would end up broken. I should have known not to trust you but I did. Dammit I did. Aura was right. You are a cold, heartless bastard. I can't believe I actually did that. I ruined myself for you!"

Seto's brow furrowed, and a muscle leaped into his jaw. He did not take too kindly to be called a cold, heartless bastard and he was going to make damn sure those words never crossed her lips in reference to him again. He slowly stood from behind his desk and purposefully stalked towards her.

Fear leapt into her throat. She had no idea if she had pushed him too far. Suddenly she didn't care. "I'm not some palace slut that you can use when you want to! It was shameful and I wish I would have never done it! I hate you!"

Seto continued to stalk her, following her back until her back was against the door she had so conveniently closed earlier.

"Are you quite finished?" he asked in a silken voice.

Seraph swallowed. "Yes."

"In that case, Seraphic, let me understand this. You come in here all upset because you lost your virginity?"

Seraph's eyes narrowed. "I didn't lose it. I gave it to you. Gave it. To you."

"Fine, gave it to me. Now you are offended because you feel in the harsh light of the morning, regret?"

"No! That's not why I'm upset."

"Pray tell, why?"

Seraph looked up at him, her violet eyes filling. "You…left. Without so much as a …" she trailed off.

Seto stared at her. "Please tell me you were not naïve enough to believe I would declare undying love for you. Seraphic it was merely a night of pleasure. For both of us. Nothing more, nothing less. And if you hadn't given it to me, you would have to some randy boy who would have been as innocent as you. At least I know the ropes."

Seraph's eyes narrowed once again, "I harbored no such expectations. I simply believe that you could have said a good morning. Or at least stayed with me. I mean you didn't even wake me to tell me you were leaving."

"Good morning. Is that what you wanted?"

Seraph sighed. "No. Ra, no. I wanted…oh forget it. You're just a man. You wouldn't understand."

Seto smiled, "Yes, my dear. I am a man. A normal man with normal desires. And you have appeased them for now. But it was nothing more than that."

"You really are a cold selfish bas-"

Seto cut her off with a bruising kiss. He caged her slender frame between his body and the door, his arms locking about her in a steel cage that she couldn't break even if she wanted to.

Tears of outrage poured from her eyes as she tried to fight him off.

He finally let her go. She glared at him and reached back. She brought her hand forward to slap him and gasped when his wrist caught hers in midair. "Haven't you learned, yet? You can't slap me. I am too fast and experienced with women's wounded sensibilities. A woman gets upset, her first reaction is to smack. And I have learned how to stop it."

Seraph glared and yanked her hand free. "Don't think last night will be repeating itself anytime soon."

Seto laughed. "Ah that is where you are wrong. Last night will repeat itself many many many times. At least until I tire of you. Then I will simply find another to appease me."

Seraph was dumbfounded. Did emotion mean nothing to him? Could he really think of lovers as such a cold thing. Pick them up and drop them at whim? Well that wasn't how it was going to work with her.

"Sir I thank you for your tutelage but I won't be requiring your services anymore." Seraph said her voice proper and stiff.

Seto narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean? Seraph don't deny yourself the pleasure."

Seraph glared. "Do not come to my bed again." Seraph said coldly. "You are not welcome."

"What makes you think I need to be welcome? You are mine. I will do with you what I wish."

Seraph met his eyes with her own. "If you come to my bed and force me, I will go to Pharaoh. Are you willing to risk your life on a night of pleasure, as you so eloquently put it?" Satisfied her threat had struck home, she pulled open the door and stalked out.

Seto was left staring at the spot where she had been standing moments before. "Well, well, well." He shook his head and walked back to his desk to try and do his paperwork.

:::::::::::::::::15:::::::::::::

Bakura glared at the beast in front of him. "Stupid animal," he muttered. Actually his horse was very smart, and Bakura really loved the animal. But now he was pissed and he had to take his rage out on something.

"Who the hell does she think she is? Just because she's the Pharaoh's advisor, she thinks she can order me around and throw out accusations. Damn women. Why do they always think there's another woman? There really never is." Bakura sneered at the black horse that was pawing in front of him. Then he sighed. It had come to this. He was yelling at his horse because…he couldn't yell at her. Sighing Bakura reached up and stroked the horse's sleek neck. "Come on, Saran. We have to get out of here." He mounted and quickly turned the horse to the west to ride across the Nile and begin his raiding on the tombs.

He rode for a while and finally crossed to the other side of the Nile's banks. Quickly he made his way into the tombs. He stopped Saran outside and climbed down. Whispering a few words to his loyal animal he crept on silent feet into the tomb's entrance. He looked at the sleeping guard with disgust. "Does the Pharaoh know he has idiots for guards? They sleep during the day as well. Oh well. Easier for me." He was still laughing over this as he walked right in front of the guard. For a bit of fun he took his dagger and quickly sliced the guard's tunic, laying it in two neat halves on the ground in front of him. He would have done more, but he needed to get to business. The guard slept through it all and Bakura marveled at the Pharaoh's choice in guards for what he proposed what 'extremely valuable' to him. "I'd love to see who he gets to guard the stuff he doesn't care about." Shaking his head he made his way into the tomb.

The alert thief took over his senses. He took in every detail about him. From the four chambers off to the right to the various traps. Narrowing his eyes he studied them more critically. They were disarmed. Bakura cursed. Someone was here. He walked slowly down the hall listening. About halfway down he heard the distinct clink of gold pieces knocking together. A smile lifted his lips. The other thief was in the predictable place. The treasure room.

::::::::::::15::::::::::::::

Yami sighed. Relah was a gift sent from Ra. Her massages were….ooh he couldn't even explain it. It was …heaven. Pure. Simple. Heaven. He finally decided he had had enough and he planned out his strategy.

Relah continued to smooth her hands over Yami's bare back. She smiled when she heard his breathing even out. He was sleeping. Again. She smiled and continued to trace the contours of his muscular back just because she loved to do it. She swept her fingers into the crook of his spine and bit her lip when he shivered. Even in sleep he responded. She continued her feathery caresses.

Yami was about to go insane. She was sweeping her hands over his back and making it very hard to continue to pretend to be asleep. He had to act and fast before he lost his mind completely. Gritting his teeth before he moaned he quickly reached up and flipped her.

Relah blinked. She was now looking at the ceiling and Yami was leaning over her. "Umm…I thought you were asleep."

Yami raised an eyebrow. "Did you now?" He began to mimic the caresses she had driven him insane with.

"Yes…I did?" she said the world becoming very narrow. She was having a hard time thinking and she had no idea what she had been saying.

Yami smiled and leaning down, nipped the pulse beating at her throat causing her to shiver.

Relah finally decided she didn't care what she had been saying. She smiled and looped her arms around his neck, drawing him down on top of her.

"I win."

"What was that?"

"I said, I win."

Relah looked at him. "Ah yes, I let you."

Yami took that into consideration and then went about the task of forcing her to admit that he really had won. A feat he accomplished no less than two hours later.

::::::::::::::::::::15::::::::::

Aura opened her eyes again. She really didn't want to get up but she knew she had to. She looked around the room and gasped. The sheets that were silk, were now smothered in oil and…ruined. How was she going to explain that? Then she looked at the floor to see her gold thrown about the room and her dress, her only white dress, lying in two halves on the floor. How was she going to explain that? She shook her head and quickly got up. Throwing on a robe she tied the sash and began to pick up the gold.

When she had plopped it on her dressing table she walked over to the ruined dress. Picking up the material she held it to her chest and sighed. She remembered when Bakura had cut it off. At least she thought she did. Some details were still a little hazy. She was positive he was responsible. Narrowing her eyes she muttered, "He knows I only have one, too. Why would he do that? Bastard." She tossed the scraps into a corner and considered how best to tell Pharaoh that she needed a new dress. Concocting a story wasn't hard. Concocting one that was believable and realistic enough to fool the Pharaoh was. But then Pharaoh would be distracted for a few more days. She wondered about Seraphic. She had seen Seto dancing with her last night. The bastard had probably made his move. It would be just like him. Aura sighed. She couldn't do anything about it. She had warned Seraph. If she chose not to heed it, there was nothing to be done. Aura picked up Bakura's letter, now memorized, and sighed again. She missed him so much. Even now. Last night he had been there but distant as well. Like he was thinking about something else. After had been the strangest. He hadn't said anything, which wasn't like him at all. Usually he praised her until she kissed him to shut him up. Then they slept. Last night he had simply held her and fallen straight to sleep. No words had even been exchanged until that morning. She thought of his irritation when she accused him of sleeping with someone else. She really didn't believe he had…but what other explanation did she have? She just hoped he would come back. Sometimes her temper made her say cruel things. She had lost more than one friend that way and prayed she wouldn't lose him as well. He was the one thing she was certain she couldn't live without.

:::::::::::::::15:::::::::::::::

Seraph slammed the jars down on the table. He was the most exasperating man she had ever encountered. And she had encountered her fair share of them. She glared at the salve in her hand. It was not the right color. Burn salve was supposed to be more red than orange. Dammit. Now she had to remix it. But first she had to collect the ingredients. All fifteen of them. Ten of them were certain to be in easy reach. The other five…she had no idea. She really needed an assistant. She glared at the offensive orange-ish red salve and threw it at the wall. The jar crashed against the door where a slave was about to enter into the room.

Kemsa ducked just in time before he was hit with another flying bottle. Reaching up he caught it in his hand and walked into the room. "Lady Seraphic, did you still want this? It came flying at me…"

Seraph whirled around her eyes blazing. They calmed when she saw who was standing there. "Kemsa," she rushed over to him. Throwing her arms around him she hugged him. Stepping back she said, "What are you doing here?"

"Avoiding flying objects? Actually I was sent to tell you that some guests arrived yesterday with a notice you had us post in the marketplace. I believe you were requesting an assistant."

Seraph blew hair out of her eyes and nodded. "Well send her in."

"Actually it's two, milady. A woman and a man."

Seraph waved a hand. "Just send them in. And hurry." She turned back to the jars lined up on the table. Dammit. The healer before her was an incompetent idiot. How did she heal anybody? No wonder so many died. Seraph was still muttering to herself when she heard a cough behind her. She ignored it and continued sorting through the remaining jars.

The cough came again and Seraph continued to ignore it. "Orange-ish red. Where did the woman study? What kind of priest taught how to make this kind of burn salve? Everyone knows burn salve is supposed to be blood red. Not sunrise orange. Even the youngest knows. That's one of the simplest remedies."

"If you simply add more red ochre and a pinch of sycamore juice it will turn blood red and work quite well," said a voice behind her.

Seraph snapped her head up. Here she was babbling on about the colors and how idiotic Yami's help was that she hadn't realized anyone else had entered. She smoothed her dress and turned around. She saw a woman and a man in the doorway watching her. "Can I help you?"

Isis stepped forward. "My name is Isis and this is my companion Nadai. We have come in answer to your notice in the marketplace." Isis watched her daughter look her over to see if she would do. Obviously she had passed because Seraph nodded and said, "Red ochre and sycamore juice. Why didn't I think of that?"

Isis shrugged and came into the room, Nadai trailing behind her. Seraph walked back to the table and spread her arms out to show the oddly colored jars set before her. "As you can see, I'm doing a bit of…cleaning. The healer before me used some rather odd combinations. Personally I don't think she had a clue." She picked up a strangely colored jar and frowned at it. "What is this supposed to be?!"

Isis shook her head and took the jar. She opened it and took a bit of it on her finger. Feeling the grainy texture she lifted it to her nose and said, "It's a headache treatment. It's missing sandalwood and honey though, so it really won't do anything."

Seraph stared at the woman. How did she know that? "Well…I'll umm get that. What's your name?"

Isis laughed inwardly. Her daughter hadn't changed that much. She had never liked to be upstaged. Isis would just have to watch how much she pointed out. It was obvious her daughter was competent when it came to remedies, just not in knowing the exact contents. But she soon would. She would have taught Seraph everything she knew before sending her off to the temple. But she had never been given the chance. "My name is Isis milady. And I am here to help you. So please tell me what you would like me to do."

Seraph shook her head. "If you could start helping me identify some of these strange ones, I would greatly appreciate it. They have had me stumped for days."

Isis sat down at the table across from her daughter and began to test jars. While she tested, she spoke of the different things they needed, well aware of the fact that her daughter was taking in everything she was saying. Soon Seraph's full training would be complete.

Nadai stood in the doorway watching. He watched Seraph and Isis, their heads so close together it was difficult to distinguish which was which. Seraph had become a beautiful young woman. And Isis still had her youthful beauty. He stood back and watched mother and daughter sort through the medicines together. He wondered how much Seraph remembered. It would be interesting to see how much she would recall. Taking a deep breath he stepped forward. "Can I be of any assistance ladies?"

Seraph looked up at oddly familiar chocolate eyes. It was Isis' companion…Nadai. She shook he head and nodded at him. "How much do you know?"

Nadai shook his head, "About medicine? Next to nothing. But I do know what most herbs look like and I can lift things for you."

Isis handed him a piece of parchment she had been furiously scribbling on. "We need these ingredients, Nadai. Bring them back down here."

Seraph watched him leave and wondered why she felt so strange. Shaking her head she turned back to the task at hand.

:::::::::::::::::15:::::::::::::::

Yami stepped from his room and made his way into his study. With Relah sleeping, he needed to get back to work. He needed to get back to the journals. He still had yet to find out who his sibling was, and so far nothing in the journals was helping. There were still too many to read on his own. He sighed. He was going to enlist Aura's and Seto's help. After all, a few of the journals were about their fathers. Why should he read all of that by himself when he had two perfectly good assistants to do it for him? He shouldn't. He sat down at the desk and grabbed a random journal. Flipping through all the unimportant details, he skimmed his way through the pages and then stopped. The date was a year before he became Pharaoh.

It has come to the end of my life. I realize now, in my advanced age all the mistakes I made. Yami will take the throne when Osiris finally lays claim to my soul. He's so young, though. Not nearly as old as …I can't even speak the name. It hurts too much. She's gone and she's never coming back. She should be taking the throne. She would be adept than Yami. Yami was a hot blooded young boy who had much to learn. My daughter had been trained and she would have made a wonderful Queen. But I forced her to leave. I acted foolishly in a moment of anger and lost everything that ever really meant anything to me. I lost her. She probably won't come back even when she finds out I am dying. That's the depth of her hate for me. I killed the one person she told me she loved. I scoffed at what she claimed. I destroyed my own daughter. And all in the name of a law. Damn the law. Damn everything to do with the law. I can't take back what I've done now. It's too late. All I can do is leave it in Yami's hands now and pray he is truly ready. If not, Egypt will suffer and it will all be my fault.

Yami's eyes widened. Apparently he had a half-sister somewhere. And his father had intended to change the law. Or so it seemed. Maybe he too should consider the law. It was illegal for him to be with Relah. How would he have felt if his father had killed her? Laughed at me when I told him how much I loved her. Yami felt his throat constrict. His father hadn't thought he was ready. He thought Egypt would have been better off with his sister. Well he had shown him, hadn't he? Egypt was prospering and no wars had been fought since his reign. He had done a damn good job, dammit. "So there, Father." He narrowed his eyes and continued to flip through the journals looking for his sister's name. But there was no mention. There was the mention of her lover, whom had apparently been executed for daring to sleep with the princess. But no names. He cursed and threw the journal across the room. This was turning out nicely. The book bounced against the wall and came to rest on the floor. He reached in and pulled out another journal, this one dated before Aura's birth. This one focused on Aura's parents.

Halima is with child. Chibale is so excited. He watches over Halima with so much concern. I just hope he doesn't neglect his work for me. I'm not sure what to think . Halima has been acting slightly different for a while. I don't understand. She is so worried that something is going to happen to the baby. And I think she is concerned about providing Chibale with a suitable successor. I've told her not to worry, she'll be fine, as will the babe. But all my words seem to be for nothing. She seems to withdraw more and more every day. I can see it's worrying Chibale but neither of us know how to help her. I fear Halima is slowly going insane. And I have no idea how to stop it.

Yami stopped reading. He didn't want to go through all of this. He just wanted to find out about his sister. But he knew he had to continue through it. But he was a little curious as well. He had never fully known what had happened between Aurahkah's parents. He remembered Halima leaving, but he nor Aura ever knew why. He put down his father's journal and went through the box until he found Chibale's journal. He knew the entire inner circle was required to keep them. It was a way of keeping records and learning from mistakes. He quickly found Chibale's journal and began to read.

I am going to be a father. It is scary and exhilarating at the same time. Halima told me last night. She pulled me over to the bed and whispered it into my ear. I couldn't help but be excited. My wife was pregnant. We were going to have a child. I held her that night in joy and I don't think I've loved her more than I did in that moment. She was mine. All mine. I told Pharaoh today. Well, the whole inner circle. They were all overjoyed. Rashka began making plans for the baby. He talked of our children one day serving on the council together. His son, Seto, is one. He is such a curious little boy, always getting into trouble somehow with the prince, even at such a tender age. Yami is a little troublemaker. He and Seto are forever going to be sent to the nursery for trouble, I can see it now...Brings me to my own thoughts. Soon my babe will lie in the nursery and get into trouble with the boys. He will be my successor and I will find favor in him. I'm so happy. I have always wanted a son.

Yami shook his head. Chibale was certainly excited. And this would be Aura. Wow, Aura wasn't even alive yet. Hard to remember life without her. He thought back to the many times he and Seto had been sent to the nursery, often with no dinner. And then later on Aura had joined them. They used to sit up long after they were supposed to be asleep and just talk of what it would be like when they were all grown up and on the council. It had never mattered to them that he was a prince. They treated him just like they treated each other. Of course there were a few times when he lorded his birthright over them. Mainly to force them to do what he wanted. But most times, he wasn't able to get away with it. He shook his head and continued to read further on in the journal.

Halima is at this moment trying to give birth. She had an uneventful pregnancy but something changed. She is no longer my Halima. My sweet wife with brown eyes. She has always been so kind. But ever since she found out she was pregnant, she has been steadily changing. I can't even talk to her anymore. She ignores me and won't let me touch her. I'm so worried about her. I know she wouldn't do anything to hurt the babe, but I wonder if perhaps she has replaced me with the babe. I don't know what to think anymore. Pharaoh agrees as does Rashka. They have no advice though…oh it's come. She did it. My wife did it. She gave life to our child. It's a beautiful baby girl. I have a daughter! She has big blue eyes and raven locks. I've been told she's beautiful. I want to see for myself but I've also been told she's a mess. I don't care how messy she is. I'm well aware of the process of childbirth but I don't care. I want to see my daughter! I want to hold her. I just can't get over it. I'm a father.

Yami smiled. Now Aura was born. He thought of Halima and a frown replaced the smile. He remembered how awful she had treated Aura. Made her cry many times. Aura didn't want anyone to know, but late at night when she thought everyone was asleep in the nursery, she would cry. He and Seto had tried to comfort her but it didn't help. She only became sullen and mean. She wouldn't play with them the next day either. They soon learned not to mess with her but it made him feel sick inside every time he heard her cry. He wanted to know. He had to know what had happened. Chibale had loved Halima and at one time she had loved him. What had changed? What had gone so horribly wrong? It had started during the pregnancy but some things were still unclear to him. He finally forced himself to read on and put aside the painful memories.

I don't know what to do. Halima hates the child. She looks at her in disgust and will not even give her the time of day. Aurahkah is growing up quickly. She is an extremely bright child, catching onto things rather quickly. She has a head for numbers as well. While Yami and Seto are struggling to learn, she is already finished. She works so hard. And I know it isn't to make me proud of her. She knows I am proud of her. No, she is trying to earn her mother's pride…and love. It's sad really, that a child should work so hard and have the one who gave birth to her turn her back on her. Aura tries so hard, and every time she looks to her mother, Halima ignores her. And every time Aura gets her hopes up, just to have them dashed. It makes me sick. I fell in love with Aurahkah that first day. How could you look into her big blue eyes and not fall in love? Even Pharaoh fell in love with her. And now she's nine and even more beautiful than she was at birth. She's going to be a gorgeous woman some day. She has her mother's beauty, but not her mother's love. I also see the boys moving away from her. They are beginning to regard her as a pest when she used to be one of them. I wonder how much she will take. Aura was not blessed with a calm demeanor. She has my temper. And she has used it. Oh when my Aura gets mad you can hear her yell all the way across the Nile. She won't take too kindly to rejection. I just hope she knows it's not because of her. It's just the way things happen. I hope she knows that no matter what, I will always love her. No matter what.

Yami felt shame hit him. He and Seto had both treated her like a pest. She was younger than they were by a simple year and always wanted to come along on whatever adventure they were having. She was always up for anything. But Yami and Seto had been looking at girls lately. But Aura ruined it. They couldn't scout for girls with her along. So they began avoiding her and making up excuses. Aura had been hurt and confused and Yami had never really thought about it until now. He remembered how she threw herself into her studies. She had become even better at math and everything for that matter. That kind of stuff had always come really easy to Aura. It had irritated both him and Seto. And the more they teased her, the better she became. He could look back on it now and realized that she had never been trying to do it just to be better. She had been trying to earn their love. Aura believed she had to earn her mother's love and she looked for anyway to do just that. He felt very bad about everything he had ever done to her and resolved to apologize for it, even after all this time, but first he wanted to read more.

I have to confront Halima. Aura is becoming like her. I already see it. She's withdrawing into herself. I let it happen with Halima and I won't let Aura turn bitter. She used to think the world was a beautiful place with happiness everywhere. Now, she knows better. But I refuse to allow her to turn into her mother. Halima is either going to start showing her some affection or at the least some respect. For ten years, Halima has ignored her. It makes me feel like I can't give my baby girl everything she needs. I can't be her mother and right now all she needs is her mother's love and acceptance. I'll talk to Halima tonight.

Well, I talked to her and made things worse. She began flinging accusations at me. She told me I loved Aurahkah more than her and she had wanted me to have a son. I tried to explain to her that I was very happy with Aura but Halima's eyes filled with hatred. I'm afraid she will try to harm her. I have removed her from the nursery and put her in bed with me. I don't want to give her mother any chance to hurt her. Halima spoke of all my loving going to her, but like I told her, there was nothing left to love. Halima has become a bitter, cruel woman and I hate it. I want my Halima back. The one that so joyfully told me she was with child. I tried to make Halima see that Aura needs her love but she simply spit on the floor and told me not to speak the name to her. That upset me and I lashed out at her. I told her everything I thought of her and in the end I don't even think it fazed her. That's how bitter she's become. Nothing I said penetrated the shell she has erected around her heart and now she is completely lost to me and my daughter. And all because Aurahkah isn't a boy.

Yami almost dropped the journal in disbelief. He knew that the women were concerned with giving their husbands sons and sometimes men beat their wives if they dared give them a girl. A boy was considered the most valuable of all valuables. But now it all made sense. He now knew why Aura's mother had disappeared. She hated Aura and couldn't take it anymore. No one had ever seen Halima again. So much had happened and Aura had never been the same. She probably still blamed herself to this day. She never again wanted to go on adventures with them. She became a perfect child, throwing herself into her studies even more and avoided any trouble she could. Now, it all made sense. Aura was trying to keep her father from leaving her too. She thought it was her fault her mother had left. She thought if she was perfect her father would still love her. Yami shook his head. He had known Aura all his life, and had never known any of this. When he was young, he thought she was a big showoff. He never realized she was trying to earn her mother's love. He flipped forward a little bit and began to read again. This entry brought tears to his eyes.

My baby won't stop crying. Her mother is gone. She just disappeared. Picked up and left. And I had to tell Aura, and no lie will suffice, she had to know that her mother left. I feel bad because I know it's my fault she left. Indirectly it's probably my fault she hates Aura as well. She so wanted to give me a son. She felt like she had failed me somehow and that I hated her for it. I didn't but she couldn't see that. She couldn't grasp the fact that I loved Aura. Loved her more than I probably would have had I had a son. Especially once Halima found out she couldn't have anymore children. That really tore her up. I guess that's when I knew she had lost it. But Halima is gone and Aura feels like she has failed. I know she didn't understand why I took her out of the nursery that night, but what was I supposed to tell her? "Oh Aura darling, you can't sleep with the boys because your mother may try to kill you during the night?" I can't say that. I had to make up some story about the boys being too old to sleep in the same room with her anymore. And now she has her own room. I feel bad, though. She should have slept in the nursery for another two years. Then she would have been in her own room. Instead she was in her own room now. I go into her room every night and listen to her cry herself to sleep. She has terrible nightmares too. Screams for her mother but never wakes up. I hold her shaking body until she quiets and goes back to a quiet sleep. This whole ordeal has affected her more than I ever knew. Pharaoh is worried too. I already told him, she is my successor. He agreed that that would be fine, but she can't do it if she's insane. I have to keep her from totally withdrawing. I have to reach my Aura again. Not this girl that never smiles or laughs. Her blue eyes are always wet. Tears are continuously wetting her cheeks. She drinks her own tears daily and it tears me up inside. What's the worst, is I don't know how to help her. I don't know. I want to see her smile again. Hear her laugh.

Yami remembered this time very well. He remembered when Aura had been removed from the nursery. They hadn't understood at the time but it was fine with them. No Aura meant no tagging along and they didn't need to avoid her, she simply avoided them. He remembered finding Aura standing in random places, just watching things. He never knew what she was looking for. She used to sit on the palace steps and watch the sunset. Every night, rain or shine she would sit out there. He wanted to read one more entry.

I can't explain it. My Aura's back. But she's not. Oh she is back to smiling and I even heard her laugh today, but she doesn't open up as much as she used to. Now she keeps her heart heavily guarded and does not give everyone the love she once freely gave. She keeps her heart locked up deep inside her and I'm afraid she will pass up love, for fear of losing it forever. I am overjoyed that she does not cry anymore, except every once in a while late at night. I feel so confused. First I lost Halima and now I've lost Aurahkah to an extent. She will still give me love but no one else. She will keep her heart locked up from everyone. Will she ever fully get over what happened? I don't think so. What Halima has done, has affected me and I didn't even feel everything she has done to Aura. Aura has tried to earn her love, I never did. I simply accepted the fact that I had lost her. Aura has been through so much and it worries me as to how she will look at love now. I still love her though and always will.

Yami dropped the journal on the table. He couldn't read anymore. It was too heart-wrenching. He felt a lump in his throat when he thought of Aura as a little girl. He had been such a stupid boy. Him and Seto both. They had taken Aura's affection for granted and now they would never fully get it back. A great sense of loss overtook him. He missed that little girl that had smiled up at him with such love shining in her eyes. He even missed the little girl that had cried at night. She had still felt that deep emotion. Now, she kept her emotions locked deep inside. She showed it only when she absolutely had to. He hated Halima for what she had done. It just wasn't right. It just wasn't right…at all.

::::::::::::15:::::::::

Bakura slipped into the treasure room and slipped out his dagger. He watched as the thief continued to fill a bag with the golden trinkets that lured him to the raid. "Hey, don't you know that this is my tomb?"
The other thief turned around and glared at him but stayed hidden.. "If it's your tomb, shouldn't I be robbing you and you be in the sarcophagus?"

Bakura smirked. "You know, you really aren't funny. Come out where I can see you."

The thief stepped from behind the pile of treasure. Bakura was shocked. "You!" he yelled.

The girl recognized him and began to make her way towards the exit of the treasure room. Bakura was faster. He blocked her escape and slowly began to force her into a corner. "I owe you something, my dear."

The girl shook her head, her black hair falling into her face. Impatiently she moved it out of her eyes and glared at Bakura. "You owe me something all right. You owe me the right to raid this tomb in peace. Now leave."

Bakura laughed. "Your tomb? I had this tomb staked out for myself weeks ago. It's mine."

The girl looked around at the walls. "I don't see your name anywhere. First come, first serve."

Bakura sneered, "Oh no, my dear. You gave me these scars and now I have some of my own to give you."

The thief girl paled a little but pulled out her sais and began to move away from the wall.

He glared at her and began to slash with his daggers. She quickly blocked him with her sais. The two thieves were locked in a stalemate for a good five minutes. Quickly the girl withdrew her sais and plunged them toward his leg. But Bakura was too quick for her. He moved out of the way so instead of tearing straight in and ripping skin and muscle, her sai barely grazed his leg. Still he knew she had drawn blood and he was pissed. "That's the second time you've drawn my blood. I will make you pay for both."

"Bring it on, little boy. I can take care of you." She glared at him and once again the thieves crouched into the normal stance. Bakura struck with the force of lightning sweeping his dagger easily across her arm. A thin line of red began to form from her elbow to her wrist. She cursed and began to strike out at him.

"Such language from a lady. I'm shocked. But then a thief isn't a lady, is she?"

The girl's eyes narrowed, "No more than you are a gentleman." She swept out and blocked his dagger with her right sai and once again tried to plunge her points into his leg.

"When will you learn? I am too fast for you. You can't beat me."

"I got you once, I'll get you again." She pointed out smugly.

His eyes narrowed. "You got lucky and it will not happen again. I was careless and it will never happen again."

"As far as I'm concerned it already has." In a flash she had moved behind him and swept the sai across his back.

He cried out in pain and grabbed her by the throat. She brought her sais up and he simply shook her until she dropped them. The clatter of her sais had him smiling. Her hands clawed desperately at her throat and tried in vain to loosen his grip. He lifted her off the ground and began to shake her. "I am tired of you and I refuse to allow you in my tombs anymore. Do I make myself clear?"

She tried to kick him but he moved back and held her aloft. She gasped and continued to claw at her throat. Bakura realized that he was killing her and he dropped her on the floor. Sweeping up her sais he held them in his hands and glared at her. "Now, if you want me to spare your life, get out of here and leave me to my work!"

The girl stood up and rubbed her throat. It burned badly. She would not forget this. And she would get him back, thief's honor. She reached for her sais but Bakura laughed at her. "Don't you know the rules, my dear? I am entitled to your weapon. You lost. Therefore I claim your sais as my own. Too bad. I'm sure you have others, though. Now run along and play with one of the other tombs. Perhaps one where I've already been. Then you can get all the wonderful things I left behind."

She glared at him and walked out of the treasure room. She would be back and this time she wouldn't lose.

Bakura smiled and began to go about taking all the valuables from the tomb. Ah victory. It was a great way to relieve his rage. Now he was rather happy. It was quite interesting actually. He got mad at Aura and took it on another thief. And now Bakura could go back, happy, with no anger hanging over his head.

::::::::::::15::::::::::::::

Aura placed the letter under a pile of paperwork. She wanted to put it away for good, but couldn't. Especially since she wasn't sure if Bakura was coming back or not. Too many things were uncertain right now. She knew she needed him. She knew how much she loved him. She just didn't know how he felt about her. There was no telling if he still loved her or he just felt obligated to visit her from time to time. She wanted him to love her. More than she had wanted her mother's love. She was taking such a huge chance, but she knew if she didn't she would regret it forevermore. She didn't want to regret anything. She wanted to live happily with Bakura. Slowly she picked up the piles of paper work and smoothed the letter. Then she dropped the paper again. Sitting down, she began to read the many contracts she had to go through for the Pharaoh. While the palace on rest, she still had work to do. A lot of work to catch up on. She attacked the paperwork with a vengeance.

:::::::::::::::15::::::::::::::::::::

Time passed much like it always does. Before Seraph knew it, three weeks had passed. She had been immersed with Isis and Nadai in the herbs and ointments. She had learned more in the last three weeks than she ever had under Micah or anyone at the temple. She had learned a great deal about medicine but nothing about those who were helping her. She had asked Isis many times where she was from. Isis always evaded the question or said she didn't have a permanent home. Nadai wasn't forthcoming with information either. Frustration was the only thing Seraph had left. She wanted to find out about the ones she worked with but they stayed very quiet anytime their pasts came up. They did ask many questions to her though. She never considered not answering them. Isis had asked her about her mother and Seraph had smiled while telling her what she remembered. She had told Isis about living with Micah and learning the healing art. Isis listened with her heart and mind and figured out how Seraph truly felt.

Isis knew that Seraph had never forgotten her. That much was obvious in the way she talked about her. It made her Isis' heart sing to hear her daughter speak of her that way. She longed to tell Seraphic everything but knew it was not the time. The time would come soon though. In her opinion, not soon enough.

:::::::::15::::::::::::

Seto stalked around his room. He couldn't take much more of this. He needed Seraph. He didn't want to admit it but he needed her. It had been three weeks. Three long weeks and she had banned him from her room. He couldn't even kiss her. It was damn annoying. She really was upsetting him. He only wanted to bury himself in her but she was blocking him at every step. She ignored him when he tried to talk to her and kept her door shut. He didn't want anyone getting suspicious so he stayed out of her room when the door was closed. He couldn't wait any longer and if he had to he was going to scream. He had been nothing but irritable these past few weeks and he didn't intend to live like this again. Seto had had her once and he had known release and for once, peace. He craved that peace again and deep inside he knew the only way he would get that peace again was to have her. This had to end. Now. He stood up and walked out of his room, stopping in front of hers. Her door was closed. Again. Big surprise, there. He knocked on the door and waited until he heard he customary greeting, "Go away Seto, If I wanted to talk to you, I would come see you myself."

Seto leaned his head against her door and began to bang his head.

"I said go away!" Seraph said.

Seto slammed his fist and said, "If you don't open this door right now, I will come in there, Seraph. I mean it. Open the damn door. You can't keep doing this." He closed his eyes and counted very slowly to ten. "One…two…nine…TEN! I'm coming in Seraphic." He barged open the door and glared at her. She was sitting at her desk, writing something. She looked up at him once and then turned her attention back to whatever she was doing.

Seto slammed the door and stalked over to her desk. "This has to stop now, Seraph."

Seraph looked up at him again and then returned her attention to her parchment. She continued to write and completely ignored him. She really didn't want to talk to him now. She would only cry. She had cried enough in the past three weeks and didn't intend to shed anymore tears over him. She had known in the beginning that he would break her heart and she had allowed him to do it. She had allowed him to have it and she had braced herself for the pain she knew would come with it. She had no intention of becoming anything more than his lover, but as she found out you couldn't choose who you loved. Sometimes, it just happened.

"Look Seraph…I...I'm sorry," Seto said.

Seraph's head snapped up and she stared at him. "What?"

Seto narrowed his eyes, "Do you really think I'm going to repeat it? Fine, I'm sorry."

Seraph couldn't speak. She was shocked and dumbfounded. Seto had apologized. She still had to absorb it. Much to her chagrin her eyes filled with tears and they began to spill over.

Seto pushed a hand through his hair. Hell, what had he done now. He really didn't want to see her cry. That was one thing he never wanted to see again. He would do anything to keep her from crying. Including begging for her forgiveness. "Seraph, I'm sorry I left you and treated you like a whore. It was never like that. I didn't mean all those things I said and I'm so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"

Seraph slowly wiped her eyes and looked at him. "Do you have any idea how much I hate you right now?"

Seto raised an eyebrow.

"Oh yes, I hate you. I hate the way you make me feel. I hate the way you make me respond. I hate the way I want to hit you one minute and kiss you the next. I hate the way I lay in my cold bed wishing you were there with me. I hate that I miss you when you leave a room. I hate that I know exactly when you have entered the room. And I hate that I love you." Seraph finished her tirade and sat back down and began writing again as though nothing had happened.

Seto just stood there, speechless. She had professed undying love and hate for him all in the same sentence. It was oddly touching really. And oddly enough he agreed.

He walked up in front of her desk and pulled the quill out of her hands. "I hate you too, Seraphic. I hate the way you make me feel. I hate the way you are a natural temptress. I hate the way you run your fingers through your hair when you need reassurance. I hate the way you stroke Rasui. I hate the way I sit in my room and listen for you voice when you sing. I hate the way I break off in the middle of a sentence and start thinking of you. I hate the way you kick me out of your room and act all haughty when you get angry at me. I hate the way you have banned me from your bed. And I hate the way no matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, I can't stop myself from wanting you!" He came around the desk and grabbed her shoulders, lifting her up. "I hate it Seraph, but I'm addicted to you. I can't get you out of my system." So saying he crushed his mouth to hers and kissed her with all the frustration and all the wanting he felt.

Seraph tried to freeze him out but couldn't help it when he began to move his lips against hers. She softened and began to kiss him back with all the anger and frustration she felt.

Seto framed her face with his hands and felt her soften against him. He kissed her deeply and when he raised his head he looked longingly at the bed.

Seraph couldn't think. She tried to remember what she had been screaming at him about but it was all too fuzzy. All she remembered was the way that magnificent mouth had moved on her own. "Seto…I can't…do this." She pulled back and walked slowly back to her desk. Seto stood there watching her as she sat back down and continued to write. Seto was shocked. She had just pushed him away and with very little effort. That wouldn't do. He obviously hadn't kissed her enough. He walked over to the desk and looked over her shoulder. What he saw had his fists clenching. She was writing a letter to Dakar.

"Seraphic, what do you know?"

"Nothing."

"You can't lie Seraphic."

"I'm not."

"Why are you writing to your former slave?"

"Oh, I don't know. I want to know if he's alive."

"You let him go, didn't you? I knew you did! Dammit, Seraph. Why can't you understand? He had no right to touch you the way he did!"

Seraph's eyes narrowed, "You mean the way you did?"

Seto glared at her. "Seraphic." He said warning her.

"Well it's true isn't it?" she shot back. "It's against the law. You and I broke the law and we still are. And it's the same thing that you did to Aura. You were so mean to her because she was breaking the law with her slave. You wanted to get rid of both of them. But you failed. Well, Seto, what's the difference?" She stood up and raised her eyes to meet his. Placing her hands on her hips she said, "I'm a woman and I'm in the inner circle. Are you going to try and get rid of me too? Or are you going to let me stay because I'm sleeping with you?" She glared at him in disgust. "I can't do this. Please leave, now Seto."

Seto calmly pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'll be back later tonight. I guarantee it."

So saying he walked out of her room, calmly closing the door behind him. He smiled as he walked back to his own room. He was looking forward to tonight. More so than that night three weeks ago. Ah yes it would be sweet once again. But this time instead of just giving her pleasure, he would teach her how to give it as well. Oh, yes, it was going to be a good night.

:::::::::::::15:::::::::

Aura grabbed the bucket that sat beside her bed now and emptied her stomach of everything she had eaten in what felt like the past six years. She knew it was only last night's dinner. She had no idea why she continued to eat. She couldn't keep anything down. And Bakura was no help. Oh he came every night. He messed with her and then went to sleep. And she laid there, wide awake. She was having a hard time sleeping and then in the morning she always gets sick to her stomach and loses the previous night's diner. She couldn't eat anything until the middle of the day. She thought she might be getting sick, but she couldn't think of what she might have. She never got sick. Unless it was stress. That's probably all it was. She needed to go see Seraphic though. She needed something to settle her stomach. Leaning over the bucket she rid herself of the last of the food in her stomach. Oh she felt terrible.

Kebi peeked out of the room, his eyes full of concern. "My Lady? Is there something I could do?"

Aura looked at the boy, "Go get me something. Find Seraph or somebody, please."

Kebi nodded and left the room quickly heading for the infirmary. He wasn't sure what was happening with his mistress but she had been sick every day this week. It was odd really. She refuses to eat and she gets sick every morning. But she eats a full meal at night and is fine. It was too much for his little head to comprehend. He wondered if he should mention it to the man who watched her every night. Maybe he would know and could help. Maybe. He walked into the infirmary and saw a strange woman in Lady Seraphic's usual place. He walked in and said, "Hello? Um I'm here to find something for Lady Aurahkah. She's…sick to her stomach."

Isis looked up and saw a little boy standing there. He was quite unsure of himself and reminded her a lot of Nadai. She looked at him and walked over to him. Crouching down she said, "Well hello. My name is Isis. I am Lady Seraphic's helper. What is your name?"

Kebi looked at his hands and kicked the ground. "Karabai, but everyone calls me Kebi. You can too, if you want."

Isis smiled. He was adorable. "Kebi, you need medicine for your mistress?"

Kebi nodded.

"Well then, let's see what we can find." She held out her hand to the little boy.

Kebi looked at the hand, unsure. He knew Lady Seraphic would help him, but this nice lady said she was Lady Seraphic's helper. Maybe she could help. He smiled at her. "Okay." He took her hand and together they walked to the table. He saw all kinds of bottles of different colors on the table.

Isis looked at the many different potions and salves. "Now, Kebi, what did you say was the matter with Lady Aurahkah?"

Kebi said, "She's sick to her stomach. She has been all week. I don't know why. But she can't eat and I don't like it. Not one bit."

Isis laughed. "I'm sure she doesn't either." She picked up a bottle filled with powder and handed it to him. "Okay Kebi, listen to me very closely." She waited to be sure she had his full attention. "Give this to her. Tell her to mix it with water and drink a full glass twice a day. Once in the morning when she first wakes up and once at night. Okay?"

Kebi nodded solemnly. He reached out and took the powder from her. He walked to the door and looked back. "Where is Lady Seraphic?"

Isis smiled, "She needed some rest. I am simply filling in for her. She's fine though. Just sleeping."

Kebi nodded and said, "Thank you Miss Isis. I'll tell Lady Aurahkah exactly what you said." So saying he left the room. He wandered back to Lady Aurahkah's room and handed her the powder Miss Isis had given him. He relayed her instructions word for word and scampered into his own room.

Aura stared at the powder and felt her stomach lurch. She put it on the bedside table and rolled back over and went to sleep, she'd take her first dose later. Right now she planned to take a nice, rejuvenating nap and then get up and work…again.

:::::::::::::15::::::::::::::::

Seto walked into Aura's room and saw her sleeping. He shook his head and tiptoed quietly to her desk. He really didn't want her waking up and yelling at him. But Seto had finished all how own paperwork and needed more for distraction. He grabbed the first stack on the desk and quickly hurried outside the room. Closing the door behind him he brought the papers into his own room and sat down at his desk, beginning to work.

A good hour later he reached the last piece of parchment in the pile. Rubbing his tired muscles he yawned and grabbed the last piece of parchment. He picked up his quill and scanned looking for the spot he needed to sign, when he realized that what he held was not a contract at all. He dropped his quill and began to read the paper. It had been folded many times so that the creases were soft and some of the ink had begun to bleed, but it was not unreadable. His hand closed around the letter and he realized that he finally held the key to getting rid of Aura. "My dearest Aura," he began and read the whole thing all the way through. He couldn't believe that luck had finally decided to shine on him. Carefully he tucked the folded letter in the middle of his pile of unfinished work.

:::::::::::15:::::::::

Opening her eyes, Relah yawned and stretched like a contented cat after a long nap. She smiled and sat up, clutching the sheets to her breasts. A quick look around the room revealed that Yami had slipped away. He had probably woken earlier and went to work. The man worked far too hard. But now, she was his Queen, and it was her job to make sure he didn't work too hard. She smiled, Queen Relah. If only my parents could see me now, she thought bitterly. Thoughts of her parents left a bad taste in her mouth and she didn't want thoughts of them to spoil her mood. So she got dressed, for the third time that day, and went to find Yami.

She asked for him and one slave had told her he was in his study. Nodding she made her way until she came to the door of his study. The door was closed, meaning he didn't want to be disturbed, but she didn't really think he'd mind. She knocked gently and listened for a response. Silence greeted her. The man was definitely working too hard. She opened the door and walked in. The sight that greeted her made her smile.

Yami had been working, she thought glancing at the piles of books and scrolls all over his desk. But now he was asleep. He had fallen asleep with his quill still on the book he had been writing in. His face was in his propped up hand and at first glance it appeared he was hard at work. Relah knew better. His eyes were closed, his eyelashes resting against his cheeks. She walked over and removed the quill from his hand. She glanced over and saw a copy of his family tree. What was he doing? There was a circle around one section. At a closer look, she saw it was Hokhar and his first wife. Then she saw the line leading down and the name that had been scratched out. So this is what had Yami so upset. He hadn't said anything but it had been obvious to her that something was on his mind. Gently she picked up the book Yami had been writing in and began to read.

In keeping with my father's commands, I am required to keep a journal, so that future generations will know what has happened during my reign. So far in my journal, I have only spoken of Egypt and the members of my council. But three weeks ago, I received a new title, and one I hold in high regard. Higher regard than Pharaoh. That of husband. My Queen and I were joined for eternity three short weeks ago. My beautiful wife, Relah. She is my one true love and I am hers. And I do love her, so very much. I never knew this kind of bond could exist. I have loved Relah for a very long time, but now she is mine. The whole world knows it and I couldn't be happier. She is not perfect, after all we all have our flaws, stubbornness is hers. That and a rebellious nature. But I love her for it and I look forward to all the fights we will have. And the making up that will follow. Her outer beauty is alluring but her inner beauty is even more so. She is kind and gentle and has a heart of gold. She protected Seraphic from my wrath and rescued her from a night in the dungeon. She has defiantly stood up to me and told me exactly how she felt. But most of all my wife is wise. There are many times I seek her advice, and more times I won't, but she'll tell me anyway. And likely as not, I'll take her advice but I won't tell her because then she'll never let it go. But she'll turn out to be right anyway. More than anything she holds my heart. I never planned to fall in love, but it happened. Now, I can't live without her. I crave her kiss and her hands. I need to see her in the morning when I wake up and at night when I finally sleep. I was once told, love made a man weak. But it isn't true. Love makes me strong and for once in my life, I feel like I can do anything.

Relah felt tears in her eyes. He was so sweet, her Yami. Her heart swelled with love and she pressed a kiss to his hand. He stirred slightly, laying his arms down on the desk and crossing them. Then he laid his head down on top of them. Relah shook her head and was about to replace the journal when a few pages flipped and another entry was written.

I came upon some startling news today. My father had a child by his first wife. At first I assumed that the babe had died, but later I found that the baby not only lived, but she grew up. Around the age of eighteen, she committed some terrible act that resulted in her being erased from the records. The only mention of her is in my father's private journals. I have a half-sister somewhere. A half-sister who is supposed to be on the throne. And my father thought she would do a better job than me. I don't know what to do about this information. The only clue I found about her was in the old family tree. Her name is crossed out, the only letters that can be read are 'Is-' My sister could be anywhere. And my father wanted to change the law. Then my other problem is Lady Seraphic. She has a necklace that came from my father. I did some extensive research and found Seraphic's father's name. He was on the council. Seraphic stated clearly that her mother gave her the necklace. The only conclusion I can find, is Seraphic's mother was given the necklace by Akur. She then gave it to their child. But why would my father give it to Akur? It is very obviously a feminine necklace. It is one more answer that seeks to hide itself from me. I wish I knew what happened all those years ago.

Relah set the journal on the desk and quietly left the study. Yami had a lot on his mind. She agreed it made no sense. The necklace was made to enhance the fragile beauty of the one wearing it. It was fashioned to fit around a woman's throat. Something was missing. Something vital. And she intended to find out what it was.

::::::::::15::::::::::

Seraph picked up the letter she had finally finished. Reading it over, she sighed and sealed it. She wrote Dakar in her elegant script on the outside of the folded letter. Then she picked up a new piece of parchment and wrote a note to Micah. In it, she asked him to deliver the letter for her and let her know how Dakar was doing. She signed that letter as well and sealed it with Dakar's inside. Seraph set aside the letters and stood up. She needed something else to do. She decided to see if Seto had anything for her to do. When she returned to her room, she began to look through the stack she had taken from his desk, and realized that he had all of them completed. Gritting her teeth in frustration, she tossed the papers on the desk and closed her eyes, when they fell everywhere. Quickly, she gathered them up and set about putting them in some sort of order. When she reached for one paper, she stopped. It was not like the others. She picked it up and her eyes widened. The words 'My dearest Aura' jumped out at her. Seraph hid the letter and quickly returned the finished paperwork. Then she began to pace. She didn't know if Seto had seen the note, but was pretty sure he had. Unknowingly Aura had provided him with the opportunity to get rid of her once and for all. Seraph held the note in her hands and stared into the fire of the brazier by her door.. Suddenly an idea registered. If the note disappeared, Seto had no proof. Seraph could see no other way so she threw the parchment in, watching the flames lick greedily at its edges. She was still watching when someone came in the room.

"My Lady!"

Seraph looked over and smiled. "Hello Kemsa."

Kemsa panted, out of breath "You must come…it's time."

Seraph instantly became alert. "Kifi?"

"She's been having pains."

Seraph was already to the door. She rushed behind Kemsa until they reached the slave quarters. She hurried inside and saw Kifi, her face pale, her hair in disarray, lying on her bed. Her face was contorted in pain, and sweat beaded her brow. Two other women were in the room, holding her steady as she thrashed about. Seraphic bent to check the woman and saw she was indeed ready to birth. Seraph rolled up her sleeves and set to work.

The other women pushed Kemsa out of the room. "You can see her and the babe later."

Seraph said "I need my medicines."

"Where are they?" one of the two asked frantically.

"In a bag on my dressing table. Hurry!"

The one rushed from the room. She hurried to Lady Seraphic's room and searched frantically for the bag. Grabbing it, she rushed back into the birthing chamber.

Kifi leaned her head back and screamed. The pain was unbearable. The child was tearing her apart. She screamed again and desperately tried to fight whatever it was keeping her pinned down.

Seraph worked futilely. She spoke soothing words to Kifi. The baby would not come. She knew she needed help. She thought of her assistant and quickly stood up. Motioning one of the other slaves she said, "Find Isis and bring her here. Quickly. Kifi is in trouble."

The slave rushed off and Seraph returned to her task. She had already given Kifi everything she could to dull the pain. All she could do now was wait.

Isis entered the room, moments later, and began to question Seraph on what she had done. Seraph answered all her questions and Isis nodded. Her daughter knew what she was doing. Kifi screamed again and Isis went to her. Seraph checked but there was still no sign of the babe. She placed her hands on Kifi's hard stomach and began to knead. Seraph used everything she could think of but nothing worked. Four hours later, Seraph was beyond discouraged. She had tried everything. The hours passed and Kifi had already hemorrhaged a few times.

Isis walked over to Seraph. "We can't risk cutting the baby out."

"She's lost too much blood. It would kill her in minutes." Seraph sighed. "What are we going to do?

"Wait. And pray." Isis said.

Finally when she was certain the babe was not going to ever come, she saw something. Inserting her hands, she felt until she found the tiny appendage, it was a foot. Seraph's heart clenched. The baby had turned. She reached in and began to pull gently. After six hours the baby finally appeared.

It slid into Seraph's hands covered in blood. It was a girl. Seraph felt tears prick her eyelids as she wordlessly handed the small bundle to Isis. Isis took the baby and looked at Seraphic. She shook her head. The baby was dead. She had been strangled by the connecting cord. Seraph wiped her bloody hands on a linen and took the baby from Isis. She walked over and silently began washing the blood from the baby's skin. Seraph knew it was useless but she couldn't bear to tell Kemsa. Kifi had finally passed out right as the baby had slid into Seraph's hands. Seraph cradled the tiny body in her arms and gently wrapped it in the linen. She sat down on one of the chairs in the room and began to rock the dead baby. One of the slaves tried to take the child but Seraph held tightly. She simply shook her head.

Isis was exhausted. It had been a long day and the baby was dead. She had seen the despair in her daughter's eyes and her heart had clenched. The room was much quieter now. All the slaves had gone and Kifi was sleeping. Kemsa was holding his wife's hand and sobbing and Seraph was still rocking the dead baby. Isis walked over and tried to take the baby but Seraph wouldn't release her. Isis didn't know what to do. Seraph needed a warm bath and sleep. Sighing she left the room. She knew what she had to do.

When Isis returned she had Seto with her. "We can't get her to move. I thought she might listen to you."

Seto nodded and looked around the room. He saw Seraph in a corner, rocking slowly, a tightly wrapped bundle in her arms. He walked over and felt a lump form in his throat. She was holding a dead baby. Seraph lifted her tear-filled eyes to his and whispered, "It's a girl."

Seto gently removed the bundle and swallowing handed the baby to Isis. He jerked in surprise when he saw Seraph. The front of her dress was covered in blood and other liquids. He strode forward and lifted her, cradling her gently in his arms. Then he made his way through the halls to his room.

Seto walked into his room and snapped to his slave, "Draw a bath and help her. She's been through a lot."

The girl quickly nodded and Seto set Seraph gently on the bed. He kissed her forehead and said, "I'll be back later, sweetheart." He needed to get away for appearances sake. He took a leaf from Aura's book and opened his door, grabbing a passing guard. He shut his own door and placed the guard in front of it. "Lady Seraphic is using my quarters right now. She is not to be disturbed by anyone. Do you understand me?"

"Yes sir."

Seto walked into the hall, thoughts racing through his mind. He wondered how many times Aura herself had kept up appearances like this. It could be stressful indeed. He shook his head and continued to walk.

::::::::::15::::::::::::

Isis began to pace. There was something going on here. She had seen the same little boy for the past three weeks and each time he said his mistress had the same ailment. Isis had long ago thrown out the stress theory. Something else was happening and Isis had a good idea what that something was. She intended to find out if Aura knew though. Walking quickly she made her way towards Aura's room. She wasn't sure who could have caused it but it was the only explanation that fit.

:::::::::::::::15::::::::::::

Aura stood in her room. She was perilously close to tears and she had no idea what she was going to do. She began to pace and every once in a while would stop and just stare into space. She had some ideas of what she could do but she still wasn't sure.

Bakura slipped in through the window and raised an eyebrow when he saw her pacing. What's going on here?, he thought to himself. "Aura?"

Aura turned and glared at him. She chose not to speak to him because she was not entirely certain what she would say. The last thing she needed was to bust into tears.

Bakura tilted his head to one side and looked at her, "What did I do this time?"

Aura gritted her teeth. "Does a calendar mean anything to you?"

"Umm no…"

"I thought not." She threw up her hands and resumed pacing.

Bakura sat on the bed and shook his head. He began to think, trying to figure out what had her so wound up. "Did Seto upset you?"

"No! Dammit! No." She took a deep breath. "Maybe it would be better if you left Bakura."

Bakura's eyes widened. Something was definitely wrong. "Why?" he asked.

Aura felt the tears coming. She turned away and began to clench her fists. "Just go."

"Not until you tell me what the hell is wrong with you."

"You are what's wrong with me." The tears started. "I can't take this anymore. We just keep having to sneak and now this…." She stopped. She really didn't want to say that.

"We always had to sneak around. Nothing's changed."

"Yes Bakura. Something has changed." She sat down at her desk and began to sob.

Bakura stared at her. He was really confused. "Did I miss something?"

"I would say so." She finally lost it. Picking up the journal Yami had given her earlier along with an apology, she threw it at him. "Here, see if this enlightens you."

She wiped her eyes and stared at Bakura as he opened the journal and began to read the pages she had marked. There were about five of them and it didn't take him long to finish. Bakura dropped the journal onto the bed and stood up. He walked over to Aura who was still at her desk. Slipping his arms around her he lifted her and carried her to the bed. He held her while she cried and cried and cried.

"Now do you understand?"

"I know you had a bitch of a mother and a bad childhood. Is that what this is about?"

Aura shook her head. She stood from his lap and walked to the window. "You just don't get it, do you?"

Bakura sighed, "If you would tell me, instead of making me play guessing games…."

"I've been playing guessing games for three weeks now! Do you really think this is the best thing? I can't eat. I can't sleep. I don't even want to look at food. I cry all the time. Or I bite random people's heads off for little things. I'm moody and emotional and I feel like I'm not myself. The headaches are horrible and oh in the mornings!"

"Aura stop! You are yelling…"

"Damn right I'm yelling! This is all your fault. Why didn't you check? Why?"

"I fail to see why this is my fault and why are you yelling!"

"Because I can! I live here! I can yell all night if I want!"

"But I can't. If I get caught…."

Aura stopped. "This is your fault because without you I wouldn't be in the condition I'm in."

Bakura stopped at the word 'condition.' He needed to see a calendar. Badly. He closed his eyes. "Are you…"

"Yes dammit yes. I've only been trying to tell you that all night."

"Why didn't you just come out and say 'Bakura I'm with child.?"

"Because I didn't want you to leave me…"

"Why in Ra's holy name would I leave you? If you are carrying my child, I'm going to be glued to your side. What kind of man do you think I am?"

"How am I supposed to know? I didn't have a good childhood. And what am I supposed to do?"

"What do you mean? We keep on track with our plans…and you have a kid. It was in the plans anyway. Just not this soon."

"What about Pharaoh? And my mother? And me? What if…what if I become my mother?"

Bakura stared at her. "Not possible."

"What do you mean not possible? How can you stand there and say not possible? That's the most infuriating thing I ever heard. Not possible. Yes it is. My mother was sane until she became like me. Then she became obsessed with giving my father a son. She got me and look what it did to her. My father gave up on her, Bakura, gave up! I don't…." Aura began to cry once again. "I couldn't bear it if I hated my own child."

Bakura hurried to her and held her. "And that's what makes you different from your mother. Your mother lost all capacity to love. She became so obsessed with an idea that she lost her heart in the process. It won't happen to you."

"Yeah? Well what about you? Pharaoh isn't going to be happy."

"That's why we're leaving."

"Leaving? Where are we going?"

"Somewhere pharaoh can't touch us. Just like I promised."

Aura sighed. It could work. And she wouldn't have to worry about Bakura disappearing one day. Yami would never forgive her but that was a small price to pay. If she could have Kura she would gladly pay it.

:::::::::15::::::::

Isis continued down the hall. She saw Aura's room ahead and raised her eyebrows when she heard Aura screaming. It occurred to her that she could be yelling at her slave but Isis really didn't think it likely. She had an idea it was the one responsible for Aura's symptoms. Isis was not a stupid woman. She had gone through the process herself with Seraphic. And she was certain, had Akur been around, she would have screamed at him a few times. She walked to the closed door and considered knocking but figured that it wouldn't be heard anyway. Sighing she reached for the doorknob.

:::::::::::15:::::::::::

Aura looked at him and smiled. "Yes. Let's do it. Let's run away together."

Bakura smiled at her and walked up, grabbed her and kissed her. "I knew you would agree. I already have part of our supply ready. I just need a little bit more time and we will be set for life." He kissed her again, soft and gentle and smiled when Aura melted against him.

Aura was in heaven. She had a solution to her problem and she got to keep her baby and Kura. Kura was most important. She knew she couldn't live without him. She kissed him back and for the first time her mind was at ease.

They were still locked in their embrace when Isis entered the room. She apologized briefly but ignored it for the most part.

Aura and Bakura flew apart. "Isis…what are you doing here?"

Isis simply looked at her. "Lady Aurahkah I am not an idiot. And contrary to what you may think, I do know what's going on here."

Bakura choked. "You do?"

Isis nodded. "Now I assume this is the father?"

Aura nodded dumbly. "How?"

Isis cut her off with a wave of her hand. "Your slave comes to see me for nausea medicine every week for a month. You have not been yourself. The only thing I wasn't sure of was who. But now that that's cleared up, I simply put two and two together."

Bakura stared at the woman who looked a lot like Seraphic. He was in shock.

Aura looked at Bakura. "Bakura…Isis. Isis…Bakura."

Isis nodded. "Nice to meet you. Now what do you intend to do?"

Bakura just looked at her. "I fail to see where this involves you."

Isis glared at him. She couldn't very well say it was because she had known Aura's father and felt like she knew Aura. "I am a healer. Therefore anything that happens in this palace concerns me."

"Well it won't concern you for long." Bakura said smugly. "We're leaving." He grabbed Aura's hand and walked to the window.

Isis shook her head. "And just where do you think you are going?"

Bakura was stuck. He really wasn't sure. "Away from here."

"I assume you mean to leave Thebes?"

"That would be the concept of 'away from here'"

Isis sighed, "Not possible."

"What do you mean not possible? If I hear those two words one more time…" Aura said.

"She can't travel. Not in her condition. And especially not across the desert. No, it's not happening."

Bakura gritted his teeth. "Are you saying I can't take care of her?"

"No, I'm saying she's not going. End of discussion." Isis could feel her princess voice coming back. It did come in handy once in a while.

Bakura simply shook his head. He was getting angry. "Come on Aura, we are leaving."

Isis grabbed Aura's other hand. "She's not going anywhere."

"Yes she is."

"No! She needs continuous checkups just in case. And the desert is not a place for a woman with child."

Bakura sighed. "And will it be alright if I die? And she gets tossed out on the street instead?"

Isis looked at him, "Explain yourself."

Aura looked at Isis, "He's a slave. Well a former slave. He ran away because I told him to but you know the law."

Isis felt as though she'd been punched in the stomach. That damn law still hadn't been changed. She had half a mind to go strangle her half-brother. That law had given her a lot of pain and she couldn't' believe it was still there. "Well why didn't you say so?"

"You didn't give us a chance…." Aura said.

"So back to our original thing…what are we going to do?" Bakura asked.

"I could get rid of the baby…" Aura said softly.

Silence greeted her.

Bakura felt rage explode in his chest. He grabbed Aura. "Don't you dare!" He began to shake her. "How could you even think about such a thing?!"

Isis stepped forward and pulled Bakura off of her. "Stop that now! It's not going to do anyone any good."

She pushed the enraged Bakura into the corner and said, "Aura you cannot get rid of the baby. There is another solution."

Aura was upset. "Well if there is I'd be glad to hear it. Right now…it's either Bakura dies and my baby dies or Bakura dies and I and my baby end up on the street. Bakura's more important than any child."

Bakura eyes narrowed to slits. "You would destroy your first child? My first child…our child?" he asked incredulously.

"If that's the only way."

"Well it's not! There are other solutions Aurahkah…don't you dare…" Bakura continued to mutter. He could not believe what he was hearing. This was not the Aura he knew and loved. "You are beginning to sound like your mother with talk like that."

Aura stared at him for a moment and then burst into silent tears.

Isis glared at Bakura. "Halima was a good person. She was kind and gentle and loved Chibale very much."

Bakura walked over to Aura and put his arm around her. "I don't know how you know who her parents are but you are wrong. Her mother was a cold heartless bitch who would have killed Aura if she got the chance. The only one that really loved her was her father. And furthermore I think you have done quite enough damage here. I think you should leave. Or do I have to kill you so we can leave quietly without suspicion?"

Isis glared at him. "I would not advise you moving. I am no longer playing this game with you. I will be checking Aura now and every week until she gives birth. And furthermore, you, sir, are not leaving either."

Bakura stared at her once again. This woman knew no bounds. He growled deep in his throat. "I have to leave. I can't stay here."

"Yes you can. Find a way. She is going to need you and you will be here for her." Isis said a tone of authority in her voice.

Bakura flinched at her tone. There was no way this was some lowly healer. "Ok…"

"Now I need you to go into Kebi's room so I can check her out."

"Ok…." Bakura walked slowly into Kebi's room muttering under his breath about forceful women.

:::::::::::15:::::::::::

Seto walked the length of the courtyard. He couldn't believe it. Seraph was in his chambers right now in the bath and he couldn't see her. He brooded some more and stared into the night.

"My Lord?"

"What?" Seto snapped.

"Lady Seraphic is asking for you."

"Thank you."

The slave nodded and left. Seto was left to his own thoughts. He made his way briskly through the palace and entered his room after dismissing the guard. He saw Seraph wrapped in a cotton robe sitting on his bed. Her hair was wet and curling and her face was free of the blood and tears that had earlier stained it. He walked over to her and said, "Seraph? Do you feel better?"

"Yes…but Seto…I feel so bad."

"Why?"

Seraph shook her head. "The girl was stillborn. Poor Kemsa and Kifi."

Seto really didn't like the fact that she was on a first-name basis with them but he felt there were more important things to deal with here. "You did all you could."

Seraph buried her face in her hands and began to cry. "No I didn't."

Seto sat down on the bed and pulled her into his lap. "I talked to Isis. You did everything you could."

"I should have taken the babe before she began to bleed…maybe I could have saved the baby."

Seto simply held her while she cried. "It's alright sweetheart. Things happen. You can't control them anymore than you control the Inundation of the Nile."

Seraph looked up at him, "I wish I could believe you…but I just feel like I could have done ….something."

Seto sighed. "I don't know enough about healing but Isis was confident in your abilities. I think that counts for something."

"She was so little. And then I held her and I wanted so badly to hear her cry. I wanted to be able to tell Kemsa he had a beautiful baby girl…not she had strangled herself before she took her first breath."

Seto felt his head begin to spin. So many memories. He held Seraph tightly and buried his face in her hair. "I've seen it before…"

"What do you mean?"

Seto set her on the bed and walked over to the window. His jaw tightened. "My sister."

Seraph clasped the robe tighter around her and said, "What happened?"

Seto took a deep breath. He really had never told anyone before. But he found himself wanting to tell her. The whole story poured out of him. "My mother was with child when I was six summers. My father was so excited. The whole palace was in an uproar….and then the day came. My father told me I was going to get a new playmate. All I remember are the screams. I heard my mother scream so many times that day. I saw my father…cry. He never cried. But that day he did. My sister was supposed to be born in another two months. She came early and ….well she didn't make it. She was born stillborn. I remember walking into the room and seeing a blue baby…lying on the bed." Seto stopped. He really wasn't sure he wanted to relive this all again. He began to wish he had never started telling her. But he had, and he needed to finish. "I heard my mother scream one more time. Then she died. But I didn't know they were both dead. I didn't understand. I walked in and kissed my sister and then hugged my mother. My father pulled me aside and told me both of them were dead. I couldn't believe it. I ran away from him and found a spot. Then I began to cry." Pain showed on Seto's face as he once again was that scared little boy trying to comprehend death.

Seraph had listened in silence and now she stood up and walked over to him. She gently took his face in her hands and caressed his cheek. "It's alright Seto. That's a lot for a little boy to handle. She hugged him and kissed his forehead.

Seto reached out and wrapped his arms around her. He held her to him tightly and leaned down and kissed her.

Seraph gave willingly. She let herself get sucked into the kiss and right when she felt her world beginning to tilt, Seto picked her up and carried her to the bed. He laid her down and broke the kiss. Then he said, "You need your rest. Come on Seraphic, I'll take you to your room."

Seraph stood up and yawned. "You're right I am tired, but I don't want to sleep alone. Will you stay with me?"

Seto closed his eyes. He wanted her so badly it was hard to breathe. He knew sleeping next to her would be torture but he resolved to do it anyway. She needed him and he wanted to be there for her. He took her hand and pulled her to the door. Opening it he looked into the hall and saw no one around. He grabbed Seraph's hand again and hurried into her room, closing the door behind him.

Seraph dropped his hand and moved to her dressing table. She quickly brushed her hair and climbed into bed. Seto climbed in next to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He gritted his teeth and contented himself with just holding her.

Seraph snuggled into Seto's arms and fell asleep within minutes. Hours later, Seto finally fell into a deep sleep as well.

:::::::::15::::::::::::::

Isis was satisfied. She had checked a grumbling Aura and everything looked good. "You can come back in now." She said to Bakura.

Bakura entered the room and sighed. "Kids…gotta love them." He walked over to the bed where Aura was lying and said, "So how do you feel?"

"Violated thank you very much."

Isis shook her head. "Aura what have you been eating for breakfast?"

Kebi poked his head out of his room. "She doesn't eat breakfast…or lunch. Sometimes she eats dinner though."

Aura glared at the little boy. "Kebi go to bed."

Isis looked at Aura and said sternly, "You have to eat Aurahkah. You have to eat more than you ever have before. It is vitally important to your health as well as the baby's. I want you to eat a full breakfast and make sure you get lunch and dinner every day."

"But I just throw it all up…" Aura complained.

"Is the powder working at all?"

"Yes…but I don't even want to think about food."

"You have to. I'll let you get away with skipping two meals a week. That's it. No more. Understand?"

Aura grumbled but finally nodded.

"And don't play with me my dear. I don't want to have to make sure you eat. But if I have to feed you myself I will." Isis promised.

Aura didn't doubt she would too. "Are we done yet?"

Isis shook her head. "No. One more thing."

Aura glared at her, "What?"

"You need to figure out what you are going to do."

"Do? Do for what?" Bakura asked.

Isis sighed. "In a few months her condition is going to become obvious. How do you intend to handle it.?"

"I have no idea…" Aura said.

Bakura looked at his hands, "I hadn't thought that far ahead yet…"

"Well you need to." Isis said. "You may want to talk to Pharaoh about changing the law."

"No!" they said in unison.

Isis' brows rose, "Why ever not?"

"We have talked to him about changing the law. He won't do it. He 's breaking it himself but he doesn't care."

"Hmm…" Isis thought. She really needed to talk to her brother. But she couldn't' let him know her identity. That law needed to be changed though. She refused to let others be hurt the same way she was. "Just make sure you eat Aura and don't worry I will keep your secret." Isis nodded to them both and gave an 'I'm watching you' look to Bakura, then she left.

Bakura watched her go and cursed her when she could no longer hear.

Aura just laughed. "She means well."

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions," he smirked.

Aura just shook her head. "Come lay down with me."

"What about your little slave boy?"

"What about him?"

"Uh,…impressionable child…"

"He knows more than he should now…and he'll eventually learn anyway, besides I'm going to sleep."

Bakura stared at the ceiling and rolled his eyes. He walked over and climbed into bed beside her. They fell asleep entwined in each other's arms.

::::::::::::::::::15:::::::::::::::

Seto woke up when the sun hit his face. He cursed as he sat up groggily. He looked beside him and saw Seraph still sleeping. He had to get out of her room and quickly. He walked to the door and opened it and ran into a slave. Narrowing his eyes he said , "What do you want?"

The slave was surprised to see him but covered it quickly, "My Lord, Pharaoh has called a meeting of the circle."

"When?"

"Now."

Seto cursed and sent the slave away. He walked over to the bed and began to gently shake Seraph. She moved but only snuggled down into the covers more. Seto laughed. He bit his lip and tried to think of a way to wake her. He finally settled on kissing her.

Seraph woke to a myriad of sensations, all of which made her feel like floating. She blinked in the sunlight and said, "What's going on?"

"Meeting. The circle. Now."

Seraph sat up quickly. "Now?"

"Now."

Seraph yawned and got up. She quickly got ready and she and Seto made their way to the conference room.

:::::::::::::15::::::::::::

Yami sat in his conference room waiting for the others to rouse and appear. He had sent a slave to wake all his council. Now he was eagerly waiting their arrival. Seraph and Seto stumbled in moments later, still in the waking up process. Seraph's hair was tousled and her lips were swollen. Yami eyed the two suspiciously but assumed it was sleep that gave Seraph the look of just been ravished. Seto would never break his laws.

Aura came in a moment later, the Ring around her neck. She yawned once and said, "Well now that you have us here at the crack of dawn, what do you intend to do with us?"

Seraph looked at Aura in surprise.

Seto smirked, "That's blunt."

Pharaoh shook his head and looked to his Queen. "Relah and I have an announcement to make."

Seraph sighed and said, "What is it?"

Yami, undaunted by the lack of enthusiasm, he said after taking Relah's hand, "Relah and I are going to have a baby."

Yami waited for the smiles to appear but none did.

Seto and Seraph sat there stunned.

Aura paled.

Yoru: There we go…longest chapter yet. They just keep getting longer…and longer…and longer. But like I said before…we are in grown up land and not giggling at things. Yes I repeat only grown ups past this point. If your are too ;young you can't ride this ride. It's that simple. Sorry to end it the way I did but I think it's long enough. And yes the angstyness will get oh so much better. In the ensuing chapters opinions will change as will your hit lists I'm positive about that one. secret smile but the only way you know is if you come back and read and you know how I am. R&R or I won't write no more.