Chapter 9: The Pharaoh's Death

Four eventful and disturbing years passed. No one except a selected few knew what happened to their prince, and until now, he refused to answer their questions. And this pretty much annoyed his overprotective cousin.

That perhaps is the reason why Seth, now officially a High Priest of Egypt, stood facing his cousin's door, ready to confront his ever-stubborn prince. As it turned out, Atemu still refused to eat for the night and had headed directly to his chambers to study the night off.

Seth opened the door to reveal his cousin on his desk, as usual, writing on various scrolls like he was the pharaoh himself. He snatched the other's pen, catching Atemu's attention.

"What are you doing here?" Atemu asked in surprise. Normally, they never speak to each other in that manner, nor do they leave out the titles but within the private sanctuaries of each other's rooms, they were free to do whatever they want to do, which in this case, also considers speaking in that manner.

"What are you doing still studying in the middle of the night?" Seth countered, "You should be sleeping by now."

"If I need someone to fuss over me day and night, don't worry, cousin, I'll call you," Atemu answered, still wondering how he didn't manage to hear his cousin enter, "Now… do you mind?" he asked, indicating the other to hand his pen over.

High Priest Seth shook his head, "I don't think so. You will sleep now if you don't want your father to find out your still exhausting yourself too much after he clearly stated not to," he answered with a smirk, knowing what Atemu will do.

Atemu narrowed his gaze, rose from his seat and snatched the pen from his cousin's hand. "I hate you," he growled.

"Thank you, dear cousin," Seth mocked, "Now go to sleep," he ordered.

Now lying on his bed, Atemu turned to his cousin, who annoyingly was still watching him. "If I were you, I'm going to leave me alone before I kill you," he threatened. Seth inwardly rolled his eyes before saying, "Goodnight, Atemu," and leaving the room.

'Annoying cousin,' thought Atemu before closing his eyes and drifting to sleep.

"I don't get it, Shimon. Why must I learn all these things in two days?" Atemu asked, his arms full of scrolls.

"Because, my prince, you must," Shimon answered. Atemu sighed.

"I know but this will take at least," he paused to look at the scrolls, "a week to fully understand and master it."

"I apologize, my prince, but you are required to learn them as soon as possible, as the pharaoh has ordered," Shimon said.

"Fine. I will do my best and perform these in front of you tomorrow," Atemu conceded before heading for his chambers.

His friends could only wonder why he locked himself in his chambers and refused to see anyone, not even his father or his uncle, especially not his cousin, Seth who was rapping on his door continuously.

Atemu willed himself to stay awake as he read one of the remaining scrolls. Once again, it was in the middle of the night. He sighed to himself. The incident four years ago suddenly coming back to his mind. How truly naïve and foolish he was. How could he trust a complete stranger back then? Thankfully, his friends decided not to force to tell what happened, even Seth. Although that didn't mean they, especially Seth and Mahado, couldn't worry over him every living day.

He smiled, remembering the previous night's events. He had to admit, Seth was the best annoying cousin he ever had. Suddenly, the door slammed open, jerking him back into reality. He turned around to see Mahado panting and leaning on the doorframe.

"Mahado?" he asked in confusion. This surely isn't another reminder for him to go to sleep and stop studying.

"My prince… the pharaoh… he is calling for you," Mahado answered in between deep gulps of air.

"What happened?" Atemu asked, helping the other to sit on a chair.

"He is dying," Mahado answered. Before he knew it, Atemu had dashed out of the room heading for his father's chambers.

Atemu stared at a distance, his thoughts mindlessly wandering to his father's death. Why did no one tell him that his father's condition was worsening? Does that mean he will now takeover the throne? But what if he doesn't want to yet? What if he isn't ready?

The prince sat upright, suddenly getting Shimon's point on to why he must learn all those scrolls. They were preparing him for the next step.

Was he truly alone now? He had lost his mother when he was but a mere child and now that he was a teenager, he loses his father? He was pharaoh now. But what if he makes the wrong decisions? He is still a teenager who needs guidance from his parents. But where were they now? He can't take the throne. What if he fails?

Question by question filled Atemu's mind but no answer can be found. What if the rebels decide to attack them now? Can he protect his father's people?

"Atemu."

The prince snapped out of his thoughts to face his best friend and sighed. "I know Mahado. I should be sleeping," he started, "It's late," before heading towards his bed.

Mahado stared at his friend solemnly. Things have changed now. Atemu will be pharaoh in a matter of days. He will not be allowed to show weakness to anyone anymore. And as thought by thought filled the priest's mind, he felt his concern for the other flooding. He felt the sudden urge to comfort his prince. Atemu have gone through a lot but here he was now, still acting as if nothing ever happened to him. But he could feel the other was hurting inside. If only he could help.

"Atemu…" Mahado started.

"Goodnight Mahado," Atemu cut in before closing his eyes.

Atemu's POV

Father was already dead and now lies in his tomb. I am officially alone. My friends, no matter how hard they want to help me, can no longer do that. I am their pharaoh now. They can't see me as a weak ruler.

There must be something wrong with me. First mother, then Bakura (who now hates me for being a prince) and third, father. Am I actually this cursed?

"Sire, the ceremony is going to start."

I look at the servant who now hurried away to do his chores. Sometimes I wished I wasn't a prince. Sometimes I wish I were just a commoner, like him. No problems and no thrones to take over.

I heaved a sigh and finally made an appearance in front of my uncle and friends, now High Priests of my court. I've been keeping my distance from then ever since I woke up from that nightmare long ago and quite thankfully, I'm pleased to know they aren't angry with me.

"Sire, if you are ready, we will begin," says Shadi. I nod, indicating that I am as we head to the throne room. Can I continue my father's propaganda for peace? Can't I just say 'no'?

I'm not ready, can't they see that? I never denied that I never liked challenges but for once, can I just back down? They don't know I still hurt whenever I remember Bakura.

"Sire, may I speak with you before the ceremony begins?"

I meet my cousin's gaze and nod.

"I know you don't want to be pharaoh and that the only reason you're doing this is because you're obliged," Seth started, "I'm sure you'll make it. You're strong and I assure you we're going to do our job."

His answer surprised me. Seth was actually complimenting me? I can't deny the fact that he acted stronger of us two even before and to know he cares for my welfare is well… nice.

"Thank you cousin," I answer as we catch up with the others. As the ceremony progress, I could feel Seth's eyes on me. Was something wrong? There was something in his eyes I couldn't directly point out and I'm sure I haven't seen it before. And somehow, I feel very awkward under his gaze. He never looked at me that way before. Or if he did, he had a good way of hiding it.

End of Atemu's POV

He sat on his throne as everyone celebrated. Atemu watched Shadi and Karimu debate about something and smile seeing Isis' exasperated face.

"I'm glad they still make you smile, my pharaoh," Mahado said. Atemu smiled at his priest, "Since when did they fail to –"

"Pharaoh!"

The two turned to Isis who was pointing at someone. Seeing the dart, Mahado moved in front of the pharaoh and blocked it using his robe.

"Are you alright, my pharaoh?" Mahado asked.

"Catch him!" Seth ordered as the assassin ran. But he was soon caught by the palace guards and sentenced.

The celebration resumed but Atemu's focus was on his cousin. Seth acted so concerned and angered by the fact that somebody wanted to kill him. Why? Suddenly, a low voice, so familiar, caught his attention.

"I'm back," the voice said. Atemu looked up to see who it was and gasped.

'No, it can't be!'

A/N: Oh no! I wonder who's back? Thank you for reviewing the previous chapters I really appreciate it. Drop me a word or two, okay?