Author's notes
The day of Atemu's coronation arrives.
Atemu is ...
At the ceremony ...
Chapter 17 - The rise of the new Pharaoh
Completing a year since the beginning of the khaj-Nisut (Appearance of the king) which would end that night after Iry-pat (heir-prince) celebrated various ceremonies and feasts as well as the necessary rites in that one-year period.
In the late afternoon of that day, hours before the ceremony while the servants, slaves and courtiers ran from side to side taking care of the preparations, being supervised by Shimon, Atemu was in his large and luxurious room surrounded by daughters of nobles who had care of his appearance when giving a bath with essences in the water that was collected from the Nile, doing a massage with oils on his tanned skin while sighing with delight when he saw the naked body of the prince who did not bother to look because he was used to it. After all, since childhood, servants bathed and dressed him, in addition to putting on all his jewelry, making it something natural for the young monarch.
His old crown was on top of a piece of furniture because when he was crowned as Per'a'ah at the same time that he would be proclaimed with the titles he chose, as well as his public name, reserving his birth name only for family members and others he gave the right to, Atemu would receive a new crown that he would wear daily, as well as receive another crown to use on some special occasions, such as the Pschent crown, in addition to the Crown Nemes, as well as the crowns Khat, Atef, Hemhem and Khepresh. The Khepresh crown was used in battles.
For the first part of the ceremony he would use the Nemes headdress next to the heka (shepherd's crook) and the nekhakha (flail), with the shepherd's crook meaning royalty and the flail the fertility of the land. In the second part, in his wedding that would be celebrated after his coronation, he would wear the Pschent crown which was the double crown formed by the union of the Hedjet (White Crown) that symbolized the Ta-Shemu (High Kemet) and the Decheret, the Red Crown that represented the Ta-Menhu (Low Kemet) because Kemet was unified.
After they dressed him in ceremonial clothing for his coronation along with all the jewelry, he found himself leaning on a comfortable armchair with soft pillows while an elderly lady who had served the royal family for decades was neatly taking care of her makeup.
Next to it was a table containing brushes, a container with Kohl, as well as other containers containing cosmetics taken from roots and minerals, with one containing golden powder.
There was another young woman of noble origin who was responsible for the prince's tricolored spiky hair, combing it while using scented oils, aiming to lower the ends to be attached in a short ponytail along with the bangs so that the Nemes headdress was placed on her head. She did not disguise the pleasure she felt as she ran her hands over the wires over the excuse of making them better at the same time that she ignored the other nobles who shot her with her eyes.
The lady who took care of the makeup rolled her eyes with the feminine frenzy that the prince caused among women by not being surprised because he already expected such reactions.
After all, it was common knowledge that the prince drew sighs from several girls when he walked the halls of the palace.
The woman responsible for the makeup was applying a golden powder to Atemu's skin while spreading it over the skin with a kind of brush while doing her job attentively.
Both the makeup woman of noble ancestry and the one who took care of the hair had special authorization to look at Pharaoh directly, since they took care of his appearance.
However, this authorization was only for the moments when their services were needed.
After spraying the golden powder all over her skin, she was carefully making a thick Kohl line below Atemu's eyes and stretching it until it was close to his ears, and then, at the end, make a contour towards the cheeks, but without getting to them.
Meanwhile, the young noblewoman responsible for the prince's hair had managed to temporarily lower it so that she could tie it in a short ponytail so that he could wear the Nemes crown at the ceremony.
Then, night falls and the huge double gates are opened to the entrance of the processions bringing representatives from various kingdoms, with some of them being princes who appeared representing their nation, with all of them bringing gifts to celebrate the coronation of the new Pharaoh at the same time when Egyptian nobles entered the palace with their due processions. The people knew that Atemu's first public appearance as a new Per'a'ah would be made the morning of the following day when the huge double gates will be opened to the public.
While the processions waited in the immense courtyard of the palace, there was a presentation of arms control involving the uniformly moving Kemet troops. It was something that caught the attention of foreigners because their coordination and discipline was visible together with the excellent control of their weapons when they simulated small confrontations as part of the presentation, and then they bowed, then left the place.
After the end of this presentation, the inner gates of the palace are opened.
As they entered the imposing and luxurious building, they noticed a long line of palace servants who were standing next to the double doors, with them bowing to the nobles and representatives, and then assisting them in driving to the Royal Hall.
The throne room where the ceremony was to be held was immense, luxurious and opulent. It had been decorated with fresh flowers, in addition to the smell of incense because the site had been purified by the Hem-netjr of Temple, before the opening of the double gates of the room. There were tapestries erected around the room along with some strategically placed tables, as well as arrangements of various types with gold objects with silver outlines, as well as ornaments containing inlaid jewelry.
At the site the coronation ceremony was to end, there were places for representatives of the neighboring kingdoms and all the nobles who were present for the rise of the new Pharaoh, as well as for the other members of the court together with the Heri-tep a'a (Ruler) of each Sepet (district) that made up the empire.
Before the arrival of the future Pharaoh, a half circle was formed around the imposing throne with supports in the shape of a lion's head inlaid with jewels.
On one side of the half circle were the ancient Holy Guardians and on the other side, there were the new Hem-netjr and a Hemt-netjr to be personally sworn in as new Holy Guardians by the new Per'a'ah, who would also grant them the right to look them in the eye, and publicly recognize them as members of your court and an integral part of your Rokushinkan. Akhenaden would be the only one who would continue with his post, making only the transition to his new nephew's reign together with the ceremony of recognition and authorization to look at Atemu's face.
Akhenaden's family right to refer to his nephew by his birth name was revoked by Atemu and therefore his uncle should only refer to him by his public name next to the title after discovering the truth about the creation of the Items sacred despite the title being undue in Atemu's view by the way they were created.
Just below the throne, the place was filled by Egyptian nobles, aristocrats from other nations and among them, some princes, as well as representatives of some kingdoms. There were also several Hem-netjr (High Priest and temple chief) who represented the ḥwt-nṯr (Temple - meaning mansion or enclosure of a god), of Kemet and whose presence symbolized their knowledge of a descendant of the Gods ascending the throne, in addition to Mana finding himself among the nobles and political figures wearing beautiful clothes for the occasion.
After all, in addition to being king and son of the Gods, Per'a'ah (Pharaoh) was also the top administrator, the head of Medjay, the first magistrate and Hem-netjr (high priest) of Kemet.
Guards strategically positioned in the huge, opulent hall prevented the double doors from being obstructed, while a magnificent narrow red carpet made at the end by golden threads had been extended to the steps below the throne for the Crown Prince to walk on as soon as he entered the hall.
Beside each door of the Throne Hall there was a row of guards wearing beautiful and lustrous ceremonial armor while displaying a haughty stance, keeping their polished spears at their sides, with the tips of them displaying ornaments in shades of red, silver and gold because a small ceremony would take place involving the soldiers to demonstrate Medjay's loyalty and submission to the sovereign of that empire that held divinity status.
Shimon was at the side of the throne and continued silently and attentively supervising all the details of the ceremony for the ascension of the future ruler that would succeed the old Pharaoh, who was bedridden at that moment, with everyone noticing a servant approaching him, whispering something in his heard, and then be kindly dismissed.
After clearing his throat, the tjaty (Vizier) and royal councilor, Shimon Muran, raises his right arm, being a rehearsed signal that makes the trumpets made with ox horns resound to announce the beginning of the ceremony, with all the murmur in the royal room ceasing immediately, there was absolute silence in the hall at the same time that many tried to stretch their necks to look closely at the double doors of the Throne Hall.
Then, when the doors are opened, Atemu appears followed by guards responsible for his escort, while on his left side was Diiva who was his Royal Treasurer and Tax Supervisor, responsible for supervising everyone involved in the taxation and collection of taxes. On his right side was Rishido (Orion), Isis's older brother, bearer of Sennen Tauku and Mariku, the younger brother of both, whose father was the Sepet (district) Heri-tep a'a (Governor) and capital Men-nefer (Menphis). Rishido was the General and superintendent of Medjay and a member of Atemu's select group of friends.
"Bow down to Iry-pat (Crown Prince) Atem, descendant of the Gods and future ruler of Egypt. Son of Mekemetuef-hasety Sekhemkhepeshder Kherouef Userkhepesh Hedhefenu Aaneru Aknamkanon Meri-rá (Protector of Egypt, feared by foreigners (enemies). The powerful force that impels the enemies. The one whose blows are powerful and countless. The one who inspires great fear. Aknamkanon the beloved of Re) "Shimon exclaims audibly.
Atem's birth name, Atemu, would only be pronounced by family members and those who were authorized to use it, as well as the birth name of their parent Akhenamkhanen.
The prince enters the Hall with an impassive face, with the Nemes headdress around his face, with the head of the Uraeus snake on guard, ready to spit fire at the enemies of Per'a'ah.
The Wadjet eye made of pure gold was resting on his forehead, indicating that he was the son of the Sol Sol God and the thick Kohl line under each eye gave the impression of stretching them towards the ears and then bending down to low towards the face and completing his make-up, his tanned skin was adorned with sparkling gold dust spread on his skin, giving the impression that he had the golden aura of the God Ré when the light fell on his skin, thus strengthening the illusion of him being a deity among mere mortals.
Atemu held the heqa (shepherd's crook) and nekhakha (flail), one in each hand, with them crossed in front of his breastplate, with most of his fingers ornamented with golden rings as he walked slowly across the carpet towards his throne.
Their ceremonial robes consisted of a richly carved fabric, containing a pleated chanti made of fine linen, white and interwoven with gold and silver threads, while their waist was interwoven with golden strips with silver details and inlaid with precious stones and on these strips rested the real name in silver signs.
On his chest lay a breastplate made of gold with tones of turquoise and falcons set on its surface, framing the eye of Horus, indicating his ancestry to the God Sol Ré (Ra). His Sennensui (Sennen Pazuru), called the Sacred Treasure, was resting on his breastplate while in his arms and ankles gleamed gold bracelets with silver details and inlaid with precious stones, among them amethyst, jade and emerald, in addition to wearing golden rings on his fingers and above each shoulder lay species of golden shoulder pads composed of layers and with inlaid jewels in the shape of wings, making an allusion to the God Ré.
Over the shoulders lay an amethyst cloak with silver details that extended to the back after going around the prince's neck and covering the beginning of the shoulder pads and was so long that it came close to the floor, with embroidered golden beetles with ruby eyes.
Around her neck lay an oskh composed of golden necklaces while her pure gold earrings were in the form of an embossed plate with the symbol of Ankah, containing small precious jewels adorned inside. Wadjet's eye was on his forehead and was made of pure gold, indicating that he was the son of the God Sol Re.
His shoes were made with gold threads at their edges and on each shoe there was a silver beetle with amethyst jewelry on its head.
The guards lined up on either side of the double door made the ceremonial salute with the weapons, with the rhythmic pounding of the metal shock on the floor revived in the silence of the room, and then they spread it over the prince and then each of the soldiers he prostrated with his forehead and his weapons on the ground.
When he sat on his throne, Diiva and Rishido took their respective places in the royal Hall;
"Get up." Atemu orders with a baritone and unyielding voice that resonated throughout the hall.
Everyone who had prostrated stood up while the nobles and representatives of other peoples raised their heads because they had bowed it slightly.
Atemu sought to demonstrate divine authority in his voice and posture, as well as in his impassive countenance to demonstrate his fair judgment, without being influenced by feelings, so that he could apply divine justice according to the laws of Maa't.
Then, the Hem-netjr (high priest and head of temples) of the ḥwt-nṯr (mansion or enclosure) of a god) of Netjer Jaˈmaːnuw (Amon) appears at the foot of the throne ladder, together with a young priest, with both wearing ceremonial robes. They stand in front of Atemu.
Hem-netjr brings in his hands a soft pillow where the new crown rested, with it being similar to the model of the crown he used when he was a prince. The pillow is extended upwards while the body is bent and the knees are bent.
This new crown showed more details and was more elaborate, representing the wings of Ra in all their radiance, divinity and glory by stretching them beyond the length of the old crown of the prince, aiming to highlight the wings that rested above the ear, in addition to having more details in the relief and inlaid jewelry on the golden surface. She was definitely bigger than the previous one and more imposing to symbolize his divinity as the son of the God Re.
The new crown is taken away after being presented to Pharaoh.
"Maximum administrator, Chief of Medjay, First magistrate, Hem-netjr (high priest) of Kemet, Nsw (king) of Kemet (Blacklands) and Deshret (Redland), Ta-Shemu (Upper Egypt) and Ta -Menhu (Lower Egypt) and son of the Netjer (Gods). We salute him and prostrate ourselves as our incarnated Netjer, endowed with all the divine authority imbued by his glorious father, Netjer Amon Ré. Prostrate yourself before his holiness, the son of the glorious Netjer Re and God incarnate! Kanekht Merimaat Wasermaar-ré Nyuserre Medjed Sa-Ré Atem (The powerful bull beloved by Maat. Powerful is the justice of Re. Possessed of the power of Re. He who crushes enemies. Son of Re, Atem)! Nsw-bity (King of Upper and Lower Egypt) Atem!" Shimon audibly exclaimed to everyone in the room, speaking Pharaoh's title and public name last.
Then, all kemetics, without exception, prostrate quickly, with the servants bowing their forehead to the ground. The only ones who did not bow, but bowed in respect, were foreigners.
"Get up!" Pharaoh commands with his baritone voice echoing authoritatively and impassively while raising his arm.
All stand up, with the young priest standing up, then bowing slightly, backing away, disappearing from the side curtains of the throne while the Hem-netjr of jerwt-nṯr from Netjer Jaˈmaːnuw (Amon) moved away with their backs turned, to then return to their place in the Throne Room, with both trying to leave their left foot in front of the body, symbolically demonstrating that they gave their heart into the hands of their sovereign.
Then, Shimon begins the inauguration ceremony of the new Hem-netjr so that the Holy Guardians of the new Court of Atemu could be composed, with Mahaado obtaining public recognition of an additional title.
After all, in addition to being one of the Sacred Guardians, he also held the title of Superintendent of the Magi of the Pharaoh's Court.
The ancient Sacred Guardians pass the items on to the new ones who bow to their respective master while receiving the Sennen Aitemu that shone when held by the new Hem-netjr and Hemt-netjr Isis.
After going through the judgment of the items, they start to carry them, and then they prostrate themselves to Pharaoh, receiving a gesture from the monarch's hand to return to their place of origin.
Meanwhile, the foreigners wanted to understand what the strange items were, in this case, the ones they held in their hands, with the exception of Isis who wore her Sennen Aitemu around her neck while the monarch wore an inverted golden pyramid dangling in front of your chest by a rope around your neck.
After they took over from their predecessors, with the exception of Akhenaden who remained the Holy Guardian, they prostrate themselves in front of Pharaoh at the same time.
"Get up." Atemu speaks with a deep, authoritative baritone voice.
"The Sacred Guardians of my court are authorized to look into my eyes, without suffering any consequences. They can raise their eyes and take the place beside me. We will continue with the ceremony." Atemu speaks after they rise.
They take their respective places while their predecessors met with the crowd below the steps of the throne.
Then, the Superintendent of music and the recreation of the king makes a discreet gesture to his left side, causing dancers to emerge in robes that partially revealed their bodies, whose fabrics were almost transparent while wearing some jewels, starting to dance to the sound of musicians.
Meanwhile, not far from the throne, Atemu's friends found themselves in a privileged location and consequently envied by many. Jounouchi, Honda, Ryo and Mariku (Marik) had observed the ceremony and had prostrated themselves whenever ordered.
They were all sons of nobles. Mariku's father, Isis and Odion was the Heri-tep a'a (Governor) of Sepet (district) and capital Men-nefer (Menphis), with their parents being childhood friends of Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen (Aknamkanon), with their respective children becoming friends with Atemu. Shizuka (Serenity), Jounouchi's younger sister, did not have much friendship with the monarch because when she was younger, she was in delicate health and therefore spent most of her childhood until the age of fifteen in the mansion, together with her parents.
Therefore, she did not have much contact with the palace unlike her older brother.
As much as they knew it was a celebration, the four friends were not happy with the coronation of their friend, Atemu.
Of course, it was a celebration and they were fully aware that the empire needed a new ruler, but nothing changed the fact that their friend would have less freedom because he would need to take full care of an empire. Before, he only made some commitments when his parent was too unwell.
Now, he would take over in full, causing his freedom to be severely cut.
After all, with the demands of an empire in their hands, having to manage the lives of thousands of people, in addition to inputs, production, transportation, internal security, collection, judgments that required the opinion of Pharaoh and other matters that guided daily life of the kemetics, he also needed to manage foreign policies involving the other kingdoms, especially those bordering Kemet along with the external defense of the empire.
Of course, there were those responsible for the various sectors together with their respective superiors.
However, even though he had people to take care of these matters, he needed to become aware of everything that belonged to his empire, whether internally or externally together with the fact that he had to take care of some matters personally, such as hearing requests, in addition to meetings that he would rule.
Therefore, it was a proven fact that the ruler would live a restricted life and dedicated only to the fulfillment of duty, leaving little time for him to be Atemu and not Per'a'ah.
After the dances were over, with the dancers bowing to leave, the usual delivery of gifts began, with Shimon announcing who had sent a certain gift.
As expected, the Kemet ruler received several gifts ranging from rare animal skins, fabrics made with silk of various colors, richly worked weapons and inlaid with jewelry with richly adorned handles, especially swords, although there were some shields, in addition to spears, and there were other objects ornamented with precious stones, exotic items that were indecipherable, in addition to receiving sex slaves for his harem, these came from offers from dignitaries from other kingdoms. There was also the gift involving beautiful animals, with the quartet of friends knowing that their friend preferred new and challenging games over everything that was given, since Atemu loved games.
While representatives of the other kingdoms still digested the display of military power that was displayed in front of the palace, disguised as a spectacle, they were at a loss for words when the Holy Guardians of the new Court of Pharaoh Atemu took up position in a kind of arena afterwards finalizing the delivery of gifts.
They began to sing a song in unfamiliar language by putting the two middle and index fingers together as they concentrated. The servants had prepared in a matter of minutes a kind of battle arena.
Then, they split into teams of three to battle against each other.
Then, everyone is appalled to see monsters being summoned from tablets of stone after they murmur incomprehensible words to invoke them, with them making a point of demonstrating the power of them that fascinated some while terrifying the heart of the majority, with everyone getting stunned to see powerful monsters subjugated to the shinkan and who obeyed all the orders of their respective masters.
"I would like to request that we all go out for a few minutes to the courtyard behind the palace. Our servants will lead the masters." Shimon speaks after the battles are over because he keeps the best for the end.