This chapter just needed some minor fixes. That being said, I hope you guys enjoy it!


This day could not have come soon enough for Atem, but then again, it could have been a little less stressful. Preparations had been going on for weeks for the event that would be taking place shortly. This ceremony was a year in the making. Meaning, the closer it got towards the afternoon, the more nervous he became.

Inside the Pharaoh's chambers, Priest Seto was standing near the door with his arms crossed. He was more than amused at the state his usually calm cousin was in. Silently laughing to himself, he watched as Atem fidgeted with his outfit. To the Pharaoh, it seemed like this was the umpteenth time he had to fix his nemes headdress and false beard. He didn't mind the headdress so much other than it being hot, but the beard was definitely another story.

"You're acting like you're going to be thrown to the crocodiles. It's just marriage." The Priest said with a smirk. Atem shot him a sideways glance.

"Yes, well…"

A knock on the door startled Atem, making Seto laugh. The Pharaoh glared at him before saying, "enter". The door opened and in stepped Shimon, Atem's most trusted vizier. The elderly man had a large grin on his face as he bowed.

"We are ready, my king."

The time had finally arrived. The anxious feelings that had gnawed at Atem all day were completely gone. In their place were feelings of pure happiness. One last time, he adjusted his outfit by smoothing out the wrinkles from his tunic. With Shimon in the lead, Atem followed with Seto behind into the hallway. The guards stationed outside gave a salute as the three walked by.

Entering the throne room, Atem thought of the promise he and Mana made the night before. To stay with tradition, they had agreed not to see each other until they signed their marriage contract. Noticing Mahad over by the doorway, Atem walked over to speak with his old friend. The Magician was in deep thought and didn't even notice the Pharaoh's presence.

Atem smiled. "Good afternoon, Mahad."

The Magician slightly jumped. "Oh! Good afternoon, my king!" He gave a slight bow. "Forgive me, I was just thinking over some things."

Atem gave him a questioning look. "Care to share your thoughts?"

Mahad looked down at him and couldn't help but smile at how excited he seemed. "Well, it just seems…odd. On how everything turned out I mean."

"Oh? How so?" Atem chuckled.

"Just what the three of us have become. We've been friends since you and Mana were my apprentices years ago. Then I became a royal magician, you pharaoh, and now Mana will be queen." Mahad laughed slightly. "To be honest, I wasn't sure how she was going to react to such a responsibility when you proposed to her. It shocked me to no end when she accepted. However, I know that she loves you greatly and everything will be alright. It's just that she's still like a little sister to me." He put his arm behind his head in embarrassment. "I guess I'll always worry about her."

Atem smiled. "I chose her as my queen because I know that she will be good to Kemet and her people." He became more serious. "However, I vow on my life that you can always count on me to love and protect her."

Mahad nodded and smiled. "She will be in good hands, that I'm sure of."

He looked up and made a motion to the Pharaoh about something behind him. Atem turned to see Isis escorting Mana in. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of his soon to be bride. Mana was in a floor-length white sleeveless gown with a beaded collar of rubies and gold that matched the golden crown that allowed her hair to fall freely. The simple beaded bracelet she wore was the one that he had given to her when he proposed a year ago. There was not a single day she had not worn it. Once again, when it came to her appearance, the Pharaoh was absolutely tongue-tied.

"Mana! You look…! I-I mean, you're…you're beautiful!" He managed to stammer out.

"Thanks." She replied blushing.

"Haha! Well done, Mana! Not everyone can make his highness stutter!" Shimon laughed. "Oh! But I guess I cannot call you by that name any longer." He bowed to her. "My queen, it will be an honor to serve you."

Both Isis and Mahad did the same. Mana looked around at everyone not knowing how to react. It was definitely going to be awhile before she got used to this.

"Cut it out you, guys! You don't have to do that." She said nervously.

Mahad cleared his throat. "Mana, you need to realize that you are taking on a new role. One that is the highest in all the land. As such we…"

Mana cut him off. "Mahad, I know what you're going to say. I've been through that lecture a hundred times!" She laughed. "I just mean that I don't feel like I should be treated any differently. I'm still the same me."

The Magician just shook his head in defeat and smiled.

"Of course, you will be the same you. But your role is very important to the people of this land, it requires the utmost respect. Now let's make it official." Isis motioned to the scribe that was waiting to write up the marriage contract. Mana nodded and walked over to take her seat next to Atem. Feeling nervous, she took his hand in hers. In response he gave her hand a light squeeze. The scribe began to read to them.

"In the month of Shemu on the seventeenth day of Payni; year three of the divine king, his majesty, born in Kemet , Atem, Lord to the limit of the sky, Son of the late king Akhenamkhanen, whose mother was the late queen Akila, has said to the woman, Mana, daughter of Osiris, whose mother was Isis: I have made you a married woman. I have received your dowry from your hand complete and intact; I am satisfied with it. If I dismiss you, or you choose to leave, then I will give back to you the dowry that you have brought with you into my house …"

There was more, but Mana's mind had wandered off. Oh, she was so nervous! In just a few short moments she would officially be married to Atem, making her Queen of Kemet!

"My lady, do you accept these terms?" The scribe asked.

Mana snapped out of her thoughts. "Yes! I do!" Her face turned red; she didn't even hear Atem say his part! The scribe finished up the last of his writing and handed it over to the Pharaoh. He stamped it with his approval and gave it back to the scribe to file away in the records. Atem stood up while smiling down at her.

"Are you ready?" He asked holding his hand out to her.

Mana nervously nodded taking his hand. Once she was standing, she quickly pulled him close by the arm. The Pharaoh chuckled at her behavior as the two walked out onto the Window of Appearances. The light was so bright that she had to shield her eyes. Regaining her vision, she was amazed by what she saw. Below them were thousands of people. From their own capital city of Thebes to the outreaching villages, people had traveled miles upon miles to see her. The sound from the crowd was deafening when the two had appeared. All the excitement was making her feel extremely lightheaded. Were all these people cheering…for her? She subconsciously tightened her grip on Atem's arm. This was just too amazing to believe!

"Everything is alright." He said rubbing his thumb over her hand. "They're just happy to see you."

Mana swallowed hard. She didn't do well with crowds! "Don't lock your knees, don't lock your knees!" Became her mantra to keep from passing out. Atem raised his hand in the air. On command, the crowd below quietened before bowing to the ground. She was amazed. Would she be able to do that?

"People of Kemet", Atem began. "Today we usher in a new era. One of peace and prosperity. I am honored to present your new queen. I chose her because I know in my heart that she will do everything in her power to protect you and this land." He took both of Mana's hands and smiled at her. The love that shone in her eyes reflected how he had felt for her all through the years. Yes, she truly was the one. "May Amun watch over and protect us all."

The two leaned in for a kiss and the roar from the crowd was absolutely deafening. Turning back towards them, Mana gazed over all the people. All those faces…these people were the ones that she had vowed to serve and protect. They were the reason she and Atem were here. Now she finally realized how important this role truly was.

Atem hooked his arm around Mana's and guided her back inside. Once the rush wore off, she could feel her legs go weak. She immediately went over to one of the chairs and sat down.

"Oh, man! That truly was something!" She looked up at Atem. "How do you do that every day?"

"Part of the job description." Seto said before departing the throne room. Atem shot him a glare then turned back to his new wife.

"Years of practice. You'll get used to it!"

"Ha-ha…right." The Queen nervously laughed.

"You did a fine job, don't worry about him." Mahad said placing his hand on her shoulder. "Now you understand why I said this is the greatest role you can take on?"

Mana nodded. "I do now. Once I saw everyone, it just kind of clicked. Everything…" She stopped mid-sentence due to being interrupted by her stomach suddenly growling. "Uhhh…let me rephrase that!" She laughed embarrassed causing everyone to do the same.

"I say that's a good enough reason for us to eat, the Queen is hungry!" Shimon said. "What are we waiting for?"

With that go ahead, everyone made their way to the dining hall. Mana was beyond excited to eat, food was one of her favorite things after all! As they got closer, she could smell all the dishes that awaited them.

Entering the dining hall, her eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked upon the enormous banquet of food. Besides when Atem became king, this had to be the biggest spread she remembered seeing! Every kind of dish you could want was present! For meat there was honey roasted gazelle, slabs of beef, spit-roasted duck, and several other types of fowl. Breads of all shapes and sizes along with meat stews completed the main courses. Pair that with fresh fruits like melons, grapes, and dates you have a meal fit for a king (literally)! Mana eagerly took her place next to Atem's. In the palace, sitting arrangement was according to rank. The higher up you were, the better your seating. For example, before today she would sit at the Priests' table with Mahad and Isis on benches. Now that she was married, she could finally sit by Atem (along with having her own comfy chair)! The Pharaoh took his seat and grinned.

"I bet you're about starved to death."

Mana nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely! I feel like my stomach made its presence known earlier. Which was kind of embarrassing…" She gave him a funny look. "I'm honestly surprised you're still wearing your ceremonial pieces; I know how much you hate them."

It took a moment for Atem to realize he was still wearing them. "Ha, I guess I forgot about them." He removed his headdress and false beard before handing them off to a servant. He rubbed his chin. "The nemes isn't a problem to wear but I can't get used to the beard, it's so itchy!"

"Glad I don't have to wear those things." Mana said washing her hands in the bowl of water the servant provided. She looked around at the tables situated around them. Everyone was either talking or laughing at their tables while waiting for the meal to start. She saw Mahad and Isis looking over their way causing her to wave. The two looked shocked for a moment before hesitantly waving back.

"Aw, they're acting weird again." Mana said with a frown.

"Who is?" Atem looked in the direction she had been.

"Mahad and Isis. They're treating me like I'm a goddess now or something." She leaned her head against her hand. "How did you get used to this? I don't think I ever will."

Atem smiled and placed his hand on her shoulder. "They're only showing their respect to you. Now that you're queen, you're among the highest ranked. But you can always tell them they don't have to be formal all the time, just in the public eye. Seto and I leave out all the formalities when we are working on something ourselves."

Mana laughed. "I've seen how you two interact and sometimes it's not pretty. I'll tell them that though. I really don't want to be treated any different."

By that time the servants had come around and placed the food onto their table. After they were served, the meal officially began. Mana was somewhat disappointed that she couldn't really enjoy it because various people came by to congratulate them. One priestess in particular that she had trained with on numerous occasions did more than offer her congratulations.

"So, when can we expect an heir?" She asked excitedly. "I know they will be just adorable!"

Mana choked on her drink. Heir…as in baby?! She glanced towards Atem. Fortunately, he had been too preoccupied with his conversation with Mahad to hear. The two did stop talking when they heard her choking.

"Are you alright?" He asked surprised while patting her on the back.

"Uh huh." Mana said with a fake smile and closed eyes because they were tearing up. Her face turned a deep red. She had only been married this afternoon and now this topic was being discussed among the masses? Her and Atem…? She needed some air!

"If you'll excuse me, I'll be right back!" She said quickly jumping up from the table all the while avoiding eye contact with Mahad. Hopefully he couldn't tell what was going on in her head! Atem on the other hand was clueless. He excused himself also and followed after his queen.

While everyone was hopefully still preoccupied with the banquet, Mana slipped outside to the palace garden. This had always been one of her favorite places. The relaxing atmosphere combined with the setting sun was what she needed at the moment.

"There you are!"

She turned to see Atem coming through the entrance. "Do you feel ok?" He asked worriedly as he walked up to her.

The Queen nodded, embarrassed about her behavior. Not to mention worrying him. "Yup, I'm fine. Sorry, I uh, just needed some fresh air. It was getting cramped in there." She felt her face blush again. Those priestesses certainly weren't the most modest of the bunch!

The Pharaoh still looked concerned as he placed his hand on her forehead. "Your face looks flushed. Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

"Oh, just fine!" She laughed nervously trying to change the subject. She hated to lie to him, he was just so sweet! "Do you want to stay out here for a bit?" She asked taking his hand. "It's really pretty tonight."

"I would love to." He said giving her a kiss.

The two walked for a bit before settling down in front of the garden pond. Mana leaned up against the Pharaoh as they watched the fireflies dance through the air.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked placing his arms around her.

"Just about today. I still can't believe I'm actually a queen." She said looking up at him. He smiled.

"You know, Mahad was saying the same thing earlier."

The Queen looked interested. "Really? What did he say?"

"He's proud of you and your decision. He knows that you will be a just ruler." Atem chuckled. "But he did say that he was still going to worry about you, queen or not."

Mana rolled her eyes playfully. "That big worrywart. He's always been that way." Her eyes wandered across the still waters of the pond causing a memory to resurface. "Do you remember the first time we met? It was in this exact spot."

Atem had a big grin on his face. "How could I not? You pushed me into the water…twice." He held up two fingers to emphasize.

Mana made a face at him and giggled. "Hey, now! You fell in the first time yourself!" She nudged his arm. "The second time you definitely deserved it. You were being mean to that poor frog!"

Seven-year-old Atem ran as fast as his legs would take him out into the palace garden. If he managed to escape his teacher, then that meant no more boring lessons! He quickly dove behind some of the shrubbery and patiently waited. Sure enough, his tutor came running out looking for him.

"My Prince! We have yet to complete your studies!" He called out frantically while looking in every direction.

The young prince laughed to himself. "He won't find me here!"

"Who won't find you?"

Atem was startled by the sound of another voice. "W-Who's there?" He stammered. Waiting provided no answer. By this time his teacher was long gone so he used a louder and more forceful approach. "As the King of Kemet, I command you to show yourself!"

The shrubs behind him started to rustle causing him to spin around. What could it be?! Was it a monster? An assailant? A…girl? The Prince was confused. Who in the world was this? She was about his age, but he had never seen her before. The girl giggled and skipped up to him.

"You're not the King!" She said poking at his crown. "You're too short!"

Atem batted her hand away insulted. "Yes, well. I am just a prince for now, but one day I will be Pharaoh!" He adjusted his crown. "Now tell me who you are!"

The girl laughed again. "You don't have to be so serious! Lighten up! I'm Mana, what's your name?"

He eyed her suspiciously. Should he tell her his true name? It was something that was definitely not shared with strangers. Even some in the palace didn't know his birth name. Well, she certainly didn't look threatening in the slightest. Plus having a friend his age would be nice. "My name is Atem.."

"You mean like the Creator? That's cool!" She excitedly grabbed him by the hand. "Come on, Atem! Let's play!"

"H-hey! Wait!" He said as she yanked him behind her.

Finally deciding on a game of tag, Atem chose to be It. Mana jumped up on the side of the garden pond and skillfully leapt to the other side to avoid being tagged.

"That's not fair!" Atem complained climbing up on the opposite side.

"Sure, it is!" Mana said spinning gracefully around on the tip of her toes. "Come on, try it! Or can you do it?"

The Prince glared at her. "Of course, I can!" He jumped down and backed away from the edge a bit. Gauging the distance, he took off in a dead run. He didn't get very far due to his right foot getting hooked under the outer wall. "Gah!" He yelled out while floundering in the air. Mana burst out into laughter as he fell face first into the water.

"Oh, be quiet!" He said standing up and wringing out his tunic. The young girl kept up her laughing making him throw water at her.

"You're still it!" She yelled as she dodged the splash before sprinting off. Atem jumped up and ran after her.

The two continued to play the game for a while until they grew bored. Mana ran back over to the garden pond while Atem followed.

"I'm too tired to go on!" She said as she flopped down dramatically. The Prince was about to do the same when something caught his attention. Out of the bushes hopped a large green frog next to him. He looked at it, disgusted.

"Those things are so gross." He said grabbing at it. There was just something about them that he didn't like. Maybe it was how their skin felt, or how they peed all over you when you caught them. In any case, it lazily hopped out of his reach and turned around to stare at him. Atem glared back at it. Mana saw the look in his eyes causing her to jump up to defend the small creature.

"Leave him alone! He's cute!"

The frog watched the two not caring in the slightest.

"You like frogs? You're weird." Atem grabbed the frog up forcefully.

"Hey! Put him down!" Mana begged trying to grab the frog out of his hand. The Prince raised his arm out of her reach.

"Or what?" He teased.

Mana took a step back then charged forward. "This, you big jerk!" She yelled, forcefully shoving him backwards.

"Not again!" Atem yelled going over the side of the pond in a huge splash. The frog escaped from his grasp and hurriedly swam away. He jumped out of the water looking extremely embarrassed.

"That's what you get!" Mana said doubled over in laughter.

"MANA!"

She quickly stopped her laughing and looked behind her. It was Mahad! Uh-oh, she was in big trouble now! Turning to run, her escape route was cut off when she started to float in the air.

"Stop it, Mahad!" She yelled angrily as she struggled to break free from the spell. The Magician came storming up to her.

"I let you out of my sight for just a few moments and this happens!" He pointed over to the soaked Prince. "Apologize right now!"

"Ugh, fine." Mana looked over to Atem and stuck her tongue out.

Mahad wanted to literally die on the spot. Today, he was going to introduce her to Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen as the Prince's sorcery partner. So far, she had managed to slip past him and cause trouble not only within the palace but also with the Pharaoh's son…he'd be lucky if he kept his magician title!

He snapped his fingers allowing the spell to break making Mana fall to the ground. "I am so sorry for her behavior, my prince! I take full responsibility!" He bowed low to the ground. "She will receive punishment!"

Atem looked at Mahad and then to Mana. The girl gave him a glare as she sat on the ground. He glared back at her.

"Oh, forget about it. I fell in the first time anyway." The Magician was a friend to him, and he didn't want him to get into trouble. "What are you doing here anyway, Mahad?"

The Magician returned to his standing position. "I was needing to speak to your father about something very important. Although I doubt it will work out now…" He grabbed Mana up by the hand. "Let's go, this time you're not leaving my sight!" Bowing to Atem and apologizing once again he left for the palace dragging the girl behind him. The Prince watched them go. What had all that been about?

Later that day, Atem had to join his father in meetings. The council talked about nothing exciting, like usual. When would there be some real excitement? Like foreign invaders, or monsters, or…

"Atem, are you even listening to me?"

"Huh?" The Prince snapped out of his daydream. "Of course, Father!" He looked at him blankly for a few seconds. "Ummm…could you repeat that?"

The Pharaoh sighed. "I was saying that Mahad would be our last visitor for the day. You really need to start paying more attention. You'll never become a great ruler if you always have your head in the clouds."

Atem was wide awake now. He had forgotten about Mahad! What did he want to talk about again?

Akhenamkhanen waved the Magician in. Mahad walked in looking very nervous while dragging in someone very familiar behind him.

"YOU?!" The Prince yelled out in shock.

Mana blew a raspberry at him causing Mahad to hit her over the head.

"What did I tell you about disrespecting the Prince?! I am so sorry great Pharaoh! She usually does not act this way!" He said pulling Mana down into a bow with him.

Akhenamkhanen waved it off with a laugh. "It's quite alright, Mahad." He looked over at his son standing next to him. "I assume that you two already know each other then. You didn't sneak out of your classes again today, did you?"

The Prince laughed nervously. "N-no! Why would you say that?"

The Pharaoh gave him a look. "We will get to that later. Anyway, back to the matter at hand. Mahad, will you please explain?"

The Magician stood up. "Of course, your majesty. my prince, you and Mana will be studying sorcery under me. Much like you, Mana is exceptional in her skills at such a young age. His majesty believes that it would benefit you to have a partner."

The room was silent for a moment before Atem and Mana both pointed at each other and yelled out simultaneously, "I'M NOT WORKING WITH YOU!"

"Hard to believe we acted like that, especially in front of your poor father. I feel really bad for Mahad too having to put up with us for all these years." Mana laughed.

Atem grinned. "I think they just got used to it after a while. I don't know how they would have kept their sanity otherwise."

A cool wind blew by making Mana shiver. "Are you getting cold?" The Pharaoh asked removing his cape and placing it around her. She nodded.

"Yeah, I can't wait for it to warm up at night." She pouted snuggling closer to him for warmth. "I hate the cold!"

"My poor Queen." Atem chuckled giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Let's go back in before you catch a chill." He said helping her up.

"Ugh, wouldn't that be great? Me being sick first day on the job." Mana listened for a moment. "Sounds like the wild party has finally died down."

"I guess it's safe for us to go back in then. It seems like they haven't even noticed us being gone." Atem said smiling while taking her hand.

"I certainly don't mind." Mana replied leaning her head on his shoulder as they walked. "It's nice just us together." She had a sudden thought. "I do wonder how tomorrow is going to go. Hopefully nothing too crazy comes up!"

The Pharaoh laughed. "I've probably thought that exact thing the last three years I've been king. You can honestly never tell how the day's going to go, you just have to be ready for anything."

"Oh, that's comforting." Mana replied playfully.

"Don't worry about it. I'll be with you every step of the way." Atem leaned his head against hers. "You'll be just fine."

Mana was nervous now. She thought today would be the most nerve wracking of days. Why didn't she think of her first day of being queen? "If you say so."

"I know so." Atem said smiling. Mana returned his smile and hugged him. Maybe he was right. Everything would be just fine. They had each other.


Atem and Mana's marriage contract was based on a real one from around 300 B.C. Unfortunately, there is no known contract between a pharaoh and his queen. The only ones that have been found are from the middle to lower class. There have been scarabs discovered that depicted the marriage of King Amenhotep III (1391-53/1388-1351 BC) inscribed on them but not much else is known about the process of royal marriages.

Kemet-what the Ancient Egyptians called their homeland. The word means the "black land" which refers to the fertile silt that the Nile floods provide. The name "Egypt" actually comes from the Greek word "Aegyptos".

Nemes-the blue and yellow striped headdress that can be seen on King Tut. The pharaohs wore this cloth headdress for various ceremonial functions.

Window of Appearances-balcony or opening used by the pharaoh to address a crowd or council from inside the palace.