Putting his hand on Atem's shoulder Mahad looked at the confused Pharaoh in front of him "Go after her...Do what your heart tells you, its your happiness that truly matters" Mahad said with a smile "Thank you Mahad, I couldnt ask for a better friend than you" said Atem with a nod as he began to walk away,
Making his way through the halls of his Palace Atem finally spotted Loretta, walking up to her slowly he knelt down at her side & placed his hand on her shoulder "Loretta...I'm so very sorry for upsetting you, I should have been honest with you from the very start, I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me" turning around to face Atem, Loretta looked up at him with her eyes full of tears "D-do you really mean that..." she stuttered with a sniff "Yes, I do & I should have never let anyone get in the way or talk me out of the feeling's I have for you" "Atem...Is it ok if I give you a hug" she asked as he nodded, pulling him into a tight embrace Loretta smiled "This feels really nice" the both thought at the same time & then gasped, pulling back slightly from one another they looked at each other & then began to laugh "Would you like come back inside now" said Atem with a smile as he held the side of Loretta's face & wiped her tears away with his thumb.
Standing up Atem held his hand out for Loretta to help her up, taking his hand Loretta stood up looking directly into his eyes "Atem..." she said as she looked at him & then away for a few seconds & then back again "just while we are alone together I want to tell you that I'm sorry for running out on you, but I have something for you" she said as she handed him the scroll with the Magenta ribbon tied around it "Its ok, I forgive you, If you forgive me..." he said with a chuckle & then turning serious again "But you had every right to run out, I hurt you & I had no right to do so, oh Thank you..." he said as he untied the ribbon & unrolled the scroll "Wow, this is a beautiful picture, Loretta, did you really draw this" "Thank you Atem, yes I did..." she said blushing "When you looked at me for the first time, I couldnt get over how beautiful your eyes were" "Oh, um...I dont know what to say, Thank you, Loretta" said Atem giving her a kiss on the cheek "Um Atem, would you like to dance with me" "of course, but first I want to introduce you to two of my best friends..." said Atem as they walked back through the Throne room.
Spotting Mana & Mahad he signalled for them to come over to him, Bowing politely Mahad started off first by introducing himself "What a pleasure it is to finally meet you, Loretta,..." he said with a bow "My name is Mahad & this is my friend & Magician in training, Mana" "Mahad, what have I told you about bowing," Atem scolded lightly "Sorry Atem, bad habit" he said sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "As you can probably tell, Mahad is a member of my Royal court..." Atem explained "But he is also a very good friend of mine, his Father was a Royal Court member to my Father when he was Pharaoh so as a Prince, Mahad & I sort of grew up together" "Aww isn't that so nice & its nice to meet you too Mahad & Mana" "Now if you would excuse me, I promised Loretta a dance" Atem said with a smirk as he took her by the arm & lead her out near the middle of the throne room floor.
Taking her hand in his & putting his arm around her waist, she place her hand gingerly on his shoulder "Its ok Loretta, I dont bite, you are safe with me" he said with a smile as he saw the other Princesses scowling at him, pulling her closer to his chest "Dont worry about them, just focus on me" he whispered in her ear as she nodded & closed her eyes. Swaying back & forth Atem & Loretta danced smoothly to the music, occasionally he would dip her down & spin her around just so that he could hear her giggle with excitement, after about 5 or so minutes they finished dancing as everyone around them clapped making the pair look at each other & blush, "If you would excuse me, Loretta, I hate to leave you but i should go & talk to some of these other Princesses" said Atem as he saw Loretta starting to look upset, lifting her chin up gently & looking into her eyes he mouthed "I wont be long" with a smirk.
Watching him walk off Loretta smiled as she remembered the dance she'd just had with him & the way he had held her close, feeling a hand on her shoulder Loretta looked over to see Mana standing next to her "Hey, its nice to meet you, Im Mana, I know Mahad introduce me before but I never got the chance to talk to you, your dress is so pretty" "Hi Mana, its nice to meet you too, thank you I like your dress too, it matches your eyes" said Loretta with a giggle as she looked at Mana's knee-length dark Emerald dress.
As she stood & talked to Mana, Loretta noticed the other Princesses as they were practically climbing on Atem & to her disgust kissing him, narrowing her eyes Loretta let out a low growl, noticing this Mana looked at Loretta "Is everything ok..." "Um...Yea, fine no worries Mana" Loretta said shaking her head & blushing slightly "I cant believe I'm getting protective over him already & we aren't even actually together," Loretta thought to herself.
To her relief, Atem finally stopped 'mingling' with the other princess 7 walked up the steps to his Throne, calling for everyone's attention, but not before signalling Seto to come over & stand by his side "Excuse me, Everyone, could I have your attention ..." Seto said lightly tapping his wine glass & waiting till everyone was quiet "The Pharaoh has a very important announcement to make" he said as he bowed to Atem & motioned for him to start "As you all know, tonight is the night that I, Pharaoh Atem take one of you to be my Queen..." he said as he looked at the crowd but more directly to Loretta "Please continue your talking with one another & I will make my decision shortly" said Atem as he walked back down the steps from his Throne & into the crowd followed closely by Seto "Who are you going to choose Atem?" Seto questioned trying to get a hint out of his cousin "You will find that out later, Seto" Atem smirked...
TBC...