Days turned into weeks & weeks turned into months & everyday Loretta & Atem's twins grew to look more & more like their parents. Atem & Loretta had never been so close, every day their strong bond grew even stronger but that was all about to change.
"Excuse me, my Pharaoh" Shada bowed "Just to let you now the Nobles from Southern Egypt are due to arrive in two hours, your Highness" Shada said as he took a step back from Atem's throne "Very good, thank you Shada, if you would excuse me I need to go & freshen up & see how Loretta is getting on with the twins" Atem said as he rose from his seat, making his way past Shada who bowed until he had left the room.
Walking down the hallway towards his chamber Atem smiled "I don't know where I would be without Loretta, she has proven herself to be such a wonderful mother & I can see her becoming an even better Queen" Atem thought to himself, reaching his chamber door Atem opened it to find Loretta laying on her side sound asleep with their son nestled into her chest "My beautiful Queen" Atem thought as he walked over to her, gently brushing her bangs off her face & gazing at her lovingly.
Quietly taking off his jewellery & clothing except for his kilt, Atem grabbed a towel & headed towards his private bathroom, stepping in & shutting the door behind him, he turned the water on, while waiting for it to heat up slightly he took off his crown, earrings & neck bands. Clutching the side of the basin Atem took a step back feeling his knees shaking below him "What is wrong with me, I feel strange...argh my head" he said as he let go of the basin & rubbed his temples "Maybe I'll be better once I get into the shower" he said quietly to himself as he took small steps towards the shower but still clinging to the wall. Stepping in under the water Atem relaxed against the wall & closed his eyes, slowly but surely his headache seemed to die down, now that he was feeling slightly better he continued on with washing himself.
Waking up to find her son curled up next to her chest Loretta giggled "did my handsome little man have a good sleep? I thought for sure I just sensed your dad in the room" Loretta blushed as she blew a bit of cool air onto Amen's face making him scrunch up his little nose, getting up & putting the small boy over her shoulder Loretta wondered out of the room & along the hallway "come on, maybe Auntie Mana would like to see you while mummy goes & talks to Uncle Seto" Loretta cooed as she looked at her son out of the corner of her eye.
Walking along the hallway Loretta noticed Mana & Mahad sitting very close together, as Loretta got closer to the pair she coughed clearing her throat making Mana & Mahad jump "Oh, my Queen, I didn't see you there" said Mahad as he stood up & then bowed "I was wondering if you would be able to look after Amenhotep for me Mana, but I see you are busy with Mahad" Loretta smirked "oh no, not at all, we were only talking" Mana said showing a cheesy grin as she reached out & took Amen' "Come on you two out with it, what's going on? I know you two are close but you have never been this close before" Loretta said as she stood lightly glaring at them with her hands on her hips.
"Well..."Mahad said sheepishly looking at Mana for approval "Mana & I want to start courting but we dont know how to tell Atem er I mean his highness, please dont tell the Pharaoh, we want to tell him" Mahad begged "well congratulations to both of you, I always thought you were actually brother & sister but my lips are sealed, I won't tell Atem a thing untill you are ready" said Loretta as she watched Mana & Mahad heave a huge sigh of relief & then start to laugh "Thank you so much your Majesty, as you know we have been friends with the Pharaoh for a long time & we want to make this a surprise for him" Mahad beamed "You have my word Mahad, I won't tell him anything...I better be on my way now, you be a good boy for Mana please Amen' " Loretta said as she smiled at Mana & gave Amen a kiss on the cheek.
Standing outside of Seto's door Loretta quietly cleared her throat & then knocked on his door. Hearing the gentle knock to his door Seto got up from his desk & went to the door, not realising that the Queen would be on the other side, opening the door Seto smiled "Good afternoon your Majesty, to what pleasure do I owe this visit" Seto said bowing "Good Afternoon Seto, im here about Atem's birthday, its coming up & hes turning 21 so a big celebration is in order, since I obviously cant discuss these plans with him may I come in & talk with you" "Of course, be my guest, you can have a seat at my desk" Seto bowed, purposefully breathing in as she walked past Seto smirked in delight as the sweet scent of Loretta's African Violet perfum lingered his nostrils, gazing at Loretta in a dream like state Seto stood watching her as she pulled the chair out from the desk & flicked her long ebony hair that fell in waves down her back, sitting down in the chair Loretta turned to see Seto still standing in the same place but with a love struck look on his face "Seto, are you ok, I'm waiting for you" Loretta giggled.
Sitting on the edge of the desk Seto watched as Loretta elloquintly drew up plans for Atem's birthday, as she continued to write he subtly moved closer. Putting her quill down & stretching Loretta unintentionally placed her hand in Seto's lap not realising that he was so close, taking her hand away & blushing Loretta hid her face in her bangs "I-I'm sorry Seto, I-I didn't mean to put my hand there" she apologised keeping her head down.
Gently taking her chin in his hand Seto carefully turned her head, both pairs of radiating sapphire eyes now locked on to one another, blushing slightly Seto smiled "don't be embarrassed it was my fault for sitting too close...my, you are beautiful" he said as he slowly leaned closer "Um, I should go, I've been away from Atem for a long time now & he's probably wondering where I am" Loretta said in a panic as she noticed Seto's eyes starting to slide shut "Oh, I suppose you are right, I'm sorry, you better go" said Seto as he got up & walked away, standing with his back to Loretta "I'm sorry Seto, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I know how you feel about me & even though I like you, I really shouldn't even be in your room alone" said Loretta as she walked over to him placing her hand on his back.
Turning around he gave her a sad smile "I know, I dont know what I was thinking, Atem is my cousin & my King, I cant betray him by having feelings for his wife, Im sorry Loretta" Seto said as he hung his head in shame, lifting up his chin Loretta looked him directly in the eye "I admire you for your loyalty Seto & that is very gracious of you, you are such a sweet guy, you'll find someone, one day" Loretta said with a smirk as she held his cheek in her hand.
Taking her hand off his cheek Seto smiled also "Thank you my Queen, I will always be here to serve & protect you" he said as he kissed her hand "Thank you Seto, I better get going & please keep thoes plans away from Atem's sight" said Loretta as she nodded at Seto & then began to walk away, catching her hand mid swing Seto pulled her back to him, making her lock eyes with him once again "I cant take this anymore...Loretta, I love you, I've loved you from the first day that I met you, please Loretta, please be with me" Seto said as Loretta looked at him with wide eyes "Im sorry Seto, I cant be with you..." Loretta sighed dropping her head & looking at the floor "Please, just forget about me, you're only saying these things because of the jealously you feel for Atem" Loretta said as her rage started to grow "I cant do this with you, now let me go! I have to go & see..." Loretta started again but was cut off by Seto quickly pulling her into his chest & passionately kissing her.
Running up to Seto's door, Isis threw it open "Seto! Come quick, its the Phara-, oh my..." Isis said blushing as she trailed off from her sentence, standing wide eyed in the door way, she gazed upon the High Priest who had the Queen cradled in his arms enveloped in a deep kiss.
Opening his eyes to look at his new love Seto spotted someone out of the corner of his eye "Oh no! Loretta, I-I mean your Majesty..." he stuttered "what are you doing in my chamber, Isis" he said looking panicked as he had just been caught red handed "I came to get you, the Pharaoh has been found unconcious in his bathroom in a pool of blood" Isis said stressing the issue "Atem, no...Out of my way, I need to get to him" Loretta said franticly as she ran past Isis & Seto in tears "Not a word of what you saw to the Pharaoh, he cant know about this" Seto scolded Isis as he stormed out of his room & down the hallway leaving a very stunned & saddened Isis.
Coming down the hallway Loretta saw through her tears that Isis' medical room door had been left open, cautiously creeping in Loretta looked in horror as her husband lay on the bed unresponsive & covered in blood, noticing also that he was only in a towel that was saturated with his blood. Running her hand down the side of his face Loretta started to cry "Oh Atem, I should have never left you, i-if I would have just stayed in our room you w-wouldn't be in this mess, my Pharaoh" she sobbed placing a light kiss on his cheek. Kneeling down next to the bed Loretta took Atem's hand & held it tightly while letting the tears flow down her face.
Walking into her medical room Isis gasped seeing the Queen down on her knees "Your Majesty!..." she said with concern as Loretta slowly turned her head to look at her "I'm so sorry you had to see the Pharaoh in this state, but I guarantee you that I will return him to you safe & sound" Isis nodded gently placing her hand on Loretta's back
"Thank you Isis, I will leave you now so you can treat him, I will be in my throne if you want me...Bye Atem, please wake up soon, I love you" Loretta said to Atem as she ran her hand through his bangs & kissed his forehead as she took one last look at his bloodied face before turning & walking out.
Making her way to the throne room Loretta started to wonder what was going to happen to her & Seto now, he had declared his love for her in all earnestly but the feeling wasn't mutual at all, Loretta felt sorry for Seto, he was a really nice guy but her only love was Atem & she couldn't go against her husband with his cousin? Could she? No, of course, she couldn't, Loretta was raised better than that, even though she still didn't completely know all the royal rules yet she knew that going behind someone's back with another was wrong. Sitting down in her throne Loretta sighed "Please get better Atem, I don't want to lose you, what am I going to tell him about Seto? I can't, it would break his heart to find out & I don't really want to get him into trouble..." she sighed again holding her forehead "What am I going to do" she whispered to herself
After an hour or so had passed Loretta could hear slow slightly shuffled footsteps coming down the hall, getting up & raising an eyebrow Loretta walked over towards the door still looking partially concerned, peeking her head out a huge smile spread across Loretta's face, its was Atem, with the help of Isis he was walking very slowly down the hall towards her
"Atem..." Loretta cried as she rushed up to him but stopped a foot away "Are you ok, what are you doing up, you should be resting" she said as she noticed that his crown had been replaced by bandages
"I-I wanted to see you...w-we need to t-talk" he stuttered as Loretta slipped her arm under his taking him off Isis's shoulders "Oh, yeah...Um, you can go now Isis, Atem & I need to talk in private" Loretta as she nodded to Isis
"Of course your Majesty, if you need me I will be back in my medical chamber," Isis said with a bow before walking off.
Walking back into the throne room & up to his throne, Loretta carefully deposited Atem down into his seat, sitting down in her own throne Loretta turned to look at Atem who was rubbing his bandaged forehead
"Atem...I...I don't know what to say, except I'm..." Loretta started to say as she was cut off by Atem holding up his hand to silence her
"...There is no need to apologise Loretta, I love you & I trust you, there is no need to say anything" he smirked at her
"H-how can you be so forgiving, I was found kissing your cousin, that's inexcusable, I'm meant to be your Queen Atem, I shouldn't have even entered Seto's room without someone with, me" Loretta said dropping her head & letting her bangs cover her face
"That maybe but it wasnt all your fault..." Atem stated as he touched Loretta's hand that was sitting on the arm of her throne "Isis told me when I awoke what had happened & how Seto had told her not to tell me, granted you shouldn't have been in Seto's chambers alone with him but as I said I trust you, I know you would never do anything behind my back" he smiled as he gently tilted Loretta's chin up so to look at her.
"I cant believe how trusting you are of me, we have only been married two years & now I get caught doing something like this..." Loretta sighed "I need to say this Atem to get it off my chest so I feel better...I'm sorry for what I did..." standing up out of her throne & the coming around in front of Atem, Loretta went down on her knees at his feet, making him gasp "Please forgive me my Pharaoh, I don't deserve your love & compassion, I'm grateful for everything you have done for me & I would never want to break your heart or your trust" Loretta said as she leaned forward resting her forehead on his knees with tears welling up in her eyes
"Please stand up Loretta, I may be a Pharaoh but I am also your husband, you don't need to get down on your knees for me, we are equals, if you are going to be down on your knees then I should be too, but your place is on your throne by my side, not at my feet" he smiled as Loretta looked up at him with a sad smile on her face.
Standing up & propping herself up on the armrest of his throne, Loretta slipped her arm around the back of Atem's neck "So what is going to happen to Seto, Atem?" Loretta questioned raising an eyebrow.
Turning to look at Loretta, Atem frowned "Well, unfortunately he has to be trialled & then sentenced in court, I know my cousin well & I know he will plead guilty straight away..." stopping to take a breath Atem sighed "Its sad in the fact that I have to try my own cousin but he broke the rules, I can say for definite Loretta that he won't get the death penalty, what he did was wrong but not bad enough for a punishment as severe as that" Atem as he saw the look on Loretta's face change from worry to relief.
Giving his head a light hug & placing a soft kiss on his cheek, Loretta smiled "Thank you Atem, thank you for being such a kind & merciful Pharaoh, so what sort of punishment will he get? I believe I should be punished as well, I am your Queen Atem & I should have stopped him instead of letting him take his advances on me" Loretta said as her happy smile turned to a frown as she thought back to the event
Shaking his head lightly Atem sighed "No because you are of a higher position & as it wasn't your fault, you will receive no punishment except by me..." Atem smirked as Loretta gulped "But as for Seto's punishment I would have to ask Shimon about this, he is the oldest member of my Royal court (Excluding Aknadin who was banished before Atem met Loretta) & will most likely know the punishment for the crime, being that I am in an unfit state right now, I will have to guide you through what to do & from what I remember my Father teaching me these trials are always at dawn"
Gulping, Loretta looked at Atem "I-I don't know if I can do this Atem, I haven't been Queen for very long, I don't know if I have what it takes to put any sentence against Seto" Loretta said as she looked down with her bottom lip beginning to tremble.
Feeling Atem's hand gently rubbing her back, she leaned over onto him for comfort "It's going to be ok Loretta, I know you are nervous but you must overcome your feelings, you are Queen & this is part of your job..." Atem said as he brushed away a strand of hair & caressed her cheek "I will be with you every step of the way so you don't have to worry about doing this alone, you wont entirely decide his punishment, the rest of my royal court will be there to discuss it with us & you only have to dictate which punishment you see fit" Atem smiled seeing Loretta brighten slightly
Smiling at Atem & kissing his cheek again Loretta raised an eyebrow "So, what's my punishment then?" she giggled & then smirked, "Hmm, well, that I'm not sure about either..." Atem smirked "I'm sure I'll come up with something, speaking of which...Would you be able to help me back to our chambers, I think I need to lie down" Atem grimaced as he rubbed his temples.
Getting off the arm of Atem's throne Loretta took his hand & carefully pulled him up, slipping her arm around the top of his back with his arm over the back of her neck Loretta helped Atem walk down the steps of his throne & out the door & along the hallway.
TBC...