A/N: short and sweet to finish off! I'm glad I got back to this after a bit of a pause in the middle, I had a good time writing it. Thanks to everyone who reviewed!
epilogue
Early the next morning, the Pharaoh called Seth into his quarters. Seth found him sitting at his desk, busily writing away at the reports that had piled up during the court's absence. Seth approached slowly, scrutinising him. He certainly looked better than he had the night before, at least.
"Good morning," he said, looking up. "There's a few things to discuss, so I'll come straight to the point."
"Yes, Pharaoh?"
"I want you to lead a report to see how the Eighth Item was made," Atem said, listing his thoughts off on his fingers. "Talk to everyone in the palace and bring any suspicious individuals forward so I can speak with them personally, and while we're at it let's put the Millennium Tome under complete lock and key. Also, when we can find the time the I wish to begin decoding the rest of it. There must be other things we've missed that could be useful-"
"Slow down, please," Seth said, chuckling. "But I agree. I had intended to lead the investigation, if you'd allow it."
"So you care if I allow it or not?" Atem asked, setting down his quill.
Seth squared his shoulders. Atem had evidently forgotten what he'd said yesterday in his addled state, but the priest couldn't help but wish he didn't have to have this conversation again.
"Yes," he said. Then he cleared his throat. "I wanted to-"
Atem raised a hand. "Let me." He sat back in his chair, resting his hands on his desk as he thought. "I give you credit for seeking to defend Egypt's honour from undue insults and I recognise we should not expect to bear more of them because leadership has changed. I recognise the Nubians likely planned to press the issue, no matter what."
Seth waited.
"However," Atem said, rising from his desk and looking Seth in the eye. "I need to know you understand why we cannot respond to every insult with fire and sword."
Seth relaxed, just a fraction. At least this question was easy to answer. "Yes, Pharaoh. Because of your people. You wished to protect those living in the disputed territories."
Atem nodded. "Good. And you understand that I will not tolerate disrespect from my allies, as well as my enemies?"
"Yes, Pharaoh."
"And...in future you will seek to protect our people also?"
Seth bit down on the inside of his cheek. "Yes, Pharaoh," he lied.
The Pharaoh tipped his head to the side, considering him. Then he nodded. "Good. I will be focused on steering Egypt in my own direction from now on. I'll be looking for your support."
Seth smirked. "And I'll be glad to give it."
"Good. Then I'll see you in court." Atem returned to his desk and began writing, dismissing him without words.
Seth crossed to the door, then paused. "When everything's settled down, I'll expect another duel."
Atem chuckled, didn't answer. Seth didn't need him to. No doubt the Pharaoh had been expecting him to say that at some point.
Akhenaden waited until nightfall to take a quick trip out of the palace. He was just outside the wall when he met the servant. Akhenaden had half expected him to not to show up. If he'd been in his shoes, he wouldn't have.
"I – I heard the court recovered the pyramid," he said.
"That's correct. After you lost it, of course," Akhenaden said, calmly.
"W-well, it was a failure, right? You wanted to recreate the Puzzle, but the pyramid...wasn't that."
"So you thought you'd sell it to the highest bidder. Instead of burying it as I asked."
"High Priest, I swear I didn't realise-"
Akhenaden threw out his arm, calling out his ka and slaughtering the man on the spot. He turned to his ka. "Take his body and dump it far from here. Don't be seen. Come back when you're done."
He turned away from the scene and walked off, annoyance boiling under his skin. He'd been so close to making an Item strong enough to make Seth king, but it had all fallen apart in his hands.
Next time, he'd be smarter.
Next time, his nephew – no, the Pharaoh – wouldn't escape with his life.