A/N: This sucks! I already finished the chapter last Monday when someone accidentally deleted it. Sigh. That was stupid. Oh well... sorry for the delay, everyone. Thanks for the reviews, really appreciate it (despite the fact that I am unable to reply to them frequently).

And I end my ramble... here's the chapter

Chapter 15: Woes of a Broken Heart

If there ever was a pharaoh whom had captured the hearts of his people and cared for them affectionately, they knew he was the one they were talking about. Once upon a time, Egypt was a land of feared pharaohs and loyal subjects with no relationship between the two ever. But their pharaoh changed that.

Pharaoh Atemu was beloved by his people. And to see him so solemn whenever he greets them in the morning was truly devastating. Especially to the members of his court and palace staff.

Everyone can see the melancholy their king was feeling despite his many smiles and sincere greetings. Everyone simply knew that their pharaoh was hiding his feelings from them all to prevent concern to grow.

Mahado sighed as he caught glimpse of the monarch head to the gardens. It took no genius to realize that the pharaoh was hurting and he knew he has Seth to blame for. No one had the lack of heart to hurt his pharaoh like that but his indifferent and uncaring cousin.

"My pharaoh, we are ready to conduct the conference," he said as he placed his hand on the other's shoulder to console him. He heard Atemu sigh as the other rose and meet his gaze. "I will be there shortly," the pharaoh replied. Mahado bowed and left the monarch alone.

From the balcony of his chambers, Seth watched his cousin in the garden longingly. Somehow he couldn't help but think if he made the right decision. And yet, that was highly unlikely of him, right? He did what was right for his cousin, he must not have regrets.

Deciding it was not the best time to ponder over such thoughts, Seth shook his head and left for the conference. Atemu would be there. But things have changed, he realized that. The gods can only know if he can live through that meeting without even feeling his chest constrict painfully.

XXX

The moment he entered the room, he knew Mahado was furious with him. He could sense Isis' disappointed stare and Shadi shaking his head. He could hear Karimu sigh in exasperation and Shimon's worried mutterings. To cut it short, Seth knew everyone disproved of his decision.

Unfortunately, no one seems to understand that he was the threat to his pharaoh's life. And simply put, he cannot let that happen. No one will use him to hurt his cousin.

A few minutes later, Atemu entered with his frequent-appearing emotionless mask. Seth flinched responsively. Atemu never hid his emotions that way before. Was this his fault?

"My lord, we have already tallied the number of casualties in the incident," Shadi reported, "3 were killed in the fire and 6 others sustained minor injuries," he added. Atemu nodded.

"Has the perpetuator been caught?" the monarch asked.

"He killed himself when he was affronted, sire," Karimu answered. They heard Atemu sigh.

"I want the people there to be given food and shelter as soon as possible. Take them in the palace if need be but I want them sheltered as soon as possible," Atemu decided.

"Yes, sire," the two priests replied.

Mahado watched silently as his king tried hard not to meet his cousin's gaze. He turned to Seth, who turned away. He sighed. What did they do to deserve this?

"My pharaoh, Ranmen has been spotted with his accomplice two nights ago near the village. I suspect that he is the one behind the fire," Mahado stated. Atemu's eyes narrowed, "I thought as much. Thank you, Mahado," the pharaoh replied.

"I want him and his accomplice arrested. Whether they are dead or not, it does not matter. Am I understood?" Atemu continued. The priests flinched at the harshness of the tone. Their king never gave orders like this before.

"I will lead the army to arrest them," Seth volunteered, avoiding Atemu and Mahado's gaze. It might be the answer to his growing problem regarding missing his cousin too much.

"Request granted. You may take your leave as soon as you see fit, High Priest Seth," Atemu replied, "This meeting is adjourned." And then he was gone.

Seth stared at his cousin's retreating back in shock and concern. Atemu never granted his requests when situations are this dangerous. Somehow he couldn't help but think he was the one behind his cousin's sudden change of behavior. But then again, he knew his assumption was right.

XXX

"May I speak with you, Mahado?" Seth inquired.

"What do you wish to talk about?" Mahado countered.

Seth was silent. He knew he would only anger Mahado more if he says this was about Atemu. But what can he say otherwise? It's not like they were the best of friends, whom can talk about anything, right?

"If you wish to talk about Atemu then I only have one thing to say. You are undeniable heartless and idiotic, Seth." Mahado remarked and prepared to walk away but the other priest stopped him.

"I needed to do what is right, Mahado. He will get hurt because of me," the blue-eyed priest explained. Before he knew it, a fist landed on his cheek and he staggered backwards. Mahado was breathing raggedly in anger.

"And you think right now he is not? You have not noticed his behavior? It has changed, Seth and it's because of you!" Mahado exploded, "He gave you his heart. He loved you and he was willing to do anything just for your relationship to work. And then you shove his every word of devotion and love back to his face. How do you think will he feel?"

"Don't you think I'm trying my best not to hurt him? I'm going to betray him in the future, Mahado! For crying out loud, I will kill my cousin! And nothing hurts even more than betrayal," Seth said. He had said those words truly. Nothing is more painful than betrayal. To have someone you love-- someone you thought wanted the best for you betray you like that.

To have your father betray you...

"You know what? Forget it. I apologize for taking your time, priest," Seth said and left. He would rather die than betray his cousin.

XXX

"You cannot sleep, my prince?"

Atemu looked up and met Mana's inquiring gaze. He shook his head softly, "Unfortunately, yes. It seems sleep has deluded me for tonight. And what about you? Can't sleep?" he answered.

Mana shook his head, "The night is wonderful. It seems so calm and serene," she said, gazing at the sky.

The pharaoh nodded and followed her lead. Soon after, he fell asleep with Mana watching him affectionately. It hurts to see his prince so hurt like that. Soon, Mahado will find them and carry their monarch to his room.

But they knew that when morning comes, everything will still not be all right.