Chapter 12 (Nickelback – Hero)
Atemu was stunned. "Why didn't you tell me this yourself?" He asked.
"My pharaoh, we are concubines, not wives." Heqet replied. "Wives are allowed to tell their husbands of their troubles. Concubines are there strictly to please their master, not to add to his worries. I may be the head concubine, but I am still your concubine. I am still restricted in what I may do."
Atemu smiled. "Heqet you are not a criminal, you are a leader." He said. "Did you know that I cannot communicate with Ra on my own? I can communicate with him in ways that other humans cannot, but to do this I need the support of my priests and magicians. Rituals and purifications must be completed, and I may only speak to Ra on the terms of the rituals. If I want to have a freeform conversation with him, I must pray as any other human, with the same results. I am the pharaoh, but I am still human. Just like you."
Heqet slowly lifted herself onto her knees and looked at the pharaoh, her mouth slightly open.
"Sometimes a leader must appoint a champion in times of trouble. A champion can be an ambassador sent to a foreign land, a leader for a great army, or a magician to stop a supernatural threat. The champion is prepared by the people and supported by the leader. He takes amazing risks, for if he fails he may die, but if he succeeds he will bring glory to himself and his people. Appointing and training a champion does not make a leader weak, but wise. And you are a wise leader."
Atemu slid off the bed and kneeled in front of Heqet. He took both of her hands in his. "I'll do this formally later, but to reassure you," at this the pharaoh's voice took on a more serious tone, as if reciting a memorized text. "Here in my eyes you are absolved of all crimes. You have done a great service and I recognize your value within my court." The pharaoh leaned forward and whispered in Heqet's ear. "My name is Atemu." He leaned back. "Call me as you wish, call me friend. You have the liberty to use the name you have heard. In this you have my blessing, Heqet." Atemu leaned forward again and kissed Heqet on the forehead. He then released her hands and stood. "Rise at your leisure, for you are now free in the presence of your pharaoh."
***
High Priest Seto stood in the doorway to the pharaoh's rooms. 'Well, this is unexpected.' He thought. 'Heqet is clearly not a criminal, but she doesn't deserve the Pharaoh's Kiss.'
The Pharaoh's Kiss was a very rare gift, indeed. What Atemu had done was a very much abridged version of the actual ceremony. The full ceremony would include a much longer recitation from the pharaoh, witnessed by the full inner court. After the recitation the pharaoh would kneel and place a single kiss on the recipient's forehead. The recipient was then given permission to call the pharaoh by his true name, to touch the pharaoh within familiar boundaries, and to disregard the formalities of the court, such as never sitting before the pharaoh. Atemu had only preformed the Pharaoh's Kiss ceremony twice, once for Seto and once for Captain Joseph. Seto only used his privileges when he and Atemu were alone, and Captain Joseph chose not to use his privileges at all. Seto sighed; Joseph was so strict about things like that….
Seto pulled the scarab broach from the folds of his robe. 'First Atemu shows concern about his looks and now he gives the Pharaoh's Kiss to a concubine. What is going on here? She may not be a criminal but she isn't a hero.' Seto looked past Atemu and Heqet to the small figure behind them. 'And now there is another concubine in his bed and they haven't even had sex yet…' Seto froze. 'That's it….oh my Ra, that's it!' He almost laughed out loud at the oddity of the situation. 'Atemu is in love with that little concubine. Why wouldn't he thank the woman who not only brought the boy to him, but has also been training him for years to be the pharaoh's own personal, willing, virgin sex kitten!' Still smiling, Seto stepped into the room.
"Well done Atemu. I'll make arrangements for the formal ceremony immediately. And welcome, Heqet. The inner court could use more women with your abilities."
Heqet jumped as if she had been caught stealing candy from the kitchens. Atemu however showed no surprise at Seto's sudden appearance. He held out a hand to help Heqet up and smiled.
"I'm glad you're here, Seto. The ceremony should happen as soon as possible, but I would like this little angel to be able to attend." Atemu gestured to where Yugi was asleep on the bed. "Can you do anything to help him?"
Smirking internally at the 'little angel' comment, Seto stepped up to the bed. His eyes widened upon seeing the innocent young beauty lying there. 'Perhaps he is an angel.' Seto smiled. 'Atemu deserves nothing less.'
"Right now the best thing for him would be a good sleep." Seto made a few passes over Yugi's forehead. Yugi gave a soft moan and settled himself more firmly into the bed. "I can make a potion that will take care of the wounds and scaring within three days. It will be ready tomorrow morning."
Atemu gave a weary smile. "Be sure you set aside some time to sleep, Seto. It's late already and with that spell you cast on him I doubt he will even be up until midday."
"I'll bring it to you before noon then. Is there anything else you need?" Seto asked.
"Yes, just one more thing." Atemu clapped twice. A pair of servants, a woman and a man, rushed forward and kneeled before him. Atemu addressed the female servant first.
"Pili, take Heqet to see my seamstresses and jewelers. She is to be given the Pharaoh's Kiss in…." Atemu glanced at Seto.
"Five days, to allow time for your little one to heal," Seto said, "and to give me time to collect the court.
"Five days, then." continued Atemu. "After the ceremony she will take her rightful place among my advisors. She will need a completely new wardrobe reflecting her new status and a new bedroom on this hall. See to it that this is taken care of." Atemu waved to the servant, who stood and stepped back, waiting for Heqet.
"My pharaoh…." Heqet said in a breathless voice. "My pharaoh, thank you." She fell to her knees and pressed her forehead to the back of the pharaoh's hand, tears falling from her eyes. "This is more than I could have ever hoped for."
Atemu smiled and pulled Heqet to her feet. "I've gone to long without hearing what you have to say. Your advice will be valuable and you will finally be heard, just as you wished."Atemu pulled her closer and wiped the tears from her eyes. "I should be thanking you. Now," he said in a slightly more brisk voice. "go with Pili. She'll take care of everything. And don't be afraid to speak up if there is anything you need."
Heqet nodded and left with the servant girl. Atemu turned to the male servant.
"Ottah, go find Captain Joseph and tell him to choose his most honest general, a general without malice or fear. That general and his company are to take over guard duty at the concubine's quarters tonight. I will inspect these men myself in the morning to see if they are fit for the job. Then send Captain Joseph to me." Atemu waved and the servant stood and strode out, picking up speed as left to find Captain Joseph quickly.