Had two chapters done, so I went ahead and put them both up. Hope you like it.
Enjoy!
Chapter 2- Friends, New and Old
A week had passed, and Lord Wong and Vivian had been released from their rooms and were arguing with the Pharaoh about it.
"It was unjust! My daughter has the right to be in Prince Atemu's room as she carries his child." Lord Wong argues.
"Wong, may I remind you that it is an alleged claim as there is yet any proof, and you will refrain from making an unsubstantiated claim." Aknankanon said.
Before Wong could say another, Aknankanon continued.
"Also, your daughter is granted no other special privilege as you are not. Neither of you have permission to be in the east wing of the palace, and you were trespassing on ground you should never have trod. I have warned you time and time again, and I grow tired of it. If either one of you do anything more to show disrespect to any member of the Royal family, you will be forced to leave the palace. Is that clear?" Aknankanon asked.
"But-" Lord Wong started.
"Is that clear?" Aknankanon said in a dangerous tone.
"Yes, Your Majesty. It is." Lord Wong said.
Vivian couldn't believe this. It meant that she couldn't go to his chambers anymore. 'It doesn't matter. He'll marry me whether he wants to or not.' Vivian thought determinedly. She knew she could because she felt sure the baby would look like her and then Atemu would have to marry her. 'I know that bastard Atemu was with won't come back. Not if he wants his precious baby to live.' Vivian thought. She would kill Heba and the baby if that is what it took for her to become queen.
Meanwhile, outside the palace, Yuugi, Heba, and Mana arrived at the place gates after a weeklong journey.
The guard, Meiso, was surprised to see Heba. "Heba, is that you?" Meiso asked.
Heba smiled. "Yes, Meiso. I came back." Heba said.
"Who are these two with you?" Meiso asked, eyeing the other two.
"My siblings. I asked them to accompany me back." Heba replied.
Meiso nodded. "Open the gates!" Meiso shouted.
All the guards loved Heba and hated that Vivian had done this, so they would let him in.
The three entered and then dismounted from their horsed. They all wore cloaks so no one saw Heba's swollen belly.
"There is a meeting in the throne room. Prince Atemu will be in there. Lady Vivian has caused a bit of a ruckus." Meiso said.
"Without a doubt." Heba said.
"Come. I'll escort you." Meiso said.
Heba nodded, and the three followed Meiso into the palace.
"Enough! Lord Wong, do not try to force this marriage any further. It was decreed that nothing would further be done until the child was born. Once the child your daughter carries is born, if the council is satisfied that the child is my son's, he will marry your daughter. Until then, nothing more will be done." Aknankanon said.
The same argument was had every few weeks, and it was getting on Aknankanon's nerves.
"Pharaoh, they should be married before the baby's birth." Lord Wong insisted.
Aknankanon's eyes narrowed. "Do you seek to question my authority? I will not do anything until we know for certain that the child is Atemu's. There are two different stories, therefore, we need to make sure first, and you will try to order me to do something! You do not have authority over me! If you bring this issue up one more time, you and your daughter will be forced to leave the palace until the child is born! Do you understand?!" Aknankanon shouted.
Everyone knew that if Lord Wong did not agree, he would be punished for worse than before.
"Yes, Pharaoh. I understand." Lord Wong said. He hated to admit it, but he knew that he had overstepped his boundaries and may have endangered everything.
Anyone else would have been offended by Aknanaknon saying there were two different stories, but Atemu understood that his father had to think of Egypt. He knew his father believed him, but also knew that there were certain things that his father had to take into consideration.
The throne room doors opened, and Meiso walked in, bowing.
"What is it, Meiso?" Aknankanon asked. He knew that Meiso would not interrupt unless it was important.
"My King, there is someone to see you." Meiso said.
"Show them in." Aknankanon said.
Lord Wong was about to protest as Vivian was when Heba walked into the room with Yuugi and Mana behind him.
Vivian's eyes widened. 'What's that bastard doing here?! He'll ruin everything if Atemu learns of the baby!' Vivian thought frantically.
Aknankanon stood. "Heba, you have returned." Aknankanon said.
"Yes, Pharaoh." Heba said, bowing his head.
Aknankanon had told Heba he need not bow on the floor. His head would be fine.
Atemu couldn't have been happier to see his lover. It showed in his eyes.
Yami, Seth, Bakura, and Marik were thrilled. They were glad to see the happy look in Atemu's eyes again.
"Pharaoh, he has no right to be in the palace!" Lord Wong claimed.
"Do not tell me who can or cannot be in my palace! Heba is welcome here!" Aknanaknon countered.
"No, he doesn't! He left! And he does not bow! He is being disrespectful!" Vivian shouted.
"Do not speak of disrespect. You have done that for six months." Aknankanon said.
"She spoke the truth. He does not bow. He should be punished." Aman sneered.
Aknankanon hated the man, but had one up on him. "Before Heba left, I told him he need not bow to me on the floor. He merely needed to bow his head in respect. He did that. It is with my permission that he does not bow." Aknankanon said.
The smirk was wiped right off Aman's face. He had not known that.
"Why does he return now?" Vivian demanded.
"Vivian! You do not give orders or demand answers in my palace!" Aknankanon growled.
Vivian started to continue, but a look from her father said not to.
Lord Wong knew that they were close to being forced to leave the palace. Another outburst from Vivian would probably cause just that.
Atemu walked down from the throne and went over to Heba, hugging him.
Vivian barely held back the angry outburst at seeing Atemu do this.
Atemu was surprised to feel Heba's swollen belly and looked at him curiously.
Heba smiled a smile, which said he was going to explain.
"Heba, why did you return?" Aknankanon asked.
"Pharaoh, I returned to say something I should have said before I left." Heba said. He took off his cloak to reveal that he was pregnant as that was the only thing that could make him so big. "My King, I am pregnant." Heba said. He glanced at Atemu and said, "And Prince Atemu is the father."
There was stunned silence.
And Atemu was floored by the news.
"He's lying! He cannot be pregnant by Atemu!" Vivian shouted.
"Silence!" Aknankanon ordered.
Vivian didn't listen. "He is making a false claim. He's saying that without proof that Atemu is the father!" Vivian insisted.
"Have you not done the same thing?" Isis asked. Her crystal blue eyes showed no signs of what she felt. She had known of Heba's pregnancy and knew Atemu was the father, but she did not know why Heba left nor why he returned.
"What are you implying?" Lord Wong demanded.
"Lady Vivian came saying Prince Atemu was the father of her child, but there is no proof of such a thing. That is why the wait. True. No proof exists that Atemu is the father of Heba's child, but does the same standard not apply?" Isis asked.
Vivian froze. She couldn't say anything because she knew that she was doing the same thing.
"What proof is there that he is pregnant? He is a man. He cannot have children." Aman said.
"Do not question my talents as a healer. He is pregnant. Of that, I can assure you. It is not as uncommon as you think." Isis said. She hated it when people questioned her healing abilities.
Aknankanon knew that Heba was no lair, and he knew that Atemu was the father. "This changes everything. Until both have their children, nothing shall be done." Aknankanon said.
"This is outrageous!" Lord Wong exclaimed.
"Do not question me! I am Pharaoh here! My word is law! Nothing more will be done until both have their children! That is the last word!" Aknankanon said. His tone clearly said not to cross him.
"What of this slut with him?" Vivian demanded, referring to Yuugi, thinking that Mana was her child.
"Do not speak of disrespect to anyone in my palace! Do not force me to tell you again." Aknankanon warned.
Amara, Aknankanon's wife and mother to Atemu and Yami, walked down the throne to the foot. "Who are you with Heba?" Amara asked.
Yuugi knelt to the floor with her head touching the floor, motioning for Mana to do the same. "I am Yuugi, my Queen. Heba is my twin brother. It is I that he came to when he left before." Yuugi said.
"And this girl with you?" Aknankanon asked.
"She is our younger sister, Mana. As we have no parents, I am her caregiver." Yuugi replied.
"Stand." Aknankanon said.
Yuugi rose, and Mana did as Yuugi did.
The resemblance between Yuugi and Heba left no question of whether or not they were related.
"Are you two twins?" Amara asked.
"Yes, Your Highness. We are." Yuugi replied, not looking up.
"Pharaoh, this is most uncalled for!" Lord Wong said.
"I have had enough! The matter is closed. Until both have their children, nothing more will be done." Aknankanon said.
Lord Wong wanted to discuss, or rather, argue the point more, but knew it would do no good.
"This discussion is over. Both of you leave." Aknankanon said.
Vivian and Lord Wong did leave, although grudgingly.
Aknanaknon motioned for the council to leave as well, and they did.
Aknankanon, Amara, Atemu, Heba, Yami, Yuugi, Bakura, Marik, Seth, Karim, Shada, Aknaudin, Isis, Mahado, and Mana were the only ones left in the throne room. They all hated Vivian and would not mind admitting this.
"Pregnant?! When did this happen?!" Atemu exclaimed.
"I found out the day I left." Heba replied.
"Then why did you leave?" Isis asked. That had confused her as she knew this would be the best way to fight Vivian.
Heba seemed unsure of whether he should leave or not. There was a hand on his shoulder, and he turned to look into Yuugi's eyes.
"Heba, tell them. They need to know." Yuugi told him kindly.
All there could see the kindness and gentleness that was within Yuugi's amethyst eyes, although it was clear she guarded her emotions.
Heba nodded and turned back to look at everyone else. "Vivian came to me. She had somehow found out that I was pregnant. She told me that if I didn't leave, she would have me killed, which would also kill the baby. I knew she would because she will do anything to get what she wants. I was scared of what could happen. That's why I went back to where Yuugi was. I knew Vivian would not find me there." Heba explained.
"That does it! They are gone!" Aknankanon declared.
"My Pharaoh, it will do little good." Yuugi said.
"Why do you say that?" Yami asked, not liking her disagreeing with his father.
"I mean no disrespect. Vivian will merely claim that Heba is lying to get her out of the palace. I'm afraid that the council might be inclined to side with Vivian should you confront them." Yuugi said.
"He's right. That's what she would do." Atemu agreed.
Aknankanon sighed. "You do speak the truth." Aknankanon agreed.
"What do we do?" Bakura asked.
"Ensure that Heba is not alone. She won't dare try anything if someone is with him." Bakura said.
"Bakura, that is actually a good idea." Amara said.
Heba looked at Isis and said, "Isis, did you tell anyone that I was pregnant?"
"No. Not even after you left. Why?" Isis asked.
"I never said a word to anyone either. How did Vivian find out?" Heba said.
"You mentioned once that it was suspected that Vivian had spies in the palace. Perhaps she had one in the healing chambers as well." Yuugi suggested.
"A wise thought. It is possible." Aknankanon agreed.
"I have four assistants. It could be any of them." Isis said.
Mana tugged on Yuugi's arm.
Yuugi looked down and said, "Yes, Mana."
"Yuugi, I'm bored." Mana said.
"I know." Yuugi said, ruffling Mana's hair.
"How old is she?" Isis asked.
"Six." Yuugi replied.
Isis smiled. "Perhaps she would like to play with Mahado's and my five year old daughter, Ishizu. Ishizu has no one else in the palace her age to play with." Isis said.
Mana's eyes lit up. "Can I?" Mana asked.
"I suppose. As long as it is no trouble." Yugi said.
"I assure that it is not." Aknanaknon said.
"All right. Go ahead." Yuugi said.
"Come with me." Isis said.
Mana left with Isis.
"I have to say that at least now we have a way to fight Vivian." Aknaudin said.
"Indeed, brother. She cannot do much." Aknankanon said.
"I am certain that they have had a long journey. Perhaps they should get some rest." Karim suggested."Indeed. Heba, I am certain that you will be staying in Atemu's room again." Aknanaknon said.
"Of course." Atemu answered.
"Perhaps we could put Yuugi in a guestroom in the east wing." Amara suggested.
"You shouldn't. That is the wing of the Royalty. I have no place in it." Yuugi protested.
"Of course you do. You are Heba's family, so you have the right. You do have permission to go there." Aknanaknon agreed.
Isis returned.
"How did Ishizu take it?" Mahado asked.
Isis chuckled. "Ishizu was just as ecstatic at the thought of someone to play with as Mana was. They are in the Ishizu's room, playing." Isis replied.
"There are other things to discuss, but that can wait. For now, we should all leave." Aknankanon said.
"I will show Yuugi to one of the guest rooms." Seth stated.
"All right. We'll need two." Aknankanon said.
"No, Pharaoh. I would prefer it if Mana stayed with me." Yuugi said.
"Very well." Aknankanon said.
Atemu, Heba, Seth, Marik, Bakura, Yami, and Yuugi left the room.
"What do you think, Pharaoh?" Shada asked.
"I have no doubt that Atemu si the father if Heba's child. I also fear Vivian will try to cause him harm." Aknankanon said.
"Then we will keep a closer eye on her make sure she doesn't." Aknaudin said, tapping the gold Millennium Eye on his face.
Aknankanon smiled. "Indeed." Aknankanon agreed.
"You have no idea how glad we are to see you, Heba." Bakura said.
"Yeah. Vivian's been driving us all nuts." Yami agreed,
"Especially Atemu here." Seth added.
Atemu groaned. "Don't remind me." he said.
"Where are Jou, Ryou, and Malik?" Heba asked.
"They are here somewhere." Seth replied.
"They are the friends you spoke of, right?" Yuugi asked.
"Yeah. You'll meet them later." Heba replied.
"Shouldn't you three get back to them?" Atemu asked.
"Well, I-" Seth started.
"Go on. I'll show Yuugi to a room." Yami said.
"All right." Seth agreed.
Seth, Marik, and Bakura were gone in an instant.
Seeing Yuugi's confused expression, Atemu said, "They are each in a relationship with their servants, who we just named."
"That explains it. Thank you, Prince Atemu." Yuugi said.
"Just call me Atemu." Atemu said.
"As you wish." Yuugi agreed.
Atemu and Heba soon came to Atemu's room and went in.
"Yuugi, I want to apologize to you." Yami said.
"For what?" Yuugi asked.
"Snapping like I did when Father wanted to kick Vivian and her father out. I do not like people causing trouble for him, and I thought you were. I see now that you were only making a good point and avoiding further conflict. I apologize for that." Yami said.
"You need not apologize, Prince Yami. I understand. I just didn't want further problems to develop." Yuugi said.
Yami smiled. "Just call me Yami." Yami said.
"All right." Yuugi said.
"Here's your room." Yami said. He pointed and said, "That's Atemu's room, and mine's right across from you if you need anything."
"Thank you." Yuugi said.
"I can send someone to help you freshen up if you need it." Yami said.
"No, thank you. I am fine." Yuugi said.
Yami nodded before he left.
Yuugi went into the room. She had a smiled on her face as she thought, 'Your prayers was answered, Yami. Father heard it and answered it.'
"This can't be happening! That bastard wasn't supposed to come back!" Vivian cried.
"It doesn't matter. The Prince will still have to marry you." Lord Wong said.
"Don't be so certain." Aman said.
"What do you mean?" Lord Wong demanded.
"Do not forget that Vivian her is pregnant by me. If the child looks like me, all is lost. Heba, without a doubt, is pregnant by Prince Atemu. If the child looks like Atemu, then it is over." Aman said.
"There has to be something we can do." Vivian insisted.
"No doubt that the Pharaoh knows of the threat you made now." Aman said.
"I will claim he lies." Vivian said.
"It's not that simple. Aknankanon is no fool, and neither is Heba. They won't say that. They'll keep it to themselves. It may not be known, but Heba will be guarded at all time because of it." Aman said.
"Is there nothing we can do?" Lord Wong asked.
"I will see. For now, do nothing to get yourselves thrown out of the palace." Aman said before leaving.
"Father, I can't lose! I want to be queen!" Vivian said.
"You will." Lord Wong said. However, he felt that things might be falling apart.
"I've missed you, Heba." Atemu said, holding Heba close.
"I know. I'm sorry I left, but I was scared of what Vivian might do." Heba said.
Atemu silenced him with a kiss. "I know. She won't touch you now, or she'll regret it." Atemu said.
Heba smiled. "Thanks. I've missed being with you." Heba said.
"As I have missed you, Little Star." Atemu replied, holding Heba close.
Atemu couldn't have been happier to have Heba back in his arms. He was even more happy because he knew that Heba was pregnant and that it was his child. Atemu knew that without a doubt.
"How long are you?" Atemu asked.
"I think about five months." Heba replied.
"Who's looked after you all this time?" Atemu asked, worried.
"Yuugi did. She does have some talent as a healer, so I was in good hands. Besides, I'm carrying her niece or nephew so she wants me to be fine." Heba said.
"Remind me to thank her later." Atemu said.
"You'll have to thank her for me. Truthfully, I wasn't going to come back, but Yuugi convinced me to come back. She convinced me to fight for you." Heba said.
"I'm glad that she did, then. I owe her a great deal." Atemu said.
"You and me both." Heba said.
The two were content to lie on the bed together.
"Atemu, why did you lock the door?" Heba asked suddenly.
Atemu groaned. "Because Vivian kept on bursting in here without knocking or permission. She's gotten in trouble for entering my chambers without permission. She's not even supposed to be in the wing. Last time, Father had her and her father both stay in their rooms for the past week as punishment for doing that the last time. I'm not taking any chances." Atemu said.
"Good to know." Heba said.
Yuugi sat on the bed.
Isis had brought Mana by after she and Ishizu were through playing.
Mana had talked for a while about it. She was thrilled to have a friend to play with.
Yuugi looked over at Mana and smiled. 'I'm glad that she has fun. I have to start finding a way to get Vivian out of their lives without revealing who I am and how I know it.' Yuugi thought.
Yuugi was determined to get Vivian out of all their lives so that Atemu and Heba could be happy together.
Hope that you liked it. Aman is a traitor as I am sure you figured out.
Next chapter is about Yuugi and Yami finding loopholes in Vivian's claims as well as a way to get Vivian and her father out of the palace.
R&R.