Enjoy this monstrosity of a chapter guys! Special treat for my faithful readers and in honor of me starting Senior Year. :)
I dedicate this chapter to my new YouTube addiction, PewDiePie and Cry. Seriously they are the reason this took so long to get out. Enjoy! ;)
Chapter was written listening to Continued Stories- Code Geass OST.
Mana knew she shouldn't be as nervous as she was since she remembered serving the guardians multiple times before and even the pharaoh. Though during those times it wasn't as intimate as it is now. There was always a lot of bustling and rushing around that the only interaction she had with them was to pour them a drink and collect their finished plates.
She only got to serve Atem a few times in her stay here and it was during the time they starting expressing their feelings for each other..Though she couldn't really call cleaning up after him and his guests 'serving' him. Plus, she always felt awkward since they were just starting to have a relationship and he had to watch her do such a dirty job.
She remembered her first time serving Atem, though it was actually his father, the pharaoh she was technically working under. It was her third week working in the palace since she was brought in and Miss Sharifa had wanted her to work clean up after each meal was finished.
Flashback to eight years ago- The grand Banquet held in the Royal Palace in the honor of Pharaoh Ankhnamkanon after a victorious battle.
An eight year old Mana walked hesitantly into the grand dining room behind about twenty other servants. Miss Sharifa had wanted her to work this grand occasion after failing miserably at her other duties. She had to do this right or Miss Sharifa said she will have her put out on the streets, and with no living relatives, Mana had no where to go.
She looked around the huge expanse room in awe. Everything was shiny and polished as if a spot never touched a inch of the place. There were mural paintings of the Egyptians gods and goddesses that her mother had told her about on the walls. Marble floors and pillars depicted scenes of past pharaohs conquest's and trials.
There was a female troupe in the front of the room performing a synchronized routine for everyone. At certain times though, some of the women would break away to the seated men at the table and move provocatively around them. Mana blushed, not understanding why the women were all acting like this. And wearing next to nothing of clothing too.
' This must be a banquet or something.' She thought, her mother had told her stories about the lavish activities the royals were able to do at the palace. She had asked her if they were ever going to attend one. Her mother had just smiled and laughed, petting her head in that way she hated. "Maybe, someday. And you'll be the most prettiest girl there." That was a week before she passed.
Mana sighed, ' Well I'm here mama..just not in the way you visioned.' A hard push from one of the servants almost sent her to the ground and knocked her out of the thoughts she was having. She turned around to see who it was.
" Watch yourself little girl!" Said a hateful voice. Mana knew who it was, it was a girl named Bahiti who was a couple years older than Mana. And apparently didn't like her for some reason.
" Stop standing there staring and get to work! Those plates wont move themselves." She huffed, and walked away towards the table to collect dishes along with everybody else. But she noticed her sneaking odd glances at a young man with short brown hair and striking blue eyes.
Mana shook her head and decided she better get to work or face the consequences. She began walking to the long table full of what seems to be only men and tried see who's finished plates and bowls she could collect. But everyone seemed to be busy with someone.
Mana began to get worried, if she didn't at least come back with a plate or cup then she would be called a slacker and lazy. Which would give Sharifa plenty of reason to get rid of her. Just then Mana noticed a opening area that the servants seemed to avoid. It was as though they didn't want to be the one's to collect the persons plates sitting there.
Whatever the reason, Mana knew she saw her chance and went to take it. She briskly walked all way up towards the head of the table and once she was about two feet away she noticed that it was a young boy sitting three chairs down from the head of the table where the pharaoh himself sat.
She couldn't see much since he wasn't facing her but she could make out wild tri-colored hair and a lean body. She also saw a lot of gold and jewels adorned on the boy. And he also seemed to be about few years older than her, perhaps thirteen or fourteen. ' Hmm, he must be a son of one of the nobles here.'
Mana took a deep breath, all she needed to do was take his plates and head back to the kitchen that's connected to this room and she'll be okay. Mana put a false smile on and walked up behind the boy's chair. Once she was slightly next to him, she leaned down to collect his plates when a slipper covered foot reached out and caught her in the right ankle, causing her to trip and fall right onto his lap.
"Oompfh." They both said in surprise from the impact. Mana turned herself over so that she was in a sitting position, not realizing she was still on top of the boy.
" Who did tha-"
" Hey get off of me!" Someone yelled in her ear, causing her to cringe. She looked down to see that she was indeed sitting on the boy's lap. Mana blushed to embarrassed to move.
The boy grabbed her by the shoulders to get her too look at him, " Did you not hear me you dirty girl?! Get off or I will-" He stopped his threat when she turned to face him. Amethyst orbs met Emerald gems as they locked eyes. He gasped at the beauty sitting before him.' It's her.' He thought.
Mana looked at him in fear, not understanding why he was staring at her with such a weird expression on his face. She made to get up but his hands wouldn't release her.
He wasn't going to let her go. Mana gave a couple side glances around the room and saw that none of the other servants seem to notice what was happening. She had to hurry and get this boy to let her go before she got in more trouble.
She took in a huge breath and exhaled, something her mother always did when she was stressed. " I'm very sorry sir! I didn't mean to bother you I-"
"You have very beautiful eyes." He said interrupting her.
Mana blinked, what about her eyes? They were just eyes so that she can see. Nothing more.
" What do you mean, sir?" Mana asked cocking her head to the side. Her long almond hair tickling the boys knees.
He gave a chuckle at her innocent face, he lifted a hand from her shoulders to trace a finger around her jaw line. " How old are you girl?" He asked.
Mana widened her eyes, he wanted to know her age? 'What a weird boy' She thought. " Um, I am eight year's old." She said and lifted both her hands to display the age on her fingers.
He smiled, " I see, well what I meant before was that you have very, very, pretty eyes."
Mana thought back to when her mother had called her pretty many times and remembered how good she felt when it was said. That's exactly the same feeling she was getting from talking with this boy. She gave a toothy smile in response.
" And your smile is just as lovely." At her once again confused look he smirked, " Maybe I should save those terms for a later time." He mused.
He looked her over from head to toe and stopped at her ankle. He winced looking at it. " I'm so very sorry habibti, I never meant to hurt you." He said sadly.
Not noticing the name he gave her, Mana followed the boy's gaze down to her ankle where a red bruise was forming. She looked back up at his pained expression.
Mana had a feeling that he felt bad for her, but it was only a mistake right? He just said he never wanted to hurt her. She leaned up and patted the boy's face, " It's okay, I don't hurt." She said sweetly.
He looked at her surprise, but then it changed to warm, tender one. He placed his own hand atop of hers. " Your exactly how I knew you would be, I knew it the moment I saw you." He said and grasped her hand that was on his face and laid it on her thigh.
He sighed, " However, I should have never did that. It wasn't even intended for you." He said, glancing over at the bustling mass of servants.
Mana looked over as well, still not seeing anyone looking in their general direction. Even the men at the table were not looking at them, though they seemed to be well enough distracted by the dancers and servants flaunting themselves at them.
" Who?" She asked, wondering who was really meant for that fall.
The boy laughed, grabbed her hand and began directing at the groups of servants milling about. " I shouldn't even be telling you this but do you see that girl over there?" He guided her finger to point directly at a tall, very thin, girl with long black hair pulled up into a high pony tail. Her small face was pinched in anger because the boy with brown hair and blue eye's was pointedly ignoring her advances and instead focusing on a conversation with a older man next to him. The girls hazel eye's narrowed and she walked away, fuming with a stack of plates in hand.
She turned back around when she heard a bark of laughter. " That is Bahiti." Mana said simply.
He stopped laughing and looked at her with an amused expression. " Bahiti? Is that her name?" At her nod he sighed, " Well, I don't like her."
"Why not?" Mana asked. She was beginning to feel rather comfortable on his lap.
He rolled his eyes playfully, " Well for one, she's always bothering my friend Seto over there," He inclined his head towards him. " And he really doesn't like her."
Mana nodded in understanding, So that was why Bahiti always headed for him before anyone else could. And volunteered to take shifts from others, even when she hasn't finished her own work.
" She better be careful," He said oddly. " Seto is ruthless and would have her beheaded or if she's lucky placed as a slave if she doesn't stop pestering him."
Mana looked fearful for a second, she wasn't sure what beheaded meant, but she knew full what being a slave entitled. Her father would bring her on the outskirts of town and show her what slaves had to do. It was a bad sight too see, men and women were in chains lugging around huge blocks of hardened sand to build the pyramids and structures with. They were all badly burned from the hot sun and whip marks and seemed famished, looking as though they were going to drop any moment.
Her father had told her that he came close to becoming a slave himself because of some bad decisions he made. But luckily the gods were in his favor those times. He told her to always be mindful of her actions so she wouldn't end up like them.
Mana shivered in fear, making the boy look down at her in confusion, he saw how frightened she seemed and quickly made to reassure her. " Don't worry, Bahiti won't have to face any of that as long as she tones it down. And judging from her angry disposition she won't be bothering him for awhile." He said, comfortingly rubbing her back.
" Well anyways," He continued after seeing her calm down. " I just really don't like servants, they annoy me." He paused and looked down at her, smiling. " Well except for you habibti. Your much different than any servant I've ever seen."
Mana gave another toothy smile, " Is that why no ever comes nears you?"
The boy blinked in surprise at her question before glancing around themselves at the servants still oblivious to what's happening.
" Huh, I've never really noticed...I suppose I can be a bit intimidating." He looked back down at her with a smile, " But your not afraid of me..are you?" He asked looking worried.
Mana shook her head furiously, " No!"
His face appeared to be very happy with her response. " Good," The boy leaned back a bit in his chair and settled Mana more comfortably on his lap. " What is your name habibiti?"
Mana blinked, They never did exchange names did they? How silly of her. " Mana." She said shyly.
The boy raised a fine eyebrow, " Mana?" She nodded. " Well, that's a wonderful name, Mana." He said playing with the ends of her hair.
Mana beamed with happiness. Whoever this boy was she knew he would be her very best friend. Not to mention her first one.
Feeling more comfortable with him, she scooted closer and leaned on his shoulder. Completely forgetting she was in a public setting and that she was still only a servant.
" What is your name?" She asked.
The boy laughed, apparently finding her question funny. Mana looked at him from position, " What?" She asked not finding what was so funny.
He looked down at her with an amused expression, " Come now Mana, you know who I am." He said lightly, going back to messing with her hair.
Mana shook her head, " No I don't, I just met you."
" What?" He grabbed her shoulders and had her face him, making her look directly in his eyes. " You really don't know who I am?" He asked incredulously.
" Nope."
" Well," He looked at her in shock, everyone knew who he was. Every living, breathing thing knew about him and of him. Yet, this girl didn't have a clue. " This is different."
Mana just looked at him in confusion, tinged with a bit of irritation. She didn't understand why he wouldn't just tell her his name and who he was.
He laughed, brushing his blonde bangs upwards. " I guess it can't be helped," He cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders, as if he were going to give a important speech.
" My name is At-" Someone unexpectedly slapping him on the back stopped him from finishing.
" This is some thing you got going on here, boy!" Mana and him both turned to see a man that was sitting next them, he appeared to be drunk and had a topless woman sitting on his lap kissing all over his neck, pressing her bare breasts against his chest.
The man blinked to clear his bleary eyes and looked down at the girl in the boys lap. He gave a nasty grin at them, " I see you finally found a girl to bed, eh boy?!" He chuckled and gave another pat on his back, " Though she seems a bit young, but hey! Them be the best ones!" He said leeringly looking at Mana.
Mana shivered in fear from the man's odd stare and pushed herself closer into the boy, knowing she would be safer with him. She didn't understand what the man was saying but she knew it wasn't anything good. She watched as the man returned his attention to the woman sitting on his lap. Were men like this? She looked up at the boy she was holding onto, Was he like this as well? She quickly dispelled that notion when she felt two arms wrap around her tightly in a protective embrace. No he was different, much different.
The boy looked at the man sitting next to him in disgust. He hated noblemen almost as much as he hated servants. They were nothing but leeches that wanted his father's power. He knew of many good one's of course, but this one in particular was nothing but a lazy, lard of a man.
He looked down at Mana and kissed her on the top of her head. " Don't worry, I'll handle him." He whispered in her ear before getting up with her in his arms, and set her down on the floor. The boy pushed his chair in and stood before the man, looking quite menacing for someone his age.
Mana looked at the boy standing in front of her with his back turned. What was he going to do? Fight this man? She gasped, He couldn't fight this man! Even though he appeared to be quite strong he was still significantly younger than him.
She reached up to tug at the boy's tunic, Just now realizing how much taller he was than her. " Wait-" She started but was shushed by his hand waving her off. Mana backed away into a wall, there was nothing more she could do.
The boy stood in front of the oblivious man burying his face in the woman's chest, and stared at him for a moment as if he were calculating what he would do and then changed his attention to his hand where he started examining his nails.
" Aaah, Nobleman Raheem how glad I am to see you enjoying yourself in my father's honor." The boy said lightly, rubbing his thumb and ring finger together. The man named Raheem raised his head and looked in annoyance at the younger man. He must be so drunk that he didn't even realize who exactly he was looking at so rudely.
" Look Boy, Can't you see I'm busy-"
"However," He said cutting the man off. The boy raised his head to stare right into Raheem's drunken gaze. His eye's were narrowed angrily and his iris started darkening into a magenta color. " You disrespected me, and my friend when you opened your filthy mouth." The boy stepped closer to the still seated man. " Now, apologize and I'll consider going lenient on you."
Raheem looked into the eye's of the young man in fright, how was he doing that? Are the rumors true? ' No it must a trick of light.' He thought in denial.
In a drunken rage, Raheem abruptly stood up from his chair causing the woman in his lap to fall unceremoniously to the ground. "Hey!" She yelled from her position on the floor.
Ignoring her, Raheem stepped up to the boy and started putting his hand all up in his face. " Where do you get off speaking to me like that boy?!" He continued getting closer. " Like Hell, I'm going to-" He stopped.
All of a sudden he began gasping for air, as though he couldn't breath. But there was nothing restricting his air supply. He began stumbling backward, knocking down his chair and stepping on the woman. He started clawing at his neck in desperation, causing red nails marks to appear on his skin that was rapidly turning red.
The boy began chuckling darkly, his shoulders shaking back and forth from him trying to hold in all of his mirth. He gave a sadistic smirk, " Not going to apologize eh?" He shrugged nonchalantly, " Well, you had your chance." He lifted a single finger and Raheem began to slowly levitate from the ground.
Mana gasped in fright, What on earth was she seeing? The sweet boy that she was getting to know all of a sudden turned into a demon. Is he the one making that man choke? She continued staring at the boy, for some reason she wasn't afraid of him. Even if he was speaking oddly and his whole appearance changed, she just knew that he would never harm her.
Then " Oh my" and " What is happening's" began abrupting from every direction of the room. Mana saw that everyone in the room now had their attention set on the disturbing scene before them.
The boy didn't seem to notice or just didn't care, for he was too engrossed in torturing the man slightly floating in front of him.
"Ack! Aahhgah" The man gurgled out. He seemed to be almost at his limit.
" Son! What is going on here?!" Bellowed a man that was approaching them. Mana turned her head and immediately recognized who it was, it was the pharaoh! He was quite intimidating with his tall, bulky stature. His long, faded black hair was peppered with grey's and his pure purple eye's radiated anger.
But then why did he call that boy his son? She looked between the two and even her young mind could notice the similarities shared by them. Was that boy actually a prince?! She really wanted to escape right then.
The Pharaoh stood a couple feet away from the boy and squared his shoulders. " Release that man now." He looked up at the man with a grimace. " He's had enough, my son."
The boy gave a annoyed glance at the pharaoh before sighing, " Alright, but I'm not done just yet." He then snapped his finger and the man fell to the ground on his knees. He was gasping for air and clutching his chest, you could practically see his heart thumping.
Everyone looked on in amazement at what the young man could do with what it appears to be only a thought or a wave of hand. The pharaoh, however, didn't seem as surprised. It was like he was used to seeing this kind of thing on a daily basis. Mana expected him to intervene and take the man and quite possibly the boy away but he just stood there continuing to watch with his arms crossed.
The boy or now, the pharaoh's son, walked confidently up to the still kneeling man before him. He looked down at him with a disgusted sneer. " Had enough?" He asked snidely, a smirk settling on his face.
Raheem just groaned in pain, rubbing his throat and his chest.
" Hmph," He then waved two guards over, they hurriedly approached. Though they were slightly wary. " I, Prince Atem of Egypt declare that you are hereby stripped of all your titles and rank, your wealth is now depleted and partnerships, businesses or even wives are now gone. You will have nothing but your name, and your lucky I don't take that away from you." He turned to look at the pharaoh, " Do you agree...Father?" He asked.
The pharaoh raised an eyebrow and nodded his consent.
" Well then," Atem smirked and shrugged his regal shoulders. " That's, that." He snapped his fingers again, but this time for another reason. " Guards! Take this man and place him in lower dungeons. I'll let him rot down there for awhile." He looked at the woman that seemed to be trying to slip away. " Oh, and take his whore with him. Maybe those two can build a new life together." He smiled sardonically.
Raheem and the woman started struggling as they were apprehended by the guards. The woman was dragged out first screaming and hollering, she looked a mess. Then Raheem soon followed, though he put up little fight as he appeared to be slipping into unconsciousness.
The huge doors shut with a loud 'bang' and silence soon followed. When suddenly a series of clapping began to abrupt amongst the guests. Though it was because they felt they had to do something or else risk being thrown out also.
Atem rolled his now amethyst eyes and made to head over to where Mana was still trembling against the wall, but was stopped by his father putting a hand on his shoulder. He was giving him one of those looks that meant they needed to talk.
Mana watched the father and son interact with each other as though they were having a simple chat about Atem's behavior. It was clear that Atem wasn't having it though as he kept rolling his eyes and rolling his head around in annoyance.
Hmm, Atem. Mana rather liked that name. It was true that she never knew the Pharaoh had a son. Or rather she knew he had children of course, but she had never heard or seen of him until this day. She started blushing in embarrassment, and to think she was sitting on the lap of a prince! She could just imagine Miss Sharifa's expression if she ever found out.
Then she remembered, Miss Sharifa! She was supposed to finish some type of work here and she never did. Too busy she was playing around with a prince, now she was risking getting thrown out of the palace herself. She looked at the long table that was now empty of people as they were all milling about, talking about the event's that just occurred.
Maybe if she quietly grabbed a few plates and quickly make it to the kitchens without being seen by her fellow servants then she could possibly not get in trouble. She was just about to go and do that, but stopped herself. Looking over, she saw that the prince named Atem was still talking with his father. She really didn't want to leave him just yet. At least not without showing her appreciation and saying good bye, as this would probably be the last they speak since she now knew of his status.
Mana stood there trying to decided what she should do, when a bony hand gripped her shoulders and whipped her around to face them.
" There you are! Where have you been this whole time?" Mana came face to face with Bahiti as she leaned down and started yelling at her. " You know Miss Sharifa had entrusted me to keep an eye on you, and you go running off! Especially in a situation like this!" Mana winced as Bahiti continued to yell at her.
Mana shrinked back, " I'm sorry I was-"
" And did you even get anything done tonight?!" Bahiti asked angrily.
At Mana's honest shake of the head Bahiti blinked in surprise. She half expected the girl to lie and save her hide but she admitted the truth. Bahiti gave an annoyed sigh and straightened herself back up, putting her hands on her bony hips.
"Alright, look, tonight was a huge a mess anyway so it would be no point in reporting back to Sharifa about you not cleaning up this time." At Mana's surprised look she quickly glance away with a pout. " Don't think I'm doing this out of kindness! It's just if you go down, I'll have to go down too. So, not a word of this too anyone. Got that?" Bahiti asked sternly.
Mana smiled and nodded her consent, she didn't know why Bahiti was even doing this but she was very grateful. Now she wouldn't be thrown out of the palace or even in trouble. Maybe there's more to Bahiti than what she seems.
Bahiti huffed and rolled her eyes, " Good, now come on and let's get back-" Someone interrupted her.
" Why, hello." Said Atem as he walked right up to the retreating girls. He looked at Bahiti and then Mana in amusement.
" Pr-pr-prince!" Bahiti exclaimed in surprise, she stared at him with wide eyes before she gasped and hurriedly bowed, pushing Mana down with her.
" Please, rise." Atem said in boredom, he was once again examining his nails.
" Yes, your majesty." Bahiti and Mana rose at the same time and faced him. But both kept their eyes cast downwards, each for a different reason.
" Is there anything I can do for you, Prince?" Bahiti asked politely.
Atem just continued staring at his nails, before directing his gaze to Mana. It was almost like he was trying to say something to her with just his eyes alone. " No, I just wanted to...appraise you both on your service to the palace. I''ll be sure to give my appreciation to your supervisor." He said.
Bahiti looked as if she was going to choke, shaking her head Bahiti gave another quick bow. " We are not worthy of such praise, but we gratefully appreciate it."
Atem waved her words off with a stroke of his hand before turning to make his way back to his father. " Very good, Well carry on then, I need to get back but I hope we cross paths again." He said, his gaze entirely on Mana. This did not go unnoticed by Bahiti.
She nodded, " Yes, we will. Thank you again your highness." With that Atem walked off to go join with his father again.
Bahiti let out a huge sigh and grabbed Mana's hand, leading her away from the commotion and out in the empty halls. They began to make their way back to the servant's quarters.
It was quiet before Bahiti opened her mouth again, " So," She began slyly looking down at Mana with a raised eyebrow. " What was with all that eye contact?" At Mana's embarrassed blush she had received her answer.
Bahiti laughed and gave a shrug, a smirk was plastered on her face, " Just be happy that I'm into the Blue eyed types and not purple." She said with a wink.
End of flashback.
Mana looked back on that day fondly, she was so naïve and innocent then. Not that she was a sinner or knew all, but she was definitely much wiser and made better decisions. Sometimes.
Now that she thought about it, Bahiti has also changed over the years. She was still the same rude, self centered, hateful girl that she's always been, probably since birth, but she seemed a lot nicer to Mana now than in the beginning. It was the kind of relationship where they couldn't stand each other but they respected one another and when it really came down to it they were going to be there for one another.
If it was anything for why she acted that way it was because she was afraid to show her true self. It was a sort of defense mechanism so she wouldn't get hurt. Mana had remembered the conversation they had later that night when she had met Atem.
Bahiti had revealed to her that she used to get picked on and harrassed by other children for being so thin. While most Egyptian women and even young girls had full, well developed bodies, Bahiti was born underweight and sick. Causing her to grow into a lanky, thin frame. The only good thing to it was that she was quite tall, so it didn't look as bad as she seemed to think it is.
Bahiti wasn't orphaned like most of the boy's and girls here, her mother had thought Bahiti would be undesirable by any men and didn't want to be known as the mother with a 'sick looking daughter' and so had given her up to some random guards who were patrolling the area one day, to have her work in the palace as a servant. They were at first going to place her as a sex slave because of her lovely face but thought she wouldn't sell well with her body so she was luckily placed as a servant.
But even amongst the servants she was still ridiculed. And that was when she decided she was done putting up with others. When they tried hurting her with their words, she hurt them back twice as hard with words of her own. No one messed with her after that.
Bahiti had a hard life which was why Mana could understand why she acted the way she did. But it was exactly that, 'acting'. She just hoped one day something, or rather someone helped break down those walls of hers.
Mana gave a slight snort, ' As if' She thought. The only person that Bahiti wanted was Priest Seto. Even after all these years she still pined after like some lovesick dog. Mana rolled her eye's, she needed to get these rolls to the pharaoh and his guardians before they got cold. And while she still had her nerve.
Mana finally pushed opened the door, that she was standing in front of for the past five minutes, with her hip, since both her hands were occupied. She entered the private dining room that she had failed to clean earlier and stood awkwardly at the entrance. The door shut behind her with a long creak.
Silence immediately greeted her, as it seemed everyone had paused in their conversation to look at her. Mana bit her lip and tried to not let it get to her. All she had to do was place the tray on the table and offer a drink or two and be done. Then she could go to her bed and die of embarrassment.
She didn't really get why she was so nervous, but it was really awkward to see them all again after such a brief and unexpected meeting.
Mana gave a short determined nod and plastered a smile on her face. She walked up to the golden table and got in between Isis and Marik to set the tray down along with the other entrees that were brought in. Marik and Isis looked up at Mana with questioning eye's and then simultaneously locked eyes with each other having a conversation with just their eyes doing the talking.
Leaning back up, Mana dusted her hands and picked up a pitcher of wine off the table. She held it up in her right and place her left one on her hip, " May I offer any of you a drink?" She asked with fake smile and false cheeriness in her voice. She mentally slapped herself, she was over doing it way too much.
Everyone just stared at her like she was some foreigner speaking a language that was not Egyptian. It clear none of them were going to answer her, so she was about place the pitcher down and try and save some of her dignity by making a hasty escape when Bakura called out from where he was sitting next Marik.
" Yeah, sure I would love some." He said with a smirk.
They turned towards Bakura in surprise with Atem who seated at the head of table glaring at him. He looked back at them all with an abashed face. " What? She offered! After all she is a servant," He looked at Mana. " Right?" He asked snidely.
"Right you are, sir." Mana agreed begrudgingly. She really wanted to slap that smirk right off his face. Mana blinked, when did she begin having such casual yet annoyed thoughts about him? Shaking her head, Mana made to go over to Bakura and pour him his drink anyway, when a baritone voice rang out causing her heart to leap in her chest.
"Mana." Atem said her name with such a finality that she wasn't sure if he was requesting her attention or was just simply saying her name. But if she knew Atem, it was that he never said someone's name without it leading to something.
She slowly turned to face his direction, the pitcher still in her hand. " Yes, Your highness?" She answered sweetly.
Atem raised an eyebrow, was she being serious right now? He sighed and leaned his head on his right fist. " What do you think your doing?" He asked calmly.
Mana blinked, What did he mean ' What was she doing?' She was trying to serve him and his guardians, damn it! " Why, My pharaoh I'm only doing my-"
" Sit down, Mana." He said interrupting her. She saw his eye's glance at the seat on right of him that was conveniently empty. Some of the occupants at the table started murmuring to each other, she could hear Seto especially well. " And it begins.." She heard him say under his breath.
She looked back at Atem with an almost pleading gaze now in her eyes, " I-uh-My Pharaoh, I-"
" I said sit down, Now Mana." He commanded her, his calm disposition fading away.
Mana hung her head, her bangs covering her eye's. " Fine." She complied and placed the pitcher back on the table non to gently. She stepped away from Bakura and walked around the table to get to the seat next to Atem. She could just feel the guardians stare on her back.
She reached the seat and grasped the back of it the jewel encrusted back pressing into her palm. And it was then she realized that this was what she had been wanting for a long time. To finally sit with Atem out in the open at this exact table and in this exact seat. Having a marvelous dinner with him and his trusted friends, who she hoped would become hers as well.
Suddenly, Mana's attitude completely changed as she abruptly pulled out her chair and hastily sat down in it. She clasped her hands on her lap and her foot began tapping discreetly under the table in excitement. This was her chance to finally get to know Atem's friends and hopefully establish some sort of relationship with them. She needed to stop being so nervous all the time and act the way she should. As a proud consort of the pharaoh.
Though she wasn't sure if she knew what that really entailed.
The guardians looked at each other with questioning eyes, all sharing the same thought, ' How serious is the pharaoh about this girl?'.
A silence had ensued the moment she sat down. It was as though no one wanted to say anything now that she was here. Mana started to feel very out of place, she had intruded upon their dinner and now they probably thought she was a nuisance. Her moment of confidence was fading, fast.
Atem looked over at Mana, he could sense and tell by her posture that she was feeling nervous about being here. He almost wanted to retract his previous command and just let her leave. But that wouldn't help matters at all. As much as he hated seeing Mana so nervous she needed to become more exposed to what his life is like if she was to be with him. He was going to put it off until she was ready, but when she deliberately came to the throne room earlier and seen everything he came to the decision that it was time.
He loved Mana and wanted her to be apart of his life. And for that too happen she needed to accept all that came with being the pharaohs consort. Getting to know his trusted friends and adviser was the first step. He couldn't hold her hand through everything.
Mana couldn't take any more, she opened her mouth to tell Atem she was leaving. She didn't care if they ended up hating her after, she wasn't going to be put on display like that for their amusement. But then before she could say anything, her stomach beat her too it. A loud grumble tore through the silence.
Mana quickly put a hand on her stomach as though doing that would stop it. She blushed and cleared her throat. She had forgotten about her empty stomach.
The awkward silence that followed was quickly broken by a woman's giggle. Mana looked up and across the table where Priestess Isis sat directly in front of her. Isis had a hand to her lips and was giving a tiny giggle. Marik who was sitting next to her looked at his sister before joining her in the mirth.
Bakura groaned at the two of them, but even he cracked a smile. Seto who was seated on Mana's side of the table, still held a bored expression that never changed nor did he participate in the laughter. However, Mahad who was sitting between Mana and Seto had joined in the laughter as soon as Marik had.
Atem had an amused expression on his face as he watched the scene with his head still resting on his fist.
Mana gave a nervous chuckle, she looked around the table in confusion. Not finding anything funny. Though, she did appreciate Isis breaking the tense silence, even if it was at her own expense.
The laughter died down and everyone felt a bit more comfortable now. Isis smiled and reached over to grab the tray of rolls that Mana had brought in. She grabbed it and lifted it over to Mana, offering them too her.
" Are you hungry, dear?" Mana's deepening blush was her answer, she leaned the tray closer. " Here, there's plenty of food here and more on the way. Come on eat. Can't have the consort of the pharaoh starving, now can we?" Isis said sweetly, cocking her head with a smile.
Mana stared at Isis in disbelief before glancing at Atem. He caught her eye and gave her a reassuring nod. Ecstatic to finally have some food in her, Mana took the tray from Isis and helped herself to a couple of the rolls. She also noticed a basket of dried figs and grabbed a handful to put on her solid gold plate. But she didn't stop there she had at least one of everything placed on her plate by the time she was done. And It was only just the appetizers.
" Woah, slow down woman. It's not going anywhere." Said Bakura as he watched Mana pile her plate with food.
Mana looked down at her plate in embarrassment. She had forgotten she was eating with six other people and not on her bed with Kisara or Bahiti.
" Oh, sorry..." She muttered quietly.
" Oh hush, Bakura." Said Isis as she placed some appetizers on her plate. " She can eat as much as she wants." Isis smiled reassuringly at Mana, " Go on, it's alright."
Mana smiled gratefully at Isis and began munching on a roll, She was always backing her up and defending her. So far she was the only friend of Atem's that has been accepting of her, besides Mahad.
Speaking of Mahad, Mana took a peek out of the corner of her eye's at him watching him talk to Bakura about something. She wondered why he hadn't spoken to her at all since it was revealed that she was with Atem. She had assumed they were of good standing with each other and out of everyone be the most receptive of their relationship. But he hasn't said a thing. Perhaps he was angry that she didn't admit the full truth to him in the beginning? If so, she would have to try and talk to him alone sometime.
She was broken out of her thoughts by someone speaking to her. She look up and saw it was Marik.
"So, Mana is it?" He asked, at her nod he smiled. " I see, Well I think it's a nice name. Simple and pretty, like you."
Mana's eyes widened in surprise, did he just say she was pretty? She smiled, well she wasn't complaining. " Thank you, priest Marik." She said politely.
" Oh, stop with the titles," He said with a wave of his hand. " When it's just us here talking, status and titles are non existent." He nodded his head towards Atem. " Right, Atem?"
Atem sat up and grabbed Mana's hand under the table. Just because he wanted to feel the touch of her soft skin. " Yes, that's right." He answered and looked at Mana. " So don't worry about a thing. We are all just friends here."
Smiling, she nodded in understanding. Her nervousness forgotten she began to talk. " Alright. Well, how long have you all known each other?" She asked.
Isis laughed. " We should be asking you two that." She said pointedly looking in the direction of Atem and Mana's joined hands.
Mana blushed while Atem just smirked. " Well-uh-" She said stammering.
"I'm just being funny, Mana. But, to answer your question we have all known each other for quite awhile, am I right?" She asked in assurance, glancing at her fellow guardians.
They nodded in agreement, " As you should know, Me and Isis are siblings." Said Marik as he wrapped an arm around Isis's shoulders. Isis just rolled her eyes, sipping wine.
" More like lovers if you ask me." Mutter Bakura as he sat pouting with his arms crossed.
Marik sighed and gave a playful punch on Bakura's shoulder. " Stop being annoying, Anyways," He then wrapped his other arm around Bakura's shoulders, and brought him and Isis in for a suffocating hug. " Me and Isis have known Bakura our whole lives. It's only by the god's hands that we all became guardians together."
" Brother! Let go of me!" Isis exclaimed pushing Marik's arm off her shoulder.
"Yes," Bakura hissed in annoyance, roughly pushing off Marik's arm. " Must you always have your hands on someone?"
Marik rolled his eyes and leaned on the table, " As you can see, however, I'm treated horribly by these two." Huffs of indignation came from both sides of him. " Anyways, that's how we know each other," He looked pointedly at Seto and Mahad. " We met them when we came to stay in the palace...permanently."
" I see," Mana said in interest. She really wanted to know more about the Ishtar family and even Bakura. They intrigued her. But she would have to save those questions for another time. She turned to look pass Mahad and at Seto. " How about you? How long have you've know everyone?" She knew Priest Seto would probably be the hardest to get through to, but perhaps she could find something in common with him and establish some sort of friendship.
Seto gave her a bored look, as though he didn't want to be bothered with any sort of questions from her. " Really? Why do you care about such trivial things as that?"
"Seto..." Atem said in warning. Even though he wasn't going to interfere their conversations with Mana, he also wasn't going to let anyone speak out of line to her.
Mana heard Atem and patted his arm, " It's alright, it's a just a question." She said smiling. She turned back to Seto. " Well, Seto, I just want to get to know each and every one of you." Seto raised an interested brow. " I hear such good, amazing things about you all from Atem and to finally have the honor to speak and learn things about you is something I never thought would happen." Mana paused giving them all a genuine warm smile.
" I hope to form a strong bond with you all, just like what you have with Atem." She reached up to rub her misty eyes, not wanting tears to fall and ruin everything. " And I know it must be difficult for you guys to accept such a new change now that I'm here. Especially since it was kept mostly as a secret from you. But I'm hoping we can look past that and become close companions." Mana finished with a deep breath. She gave a hopeful look at everyone, hoping her words got through.
There was a pause in the atmosphere as her words settled in their minds. They were quite surprised to hear so much come from such a little girl like her. And all they could detect was pure honesty coming from her.
Atem held on tighter to Mana's hand. He was proud of her, only words like that could come from such a woman like Mana. If she could speak this way to his friends, then imagine how she would do in front of an entire kingdom.
" That was wonderful." He whispered in her ear, causing the hairs on her neck to rise.
Mana smiled, " Thank you, I just hope they feel the same." She whispered back worriedly.
Atem shook his head, " Nonsense, after that they have to find you as enchanting as I do." He whispered back, leaning in even closer to her.
"Mhhmm." Mana nodded. She needed to hear what the guardians had to say. She only hoped it was positive.
" What you just said..." Isis started off first looking straight into Mana's hopeful eyes. " Was really nice of you, Mana." Mana smiled wide and was about to say her gratitude but Isis continued. " However..." She trailed off.
Mana paled and Atem gripped her hand tightly in his. " However?.." Mana echoed.
Isis shook her head, " It wasn't needed."
Mana blinked in shock. " What?" she responded dumbly.
" Your the pharaohs consort you hold about the same, if not more, rank than all of us here. Asking us whether your in our favor of being with Atem is basically unnecessary." Isis stated matter of factly.
Mana groaned inside her head. That was not what she meant. " No, no, no." Mana said shaking her head, " I'm trying to say that I want you all to like me and be in acceptance of me. I could care less about ranks and expectations." She didn't fail to notice the facial changes of Seto and Bakura.
Isis began to look confused as though she wasn't getting what Mana was trying to convey to her. For a woman that was so smart and kind, she sure wasn't very insightful.
Marik leaned over and whispered something in Isis's ear. When he leaned back Isis's lightly kohl lined blue eye's widened in understanding. Mana looked at Atem with a questioning look. Atem just smirked and shook his head.
Isis smiled apologetically at Mana. " Ah, Sorry Mana, my rational becomes slightly impaired once I've had a bit of wine." Isis explained and took another sip of her wine.
" Maybe, if you stopped drinking it like it's water..." Marik said annoyed and tried taking Isis's glass away from her. She snatched it away from his hands and glared at him.
Marik pursed his lips and shook his head in irritation. " Rah, your almost as bad as Bakura."
Bakura just rolled his eyes as he poured himself a third glass of the wine.
Mana was bewildered with the guardians behavior. Is this what they are like when they were behind closed doors and not on duty? Not that she wasn't enjoying them, no, she just wasn't expecting this sort of thing.
"Um, it's alright.." Mana said, trying to get the conversation back on track.
"Hmm? Oh yes," Isis turned back to Mana a happy expression now apparent. " Well, if it's a matter of liking you then that's also an unnecessary question...because I find you simply fascinating!" Isis took another sip of her wine.
Mana blinked, 'fascinating?' She's never been called that before. She always thought of herself as a simple, plain girl. No special qualities about her at all.
"You do?" She asked.
" Of course! There's something about you that make you who you are. And I just so happen to like whatever that is."
Mana and Isis smiled at each other. Both sharing the same feeling about one another. It was as though a bond was starting to form between them.
" As I said before, your simple and pretty. Which are two very great qualities to have in this power hungry lifestyle. Your definitely in my favor." Marik said grinning at her with his pearly whites showing.
" Well, Thank you. I'm glad to be thought of in such a way." Mana said gratefully. She then looked at Bakura expectantly, as did everyone else.
Bakura finished off his third glass and sighed in annoyance. " Must you all look at me every single time?!" He asked.
Marik rolled his eyes at him, scooting the pitcher of wine away from Bakura a bit to get his attention. Bakura looked at him like he wanted to murder him. " What?!" He asked irritated at not being able to pour another glass.
Marik's lavender eyes bore into Bakura's honey brown ones. " Tell her what you think of her!" He said nodding his head in Mana's direction, his Sandy locks swaying around his face.
Bakura tore his gaze from Marik to stare straight at Mana. She looked at him slightly startled from his naturally menacing gaze. The intensity from his stare was overwhelming. Now she knew why he was rumored to be the most dangerous of the six guardians.
" Look, I could care less who exactly the pharaoh chooses to bed at night," A warning guttural growl seemed to becoming from Atem. But Bakura continued on anyway unperturbed. " However, even I can tell your different from most women, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt." He got his hands on the pitcher and began to pour himself a fourth glass. " Also, if these two magnuun's over here think your alright, then I have no objections." He said nodding his head towards Marik and Isis.
" What?!" Marik said in indignation, " We're the crazy ones? Need I remind you of the time you made a prisoner ju-"
" I appreciate your opinion. All I can ask for is a chance." Mana said interjecting hurriedly to avoid another argument from them.
Bakura just rolled his eyes and went back to his bread and wine. Clearly done with his part in this conversation.
Set huffed from his side of the table. He didn't want to give his opinion on the girl Mana simply because he still wasn't sure about her. She was just randomly announced as Atem's consort without any formal celebration or meeting and now they all had to go along with it. He also wasn't one for secrets being kept from him, however he had to admit that this girl was unlike the rest that tried manipulating their way into this lifestyle. When she said that she didn't have much care for ranks he was thoroughly surprised. Which is not a normal occurrence, so for Atem, the pharaoh, he would go along with this and see if she really had what it takes to stand beside the pharaoh.
" Seto?" Mana asked hesitantly a seat over from him.
Seto sighed and smoothed back his precisely cut brown hair that was freed of his headdress. " If the pharaoh thinks your worthy of being with him, then I have no problems with you." He said simply, crossing his arms.
Atem took a drink of his own wine as he watched Mana. He was extremely proud of her for being able to hold her own with his guardians and taking everything in stride. He knew that it would take sometime for some of them to warm up to her, especially with Seto. He leaned over and lightly rubbed Mana's forearm to show that he was still beside her and not alone.
Mana smiled and nodded in Seto's direction. " Coming from you that means a lot."
Everyone chuckled at her words while Seto just narrowed his eyes at her in annoyance.
Mana laughed as well and then turned to Mahad. " How about you Mahad? Will you accept me also?" She asked. She was the most nervous about his answer, out of all the guardians he was the closest to Atem. So, to have been kept in the dark for so long would have to have upset him in some way.
Mahad had been secretly watching Mana and Atem out of the corners of his eyes when they were talking with the others. He had noticed how in sync they were with each other and that they almost seemed feed off one another energies. And Atem seemed truly at ease with her around. Before this he would sometimes notice Atem gazing off into distance, clearly thinking about something or someone. And it seemed that someone was Mana.
As peeved as he was about Atem not telling him about the true nature of his relationship with Mana, he couldn't hold that against them. But Atem did have some explaining to do once they had some time to their selves.
" I already do." He replied smiling. " Remember what I said, your the 'light'."
" The light?" Atem repeated, confused. " What are you talking about? Have you two already met before?" He asked skeptically.
" Well we only really talked once before earlier today. But he's apparently known me for quite awhile, longer than you have possibly." Mana explained.
" I see..." Atem said oddly.
" Well if we are done with all that nonsense, how about we get back to our previous discussion?" Proposed Seto as he leaned on his left hand, lightly twirling his wine glass around.
" Ugh, I'm not in the mood to talk about that anymore." Said Isis.
" Me either, besides we already eliminated him so what's the problem?" Supplied Marik as he ripped off a piece of his bread.
Seto looked at them as if they were idiots. " The problem is that this is starting to become too frequent for comfort."
Mana looked at them arguing in confusion before turning to Atem. " What are they talking about? What problem?" She asked.
Atem rubbed a finger to his temple and sighed. " Remember that man, Abasi?" At her nod he continued. " Well, as you have found out he was my half brother." He said with distaste.
Mana nodded again, but her eyes narrowed in suspicion. " Yes, and why didn't you tell me that you had other relatives?"
Atem rolled his eyes at her. " I don't. They are just bastard children from my father's barbaric ruts with other women. I don't even acknowledge the blood we share."
Mana frowned in disapproval. " But they are still your blood and you should give them a chance if they want it. Perhaps their not all like Abasi."
Mahad over hearing their conversation decided to give his input. " Ah, but Lady Mana most them will be be. Abasi the sixth one we have encountered since Atem inherited the throne. And they all have had malicious intention in wanting to get to the throne. We can only assume that will happen again."
Mana was about to give her argument on it, when she took noticed of the title Mahad gave her. " Did you just call me Lady Mana?" She asked shocked.
" I suppose I did...Why is there something wrong? Would you prefer a better title?" Mahad asked concerned.
Mana shook her head. " Oh, no! I don't need any titles I'm just a servant remember?"
Atem wanted to shake the clueless girl. " Your not just a servant anymore, Mana. Stop saying that."
Mana was going to give a witty retort back at him, when the door opened and a servant with their back turned entered the room. But Mana could recognize those bony hips and tall, lanky structure anywhere. It had to be Bahiti.
And sure enough when the servant turned around to face them with a tray of the main course, Bahiti's naturally pinched face greeted them. And behind her was a young male servant that Mana didn't recognize. ' He must be new.' She thought idly.
Mana started fidgeting in her seat. She had completely forgot about Bahiti and the others back in the kitchen. They were probably wondering why she hadn't come back after serving the food. And knowing Bahiti's short temper she must be quite angry with how her, that she broke the routine. But it's not like she knew she was going to end up having dinner with royals!
But she had bigger things to worry about than Bahiti's attitude. When Bahiti see's her, her secret with Atem would be spread amongst the other servants and since they can never hold anything in soon the whole palace would be talking. And she had a feeling it wouldn't be good.
That is though, if Bahiti does tell the others. It's not like Bahiti isn't aware that Atem and her were in relation to each other. But that was a long time ago and she doubt that she would remember that. She could only hope that Bahiti cared enough for her to not report to this back to the others. Especially to Sharifa.
She wasn't worried about the male servant since it was clear they have never seen each other around and couldn't possibly know who she was. And, the female servants and male servants had separate living quarters she probably wouldn't be seeing him again. No, it was only Bahiti who she had to worry about.
"Is something wrong, Mana?" Asked Atem worriedly. He had noticed her tense up and start moving around. A sign that meant she was troubled about something.
Oh, no he said her name. Hearing a familiar name, Bahiti looked up at the pharaoh and looked to the right of him to see Mana sitting there nervously.
Bahiti's eyes widened in disbelief at seeing Mana sitting at the table with the pharaoh. ' What in the name of all that is divine is she doing here?' She thought confused. When Mana didn't come back after leaving the kitchens she assumed that the ridiculous girl went back to their quarters to sleep and leave her to do the rest of the work.
But, no. She is right here in front of her sitting next to the pharaoh and the guardians, having dinner! That her and Mana had prepared together. And now she was eating it with them. How does that girl always end up in such odd predicaments?
She was brought of her musings by the servant boy she brought along to help collect the finished plates since Mana wasn't coming back anytime soon. He was holding a stack of plates in one arm and tapping her on the arm as he stood next to her.
Taking her eyes off Mana who was trying to avoid eye contact with her, she turned to the annoying young man tapping her. " What is it?!" She hissed quietly.
The boy looked at her like she was mad. Which she was, but not in the way he was thinking. " I have collected the finished plates, you can serve the meal now. I will take these back to the kitchen to be cleaned." He noticed her irritably tapping the tray she was holding, causing the plates to clank together. " Or do you want me to stay here with you until you finished?" He asked concerned.
Bahiti smiled bitterly, the boy was nice but too nice if you asked her. If he kept offering up such nice deeds to the others, he will be greatly taken advantage of by these miserable servants she had to work with. And it didn't help the fact he was new. " No, it's alright Ata. I will be done soon." She needed his gone anyways, so he wouldn't noticed that one of their own was sitting somewhere she didn't belong.
He nodded back at her and walked out the room, the plates clanking around as he left. Now it was just Bahiti and the occupants of the table.
" Are you going to serve us or just stand there looking like a fool?" Asked Priest Seto. He recognized the woman the second he saw her tall, disgustingly skinny frame walk into the dining room. He had thought she was done with her serving when Mana had come in, but it seemed he was mistaken. He was very well of her advances towards him since he could remember and no matter how indifferent he was to her she never seemed to get the hint.
Bahiti bit her lip and walked towards the table. She was tempted to curse him to hell and back, however, she did not plan on dieing anytime soon, Nor, was she a idiot. Besides, she can never be mad at such a handsome man like him. She didn't know what it was that made her so attracted to him. But the first time she ever got the chance to be around him, she knew he was someone she wanted. And she has yet to meet anyone that can change her mind.
" Of course, I deeply apologize Priest Seto." Bahiti gave a slight bow and then when she got close enough to the table, she held the tray in the crook of her right arm as she began to use her other arm to serve the food.
Starting with the female priestess named Isis she laid out a plate of the main course. " This was personally prepared and cooked by the palace cook, it's called The Lahma Bil Basil." As she made her way around the table placing each plate down in front of the guardians she kept glancing at Mana and seeing how troubled she looked. And a whole lot of questions started barraging into her head, Was she in trouble with the royals? Did they force her to eat with them out of sheer amusement? Or was it something else entirely?
Bahiti narrowed her eyes as she finally got to Mana, all she knew was if they were forcing her to do anything she wouldn't forgive them. She would probably end up doing something ridiculous if they were. Because, she would never admit it especially not to Mana, but she considered that girl to be a little sister to her. And if anyone hurt her they were going to wish Osiris would give them the sweet mercy of death after she was through with them. Besides, only Bahiti had the right to mess with her.
Bahiti put the plate down in front of Mana very slowly and as she retracted her hand, she discreetly made sure to skim her thin fingers along Mana's arm. Which made Mana jump a little in her seat. Everyone looked at her in confusion.
" Mana? What's wrong with you?" Asked Atem, concern showing in his eyes. Something that Bahiti took notice in as she walk to him to serve him his food.
Mana forced a smile and tapped her fingers against the table as she watched Bahiti make her way around the rest of the table. Bahiti was staring back, and her eyes told her that she had a lot of explaining to do later.
" Oh, Nothing...Just um, excited to try out this wonderful food!" Mana said trying to play off her previous nervousness. She wasn't really excited about the food, even though she had never seen or had this much in her entire life.
Bakura scoffed, " It's just substance. Nothing special about it." He said pushing the beef around with his utensils. But for some reason his eye's kept glancing over at Bahiti as she collected the empty wine pitchers. Mana found that very strange.
" Now, Bakura, you know she's still just a commoner after all. This is probably the most she's ever seen in her life, am I right?" Seto asked snidely, looking at Mana through half lidded eyes.
Everyone stared at her as though they felt bad for her and Atem was about to tell Seto to leave her alone, when Mana spoke up first. " If you think your comment's are going to affect me at this point, then your sorely mistaken, Priest Seto." Mana said calmly, rolling her eyes.
Seto stared at her in poorly hidden shock, while the guardians all burst out in laughter at his face rather than what Mana had said. Atem had a smirk on his face as he leaned over and kissed Mana's blushing cheek. " Telling one of my guardians off already?" He asked jokingly.
Mana just gave a short laugh, " Well, he was asking for it." She said lowering her voice a bit so Seto wouldn't hear her, she wasn't going to push her luck with him.
Atem smiled and shook his head, taking a bite of his food as he watched Marik taunt Seto about being told off by a servant.
Bahiti looked on at the table as she picked up another plate that Ata seemed to have missed. ' Idiot.' She thought absently, if she had left and not noticed that simple mistake, him and her would be in trouble. That aside, she silently watched as Mana ate her food and talked with the other guardians. The pharaoh was kissing her and touching her all over, it seemed he couldn't keep himself away from her.
She couldn't process what she was seeing, Mana was sitting here conversing with the royals as though she wasn't a servant and knew them all personally. Mana owed her an explanation and she was going to get it. She headed to the door to leave, but turned around.
" I hope that all is to your liking, your highness." She said bowing at the waist. " If anything else is needed, I am at your call." And then with one last look at Mana she left the room.
Mana let out sigh of relief. She really thought Bahiti was going to do or say something to her. But then again what could she do in the presence of the pharaoh and his guardians? Now all she had to worry about was if Bahiti would keep her secret or not.
The rest of the dinner went quite nicely for Mana. They ate exquisite food and wine, well, everyone else drunk wine, Atem had made sure she drunk only water for some reason. She even was included in some of the political talk they had. Everything that Mana could have ever dreamed of was happening right now. She still wasn't sure how well she stood with everyone, but she quite content with where she was at.
She raised her hand up and began to yawn tiredly. Her eye's were becoming droopy as she began slouching in her seat.
Atem paused in his conversation with Mahad to look over at her. " Mana? Are you tired?" He asked, rubbing her shoulder.
Mana blinked and sat upright. " Huh? Oh, no,no, I'm fine." She said, but another yawn escaped her, contradicting her statement.
Atem chuckled. " No, I'm quite sure your not. I think it's time for you to get some rest now. You have had a long day, I'm sure." He stood up and helped Mana out of her chair.
When he saw that she was too tired to walk properly, he hooked his arm underneath her legs and lifted her up in his arms. Walking to the door he spoke on his way out. " I'm taking her to back to her quarters. Then, I'll be heading to mine. I will see you all tomorrow, Good Night." Then he concentrated on his powers, and the door opened swiftly. He exited out after one last nod to them all.
Marik Sighed, " Is he always going to do that?" He asked solemnly.
Isis looked at him over the rum of her fifth glass of wine. " D-Do What?" She asked slurring her words slightly.
" You know, Leave and- Wait, Isis!" He exclaimed looking over at his drunk sister. " How much did you drink?" He asked worriedly, grasping her shoulders.
Isis shrugged, " Not enough..." She responded, reaching for her glass. But Marik grabbed the glass and threw at the wall in front of them. Causing shards of glass to litter the ground and a dark red stain sliding down the wall.
" Damn it, Marik! What the bloody hell do you think your doing?!" Yelled Bakura angrily as he gave slight flinch at the sound of the impact.
" Be grateful Atem wasn't here, you know this is his private dining room? We're merely guests." Seto said in boredom.
" Whatever, The servants will just clean up later." Marik said offhandedly, he stood up from his chair and pulled a disoriented Isis out of hers into his arms.
He looked over at Bakura, " Are you coming or what?" He asked impatiently. He wanted to get Isis back to their room as soon as possible and in bed before the alcohol starts affecting her in the worst way's possible.
Bakura was already out of seat and helping Marik hold Isis up. " I'm coming, this isn't the first time the woman couldn't hold her drink." He said bemusedly though a hint of worry was showing in even his eyes.
Mahad got up out of his chair, concern emanating from his presence. " Is she going to be alright? Do you need help?" He asked, taking small steps forward.
Marik was about to respond that it was alright, when suddenly Isis started thrashing around in his and Bakura's hold. Her head kept turning side to side, her black as night hair whipping everywhere.
" Get them out of my head! Get out! Out!" She started screaming, her eyes clenched shut. Sweat starting appearing on her forehead where you can faintly see the millennium eye taking shape.
A couple of guards came bursting in from outside the door. They looked around for danger and when all they saw was the guardians they dropped their stance. " What is going on here?" One of them asked.
Isis began thrashing even worse. It seemed the presence of the guards that came in made what was happening to her worsen. " No, Noo, I don't need to know this...I don't WANT to know this." She moaned out in despair.
Bakura growled and turned to looked at the two idiotic guards. " Grr, Get out of here now, unless you want me to kill you where you stand." He said darkly.
The guards backed away slowly, bumping into each other as they raced out the door. Bakura's lip curled in disgust as he watched them run out, before turning back and gently hoisting Isis up in his arms along with Marik.
" It's going to be alright, Sister, just concentrate on me." Said Marik as he calmly tried diverting Isis from whatever was going through her mind, and instead have her focusing on him. It seemed to have some effect as she stopped thrashing around and the millennium eye was disappearing from her forehead.
" That right, just focus on my voice. I won't let anything happen to you, I got you." Marik kept speaking in soft, hush tones. He nodded over at Bakura who wasn't looking like his usual over confident self and instead looked quite fearful. Bakura saw Marik's nod and reached under Isis to lift her legs up on his arms.
Mahad was about to say something, but Seto stopped him by placing his hand on his arm. Mahad looked at him and all Seto did was shake his head 'no'. Not understanding what was going on and how he could help, he just stood there helplessly watching.
Marik gave a nod to them and with the help of Bakura they carried Isis's comatose body out of the room and most likely back to their room. The door closed with a soft creak and Mahad stood beside the table, his hand clutching the table as he stared at the door.
" Your going to get prints on the table. It may be made of solid gold, but it's still delicate to handle." Seto said calmly.
Mahad whipped around to stare at him in disbelief, his lavender eyes giving away all he was feeling. " Are you being serious right now, Seto?" He asked angry. His usual formal way of speaking disappearing.
Seto rolled his eyes at him as he picked off an invisible piece of lint from his shoulders. " Calm down. She's going to be fine and back to her passive aggressive self in the morning."
Mahad was confused, he sounded like he saw this happen before. " Have you seen this happen to her before?" He asked, leaning on the table.
" Yes, I have. And you would think she would have better care for herself." Seto responded chidingly.
Mahad stared him, wanting to know more. Seto saw this and just sighed in irritation at having to explain the situation. " She was having visions." He said simply.
Mahad blinked in confusions, " Visions? What do you mean? She always has visions and she has never acted like that."
" That's because, you simpleton, those were voluntary. This time these were visions she had no control over."
" Do you know why it's like that?" He asked, completely ignoring Seto's insults.
Seto just shrugged his shoulders, clearly done with the conversation. " No idea, that's something they will have to tell you."
Mahad had left after that, leaving Seto to himself. He was truly puzzled by what had happened and needed some time to himself to think it over. But it was cleat he didn't know Isis as well as he thought he did.
Atem was carrying Mana back to her sleeping quarters so she could get some rest. He knew she was quite tired from the way she kept nodding off and mumbling nonsense.
" Mana, I'm quite sure we have never swam in the Nile together. Especially not naked." Then he said under his breath. " I would have remembered that."
" Oh?" Mana questioned, snuggling closer to his chest. " Well, we should try doing that someday." She said drowsily.
Atem laughed and held her tighter, nuzzling his head against hers. " Alright, we will someday."
"Promise?" Mana asked looking up, her eyes drooping slightly.
Atem smiled. " Promise." Then he noticed something dangling from Mana's wrist as it swung back and forth.
He inspected it closely. " Say, Mana?"
"Hmm?" She responded lazily.
" Where did you get that bracelet your wearing?" He asked. He didn't recognize it as anything he got for her, and Mana hardly left the Palace unless it was with other servants for work. And he would never get her something as tacky as a beaded bracelet.
" What bracelet?" She asked confusedly.
Atem sighed and lifted her arm up. " The one right here, on your wrist."
Mana stared at her wrist as though she didn't know what was on it, before eyes began to register what she seeing. " Oh!," she exclaimed in recognition. She held her wrist to her face, nuzzling her arm. " It was a gift from a friend."
Atem raised an interested eyebrow, taking another look at the gaudy thing. " I see, you must have a really good friend then." He said absently, as walked down the hall for the servants, getting closer to female sleeping room.
" Yeah, he's really great." She said fiddling with it.
Atem stopped in his stride, just a ways away from the door leading into the sleeping quarters for the females. And looked down in surprise at Mana, " He?" He asked skeptically.
Mana looked around and even in her sleepy haze could make out the area they were in. The door for where her and the other female servants slept was a few steps away. She figured she can get there herself now. She tried get out of Atem's arms but to no avail, as he still held on to her. " Um, Atem?"
Atem narrowed his eyes dangerously, " He?" He asked again, this time with more force.
Mana scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. What was his problem? All she did was answer his question, so why was he getting angry? " Yes, 'he', is there something wrong?" She asked clutching her wrist.
" You accepted a gift from another man?" Atem was livid. Did she not know the implications of her actions?
"Yes! What's so wrong about that?" She asked getting angry herself. Why couldn't she accept a gift from someone else? He wasn't the only one that had the privilege to do that.
"You..." Atem didn't finish his sentence, because he didn't know what to say to get it through her head. If she couldn't see what she did wrong herself, then he wouldn't bother trying to explain it to her. Especially not when she wasn't in her right mind.
He silently set her down on her feet and glanced away. Mana looked up at him in confusion, she didn't understand what was going on, but she knew she didn't want the night to end on a bad note.
" Atem?..." She asked hesitantly.
Suddenly, Atem grabbed her face and pulled her up to meet his lips in a searing kiss. It wasn't sweet and long like the other ones he usually gave her, no this one was a hard, lip bruising, dominate kiss that left her feeling like she was being branded.
Atem pulled back and stared at her flushed face before letting go and turning to leave. " We will talk tomorrow." He walked off but before he was completely gone he said to her, " And make sure that tacky bracelet is nowhere on your body." And with that he was gone.
Mana stood there feeling like she just made a idiotic mistake. A feeling that she has gotten quite often. She sighed and shook her head, turning around to open the door. She was too tired to think about what she had done wrong this time around. All she wanted to do was sleep the rest of the night away.
Mana entered the dimly lit sleeping quarters that were full of beds with sleeping women and young girls in them. Though some were up playing silent games or talking quietly amongst themselves. She headed straight for her bed that was in the far corner of the room next to Kisara's who was sleeping soundly once she made her way over.
"Mana? Is that you? Tell me what is going on!" Mana could hear Bahiti whispering to her a bed over from Mana. She just ignored her and collapsed on her bed, not even bothering with the covers. Within seconds she was asleep.
Bahiti got up from where she was sitting in her bed to walk over to Mana's. She had stayed up waiting for her to come in so they could talk. But it was clear I was going to have to wait. She sighed and pulled the covers up over Mana. Shaking her head she made to head back to her own bed when she saw a girl about Mana's age staring at her in shock.
Bahiti curled her lip's up, giving a menacing stare. " Unless you want to wake up to a bed full of scorpions then I suggest you stop staring at me and go to fucking sleep." She threatened.
The girl squeaked and hurriedly pulled the covers over head. Her whole outline was shaking underneath the covers. Bahiti rolled her eyes, "Idiots." She mumbled before getting in her bed and blowing out her candles. She would get her answers tomorrow.
A/N- OMFG. I finally finished this damn chapter! This seriously took me forever! Well actually three weeks...but that's a long time for the person who has to wait! You will have to blame the California heat for that and my dad since he's too cheap to turn on the A/C. But HEY it was for my readers! And plus I just LOVE my story. Like seriously, I didn't think I'd be this invested into it. Especially since it's not Inuyasha related. I ride or die for Inuyasha, while I just freaking love Yugioh. It's crazy what a fan girl I am. Or otaku. Whatever.
Anyways, thanks for being patient I hope. I really wanted to get this chapter out before school started( This Wednesday) and I wouldn't have as much time. Gahh, I'm so excited! Senior year baby! Can't wait. But I'm not looking forward to the early mornings again :( I'm also not looking forward to the less computer time I will be having. Sacrifices Man.
Facts-
Name Meanings:
Bahiti- Fortune.
Ata- Twin.
Sharifa- Respected.
Back in ancient times, medieval times and even now. Banquets and gatherings would be held in celebration of a great victory that the king would bring to the kingdom. It could be victory from a war, battle, disputes over lands and most frequently from a successful hunt. Respected families and noblemen would come out to wine and dine with king as they had a grand spanking time.
Dancing played a vital role in the lives of the ancient Egyptians. All social classes were exposed to music and dancing. Dance troupes were accessible to perform at dinner parties, banquets, lodging houses, and even religious temples. Some women from wealthy harems were trained in music and dance. They danced for royalty accompanied by female musicians playing on guitars, lyers and harps.
Wealthy Egyptians kept slaves to entertain at their banquets, and present pleasant diversion to their owners.
The wife of an Egyptian pharaoh is often referred to by Egyptologists as a consort. This is probably due to the fact that in some people's minds, the Egyptian queen was not a wife because of the lack of a religious celebration of marriage. But for me I decided to change it up and make the term 'consort' more of a substitute for the word girlfriend. As I have always pertained the term as such.
A/A/N- I hope this chapter was to your liking! I also hope that it wasn't a bother to read. I always found that the longer the chapter, the more greater it was for the reader. But I could be wrong. I just wanted to give you guys something to hold you over for awhile. At least until I'm settled in school. By the way, I;m wondering if you caught the hint I was giving off with Bakura, when Bahiti came in ;) Hmm, two wrongs could always make a right! Though I really did want to get some Kisara and Seto in...Damn. Well, enjoy this chapter and leave a wonderful review! I mean come on for this monster it deserves a little more than five reviews this time around. Muah. Bye!
REVIEW! ;3