"Teana?" Atem asked.

"Yes?" She asked, in return turning to face him while she sat at her vanity.

"Today we will be expecting a visitor. The royal king that father and I have been trying to form an alliance with, himself will be coming today." Atem explained. Teana just nodded, remaining seated at her vanity. "Well when he arrives, father asks for your presence alongside me to introduce the royal family."

"Yes, of course."

"I shall have a servant notify you when he arrives." Teana nodded again turning back to stare at her reflection. "I...uh." Atem stuttered as Teana turned to look at him questioningly. "I apologize for my lack of presence. I know that I have not been acting as I should have been to you." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I know you mentioned that once and I merely brushed that statement off. What I am saying now, is that we are married now, and we are no closer than we were when we were getting know each other," he paused, "in a way..."

Teana smiled and interrupted. "I know. I am sorry too. We should try to find time to spend with one another again."

"I would like that." Atem smiled. "Alas, I must go. I shall see you soon." He said kissing Teana on the cheek goodbye.

Teana quickly joined arms with Atem. "He is early." He muttered. "I did not know he would arrive so soon! A journey from there to here generally takes much longer." Teana just smiled and shook her head as they walked quickly to the throne room. She wondered what foreign king was coming, she never got a chance to inquire about it. Atem nodded to the guards as they opened the doors.

"My son should be here any moment now... he..." Aknamkanon paused as he heard the loud noise of the sound of the doors opening. Atem and Teana quickly walked up. Teana tried to straighten her dress while the Pharaoh introduced the couple. "This is my son Prince Atem and his..." Teana heard a gasp and then heard her name being spoken in a deep voice.

"Teana!"

Teana looked up and gasped. "Julian!" She let go of Atem's arm and embraced the man, who warmly returned it. He kissed her cheeks.

"My sweet Teana," he said as he broke apart from her and held her hands. "I had no idea that you would be found here. Look at you love! Look at how you have grown. You have become rather dashing, no?" Teana laughed.

"I could say the same for you my dear Julian." She looked gazingly at him.

Aknamkanon and Atem stood in utter shock at this exchange.

"What are you doing here in Egypt?" Julian asked in amazement.

"I live here now!" She piped. "Oh Julian, I missed you so!"

"And I you." He told her. "I missed those beautiful blue eyes of yours!" He winked chuckling.

"Ahem." Atem coughed loudly, breaking Teana and Julian's conversation. Teana turned widening her eyes.

"Oh dear. Julian, this is Atem he is my..." she said in a softer voice.

"Husband." Atem declared strongly and firmly.

"Ah, well yes... that." Teana said in a voice softer than she was speaking before.

Julian opened his eyes wide in shock. "Teana! When did this happen?"

Teana gave a small smile. "It has been, but a month and a half. We shall talk about these matters later dear Julian." Teana told him returning to her position next to Atem.

"Of course."

Teana was unsure what was wrong with Atem. When he accompanied her back to their room, she could feel he was tense. Upon retreating back to their room, Teana decided to ask of him what was wrong. She sat down on their bed.

"Atem, dear? Is something of the matter?"

"What do you think is of the matter?" He roared. Teana was shocked by his outburst as she had never heard him use this tone of voice before, especially with her. She was hurt.

"I am not sure, what is the matter Atem... but..." she put a hand on his shoulder, standing up.

Atem ripped himself away. "What is the matter? The matter is what you just did!"

"I do not know what you speak of." Teana said slightly shaking.

"You and your dear Julian! That was so...so... inappropriate! My father, the Pharaoh was in the middle of introductions and you... you in the middle of that, go to embrace the Roman Emperor?"

"Your father did not seem angered at all!" Teana pointed out in a louder voice. "The Roman Emperor is a dear friend of mine and a very distant family member of mine, if you have forgotten!" She yelled. "I am of Roman royalty in addition to Nubian, or have you forgotten?"

"Does not matter! You should not have done so! That was extremely disrespectful to me- your husband!"

"How was that disrespectful? I merely embraced a loved one!"

"A loved one, eh?" He said very slightly lowering his voice.

"Yes!" Teana said glaring right back at Atem's very own given glare.

Atem clenched his hands and abruptly turned around."I am done speaking to you and explaining things you should already know!" Atem yelled behind his back as he stormed out of the room. As he left, Teana fell onto the bed in sobs, crying. She did not know what she did wrong. What was so wrong with affectionately meeting with a childhood friend of hers that she cared for so much?

"What did I do wrong Shukura?" Teana sobbed in Shukura's arm who accidentally intruded upon the sobbing girl. "Why is he so mad at me? Why did me embracing Julian anger him so? You know about the closeness Julian and I share."

Shukura patted Teana's back. "There, there dear. I am sure it was just a misunderstanding. Egyptian customs do differ from ours slightly remember? Perhaps it was improper etiquette and frowned upon?"

Teana sobbed some more. "I do not know."

"Tell me, what exactly did you do?"

"Well I hugged him and he kissed my cheek and..." Teana sniffled.

"Ah!" Shukura exclaimed. "Kissing on the cheek is a Roman custom! It is probably why he was angered. He did not understand the custom!"

Teana sat up, wiping away a tear."Why would a kiss on the cheek anger him?"

Shukura shrugged. "Egyptians! Hm. I do not understand them, even though by birth I am one. Perhaps he is jealous? I am unsure."

Teana nodded and agreed."I do not understand Egyptians either."

Shukura scoffed. "Perhaps it is just men!"

Teana gave a small smile, temporarily distracting her from her discomfort.

After her talk with Shukura, Teana washed her face and Shukura helped reapply her makeup. Teana felt much better afterwards. Shukura had some other duties to attend to and Teana went to take a stroll through the palace to better clear her mind. She would not be permitted to leave the premises of the palace, but at least she could walk around inside.

Teana in thought, walked outside and bumped straight into Julian, chance would have it. "Julian! I am so sorry."

"Quite alright." He responded. He looked to the door where Teana had just come from. He pointed at it. "Is this where I may find your chambers?"

Teana smiled." Yes indeed, although," she paused and frowned, "they are Atem's chambers as well, so it is not a good place for our meeting."

Julian nodded. "Of course. I was wondering if you could point me into the direction to the front of the palace, the Pharaoh is expecting me and I..uh," he scratched his head, "am a bit lost."

Teana smiled. "Do not fret. I had trouble as well in the beginning. My handmaiden Maibe was of great assistance to me then. I tell you what, how about I come with you? I felt like taking a scroll anyways."

Julian bowed. "I would be honored." Teana giggled and accepted Julian's arm.

Atem was not in a good mood, not a good mood at all. He was annoyed and angry. He was overcome with jealousy. Not only did Teana embrace him warmly, but he had the audacity to kiss her cheeks and call her "My sweet Teana," "Love," and compliment her by calling her, "Dashing!" He acted as if he was her husband as opposed to Atem himself!

Atem was also mad at Teana. Teana was the one who rushed to embrace the emperor and she even called him, "Dear Julian!" When did Teana ever call him, "Dear" or "Dear Atem?" Maybe just once or twice. He couldn't stop fuming and grumbling after his fight with Teana. He did feel bad about it. Atem tried to calm down. He tried to think of what Mahad told him to do. He tried counted and taking deep breaths. Then he thought of what Isis said. Teana was HIS, not anyone else's. She would not be disloyal to him would she?

Atem thought about apologizing for his outburst. He recalled his father once telling him how complicated women are and how to deal with them. This was long before his betrothal to Teana. "Apologize even if you did not nothing wrong. " He tried to recall what else his father said. "Tell her how beautiful she is. Tell her you love her. Comfort her in pain." Well Atem certainly did not do that. He did not do that at all, in fact he was the one who caused her pain. He felt guilty. After sitting alone in the courtyard for the longest time, Atem realized mistake and that his father was expecting him. He had to meet with that lecherous Emperor.

Atem's intention of apologizing to Teana flittered away the moment he saw her on the arm of Julian's. What was she doing with him?

"And here we are!" Teana smiled at Julian. Teana looked toward Aknamkanon smiled and said "Your Highnesses." Teana did turn her head to Atem to acknowledge him, but she did not meet his eyes. She merely passed her eyes by.

"Well, I shall hopefully see you later Julian." Teana looked at Julian.

"Yes, we have much to talk about sweet Teana, shall I meet you after this meeting?"

Teana nodded. "Of course. I shall meet you then." With that she swiftly walked away not bothering to give a glance to Atem.

"The courtyards are quite lovely are they not?" Julian questioned.

"Yes, indeed. Atem took me here when I was new to Egypt." Her smiled quickly turned from a smile to a frown.

Julian noticed this. "Sweet Teana, what might be troubling you?"

"N-nothing..." She turned away. Julian grabbed her arm.

"I can tell you are lying."

Teana frowned."Atem and I had a bit of an argument, that is all. I would not like to go into detail."

Julian looked at her with concerned eyes and sat her down on the bench with him. "I am sorry for your troubles." Teana bit her lip as a couple tears fell from her eyes.

"I do not know what to do Julian. Everything was going fine, then Atem and I became wed and I barely saw him anymore...then we had this argument... I am not sure how I feel about this marriage anymore."

Julian gathered her in his arms and softly threaded his hand through her hair. "Shh..it will be alright." He whispered.

Atem had been suspicious about Julian since the start. He certainly did not trust the man to be with his wife alone, so he did what her thought any good husband would do. Spy on them! He had to wait a couple of minutes before he would go. Following them from the start would allow for him to be more easily discovered. So he waited a while and then headed to the courtyard, where he conveniently eavesdropped on Teana before saying she would be taking the Emperor to.

He snuck into the courtyard and hid behind a bush, he looked around to spot the two and what he saw startled him. Julian and Teana, his wife where sitting on a bench, embracing each other! They were embracing each other! Neither of them showed signs of moving. How dare he? How dare that good for nothing Emperor do such a thing? How dare Teana? How dare his wife, his only wife do this to him?

Atem stood up. He would not allow for such a thing to go on. He briskly and angrily started walking toward the Princess and Emperor when he heard Teana speak.

"Julian I do not know what I did wrong. What did I do to upset Atem so? I thought I was being a dutiful wife! It is he whose face I never see!" She sobbed.

Atem froze. Teana was speaking of him. She was sobbing because of him...again. He had given an excuse for the lecherous Emperor Julian to comfort and hold her so. It was his fault...partly.

"I know dear Teana, it is not your fault. It is you husband's." Julian voiced his empathy.

That good for nothing lecherous emperor... wait. Perhaps the idiot Emperor was right...for once. Still, he was not going to allow the good for nothing excuse for royalty convince his wife, that Atem could not be a good husband even if he tried! This was the perfect plan to get Teana on his side and...and... Ra forbid have their marriage annulled so she could go run off with him!

His hands balled into fists. 'No! I will not allow such an event to occur.'

"Prince!" Atem turned around.

"Mana?"

"What do you think you are doing Prince? Are you spying on the Princess and out guest? Poor girl...I heard her sobbing."

Atem frowned. "I..uh. I need you to do me a favor."

"Hm?" Mana eyed him suspiciously.

"Can you go up to Teana and ask her to come to our chambers immediately? Tell her it is important and I must speak to her."

"I do not know Prince." She glanced at Teana from behind the tree where she and Atem him. "Teana seems to have stopped crying, thanks to Julian. However I am unsure if she would like an audience with you at this moment. Do you wish to comfort her or...?"

"Please Mana!" Atem pleaded.

Mana opened her eyes wide. She had never seen Atem plead like this before. "Alright. I will."

Mana was unsure why Teana was in such a state, but she would do what her friend asked of her. Atem probably was unsure himself of Teana's distress and wanted to inquire and comfort her about it, she mused.

Teana and Julian were talking in whispers so Mana could not overhear their conversation. They heard Mana approaching and expectantly looked at her as if asking what was the point for intrusion.

"Princess?"

"Um... yes Mana?"

"Atem requires you presence in his chambers immediately he..."

"Why?" Teana asked crossly shocking Mana. "What is so important that he had to disturb my time with Julian?" She asked angrily.

Mana gulped. Who knew the kindhearted, sweet and dainty girl had anger like snake's venom and viper? "I do not know...Atem only said he had a matter of importance to discuss with you."

"Fine." Teana stood up brushing off her dress. "I shall come." She looked down at the seated Julian. "I apologize Julian, for this uncalled for intrusion." She apologized, anger still eminent in her eyes and tone of voice.

"It is alright. Go to your husband. Perhaps he offers amends."

'Offer amends?' Mana asked herself. 'Did Atem do something to upset her?'

Teana nodded and briskly walked away.

Atem sat on his chair in his chambers waiting for the arrival of his wife. He hoped to apologize to his distressed beloved, reconcile and perhaps kiss a little? It had been a very long while since he last tasted her sweet, soft lips. His thoughts were interrupted when the door swung open with a bang.

Teana proudly and angrily walked in with a flourish. The fabric of Teana's long baby blue dress and her cape swished and flew behind and around her. Her brown locks of hair followed in this suit. Her eyes held a fiery gaze. She frowned at the sight of Atem who was pleasantly seated at his chair. She stood in front of him, yet a good distance away and placed her left hand on her hip, as she shifted her body's weight on her left foot and hip. This stance alone was quite intimidating. Her expression and her eyes made it even more so.

"You called?" She asked almost in a mocking tone.

Atem did not expect her to be angry. He expected her to be saddened and weak. He expected her to happily fall into his arms after he sweetly apologized. 'So much for that.' He thought. Teana's aura was a bit frightening. The usually sweet, gentle girl seemed to have disappeared. He gulped a little. "I just wanted to call you to say..."

"Say what?" She asked angrily.

Atem looked into her eyes fueled with anger and fire. Was he really the one who made her feel this way? "I am sorry."

"What?" Teana blurts out, clearly not expecting this. The fire in her eyes instantly seemed to vanish and her intimidating hand on her hip pose diminished with her hands at her side.

Atem stands up and takes Teana's hands that were now behind her back. Teana does not look in his eyes. Atem strains his neck and head down in an effort to meet Teana's eyes. Teana finally dares to look at him as he shifts his neck back straight. "I am sorry." He repeats. "I was wrong. I was just angry and extremely jealous."

"Jealous?" Teana looks as him in puzzlement. No slander and anger is found in her tone of voice."Jealous of what?"

"Jealous of Julian." He sighs and tells her.

"Whatever for?"

"His closeness to you." He utters.

Teana blinks and moves her head back instantly trying to process what he said. "His closeness to me? Of course he is close to me! I care for him very deeply. He is a childhood friend of mine and we have always enjoyed each other's company while visiting one another. He is one of my best friends! My love for him runs deep."

Atem clenched his jaw and his hands tightly forgetting that he was still holding Teana's hand in his own. Teana notices this. "Atem?" She asks, not unkindly.

Atem lets go of her hand, steps back and turns away. "You say that your love for him runs deep, but of that of your sire, your husband?"

Teana inhales a sharp intake of breath. "I..ah..."

"Can you say the same for me?" He turns back to face her. Teana's eyes are looking up at Atem's own. Her eyes are opened wide and large, her cerulean eyes unsure of how to respond. "I thought so." Atem says coldly. He turns to walk away.

"Atem!" She tries to reach out to his shoulder.

"Leave me be." He says. "I am sure that the that he who your love runs deep for is missing your presence." He shakes her off leaving the room.

Uh-oh. Trouble in paradise! :O Yup, I think it was time to make things a bit more exciting. Atem finally realizes that he misses the presence of Teana and then this Roman Emperor comes who is actually a close friend of Teana! It's not like the jealousy he had of Seto. It is quite obvious the very close connection Julian and Teana have. Then Atem messes up, tries to apologize and makes an even bigger mess! Teana seems to not understand what's going on because she never was fully aware of the extent of Atem's jealousy. Her only clue was when Seto told her that Atem was like this. Let me know what you think.
**As a side note, I updated this earlier than planned because the next chapter update may take longer because I'm very busy. Thanks for reading!

Please Review!

~Startistica