Atem's father was not getting any better. Teana regretfully thought that perhaps it was the old man's time. She worried about Atem's state if his father came to pass. She and Atem had stepped up their duties as Atem took over the state's affairs as his father rested on his bed. Teana began to assist him in these matters, the same duties she would be expected to perform once she became queen.

Atem was quite despair at his father's sickness and Teana tried her best to comfort him, however nothing completely distracted him. It was then many days later that, Pharaoh Aknamkanon gravely called his son and his wife to his bed.

Atem kneeled by his father's bed. "Father." He began.

"Son." Aknamkanon wearily smiled.

"Father, please tell me you will get better." Aknamkanon slowly reached out to Atem's hand.

"Atem, I cannot promise you that. Only the gods can decide if it is my time." Aknamkanon paused. "Atem... in the meantime. I want you to take over my place as Pharaoh."

"No! I cannot do that!"

"Atem, you must!"

"But you can get better father, I know..."

"Atem." Aknamkanon sighed. "Even if I do get better, the healers have told me that I will not be as fit as I used to be. If I do get better I will be unable to perform my duties as Pharaoh completely. That is why you must take over. It is in Egypt's best interest that you take over as soon as possible-now. I have told the council so they may tell the servants to prepare for your coronation."

"Father..." Atem breathed, his amethyst eyes full of emotion.

Aknamkanon leaned his head up and looked towards Teana who was standing solemnly. Her eyes were threatening to allow tears to spill. "Teana," he called as she approached him. "Take care of my son." He told her. "You have helped soften him. A Pharaoh must not always remain prideful and fierce. He must also be empathetic to the people." He smiled. "Thank you for that Teana." A tear managed to spill from Teana's eye. She warmly smiled.

Aknamkanon turned back to his son. "You must do this Atem. Do not fail me or our people. I trust in you." Atem solemnly nodded. "Yes father."

It was with a heavy heart that Atem began preparation for his coronation. This was too soon for him. He never expected his crowning to happen this early. It made matters worse that Atem was constantly worrying about his own father's health and well-being as well as concern for Egypt as a whole. The stress was getting to him.

His wife became his closest companion. Although they had their issues and reconciled, there was still some things that they wanted to discuss. There was no time for that anymore. There were more important things at stake. Teana didn't mind. If you truly loved someone and was committed to them, problems that may arise were not something you needed to dwell on. Little things like that should be forgotten and forgiven.

It was hard for the both of them. Although Atem had it worst, Teana was hesitant as her role as Queen. She was timid and nervous about failing everyone. She put her own feelings aside for the sake of her husband. The coronation was tomorrow. It was when she would by default become queen, but more importantly...when Atem would be crowned Pharaoh.

"I, Prince Atem assume the position of the sole Pharaoh and vow, with all my might to guide Egypt in a righteous way with the blessings bestowed upon me as son of Pharaoh Aknamkanon and by the gods. May my rule give rise to glorious Egypt!"

"Glory to Egypt! Glory to Egypt!" A chanting was heard among the crowd.

Shimon nodded and took the Millennium Puzzle and symbolically put in on Atem as the roar of the crowd increased.

Next, all the priests stood forward and kneeled before Atem, swearing their allegiance to him and accepting him as their ruler.

Teana stood to the side as she studied Atem's profile carefully. He was stern and poised, but Teana knew him better now. His eyes held sorrow and pain. Atem walked slowly to join Teana's side as the crowd screamed "Long live the Pharaoh! Long live the Pharaoh!" Teana slowly slipped her hand in Atem's, hidden from view. She squeezed it, giving him reassurance. Atem tilted his head slightly so he could meet Teana's eyes.

Teana gazed into his eyes. Atem did not feel ready for this, but he had to be ready. She smiled sympathetically, closing her eyes. They would get through this together.

I know that it's a bit short again... (I'm going through writer's block.) In other news, now that the bulk of the crazy stuff I've been busy with the last couple of months is over, I plan to return to updating more frequently and finally have a conclusion to the story in due time. Thanks for being patient with me guys! :) As for the story, Aknamkanon is gravely ill and it's uncertain whether he will get better or not... In the meantime Atem has stepped up and taken the role as pharaoh since Aknamkanon is no longer fit to rule. Teana and Atem have basically shoved any ill feelings they had of each other away. Yes, they reconciled... but obviously they wanted to speak about what had torn them apart from each other. That has been forgotten because Atem has been crowned and Teana has to officially take her role as Queen by default.

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~Startistica