These few days were far too many for Atem. He thought of Teana everyday and he found it grueling to be away from her. They had only been married not even one year and she had made this big of an effect on him.

He missed her sense of humor when she made fun of his lack of knowledge about pregnancies and he missed teasing her back. He missed her bright blue eyes and uplifting personality. He missed her smile, he missed her touch. It even felt lonely too go to bed without the comfort of his wife snuggling up to him at night. He couldn't wait till she would be home again within his grasp, right beside him.

Likewise, Teana too missed her husband dearly. She found it strange being back home after all that happened. Less than a year ago, she was here, home, unmarried, without child and she had changed so much because of Atem. She felt somewhat restless and she realized her home in Nubia, was not the same as her new home. Not to say that Teana didn't love Nubia as much as she did as Egypt, but she felt lonesome without Atem. It was a hard feeling to explain. Nubia was always her home, but being away for so long made her feel like an outsider to some extent. She realized the feeling of home now resided with Atem and the palace at in Egypt.

Teana had enjoyed her time with her family and in her homeland, but she was actually glad to leave. She was anxious to go back to Egypt and be with Atem. It was a strange feeling indeed, one of longing. Every day she would look down and see what she considered her massive stomach and was reminded of her husband. The child growing in her belly was not only hers, but it was Atem's as well. The baby was the union of both she and him. It was soon to be proof of the connection she had with Atem. The marriage was not the ultimate thing that united them. It was their baby that made them united forever. Marriages in rare cases might end and fail, but the children that are the product of them- they remain as reminders of a bond.

She needed Atem to be there for when that child was born, which was why she needed to go home to him. The baby would be born in nearly two months and it was cutting it close soon. Teana wondered what kind of father Atem would be. Atem was strict and a bit rigid in things he did, but after they met he seemed to have loosen up a bit. One couldn't be a good father if they remained like that.

Atem would be somewhat of a strict father, regardless. If their child was a girl, Atem would watch her like a hawk and not take his eyes off her. Teana chuckled to herself of that image. If the baby was a boy, no doubt Atem would spoil him as he would spoil the girl. He would also help him become a wise and strong ruler one day.

Teana sighed and drew circles on her seat. She now sat in the carriage being driven and escorted by Egyptian guards who had stayed in Nubia to transport her safely back home. She had said goodbye to her parents and friends in the morning and now she was finally on journey back. Unfortunately, this time she was alone in the carriage. Atem was not there to accompany her and she didn't have much to do to pass the time. She has merely thinking about everything the whole time.

She sighed and got comfortable in her seat, they had been traveling for quite some time now. She was bored. She tried reading, but found it difficult to do so. She tried other forms of entertainment, but what could she do? Perhaps she should sleep the rest of the way? That way, she would be awake for when she reached Egypt. It seemed like a good idea, so she put her head down and sprawled on the seat and slowly drifted off to sleep.

It was some time later that Teana woke from her slumber. She gently fluttered her eyes open and shifted. She stretched and got up. Then she paused. The carriage was not moving...

It stood still.

Why was it not moving?

Teana's heart skipped a beat and she breathed. She calmed herself down. But of course, the men must have taken rest. They did take rest right before Teana drifted to sleep, but perhaps she had slept longer than she thought? Perhaps the men needed to relive themselves? It was nothing to worry herself about.

She sighed of relief and smiled, scolding herself for being so paranoid. 'Silly, silly, silly!' She shook her head.

Well, some fresh air would do her some good anyhow. She opened her carriage door and stepped down gently. What she saw, however startled her.

The men...the guards...they were all down on the floor. Instead she saw hooded men on horseback and they immediately caught sight of her. She stepped back in fear. She was trained in combat, there was no doubt about it...but against all these men? All of her own men were down, on the floor...unconscious. What could a very pregnant princess...queen, do?

Atem cracked his muscles and sighed. He kept fidgeting which was not like him at all.

"and then he said..." Jono paused. "Atem?"

"Huh?" Atem responded.

Hondo and Jono stared at him and looked at each other. "Atem... are you alright?" Hondo questioned.

"Yes, because it does not seem as if you are paying attention." Jono added.

Hondo agreed. "You have been fidgeting this whole time."

"I...uh" Atem hesitated and shook his head. "It is just that I am worried about Teana. She should be arriving soon and..."

Hondo put up his hand. "Atem! You should relax! You seem to be getting nervous for no reason. You gave her most of your best guards!"

"I know! I know!" Atem huffed. "I just can't help it! I just keep having this fear that something might happen... and...I won't be there and Teana and the baby will get hurt and it will be all my fault!"

Jono shook his head."You are most likely overreacting, but..." he hesitated for a moment. "If it bothers you so and means that much to you..." Atem widened his eyes.

"What means that much to you Atem?" Seto asked behind Jono.

"Agh. Stop sneaking up on us Seto!" Jono yelled, aggravated.

Seto merely rolled his eyes. "I was not sneaking up on you, it was merely you who does not have the-"

"Ahem. " Atem coughed loudly.

Seto rolled his eyes, followed by a grunt from Jono. "So what is it that means so much to you Atem?"

Atem gave a deep sigh. "Teana...and the baby. I am deeply worried about them. I cannot help it." He looked to the side.

"This is going to bother you until they come home safely, is it not?" Seto asked perceptively. Atem nodded in response. "Well I suppose, you could go. It looks like I might have to rule as Pharaoh for a little while again." He shrugged.

Atem's face lit up. "Thank you Seto!" He said, standing up and placing his hand on his cousin's shoulder. "I know that I can count on you." He smiled warmly.

"Yes, yes. No go run off to your beloved." Seto smiled, rolling his eyes. Atem grinned and ran off swiftly to begin preparations.

Jono shook his head. "Why you!" He grimaced at Seto. Then in a side comment to Hondo he mumbled. "Why does he get to be in charge?"

"Because!" Seto's voice boomed loudly. "I am of royal blood. I am the cousin of the Pharaoh and if anything were to happen to the royal couple and future heir, I would be next in line for the throne. Therefore, clearly I have the authority to rule in the absence of the pharaoh." He grinned.

Both Hondo and Jono widened their eyes. "If I were Atem," Jono said pointedly, "I would keep my eyes on you."

Seto smirked. "Please, I mean no harm." With that, he turned around and swiftly left without uttering another word.

I'm finally back! I'm sorry for keeping you waiting so long for this update, but at least this chapter is longer that usual. So it seems that Teana is faced with some unwanted company now. She's almost as good as helpless in fighting back because of her baby. As for Atem, he can't sit still because he is so worried about Teana. He takes that chance and goes after Teana.

Thank you for being patient with me everyone! Please let me know what you thought of the chapter! Your feedback keeps me write :)

~Startistica