Chapter Four- Approval

Atem awoke to sunlight on his face. He shaded his eyes as they opened and he sat up, working out the kinks in his body. He looked over to where he had left Isis to see her get to her feet and stretch her arms. She lowered them before facing Atem, her eyes reflecting fear and anxiety. Atem got out of bed, went to her, and gave her a reassuring hug before the two headed for the door.

"Isis, I want you to stay with me again tonight. I'll provide you with food and water."

"Are you sure about that? What if I become a simple wolf and try to attack you?"

"I'll use some silver to keep you away. I've heard that silver works as a deterrent as well as a way to kill."

"I hadn't heard of that. In fact, I didn't know about weaknesses or ways to kill one until the night I had the vision."

"Killing one is difficult as one must use silver on the heart and the brain. Any other injuries heal instantly."

"Yes. Master Aknadin spoke of all that too." Isis preceded Atem into the throne room as tradition dictated. She took her place and saw curious looks on the men's' faces but she said nothing as Atem entered a few minutes later with a pleased smile on his face. Only Isis knew the reason for that smile: It was her.

"Mahad, any criminals or wifewolves found?" he asked once he was seated.

"No, my pharaoh though Master Seto suggested the wifewolf could be a visitor who intends to bite someone or become pregnant."

"That's certainly a possibility. Have the guards keep an eye on any visiting women with black hair and blue eyes." Atem honestly didn't think such a search was necessary as he was convinced that Isis' vision was about her, but he would be remiss as a ruler if he did not do what he could to protect the people.

"Yes, my pharaoh." Mahad returned to his spot.

Atem turned his attention to Isis. "Isis, does the Necklace reveal anything about this wifewolf?"

Isis closed her eyes and put her hands on either side of her Item. She invoked its power and sensed it glowing. At first, there was nothing, but then an image flashed before her: It was her in wolf form standing in her usual spot with the court in their spots. It looked like a normal court scene. Everything will work out, she thought. That is what I draw from this.

She opened her eyes. "The wifewolf did not appear in my vision. I saw an image of us similar to what we have now."

"Another happy scene," Atem said. "That is good. Perhaps, our concerns of a wifewolf were groundless, but insuring the peoples' protection is necessary anyway."

"Indeed, pharaoh," Aknadin said.

Atem then stood with that same smile he had when he first walked in. "I have wonderful news. I am in love. I told the woman of my feelings yesterday and she confessed feelings for me as well."

"That is wonderful," Mahad said. "My pharaoh, who is the fortunate woman?"

Atem beamed as he said, "Isis."

All five men looked at Isis with mild surprise. "You told the pharaoh you loved him?" Seto asked.

"Yes," she admitted. "I had secretly loved the pharaoh for weeks, but did not say anything as it would have been appropriate."

"It certainly would have been," Aknadin said sternly. "I am not certain I approve."

"Why not, Master Aknadin?" Mahad asked. "They love one another. The pharaoh spoke first. I see no problem and I give my approval."

"Master Mahad is correct," Seto said. "Isis is a fine woman and I believe she would make an equally fine queen when the two wed. The pharaoh could not have chosen better. I approve."

Good, Atem thought. Mahad approved as I knew he would and Seto agrees with Mahad's assessment. He also stated that Isis is a fine choice. Naturally, Isis approves as she is the one being approved. That is half of my court. Now I just need the other three.

Shada didn't have anything against Atem and Isis being in love; he was more concerned of what would become of the sacred court. Isis could still own the Necklace but would she still be allowed to perform her duties as a priestess in addition to the duties of a queen when she married Atem? "My pharaoh," he said. "What of the sacred court? Will we need to seek a replacement?"

"In the future, perhaps we will," Atem said. "I am not saying that Isis and I will wed immediately. We need more time to truly know one another. It is also possible that we will not need a replacement."

Shada nodded. "Yes, my pharaoh, I understand. Then, I give approval of Isis being your future wife."

Kalim had seen the affection in Atem and Isis' eyes when the former had announced who he loved. Of course, everyone else had noticed too. He also had no issue of Isis being his future queen; indeed he thought she would make a good queen. She was honest, fair, and kind. She would support Atem in his decisions and, in time, give him an heir to the throne.

"My pharaoh," he said. "It is clear to everyone here that you make each other happy. I further believe that Isis would make a good queen. She has the qualities one would want in a queen. I would be proud to serve both of you. I approve."

"Aknadin?" Atem prompted. "You've heard the others. Has your opinion changed?"

"I…am having trouble with the fact that Isis had loved you in secret for weeks."

"I came to love her earlier than that," Atem pointed out. "I had gotten to know all of you in my first years as pharaoh and value your views as well as how to run a kingdom. The continuation of my family line is of the utmost importance and I must have the approval of my sacred court of the woman I would have as my wife."

Aknadin felt surprise at Atem admitting to having feelings for Isis long before she loved him. His statement did make the situation clearer to him. I cannot deny his choice of wife when he's loved her for some time. "I see," he said. "Well then I also approve. Congratulations, my pharaoh. Isis."

"It was a long discussion as I had anticipated," Atem said as Isis and he sat out in the courtyard.

"Yes, but everyone has approved," Isis said. "My pharaoh, the vision I had today showed a typical court scene only I was in wolf form. I don't know if it is an immediate future I saw or one that will take some time."

"I hope it is an immediate future, but if it isn't and your lineage is exposed, rest assured I will defend you."

I don't doubt that." Isis smiled as Atem took a hand and kissed the back of it. She was content with her love life and knew that, with Atem, she could face tonight.