Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pharaoh and murder at the Palace, Loyalshipping, chapter 6
Title: The Pharaoh and the murder at the Palace
Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh!
Characters/Pairings: Atemu x Mahaado, Aishizu x Mahaado (unrequited), High Priest Set x Kisara, friendship!Atemu & Mana, Karim x Atemu, Mahaado x Karim x Atemu
Genre: action, adventure, romance
Summary: (AE, AU) After the death of the Great Pharaoh Akunamukanon, his son Atemu ascends to the throne. As soon as Priest Mahaado discovers that the late Pharaoh didn’t die of natural causes, a certain thief is spotted around the Palace… now the priest has to fear for his life and that of his friends, as dark forces are closing around them quickly...
Author’s note: Yu-Gi-Oh! and all its characters don’t belong to me. No infringement on any copyrights is intended. Feedback is greatly appreciated. I don’t pretend to give any accurate historical reflection of life in Ancient Egypt. This is for entertainment purposes only.
Key: ----------------- scene change
“Apprentice. Apprentice!”
Jerked out of her thoughts, Mana keeled over and fell from the bench, her legs unladylike up in the air. Quickly, she stood upright again, smoothing her skirt.
“Yes, Master?”
“Keep your attention focused,” Mahaado scolded her, but there wasn’t any harshness in his voice. “I can not have you wander off with your attention elsewhere, as you will do even more damage when you are not focused.”
“That’s not very kind, Master,” the girl pouted. She knew Mahaado was right, of course- her magic tended to become extremely erratic when she didn’t focus. The murder attempts on Atemu’s life were straining her nerves, and she had been frantically searching all over the Palace again, as if she could find the culprit and use her magic to punish him. Mana was also searching for protective spells, refusing to believe that the guards could keep her best friend safe. After all, he’d been attacked in his private quarters, where he was supposed to be free of any harm.
“Master?”
“Yes, Apprentice?”
“Do you think it was that King?”
“What do you mean?” Mahaado looked up from the paperwork in front of him, a huge pile of lists detailing alchemists, healers and anyone else with knowledge of herbs and potions. It was his task to find out who had access to mandrake root and who’d been able to create a poison with it. So far, Mahaado had managed to narrow the number of people down, but it wasn’t enough. Too many people had rudimentary knowledge of alchemy and herbs and plants. Mandrake root might be harder to come by and process, still plenty of people could access it and brew it into a potion. He really didn’t fancy going into town and question all these people, but it looked like he had no other choice.
“That King… you know, when that man tried to…”
“The King of Thieves,” Mahaado said, “or so his name is sung on the streets. We know his real name is Bakura, a man with bone-white hair, wearing a dark red cloak. People are afraid to talk about him…as if he has struck the fear of a demon in them.”
Mana clutched her wand to her chest. This information was new to her and it was terrifying her.
“Maybe he is a demon, if he wants to take Prince’s life…”
“Pharaoh, Apprentice, Pharaoh…!”
“Pharaoh,” she repeated stubbornly. “Master, will Pharaoh be safe from now on?”
“We do everything we can,” Mahaado said. “The King of Thieves is cunning, but not cunning enough. We have the Gods on our side.”
Mana scowled a little. She believed in the Gods, but they never responded when her Pharaoh was in dire need of some help. They hadn’t saved him from the poisoned dart or that horrible attack when he was almost strangled to death. That ‘King of Thieves’ sounded dangerous and she could do nothing to help her friend. Frustrated, she twirled her wand around.
“Please be careful with that, Apprentice..!”
“I want to do something, I want to help!”
Mahaado took pity on her. He recognized her fear and frustration, and how badly she wanted to help out. He used his work as a distraction to not think about the severe implication of all the attacks, and he all but overlooked his Apprentice. He probably was too harsh on her, and the girl was suffering from her anxiety and worries about the Pharaoh… the same worries he had.
“You can help me with these lists,” he said. “Would you like to do that?”
“Yes, please! I want to help!” Mana jumped up and smiled. She thought of hugging her Master, but decided quickly against it. All but skipping, she went to his large desk and grabbed one of the lists. She wanted to do everything it took to protect Atemu.
-----------------------------
Atemu rested comfortably against a mountain of soft, fluffy pillows, a gold tray with a cup of tea and a small bowl with assorted figs and dates next to him. He looked up at Set, the tall High Priest hovering over him.
“What are your recent findings, Set?”
“This King of Thieves proves to be a real pain,” the High Priest answered. “People are afraid of him, even when giving a hint of his name. Priest Akunadin was able to reconstruct a physical description, as you already know: bone white hair, chopped off roughly at the shoulders, and dressed in a red cloak. He wears rings and some necklaces; he likes to prance around with gold.”
“And this gold is from his thievery?”
“He takes great pride in robbing tombs,” Set answered, disdainful. “I took the liberty of strengthening the guards and security at the royal tombs, Great Pharaoh.”
Atemu pursed his lips a little, as that was Mahaado’s task; he was the captain of the guards of the royal tombs. He would probably clash about that with Set later, but Atemu didn’t give it much thought. Both Priests were adults, they could battle their own fights.
“We do not know, however, if this… Bakura was his name, right? …if Bakura is also behind this second attack? I do not know a King of Thieves, and I do not know why he made me his enemy.”
“You have lots of enemies,” Set said dryly. “You are the epitome of political power, and there are lots of people who would like to see you dead. Maybe the Syrian delegates are working together with this man.”
“Nonsense,” Atemu protested. “Keep yourself to the facts. You are not the kind of person to speculate.”
“Indeed,” Set said, and bowed to Atemu. “I will take back those words, Great Pharaoh. I have concluded my interrogations and I have decided to keep four people for further questioning.”
“Very well. And the others?”
“Everyone else has been send home, of course.”
“They came here for a public audience,” Atemu said, slightly aggravated. “They traveled miles and miles to come see me or speak to me-“
“-or to kill you,” the High Priest provided.
“See me or speak to me,” Atemu repeated stubbornly. “I want the public audiences to be re-established as soon as possible.”
“But Pharaoh! You have barely recovered…”
“I can wear a scarf around my neck or something,” Atemu said. “I will not allow myself to be pushed into a corner because of some lunatic running around, claiming to be the King of Thieves. I will not be afraid of this man!”
“You are exposing yourself to danger too much.”
“I have my Priests,” Atemu answered a matter-of-factly. Set shook his head.
“Even we cannot protect you from everything, Great Pharaoh.”
“Then we have to find a way to deal with these attacks and the King of Thieves before you have to bury me, my friend.”
The High Priest nodded determinedly, but drew his lips into a pensive, small line.
--------------------------
“Why is everyone not here, yet?” Atemu looked around the large table, spotting the empty seats. To his surprise, both Mahaado and Shaadah were absent. Aishizu looked a little embarrassed for some reason, and Akunadin drummed with his fingers on the table.
“I suggest we get started.” Set had his schedule to keep and safe for some horrible disaster, nothing would deter him in the slightest. Atemu scowled, not wanting to start without the other two Priests. Karim stared at the Sennen Scale in front of him as if the Item could give him an answer, and like the others, he was startled when the door flung open and Mahaado barged in, his long robes billowing behind him.
“What is the reason for your delay?” Set immediately demanded to know, tapping with his Sennen Rod against his upper arm. Mahaado took his seat after throwing Set a rather indignant look, but as usual the High Priest was unfazed by it.
“I was called to Shaadah’s quarters unexpectedly,” he said.
“Shaadah is sick?” Aishizu asked, her voice a little shrill.
Mahaado nodded. “I could clearly see that he ran a very high fever, and I had to give him one of my strongest brews to keep at least the nightmares away. He hadn’t slept for quite a while now, and he was extremely restless.”
Shimon shifted in his seat. “Do we need to take precautions? Is this contagious, Mahaado?”
“Not as far as I can determine,” Mahaado said and looked at Atemu, who didn’t wear his usual golden broad collar around his neck, but had wrapped a colorful scarf around his skin, hiding the hideous bruises from view.
“All right, we will start the meeting now,” Set said. The High Priest had made lists out of everything and thanks to his efficiency, the Court was a well-oiled organization. Atemu was thankful that Set was so efficient and loyal; he wouldn’t know what to do without him. While the High Priest was talking, Atemu looked at the other Priests. Mahaado was deep in concentration, following the list with his eyes and fingers. Akunadin seemed to have…dozed off? It was hard to figure out as one of the man’s eyes was the Sennen Eye, which didn’t bear an expression. Atemu couldn’t make out if his other eye was closed as well, but the way his head was leaning on his chest left him to think the elderly man had drifted off. Aishizu blinked a few times, keeping her face in a painstakingly neutral expression. She had to be very bored. It was hard for a woman to keep herself upright between all those men, and Atemu sometimes took pity on her. However, a complaint had never crossed her lips.
They finished discussing the current affairs and the servants went around for another round of refreshments.
“Court dismissed,” Atemu finally said and put the papyri and scrolls to his side for the clerks to roll them up and store them later. Aishizu stood up, her robes rustling with the movement, as well as Karim, Akunadin and Set. Mahaado dallied a little, and as Atemu rose, he threw him a look that told him enough.
“You wanted to talk to me?” Atemu asked and the Priest nodded. It didn’t escape him that Karim looked a little upset, but he let it slide - he had other business to attend to now. Set remained standing as well.
“I too would like to talk to you, Great Pharaoh.”
As Mahaado didn’t object to Set being there, Atemu assumed his seat again.
“What is it? I would like to keep it short so I can visit Shaadah,” he said. Set clunked the Sennen Rod on the table.
“It is good that you brought up the subject,” the High Priest immediately hooked in. “I have not spoken with Shaadah yet, but I suspect he has something to do with your… ah, latest attack, Great Pharaoh.”
Mahaado widened his eyes. “Absolutely not!”
“Let me finish,” Set barked, cutting Mahaado off. “At the last meeting, Great Pharaoh, while you were recovering, I noticed that Shaadah had abrasive skin, red welts on the palms of his hands.”
“And?”
“Shaadah told me he went on horseback, searching for the culprit, but I asked the stable guards and they had not seen him leave. It was Karim who took out to search in the city, not Shaadah.”
“What was Shaadah’s claim to this?”
“That he chafed his hands on the horses’ reins,” Set said. “I think it is a little hard to believe.”
“Shaadah is barely familiar with horseback riding,” Atemu said, pensively. “It would explain why his hands would be immediately chafed from holding the reins longer than usual.”
“Great Pharaoh,” Set protested. “You cannot believe that!”
“It is a little strange, yes, but rather flimsy compared to the accusation,” Atemu said. “I want to have more proof before I even think of suspecting him.”
“Great Pharaoh, I am sure you can exclude him,” Mahaado spoke up. “I have very firm grounds to believe that he was poisoned.”
“Poisoned?” Atemu repeated, aghast. “Is he going to die?”
“No,” Mahaado shook his head. “He is young and strong, and the poison was acute, not slowly administered. I am sure he will recover completely.”
“Thank the Gods. But how-?”
“I do not know, but I suspect it to be mandrake root.” Mahaado hated to bring bad news. “I have a list of all the alchemists in town, but I still have not determined how one would obtain mandrake root and process it like this…”
“Then pick out some guards and get your men onto it,” Set said, impatiently. “Our lives are at risk here!”
“I decided to talk to our Pharaoh first,” Mahaado objected. “If we start to rabidly search all over town, we could scare potential suspects away.”
Atemu was pondering Mahaado’s words. “We need to find out who could be responsible for creating the poison with mandrake root. Mahaado, I need you to double your efforts.”
“As the Great Pharaoh wishes,” the Priest answered. “I will do my very best.”
Set snorted.
“Do you have anything to add?” Atemu asked his High Priest.
“Only one thing: I will not offer my apologies for suspecting Shaadah in the first place.”
“I know you will not,” Atemu said, and he couldn’t help it, he was almost amused. For as efficient and loyal Set was, he was also extremely stubborn.
---------------------------------
The Priests’ quarters were located in the west wing: private rooms for each Priest, and a shared meeting room and a large living room, the same room where Aishizu held her sessions with her Tauk. Accompanied by four guards, Atemu breezed into west wing, startling the servants as his visit was unannounced. Rushed, Aishizu met him half-way and guided him towards Shaadah’s room.
“He’s still very restless,” she told him. “The fever hasn’t broken yet.”
They reached Shaadah’s quarters and Aishizu knocked politely before entering. The poor Priest was lying in his bed, lucid enough to open his eyes when the visitors entered. He recognized Atemu and panicked, upset about the Pharaoh seeing him in this condition.
“It is all right,” Atemu said soothingly. “I just came to see how you were doing.”
“Great Pharaoh,” Shaadah said with chattering teeth, “You shouldn’t approach me…who knows what I’ve caught…”
“You did take all of Mahaado’s brews, right? You will get better if you take what he prescribes you.”
“I know, Great Pharaoh,” Shaadah said. He was tucked in, his body covered by blankets even though he was shaking from the cold. Could that be really the effect of poison? Atemu made a mental note to ask about the effects of mandrake root whenever he saw Mahaado again. He patted Shaadah on the foot end of the bed.
“Did you eat some, or at least drank some water?”
“Liters,” Aishizu answered in Shaadah’s place. “All to flush out the bad illness that runs through his body. We serve him tea with honey or water and make sure he drinks enough. That will help him.”
Atemu nodded. Aishizu wasn’t aware of the poison, it was better to keep that under wraps to avoid general panic and paranoia. How could anyone expect this to happen, that someone would actually try to poison a priest? Or maybe it was meant for me, Atemu thought bitterly. He absent-mindedly touched the colorful scarf around his neck. After two attacks in two days, he was becoming paranoid himself.
“Great Pharaoh? Are you all right?”
“Yes, yes I am, Aishizu,” he quickly said. “Do not worry. I was just thinking... it is simply horrible to feel sick. I know you are taking good care of him, Aishizu.”
“I couldn’t do it without Mahaado’s healing brews and potions,” she said. “He’ll recover, I’m sure of it, but I’ve never seen someone falling ill like this.”
“He lost some weight,” Atemu said. “The poor guy.”
“Rest assured, we are taking very good care of him,” Aishizu said, determinedly. “This illness won’t get the better of him.”
“Hopefully it is not as resistant as your willpower, then,” Atemu said. “With the best care of the country, I am sure Shaadah will be on his feet soon enough.”
He looked at the Priest who appeared to have fallen asleep. A servant dabbed the sweat drops on his forehead away, and Shaadah mumbled incoherently. Fever was such a dangerous thing; Atemu was grateful for Mahaado’s extensive knowledge on how to beat it. The door to Shaadah’s room opened and closed again, and Karim appeared next to his fellow Priest’s bedside, carrying a bowl with fruit. Karim put the bowl on the wooden dresser and looked at Shaadah worriedly.
“Any improvement?” he asked.
Aishizu sighed softly. “His nightmares are gone, but the fever remains, unfortunately.”
“He’s going to need more of Mahaado’s brews…”
Atemu listened to the others talk and knew that there was nothing he could do here. He had no healing knowledge and he would only be in the way of Shaada’s caretakers. He decided to leave the others to do their work.
“Keep me up to date about his condition, Aishizu,” he said and turned to leave.
“I’ll escort you back to your quarters, Pharaoh,” Karim said and bowed to him. “Your bandages need to be changed. Mahaado has taught us how, so we can all help you with it.”
“Very well,” Atemu said and after saying his goodbyes to Aishizu and the sleeping Shaadah, he went back to his own quarters, followed by Karim and his guards.
-----------------------------------
In his absence, the servants had replaced the bowls with fresh water and stacked more towels in both the bedroom and bathroom. Karim walked over to the dresser and took the small pot with ointment from the top drawer. Atemu sat down, his thoughts wandering off. He startled when he felt Karim’s fingers on his neck.
“Ah!”
“Pharaoh! I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“My fault,” Atemu said, slightly sheepish. “I should have paid attention.”
“No, it’s my fault,” Karim said. “I should’ve warned you.”
Atemu tilted his head as Karim carefully unwound the bandages. The tall Priest gently started to rub in the cooling, soothing ointment. Atemu hissed as the concoction touched his still abrasive skin. After the slight sting was gone, the healing, relieving properties of the balm felt so relaxing that Atemu slumped against Karim, completely trusting the other. He barely felt the clean wrap slipping around his neck. He did notice Karim’s finger brushing his cheek - maybe it was just a clumsy movement, but Atemu didn’t pay attention to it. The Priest finished fastening the clean bandages and put the lid on the pot again. He remained where he was, allowing Atemu to rest against his chest. It was silent; no advisors, Priests or clerks running around. It was a soothing moment; just like Mahaado, Karim possessed something that made him completely feel at ease and relaxed in the Priest’s presence. Atemu’s breathing hitched though, as he felt a hand in his hair, fingers stroking the strands. It was still soothing, still innocent…but Atemu couldn’t deny the joy he felt from the attention.
“Pharaoh, are you asleep?” Karim whispered and Atemu didn’t know why he didn’t answer, but his voice simply refused to speak up. His throat was locked, and with his eyes closed and all but slumped against Karim’s chest, it was not strange he thought that Atemu had fallen asleep. He couldn’t suppress a soft shiver as the Priest touched his ear when caressing his hair. He didn’t know how long he rested against Karim, but the lips on his cheek were new. Lips that traveled towards his own, kissing him… Atemu reacted before he realized it, opening his eyes and sighing into the kiss.
“Pharaoh,” Karim said, surprised and he immediately moved away. He’d been convinced the other had been asleep, and he had just been cuddling and nuzzling him, wanting to taste his lips. Karim moved so quickly that Atemu almost keeled over, and he stretched both his hands to catch his fall, leaning on the chair.
“Karim…”
“I was out of line, Great Pharaoh. I overstepped boundaries I shouldn’t have…” He grabbed his Item, the Sennen Scales, from the floor, with the intent to leave quickly.
“Karim, wait!”
He froze in mid-air, keeping his head averted. “Great Pharaoh…”
Atemu moved towards him and put his hand on the man’s arm. “Karim, please. I am sorry if I did anything to make you feel…”
“It’s not your fault,” the Priest shook his head forcefully, “it’s not your fault! I was out of line.”
“I still am sorry,” Atemu said. He bit his lip. He wasn’t sure how to deal with the situation. Was he ready for love anyway? And what about Mahaado? He…liked Mahaado. Both were Priests, and then there was Mana. “Karim… I appreciate you as the Priest and valuable advisor you are. Your loyalty and dedication are outstanding.” He smiled as he saw the taller man blush. Karim had worked for the late Pharaoh Akunamukanon, and Atemu knew that his father had been very sparse with compliments…but he meant every word he said, forcefully as it came from deep within him, truth and faith behind every word. Atemu moved up his hand, touching Karim’s bicep. “I want you to be my Priest in my Court, and I want you to feel safe and comfortable.”
“I always feel safe and comfortable around you, Great Pharaoh,” Karim said and lowered his head. “Please do not discharge me from your service, I beg of you.”
“Never,” Atemu said, without skipping a beat. “Like I said, I want you to be my Priest in my Court…”
“Great Pharaoh…”
Their faces were closer than ever, and Karim’s lips parted a little before placing them on Atemu’s again. The Priest wrapped his arms around him for an embrace. Atemu just let it happen, allowing it to wash all over him, enjoying the kiss far more than he expected at first. First… for some reason, he had always thought that Mahaado would be the one to kiss him first. After all, they’d been close from their youngest days; being trained and educated together…his father had never made it a secret that Atemu was free to choose however he wanted, even though he was fully aware of the importance of marriage and providing an heir. Atemu had always felt something for Mana, as she was the only woman in his life. She grew up with him and Mahaado, as a sister and friend… and perhaps something more? Karim intensified the kiss, his tongue gently roaming his mouth, and Mana disappeared from his mind. It was heavenly, and Atemu felt safe in his arms, almost melting away. It was surprisingly how gentle and careful the buff Priest could be. Finally they broke up the kiss; Atemu had fisted his hand in Karim’s sash.
“Pharaoh,” he softly whispered. Unconsciously, Atemu lowered his eyes, which was answer enough for the Priest. He loosened the embrace, his hands moving over Atemu’s shoulders to his chin, gently cupping his face. “You will always have my love…my Pharaoh.”
Atemu wasn’t able to say something in return, as Karim picked up his Sennen Scales and had left his room before he could even think of stopping him.
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Previous chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
This entry was originally posted at http://the-goldenpath.dreamwidth.org/42234.html. Please comment there using OpenID.
Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh!
Characters/Pairings: Atemu x Mahaado, Aishizu x Mahaado (unrequited), High Priest Set x Kisara, friendship!Atemu & Mana, Karim x Atemu, Mahaado x Karim x Atemu
Genre: action, adventure, romance
Summary: (AE, AU) After the death of the Great Pharaoh Akunamukanon, his son Atemu ascends to the throne. As soon as Priest Mahaado discovers that the late Pharaoh didn’t die of natural causes, a certain thief is spotted around the Palace… now the priest has to fear for his life and that of his friends, as dark forces are closing around them quickly...
Author’s note: Yu-Gi-Oh! and all its characters don’t belong to me. No infringement on any copyrights is intended. Feedback is greatly appreciated. I don’t pretend to give any accurate historical reflection of life in Ancient Egypt. This is for entertainment purposes only.
Key: ----------------- scene change
“Apprentice. Apprentice!”
Jerked out of her thoughts, Mana keeled over and fell from the bench, her legs unladylike up in the air. Quickly, she stood upright again, smoothing her skirt.
“Yes, Master?”
“Keep your attention focused,” Mahaado scolded her, but there wasn’t any harshness in his voice. “I can not have you wander off with your attention elsewhere, as you will do even more damage when you are not focused.”
“That’s not very kind, Master,” the girl pouted. She knew Mahaado was right, of course- her magic tended to become extremely erratic when she didn’t focus. The murder attempts on Atemu’s life were straining her nerves, and she had been frantically searching all over the Palace again, as if she could find the culprit and use her magic to punish him. Mana was also searching for protective spells, refusing to believe that the guards could keep her best friend safe. After all, he’d been attacked in his private quarters, where he was supposed to be free of any harm.
“Master?”
“Yes, Apprentice?”
“Do you think it was that King?”
“What do you mean?” Mahaado looked up from the paperwork in front of him, a huge pile of lists detailing alchemists, healers and anyone else with knowledge of herbs and potions. It was his task to find out who had access to mandrake root and who’d been able to create a poison with it. So far, Mahaado had managed to narrow the number of people down, but it wasn’t enough. Too many people had rudimentary knowledge of alchemy and herbs and plants. Mandrake root might be harder to come by and process, still plenty of people could access it and brew it into a potion. He really didn’t fancy going into town and question all these people, but it looked like he had no other choice.
“That King… you know, when that man tried to…”
“The King of Thieves,” Mahaado said, “or so his name is sung on the streets. We know his real name is Bakura, a man with bone-white hair, wearing a dark red cloak. People are afraid to talk about him…as if he has struck the fear of a demon in them.”
Mana clutched her wand to her chest. This information was new to her and it was terrifying her.
“Maybe he is a demon, if he wants to take Prince’s life…”
“Pharaoh, Apprentice, Pharaoh…!”
“Pharaoh,” she repeated stubbornly. “Master, will Pharaoh be safe from now on?”
“We do everything we can,” Mahaado said. “The King of Thieves is cunning, but not cunning enough. We have the Gods on our side.”
Mana scowled a little. She believed in the Gods, but they never responded when her Pharaoh was in dire need of some help. They hadn’t saved him from the poisoned dart or that horrible attack when he was almost strangled to death. That ‘King of Thieves’ sounded dangerous and she could do nothing to help her friend. Frustrated, she twirled her wand around.
“Please be careful with that, Apprentice..!”
“I want to do something, I want to help!”
Mahaado took pity on her. He recognized her fear and frustration, and how badly she wanted to help out. He used his work as a distraction to not think about the severe implication of all the attacks, and he all but overlooked his Apprentice. He probably was too harsh on her, and the girl was suffering from her anxiety and worries about the Pharaoh… the same worries he had.
“You can help me with these lists,” he said. “Would you like to do that?”
“Yes, please! I want to help!” Mana jumped up and smiled. She thought of hugging her Master, but decided quickly against it. All but skipping, she went to his large desk and grabbed one of the lists. She wanted to do everything it took to protect Atemu.
-----------------------------
Atemu rested comfortably against a mountain of soft, fluffy pillows, a gold tray with a cup of tea and a small bowl with assorted figs and dates next to him. He looked up at Set, the tall High Priest hovering over him.
“What are your recent findings, Set?”
“This King of Thieves proves to be a real pain,” the High Priest answered. “People are afraid of him, even when giving a hint of his name. Priest Akunadin was able to reconstruct a physical description, as you already know: bone white hair, chopped off roughly at the shoulders, and dressed in a red cloak. He wears rings and some necklaces; he likes to prance around with gold.”
“And this gold is from his thievery?”
“He takes great pride in robbing tombs,” Set answered, disdainful. “I took the liberty of strengthening the guards and security at the royal tombs, Great Pharaoh.”
Atemu pursed his lips a little, as that was Mahaado’s task; he was the captain of the guards of the royal tombs. He would probably clash about that with Set later, but Atemu didn’t give it much thought. Both Priests were adults, they could battle their own fights.
“We do not know, however, if this… Bakura was his name, right? …if Bakura is also behind this second attack? I do not know a King of Thieves, and I do not know why he made me his enemy.”
“You have lots of enemies,” Set said dryly. “You are the epitome of political power, and there are lots of people who would like to see you dead. Maybe the Syrian delegates are working together with this man.”
“Nonsense,” Atemu protested. “Keep yourself to the facts. You are not the kind of person to speculate.”
“Indeed,” Set said, and bowed to Atemu. “I will take back those words, Great Pharaoh. I have concluded my interrogations and I have decided to keep four people for further questioning.”
“Very well. And the others?”
“Everyone else has been send home, of course.”
“They came here for a public audience,” Atemu said, slightly aggravated. “They traveled miles and miles to come see me or speak to me-“
“-or to kill you,” the High Priest provided.
“See me or speak to me,” Atemu repeated stubbornly. “I want the public audiences to be re-established as soon as possible.”
“But Pharaoh! You have barely recovered…”
“I can wear a scarf around my neck or something,” Atemu said. “I will not allow myself to be pushed into a corner because of some lunatic running around, claiming to be the King of Thieves. I will not be afraid of this man!”
“You are exposing yourself to danger too much.”
“I have my Priests,” Atemu answered a matter-of-factly. Set shook his head.
“Even we cannot protect you from everything, Great Pharaoh.”
“Then we have to find a way to deal with these attacks and the King of Thieves before you have to bury me, my friend.”
The High Priest nodded determinedly, but drew his lips into a pensive, small line.
--------------------------
“Why is everyone not here, yet?” Atemu looked around the large table, spotting the empty seats. To his surprise, both Mahaado and Shaadah were absent. Aishizu looked a little embarrassed for some reason, and Akunadin drummed with his fingers on the table.
“I suggest we get started.” Set had his schedule to keep and safe for some horrible disaster, nothing would deter him in the slightest. Atemu scowled, not wanting to start without the other two Priests. Karim stared at the Sennen Scale in front of him as if the Item could give him an answer, and like the others, he was startled when the door flung open and Mahaado barged in, his long robes billowing behind him.
“What is the reason for your delay?” Set immediately demanded to know, tapping with his Sennen Rod against his upper arm. Mahaado took his seat after throwing Set a rather indignant look, but as usual the High Priest was unfazed by it.
“I was called to Shaadah’s quarters unexpectedly,” he said.
“Shaadah is sick?” Aishizu asked, her voice a little shrill.
Mahaado nodded. “I could clearly see that he ran a very high fever, and I had to give him one of my strongest brews to keep at least the nightmares away. He hadn’t slept for quite a while now, and he was extremely restless.”
Shimon shifted in his seat. “Do we need to take precautions? Is this contagious, Mahaado?”
“Not as far as I can determine,” Mahaado said and looked at Atemu, who didn’t wear his usual golden broad collar around his neck, but had wrapped a colorful scarf around his skin, hiding the hideous bruises from view.
“All right, we will start the meeting now,” Set said. The High Priest had made lists out of everything and thanks to his efficiency, the Court was a well-oiled organization. Atemu was thankful that Set was so efficient and loyal; he wouldn’t know what to do without him. While the High Priest was talking, Atemu looked at the other Priests. Mahaado was deep in concentration, following the list with his eyes and fingers. Akunadin seemed to have…dozed off? It was hard to figure out as one of the man’s eyes was the Sennen Eye, which didn’t bear an expression. Atemu couldn’t make out if his other eye was closed as well, but the way his head was leaning on his chest left him to think the elderly man had drifted off. Aishizu blinked a few times, keeping her face in a painstakingly neutral expression. She had to be very bored. It was hard for a woman to keep herself upright between all those men, and Atemu sometimes took pity on her. However, a complaint had never crossed her lips.
They finished discussing the current affairs and the servants went around for another round of refreshments.
“Court dismissed,” Atemu finally said and put the papyri and scrolls to his side for the clerks to roll them up and store them later. Aishizu stood up, her robes rustling with the movement, as well as Karim, Akunadin and Set. Mahaado dallied a little, and as Atemu rose, he threw him a look that told him enough.
“You wanted to talk to me?” Atemu asked and the Priest nodded. It didn’t escape him that Karim looked a little upset, but he let it slide - he had other business to attend to now. Set remained standing as well.
“I too would like to talk to you, Great Pharaoh.”
As Mahaado didn’t object to Set being there, Atemu assumed his seat again.
“What is it? I would like to keep it short so I can visit Shaadah,” he said. Set clunked the Sennen Rod on the table.
“It is good that you brought up the subject,” the High Priest immediately hooked in. “I have not spoken with Shaadah yet, but I suspect he has something to do with your… ah, latest attack, Great Pharaoh.”
Mahaado widened his eyes. “Absolutely not!”
“Let me finish,” Set barked, cutting Mahaado off. “At the last meeting, Great Pharaoh, while you were recovering, I noticed that Shaadah had abrasive skin, red welts on the palms of his hands.”
“And?”
“Shaadah told me he went on horseback, searching for the culprit, but I asked the stable guards and they had not seen him leave. It was Karim who took out to search in the city, not Shaadah.”
“What was Shaadah’s claim to this?”
“That he chafed his hands on the horses’ reins,” Set said. “I think it is a little hard to believe.”
“Shaadah is barely familiar with horseback riding,” Atemu said, pensively. “It would explain why his hands would be immediately chafed from holding the reins longer than usual.”
“Great Pharaoh,” Set protested. “You cannot believe that!”
“It is a little strange, yes, but rather flimsy compared to the accusation,” Atemu said. “I want to have more proof before I even think of suspecting him.”
“Great Pharaoh, I am sure you can exclude him,” Mahaado spoke up. “I have very firm grounds to believe that he was poisoned.”
“Poisoned?” Atemu repeated, aghast. “Is he going to die?”
“No,” Mahaado shook his head. “He is young and strong, and the poison was acute, not slowly administered. I am sure he will recover completely.”
“Thank the Gods. But how-?”
“I do not know, but I suspect it to be mandrake root.” Mahaado hated to bring bad news. “I have a list of all the alchemists in town, but I still have not determined how one would obtain mandrake root and process it like this…”
“Then pick out some guards and get your men onto it,” Set said, impatiently. “Our lives are at risk here!”
“I decided to talk to our Pharaoh first,” Mahaado objected. “If we start to rabidly search all over town, we could scare potential suspects away.”
Atemu was pondering Mahaado’s words. “We need to find out who could be responsible for creating the poison with mandrake root. Mahaado, I need you to double your efforts.”
“As the Great Pharaoh wishes,” the Priest answered. “I will do my very best.”
Set snorted.
“Do you have anything to add?” Atemu asked his High Priest.
“Only one thing: I will not offer my apologies for suspecting Shaadah in the first place.”
“I know you will not,” Atemu said, and he couldn’t help it, he was almost amused. For as efficient and loyal Set was, he was also extremely stubborn.
---------------------------------
The Priests’ quarters were located in the west wing: private rooms for each Priest, and a shared meeting room and a large living room, the same room where Aishizu held her sessions with her Tauk. Accompanied by four guards, Atemu breezed into west wing, startling the servants as his visit was unannounced. Rushed, Aishizu met him half-way and guided him towards Shaadah’s room.
“He’s still very restless,” she told him. “The fever hasn’t broken yet.”
They reached Shaadah’s quarters and Aishizu knocked politely before entering. The poor Priest was lying in his bed, lucid enough to open his eyes when the visitors entered. He recognized Atemu and panicked, upset about the Pharaoh seeing him in this condition.
“It is all right,” Atemu said soothingly. “I just came to see how you were doing.”
“Great Pharaoh,” Shaadah said with chattering teeth, “You shouldn’t approach me…who knows what I’ve caught…”
“You did take all of Mahaado’s brews, right? You will get better if you take what he prescribes you.”
“I know, Great Pharaoh,” Shaadah said. He was tucked in, his body covered by blankets even though he was shaking from the cold. Could that be really the effect of poison? Atemu made a mental note to ask about the effects of mandrake root whenever he saw Mahaado again. He patted Shaadah on the foot end of the bed.
“Did you eat some, or at least drank some water?”
“Liters,” Aishizu answered in Shaadah’s place. “All to flush out the bad illness that runs through his body. We serve him tea with honey or water and make sure he drinks enough. That will help him.”
Atemu nodded. Aishizu wasn’t aware of the poison, it was better to keep that under wraps to avoid general panic and paranoia. How could anyone expect this to happen, that someone would actually try to poison a priest? Or maybe it was meant for me, Atemu thought bitterly. He absent-mindedly touched the colorful scarf around his neck. After two attacks in two days, he was becoming paranoid himself.
“Great Pharaoh? Are you all right?”
“Yes, yes I am, Aishizu,” he quickly said. “Do not worry. I was just thinking... it is simply horrible to feel sick. I know you are taking good care of him, Aishizu.”
“I couldn’t do it without Mahaado’s healing brews and potions,” she said. “He’ll recover, I’m sure of it, but I’ve never seen someone falling ill like this.”
“He lost some weight,” Atemu said. “The poor guy.”
“Rest assured, we are taking very good care of him,” Aishizu said, determinedly. “This illness won’t get the better of him.”
“Hopefully it is not as resistant as your willpower, then,” Atemu said. “With the best care of the country, I am sure Shaadah will be on his feet soon enough.”
He looked at the Priest who appeared to have fallen asleep. A servant dabbed the sweat drops on his forehead away, and Shaadah mumbled incoherently. Fever was such a dangerous thing; Atemu was grateful for Mahaado’s extensive knowledge on how to beat it. The door to Shaadah’s room opened and closed again, and Karim appeared next to his fellow Priest’s bedside, carrying a bowl with fruit. Karim put the bowl on the wooden dresser and looked at Shaadah worriedly.
“Any improvement?” he asked.
Aishizu sighed softly. “His nightmares are gone, but the fever remains, unfortunately.”
“He’s going to need more of Mahaado’s brews…”
Atemu listened to the others talk and knew that there was nothing he could do here. He had no healing knowledge and he would only be in the way of Shaada’s caretakers. He decided to leave the others to do their work.
“Keep me up to date about his condition, Aishizu,” he said and turned to leave.
“I’ll escort you back to your quarters, Pharaoh,” Karim said and bowed to him. “Your bandages need to be changed. Mahaado has taught us how, so we can all help you with it.”
“Very well,” Atemu said and after saying his goodbyes to Aishizu and the sleeping Shaadah, he went back to his own quarters, followed by Karim and his guards.
-----------------------------------
In his absence, the servants had replaced the bowls with fresh water and stacked more towels in both the bedroom and bathroom. Karim walked over to the dresser and took the small pot with ointment from the top drawer. Atemu sat down, his thoughts wandering off. He startled when he felt Karim’s fingers on his neck.
“Ah!”
“Pharaoh! I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“My fault,” Atemu said, slightly sheepish. “I should have paid attention.”
“No, it’s my fault,” Karim said. “I should’ve warned you.”
Atemu tilted his head as Karim carefully unwound the bandages. The tall Priest gently started to rub in the cooling, soothing ointment. Atemu hissed as the concoction touched his still abrasive skin. After the slight sting was gone, the healing, relieving properties of the balm felt so relaxing that Atemu slumped against Karim, completely trusting the other. He barely felt the clean wrap slipping around his neck. He did notice Karim’s finger brushing his cheek - maybe it was just a clumsy movement, but Atemu didn’t pay attention to it. The Priest finished fastening the clean bandages and put the lid on the pot again. He remained where he was, allowing Atemu to rest against his chest. It was silent; no advisors, Priests or clerks running around. It was a soothing moment; just like Mahaado, Karim possessed something that made him completely feel at ease and relaxed in the Priest’s presence. Atemu’s breathing hitched though, as he felt a hand in his hair, fingers stroking the strands. It was still soothing, still innocent…but Atemu couldn’t deny the joy he felt from the attention.
“Pharaoh, are you asleep?” Karim whispered and Atemu didn’t know why he didn’t answer, but his voice simply refused to speak up. His throat was locked, and with his eyes closed and all but slumped against Karim’s chest, it was not strange he thought that Atemu had fallen asleep. He couldn’t suppress a soft shiver as the Priest touched his ear when caressing his hair. He didn’t know how long he rested against Karim, but the lips on his cheek were new. Lips that traveled towards his own, kissing him… Atemu reacted before he realized it, opening his eyes and sighing into the kiss.
“Pharaoh,” Karim said, surprised and he immediately moved away. He’d been convinced the other had been asleep, and he had just been cuddling and nuzzling him, wanting to taste his lips. Karim moved so quickly that Atemu almost keeled over, and he stretched both his hands to catch his fall, leaning on the chair.
“Karim…”
“I was out of line, Great Pharaoh. I overstepped boundaries I shouldn’t have…” He grabbed his Item, the Sennen Scales, from the floor, with the intent to leave quickly.
“Karim, wait!”
He froze in mid-air, keeping his head averted. “Great Pharaoh…”
Atemu moved towards him and put his hand on the man’s arm. “Karim, please. I am sorry if I did anything to make you feel…”
“It’s not your fault,” the Priest shook his head forcefully, “it’s not your fault! I was out of line.”
“I still am sorry,” Atemu said. He bit his lip. He wasn’t sure how to deal with the situation. Was he ready for love anyway? And what about Mahaado? He…liked Mahaado. Both were Priests, and then there was Mana. “Karim… I appreciate you as the Priest and valuable advisor you are. Your loyalty and dedication are outstanding.” He smiled as he saw the taller man blush. Karim had worked for the late Pharaoh Akunamukanon, and Atemu knew that his father had been very sparse with compliments…but he meant every word he said, forcefully as it came from deep within him, truth and faith behind every word. Atemu moved up his hand, touching Karim’s bicep. “I want you to be my Priest in my Court, and I want you to feel safe and comfortable.”
“I always feel safe and comfortable around you, Great Pharaoh,” Karim said and lowered his head. “Please do not discharge me from your service, I beg of you.”
“Never,” Atemu said, without skipping a beat. “Like I said, I want you to be my Priest in my Court…”
“Great Pharaoh…”
Their faces were closer than ever, and Karim’s lips parted a little before placing them on Atemu’s again. The Priest wrapped his arms around him for an embrace. Atemu just let it happen, allowing it to wash all over him, enjoying the kiss far more than he expected at first. First… for some reason, he had always thought that Mahaado would be the one to kiss him first. After all, they’d been close from their youngest days; being trained and educated together…his father had never made it a secret that Atemu was free to choose however he wanted, even though he was fully aware of the importance of marriage and providing an heir. Atemu had always felt something for Mana, as she was the only woman in his life. She grew up with him and Mahaado, as a sister and friend… and perhaps something more? Karim intensified the kiss, his tongue gently roaming his mouth, and Mana disappeared from his mind. It was heavenly, and Atemu felt safe in his arms, almost melting away. It was surprisingly how gentle and careful the buff Priest could be. Finally they broke up the kiss; Atemu had fisted his hand in Karim’s sash.
“Pharaoh,” he softly whispered. Unconsciously, Atemu lowered his eyes, which was answer enough for the Priest. He loosened the embrace, his hands moving over Atemu’s shoulders to his chin, gently cupping his face. “You will always have my love…my Pharaoh.”
Atemu wasn’t able to say something in return, as Karim picked up his Sennen Scales and had left his room before he could even think of stopping him.
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