Memoria

Chapter One Prologue: The Death of Love

The exotic pharaoh of Egypt lay content within his High Priests arms. He slept soundly, and the studious blue eyes of the high priest studied his bronze skin. It was flawless and almost seemed untouched, but he knew better. His Pharaohs hair is spiked; a rich blood with black trim and bangs like that of a golden crown framed the peaceful face. It was quite obvious that Seth, High Priest, was deeply in love with Atemu, Pharaoh of Egypt.

Running his fingers into the soft tresses Seth sighed in discontent upon remembering their duties. Pressing his lips gently to Atemu’s temple he held the smaller body close. “I love you deeply, my Pharaoh.” He whispered into the exotic ruler’s ear. Seth felt a sudden tug from the dark realm and frowned.

Atemu must have been more awake than Seth had thought because he sat up quickly. “The shadows have been acting aggressively these past few days.” He said, letting his exhaustion grow. His usually vibrant red eyes were dull and disheartened the High Priest. Upon feeling Atemu’s anguish Seth gripped his chin and kissed him. Atemu relaxed into the touch but groaned softly in disappointment when Seth moved away.

“As much as I would love to pleasure your body this morning,” Atemu blushed, “we have duties.” Atemu flopped back down onto his bed. Seth’s arms wrapped around Atemu’s frame and buried his face in Atemu’s hair. Atemu smiled fondly.

“Perhaps finding out what that blare of power was should become priority.”Atemu said softly and Seth hummed in agreement. “If you’re going to do something, don’t waste any time,” said Atemu glaring lazily at the brunette.

Seth smiled against Atemu’s skin and kissed it gently before rising up. Stretching in the warmth of the early morning Seth prepared himself for the day. Knowing his lover was seething and probably glaring at him Seth bid him good morning and left. Atemu groaned into his pillows, it was going to be a long day.

*

“As far as we can see the economy is fine,” said Isis pacing back and forth, well aware of the fact that Atemu wasn’t listening. “However, we have seen increases in burial theft.” That apparently held interest currently in the mind of her pharaoh because he looked up at her.

“Thief Bakura I’m presuming?” He inquired and turned gravely out the window as Isis nodded. The times were getting harder, and every time word like this came, not only were the people affected but this weighed heavily on the Pharaoh. Isis sat silently beside him.

“Do not let it weigh too heavily on your heart my Pharaoh. Times get hard we all know this,” Said Isis touching his hand softly. “We all have burdens to bear-.”

“Yes, but as they pile upon your shoulders the burdens grow heavier.” Atemu miffed standing. Isis sat quietly. Atemu stepped onto the balcony and looked over his city. “I know what he’s after and I fear I’m going to have to do something about this soon before he reaches his goal, Isis.” Looking up quickly Isis noticed a sad look in her Pharaoh’s eye. She knew that look all too well.

“I have one other pressing matter my king.” Isis said glancing down at her reports. “There was a release this morning from the Shadow Realm, nothing too serious but I thought that we ought to look into it.”

“It woke me this morning actually.” Atemu admitted. “This one does worry me.” He said taking a seat next to her. Looking over her report Atemu sighed and rubbed his temples, “Never a day of rest in the business that is our great kingdom Isis.” She smiled sadly.

“When will you check this one out?” She asked knowing his intent.

“Tomorrow morning, I will ride out tomorrow morning.” He said and rose swiftly needing to tell Seth.

*

“You won’t let me ride with you?” Seth asked slightly distressed.

“I don’t need more people from my council getting hurt Seth, you will be safer here.” Atemu said taking a seat across from him.

“What if something happens to you out there?” Seth said trying to restrain himself from shouting.

“That is what the guard is for, if they don’t do their job than I shall rely on the Shadows. Don’t think of me so weak Seth.” Atemu said angrily and rose. Walking to the balcony entrance Atemu looked once again over the city.

“I am not trying to say that you are weak, Atemu. Is it not my place as your lover to worry about you?” Asked Seth moving in behind his Pharaoh and enclosed his arms about him.

“My city is in trouble Seth.” Atemu whispered and turned away from the high sun to look up into his High Priest’s eyes. Atemu’s hidden words worried Seth greatly.

“What are you trying to say Atemu?”

“I fear, it is time.” Atemu said moving from Seth’s embrace and took a seat on a chair. “He will strike soon.”

“Then we will stop him, we will not let Bakura take the items Atemu, we-.”

“I will do it.” Atemu interrupted and held his hand up for Seth to be silent. Seth slumped against the wall. “I told you it would happen…”

“Yes but I didn’t expect it to be so soon.” Seth growled. “I swear I will kill Bakura at any cost.”

“Go to your duties Seth, I have other things to attend to.” Atemu said no more after that and left the room.

Seth broke down into sobs and hit the wall.

*

Atemu lay quietly on his bed. The sun was going to be up soon and he was going to leave for the day. Rising up knowing he wasn’t going to get anything in the way of sleep done he began to stretch. Seth hadn’t spoken to him since their small disagreement and it worried him slightly. Shaking it off his servants came in to dress him for his long journey.

*

The heat of the sand passed through Atemu’s sandals as he hit the ground. He looked around at the ruins of the small village that was their destination. Moving into the small village quickly, he and his men looked for survivors. Atemu picked up their trail of the Shadow Realm and followed it cautiously. The area was getting hotter by the second and Atemu had to stick to the shadows. Hearing screams up ahead Atemu shivered, they were shrieks of pain. Coming to a clearing he found a band of thieves and what was left of the village.

Signalling for his men to raise their bows Atemu’s eyes became fierce. The sounds of his people being killed, raped, and beaten were not acceptable. His commander signaled the ready and they released their arrows upon the bandits. They moved out quickly to look after any they had missed or those that were still alive and Atemu walked up to the last remaining bandit. “Tell me something,” he said trying to restrain the urge to kill him instantly, “who sent you here?”

The Bandit laughed, even as blood gushed from his body. “You are too late Pharaoh. He’s already there, in your capital, probably already spilling the blood of your so called innocents-.” Before he could say more Atemu released the powers of the Shadow Realm upon him and motioned for his horse.

“Ride hard, our city is in trouble!” Atemu called and the other soldiers made their way to their horses.

*

Atemu stormed into the royal chambers and found nothing amiss but he didn’t trust what he saw. The whole area was drenched in Shadow magic. “Seth!” He called and Seth appeared quickly, almost a little too quickly. “Where is everyone?”

“They are doing their duties the last time I checked.” Seth answered.

“Don’t even start; Bakura is here in the city.” Seth tensed, as much as Atemu saw.

“How do you know?” Seth asked his eyes checking Atemu over for any injuries.

“The presence of the Shadow Realm in the little village was a trap. There were only bandits there. I’m really concerned about this Seth.” Atemu said removing his travelling cloak.

“I will alert the guard and tell them to be careful tonight. You need your rest my Pharaoh.” Atemu rested his hands on his hips and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for yesterday my Pharaoh.” Seth apologized and bowed on one knee.

“Forget about it, we’ve had worse fights in the past.” Atemu moved around him and decided on a bath. “Have you had a bath yet Seth?”

“No, why?” Seth asked dusting off his robes.

“Come and join me then.” Atemu said taking Seth’s hand in his own and pulling him down towards his rooms.

“You didn’t sleep last night.” The bold statement from Seth made Atemu realize just how exhausted he really was.

“You know I never sleep if you aren’t around Seth.” Atemu retorted a sly smile on his face.

“Don’t you dare blame this one on me. I do not control your sleeping patterns.” Seth said pulling Atemu back into his arms.

“Yes you do, you keep me up with all that lovemaking Seth.” Atemu said meeting the stunning blue eyes of his priest. “No wonder I can’t focus on my kingdom; I have such a lovely Priest waiting in my bed at night.” Seth smirked and kissed Atemu softly.

“I will always wait for you.” He whispered before delving hungrily into his Pharaoh’s mouth. Atemu’s hands rested on his back and gripped his robes tightly.

As they finally made it to Atemu’s bedroom Seth pulled Atemu into the bathroom. Removing their clothes Atemu noticed that the bath had already been prepared. Smiling Atemu turned back to Seth and dropped his remaining attire to the floor. Seth scooped him up into his arms and settled them into the bath. Atemu swore Seth’s kisses burned him deeply as if leaving a mark to remind him that he was his. Breathing heavily into Seth’s ear as his arousal was fondled Atemu trailed kisses along Seth’s neck.

The heat of the bath and Seth’s ministrations brought a lovely flush to full bloom on his lover’s cheeks. Running his free hand from the small of Atemu’s back it ran down and cupped one smooth butt cheek. “Don’t tell me they hid the oil on us again.” He muttered into his Pharaoh’s ear a trailed his tongue down Atemu’s neck.

“It’s behind you.” Atemu whispered letting his own slender fingers run along Seth’s long hard erection. “Please kiss me.” Atemu begged his eyes foggy with lust.

Complying with the request Seth stopped his actions as he assaulted Atemu’s mouth. His Pharaoh reached somewhere behind him to retrieve the oil. “Hold onto it we’re going to the bedroom.” Seth said.

It was no surprise that when they finished Atemu fell into a deep sleep. Seth watched over him. There was no doubt in his mind that his Pharaoh was strong, none at all. However, there were those times like right now where he was reminded how frail Atemu could also be. Pulling the smaller man into his arms Seth kissed his forehead. There was something foreboding about the day that was coming.