Goddess of Life (Atem x Reader)

Chapter Seven - The Warning

After several servants had helped her get ready for bed, including lighting some wonderful incense next to her bed, Y/n found herself lying on her extravagant bed staring at the white canopy. Nazwa was curled up next to her, sleeping soundly. Gazing at the lion cub, Y/n found herself wishing she could sleep as soundly as that at the moment. Even though she was exhausted from the long celebration, she found she just couldn't shut her mind off. She turned her gaze to the large window. Sitting up, she got out of bed, careful not to disturb the sleeping cub. Walking over to the window, she sat on the low window seat, hugging her knees to her chest.

The cool desert wind gently caressed her skin and danced with her hair in the air. It was a particularly clear night, not a cloud in the sky. Stars shone in the thousands, shining bright against the inky sky. The moon was in its first quarter, its light reflecting off the calm waters of the Nile. The occasional bird or jackal could be heard as they roamed about. In a word, it was surreal. Y/n leaned her head back and closed her eyes, taking it all in. For a few moments, she let go of all her questions and worries. How did she get here? Why was she here? Why did she resemble an icon of the ancient world? Who was Atem and why did she feel a connection to him? For just a little bit, she let it all go and was at peace. 'One step at a time,' she told herself, inhaling the clean, desert air, 'Just take it one step at a time.'

The next day, Y/n awoke to the sun's first rays shining on her. Stretching out with a yawn, she realized she had fallen asleep on the window seat. Cracking her neck, she stood up and walked over to her bed where Nazwa had just woken up. The little cub stretched, arching her back and letting a baby yawn. Y/n couldn't help but smile at the cuteness. She sat down and Nazwa walked onto her lap, batting at the loose cotton nightgown. The woman laughed and scratched the baby behind the ears. There was a knock on her door. "Enter," she called, still watching the cub. Mana walked, carrying a tray of breakfast.

"Good morning!" she chirped happily. Y/n smiled.

"Good morning, Mana."

"Did you sleep well?" the priestess asked, setting the tray on the side table. Y/n nodded, deciding it best not to mention she slept on the window seat instead of the beautiful, comfortable bed. As Y/n began to eat, she noticed Mana watching Nazwa is joy. Smiling, she motioned for the priestess to sit down next to her. Mana did so shyly. When she did, Nazwa saw her dangling jewelry and began to play with it. Mana laughed and began to giggle, holding the jewelry just out of the cub's reach. "Are you going to question Kadah today?" she asked. Y/n nodded.

"After breakfast, yes."

"Who do you think sent him?" Y/n shook her head.

"I don't know. Hopefully he can shed some light on that." Mana nodded.

"Do you want Atem present when you question him?" Y/n thought for a moment.

"Yes, that might be a good idea." Mana stood up, seeing the goddess had finished eating.

"I'll go get him." Y/n nodded and the priestess, taking the tray, exited the room. After she left, Y/n leaned her chin in her hand. Part of her hoped the mastermind of this was in the palace while the other didn't. If he or she was, it would be easier to capture him, however that would mean he or she had more opportunity to harm Atem. A sudden flare of anger shot through her at that thought. She couldn't quite explain her strange and sudden connection with the young king, but she did know she absolutely hated the possibility of someone harming him. The mere thought of it caused her to feel an anger she never felt before, as if a burning fire ran through her every vein.

She clenched her jaw as she got dressed. Normally, she would have waited for servants to come and help as that is customary. However, she wanted to get to Kadah as soon as she could. When Mana arrived, with Atem, she was surprised to see Y/n already dressed. Before the priestess could comment, however, the goddess motioned for her to lead them to the cells. As they made their way down, Atem found himself watching his protector out of the corner of his eye. She seemed on rather on edge. Of course, she had the right to be. Someone was trying to kill him, after all. It was amazing how intimidating and looming she could suddenly turn in mere seconds. Her figure stood tall, her shoulders back and head high. Her jaw was set and her eyes... They were narrowed, sharp and cold. And although that soul gripping stare was never aimed at him, just seeing it sent a shiver down his spine. The king wasn't quite sure what she had in mind for Kadah, and to be quite honest, he wasn't sure if he wanted to.