Disclaimer: I don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh! Only the nameless men and women in the story are mine.
Chapter One- Preparations
Mahad frowned as the distraught young woman finished her story. It was a strange story, but one that had occurred for three straight days. If it was just a single happenstance, I would mention it casually to the pharaoh, but given that three citizens have fallen victim, I must make a report.
“Would you like to tell the pharaoh your story or at least confirm it when I tell him?”
“I will support you, my lord,” she replied.
Mahad nodded and gestured for her to follow him as he sought out the other two women and asked the question. Both answered the same as the first one did. He led all three to the palace and into the throne room where Atem sat. He knelt while the women prostrated themselves behind him. “My pharaoh, it appears we have an unusual crime,” Mahad said.
“How is it unusual?”
Mahad swept an arm at the women as he stood and turned. “These young ladies were actually men of different ages. All spoke of encountering a cloaked and hooded figure who pressed a magical charm into them which changed them into women.”
“But, why?” Atem asked, finding the entire thing strange.
Mahad touched the shoulder of the one in the middle. “I believe I will let this lady tell her story first.”
“I am not a lady,” she protested. “I’m really an old man. I have a grown child and a grandson.”
“All right,” Atem said. “Please tell me what the figure said. Was it a man or a woman?”
“A man, my pharaoh. He had listened to me speak proudly of my daughter and grandson. He told me that I had too much arrogance for a man and deserved to be humbled and then he spoke some words before he pushed a charm into me. My pharaoh, the transformation was painful and horrifying when I saw what happened.”
Atem looked at the other two. “Is that the same reason he gave to you?”
The first one lifted her head. “No, my pharaoh. I am a young man in a family of men and the figure said my parents deserve a daughter.”
The third one said, “I am a middle-aged man and the figure thought I would sell my wares faster if I was a young woman. He turned out to be correct as I am a jewelry maker but I was happier as I had been.”
“Thank you. You may leave.”
“Yes, pharaoh,” all three said as they rose and left.
“Well, this is unusual,” Atem commented. “A man randomly changing men into young women for reasons that make sense to him.”
“He targeted three men of different ages and changed them. I have tried to reverse the change when the first one came to me, but I could not. There is no way to reverse it. The only option is for them to live as women.”
“I want this man arrested,” Atem stated. “Use whatever precautions you deem necessary to protect yourself and others from being changed.”
“Yes, my pharaoh.” Mahad left, his mind racing with the security measures to take and those at risk.
The only ones not a risk would seem to be boys and teenagers. That seems to ensure that the pharaoh is safe; Seto may be safe as well, but not the rest of the court, save for Isis as she is a young woman already. Kalim, Shada, Aknadin, and I are at risk with Aknadin largely in danger and I should let him know.
Aknadin listened as Mahad related the incidents to him. “That is a strange crime. This man is changing others into young women for reasons that make sense only to him.”
“Yes; of the court only Isis and Seto are safe. The pharaoh is also safe.”
“Is he, Mahad? The pharaoh and Seto may be safe as far as age is concerned, but could end up as girls if you do not insure their safety.”
“You have a point, but I had no intention of scrimping on any protection. Everyone deserves the best I can provide.”
“I had no doubt.” Aknadin turned and left as did Mahad. Aknadin dwelled on the situation. It was a strange situation to be in; he could risk being a young woman and have to age all over again. He wouldn’t mind being young again, but being a woman was not a price he would pay for youth.
The motive for the mysterious man’s attacks were random just like the attacks themselves. The only thing the attacks had in common was the end result. I hope we catch this man as I would enjoy hearing his explanations and having him judged. No man deserves to be a young woman. I wonder what kind of monster results from such a crime, a crime I have never heard of.
Mahad pored over his scrolls, looking at all of his protection spells. He found the basic one that guarded against weapons like swords and spears. He re-read one that guarded against magic but only if the magic was a spoken spell. It did not protect one from magical objects.
Perhaps if I combine the two…no that still won’t guard against the charm. If I could get my hands on the item, I could study it, find a way to guard against it, possibly even find a counter to it. Getting one might be possible if the man has one on him when he is caught. I have no doubt that he will be found. But I need to find a protection spell. He sifted through all his scrolls, reading each spell carefully. When he finished, he sat back, defeated. There were all manner of protection spells, but not for magical objects.
This is not good. The only thing we can do is proceed with extreme caution. We know the culprit is a man in a robe and hood. We will have to be cautious with every man dressed that way. Maybe one of the victims could assist us in identifying him. I believe the jewelry maker would be ideal in assisting us. I will report my findings and make my recommendation to the pharaoh. Mahad rose and headed to the throne room.
Atem was about to leave, but when Mahad entered, he resumed his seat.
“My pharaoh, I have looked through all my scrolls and found protection spells but none will be able to guard against the charm or any magical object.”
“None?” Atem repeated.
“None. I surmise that it is because magical objects are varied in shape, magic, and strength of the spell contained within. Designing a spell to counter all of them is not possible. If I could get my hands on the charm, I may be able to create a protection spell or, even better, a way to reverse it.”
“A counter would be best,” Atem said. “If we can return them to normal, that would be great.”
“I was planning to ask the jewelry maker to assist us by pointing the culprit out as there is the possibility that he had removed his robe and hood, and if he hasn’t, he could blend in with the other hooded men.”
“Do you think she’ll help?”
“Perhaps. I sense she is a decent person and would like see justice done.” Mahad was aware of the pronouns he was using and knew that he was correct in using them but hoped he would be able to reverse the spell.
Chapter Two- Apprehension
“Priest Mahad,” the jewelry maker said as she dipped her head in reverence.
“Good morning,” Mahad replied. “I would like to ask for your assistance.”
“Of course, my lord. Whatever you need.”
“Your attacker. Would you be able to point him out for us?”
“Yes, my lord.” She closed up her stall and stepped up beside Mahad. “My lord, do you think he possesses a counter spell?”
“I hope he will still have a charm so I can examine it for that purpose. I was hoping you would help as a matter of justice.”
“Yes. He cannot be allowed to wonder free and harming others.” Her eyes roved over the people as she accompanied Mahad and the guards on their rounds. Some people wore robes with hoods and she dismissed the women as they were not whom she was seeking.
She focused on the men while getting a chance to see how patrols were conducted. Mahad was efficient in his job as captain and the guards were professional in their demeanor. Perhaps, I should have trained to be a royal guard. Then, I may not have been attacked. She returned her attention to looking for her attacker. None of those she saw was the one and she became concerned. What if he left in the night? He could be anywhere…or right there! Her heart pounded as the one she was looking for had slipped between two buildings.
“Priest Mahad,” she said. “I saw him. He’s over there.” She pointed at the spot.
Mahad quickly split the guards to cover all entrances and exits connected to that spot before leading a small group into where the man was last sighted with the vendor beside him. They reached the end that ran the length of the back alleys and the vendor looked to the right and saw the man. He had pushed back his hood to reveal gray-streaked black hair and a slightly lined face. She felt outrage as she had been that age and desired to have him brought in.
She stepped toward him, sensing she was immune to the charm now. The man turned to her with an amused expression. “Ah, the jewelry maker,” he said. “I trust your business to doing better than before?”
“You know it is,” she snapped as she came closer. “You had some nerve to change me as you appear to be the age I was!”
“Yes, but I am still a man while you are not.”
“You got a problem with women?”
“No. I used to be a young woman apprenticed to a man who specialized in magical charms. I had dreams of marrying him. I made my intentions known and he used the same charm on me and I became a man as my age was already young. It turns out he loved another and I was to be a test subject for his new charm. I researched it to find no counter or way to reverse it. The man did gift me with his work and I decided to avenge myself on men for losing my womanhood.”
“That’s sick.” She saw Mahad had come up behind the man but she gave no indication of this.
“Maybe, but think; without women, mankind would not exist. It is because of women that our kind survives.”
The vendor gave him a burning glare; while what he said was true, it did not justify his actions. I can’t be a man again. He just said there is no counter or a way to reverse it. So, I am a woman from now on.
The man then was seized by the guards and pushed up against the wall. “So, you were a woman before being a man,” Mahad said. “Why attack random men when you could have avenged yourself on the one who changed you?”
“When I received his work, he had already left with his new wife. I chose to create four charms and change four random men.”
“Then, you still have one.”
“No. When I arrived here, I only had three.”
“Men, take him to the palace. We will be judging him today.” He turned to the vendor who stared after the apprehended man. “I thought he had said he had one more the I was changed; if he had no more then why was he still here?”
“Indeed and that is a question the court will put to him. Thank you for your help. You distracted him for us to apprehend him and he’s provided an explanation for his actions. I regret there is no reversal spell.”
“I was happy to be of help and I will adapt to being a woman.” She bowed and headed back to her stall while Mahad headed to the palace.
Atem was listening to Siamun boast about the traps he himself designed for Atem’s tomb when Mahd entered looking quite pleased. “You caught him?” Atem asked as Mahad knelt.
“Yes, my pharaoh. The jewelry vendor was happy to help and distracted him so we could arrest him. He has given an explanation for his actions.”
“Which was…?”
“He used to be a young woman and apprenticed to a man who created the charms and was in love with him. She made her feelings known to him and he used one on her as he loved another woman. He gifted the then young man with his charm work and then left to avoid falling victim to his own charm. Our prisoner stated that he could not find a way to undo it and then made four to revenge himself for losing his womanhood. He had used one before coming here.”
“It is a shame that his gender was changed but to do it to others is petty and will not go unpunished. Gather the court and we will judge this man.”
Mahad bowed his head as he rose and headed off to inform the others.
He found Aknadin last in his spirit temple. He ascended the steps to where Aknadin stood and said, “Master Aknadin. The man who changed our citizens has been caught and the pharaoh asked me to gather the court.”
“Ah. Then we are judging him now.”
“Indeed.”
“Good. I want to hear why he attacked our people. An attack like this makes me believe the reason for it is petty based on what you told me concerning the three ladies.”
“It is petty and I will repeat it to the pharaoh and tell the court. I will say this: He had four of those charms but had only three when he came here.”
“If that is so, then why is he still here?”
“I don’t know. Perhaps we can ask him after the judging.”
“I will make sure we do.” Aknadin walked with Mahad, eager to judge a man who had posed a threat to every man in the city. Now the threat was over; it had been over when the third man had been changed. Now, the one responsible had been arrested and would pay the price for messing with nature. I have been wondering since yesterday why he was doing this and soon I will learn why.
Mahad was also in thought over the coming judgment. The entire story was an odd one and the reason for the attacks was petty. The reason and nature of the attacks could result in either a weak monster or a moderate one. A weak monster is very common and not at all difficult to remove. A moderate monster does come up but not hard to extract either. It is only the most dangerous criminal that harbors a monster that is trouble. This judging will be quick and easy by comparison.
Chapter Three- Attack
The prisoner’s eyes looked over the court and seemed to linger on Mahad and then Aknadin, the latter unable to explain the extended look on him; the look on Mahad yes, but him? Perhaps it is because I am the oldest member of the court. I do tend to stick out among the court. Oh, well. It doesn’t matter.
“This man stands accused of three assaults of an unusual nature,” Mahad stated. “He was originally a young woman many years ago and was apprenticed to a man who was talented in magic charms. He was in love with another woman and changed his apprentice who had been in love with him. The man left with the woman and left his charm work with his apprentice. He claims he made four but only had three when he came here.”
“If you only had three, why are you still here?” Aknadin asked.
The man gave a grim smile. “I was doing some shopping for supplies and I didn’t expect to be arrested.”
“Well, you were and you will now be judged,” Seto declared. The six members formed a semicircle in front of the man who was not bound as he had gone willingly when arrested, for really, why resist? He had done what he came to do. Shada held out the Key and closed his eyes. The Item glowed and priest opened his eyes. “I see a weak creature driven by revenge.” He stepped back and Aknadin came forward as a stone slab was raised into place.
“I will call upon the power of the Millennium Eye to-,” Aknadin began to say when the man charged at him, withdrew a charm, spoke a word, and shoved it into Aknadin’s chest, sinking past the robe to do so.
Several things happened at once. Aknadin withdrew from the others, his body in pain from the charm that was transforming him. There were shouts and the man being seized and his hands being tied behind him.
“You lied!” Seto shouted. “You said you only had three.”
“I was saving it for just the right man and he was perfect.” He nodded at Aknadin.
“Take him to the dungeon,” Atem ordered. “We will judge him tomorrow.” The guards left with their captive.
Aknadin’s eye widened at the pain that raced through him. He felt his body stretching or shrinking in different places. He discreetly brought a hand to his face as the room had erupted into chaos and he felt softer and smoother skin. I am indeed getting younger, but I’m also changing gender. He softly gasped in a higher voice and looked down to see breasts growing and noticed that the robes were looser due to a smaller frame and a few inches lost.
“Aknadin?” came Atem’s voice from behind her as the pain faded away. She felt a hand on her arm. “Come on. Let us see.”
Aknadin turned around and pushed back her hood to reveal a lovely young woman. She stood there for a moment before she turned away, putting her face in her hands. She felt embarrassed being in a gender that was not her own though she knew she shouldn’t feel this way. I should not feel this way. I am a young woman now and will be this way for a time before I grow into an old woman.
Atem stared at Aknadin’s back, having gotten a good look at her face before she turned away. The face was smooth and gently curved. The eye had longer eyelashes and the color was softer. Her cheeks had a pale red tint, the nose was smaller, and her lips were full. Naturally there was no facial hair, but the hair on her head was black and when she faced away, it was clear that it was longer, but not exactly how long.
Seto went up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. “Master Aknadin?” he asked.
She lifted her head and turned, her face dry and composed. “I believe Mistress would be the appropriate title,” she said, her voice fitting the woman she had become.
“Yes, of course. You’re right.” Seto admired Aknadin’s face and then blushed and averted his eyes when Aknadin caught him staring.
Her lips flicked up briefly before saying, “Did you have a question, Master Seto?”
Seto looked at her. “I did. I was, foolishly, going to ask if you were all right.”
“Well, it is a bit foolish to ask, but understandable to ask if a friend is all right. So, I am not in pain and I’m feeling different thoughts and impulses. My body is, of course, strange to me. Overall, I am fine.” She looked at Atem. “My pharaoh, might I suggest that we continue with court matters?”
Atem nodded. “Yes. We should not let this disrupt our daily affairs.” He returned to his seat and the court took their normal places.
Aknadin’s face was all business but her mind was a whirl of different emotions, a couple she was sure was born of her female state. She felt like screaming and raging at the unfair turn her life had taken. She also wanted to cry over having to live as a woman for life. She kept all this buried inside; she was a member of the sacred court and that demanded a certain degree of dignity and deportment.
I will need to change clothes and take the title of priestess. Those will be my next orders of business. When court was adjourned, Aknadin was about to see her personal tailor but was waylaid by Isis. The young priestess took Aknadin down the corridors into her own chambers. “Isis, what are you doing?” she asked.
“Your tailor won’t be able to aid you in new robes,” she said as she laid out cloth and shoes.
“How…did you know I was going to change my clothes?”
“It was not that hard. Your current one is simply inappropriate.”
“Yes, that is true and your tailor would be the better choice.” She easily slipped off her shoes.
“She would and will be here shortly as Mahad went to get her.”
A middle-aged woman came in a couple of minutes later and knelt. “I understand you wished to see me, my lady?”
“Yes. I believe Mahad informed you of what has occurred?”
“Yes, my lady. Master Aknadin is now a woman and needs new robes.”
“Correct.”
The tailor rose and faced Aknadin, her skills coming into play. She pulled out a length of rope and used it as a trusty measuring tape and nodded to herself as she made notes on a papyrus sheet. She soon stepped back and bowed to Aknadin. “I will have a set of robes ready before the end of the day, Mistress Aknadin.”
“Uh, thank you,” she said, a little thrown by the address though she herself had spoken of being called by that title not that long ago. The tailor bowed again before leaving and Isis handed Aknadin a pair of shoes to wear.
She returned to her own room, shut the door, and removed her clothes before standing before her mirror, highly curious of how she looked. Her eye roamed over her face and admitted that it was pretty. Her eye slid down to see a slender neck, slim shoulders, breasts appropriate to her body shape, a flat stomach, and graceful limbs. She lifted her hands to admire their delicate shape and longer length.
She turned to the side to see her curved waist and hips as well as black hair that hung halfway down her back. A small smile came to her lips. Not bad, she thought as her fingers ran across the smooth skin of her arms. This could be the charm influencing me or the female thoughts in my head, but this isn’t so bad. I am a lovely young lady and surely I can adapt to this body and to this gender and I am sure Isis will help me in understanding anything I don’t understand.
Chapter Four- Frustration
Aknadin ran her hands over the cloth that covered her body the next morning. It had two sleeveless straps, one on each shoulder. They were connected to a bodice with a modest collar. A section of the robes adhered close to the shape of her waist and hips with the rest of the cloth doing the same with her legs until it reached her knees where it flared out to allow movement. She wore cuffs at her ankles and a few simple gold necklaces around her neck. She also had a head covering like Isis, sans the gold that frames the sides and top.
It feels like any other clothing, but it looks softer. I do like how it looks and feels, though. She left her room to report to the throne room. Today, they were to resume the trial that had been disrupted and she was determined to do her part.
She was aware of the looks she was garnering as she headed to her destination. Word of her change had spread but no one had seen her save for the pharaoh, the court, the tailor, the attacker, and a few guards. Now, other guards were looking at her and she noticed the admiration and shy smiles of the young men but she did not encourage them or like their subtle flirting with her. They knew who she was. They should not be treating her any differently. She walked into the throne room, the court members already there did not react to her or give her any admiring looks. Isis merely nodded as Aknadin stood across from her.
Atem entered after everyone had gathered and he also did not react to Aknadin aside from a nod when all six rose from their bowing. “We will start with the trial from yesterday,” he said once seated. “We will conclude it today.”
The guards brought the man in and he had his hands bound behind him this time. He had a confident smirk on his face and the court scowled at his expression. The man’s eyes went to Aknadin and she saw smug satisfaction in them. She did not like that look and wanted to wipe it out of his eyes. And I will as I extract his monster. I will not be stopped this time.
Shada held up the Key and it glowed. “The monster has grown a little from yesterday’s attack. Revenge still drives it.”
“I will be free and return to my work,” the man declared.
“Maybe, but you may change your mind very soon,” Aknadin said as the slab was once again raised.
“I may, but you will be a woman forever.”
The remark hurt but she did her duty. The extraction was not difficult and Seto sealed it before the man was taken away to serve his sentence and the tablet was taken to be placed with the others. Court proceeded and while Aknadin paid attention, her mind kept replaying the man’s last three words.
A woman forever. Those three words ran over and over in her mind. She was trapped in her current age and body, the former would change as time went on but the latter would only age; remaining female the entire time. As she dwelled over the implications, she became very aware of her body and that she would never be able to return to her original form and age; being young was nice but being a different gender was not as nice.
Court was dismissed and, as they dispersed for other duties, Aknadin also did so, her eye fixed on her hands. They were so different from her other ones, it was hard to believe that they were hers; in time they would become wrinkled and resemble her former hands, albeit, a different size and shape. She headed off to meditate, but she was having difficulty in finding a comfortable position and her body felt just as strange as it did yesterday and uncomfortable to boot.
“Aknadin?”
The priestess looked over at the doorway. “Mahad.”
“Preparing to meditate, I see.”
“Trying but I cannot seem to get in a comfortable position.”
“You can’t use the ones you did before. Women use different ones.”
“Yes, of course,” she said bitterly. “Everything else changed, why not meditative positions on top of that?”
“You want to talk?” Mahad sat opposite her. “I get the impression you need to vent to someone.”
Aknadin looked into Mahad’s face, not sure what to say. She opened her mouth to say just that and then a torrent of words spilled out. “Mahad, this is completely unfair! This is not how I’m supposed to be! I hate how I look and how I sound! I’ve got these strange thoughts in my head and it scares me. I’m expressing emotions easily and it frightens me!” Tears welled up and spilled down her cheek before putting her face in her hands. Her breath hitched as she tried to stop the tears.
Mahad listened to her complaints and hoped getting it out of her system would make her feel a little better. I will also talk her through it. “You are right. It is unfair. You did not deserve this. I can’t understand what you’re going through.”
“Of course not,” she said, her voice muffled by her hands. “I…think I need to speak with Isis.”
“I…don’t know if she would be interested in discussing it with you.”
Aknadin looked up. “What?”
“She was willing to help with your clothes as it was necessary, but to listen to you complain about the situation is not something she desires to do.”
There was silence and Aknadin simply said, “Oh.”
“I can try to help by addressing your complaints. Let’s start with how you look. Is it your age or your gender you hate?”
“Gender. The age I can appreciate. It is nice to be young again. My body feels completely wrong.”
“It will take time for that feeling to go away just as it will take time to be comfortable with your voice.”
“That is true, but what about the thoughts and emotions I’m encountering?”
“Try to explain them.”
“I have thoughts of flirting with men, of being ladylike, and wanting to marry and have children.” She shuddered. “These thoughts scare me, as I’ve said.”
“I can see why. They are scary, particularly the ones of marrying and having children.” Mahad too shuddered. “Do not give in to those last two thoughts. I am sure that is what your attacker wants.”
“I am sure of that myself. So, what do I do about the emotions?”
“Use your training to suppress them. Observe Isis as a guide.”
A small smile came to her face. “Yes, you’re right. My training and observation can help in suppressing my emotions.”
Mahad nodded, admiring Aknadin. She was a lovely young woman and he wondered if she would be against having a relationship with him. Isis was not interested in romance so he had resigned himself to being single or leaving the court to find a wife. But now, there might be a third option.
“Mahad?” Aknadin said. She slid closer to him and put a hand on his cheek as she flashed a smile.
“Yes?”
Her smile brightened. “I noticed that you did not tell me to resist flirting; to be honest that is a natural thing for men and women to do.” Her hand slid down to cup his chin. “Therefore, I am going to act on it now. Just accept my action at face value.” With that, Aknadin gave Mahad a quick kiss.
Chapter Five- Broken Relation
Aknadin felt a little better after her talk with Mahad. She still hated being a woman but knew there was nothing she could do about it. The one thing she could do was ignore some of the thoughts in her head. She had no intention of marrying and having children. She had already married once and had a son for gods’ sakes!
Being ladylike was not so easy to ignore. It seemed to exist in her body’s instincts. She learned to sit in a way that was comfortable and how to kneel when reporting to Atem or being called upon to answer questions or orders.
The flirting part was actually fun; the only part she liked in addition to her youth. She would smile sweetly at the guards as she would pass or wink at them as batting her eye would be strange. The guards would either return the smile or blush at her gestures. She liked seeing them blush or smile back.
The kiss she gave Mahad had been quick and yet she enjoyed doing it. She wondered if the magician would like to have a relationship with her and then wondered if Isis liked Mahad. She felt that asking Isis would not be a good idea as the priestess seemed to regard her with a somewhat cold expression.
But why? Aknadin wondered as she headed to the throne room for a meeting three days after kissing Mahad. Have I done something to warrant such a look? I doubt anyone else would have an idea, so I will have to approach Isis after the meeting.
Aknadin had intended to call after Isis as the court was leaving the room, but Atem called her name, so she turned and knelt before him. “My pharaoh,” she said.
“I wanted to hear how you’ve been since your change.”
“As well as can be expected.”
“You seemed to have adapted in the last three days.”
“I have as that is my only option. I can’t say that I am completely comfortable with it, though.”
“Of course, but in time I am certain you will not dwell on it as much as you are now.”
“Yes. You are correct.” She looked up to see Atem smile and nod in a way that said she was dismissed. She rose and walked out before asking for Isis’ location.
“She is…in her temple, Mistress,” one said replied.
Aknadin raised an eyebrow as she had clearly heard the hesitation. “What are you not saying?”
“She made it clear that she did not want company and especially not you. She did not say why.”
“Well, I say I deserve an explanation.” She headed out to the temple courtyard and toward Isis’ temple. She entered to spy Isis at the top and ascended the stairs, not bothering to be silent. Isis looked over, her lips pursed.
“I wanted to be alone,” she stated coldly.
“And I will leave once I ask a question and receive an answer. Isis, have I done something to offend you?”
“I…rather enjoyed being the only woman on the court.”
Aknadin was taken aback by the answer. She actually took a step back. “I…I didn’t become a woman on purpose,” she said. “I thought that maybe you liked someone and worried that I might stand in your way.”
Isis laughed disdainfully. “I’m not interested in romance.” She jabbed a finger at her. “I dislike you for being a woman and seeming to enjoy it.”
“As I cannot return to normal, adapting seemed to be the logical choice. Resenting the situation will hardly change it.”
“You also seem to enjoy being young again.”
“I will not deny that.”
“I think it would be best if we limit our interactions to official court business.” Isis turned her back on Aknadin. “You can leave now. I’ve answered your question.”
Stunned by the answer, she left, lost in thought. She wandered into her own temple and simply stood at the bottom of the stairs, her mind re-playing the conversation and she shook her head slightly.
“Mistress Aknadin?”
She turned and nodded in acknowledgement. “Master Seto.”
“Is there a problem?”
“It would seem so.” She paced back and forth in front of Seto. “I have always prided myself on having cordial relations with you and the rest of the court.”
“You did invite us to confide to you and you still do so.”
“Well, my relation with Isis seems to have broken.”
“Why is that?”
“She is displeased that she is no longer the only woman on the court. She also said that I am enjoying my change.”
“You did not ask to be this way, though you do seem to enjoy flirting with men. I myself was flattered with the smile you gave me yesterday.”
“That was my intention.” She stopped pacing and looked at Seto with a sad look. “Isis said that my interactions with her should be limited to official court business.”
“The meetings, trials, and our gatherings in the tower,” Seto said.
“I find it hard to believe that she dislikes me just because I’m a woman.”
“A young woman,” Seto corrected her. He looked her up and down. She was just lovely, her Eye giving her a unique and distinctive charm that he liked.
“Seto? Are you all right? You’re staring at me.”
Seto blinked and said, “I am well. It’s just that I…I really like how you look. I know you probably tire of hearing that.”
“I do.”
“I’m wondering if you would be interested in having a relationship with me.”
“A relationship with you?” She laughed lightly. “Seto, we already have a relationship and I ask you not to speak of it to anyone.”
“Well, yes, of course. I will not tell anyone but what relationship do we have?”
Aknadin slowly exhaled before looking up at Seto. “You lived without your father for years as he was helping to protect Egypt during a time of war. Your father survived the war and he…is me.”
Seto’s eyes widened. “You, Mistress? You are my father?”
“I am; despite what I am now, I will always be your father. I didn’t tell you before because-,”
“If someone knew they would use it to achieve their goals,” Seto cut in. “I fully understand that.”
She hugged him. “Thank you for understanding.”
“You’re welcome. So, we can’t have a romantic relationship.”
“Correct.” But I may pursue a romantic relationship with another. I just need to approach him and ask.
Chapter Six- New Relationship
“You want to join me on patrol?”
Aknadin nodded. “I feel the people should know about what happened to me.”
Mahad had to admit that she had a point. The pharaoh had not introduced a new court member, so everyone believed there to be only one woman on the court. “All right. Come along.” Mahad headed for the front gates with Aknadin beside him. It had been six days since Aknadin had been changed and while the palace was familiar with her appearance, the city was not. Yes, it’s best if she walks among the people.
Aknadin walked next to Mahad as the gates opened, the guards behind them. She had thought yesterday of how best to approach Mahad and make her intentions known. It was then that she thought of the morning patrol; if the two of them were alone, she might hug or kiss Mahad before telling him of her interest in having a relationship with him. He may not be interested, but at least I will have gotten it out of my system. Aknadin knew that six days would seem sudden in terms of her interest, but she had known Mahad long enough and respected him so it was possible for them to be together. I hope I get a chance to tell him, if not during patrol, then after it, she thought as the guards spread out with Mahad leading some into the marketplace with Aknadin trailing after them.
Her presence attracted a good deal of attention and led to her explaining herself. It took only three times before word spread by the ones who heard her explanation. She garnered looks as she walked, some sympathetic, others admiring, and some were outright shock.
“Priestess Aknadin,” moaned a young woman selling jewelry. “He got you too. But he said he only had three.”
“He lied, but how did you know that?”
“I was one of his targets and Priest Mahad had asked me to help point him out so he could be arrested. I distracted him by speaking to him and he explained his actions.”
“I see. Well, he saw me as the perfect one for his last target. Naturally attacking a member of the pharaoh’s court is a serious offense.”
“Of course. I am sorry this happened to you.”
“The same to you and the other two.”
“I am coping with it. A few men did come and flirt with me. I will admit, I flirted back.” The merchant blushed.
“It is amusing to flirt,” Aknadin admitted. “I did it myself.”
“Do you think you will wed one day?”
“No. I may pursue a relationship but marriage is not a part of my plan. If that is what you want, then do so. The peace and happiness of the people is part of my duty as a priestess.”
“That is comforting, but don’t forget your own happiness.”
My own happiness, Aknadin thought as she walked the streets. I deserve to be as happy as anyone else. I would like to have someone to love but not necessarily marry. I have my son whom I love and we can share stories of the time we were apart. I would like to hear how Seto chose to be a priest of the pharaoh’s court and the journey that led him to that goal.
But back to a loving relationship. It is not out of the question. I am royalty but I hide it by being a court member under my brother’s rule. That did not prevent me from falling in love, marrying, and having a family. There is nothing to stop me from repeating all that save for the fact that I do not wish to have another child.
There were shouts up ahead and she blinked as a man was heading her way with Mahad and a few guards running after him. The man looked at her and a wicked grin appeared; as he just passed her, he went behind her, pinned her arms back with one hand, and pulled out a knife that he put to her throat amidst her gasp at being grabbed.
The guards halted as did Mahad who demanded, “Let her go!”
“Let me leave and I won’t harm her,” the man shot back.
Aknadin felt the back of her shoe against the man’s toes, lifted her foot, moved it back, and brought it down hard on his toes. He gasped in pain and she felt his grip on her arms loosen. She pulled an arm free, seized the hand holding the knife, and moved it away from her throat. The guards rushed forward and took the man into custody. Mahad said, “Take him away.” He turned to Aknadin. “Are you all right?”
“Fine.” She smiled in satisfaction. “He didn’t think I would fight back.”
“He took you for a typical woman which you are not.”
“True.”
Mahad smiled at her. “I like women who are not typical. I…could not stop thinking about that kiss a few days ago.”
“I thought about it too and I enjoyed it. I…found myself wondering if you would like a relationship with me.”
“You were?” Mahad gently laughed. “I was wondering the same thing about you.”
Aknadin laughed too. “Then, we could get together?”
“I don’t see why not. I will guess you are not interested in having a family.”
“That’s right. Although…I might change my mind in the future.”
“You might, but let us not think about it until later.”
The two had been walking this whole time and had passed the gates. They continued on inside the palace. They stopped outside the throne room before Mahad leaned down and captured Aknadin’s lips in a gentle, loving kiss. She put her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss for a few more moments. They broke it and Mahad led her into the throne room.
“Mahad. Aknadin,” Atem said as he approached them. “I heard of the attack. You’re not hurt?”
“No, my pharaoh. I am fine.”
“That’s good.”
“My pharaoh,” Mahad said as he took Aknadin’s hand. “We would like your blessing as we have expressed having a relationship with each other.”
Atem blinked but he saw the affection for the other on their faces. “You have my blessing. It is my duty as pharaoh to ensure the happiness of all of my subjects, including those in the palace.”
Both bowed before leaving the room. “We will need to tell the rest of the court,” Mahad said.
“We are meeting in our tower tonight,” Aknadin said. “We can tell them then.”
“Yes. So, let us take a walk in the courtyard.”
Aknadin smiled as she followed Mahad. She had a new love in her life and he would support her as she gradually became more comfortable being a young woman.
