Arranged Marriage (Atem x Reader)

       You closed looked out the large glass window, the weather reflecting your sorrow mood. Thunder clashed in sky directly after it was lit up by blinding white lightning. Rain poured heavily down, as if the skies were crying for you. You had already shed all your tears. All that remained was an emptiness in your chest. Nancy walked in, carrying your traveling clothes. Nancy was a lady in waiting and also the one who had raised you. Your mother had you young, at the age of seventeen. And as she was a sickly woman with a country to run, Nancy took the responsibility of caring for you. She was probably more of a mother to you than the woman who had given birth to you. Nancy set you clothes on your bed. "Y/n?" You turned to face her. The woman's eyes saddened. "Come here, honey." She wrapped her arms around you in a loving embrace. Burying your face into the crook of her neck, you closed your eyes and wished everything away.

       "I don't want to go," you whispered.

       "I know, honey, I know," she cooed. You stayed in her arms, clutching to her as if you were once again an infant. The reason for your distress? You were to travel to a foreign country you had only heard a few things about and marry a man you didn't even know at the age of seventeen. You didn't know what he was like or how old he was. You didn't even know his name! But alas, there was nothing you could do. The marriage would solidify your alliance with them, a relationship that benefited you both. You were to leave everything and everyone you had ever known for the rest of your life.

       After a while, Nancy reluctantly pulled away. She put her hands on your shoulders and looked you in the eye. "If it was up to me, I'd let you stay." You gave her a sad, empty smile.

       "I'm going to miss you," you said softly. She placed a kiss to your forehead.

       "I'm going to miss you too, honey. So, so much." Nancy helped you put the heavy cloak on, keeping it in place with a golden falcon brooch. She smiled sadly as she pinned it for you. “Something to remember me by.” You threw your arms around her in one last hug before the escort arrived and led you away to the boat. As he helped you aboard, you took one last look at Nancy and your home. The boat began to sail away. Nancy waved to you, wiping her tears away. You waved back, but your arm felt heavy. You felt empty, drained. Soon, your home was nothing but a speck on the horizon, never to be seen by you again.

   The trip lasted several days. On the morning of the last day, servants awoke you as soon as the sun rose. For the entirety of the morning, you were cleaned, dressed, and made up. You sat through it all, silently wishing you didn’t have to go through with this. You were due to arrive in Egypt via the Nile by noon. the marriage would take place as soon as you arrived at the palace. As the boat sailed along the river, you watched the sun climb higher and higher into the sky, dreading when it was overhead.

   You silently prayed to whatever controlled your fate that he was at least around your age. you had heard too many horror stories about girls your age being sent to marry princes/kings who were either forty or only twelve years old. You wondered what he was like, this man. Was he a good ruler? You knew the economy and the country of Egypt was thriving, but that doesn’t mean it was because of him. Many countries do well merely because the king/ruler has good advisors telling him what to do. He could be selfish and cruel, for all you knew. You felt the boat hit shore and the others hustling around, getting to their places. Closing your eyes, you stepped forth.

   Twenty one year old Atem stared out the window, looking at the sun. Silently, he asked Ra why this had to happen. Atem was not one for arranged marriages, but he knew he had to do this. The arrangement was set up by his father and the queen of (kingdom) when he was only a child. Though his father was now deceased, Atem knew this is what he would have wanted. The marriage was not just about him, after all. It was for the good of his people. He was their king, and a king had to make sacrifices for his country, even his own happiness. The sound of drums alerted him. You were here.

   Atem made his way to the throne room, where the ceremony was taking place. Hundreds of people had already filed into the room, awaiting to witness the ceremony. Atem regally walked down the stairs and onto the platform, where his cousin, the high priest, Set, would initiate the marriage. Set glanced at him. “Are you alright?” he asked softly so only Atem would hear. The king gave a faint nod. The sound of drums got closer. Everyone in the room turned to the large, golden doors as they opened. Guards from (kingdom) marched in two by two. When the first couple reached the platform, they separated, each standing at either side of the aisle. When all of the guards were in place, keeping the crowds away from the aisle, the drummer ceased his beat. Flutists began to play a sweet, slow tune.

   You began your slow, steady walk down the long aisle, keeping your steps fluid and your head high. You kept your eyes ahead of you, not paying the crowd’s whispers and murmurs any mind. Though your face was impassive, your mind and heart were racing. A sense of relief had washed over you when you had seen the king. He looked young, early twenties maybe, and he was rather handsome. A sudden chill had ran though you almost immediately. Just because he was young and good looking, it didn’t mean he was a good man.

       Atem watched as you walked down the aisle. You looked calm and collected, your grace and elegance almost inhuman. You were young, he could tell that easily, couldn’t be any older than nineteen. He had to admit you were beautiful. You gorgeous (color)  hair was (hair style) and the light glinted off your (color) skin, making you seem to glow in the afternoon sun. Your makeup was elegant, yet bold, accenting your best features. The skirt of your white and gold dress swished fluidly around your legs as you walked. Gracefully, you walked up the platform and stood before him. Sharp, (color) eyes met his.

       Set began to speak, though neither the bride nor groom were really listening. Set held a golden goblet between you and the king. As you had read up on the ceremony beforehand, you knew what to do. You placed your hands around the cup and Atem placed his over yours. The king’s eyes flashed in realization. Although you looked calm and motionless, he could feel your hands quivering beneath his. You were terrified. His eyes moved from your hands to meet your gaze. Your eyes betrayed your regal facade. He moved his hands in a slight, yet gentle caress in attempt to calm you. It seemed to work.

       Once Set was done speaking, each of you took a sip of the cool water in the goblet, symbolizing the blessed waters of the Nun. Set took the cup away and Atem took your hand gently in his. Both of you turned to face the crowd. The cheer was deafening. Musicians began to play as the people started to celebrate. In all of the commotion, Atem led you away from the noise of the crowd and to the palace garden.

       It was a beautiful place, with a stone path leading through and an elegantly carved stone fountain in the center. Both of you sat down on a stone bench, amongst the rose bushes. Atem turned to face you. “Hello,” he said. You couldn’t help but give a soft laugh. His voice was a sweet baritone.

       “Hello,” you replied between giggles. He smiled.

       “I’m afraid I do not know your name, which is rather odd considering we quite literally just got married.” You laughed.

       "I see your point. I’m Y/n.”

       “Atem.” You smiled. At least he had a sense of humor.

       “I figured you wanted to get away from the crowd.” You nodded, watching the water ripple in the fountain.

       “It can get a little overwhelming at times, can’t it.” He nodded.

       “Very. It can be hard to find time to yourself.”

       “Yeah.” You looked at him. “Sometimes… sometimes I wish I wasn’t royalty.” He looked at you and you looked back at the fountain, finding yourself unable to hold his strong gaze. “I mean, it’s not that I’m ungrateful for everything I have, it’s just… I’d like to have a say in my fate, what happens to me.” You felt him take your hand and turned to him, his eyes locking with yours.

       “I understand,” he said softly. That struck a chord. No one had ever said that to you, not even Nancy, whom you loved dearly. She always just gave you a hug and said that everyone had to make sacrifices. But him, he understood, he knew. You leaned in and gave him a hug.

       “Thank you,” you whispered. He wrapped his arms around you in a protective embrace. He may not know you too well at the moment, but he would eventually. The two of you would get through this, together.

       It had been several weeks since the marriage. At first, Atem had told you that you didn’t need to sleep in the same bed if you were uncomfortable with it. But for whatever reason, you were fine with it. Maybe it was because he understood you, but when you were with him, you felt safe. When you slept, he would wrap an arm around you protectively, though whether he did this consciously or not was unknown. He had shown you around the palace and introduced you to his friend, mana, who was a priestess. The two of you hit it off right away. She even started teaching you how to read and write hieroglyphics.

       While the thousands of symbols were intimidating, Mana knew how to break it down for you to easily understand. At the moment, you were in your and Atem’s room sitting on a floor cushion practicing. The sunlight streamed through the window, as if it was happy to help. The door slammed open, making you jump. Luckily, none of your markings smeared. You looked up from the papyrus to see Atem. He closed the door and leaned against it, sighing heavily. “Sorry, Y/n,” said, his voice tired. You stood up.

       “Is everything alright?” you asked, sitting on the bed. You patted the spot next to you and he sat down, holding his head in his hands.

       “...Not really…”

       “What is it?” you asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. He sighed and rubbed his temples.

       “It’s Set.” You weren’t surprised. Although you knew Atem loved his cousin very much, you knew the priest could get… oppressive.

       “What about him?” Atem seemed hesitant.

       “He’s been pressuring me to… have an heir.” Realization hit you.

       “Oh…” Atem sat up and looked at you.

       “Y/n, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” he said, his tone dead serious, “My cousin is just paranoid. He’s got it ingrained in his heart* that I’ll be assassinated at any minute.” You couldn’t help but crack a small smile. You took his hand in yours.

       “Atem, it’s okay.” His eyes softened.

       “I wish we had met under different circumstances.” Your eyebrows furrowed slightly.

       “Why?” His gaze dropped to his hand that you were holding. His thumb gently stroked yours.

       “Because it would make this so much easier,” he said quietly.

       “Make what easier?” He didn’t answer. “Atem?” you asked gently. The king closed his eyes as if to compose himself. After a moment, they opened and met yours.

       “I love you.” You blinked in surprise and his gaze lowered to your hands. “I know you didn’t want to go through with this marriage and are trying to make the best out of living here.” He he took a breath. “I want to keep you as happy as possible and if I could, I’d let you go.” You felt your heart melt at his words. It was true you still missed your home, but had made friends here. And… you had met Atem.

       You shift closer to him and cupped his face with your other hand, making him look at you. You smiled. “I do often think about (kingdom), but this is my home now. I have Mana, Jouno, Set, Moku, and… I have you.” You whispered the last part. His widened slightly and you squeezed his hand. Slowly, as to give you plenty of time to move away if you wanted, he leaned in and captured your lips in a sweet kiss. You slipped the hand that cupped his face behind his neck and he wrapped an arm around you, pulling you close. When he finally pulled away, he leaned his forehead against yours. You smiled at him.

       “I love you too.”

*The ancient Egyptians believed the heart held a man's consciousness