It really has been a LONG time since I updated this, and I'm really really really sorry for that. I was just stuck for what I wanted to do next. It'd be really sudden to do the wedding after everything that I've done. I decided we all need a bit of a breather. So we're going to introduce a new character!

nmb: Aw, thanks! That was a really sappy chapter. I think the majority of this story has been sappy thus far. We'll get to see some more wit in the chapters to come. :D

redhead: -sniff- Coming from you, that means a lot to me. And not even you know exactly what this chapter holds!

iluvromance: I'm aware that my chapters are lacking in length. I'm trying to make them longer without sounding longwinded. And nothing can happen to her yet! Otherwise, where would my story be? XD

Koragirl: I'm workin' on it. :D

Pharaohess: Are you serious?! You went and read it all at once? O.o You brave soul. XD And after Desert Rose, too, eh? Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: I do not own YGO. I just like messing around with it. XD

"Well, Your Highness, now that you have recovered, it is time we made the decision of your guard," Mahado said calmly, sitting before the throne. Artemisia was well enough to take her place to the left of the Pharaoh, but was giving him a puzzled look. He sighed. "Allow me to explain.

"As the bearer of the Millenium Ring, palace security is my responsibility. However, your safety as of late has been jeopardized time and again. Therefore, I have come to the decision that you must have your own group of guards to ensure your wellbeing."

Isis continued. "As it is forbidden for a man other than your husband," she inclined her head towards the king, "to be in your chambers alone, your captain must be a woman."

"Your captain of your guard will also double as your personal bodyguard. She will give her life to save yours in an instant, and we have carefully made our selection based on that and a few other qualities."

An exasperated sigh was heard, and Atem's eyes flicked to Seto. "However, it seems that your captain has no concept of time, or regard for others' use for it," he remarked scathingly.

Mahado chuckled, then addressed the other priest directly. "She is late, Lord Seto, because she is not permitted to present herself to the court at this time."

"And why is that, Lord Mahado?"

"She has traveled all the way from Sparta. I should think a bath would be in order."

A servant entered the hall, and bowed before rushing forward. "Her Highness's guard is ready, my Lord," he said quickly.

Mahado nodded. His word would be final in this situation. Not even the King of Egypt could question his decision when it came to the palace guard. In matters of security, none could presume to know more than he.

The door opened, and a slight feminine figure appeared. Upon closer inspection, one could see that she had a deep tan, and her body was not unaccustomed to hard labor and harder fighting. Hair blacker than the darkest Egyptian night was bound loosely with a cord, and extended to her waist. It was strange that a female warrior's hair would be so long, but even more unusual were her eyes.

A dark grey they were, sharp and glinting in the light cast from the torches. As she knelt before the throne, Mahado knew he'd made the right choice. This one's eyes missed no detail, and observed everything in the environment.

"What is your name?" Seto asked abruptly.

"Saya, my Lord. I have no surname," she answered, voice quiet out of respect for his rank, and not a bit more. She clearly did not think much of this priest of the Pharaoh's sacred court.

"And where do you hail from, Lady Saya?" Karim inquired.

(Pagebreak.)

"Greece, but my mother was Egyptian."

An interesting, yet not unheard of mix of blood. The Egyptian influence was clear in her hair and skin, but her eyes…even among Greeks, that eye color of hers was rare.

Seto stood on the balcony of the western side of the Temple that overlooked the Nile. He didn't like this new woman any more than she did him. She needed to show the proper amount of respect. If she were a servant, he would have had her flogged for her blatant display of contempt. However, with her new status as Captain of the Queen's Guard and Her Highness's personal guard, she held the 'Lady' honorific, along with a rank that rivaled his own as a High Priest.

She should be thankful her quarters are on the other side of the palace, he thought grimly. The less I see of her, the better.

(Pagebreak)

"My lady…"

"Seto!"

The priest slumped against her, and blood seeped through his tunic. "My lady…I'm sorry…"

"Where is she? Tell me what happened!"

"My lady…I'm sorry…She's dead." A tear slid down his face, and Atem bit his lip.

"How did she die?" Artemisia was near hysterical now.

Seto's breath was ragged, and his tan face was pale. "They killed her…those dogs killed her."

Her eyes widened with horror at the realization that the blood that stained the front of his tunic was not his own.

Artemisia's eyes flew open, and her breathing was coming in gasps, her skin covered in a light sweat. She thrashed out of the light blanket that covered her, and sat at the side of the bed, wiping her face on her sleeve.

It was just like that vision she'd had during that ceremony…

This time, the pain of fear was different. It wasn't fear for herself.

But why was she afraid for Seto?

Sorry that was so short, but I had to stop there. And now for the introduction of Saya! –claps- I really wanted her to snap at Seto, but given the situation, it hardly seemed appropriate. There'll be more time for that later.

And for those who worried that Artemisia was falling in love with Seto, after what we'd seen during the ceremony? You can relax. :D

Leave a review for me! I really look forward to reading them.