A/N: I know that it took bloody long for me to finish this chapter but I was busy with work. I know that this is not excuse since I wrote my other story but I hope I will make it up with this chapter. Enjoy your reading if you like my story. And not to forget y beta, Angelicxdemon that spent quite a time betaing this. Thank you hunny... thank you A LOT!

Without further ado, read (:

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War cannot win, only peace can.

***

The cheerful sounds of chattering along with laughter and goblets clinking against the cool stone table filled the throne room, now turned into banquet hall. Not all the faces expressed pure happiness at all; the twisted, forced, mocking smiles were painfully evident on the features of some. People of all ages were filling in the somewhat large area heavily decorated with golden ornaments and red and yellow banners and curtains that elegantly draped down from the arched ceiling.

Despite the elaborate décor and the continued conversation, most of the attention was directed at the blonde, longhaired prince who looked as if he was on the verge of falling asleep.

However, he was not really sleepy or tired at all. Truth be told, his apparent sleepiness was caused by all the smoke that rose from incense placed around the room, making him close his eyes from time to time. It wasn't that the scent of vanilla and something spicy from the smoke smelled bad, but there was a large amount of it concentrated in an area, making him dizzy.

The torches that illuminated the room made whole space heated up to the point of fainting which resulted in Katsuya removing the upper part of his elegant attire so what remained of his formal dress didn't cover too much of his slightly tanned skin.

In truth, he was almost naked with the exception of the lower part of his dress that covering his thighs down to his knees. The split cloth that intended to cover his upper body fell loosely on his shoulders, showing a good portion of Katsuya's well-built chest.

Actually, that was the main reason for the hushed words of whispered admiration, jealousy, or lust- many of the men looked longingly at him in hope that their eyes were fooling them and that Katsuya was actually a woman. Some of them didn't mind that he was a man and they openly stared at him and the exposed portions of his body, while others muttered silent prayers under their breaths wanting for Katsuya to disappear along with his errant appearance.

Katsuya was well aware of those hushed voices on his account, but currently, he didn't care what they thought or said about him. Those people couldn't do anything to him and all the prayers of the entire world won't make him disappear in thin air. He knew how he looked and what kind of reactions he was able to gouge out of other people.

Even so, with his knowledge of this, he could not care less. There was nothing he could do about it no matter how he tried, especially considering it was all of those on high positions that openly stared at him. On the bright side, they may die from blood loss for all he cared; he was not feeling even a particle of compassion.

What was most interesting was that even the Pharaoh sent him few glances throughout the seemingly long evening. From the first words spoken to him by the other man, Katsuya knew he did not like this Seth. His almighty and untouchable attitude Katsuya simply could not accept nor respect, he despised snobs like him. There might have been something else behind it all, but usually Katsuya was never wrong at first impressions. 'Which is quite unfortunate,' Katsuya mused, 'since Pharaoh is exceptionally good looking.'

Heavy lidded eyes scanned room again- yes, some of the people didn't even feel a bit of shame for their open lusting, but if they didn't feel shameful then Katsuya felt even less. He stood up and then strode over to Honda who was chatting with a pony-tailed man to whom he was previously introduced. 'Otogi or something' rang in Katsuya's head.

As he approached, the chatter from the two men died down a bit to greet him with a slight bow and to welcome him into their conversation.

"But river Tarion is the best," repeated Honda. "If I could I would spend all of my days beside that river." Katsuya smiled while adding, "It has a glow of violet. Such a pretty sight…" he spoke slowly and gently, like how a true, caring prince should talk, completely taking off the guard of the other man who had expected to be faced with the same cold indifference his Pharaoh had received.

Otogi smiled back: "I am sure it is. If our alliance continues, I would really like to come and visit it. However, you must not miss a ride on one of our exotic boats over the Nile. I am sure that you will be delighted. The scenery is fabulous."

Katsuya smiled, attracting the attention of the people around the trio, and answered, "Once we settle things with those pesky little Romans I would certainly be glad to accept your invitation. I am extremely fond of boats, but alas, I don't often have the chance to ride on them for pleasure."

Honda nodded, glanced around and then frowned. He stood closer to Katsuya and placed a hand on Katsuya's shoulder that was closer to him. Both Katsuya and Otogi sent him a questioning look, so he smiled tiredly while explaining: "It seems that smile of our Prince attracts a lot of people's attention. Some of them didn't look too friendly at all and since I'm a personal guard of our Prince, I need to be careful."

Otogi raised his eyebrows while Katsuya sighed- he could not remember any event or feast at which this didn't happen. People just seemed to radiate lust-filled thoughts about him and his two counselors would feel them, then immediately drawn near Katsuya in case of an unexpected attack. 'It is just matter of time when Shizuka will appear…' Katsuya thought to himself bemusedly.

Otogi continued, glancing at Seth who talked offhandedly with other people: "Our Pharaoh is very grateful for your alliance. I was asked to show you the magical sanctum tomorrow to introduce you to our magic here in return for your alliance."

Katsuya smiled waving his hand in a gesture of dismissal: "That won't be necessary. I would much rather get introduced to your medicine. I am specialized in that area." Otogi sent surprised smile: "A medic specialist?"

Honda had to smirk: "The one and only. He has never been interested in destructive powers. No one of all the people he has healed has died." Katsuya rolled his eyes with chuckle, nodded at Honda and then turned to Otogi with a small smile playing on his lips: "I would rather build than destroy. After all, nothing can replace life," he said, his eyes shining from the flicker torch from on the wall beside them, "It is easy to take but very hard and painful--"

"That was very well said," spoke a deep rich voice from behind them.

Katsuya turned to frown at the person who rudely interrupted him. If he hated something it was being cut in middle of the sentence, but upon turning, he was greeted with sapphire blue depths that glowed faintly from the unsteady lighting.

"My Pharaoh, I find it extremely rude of you to cut me off in the middle of the sentence," frowned the golden-haired Prince, crossing arms in front of him.

"Please, accept my apologies, my prince, but I couldn't help but comment on your statement," answered Seth in a silky voice that sent chills up and down his spine. Katsuya coughed quietly into his hand and then turned back to Otogi: "As I was saying, life is easily taken, but very hard and painful to give which is why I would really like to be introduced to your medicine. You can show the magic sanctuary to Honda and Shizuka, I'm sure they will learn quite a bit." He flashed a bright smile, making Pharaoh beside him shift uneasily, but the every so slight movement did not escape the blonde's attention. He had to smirk to himself as he wondered what on him made others shift and have licentious thoughts.

Seth nodded at a servant who approached them with drinks and handed out golden goblets filled with wine to the group. As Katsuya took his goblet, he nodded his thanks, and then turned to Honda: "Where is Shizuka?" Honda smiled: "She is talking with some priestess over there. She is very interested in Egypt's religion. You know that she is fan of history." Katsuya chuckled: "Yes she is." Seth remained silent while he sipped his wine, noting that it was a bit too sour. He wondered if the blonde prince was avoiding him on purpose.

"I have to go now," he said suddenly, "there are other guests that are waiting."

Katsuya nodded politely, confused by his abrupt leave but shrugged it off, as the others followed his nod. He sighed - his visit to Egypt would either end very good or very bad.

Katsuya's chambers, after dinner;

A light breeze swept the light linen curtains of prince's bedroom and the soft moonlight shone brightly through the veranda as Katsuya walked over to it, sitting on a stone bench, which was leaning against the doorframe to veranda. He was still fully dressed from party and he felt a bit dizzy from the wine he had consumed.

Sighing deeply, he closed his eyes, letting light nighttime breeze sweep across his face and tousle his clothes of dyed linen. It was alluring- to Katsuya, all of Egypt looked like a golden dream, a town from romance novels he used to read, a perfect place for love, forbidden or otherwise. A place to find one's true counterpart.

Sad thing was that Katsuya did not believe in the existence of one and only one love or the prospect of being in love for eternity. Most people he met were only lust thirsty for him- to enjoy and play with his beauty for one night and then leave him. And this goes mostly for men.

He sighed and stood up, entering back into his surreal room. There was a large, cushioned bed in the middle of the room with red sheets and white, light curtains falling from the ceiling around it.

Directly across the bed, was an oversized dresser with plenty of jewelry, perfumes, antidotes, silky napkins, and few scrolls scattered on it. A big mirror adorned almost half of the wall and in front of dresser was a stone chair piled with cushions that was big enough for two people to sit on comfortably or one person to lounge.

Sitting in front of the dresser, looking at his refection in the mirror before him, he started removing all jewelry from his body. It was rather exhausting getting all dressed up like this. All the gold he was wearing was heavy, not only in literally. It was gold, a cold meaningless metal bought with money only in hope of earning more money and to show off the status; it was given to him but he saw no use or beauty in it.

When all golden and silver trinkets were off, he grabbed a red ribbon and tied his hair in a ponytail with a few bangs resisting the tie falling down and framing his face. His face, lit by the soft glow of the bright moon, it looked like it was the face of a deity, a god.

He then stood up, removed his red clothes, dressed in a wispy, white nightgown and then exited to the veranda once again. It was a beautiful and calm night. Staring out into the vast star covered sky before him, he promised to himself that he will try to use every moment he could to enjoy his stay.

Looking down onto the lower levels of the palace, he saw there was no light anywhere within the palace, only on the outer walls were torches lit and they burned brightly like warm gold. Tall palms rose in the air, blocking his view of some wings of the palace. Right underneath his terrace was a large garden, with a fountain surrounded by various types of desert flowers. A statue in the middle of the fountain showed figure of a young man with unusually spiky hair, dressed in long flowing robes holding his palms in front of himself as if he was offering something. From his stone palms, water poured into the basin, it was all wonderful music to Katsuyas' ears, a glorious sight to his eyes.

The man of stone seemed very familiar to Katsuya, yet he could not place where he met that person, or if he ever had. The soft, yet solemn features on the face of the statue were calming, reassuring and the small smile that graced statues lips could make anyone smile as well, no matter how sad that person was.

As Katsuya sighed, tranquility settled like a comfortable blanket over him; it was only then he noticed how truly stressful that banquet was. He looked to his right and saw a shadowed figure standing on the veranda several meters from his own.

The shadow was dressed in pale blue robes that covered a light, white nightgown trimmed with gold.

It seemed that the figure was clutching something small in his hands; both of his hands were pressed on his chest, near where his heart should be. Wind rose and swept across the small yard, making light from torches glimmer.

One torch went out, as Katsuya continued to stare at the unknown person on the other terrace. Seemingly, the person was sad and was looking to seek comfort from serene man in the middle of the garden below.

Katsuya closed his eyes and sighed deeply, returning to his room. As he climbed slowly in his wide bed, he could not help but think about all the bloody wars and chaos Egypt had endured. As sleep gradually embraced him, his last thoughts were silent prayers that such tragedy will never occur to the human race ever again, but it was impossible and he knew it.

Seth's chambers, after dinner:

A slim, tall figure leaned against the inside of the door of one of the biggest rooms of the entire palace. The king sized bed took up the majority of the space in the room. From the ceiling fell light blue, linen curtains trimmed with gold. Placed in the corner of the room were vases filled with most exotic flowers in Egypt- desert roses. However, the roses held little importance to young Pharaoh. They were just a bitter memory and reminder of what kind of tragedy they had suffered.

Seth gripped a little golden pendant in his hands- the name engraved on it had started to fade away along with memories of people that once followed that man.

People knew him now as a myth, a legend, something that existed a long time ago. In time, he faded away because the Gods always come to take back what is theirs. And Atem was just that- a miracle that came in when Egypt was in its utmost need; he was a miracle that saved them and then faded away.

But Seth knew better. Seth knew that Atem was here, that Atem's spirit walked through palace. He remembered all pranks that the young prince, also his cousin, had played on him to sneak away from his surveillance. He remembered teaching him to read, to write, and to speak fluently without stuttering. He remembered Atem giving him a little golden cartouche along with the Millennium Puzzle with the words of: "Make me proud. Believe in your inner light," and then fading away, becoming one with the wind.

For Seth, Egypt will never be the same again. For Seth, nothing was more important than protecting the greedy land that his cousin protected without any second thoughts. For Seth, everything else but that was utterly meaningless.

Seth moved from the wall and approached his dresser. Taking off his jewelry and placing it aside; he dressed in his white nightgown trimmed with gold and donned a linen, light blue robe over it. He took the cartouche again, clutching it tightly in his hand that it was bound to leave an imprint, and exited to the veranda.

His half-lidded eyes fell on the sight of the well-known statue in the garden underneath his terrace. Atem- offering peace to the world. With small smile gracing his lips, everyone would think that person lived his life to full extent and possibilities. Little did strangers know that that the same man disappeared after only seeing the world for sixteen years. Little did they knew what horrors Atem had to fight alone and then to still gather enough strength to smile kindly upon them all.

Seth pressed the cartouche to his heart- people were selfish. People had ability to forget so easily. At one point, Seth had wished to forget as well, but he could not. He could not bring himself to forget his cousin who was blessed, or cursed, with a selflessness that would kill him.

The puzzle did not let him forget. Egypt, a new and reformed land, did not let him forget.

And now, a new alliance, an alliance that he was sure would bring ultimate death, not only him but also the whole land. In spite, it would pave a new path for him to pursue. Looking at the stone structure that portrayed the past Pharaoh, he was sure that he could hear the silent whispering echo of, "Have faith..." through the chilling night air.

As breeze blew a torch out, he caught glimmer of gold on terrace next to his. He caught the sight of a white, silky gown fluttering lightly around a trim figure with haywire hair. It was he, the Prince of the Elves who was interested in medicine, the person who managed to twist and turn his own thoughts against him causing utter turmoil in his head.

Never had he met such a person in his life.

One who was able to switch his personalities in matter of seconds. He looked too good for a man, and not only his errant appearance. There has to be something behind that outward mask. He wondered if Prince Katsuya was using some kind of spell or potion to make his appearance so alluring. It was so mesmerizing that Pharaoh refused to accept the fact that the Prince can look like that naturally.

When he lost sight of the silky white fabric that seemed to glow in the dimly light area, he returned to his own room, putting out a glowing torch in corner of the room. It was long day, and he needed some sleep. As he was slowly drifting off, he wondered in what kind of mess Prince would drag into him next.

Next morning, with Seth;

As the bright rays of the morning sun broke through the windows of the palace, a figure in a king-sized bed just turned to face the other side, not wanting to awaken yet. But hearing the sounds servants made in outside his door, he could not remain in his bed any longer.

Upon gathering towels and warps from the chest on the right side of the bed, he wondered why he was cursed with this morning routine. He muttered under his breath about destiny being unfair to him as he headed towards the royal bathroom with only a towel hanging dangerously low on his hips.

Approaching a big, white door, the undignified yell from the other side of the hall went unnoticed by him as he opened the door.

He instantly choked as he was greeted with warm moist air. He coughed a bit and then looked around the room. It was obvious that someone was using his royal bathroom and that someone was going to pay.

As he looked around, his eyes fell on a golden, clueless creature, bathing carelessly and combing his blonde hair.

Seth's eyes widened considerably as he took in lean figure and smooth skin of the gorgeous creature who intruded his bathroom.

One of the things about times like this is if you stare long enough at person, that person will eventually sense you and turn to face you. Proving this, the golden being turned to face Seth, his golden-brown eyes widening in shock and surprise, as his mouth hung open.

Seth cursed to himself in his head- this is not good start of a day...not at all...

TBC...

A/N: This was it for now. I hope you liked this chapter... I also gave you an awkward cliffhanger xD

Hugs and thanks to my beta again and please review. I want to hear opinions. Until next time, CIAO!