Atem sat upon his throne, his head resting on his hand. It had been a long day of audiences with his subjects. Many had problems with bandits on the outskirts of the kingdom, others problems with famine and disease. There was only so much time in the day for Atem to both be present at the audiences and to carry out his day to day duties as well. Seto had been quiet helpful with the more administrative work, as he knew some of it better than Atem, having helped Atem's father with it before his death.

Atem was feeling, well, not lonely as such. Restless? That wasn't it either. Maybe empty was a better descriptor. He felt that there was something missing. True, Mahaad was his best friend and greatest confidante, but it still didn't fill the whole that was left in Atem's heart when his father died.

He needed that closeness, even if it wasn't father/son. There was always a romantic relationship to consider, but he didn't want to be with someone who was just interested in his throne. So, that would eliminate half of the nobility, whether they be man or woman.

The subject of marriage had been brought up to Atem many times in the last few years. Since any relationship Atem would have would be arranged, he wanted to be at least friends with the person selected for him. So far, Atem had failed to click with anyone. He felt maybe it was depression that was suppressing his romantic desires. But that couldn't have been it. Atem still found men and women attractive. It's just none of them interested him enough. None of them had that spark that Atem was searching for. Atem wanted someone who wouldn't just treat him like the Pharaoh, but as an equal. Someone who would speak their mind and put him in his place from time to time. He wanted a partner as much as wife or husband. If he were to marry a man, he had already, privately, decided to make Seto his heir. Unbeknownst to his uncle and late father, Atem knew that Seto was his cousin. He planned on telling Seto soon, but he wanted to wait for the right moment. Atem had only just assumed the throne, and his position would be slightly dubious for a few seasons yet, until he had proven himself a king. If another heir were to reveal himself now, it may put the peace of their kingdom in jeopardy.

"And yourself," Atem's subconscious added helpfully. Atem grunted softly. He needed to think of what was best for the kingdom, and at the moment, that was security. Soon, he would reveal Seto as his cousin, and name him heir. But that still didn't solve his problem. Where was he going to find someone who truly completed him? Among the peasantry? The wealthier merchants? He needed someone down to earth and who wouldn't be intimidated by his position. But did such a person exist? Atem was considered to be a god among men, allowed to rule by divine right. Who could be trusted to be that close to absolute power?

Atem had to think of where to begin his search. A thought suddenly struck him. Mana! She associated with all kinds of people through her work, learning to become a great magician. All he had to do was ask for her help!

He turned to Seto. "Find Mana and send her to my chambers. I have something I need to discuss with her privately."

Seto raised an eyebrow but made no other comment other than, "Of course, my Pharaoh."

Atem nodded, rising from his throne and making his way, alone, to his private rooms.

Mana was practically bouncing when Atem opened the door to her. "Pharaoh! What is it you require of me? Do you need help with a spell? Or do you just want to hang out like before?"

Atem sat down wearily on one of the many chairs in the room. He gestured for Mana to join him.

"Mana, I've asked you here for a somewhat delicate matter. My advisors tell me that I need to marry and I wanted to ask you…" But before he finished, Atem was cut off by a strangled noise from Mana.

"You wanted to ask me to marry you?" Mana squeaked.

Atem shook his head and chuckled. "Well, if you'd let me finish what I was going to say."

Mana nodded sheepishly. "Sorry Pharaoh. Please continue."

"I need your help to find my, to put it bluntly, my soul mate." Atem said.

Mana's eyes widened. "Your soul mate? Atem, it is such an honour that you would ask me for help in this matter."

Atem smiled. "You are one of my closest friends Mana. Who else would I ask? You know so many people. Talk to various classes. You are my best bet. You always have been. I know you will help me succeed in this endeavour just as much as I know you will succeed in your endeavour to become one of the Royal Spellcasters."

Mana grinned. "So, where do you want to start?"

Atem blushed, rubbing the back of his head nervously. "I have no idea. Hence me asking for your help."

Mana paused. "You don't want any of the wealthy merchant's sons or daughters. If you ask me, most of them are more stuck up than actual nobility. Middle class merchants and peasants are probably your best choice. I know you Atem. You don't want to marry some Duke's daughter. You don't want someone who will simper after you."

Atem grinned. "You know me so well Mana." Atem paused. "I don't want to make you feel like a last resort, but if I do not find my true love and my advisors force me to marry, you will be the first I propose to."

Mana laughed, not thinking Atem was serious. "Followed closely by Mahaad!"

Atem chuckled. "Whatever you say Mana."

"So, we'll start with the lower upper class and work our way down then. Once we get through the city, then we'll begin on the outer townships." Mana said, mentally working it out.

"Sounds like a plan."