Author's Note: Hello~ I hope everyone is doing well! I've been working on this chapter for quite some time but I was hit with that dreaded writers' block! I was actually at a loss of how to wrap up this chapter but listening to some sappy yet beautiful music is exactly what helped me work everything out. This chapter is much shorter than the last two as it was originally cut from the end chapter 8 and ended up becoming it's own chapter. Also I want to say thanks for all the faves, follows, and reviews. I really appreciate it! Enjoy :)

Chapter 9: Feelings

When Mana and I came upon the entrance to the dining chambers, I had to pause and take a deep breath to calm my nerves. Mana turned to me and gave me a cheerful and reassuring smile.

"Hey, I know you're going to enjoy dinner," she said. "So please try to relax. I promise it will be nice. You have nothing to be nervous about at all."

In spite of my nerves, I knew that Mana was absolutely right. It was certainly not like I was going to this dinner for an interrogation or anything. There was no reason for me to really be nervous. I simply did not want to make a fool of myself and the thought of being in the presence of Egypt's most important people was intimidating to say the least.

"I know," I responded as I gave Mana a sheepish glance. "I'm sorry for being like this. This is not the kind of company I'm used to having dinner with…that's all."

"I understand your nervousness," she replied sympathetically. "But you really have nothing to worry about it. Just relax and enjoy, okay?"

"Okay," I nodded. "I'm going to try not to worry too much."

"Great!" Mana exclaimed jovially. "Now, let's get going. I'm sure the Pharaoh is waiting for us."

With another heartening smile, Mana lead me into the dining chamber. Like so many of the other rooms in the palace, this chamber was large and decorated beautifully. Various colorful paintings were adorning the walls as well as expensive looking vases with the most beautiful assortment of flowers I had ever seen. There was a doorway at the very back of the chamber where the kitchen servants would come out to attend to the Pharaoh and his court.

The large dining table was filled to the brim with all kinds of meats, cheeses, and fruits. Servants hurried around the table pouring goblets of wine for each other the sitting nobles.

Once we entered the chamber, all of the members of the Royal Court looked up simultaneously from what they were doing and watched as Mana and I made our way to the table. Despite the beautiful dress I was wearing and my futile hope of somehow blending in, I must have stood out like the commoner I was.

I could feel everyone's eyes as they bore right into me. Some were filled with curiosity, while others were filled with skepticism. Their stares made me extremely self-conscience and embarrassed as if there were something wrong with me. Somehow I managed to keep my composure and simply bowed respectfully towards them. I remained close behind Mana, looking towards her for comfort like a child who sticks by her mother amongst a sea of strangers.

I had not noticed up until this point that the Pharaoh was also staring at us. Atem was already in his seat at the very end of the table and with a warm smile that never left his face. I immediately felt much more relaxed at seeing him here.

"Good evening," he greeted us with genuine delight evident in his voice. "Please come in and have a seat."

"Let's sit over there," Mana said to me, pointing towards the two empty seats closest to the Pharaoh.

I carefully took my seat directly on Atem's left side and my eyes shyly glanced up at him from under my dark bangs. When our gazes met, his smile only widened and he gave me a reassuring nod. "Thank you for coming," he said with a warm and delicate voice that almost melted me right there.

My heart fluttered as I smiled back at him and tenderly replied, "Thank you for having me…"

"Pardon me, my Pharaoh," said Isis, interrupting our moment. "I do not believe you have formally introduced us to your friend…"

"Ah, yes, Priestess Isis," Atem said thoughtfully. "I suppose I have not. I see all your expressions. Please do not be alarmed. This is my good friend, Demi. I have invited her to join us for dinner tonight."

"I see," responded Isis as she locked eyes with me and smiled. "In that case, any friend of the Pharaoh is a friend of mine as well."

Priestess Isis had seemed friendly towards me since the first moment when we informally met. She made me feel at ease instantly and I could not help but to smile back earnestly.

"Thank you, Priestess," I responded.

Atem smiled at Isis before looking around at the rest of his Royal Court. "You have already met Mahad and Priest Seto." I would not necessarily consider my first meeting with Seto a formal introduction but I did not protest Atem's view of that situation. Mahad nodded at me respectfully but Priest Seto continued drinking from his goblet of wine as if nothing had even happened.

"…and sitting further down the table are Priest Shada and Priest Karim," Atem continued with a gesture. Both Priests greeted me with a nod and I nodded back politely. "…and finally Shimon and Priest Aknadin."

"It's nice to meet you," Shimon greeted jovially. "Thank you for joining us."

"Thank you for having me," I said. "It's an honor to be here."

On the contrary, Priest Aknadin simply nodded towards me in acknowledgment, barely sparing a glance, before continuing with his meal. I suppose that was better than nothing.

"Now that we are all acquainted…" Atem said. "Everyone please enjoy the food."

Despite my reservations and the slightly awkwardness, dinner went well. The food was absolutely delicious and unlike anything I had ever tasted. The flavors were intense and delightful on my palate. The meat was tender and flavorful, the vegetables were fresh, and there was plenty to go around. I was careful not to eat like a complete slob and make a fool out of myself, especially in front of these important people. As much as I wanted to stuff food into my mouth like a starved animal, I instead decided to take small, careful bites and chew quietly. Internally, my heart was bouncing off the walls. I could not even wrap my mind around how such delicious food could make my heart so happy.

The chamber was rather quiet aside from the sound of mouths eating. I am sure that none of the priests were willing to talk about any important matters regarding the country while I was around. Or perhaps they simply felt strange having a commoner around. I am not sure what the reason for the silence was but it was not something I was used to. Dinners at home as a child were quite rambunctious with us five children. Even as we grew older, before my siblings moved out of the house to begin their own lives, dinner time was a time to talk about the day and laugh and enjoy each other's company. It was something I took for granted back then. Dinners were a lot quieter with just Mama and me, but it was not as quiet as this room full of people.

My eyes carefully darted about at the people sitting here and I felt very out of place and so insignificant compared to everyone. What was a girl like me doing here at this table with these people? They all seemed nice…well most of them. Their kindness towards me felt genuine but I still wondered how they felt sharing a table with a lowly commoner.

As if noticing my expression, lost in my thoughts and forlorn, Atem leaned close to me. "Is everything all right, Demi?" he whispered.

I jolted a slightly as he drew me out of my thoughts. Turning my eyes him, I quickly reminded myself how grateful I was to Atem for allowing me to experience this. "Yes, everything is absolutely wonderful," I answered with a smile. "Thank you for inviting me."

"I am happy to hear that," he said. "You seem like you could use a little fresh air, however. If you are interested, we can take a walk after dinner."

My smile grew instantly at his offer. "Yes, I would love to."

The rest of the dinner went by uneventfully and soon the Pharaoh's Court departed to continue with their business. Atem and I walked through the corridors of the palace alone as we made our way back out into the garden.

The garden was even more breathtakingly beautiful at night than it was during the day. Tonight, the moon was full and large in dark sky above us and illuminated the garden wonderfully. Various lanterns also hung from posts placed about to light the darker areas of the garden. Atem and I walked side by side along the various paths, chatting continuously about our lives. It was as if our time together had started over in way. I could finally learn more about Cloaked Boy like I had wanted to from the very beginning.

At the same time, it was as if we were continuing from exactly where we had left off. The sense of comfort that I felt with Cloaked Boy was still there, although now I was left feeling a little more timid than before. I held a special fondness for Cloaked Boy for some time, but now that fondness had only deepened, and continued to do so as time went by.

"I hope you enjoyed your time here today," said Atem as we came to a stop in front of the garden's majestic fountain.

"Of course. I had a fantastic time," I responded. "I have already experienced many new things today that I haven't experienced in my entire life. I can't thank you enough for inviting me here."

Atem smiled handsomely at my words, seeming genuinely satisfied with my response. I had to draw all my strength to suppress a hearty swoon from escaping my lips.

"I am happy to see that you are happy. I hope I am able to make up for the times I was unable to be open with you during my time as Cloaked Boy."

For a moment, I did not even know what to say. Our eyes locked together as I processed his words. Was he really worried about our previous fall out? With just a single glance into his deep violet eyes, I could feel that his concern was real. I never doubted his words for a second, to be honest. Atem was a man of honor and a man his word. That fact was easy for anyone to see. I could feel it in the pit of my heart.

"…Please don't worry about that, Atem," I insisted bashfully. "The simple fact that you reached out to me on its own would be enough to make up for everything. Regardless, you had a good reason to not be completely honest with me. I understand and I am not upset at all. We're still together now, aren't we?"

Atem's smile widened and nodded in agreement. "That is true."

Atem and I shared a warm glance before we sat down on the edge of the fountain. As we looked up at the clear night sky, staring at the large white moon and distant glittering stars, I felt my heart flooding with many different emotions. I was happy. I was grateful. Above all, I felt my fondness for the Pharaoh growing. Despite the wonderful feelings, that fondness also filled me with sadness and worry at once. Would this fondness reach him? Would this fondness reach fruition?

I caught a glimpse of his face's profile through a coy sideways glance. He left me breathless as the lights from the moon and the lanterns reflected off of his face. In my eyes, he was shining brighter than even the moon or the stars. I sighed as quietly as possible and turned my eyes down to my lap.

"…I do not believe I have told you this before…" Atem's smooth voice slowly broke the silence. He paused for a moment as if collecting his thoughts carefully. "…But you are a very important person to me." I could feel his eyes glancing at me and I lifted my eyes to look at him. I could barely maintain eye contact as shyness began taking over me.

"I value your friendship very much, Demi," he continued. "My life in the palace, even as Prince, was not as easy as most people would assume…but you were always a great source of comfort to me since the day we first met."

I could not find the words to even say. "Atem…"

"I did not know if you would even want to see me…but I knew I wanted to see you again, if even it was only for a moment. Thank you very much for coming to me."

I felt myself melting into his glance and my cheeks must have been glowing even under the darkness of the night. He left me speechless. I cleared my throat awkwardly and turned my eyes up to the stars.

"…I'm so happy that I am able to see you again, Atem," I replied. "I miss you very much. I don't know what a simple girl like me can offer you, other than my friendship and support."

"…And that would make me happy," Atem said, before turning his head to glance up at the sky again with a smile.

The feelings within me were swelling intensely like a perfect storm. 'I like you a lot…' I confessed within my mind. On the outside, no such words could ever escape my lips. I did not want to ruin anything. I just wanted to stay here with Atem forever.

The scene from that one night replayed in my mind. That night which I could not forget…which confirmed these feelings inside me. Our bodies so close to each other; my lips a mere breath away from his…As I thought about that night, my blush deepened, but so did my confusion. I could not help but wonder if he was simply caught in the moment, or if he felt the same way I did. It seemed impossible, but…

A part of me wanted to ask him. I wanted to know why the events of that night happened. I wanted to know his feelings. My logic, however, told me it would be best to not mention anything. It was just a crush on my part anyway, right? Just a crush…

"Is there something wrong?" Atem asked softly, breaking the silence. "You look a little troubled…"

Back in the hallway, Atem had mentioned that night before we were interrupted. Even though we spent quite some time alone together since there, however, he had not brought up the incident again. Maybe he did not intend to at this point. Maybe that moment was too awkward. Maybe it should not have happened. Maybe he could not explain it any better than I could. A sinking feeling filled my heart but I quickly brushed that feeling off.

"No, not at all," I reassured him. "It is becoming quite late now, though. Maybe it's time for me to begin heading back home." I did not want to go home in all honesty. However, I did not want to overstay my welcome and I did not want my mother to worry too much either.

"Yes, I understand," he said as he stood up. "I will have my guards escort you back to your home to make sure you arrive safely."

"Thank you." I stood up from my spot as well and looked up at him.

"Please feel free to come back soon, Demi," Atem said. "You know you are welcome any time."

"I know," I responded with a soft grin. "I'll be back. Hopefully you won't get sick of me!"

"Do not worry about that," Atem chuckled and we began making our way back into the palace.

After bidding farewell to each other for the night, I began making my way to my house with the burly guards leading the way. I returned home where I excitedly told my mother of the day's experiences. Despite my body's exhaustion as I lay down in my cot, I did not fall asleep right away. Instead, my mind was filled with thoughts of the Pharaoh. When I did finally drift off to sleep, I dreamt of Atem and my heart was happy.