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"I can't do this." You cursed, throwing the quill onto the table in front of you. The ink splattered on the piece of parchment, which had several scribbles on it.

"Even a child can learn to write their own name." The scribe commented, a look of pure boredom in his eyes. Ever since Atem had announced that he was going to court you, the scribes, priestess and every other noble had been treating you coldly when you weren't in the presence of Atem.

"They have been learning to read and write for years, I'm just starting." You mumbled under your breath. You had never learned to read; there was no one to teach you. When Atem found out, he offered to have his scribes teach you to read, as well as know basic math and history. You took to math quickly; counting and adding money came to you easily. In history you were doing well; it was interesting to hear about the past. However, reading and writing were giving you a much harder time.

"So you're saying you are dumber than a child?" The scribe smirked, looking down his nose at you just like every other noble here. "Children can write their names."

You twitched. "Maybe you're just a terrible teacher." Making you try to write your name without showing you which symbol is which proves this.

"I didn't ask to teach his highness' pet. I am only doing as he ordered."

"It seems you aren't doing it well." A male voice commented from behind the scribe. You smiled at the newcomer.

The scribe whipped around and gasped. "Y-your highness!" His face turned a ghostly white and his lower lip began to tremble. A scribe complaining about the Pharaoh's orders could easily lead to their death. You rolled you eyes; however, Atem would never do something like that.

"It seems that I'll need to find a new scribe that will actually do as I ask." Atem commented walking towards the two of you. He was dressed in a causal tan tunic and matching pants. He preferred simple clothing when he was just in his castle.

The scribe scrambled to his feet, almost tripping over his floor length robes. "I-I apologize your majesty!" He bowed lowly. "I shouldn't have grown so frustrated by your guest." You twitched. What a clever way to insult you without seeming to.

"Like I said, maybe she needs a new teacher. You may be dismissed." Atem gestured away. The scribe bowed again and rushed out of the library as fast as he could without tripping.

You giggled. "You scared him pretty bad Atem."

Atem took the seat the scribe had been occupying before. "He deserved it. I heard how he talked to you before I stepped in. I do apologize for him." Atem gently took your hand that was resting on the table causing you to smile.

"You don't need to apologize Atem. It's partly my fault, I'm just having a hard time catching on. I'm sorry for being such a burden."

Atem squeezed your hand. "Now you are no such thing. You'll get a handle of it, I know you will." He stroked his thumb over the back of your hand. "I'll get you another teacher, one that will actually try to teach you something."

"Thank you Atem but honestly all of your scribes hate me..."

Atem sighed. "I can't say I haven't noticed that. I have gotten many complaints about not courting a princess."

"Why didn't you?"

"Hm?"

"Why did you choose to court me instead of a princess?" You had been wondering that since he had made the announcement. Sure, since then Atem had been insisting you wore the clothes he had the servants get for you, though you did convince him to limit it to just a few. You didn't want him using a lot of money on you even if he was the Pharaoh.

"(Name)." Atem put his free hand on your cheek. "First you are more beautiful than any princess I have ever seen." Your cheeks grew warm and Atem grinned feeling it. "Second, even if you can't read yet I can tell you have a brilliant mind. You have to, to have survived all this time." He smiled sadly. "And third, you are the only one who speaks honestly to me. Everyone else here only tells me what they think I want to hear. I had no idea how bad the citizens in my kingdom were suffering until I met you. I'm now working hard to help them. I swear that no one will suffer in my kingdom ever again."

"They are lucky to have you as their Pharaoh Atem."

"And you my dear? Are you happy here with me?"

"More than I ever thought I could be. I owe you everything. I don't know how to repay you."

"You already are." You blinked tilting your head not sure what he meant. Atem chuckled. "You are allowing me to court you."

"That's all you want?"

"Well there is one other thing I can ask of you."

"What is it?"

"Become my wife."

Your eyes widen. "W-what?"

"Become my wife. I want you to always be by my side."

"A-Atem."

"I won't make you answer right now. Tonight, come to my private garden if the answer is yes. If the answer is no, you may still live here and learn what you can. So please don't feel you have to say yes to survive." Atem stroked your cheek. "I only want you to say yes if you feel the same about me." He leaned forward and kissed your forehead lightly. "Now, I must go. Goodbye (Name)." Atem got up and went to the door. You stared after him, your eyes wide. He had completely taken you by surprise.

You spent the rest of the day in a trance. You were so far gone that you didn't even hear the sharp comments from the scribes and ladies in waiting. All you could think about was Atem and what you were going to go tonight. The day finally dragged to a close as the moon came out from hiding and the stars dotted the sky. You bit your lip as you entered the garden that would decide your fate. It was breathtaking all the flowers were in bloom and the smell was intoxicating. In the center of the garden was a single table with two chairs. Sitting at one of the chairs was Atem. He as leaning with his elbows on the table playing with a single rose. He was staring off into the distance. You stepped forward wanting to get a closer look, you had never seen Atem look so nervous before. However, when you took a step, the loud crack of a twig being broken under foot. You froze like an animal.

Atem's head whipped towards the sound. A warm smile broke on his face when he spotted you. "(Name), you came." He stood up from his seat.

You walked over to him. "Did you think I wouldn't?"

"Well I did kind of trick you by not telling you about my courting announcement."

You stopped right in front of him. "I won't say I wasn't shocked when you said you wanted to court me and I'll admit that at first I wonder if you had some hidden reason for it." You smiled. "However, these last few months have been like heaven, I didn't think I would ever feel this happy and its all thanks to you Atem."

He held the rose out to you. "Does this mean...?"

You took the rose from him. "Yes Atem, I'll marry you."

His eyes lit up and he grabbed your hips. "Yes!" He lifted you into the air and spun the two of you. You giggled resting your hands on his shoulders. Atem spun you for a moment before setting you back on your feet keeping his hands on his lips. "My beautiful queen."

"My handsome Pharaoh." Atem pulled you towards him and pressed his lips fully against your own. You sighed happily and kissed him back. It was hard to believe that just a few months ago you had to steal food to survive and now you were going to be the queen of Egypt. The hardest to believe was that you met Atem, the love of your life.