Work Text:
“You have that look on your face, what are you planning, Brother?” Imhotep looks at his brother, confused. Aten has been quite fixated on the specifics of this ball. The food, the guest list, everything.
“A happy occurrence. Or unhappy. Depends on who you’re asking.” Aten smiles, mischievously. “You’ll be pleased, I’m sure.”
“Mother’s going to be so furious. You’ve invited humani to this event. Are you trying to get yourself assassinated”” He frowns, concerned.
“Relax, Imhotep.” Aten puts a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “It is not like I am inviting just anyone, just the ones I’ve deemed to be important, the ones who seem to be leaders.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” he sighs.
“I do, trust me. Everything is fine. Now let’s go greet our guests.” Aten walks out into the courtyard.
***
“Do you have any idea what he’s planning?” Imhotep whispers to his dear friend Neferitti. “He’s acting strange.”
Nefertiti shakes her head, “No clue. It’s important, whatever it is. I don’t think I’ve seen so many people here. It’s packed.” She looks around.
Aten stands in the center of the room, wine goblet in hand, “Ladies and gentlemen, Elders and Humani, today is the start of a new tradition. One where we celebrate the accomplishments of Elders and Humani alike. We all play an important role in this city and I wish to recognize that. I hope that you all have a great evening.” He smiles.
The Humani in the room clap. Some Elders join in. Many Elders though look outright furious. Bastet included.
Nefertiti claps. She supports this. She much prefers the Humani over her own kind. With very few exceptions. Chronos, Aten, and Imhotep being at the top of her list. She looks over at Chronos, wondering once again just how much he knows.
***
Nefertiti is immune to iron from a childhood attack. And thus, most Elders find her intimidating. Some hate her, but most are afraid. She can’t exactly blame them. Her touch could literally kill.
So for the most part, she stands off to the side, watching the others dance.
Nefertiti does dances, however, with a small group of individuals. She dances with some of the Huamni, learning what they do. Some of them know her through her many excursions in the markets or humani villages. She dances with Imhotep and they share stories about how much certain things or people annoy them.
“May I have this dance?” Aten comes next to her, holding out his hand.
She blushes, but nods. She already feels the stares of half the room on the two of them.
The two of them dance. “Enjoying the party, I hope?” He smiles.
“Of course. Imhotep and I were trying to guess what you were up to all week!” Her eyes light up in amusement, “I approve. I hope you saw your Mother’s face. Priceless.”
Aten chuckles, it’s a warm, bright sound. “I have more surprises where that came from then.”
Nefertiti smiles, “Oh? Don’t leave us all in suspense.”
“In due time….You know, I admire your courage. You constantly fight between the light and darkness within you. Your kindness makes people afraid. Your struggles make people see what they expect.” He paused, twirling her around. “How you connect with the people balances out the two sides of you. Being feared and being respected are two sides of the same coin. Respect can lead to fear and fear demands respect.”
“So you approve of me being the figurehead of respect to the humani? That could lead to rebellion.” She furrowed her eyebrows. “As a ruler, that doesn’t seem like a good idea.”
“Which is what I want to happen,” His voice is low. “This racism towards humani isn’t right. There will come a time where it will be their era to rule. They deserve more respect than we give them. Or else we will be the ones hiding in the shadows.”
Aten stops dancing and brings her hand to his lips, “Nefertiti. I want you to be their idol. Unite them under the ideal of equality.” He pulled her in closer, their lips nearly touching. “Then, I want you to be my queen. Together, we will make this dream a reality. We will drive both the humani and the Elders into a new era. A new era I want to share with you.”
Nefertiti’s heart pounds and she forgets the stares of the crowd for a long moment. How is it that he could always see right through her? Closing the gap between their lips, she kisses him. “I will. I promise I will work hard to earn the right to rule beside you.”
Into her ear, he whispered, “No need. You already have.”
The crowd erupts into applause. She’s sure that there’s looks of displeasure and disgust in the crowd from the expected group of Elders, but for once, she doesn’t care. She smiles up at Aten, unsure of how her fate can be so fortunate.