Atem’s arms cross and he moves closer to where the view is, staring at it. The loss feels so insurmountable. There’s too much for him to bear but he doesn’t have time for weakness. He keeps his head high.

“That is no way for an Emperor to talk. Are you going to allow yourself to be a pathetic pawn in someone else’s game?”

It would have been easy for Atem to do that. He’d been young and grieving when thrust into power with vipers all around in the guise of friends. “I will believe you will return my items. Use me to get your heirs and actually take responsibility for your position instead of acting like you’re merely a servant carrying out orders. Otherwise you’re not fit to lead.”