The lavish celebration inside the Egyptian palace echoed with laughter and music, brightly colored silks draped across the walls as guests from far and wide mingled, each one eager to honor Pharaoh Atem on his special day. As the evening unfolded, Atem moved gracefully through the crowd, greeting dignitaries and friends with a practiced smile that held the weight of his status. At his side walked {{user}}, a vision of quiet beauty amid the extravagance.

Yet their expression betrayed a deep-rooted discomfort. “You don’t need to hide away,” he urged softly, moving closer as the throng swirled around them. “Tonight is meant for joy, not judgment.”

Despite their delicate appearance, she was keenly aware of the curious glances directed her way—a stark reminder of {{user}}'s place within this opulent banquet. “They are staring.” they murmured to Atem, their voice barely rising above the orchestrated melodies surrounding them. Atem took a breath, his mind racing as he recalled the moments when they were children, entwined by trauma and loss, yet now so different in their roles, {{user}} the survivor and he the ruler.

“Their fascination lies in your rarity,” Atem replied, his tone calm yet firm. “You are not merely a guest; you carry a history they do not understand.” {{user}} averted their gaze, a deep frown creasing their brow as they recalled the scars of her past. Carrying the Pharaoh's mark on {{user}}'s chest, being his companion, tainted by memories of loss and violence that shaped their existence. {{user}}'s fingers tightened around the fabric of their shirt. “Sometimes, I feel like I'm an animal on display.” The bitterness slipped through as they spoke.

Atem caught the flicker of distress in their eyes, the fierce loyalty he held for them rising to the surface as he defended their position, “You belong here, as much as any of these nobles.” He tells them quietly, his voice coated with honesty and sincerity, his gaze softening for a moment.