Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters. I just fantasize about them and put them into words.

Chapter 1: They Ain't Even in the Game

A blond man stood on the balcony of a royal palace, leaning against a marble pillar. His arms were crossed over an extravagant looking green coat while his honey colored eyes held firm towards the picturesque sunset landscape. In two hours, he'd be betrothed. Thankfully, not to a woman. Coming out to his parents at a younger age seemed to have been his advantage. For he'd be marrying a well-suited man.

You see, Joey wasn't a typical prince who married the typical princess in an arranged marriage. Besides being homosexual, he decisively believed in true love. Call him silly or an imaginative fool (which had happened to him once or twice) but he just couldn't bring himself to accept being forced to marry someone he didn't know.

There was only one man that he'd ever considered taking as a husband. His close friend, Duke Devlin.

Duke was the head of security's son and was next in line to protect the King. He protected Joey and was unwaveringly loyal. Duke was handsome, too handsome for his own good. Long black hair – usually tied up in a ponytail over a red band – and bright emerald green eyes. He was every girl or boy's fantasy, and yet Duke was above relationships. Joey had fallen in love and there was no turning back.

The only parenthetical problem was the T-bag known as Tea Gardner. She was a princess to one of the neighboring countries and was smitten with Duke at first sight. In return, he had fallen for her advances.

Joey, ever supportive and loyal, had shown his approval despite his bitter disappointment.

Tea was eventually caught with a stable boy by Duke during a visit for her birthday. It had been the hardest day for both Duke and Joey. Duke was distraught. Joey was helpless, there was nothing he could due to sooth his heartbroken friend.

But now, he'd never have the chance to tell Duke how he felt. His betrothal was in just two hours' time. Duke would go on with his life being miserable and lonely.

Rubbing at his nose, Joey glared at the silhouette of mountains that the sun had sheltered behind. Why was life so cruel?

"Hey man, there's only three duels left. Don't you want to watch your future husband's win?"

The sound of Duke's voice set his heart stammering, his blood running cold. How was Duke so casual, so okay with Joey being married off? Didn't he see what would happen? Didn't he see the consequences? He crossed his arms protectively and searched for a response.

"Why would I?! This is stupid. I can't believe my parents decided this."

Duke sighed. They'd had this conversation many times over. "You know why Joey. You're eighteen now, you're supposed to be married. That's the law."

Joey's hands dropped to his sides, his face agape with disbelief. "You're eighteen and you're not married! Why's it different for me?"

"Because I'm not the prince. Now come on, your father sent me out here to drag you into the ballroom."

Joey huffed and turned away from Duke, moving away from his grasp. "I'm not going in there, Duke."

Duke groaned with frustration. "Come on man, what am I supposed to tell your parents?"

"That I'm running away and they can kiss my ass."

Duke moved closer to Joey and placed a hand on his shoulder. Joey tensed under his touch. "It's not going to be that bad. I've been watching the duels and these last contestants are pretty talented."

Joey shrugged Duke off of him with a fierce glare. "What's being great at Duel Monsters have to do with marriage? Hunh? Nothin'! That's what! It makes no sense, Duke! I'm not doin' this! They can't make me!"

Duke moved quickly and wrapped his arms around him. Joey melted into his arms and nuzzled his face into his neck. His displaced anger led way to his helplessness and he leaned against Duke for support. "I know, Joey. But I promise, it'll turn out alright. I'll be with you no matter what. You'll always have me as a friend."

Joey relaxed at Duke's words. He hadn't thought of that. Duke would still be there, at least as his friend. Somehow, being betrothed didn't seem so terrible anymore.

A high-pitched voice called from behind them. The two broke apart to look at the tall man. It was Duke's father. "Another has demanded entrance to your tournament! You have to come see who it is!"

Duke and Joey exchanged a short, hesitant glance. After a deep breath, Joey relented, allowing Duke to escort him into the duel hall.

Scowling with his arms crossed over his chest, Joey entered and felt the tension in the room before anything else. He looked around the room, not understanding why everyone was gawking.

He finally snapped, one stare pushing him over the edge. "What?!"

Duke grabbed Joey's arm, directing his attention with a finger pointed in front of them. Joey followed the finger to see a tall man with dark brown hair hanging gently in his eyes, wearing an even more extravagant coat than Joey.

Joey's mouth went slack and his blood ran cold. He knew that person. Being a child of nobility had him meeting other children of royalty as he grew up. Just like he knew Tea, he knew Seto Kaiba as well.

They had hated each other from the beginning. Joey's country was an older one, with forgotten rules and inadequate value. What they lacked in riches they possessed in loyalty and respect.

The Kaiba's country was newer with more money than they knew what to do with. They were strict, but had all the modern technology with the promise of a "dream life". With money and riches came conceited and pompous behavior.

Both things Joey despised and Seto had them. He was forever taunting and mocking how Joey was an underclass and penniless prince. Joey loathed Seto. The feeling was mutual, from what Seto had shown in the past. So, that brought Joey to one question.

Why the hell was Seto Kaiba entering his "duel to marry" tournament?!

"I've come to ask your son for his hand in marriage. If I must duel and win against every single person in the world in order to do that, I can assure you I will," Seto Kaiba declared to Joey's parents, who looked as shell shocked as anyone at their thrones.

Joey was visibly shaking with anger and confusion. He breathed through gritted teeth before making his way down through the crowds. "What the hell does that bastard think he's doin'?"

Duke tried to grab his friend back, but didn't reach him in time. Joey faintly heard Duke's footsteps following behind him.

Joey brushed through the gawking crowd, stomping toward Kaiba and his parents. To hell with his good looks, his money, his kingdom. "Go to hell Kaiba!"

With eyes alight in amusement and a mocking grin on his face Seto stood up straighter to look at Joey. "Is that anyway to speak to your betrothed, Wheeler?"

Joey shook with effort, his fists clenched and face red. "You're not in this tournament! So, you're not my anything. I can talk to you however I want! Now get the hell out of my country!"

"Joey calm down," Duke's voice spoke from behind him, reaching out to snag his shoulder again.

Joey took a step forward, away from Duke's outstretched hand. "No I will not calm down!" he looked from Seto back at Duke, a hand flung out toward his protector in disbelief. "This asshole thinks he can just march in here and claim me! As if I am a prize! It was bad enough to have to deal with strangers doing that but him?! No! It's not happenin'!"

"ENOUGH!" The King's voice echoed throughout the Great Hall, making Joey jump.

In a quieter voice, the King spoke icily, "Now, I'm as surprised as anyone that Prince Kaiba is here and asking of such things, there is a tournament going on that despite my son's beliefs, is quite important. Either duel like the rest of them Prince Kaiba, or I must request of you to leave my country at once."

Joey spun around in disbelief to look at his father, prepared to argue. The stern expression on the King's face caused him to hesitate. There wasn't going to be any winning with him, Joey deflated furiously. Just like there hadn't been when the whole tournament idea had been brought up. Once again, his life was being played out for him and there was nothing he could do about it. He would just have to sit back and deal with it.

A small hand gently took Joey's arm and he resisted a flinch. It only took him a moment to recognize his younger sister. She was thirteen and barely up to his shoulder. Her innocent face looked up at him with stunning hazel eyes. "Big brother," she said quietly, trying to reason with him. "Everything works out the way it's supposed to."

Joey wanted to argue but was quickly beginning to realize that he had no control over his life. Silently, because he didn't trust his words right now, Joey let the small girl lead him over to his own throne that sat between his mother's and Serenity's.

Leaning back in his throne Joey stared ahead as Seto stepped forward to duel. His own fancy duel disk, invented by his own fancy company, was strapped to his fancy arm. Joey inwardly sneered.

Every time he saw a duelist using the newest piece of equipment he restrained the urge to barf.

As the tournament progressed, Joey fought with himself. He'd never known Seto could duel before and by the Gods, he was incredible. He had all the best strategies, the rarest cards, and knew every combination in the book. Joey could barely keep control over himself when he'd use his most powerful monsters. By the end of the duel he was almost leaning on the edge of his seat, his heart racing, and adrenaline pumping.

Then it came down to two. Seto Kaiba and a man that Joey didn't recognize. His fate on the line and in the hands of his enemy, Joey was literally on the edge of his seat. Serenity took Joey's hand to calm him, which helped only a little. He did appreciate Serenity's support but there was only so much he could get in this sort of situation.

The duel began and the unthinkable happened.

Seto Kaiba summoned a monster that Joey had only heard about in stories.

An enormous white dragon stood at attention in attack mode as Seto took his stance to declare his attack. "Blue Eyes White Dragon! Use White Lightning!"

Joey held his breath as the dragon opened its mouth to blow a blinding white arch of lightning towards the last of his opponent's monsters, wiping the rest of the other man's life points out.

Silence overwhelmed the room after the display of power that Seto Kaiba held. Seto crossed his arms smugly with a smirk, the very air of arrogance.

Then the room erupted into clapping that soon turned into cheering. Joey gaped at Seto, his body freezing in disbelief. No…

Seto walked over to the thrones with a triumphant look on his arrogant fancy face. "So, shall I begin planning the wedding?"

Joey's gaze shifted to his father's sobered look. "I think we both have people to do that for us, wouldn't you agree Prince Kaiba? So, you won the tournament and the right to marry my son. But now, tell me, what is your purpose of coming here tonight?"

Joey caught Seto's glance before Seto crossed his arms and looked unwaveringly at the King. "I am twenty years old, your majesty. I am in need of a husband myself and I thought, that perhaps, by marrying we could combine our countries. What do you say?"

Joey stiffened at the confession.

The King arched an eyebrow as he ran idle fingers through his beard, "What about your father? Shouldn't he be here to announce this himself?"

Seto seemed to get even colder in his words and features. "My father… is dead. He passed two nights ago, and left the throne to me. I am now King of Pious."

Gasps were sounded throughout the ballroom and the King sat up straighter. "I'm sorry for your loss, but that gave you no right to include my country in your plans. Your father would have disapproved."

"My father didn't know what he was doing as King. I endeavor to change not only my country, but yours as well. Now that I have won your son, you have will have no say about the relationship between our countries. Unless you're going back on your word, Sire?"

Joey looked over at his father, who had gone silent. He watched his mother take his father's hand, looking as if she was speaking reason with her eyes. Joey just stared at them in horror. They were going to marry him off to Kaiba, he thought. He couldn't believe it. It was as if they didn't even care about his feelings in the slightest.

The king directed his attention back to Seto Kaiba, then stood before all in attendance. "Very well… You have my blessing and acceptance. However, gaining my son's will be another story. Come, let us celebrate in the dining hall!"

Murmurs and unease whispered through the crowd. The King turned to his wife and children. "Let us forget this miserable turn of events for a more pleasant evening, shall we?"

As everyone stood and collectively exited the ballroom, Joey turned his hallowed expression to Kaiba.

Duke, not to Joey's surprise, took a protective step forward when Seto made a motion to advance toward the Prince.

"Get out of my way," Seto ordered distastefully.

Duke glared at him. "You might have won the tournament but you haven't won Joey. Not by a long shot."

Joey watched Seto's eyes narrow. "I don't care what you have to say, he's my betrothed and I will speak with him, whether you like it or not."

"I'm his security. I say who will speak with him or not. And I'm telling you to leave."

"Security?" Seto snorted in derision, "I have a security team twice the size of you."

Sure that Duke was about to suggest what an ass Seto was, Joey placed his hand on Duke's shoulder to silence him. Joey stepped to Duke's side, his eyes glowering up at Seto.

"I don't have anything to say to you, so I'd appreciate it if you'd stop harassing my friend and leave now. I don't care if you're a king or not."

Seto's smirk grew wider. "Well I have something to say to you. I expect you at my palace on Tuesday to begin planning our marriage. It's going to be an oversized ordeal and I need your assistance to make it perfect. There will also be a press release as the new King has won a tournament to marry a prince from another country. You must be there to make an appearance in your new home."

Joey reddened in the face, his fury returning. "Home?! I'm not living there! If we do have to get married, what if I would prefer you to live here? Huh? What makes you the sole person to make the decisions?"

Seto quirked an eyebrow up at the blond, his grin creating a twisted, amused look. "Because I'm the new King of Pious. I have to live there. Plus, you're my prize and therefore you will be living wherever I say. Besides, why would I want to live in a dump country such as this one?"

Even though Duke wanted nothing better than to jump Kaiba for saying such harsh things about his country, he snatched the lunging Joey from attacking. Joey didn't have as much self-control when he got angry.

"Don't you dare say such things about my country ya bastard! Don't you dare!"

Seto merely stared back at Joey who was squirming in Duke's arms, kicking and swatting as he tried to get to him. "Whatever. I'm leaving. But remember, you better be there on Tuesday."

"And what if I'm not?" Joey spat back at Seto, still trying to get Duke to release him.

Seto smirked. "Then I'll just have to come get you myself." He spun on his heel and walked swiftly out of the great hall.

It wasn't until Joey had finally calmed down that Duke released his grip.

"The hell you will," Joey grumbled after him, as if to chase Seto off with one final insult.

Duke looked over him with a grim expression, his normal brilliant smile hidden behind a frown. "I'm sorry about all of that, Joey."

Joey glanced at Duke and then sighed, shoulders slumping. "It's not your fault, so don't apologize. It's that asshole's fault. He made this whole situation worse! And for what? To combine our countries together! For his own gain! The nerve of that jerk!"

Duke ran a hand through his hair, "I know, it's fucked up. But there's nothing you or anyone else can do about it. Who knows, maybe it'll turn out okay."

Joey gave him a skeptical look and Duke's mouth curved upwards. "Well, at least you'll get to annoy him for the rest of your days," Duke offered.

Joey brightened, looking over at Duke with a grin.

Duke frowned in confusion, "What?"

Joey's eyes sparkled. "That's it! I'll just make him hate me! Well, more than now. I'll make it so he can't stand me and then he'll have no choice but to not marry me! It's brilliant!"

Duke stared at his friend for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Hey, you know what man? That might just work!"

"Of course, it will! Just watch!" Joey said happily. He grabbed Duke's hand. "Let's go celebrate by eating ourselves into a coma!"

Joey was positive that this would work. It had to. If he could perform all the acts that had made Seto hate him in the past, perhaps he'd drop the engagement and leave him and his country alone.

Thank you for reading!