Hey, it's me Melody with another Yu-Gi-Oh fic! I am so excited because I've improved my wording. Well, sort of. Also I'm sorry beforehand but not only is the chapter short (1.341 words) but my thumb is injured and will be so for several months, so excuse misspellings or poor grammar. This one is AU so let me explain everyone's 'job' before I begin:

Ryou: The prince.

Bakura: Also a prince.

Isis (Malik's sister): Basically a Lady in Waiting, or someone who watches over royalty, similar to a 'nanny' I suppose?

Yugi: A mage or a wizard.

Okay, that's everyone. Their age remains the same as the show (Ryou is 15, Bakura doesn't really have an age but fandom has dubbed him with 18, Isis is about 26, Yugi is about 14 or 15, and Malik (hikari, not yami) is 16).

Disclaimer: I don't own the wonderful world of Yu-Gi-Oh!.

Warning(s): Wow. Surprisingly, there is no language or anything in this chapter. Not that I *cough* usually have it *cough*.

Enjoy and R&R!

Ryou sighed lightly as he found his way around the gobs of servants, who had a habit of surrounding him the moment he moved. It was quite irritating, though he didn't mind if it was for a purpose (though it rarely was).

"Father, may I go outside?" Ryou asked his father politely, even adding a small bow to his words. His father, who was the king of Domino, seemed to be deep in thought, but finally noticed his son. "Of course, but make sure to take many a knight with you and-" The man couldn't finish as the boy had already run off. A ghost of a smile flickered across the king's face fondly.

"What a beautiful day it is!" Ryou exclaimed, breathing in the heavenly scent of wildflowers and fresh fruit. It was nothing like the smell of the castle. The wind caressed his hair as he walked across the courtyard, several Knights bowing to him in greeting. Ryou smiled at his faithful and trustworthy Knights, who would be by his side in a moment should anything bad transpire.

The white haired prince took a small break from his stroll, resting under a large oak tree. It's leaves graced his pale skin with shade, which was a nice feeling after the hot summer's sun had been wearing down on it all day. He gave a small yawn, and before he knew it, had fallen asleep.

"Hey!" A unfamiliar voice was shouting at him, shaking his shoulders violently. Ryou's doe brown eyes flickered open, his gaze finding its way to a blonde boy of similar age in front of him. "Good day." He said politely, sitting up straight to regain his posture. The boy looked at him with confused violet eyes, then replied, "Hi."

"I am Ryou." The whitette said cheerfully, smiling warmly. The boy blinked. "I'm Malik." Ryou noticed the boy had tanned skin as if he worked in fields. "Do you work around here?" Malik asked curiously. Ryou shook his head in reply, "No, I'm-" he cut himself off quickly. Perhaps it wasn't best to reveal his identity. Malik noticed his hesitation and gave a slight smile. "Don't worry," he whispered, "I know you're the prince."

Ryou opened his mouth in surprise, but shut it quickly. "I'm a simple worker." Malik continued, shifting back and forth as if he was uncomfortable. "What's wrong?" Ryou asked with concern. Malik shook his head and sighed deeply. "I'm a run away." He explained quietly, his eyes darting back and forth with alertness.

"Are they following you?" The prince whispered, his eyes on the look out to make sure there wasn't anyone else around. Malik shrugged. "I don't know, but they'll find out soon." Ryou thought for a moment, the his face lit up with excitement. "You could always come to the castle!" Malik shook his head and sighed. "I doubt it."

"Don't worry, it'll be a secret." Ryou assured him. Malik stared at the prince hesitantly, but eventually nodded his head in agreement. "Wonderful!" Ryou exclaimed quietly, standing up quickly. Malik followed his example and stretched his aching limbs.

"Here we are." Ryou said quietly, gesturing towards Malik to go inside a large room. Malik hesitated, but walked in nonetheless. A warm sight greeted him. There was a blue and white bed with silken pillows, so soft it would put the richest of lords to shame. There was a small wooden desk with a wooden chair to match, along with a journal and quill pen. There was a small table, big enough for two, lavished with fruit, bread and delicious meat. "T-Thank you!" Malik managed to stutter, far to in awe of the room to say anything else.

"You're quite welcome." The prince replied politely, giving another warm smile. "If you need anything, please inform me." Malik was about to ask how, but simply settled for nodding his head. Ryou gently shut the door, its frame barely making a noise, hinting it had been recently oiled. Malik sighed in content and settled onto the bed, far to tired to even change into the silk pajamas laid out for him.

"Good day, Yugi." The young mage jumped at his name, then smiled fondly and turned around to see the prince standing there. "Hello, your majesty." Yugi replied, quickly bowing. He heard a soft chuckle and raised his head to see Ryou extending one pale hand. "Please rise, and you can call me Ryou." He said gently, smiling once more. As Yugi nodded his head, the door creaked open and Ryou saw the familiar body of his father. "Good day, your highness." Yugi repeated, bowing once again.

The king nodded in recognition, then faced Ryou. "It seems your brother is sulking once again. Perhaps you could...?" Ryou smiled and nodded, bidding a 'Good bye!' to Yugi before exiting the room. The king then faced Yugi, chuckling when he saw the young boy's face become frightened. "It's alright child. I just wanted to thank you for becoming such a good friend to Ryou." The king said, giving a sorrowful sigh afterwards.

"The poor boy seems so alone. His brother is rather distant and rude, whereas his beloved mother and sister no longer live." The king's voice seemed to sadden as memories of times spent with his children and his wife began making their way into his mind. Yugi smiled with sympathy and understanding. The king then gave a genuine smile, his face lighting up as if it had never held sorrow. "But thanks to my court, he is beginning to feel far better." Yugi's smile increased to the point of a cheerful grin, pleased he was making Ryou feel this way.

"Please, do not stop reaching out to him." The king stood up, and walked out of the small room, leaving Yugi to his books of magic and thoughts.

"Oh, Miss Isis?" The woman turned around at the gentle accent, smiling softly at Ryou. "Yes?" She replied, having learned through many years that the boy really did like it when he was not addressed with a title, only his name. "Do you know where Bakura is?" Isis frowned at the very mention of the other prince, but quickly replaced it when she remembered Ryou's presence. "Yes. I believe he's in the garden." She said quickly.

It wasn't as if she disliked Bakura, but he acted rather cold towards his brother, who had been through so much. Both of them had, but Ryou had taken it far worse, secluding himself in his bedroom for several months. Or had Bakura taken it worse and simply could not admit it? "Thank you, Isis." He said quietly, slowly walking away. Iris's eyes shined with sympathy as she watched him go off(1).

"Hello, Bakura!" Ryou said cheerfully, greeting his twin with his usual bright smile. The other grunted in response. Ryou frowned a bit. "Father says you've been sulking." He said slowly and silently, taking a seat next to his brother, who welcomed the younger's presence. He almost always did. "Bah, Father thinks to much." Bakura grumbled, grunting once more when he heard Ryou giggle playfully.

The two did not know it, but a pair of violet eyes watched them intently, a smirk growing on the tanned face.

"Your highness!" The king turned around and faced Isis, who panted heavily, trying to catch her breath. "Yes, what is it Isis?" He asked calmly. The Egyptian native looked up, sweat pouring down her tanned skin. "Someone's attacking the castle!" She breathed, finally having caught her breath once more. The king's eyes narrowed, and he gave quick orders.

"Bakura, what's going on?!" Ryou asked, clearly frightened by the sounds of dying screams or yells for help. Bakura scowled and unsheathed his sword. "Whatever it is, it won't harm you." He said calmly. He motioned for the younger to stay behind his back, wielding his sword in a skilled manner. Ryou could not say he didn't trust his brother's skills without lying, though he knew he could be provoked and then act brashly.

Isis finally located Bakura and Ryou, which took quite some time given all of the chaos going on. "You two must hide!" Iris urged them, grabbing both their hands-despite Bakura's protesting- and rushing down the hallways with them in tow. "Quickly, hide in the spare basement room." She said as fast as possible, running off to assist the knights, knowing Bakura would protect Ryou from that point. "May Ra watch over you both." She prayed silently.

(1): I hate seeing you leave but I love watching you go.

The three words that describe this chapter: That escalated quickly. Anyways, I hope you enjoy my terrible writing! :D Please R&R, and be nice for Ra's sake, I'm just a lowly writer. See ya next chapter!~Melody