Over the next days, Yugi distributed more of his tasks to his assistants and other nobles. While he knew his projects would be well taken care of, it felt like having to leave his children in someone else's custody. He didn't have much time to be sad, however.

The next ball was held in Lord Otogi's honour. Before the banquet, the queen welcomed him in a short speech and shortly afterwards, the nobles gathered around him. They asked him all kinds of questions about Kallias and himself. Lord Otogi always answered with a charming or witty remark and managed to entice laughs from nearly everyone.

By the time the dinner ended and everyone advanced to the ball hall, at least two dozen people were insisting on dancing with Lord Otogi. Among them were many of Yugi's admirers so Yugi had the rare opportunity to stand alone in a corner with a glass of champaign and enjoy the orchestra's music.

Skirts and capes were swishing over the shiny marble floor, the chandeliers above them sparkling. Another song ended and everyone applauded for the orchestra. Already, half a dozen people assembled around Otogi and pushed the man he had danced with aside. Yugi chuckled. Usually, he was in Lord Otogi's position and it was entertaining seeing the spectacle from an outsider's point of view for a change.

"Isn't that Royal Protector Sennen?", a noble woman said and Yugi looked into the direction she nodded to. Atem really was leaning against a wall in his ceremonial uniform, his arms crossed. He was the only person with a grim expression on his face, which was why no one approached him.

"I thought he hated balls? He only ever goes when his presence is required like at new year's", another lady said. What they said was true. Atem kept fidgeting with his gloves and clothes, proving how uncomfortable he was in those fine garments. Then why was he here?

Yugi placed his half-empty glass on a small table and wanted to approach Atem. But after a few steps, Rebecca and Vivian blocked his way.

"My prince, there you are!", Vivian said.

"May I have the next dance, my prince?", Rebecca said and linked her arm with Yugi's.

"Rebecca, I saw the prince first!", Vivian said and smacked Rebecca's poofy skirt with her fan. The two began to argue once more and Yugi was unable to escape Rebecca's iron grip.

"Excuse me", a voice said. All three turned around and saw Lord Otogi in front of them. Yugi wondered how he had managed to keep his admirers from following him. "My prince, how could you not mention these two beautiful women to me? I am shocked!"

Rebecca let go of Yugi's arm and both she and Vivian hid their faces behind their fans, giggling.

"I apologise. It seems I forgot", Yugi said and adjusted his cravat.

"Forgot! How could you?", Lord Otogi said in a playful tone. He took both Rebecca and Vivian's free hands. "My ladies, would you honour me with a dance tonight?"

"Yes, of course!", Vivian said and Rebecca added: "Me first!"

Yugi smirked, torn between amusement and indignation of how quickly they had forgotten who they were usually trying to woo.

"Excellent! Now, I'm sure both of you are as generous as you are beautiful, so would you allow me a moment alone with the prince? I need to have a serious word with him about the matter", Lord Otogi said and winked at Yugi.

"Yes, yes, of course", Rebecca and Vivian said, still cackling. Yugi and Otogi made their way into a chamber at the end of a corridor. It was one of the rooms where people could take a break from dancing and eat a snack. At this time of the evening, it was empty however.

"Thank you. That was really nice of you", Yugi said, remembering how Atem had done something similar for him at new year's. Though he had been more blunt about it …

"It was also selfish, I must confess", Lord Otogi said as they sat down around a table with sweetly smelling pastries. "I missed your captivating company over the past days."

Heat crept into Yugi's cheeks.

"Y-You need to stop talking like that, my lord. I'm not worthy of such excessive compliments."

"You think my compliments are excessive?", Lord Otogi said, crossing his legs and leaning back. "My prince, you will be showered with so much more once you're in Kallias. The kind of beauty you possess is greatly appreciated, if not worshipped in my homeland!"

Yugi rubbed his neck. A part of him wanted to believe Lord Otogi, the other was sure he exaggerated.

"W-Well … as you saw I'm used to such popularity", Yugi said, trying to sound as humble as possible.

"You mean …?", Lord Otogi said and nodded at the ball hall. He chuckled. "My prince, your admirers, they're … girls. What they feel for you is nothing but a childish crush. Have you ever encountered someone who really desired you?"

Yugi's eyes widened at the mere imagination.

"O-Of course not. I'm the prince! That would be highly inappropriate."

"Here. In Kallias people don't see these invisible lines. They will only see your beauty. And they will pursue it."

"Wh-What do you mean?", Yugi said. Lord Otogi bent forward.

"Passionate love letters, luxurious gifts, invitations to the most magnificent places … are only a few of the things you should expect", he said.

"I … I see", Yugi said and twirled a blond strand around his finger. Just imagining all that made him uncomfortable … or did it? People going to such great lengths just to get his attention … not because of his influence or his status … but because they craved his closeness … It had something … exciting …

Only now Yugi realised he had been grinning. He looked up and saw a similar expression on Lord Otogi's face. Yugi opened his mouth, believing he had to defend himself from sinful accusations.

"How about I show you the Mirage, my prince? It's a Kallian dance I was planning on teaching you tomorrow anyway", Lord Otogi said before Yugi could speak.

"Oh … certainly", Yugi said, glad about the change of subject. Both rose and walked a few steps.

"The first thing you need to know is that we get a lot closer to each other while dancing. If I may …", Lord Otogi said and placed a hand on Yugi's back as they get into the usual position. Only this time there was hardly a step of distance between them. Yugi could feel the warmth radiating from Lord Otogi's body. He noticed the fresh yet sweet scent he had already perceived in Lord Otogi's chambers.

"Th-That really is close", Yugi whispered.

"Isn't it?", Lord Otogi said. "Now, just follow my lead, my prince."

Yugi was about to object that he didn't know any of the steps. But Lord Otogi already began and pulled Yugi with him. To his own surprise, he adjusted quickly with Lord Otogi's guidance.

"There, you're doing great. But do try to move slower. In Kallias, we take our time to enjoy everything we do", Lord Otogi said and chuckled. "You people on the continent always need to be efficient, even with dancing."

Yugi laughed.

"Well, you could argue that this is one of the reasons why our econo-"

Lord Otogi made Yugi perform a twirl and a moment later, Yugi found himself hanging in Lord Otogi's arms, his face closer to those emerald eyes than it had ever been.

"I'm sorry, my prince. You were saying?", Lord Otogi said and Yugi felt his warm breath on his face. His legs were shaky and wouldn't have been able to support him if it weren't for Lord Otogi's grip. Yugi knew he should be outraged … but all he could think about was how easy it would be for him to move his face just a little forward and …

He flinched when the door opened and Atem entered. Atem's eyes widened, then his brows knitted in anger. Yugi freed himself and had to hold on to a small table in order not to fall.

"Atem …! What a surprise", he said. Atem glared at Lord Otogi.

"People are starting to miss you at the ball, my lord. The one the queen is holding in your honour", he said with gritted teeth.

"How rude of me. I shall return." Lord Otogi bowed to Yugi. He whispered: "I'm looking forward to our next lesson tomorrow, my prince. I'll be counting the minutes."

Heat stained Yugi's cheeks once more. Lord Otogi approached the door but Atem placed a hand on the frame, blocking the way with his arm.

"My lord, I'm afraid you're unaware of how to properly treat the prince of Dareia. You're overstepping the prince's boundaries severely."

Lord Otogi shrugged.

"I was merely showing the prince a dance from our homeland, my friend. There's no reason for you to be jealous", Lord Otogi said and Atem jumped back as if a snake had bitten him.

"Jea…?!" His cheeks flushed with pink. "I am the prince's Royal Protector and I take my duty seriously! That's all!"

Lord Otogi smirked.

"If you say so …"

He walked out of the room, leaving Yugi and Atem alone. Atem avoided Yugi's eyes, playing with the small gold medal on his chest.

"Unbelievable! I'll report this to the queen!"

"You will not!" Yugi stepped towards Atem, his legs feeling a little less wobbly. "Because there's nothing to report! He was just showing me the Mirage, that's all!"

Atem gasped.

"That's a dance for … people who are very close to each other! And he's still a stranger to you! If anyone should have shown this to you, then someone who knows you for a long time and who you trust!"

"Like you?", it tumbled out of Yugi's mouth and both froze. But the shock turned into a warm tingle when Atem shot him a shy but tender look.

"I … I suppose that would be … uhm … at least a little … I …"

Yugi took a deep breath and stretched out a shaky palm to Atem. He stared for a moment, then slowly raised a hand. Yugi's heart began to flutter. Until now he had thought that nothing could surpass the thrill Lord Otogi had granted him. But of course it could be so much more wonderful if it was Atem who was guiding and holding him with those strong and gentle arms …

Atem stopped. He crossed his arms behind his back and avoided Yugi's eyes. A cold fist clenched Yugi's heart.

"My prince, that would be … inappropriate. I'm your bodyguard. Nothing more", he said and it was as if those words caused him pain. For a moment, Yugi's vision blurred. He felt like a fool for even suggesting it.

"I see", he said before he rushed out of the room, not caring where his path took him as long as it was away from Atem.


Glossary:

Dareia: Yugi's country, one of the countries of the continental alliance, located in the south east of the continent

Kallias: the country Atem grew up in, destination of Yugi's mission, consists of many islands, located south-eastern of Dareia, currently recovering from a civil war, lead by Empress Mai

Xanthos: country to the north of the continent, five times as big as the continent, intends to start a war

Eurodokia: country of the continental alliance, close partner of Dareia, located in the west of the continent

Continental Alliance: Alliance of the countries of the continent, has been at peace for 150 years