The entire court was in mourning for the loss of the prince. The day after the bells had tolled, everyone roamed the castle dressed in black. The masque that was in the midst of production was put on hold, and no one was singing or gambling. A dark gloom descended on the castle as those who were always vying for higher positions whispered behind closed doors about how they could use this tragedy to their advantage. The more unscrupulous courtiers began to spread rumors about the queen's involvement in the prince's sudden death. After all, once Henry had named his illegitimate son the heir, he had effectively removed his legitimate daughter from the line of succession. Atemu found this rumor hard to believe as he had a difficult time thinking that Katherine would participate in intrigues that had such a deadly ending.

Unsure of what to do with all of his free time, Atemu found himself wandering the castle, thinking on how quickly the intrigues were changing. It did not pass Atemu's notice that Yugi was among the hidden courtiers, and he wondered what Yugi was doing. He knew Yugi was considered an adviser of sorts to the king, and it was possible that his services were needed at this time while a funeral was being planned and a prince's body laid in state. Even so, there were plenty of clergy to oversee this task, and Atemu's thoughts circled to the original question: just what was Yugi doing? Why wasn't Atemu involved?

He turned the corner and saw the object of his thoughts standing in the middle of the corridor speaking to Thomas More. Atemu smiled and his heart lightened to see him, and he walked in the direction of the pair. He figured the best way to make himself useful was to interject. When he approached, Yugi's eyes slid to the side in an acknowledgement of his presence, but he didn't do anything overt. Thomas More, on the other hand, stopped mid-sentence and tilted his head in welcome.

"My Lord. I do not believe we have had the pleasure to meet."

"I am Atemu Hasan, Lord of Warwick."

"Ah, yes. Your father...he is a great man."

"Perhaps not...His Majesty does not seem to think so," Atemu's tone was light as he gauged More's reaction to his statement.

"In error, I believe," Thomas replied smoothly before redirecting his attention to Yugi. "We will discuss this at a better time?"

Yugi nodded and Thomas left the pair. Atemu watched him go, a scowl beginning to form on his features. Well, that did not go as I had hoped, he thought bitterly. He knew the two were planning something, and he wished that Yugi trusted him enough to let him in on it. In truth, Atemu felt a little hurt by being excluded from this part of Yugi's life. He had thought that when their relationship started, Yugi would welcome him into all aspects of his life just as Atemu was willing to do for him. He began to feel that this was a mistake on his part, and he wanted to address it right away. Yugi saw Atemu's discomfiture.

"I must apologize. Thomas is a very guarded man and does not easily trust those he does not know well."

Atemu released a breath he had been holding, feeling his muscles relax as if he was a deflating balloon. "I want to know what you two are planning."

Yugi's expression was unreadable. He merely turned and began to walk down the corridor. Atemu's eyes widened in disbelief at the perceived snub, and he began to follow Yugi as his annoyance began to grow with each step. "Yugi! I demand to know what is going on! Where are you going?"

Yugi whirled around, his eyes flashing dangerously. "I realize that I am being secretive and it is something that bothers you. Do not think for one instant that I am doing so on a flighty whim. If you wish to discuss this delicate subject, I suggest we go somewhere more private. Your chambers, perhaps."

Yugi then turned to continue his trek down the corridor. Atemu stood dumbfounded for a moment before Yugi's words registered within his mind. He means to go to my chambers! "Yugi, wait!"

The young man turned once more, his body language indicating his exasperation and slight irritation with Atemu's constant interruptions. Atemu closed the gap between the two. "We cannot go to my chambers. Michael, he..."

"What about him?" Yugi's question indicated that he wasn't happy to entertain this denial.

"He...he cannot be trusted."

"Why would you keep someone on your staff that you do not trust? It seems counter intuitive."

Atemu sighed, his shoulder slumping with the confession. "He is in the pay of my mother. If I were to dismiss him without cause, she will know that I discovered his treachery and just find another way to replace him with someone in her pay. He is one I can manage because I know him so well." He then took a hand of Yugi's and looked into his eyes. The earl looked startled out of his anger and his gaze fell to their intertwined hands. "I apologize for my brashness. I...I just do not like the idea of you hiding things from me. I am your partner...does that not mean I should be so in all things?"

There was silence as Yugi processed what Atemu said. His demeanor softened, and he squeezed Atemu's hand before releasing it and looking up into his lover's eyes. "I am accustomed to doing things on my own...and not trusting anyone. It is difficult for me to accept that all you want from me...is my love."

"Yes, I do."

Yugi smiled. "Then, all you need to do is remind me of that, hm?"

"Of course."

Yugi indicated that he wished Atemu to follow him. Atemu agreed and fell into step beside Yugi. "It is a shame about this Michael. A solution will present itself, I am sure. I will just have to think on it."

"We both will."

The two made their way to Yugi's chambers. Upon entering the room, Yugi motioned for Atemu to take a seat, and he did so. Yugi shut the door and faced Atemu once more, his expression blank. Atemu felt a wave of tenderness for the exhausted man standing before him, and he invited Yugi to sit on his lap with a wave of his hand. Yugi hesitated but then accepted the offer. He leaned into Atemu, letting his body relax with the contact.

"I apologize for my irritability. Things are moving quicker than I had anticipated, and I feel I am losing control."

"What things?"

Yugi sighed. "The Pope will not grant Henry his annulment. He is steadfast in his refusal, and both Thomas and I know that Henry does not respond well to rejection. I know he is involved with Lady Anne Boleyn, but I am unsure how serious he is about their relationship. Will he only keep her as his whore or will he make her queen? This is dangerous because there are other beliefs out there that Henry may embrace at the behest of Anne if he were to take her as queen. He would risk the souls of everyone in his kingdom if he does this."

"Let me help," Atemu whispered into Yugi's ear.

Atemu felt the young man tremor as his warm breath caressed Yugi's ear and neck. He smirked at the knowledge that his presence was pleasurable to Yugi. Despite his body's reaction to Atemu, Yugi continued on in a businesslike manner.

"How can you?"

Atemu thought on this, his fingers lazily tracing circles on Yugi's bicep. He could feel the tremors becoming stronger and Yugi's breath was quicker - more shallow. Yugi pressed himself harder into Atemu as if he couldn't get enough contact. Atemu smiled with fondness at the gesture as he continued to think on Yugi's question.

"Well, the Lady Anne and I are friends of a sort. I may not be privy to the confidences of the Howards and Boleyns, but I believe that we are close enough that she might share pieces of information that you and More might find useful."

Yugi sat up and turned his whole body so that his legs were dangling to the side of Atemu's knees and he peered into Atemu's crimson eyes. "Do you really mean that?"

"Of course. I would do anything for you," Atemu whispered.

Yugi smiled, surprised that his plan to involve Atemu as an ally to his cause worked so perfectly. He was then overcome with deep affection at Atemu's loyalty to him. He brushed Atemu's blonde bangs out of his eyes in order to search them better. A part of him was looking for some indication that Atemu was using him, but that wasn't what he found. Instead, he saw the glitter of genuine bliss. Yugi felt a jolt of guilt at having maneuvered Atemu into his intrigues and using the man's devotion for his gains, but at the same time, he was glad that Atemu accepted without question. He truly trusts me... Yugi marveled.

"What is it, Yugi?"

Atemu's words drew Yugi out of his thoughts and he focused on the man he was sitting on. "Do you love me? Is that possible already?"

Atemu considered the questions carefully. "Yes. As for already...we have Known each other for a few months. Maybe I have not seen every aspect of you, but what I have seen so far has led me to believe that yes...I do love you. You may put me at a distance, but I know you are doing it because you care for my immortal soul - and yours. You have stood beside me as I worked to save my friend from political destruction; you have offered to protect me. You are passionate, and I know that despite your years spent denying what you felt was evil, you have not lost a sense of who you truly are. You are also a dangerous man, and while I have not seen the worst of your temperament yet, I believe that it would do little to sway my feelings. I have all the time in the world to figure you out and grow to love you more."

Yugi smiled, feeling little tears prick at the back of his eyes. "And perhaps in time, I will finally allow myself the freedom to love you as you deserve."

A few days later, Atemu walked into the large cathedral, looking for Yugi. He walked reverently down the aisle, noting the sea of black among the wooden pews. After not noticing Yugi present in the throng, he sighed and sat himself on an empty pew and then knelt on the kneeler provided just underneath the pew in front of him. Atemu bowed his head in prayer, but his mind remained empty. He considered himself a spiritual man, but he had never been awed by the man-made Church. He knew this was something him and Yugi differed on, but he was willing to sit through Church if it made Yugi happy. After a few more minutes of prayer, Atemu raised his head, crossed himself, and then rose to sit back on the pew. As he did so, he saw Yugi come down the aisle. Yugi stopped beside Atemu's pew and genuflected toward the area of the cathedral where the host and sacramental wine were kept. He then slid into the pew and made quick work of kneeling to pray.

Atemu could see Yugi's lips moving along with his silent words, and he was enthralled by the peace and conviction that showed on the young man's face. He wondered what Yugi was praying for, even selfishly asking if any of the prayers were for him. When Yugi was finished, he rose and crossed himself. He then smiled briefly toward the marble altar with a giant crucifix on the wall behind it before glancing toward Atemu.

"I am glad to see you here," he murmured.

"It was the least I could do. A prince, no matter his birth, is accorded some respect from all of us," Atemu replied.

Another smile flitted across Yugi's face before he hid it behind a mask of solemnity. "My Lord, if it pleases you, I would like to see you for supper in my chambers this evening."

Atemu dipped his head to hide his smile and slight blush. "Nothing would please me more, your Grace."

As Atemu lifted his head, the organ began to play, echoing through the cavernous cathedral. A choir of boys began to sing a song in Latin as the Cardinal, altar servers, casket carried by several of the king's favorite courtiers, and king made their procession down the aisle. The organ music was dark and melancholy, perfect for the mood of the mass. The king looked resplendent in black, his fingers and doublet still dripping with jewels and pearls. As the casket came to the altar, it was placed on a raised platform before the courtiers came to rest in pews at the front of the cathedral. With a final note from the organ and choir, the music ended and the mass began.

Atemu was half-attentive to the words, and he went through the motions of the mass automatically. He noticed Yugi glancing at him a few times, so he made sure he added some inflection to the rehearsed words that came with the parts of the funeral mass. After a reading from the gospel, all those in attendance sat as the cardinal eulogized the young prince. Atemu immediately let his mind wander, taking the time to check in with himself. He was glad that Yugi was beside him and despite the need to have some physical contact with Yugi, even just holding hands, he restrained himself in order to maintain appearances. It was then he realized just how difficult it must have been for Yugi to hide his true self for years in this court. He felt a deeper respect for his lover.

As the cardinal continued to speak, Atemu found his wandering mind suddenly focused on the casket in the center of the room. His eyes widened as he was suddenly hit with a strong feeling of apprehension. Seeing the casket brought memories that Atemu wished to forget as well as the feelings associated with those memories. Thinking of the prince's mortality made him think of the family he had lost and how terrible that felt. It also made him think of Yugi's death and then his own death. It was a vicious cycle that he couldn't stop, no matter how much he tried. He felt chills start to run down his spine as he fought to break the vortex of his thoughts and found his anxiety grow as he couldn't break it. The mass was finished with Atemu being able to go through the motions, but he just could not stop the horrible thoughts and feelings that coursed through his mind and the chills that now seemed to be continuous.

As he left the cathedral, Yugi was beside him, talking in hushed tones about supper in his chambers. Atemu half-attended, nodding his head when he thought it was appropriate. Somehow, Yugi wound up walking in front of him and then suddenly, he was crashing into the earl. Yugi stopped and turned to face Atemu, his eyes concerned.

"My Lord?"

For the first time in forty minutes, the cycle of horrid thoughts was broken and Atemu found himself gazing into Yugi's amethyst eyes. He let out a sigh, feeling safe. Thank the Lord...he found himself thinking. Atemu just stared into Yugi's eyes for a moment before he shook his head, still feeling a chill running down his spine.

"I am sorry. I...it seems the funeral has affected me more than I thought it would."

"Are you sure?" Yugi asked quietly.

Atemu nodded. "Yes, of course. It has been awhile since I have attended a funeral. I suppose I was just overwhelmed by all of the emotions."

Yugi smiled grimly with a nod. "I understand. Are you sure you wish to join me for supper?"

"Oh, yes. Do not let my childish behavior deter our date."

Yugi smiled fully, and Atemu was glad to see the sparkle in those eyes return. With a small laugh, Atemu and Yugi made their way to the earl's chambers. They talked a little more loudly now that the funeral was complete. While around the other members of the court, they speculated on when the masque would be staged and if it would be well received. Before they knew it, they were inside Yugi's chambers where a small square table had been set. Both men took seats at the opposite ends of the table and were served by Robert. Yugi took a sip of his wine, keeping his gaze locked on Atemu.

"I must thank you," Yugi began after swallowing the wine in his mouth.

"What for?" Atemu asked, part of his attention drawn to the insistent chills in his back.

"You have been so patient with me. You continue to stay with me despite my indecisiveness. I know I am being a little unfair as I was the one that was pursuing you in the first place. I want you to know that my feelings for you have grown, and I do so enjoy the time we do spend together when we are not discussing politics."

Robert approached the table with a crock of soup and began to ladle it into the empty bowls waiting in front of the two nobles. Atemu was glad to see the soup and immediately dug in, hoping it would get rid of the chills he was experiencing. The soup felt wonderfully hot as it slid down his throat, and he found himself smiling widely in enjoyment as he swallowed another spoonful before answering Yugi.

"I understand. I want you to come to me openly and without fear. I am content with letting you dictate the pace of our relationship. I want you to be comfortable, and I know if I forced you, it would destroy what chance we had."

Yugi took another sip of wine, his eyes watching Atemu's every move intently, almost like he was analyzing how the young man was eating. Atemu barely noticed. He continued to eat his soup, really enjoying the warmth of it. A sense of euphoria filled him as each spoonful of broth brought a temporary relief to his chills. Yugi took a spoonful of his soup, noting the slight tremor in Atemu's right hand.

"Are you nervous, Atemu? If you are, then you lead this conversation. Ask me anything."

Atemu glanced up from his soup, tilting his head in confusion. "Am I nervous? I do not think I am showing that I feel that way. I am quite content and very excited that I am sharing a private meal with you."

"Your hand is trembling," Yugi pointed out.

Atemu lowered his spoon and gazed down at his hand. He stared at it for a few minutes, finally realizing the slight shake in it. He shrugged it off and picked up the spoon once more. "Maybe I am still a little emotional over the funeral."

Yugi nodded in understanding, his eyes shining in concern once again. "Why is that? Did you have a terrible experience?"

"Yes," Atemu replied, returning to his soup. "When I was younger, I had attended my grandmother's funeral. She was a wonderful lady. She treated me with the utmost kindness and respect. She was more of a mother to me than my true mother ever was."

"How so?"

"I was my mother's favorite, but she never liked to say so. She spent her time hovering over me and making sure I was the best at everything. She demanded so much from me and never once treated me as if I was her own child. My grandmother was the one who I could talk to without fear of reprimand. She would tend to me when I was ill, talk tenderly to me...she was nurturer. I was devastated when she passed."

"How old were you?"

"I think six or seven." Usually, Atemu still found it difficult to talk about the loss of his grandmother even after so many years, but this time, it seemed easier to tell. He wasn't sure if it was because Yugi was exuding an air of comfort or because his sense of euphoria was numbing all of his other senses. "I was already upset that I would have to watch them put her in the ground, but my older brother was indifferent to my grief."

"Ah, you have a brother," Yugi noted as he sipped on his soup.

"Had. My brother passed away a few years ago."

"I am sorry for your loss."

Atemu shrugged. "To tell the truth, I was not upset to see him go. He was my father's favorite and could do no wrong. He was always a monster to me. Maybe it was wrong of me, but I felt that at his burial, he had received his reward for the way he treated me. After his death, my father seemed to no longer care about life, and I think he gave up trying to appease our King. He didn't even put in the effort to tutor me in the running of our lands and other needed skills now that I am the heir."

Yugi nodded in understanding. "Your brother's funeral was not the awful experience, though?"

Atemu cleared his throat, suddenly realizing that his head had begun to pound right behind his eyes. He blinked a few times to help relieve some of the pressure, but it didn't seem to help. His sense of euphoria was fading, and his chills were becoming worse.

"No. Um...it was at my grandmother's funeral. They had put her in the ground and were beginning to cover her with dirt. I was a young child and was sobbing as such. My mother was indifferent to my grief and told me to stop sniveling. My father said nothing. I was hurt by their lack of concern, and I was broken from the loss of my grandmother. I could not stop the tears. That was when my brother took it upon himself to silence me. In disgust, he pushed me so hard that I fell into the grave." Atemu paused, his teeth beginning to chatter.

Yugi's eyes widened in shock. "He...what?"

Atemu nodded. "Yes...he pushed me in just as a shovelful of dirt was thrown in. I got dirt in my mouth and all over me. I started to scream, thinking I would be buried alive and no one would care. My mother immediately began looking for someone to get me out. I was still hurt by her coldness, and I was inconsolable when someone jumped in and lifted me out. She was glad I was safe, but you know...she never punished my brother for that."

Atemu shut his eyes with a moan and rested his head into the palm of his hand, his elbow resting on the table. There was silence for a minute before he heard Yugi's booted feet move across the carpet beneath them. He felt Yugi's hand on his shoulder, but Atemu couldn't bring himself to look up. His eyes hurt, his head hurt, and now his whole body was shaking.

"Atemu? Are you sure you are alright? You have not been acting yourself."

Atemu sat for a beat before shaking his head slowly. "No...I...my head hurts. I...I am so cold..."

Atemu lowered his forehead to the table, bringing his arms around his torso, feeling his body begin to tremble quite fiercely. He heard a gasp and felt Yugi wrap an arm around his shoulder to lift him to an upright position. His body hit the back of the chair and his head came to rest against Yugi's stomach. He continued to shiver. He could sense a little panic in Yugi's demeanor.

"So...cold..."

Yugi rushed over to the door to his chambers, and with a yank, he pulled the door open. Atemu let himself slump back down to allow his head to rest against the hard surface of the table. A serving man was standing right outside the door waiting for any instructions. "Get my personal physician. Lord Warwick is ill."

With that, Yugi slammed the door shut, ignoring the racing beat of his heart. He had a suspicion to what was ailing Atemu, and he felt his body grow cold with the thought. He ignored his inner warning bells that told him to stay away, and he approached Atemu. He pulled the young man into an upright position once more and held his head against his abdomen once more. Atemu was shaking violently. Yugi held him close, hoping to suffuse some of his body heat into the young man.

"Sh, Atemu...you will be alright. How long have you felt like this?"

"Not...l-l-long..."

Worried, Yugi placed a chaste kiss on Atemu's forehead before helping Atemu rise to a standing position. He allowed Atemu to slump against him as he led him to his bedchamber. He guided Atemu to his bed and helped him lay down. He ripped the counterpane out from under Atemu and then placed it over him. Yugi then sat beside his lover, now fully fretting over his rapid deterioration. After a few agonizing minutes, Yugi's personal physicial entered the room. He took a look at Atemu and began fiddling around the young man's form.

Yugi stood up and watched the physician carefully, hoping that his suspicions would be incorrect. After a few minutes spent examining Atemu, the elderly gentleman approached Yugi. Yugi felt nervous and wanted to show it physically, but he couldn't bring himself to let anyone know of his deeper feelings for the man in his bed.

"You need to leave now, your Grace," the man began.

"Surely it cannot be that serious," Yugi pressed, wishing that the physician would prove his suspicions incorrect.

"It is. It is the same sickness the young prince, God bless him, succumbed to. You know there is no cure and it is highly contagious. You must leave if you value your life."

Yugi felt his stomach drop unpleasantly and his heart skip a beat. No... He looked beyond the old man to look at Atemu laying in the fetal position on the bed. All this time he had been denying himself the relationship he craved with Atemu because of his religious convictions, and now it looked as if Atemu would be snatched from him. It made his chest hurt with the thought. He felt tears fill his eyes, and he blinked furiously to keep them away. If this is God's will...

"I cannot leave him," Yugi said through clenched teeth.

"There is nothing I can do for him, your Grace. If he makes it through the night, it will be a miracle. I would start making burial arrangements from him now. In the meantime, I must make His Majesty aware of this: the Sweat has reached the castle."