Hey guys, so sorry for the long wait. Having some issues with the people around me. But I will spare you the details. I hope you enjoy this giant chapter!
Now I want to answer a comment from floozy from the comment section. Normally I would do this in a private message but the review was anonymus. Everyone else can just skip this and start with the chapter.
First of all: Thank you so much for your detailed constructive critisism! I'm glad you took the time to write all this down, so I will now take my time for a response as well.
1. I do know that Egyptians worshipped cats and you're right about what the woman said. Slip-up on my side. Or maybe the woman was just really stupid. XD
2. That is a very shocking story. In modern days? Wow. As for the story: I know that the way I portray all about non-consenual contact is probably not accurate but I chose to write it that way anyway. I value personal boundaries very highly because of personal experiences, so for me personally it would be difficult to write a society that treats it differently. And if I did that issue would most likely be the main focus of that story. Here I'm going consciously for a fluffy, romantic story and not much of social critisism.
3. Thanks for clearing that up! I'll check the defitions more thoroughly.
4./5. This goes hand in hand since it's both about modernizing certain aspects. As for the insults: Could you tell me, which ones you meant? That'd be awesome. As for Atem: In my opinion what you said is all accurate but mostly for season 0. I think it's obvious that Kazuki Tatakhashi had no overall-concept in mind when he started Yu-Gi-Oh. "Season 0″ (referring to the manga as well, even though there are no seasons) did have a much darker tone and Atem was definately more of a psychopath. But as the series progressed he became more and more of a "good guy" and in the flashbacks in season 5 we see that Atem seems to have been kind as a child as well. I find it hard to pin down his actual personality since the source material contradicts itself in that matter. That being said, I think I'd have liked it better if through Yugi Atem had slowly been turning into a "good guy" but as he faces his actual memories in season 5 he has to realize that he was indeed a cruel Pharaoh. It could have been wonderfully dramatic.
But even if he was indeed a "good guy" in Ancient Egypt, he'd definately be a product of his time, meaning that punishments like whippings, beheadings and chopping off hands would be perfectly normal for him. That's something I chose to change as well. I think a modern person from an industrial country learns that violence is a bad thing and shouldn't be used for punishment. Especially Yugi, who protected his own bullies from getting beaten up! Now imagine being in a relationship with someone who casually orders others to be punished violently. I think that's the kind of behaviour that can't be tolerated in our modern views (for most people…) and it's something that makes a romantic relationship impossible. It could make for an interesting story, no doubt, but that's not the kind of story I'm going for.
That being said, I readily admit that this story is not one of my best works and more of an experimental thing for me. But I still value any kind of constricive critism of course and thank you again for letting me know about yours. Have a nice day. :)
Yugi was sitting on one of the couches in Atem's drawing room. He had spread a rust coloured blanket over his legs to keep him warm in the cool, windy night. The sand storm had now completely reached Karnak and the palace and was engulfing both in clouds of dust for days now. The wind was shaking the wooden shelters on the window holes. Even though all doors and windows in the palace were kept shut, unless someone had to go out, sand found its way through the tiniest cracks and holes. With it came insects that crawled between bedsheets, into flour bags and over skin. Yugi had stopped counting the itching bites after twenty-seven.
He was alone with Amerys. The black tomcat was sitting right next to Yugi, his eyes closed. When he yawned Yugi did the same. It was dark for hours now and Yugi estimated it to be long past midnight. The three oil lamps around him flickered in the draft when the door opened and Atem entered.
"Hey partner. You still awake?", he said and approached the couch.
"Of course. If you can stay up so long then so can I", Yugi said and fluffed up the cushion next to him. Atem sat down, leaned back against it and gave Yugi a kiss. "How's the situation?"
"A little calmer but only thanks to the sand storm. The heathens can't leave their houses, just like everyone else, and that means they can't stir up trouble. For once", Atem said, sighed and placed his head on the backrest.
"It it helps I think you did a great job today. Again", Yugi said and spread the blanket over Atem's legs as well.
"It does help", Atem said and gave a little smile.
Yugi turned to the small table before him. On it stood a metal plate, supported by four short legs. Underneath an oil lamp burned and kept warm the bowl on top of the metal plate. Yugi removed the lid from the bowl and revealed a big portion of couscous with chicken, onions and carrots.
"Hungry?", Yugi said and offered it to Atem.
"Oh, I'm starving", he said it took the bowl from Yugi. He grabbed a wooden spoon from the table and began eating. Yugi filled two cups with grape juice from a jug, glad that Atem hadn't lost his appetite in spite of all the stress. His days were so busy he didn't even really have time to eat, except for breakfast, a few snacks in between and food from the banquets if any were held.
After getting up and dressed at sunrise he listened to the daily reports from all over Egypt in the throne room. Then he had breakfast, mostly together with Rashad, Layla and Yugi. As the day began for everyone else as well he had to attend to his duty of being Layla and Rashad's host. That included negotiations about treaties between Egypt and Arabia, introducing them to influential merchants, craftspeople, military advisers and other nobles with important political positions, visiting workshops and temples, introducing the two to the Egyptian culture, religion and customs. Some of all this didn't sound stressful to Yugi first but Atem was surrounded by crowds of people during all of it. That meant his behaviour always had to be perfect. The slightest slip-up, a wrong word, look or gesture would be noticed and could result in political difficulties, like a pebble thrown into a pond could cause waves that were much bigger than itself.
While Rashad and Layla wouldn't report a bad word about Atem to the king of Arabia some of the nobles that had come with them just waited for an error they could exaggerate. The two nations had a good relationship but some nobles still remembered the financial loss they had suffered a few years ago. Arabia had delivered a huge load of bronze but had been attacked by Persians. All this had taken place right before Egyptian borders. Pharaoh Aknamkanon had claimed that his troops had reacted correctly by not interfering in a matter that didn't take place on Egyptian ground (and hadn't worsened the already difficult relation to Persia). But Arabia had been furious about the matter. Those who hadn't been directly involved had forgotten about it by now but some nobles still wanted to pay Egypt back and Atem had to be careful not to give them a justification.
His duties as a host usually took all morning. When everyone else had lunch and took a nap afterwards Atem could only down a small snack and then had to give all the audiences he also gave when Layla and Rashad weren't around. Yugi couldn't imagine listening carefully and making the right decisions in the heat of the midday sun when his own brain felt like melting cheese. When everyone was well-rested after their naps Atem had to keep going. More representative duties with Rashad and Layla followed and when the day began to cool down Atem was finally allowed one or two hours of rest. Those he spent with Rashad and Taia, taking rides, going for a swim and wallowing in memories about Cyprus. Those were the same hours Layla spent with Yugi, talking and sometimes letting her dress him up in Arabian clothes, most of which Yugi found to look ridiculous on himself. When the four of them spent time together they usually played games until it was time for dinner or banquets if any were held. But for Atem dinner only meant another snack and then reading and responding to letters from all over Egypt for hours. When most people went to bed Atem had to attend confidential meetings with his advisers about the heathens that lasted long into the night.
Yugi wished he could do more than stay up just as long, say encouraging words and give his boyfriend kisses. He estimated that Atem got only four to five hours of sleep every night. It was going like that for weeks now. How could Yugi not have noticed Atem's tired voice, his long working hours and how he rubbed his temples a lot more than usual?
Yugi petted Amerys while Atem ate the entire portion. The bowl looked as if Taia had licked it clean when Atem was finished. He placed it on the table and stretched.
"That was good", Atem said and yawned. He leaned back and closed his eyes. The palace was quiet, except for the wind blowing outside and Amerys' purring. Everyone else was asleep and dreaming and that's what the Pharaoh needed now as well.
"If you want to go to bed I'll leave", Yugi said and brushed back Atem's blond bangs.
"No", Atem said and laid his arm around Yugi. "Stay a little longer. I miss our time together."
"Me too", Yugi said and leaned his head against Atem's shoulder. How good it felt to nestle up against his warm body, to smell the scent of sandal wood oil from his skin. The preparations for the Arabians' visit, Atem's duties as their host, his and Yugi's fight, the threat of the heathens' invasion – all this was keeping them from spending time together for over a month now. But Yugi vaguely remembered another reason for the distance between them…
Atem's left hand cupped Yugi's cheek and turned his face towards his own. Yugi slightly pouted his lips and closed his eyes. One moment later Atem kissed him and after tilting his head a little he did it again and again and again…
Their fingers twined together as the world around them vanished. Atem's lips were so soft and his breath gently tickled Yugi's skin. Atem ended the kiss and pressed his mouth against Yugi's palm instead. His lips glided over Yugi's wrist and reached his veins.
"You smell so nice. You bathed in lemon oil, didn't you?", Atem whispered. Yugi gave a shy smile.
"Yes", he whispered back.
"I like that", Atem said and inhaled a deep breath from Yugi's scent. "You know what I also like? Oranges and limes."
"I'll consider it next time", Yugi said.
Atem kissed him again and Yugi gave a little gasp when Atem leaned forward. He clung to Atem's clothes to not fall backwards and the long absent feeling of giddiness returned. Atem's lips were still pressed against his own as the strength in Yugi's arms faded away and was replaced with the tingle of excitement. The grip around Atem's tunic loosened and he leaned backwards onto the couch…
"Meow!", Amerys uttered when he was about to be crushed by Yugi. He felt Amerys claws on his back and as Amerys jumped from the couch so did he. Amerys landed on all fours and Yugi on his butt, pulling the blanket with him. Amerys hissed, hurried to the other end of the room and hopped onto a chair.
"Sorry, Amerys!", Yugi said but he turned his back on Yugi. Atem laughed.
"Don't worry, he won't be mad for long. He likes the way you chuck him under the chin way too much", he said. Yugi knelt up and turned back to the couch.
"Probab-", he said but stopped when, instead of the upholstery, his hands found Atem's thighs right in front of him. His hands touched the seam of Atem's clothes and a little bit of his skin. A part of Yugi wanted to jump again but his body didn't move. This position…this height…it would be perfect to let his hand slide underneath Atem's tunic…to feel the warmth of his skin…to touch and explore what he'd find between Atem's thighs…
Yugi jerked upwards and turned around, so Atem wouldn't see how red his face had become.
"I'll go to bed! Good night!", he squeaked and rushed out of the room, grabbing one of the oil lamps from a table next to the door.
Now Yugi remembered why he had avoided Atem before their fight. He was the most attractive person Yugi had ever seen and in his presence this was all Yugi could think about.
In his bed chamber Yugi placed the oil lamp on the stool beside his bed and flopped onto the mattress. Next to the oil lamp stood the vial of moon rose oil and a small toy boat with 'Yugi and Atem' engraved into the hull. The first was a sample of the bath oil he and Atem wanted to use when they decided to have their first time with each other. The latter was a keepsake of the night he had gone out with Layla and told her as the only person about how much he desired Atem. But then their fight had occurred, Yugi had been to the guards' headquarters and had seen the threat the heathens were to Karnak's people with his own eyes. All this had pushed his desire for Atem into the background but now it had easily fought its way back into Yugi's mind – and it was mad for having been ignored.
Yugi's heart was racing as if it wanted to run a marathon after having been caged for weeks. Just the memory of how he had imagined touching Atem a minute ago made his face feel so hot as if he could grill meat on it. But the shape of Atem's body, his smooth skin, those soft lips pressed against his own…how could he not be intrigued by Atem's handsomeness? Maybe Atem would even have wanted to…no, it had been such a long and hard day for him! He'd need to sleep; he surely didn't have the energy for sex! Then again, he had asked Yugi to stay…and maybe sex would help him relax and shake off the stress…Yugi had promised to help Atem in any way that he could…and if it helped if Yugi gave himself to Atem in those stormy nights…well, who was he to break his promise?
He pressed his glowing face against the pillows. These thoughts were so indecent but so addictive at the same time. He remembered how he had knelt down before Atem earlier…how his hand could have slipped underneath his tunic…how his hand could have run up Atem's thigh…how Atem could have grinned in anticipation before Yugi grasped his…
Yugi squeaked and rolled over the bed, hugging himself as he imagined what it would feel like to touch Atem…down there. What did Atem like? Could Yugi just try what he liked himself? Could Atem show him new methods? The tips on his chest tightened and Yugi gasped.
"Y-You're not serious, body!", Yugi said to himself. "It's not even been five minutes since…and you…oh goodness, who cares?"
Yugi turned on his back and his hand slid underneath the round neck of his tunic. His fingers played with one of the hard peaks as he imagined what it'd be like if were Atem's hands that stroked and rubbed his chest now. His breaths became deeper as he felt how his blood gathered beneath his waistline. He sat up and tried to loosen the knot of his belt. He'd just slip out of the tunic and enjoy how his skin brushed against the soft bed sheets as he made love to Atem in his mind. How could he have neglected that wonderful and addictive thing for so long?
Yugi cursed the complicated knot one of the servants had tied this morning and was about to cut it through instead. But then a knock on the door made him flinch.
"Partner?", a voice said.
He pressed his back against the headboard, tucked up his legs and wrapped his arms around his shins. This way Atem would see neither his chest, nor his nether region, in case it'd show Yugi's feelings as well.
"Y-Yes?", he said and his attractive boyfriend entered his bed room, another oil lamp in his hand. Yugi's heart throbbed against his chest as Atem came closer and sat down on the mattress.
'Goodness, you can't just sit down where I pictured us doing it so often! And not now! I won't listen to you; I will just think about how to rip those annoying clothes off your body and what it would feel like if you lay on top of me and kissed me everywhere and how your tongue…wait, focus!', Yugi thought and shook his head.
"…is that a no?", Atem asked.
"Huh? What?", Yugi said and moved away from Atem.
"I asked you if you're okay", he said and furrowed his brows in concern.
"I – yes! I'm okay! Never been okayer!", Yugi said and laughed nervously. Atem eyed him and for a moment Yugi feared that those piercing eyes could see right through him.
"I noticed, you know", Atem said and Yugi froze.
"W-What?", Yugi said and looked down at his waggling toes. If he really knew what was going through Yugi's head right now…oh, no wonder Atem gave him that worried look! He thought Yugi was weird, perverted, disgusting!
"You've been like that for some time now. Everything is fine and all of a sudden you push me away and flee from me. I want to know why, partner. What's going on? Is it something I say or do?", he said.
So Atem didn't know! Yugi gave a short, relieved sigh. He raised his head and tried to speak but was distracted by how Atem rubbed his upper arm. His were better trained than Yugi's and it'd be easy for him to push Yugi into the pillows…not that he'd resist…
Atem took Yugi's hand and the warmth of his skin made Yugi's limbs feel like jelly. If only those fingers would touch and caress and grab other parts of him… Would Atem's grip be gentle or tight? Yugi didn't know what he'd prefer.
"It's just…I'm so used to knowing what you think and feel but now that we don't share your body any more… We just never had secrets from each other and I don't want that to change, you know?", Atem said.
Wasn't his voice just sweeter than honey? What did it sound like when he moaned and called for his partner again and again? Yugi's body tensed up when he felt the prickle underneath his belly become stronger. He just had to take care of it, had to indulge in his fantasies about Atem. It was as impossible to hold back as denying a cup of cool, fresh water when you hadn't drunk anything in days.
"Look, I'm really tired…and so are you. Can't we talk about this tomorrow?", Yugi said, pulled back his hand and let it run through his hair.
"You used that excuse already. After the ride with Rashad and Layla. Whatever the reason is it was the same as it is now, right?", Atem said. Yugi gulped.
"I…I just…you trust me, right?", he said and as he said those words he was already ashamed for using that method on Atem.
"Of course", he said and leaned forward. Oh, how easy it would be for Yugi to wrap his arms around his neck, make him lie down and rub his body against Atem's…especially the part of him that was tingling stronger every moment.
'Focus!', he told himself and took a deep breath.
"Then trust me that I'll tell you tomorrow", Yugi said. What was he talking about?He couldn't tell Atem tomorrow! But if only he left the room so Yugi could let his hand slide underneath his tunic and take care of that persistent feeling…it didn't matter what he had to promise!
"I…", Atem said and frowned.
"Please, other me. Please", Yugi said without looking at him. His fingers dug into his shins as he waited for Atem's answer. It was like hanging on a thin rope, hearing the strings snap one after another and not knowing if he could swing into safety in time.
"I…okay", Atem said and Yugi suppressed a squeak of joy. "Good night."
He kissed Yugi's cheek and Yugi resisted the urge of sticking his tongue down Atem's throat.
"Good night", Yugi said and watched how Atem left the room. If only Yugi could grab and squeeze and grope those perfectly round buttocks…
As soon as he had closed the door behind him Yugi jumped up and locked it. He hurried back to the bed, knelt down on it and grabbed the vial of moon rose oil from the stool beside. His impatient fingers fumbled the cork out of the opening and he took a deep breath of the flowery scent of their first time. But he quickly dropped it and placed his head on the pillows, his butt stretched upwards. If only Atem would now be behind him and… Yugi didn't even bother to undress as his hands slid under his clothes.
Yugi got up at sunrise and made his way to the horses. He'd take a ride with Sokari, forget about time and miss breakfast together with Atem and the others. If he stalled long enough Atem would forget about the promise Yugi had given him and he'd be safe from confessing his dirtiness to Atem.
Yugi checked every corridor before he sneaked around the corners. He flinched every time he saw a servant but they'd only greet him and then take care of the sand that had found its way through the smallest gaps over night. Most shutters were still closed and the weak morning sun only shone in through cracks. Except for the blowing wind the palace was quiet and he listened carefully before he walked down the grand staircase. He was about to place his foot on the last step when he heard voices from another corridor, among them the deep and sexy one of Atem. Yugi swung around and hurried back upstairs but he froze when Atem said:
"Partner, I see you."
Yugi gulped and slowly turned around. Atem gestured the two servants and Shada to go ahead without him. They bowed and followed the command and Atem looked up at Yugi. Without the thick kohl lines his eyes looked smaller but they still had the beautiful colour of lavender. If only he could look at those eyes while he and Atem made love! Yugi's gaze shifted over the floor, ashamed of his thoughts.
"You here too? What a coincidence!", he said and laughed nervously.
"No, it's not. We live here", Atem said. He was holding the crook and flail in one hand, the insignia of his rule over Egypt. If only he'd cross them in front of that muscular chest he wished he could feel on top of his own. Yugi winced and reproached himself for his lack of control. "And I haven't forgotten what you promised me last night."
Yugi scratched his neck and his other hand slid up and down the stone banister.
"Well…ehm…to be honest, I was just on my way to the stables…I wanted to take a ride with Sokari but I guess I'll be back for breakfast, so…", he said.
"And where exactly did you plan to ride? You do realise the sand storm is still raging?", Atem said and crossed his arms. Yugi felt how his cheeks flushed.
"Oh…", he said.
"Besides, I thought you promised me not to leave the palace grounds for now", Atem said and rubbed his forehead. "But you also said you wanted to help me and that obviously wasn't true either."
Yugi felt a sting in his chest.
"But I do want to help you!", he said and took a few steps downstairs. Without Atem's make-up Yugi saw rings under his red eyes. He gave a frustrated sigh.
"You know, I have so many things on my mind right now and my head feels like it's about to explode and I can hardly sleep and sometimes I'm so tired I could pass out in the middle of an audience and…I thought it could be how it's always been. That you're just…there for me. But instead you avoid me all the time and don't even tell me why", Atem said, his voice cracking.
It was like those words put weights of stone on Yugi's shoulders.
"Other me, I…I don't mean to be like that! It's…I…", Yugi said, suddenly overwhelmed by the guilt of not helping the one he cared about most.
"Partner, I…I need you right now. I thought you knew, I thought you…", Atem said, looked down at the crook and flail in his hand and his grip around them tightened. He took a deep breath and then corrected his posture. "Well, never mind. I'll manage the whole thing myself. It's my duty, after all."
He walked away and Yugi tried to follow him. But before he could reach the foot of the stairs Atem had entered the corridor to the throne room and a guard closed the heavy doors behind him.
The guilt of letting Atem down made Yugi's innards contract all day and when he lay down for an after-lunch-nap he couldn't come to rest. For now the sand storm was calmer, so the shutters stood open and let a cool breeze inside. He looked at the grey clouds as he nibbled on a leaf of rosemary from his lunch. His dirty thoughts were overshadowed by his concern about his and Atem's relationship. Atem was in so much stress and it seemed so ridiculous to Yugi that his attraction towards Atem kept him from being there for his boyfriend.
Maybe he just had to pull himself together. Last night had been an emotional outburst. He looked at the vial of moon rose oil and the toy boat. He took the latter and his thumb caressed the engraving of their names. Atem was probably giving audiences now that everyone else rested. Yugi knew that Atem wanted nothing more than go to his rooms, lock the door and forbid anyone to knock. But he could control his feelings too well and forced himself to be as conscientious as ever. After the audiences he may have only a minute before he had to attend to his next duty but it would be enough to apologise and promise to be there for him in the future. If Atem could somehow handle all that stress then Yugi should at least be able to break through their distance and support him. Hadn't he learned from Atem to be stronger? And now that meant taking a step forward for their relationship, regardless of any dirty thought that had manipulated him before.
He put the boat back on the stool and beside his bed, rose and left his room. The guards eyed him but let him pass as he approached the long, white curtains before the archway to the throne room. He brushed them aside and took a peek.
Atem was sitting on his throne, Amerys on his lap and slightly wagging his bushy tail. Both looked at the crowd of maybe a dozen people before them. Their clothes looked simple and Yugi suspected them to be commoners from Karnak. Seto stood next to the throne with a scroll in his hands.
"…I thank you deeply for the honour of receiving a farmer like me, my Pharaoh. We are grateful for the time you devote to simple people like us", a bald man said who knelt before the throne. "I know there are many matters of great importance that-"
"Get to the point", Seto said. "Your gratitude is appreciated but the Pharaoh's time is valueable."
"Of course!", the bald man said and nodded intensely. "My Pharaoh, it's about the controls you established around Karnak. Me and my daughters had to wait two days before we were let inside, and during that sand storm too! I know it has something to do with those heathens and I understand the threat but when the real harvest begins we'll have to travel to not only Karnak, and we won't be the only ones. When all the farmers from both upper and lower Egypt come here and they only find those controls waiting for them…please abolish them or-"
"Denied", Atem said coolly.
The farmer almost lost his balance and the other people in the room whispered.
"B-But my Pharaoh, I haven't even-"
"I know what you'll say. I've heard it often enough", Atem said. "By the time the harvest begins the problem will be solved. That's all you need to know. You may rise."
"Solved? But what does that even mean?", the farmer said but Atem only raised a hand. A guard took the farmer's arm, made him rise and go back to the other people. Yugi thought he heard bits of "Yeah, what does that mean?", "Those heathens find a way into Karnak anyway!" and "Why doesn't he just chase that dirty bunch away?" from the crowd.
Yugi couldn't remember hearing anything about controls around Karnak. It sounded like a reasonable solution to keep Karnak as safe as possible. But apparently it had its downsides as well.
"Next", Seto said and the people fell silent. A thin, tall woman with curly hair and a long scroll in her hands stepped forward and knelt before the throne.
"My Pharaoh, I shall not waste your time. I brought you the plans of the ship that I seek to build in your honour. It will be made of the highest quality materials and have the best equipment. But it won't be finished for your birthday if our suppliers avoid Karnak in fear of being kept there too long because of those controls. You established them for good reasons, I would never doubt that, but we build ships for the royal family since your birth 19 years ago. I think we are trustworthy enough to receive a special authorisation-"
"Denied", Atem said again, his fingers tapping the armrest. The woman gave a gasp, followed by the chattering of the crowd. She rose and rolled out her scroll.
"But my Pharaoh, if you would just look at-"
"I did not give you permission to rise", Atem said.
The woman went back down on her knees, crumpling the scroll in the process.
"Forgive me! But my Pharaoh, it's not only this ship! We can't sell unfinished ships and we can't finish them because our suppliers hardly get into Karnak! If this goes on we'll be ruined in-"
A tall man with just as curly hair as the woman stepped forward.
"Save your breath, sister! The Pharaoh won't help us, he won't help anybody!", he said and pointed at Atem. "You're insulting your loyal subjects, all of us, by suspecting us to smuggle heathens into Karnak! None of those controls have been successful! Isn't it obvious that the heathens have other ways of getting into Karnak?! Instead of burdening us throw that dirty bunch finally out!"
The others' murmur became louder until a man shouted:
"Stop suspecting us and finally do something!"
The raspy voice of a woman said:
"Do you know how much money I lost because of those controls?! How am I supposed to feed my children?!"
Another man called:
"None of this is just and shouldn't you bring justice to Egypt?!"
They all reproached Atem and the exact words became unintelligible in their bawling. Seto tried to silence them but they ignored him and kept yelling. Atem covered his eyes with one hand while Amerys hissed, his fur standing on end and pressing his arched back against Atem's torso. As Yugi watched his grip on the curtains tightened.
How dare they?! Atem worked so hard every day, sacrificed food and sleep, just so he could manage all his duties and this was how they repaid him?! Yugi jumped into the throne room and shouted:
"Shut your dirty mouths!"
But even though he had put all his strength into his voice the others were much louder. Seto gave the guards a sign and they were about to intervene but then Atem jumped up and Amerys fell to the ground.
"ENOUGH!", he yelled and his voice echoed through the hall and silenced the crowd. Yugi took a step back and everyone else froze. He, Seto, the guards and the commoners, even Amerys, they all stared at Atem and not one dared to make another sound. Atem's feet were slightly apart and stood firmly on the ground, his fists clenched. He took a deep breath before he spoke. "The controls may have been fruitless until now but we can only learn about any changes if we keep them up. They're going to remain. The safety of my people is my primary concern, yes, it's even more important than the economy. Besides, do you think that anyone is going to buy your precious wares if Karnak lies in ashes?! How dare any of you accuse me of neglecting the duty that was given to me by my ancestors, the Gods themselves?!" They were too intimidated by Atem's booming voice to speak. Yugi felt goose-bumps dancing over his skin. Atem raised his chin and stretched out a hand. A young man handed him the crook and flail and stumbled as he returned to his place beside the throne. Atem crossed them before his chest. "I am the Pharaoh, king of upper and lower Egypt and your God on earth. I command you to kneel down before me. " The commoners, the guards, servants and even Seto followed. Only Yugi's knees were too shaky to obey. Atem's eyes narrowed as he looked down at his subjects. "You have proven to be not even worthy of touching my shadow. You better pray to the Gods for forgiveness for having insulted one of their own. The audience is over."
Atem walked away slowly through a red curtain behind the throne and only once he was gone everyone else rose hesitantly. Seto cleared his throat and rolled up his scroll.
"The audience is over", he repeated. "It's now time for all of you to leave the palace."
Seto gestured towards the white curtains where Yugi was still standing. He flinched and slipped outside before the commoners turned around. He hid behind a stone statue of Osiris in a niche and watched as they passed the corridor, many of them whispering. Their voices and steps faded away until the corridor was completely silent. When they were gone Yugi hugged himself.
He knew he should be worried about Atem, about his emotional outburst, should be wondering weather this had happened before, should go to him give him a hug and comfort him. But his heart was pounding and everything around his stomach was tingling with excitement. That loud, imperious voice that had made him take a step back…how Atem had crossed those strong arms with the crook and flail before his chest…how he had looked down on everybody as he had commanded them to kneel before him…all that strength and dominance made Yugi feel giddy.
Just the imagination of how Atem gave him that order aroused in Yugi the urge to please, to fulfil his wishes and wait tensely for the judgement of that superior, god-like Pharaoh. The mere thought of being in the hands of someone that manly, someone who would display all that dominance just to have him… Yugi's knees started shaking as he thought about it. His face burnt as if in a fever and gulped when he felt the tips on his chest pushing against his clothes. Hot blood pumped through his veins and gathered below his belly and wandered lower and lower…
"Y-You're not serious, body", Yugi whispered as he became clear about what was about to happen. He tried to remember his original plan of seeing Atem and apologising for his ridiculous behaviour. But that ridiculous behaviour now chased away every logical thought and Yugi could only think about that one thing. He needed to do it now that he could still feel the shiver of the Pharaoh's loud voice crawling down his spine. "Sorry, other me", he hissed before he left his hiding place and hurried back to his bed chambers.
The short phase of his mind being in control had ended and his body and its desires took over again easily. Over the next days the sand storm calmed down but Yugi's feelings were still raging. He wanted to support Atem in that stressful time but slobbering all over him wouldn't help and that was all Yugi could do. Nearly every encounter with Atem sparked a dirty thought that quickly became a fire of arousal that took him over and there was only one way of putting it out – for a short time. Yugi would feel ashamed of his lack of self-control and avoid Atem. But avoiding him would make Yugi feel guilty for letting him down. He would then try to face Atem again and be as supportive as he could be. But being with Atem would always result in Yugi being turned on, him taking care if it and feeling ashamed again. It was a vicious circle.
But even on days of avoidance Yugi's mind knew only one thought. The mere fantasy of sleeping with Atem was like a virus that spread all over his brain and drove out every other subject. Atem became a sexual object to him and everything else about him faded into the background. Yugi felt more and more like an animal during mating season that didn't know the concept of restrain. Yugi was tempted to forget everything he knew about holding back and sneak into Atem's bed chambers at night and make his fantasies come true.
In order to distract himself Yugi practised his hieroglyphs. Concentrating on the symbols and shapes sometimes managed to keep him away from his dirty thoughts for a short time. The smell of the papyrus and watching his reed pen brush over it usually soothed his nerves.
He was sitting alone at a desk in the library and copying a prayer. But just as he dipped his pen into the small pot he heard familiar voices from outside.
"Is that all you got? Come on!", Rashad said and laughed.
"I'm just going easy on you!", Atem called and the clashing of metal sounded.
Yugi tapped his pen at the edge of the ink pot, placed it on his scroll and stood up. He walked to one of the window holes, leaned outside and almost fell out at what he saw.
"Oh my…!", Yugi croaked as he stumbled a step backwards. In the courtyard below Atem and Rashad were sparring with blunt swords, letting their blades clang, avoiding each other's blows and attacking when their opponent neglected their defence. Taia was tied to a pillar not far away. She was wagging her tail and barked, apparently wanting to join the game. Both wore only short, white skirts, simple belts and leather bracers for protection. The sun peeped out from the clouds and shone on Atem's cinnamon coloured skin and the sweat on his chest, arms and legs glittered in the light. As they fought Atem panted and groaned and Yugi's mind immediately jumped to the one thing.
He could crouch down so no one saw him, listen to the sounds Atem made, let his mind wander and…Yugi shook his head.
"You're not serious, body!", he whispered. How could he consider doing it again? And here in the library too?! He had given in last night; couldn't he at least control himself for 24 hours?! He forced himself to take his eyes off Atem's smooth, gold-brown skin and moved his stiff legs out of the room, leaving the prayer he had begun behind. He couldn't go to his own chambers. His fantasies would take over his head and ignore his weak will to restrain himself. There was only one other place he could go and his feet carried him there by themselves.
He was bobbing up and down on his heels as he knocked on the wooden door. A "Yes?" was the answer and Yugi stormed inside, slammed the door shut and flopped onto the bed.
"Layla, you won't believe what I just saw!", he said and buried his face in the red cover.
"Let me guess. Was it Atem being hot?", she said, brushing her long, dark brown hair in front of her vanity. Yugi placed his chin on a pillow and pouted at her.
"No…it was Atem being extremely hot!", he said.
"That's new", Layla said and turned around on her stool. "What did he do this time, that public menace?"
"Oh, it was terrible! He and Rashad are practising sword fighting and…just the way the sweat was running over his chest and he's only wearing that skirt and the sounds he made while…aaargh!", Yugi said and kicked his legs. His cheeks were burning at the mere memory of Atem.
"Oh, that does sound hot", she said and bit her lower lip. "Rashad is there too? Come, we go and enjoy the show together", she said, walked to the bed and pulled his arm.
"No, never!", Yugi said and freed himself. "I'm perverted enough as it is!"
Layla grunted like a piglet as she laughed. She threw the brush onto the mattress and lay down next to him. Her hand gently ran through Yugi's hair.
"It's that bad, huh?", she said.
"Yes!", he said and pressed his forehead against her upper arm. "How did he even get such a sexy body? He sits on that stupid throne all day!"
"Did you ever ask him about his morning routine? I'd guess he exercises every day. Many rulers do that, actually. Someone who looks physically capable will just get more respect from a crowd of people, you know?", Layla said.
"I suppose that's true but…this isn't fair! No one gave him the permission to be that sexy! And it's getting worse every day!", Yugi said.
"Of course it is. Because you're trying to suppress your feelings", Layla said. "When you're hungry you have to eat too, not fasten and only dream about food. I'm giving you the advice I always give you: Tell him about it, have amazing sex, problem solved."
"It's not that simple", Yugi said and sighed. "He's in so much stress right now and I should be supporting him, not ask him to take care of his oversexed boyfriend as well."
"Is there a reason he's so stressed? He does look tired", Layla said. Yugi placed his chin back on the pillow.
"Well, next to being your host he has to fulfil his usual duties as well. It gets to him", he said without looking at her. While the commoners had to face the heathens every day most nobles had no idea about their presence in Karnak. Everyone who knew had been told to keep quiet, just like Yugi. The method had worked out until now and very few rumours had spread in the palace. Especially the Arabian guests couldn't find out about the threat that could cause a blood bath in Karnak if things got out of control. It could damage the political and economical relations between the two countries.
"Hmm, I see", Layla said, sat up and reached for her brush. She let the bristles gently run through Yugi's hair. They stroked his scalp and it felt like a soothing massage. "But do you think keeping Atem at distance makes him feel any better?"
"N-No", Yugi mumbled. "But if he knew what a pervert I am…he'd be disgusted!"
Just imagining how Atem looked at him the same way as at a pesky insect that crawled over his skin gave him a sting in the chest.
"I know and I'm not disgusted. Besides, you're not a pervert. You're in love", Layla said.
"No, if I were in love I'd have butterflies in my stomach and all. Those feelings all come from below my waistline!", Yugi said and rolled to the side. "What is even wrong with me? I've never felt like that, at least not that intense…by far."
"It's natural. You never had the opportunity and now you've been holding back for so long. Don't you think Atem is going through the same with you? You could just tell him…", Layla but Yugi shook his head.
"No, I can't, Layla! I just can't! He has a million things to worry about right now and I…I'm just through a phase! Soon it'll be over; you'll see!", Yugi said, even though he didn't believe the last part himself. Layla sighed.
"Well, I can't force you", she said and stroked his hair. "I'll have to go to my dressing room now. Shada's wife invited a poet and I promised to be there with some other nobles. She seems to be a sweet person but Atem warned me that she has terrible taste. I'd ask you to come with me but it'll be pretty boring."
She rose, took a ribbon from her vanity and tied up her hair. As Yugi stood up as well he saw in the mirror that Layla had brushed his hair to one side and he ruffled it to make it look normal.
"I don't know. Maybe it'd be better than being alone with my perverted thoughts", he said.
"It would make the whole thing more bearable", Layla said with a smile. "We'll meet in the gardens, in the pavallion."
"Hmm, I guess I'll have to change too", Yugi said and looked down at his simple, white tunic. "See you later, then!"
Yugi was walking back to his own chambers but as he passed the east wing he came across Rashad who had his broad, carefree grin on his face. A few wet strains from his short ponytail stuck to his bearded cheeks.
"Hey Yugi! Atem and I just had our first sparring since Cyprus. It was a blast!"
Yugi gulped.
"I believe that", he said.
"Atem sucks pretty badly, though. I wish he would show you the giant bruise I gave him on his butt. Wait, he will show you. You're his boyfriend, after all", Rashad said and placed a hand on Yugi's back, pushing him into the east wing.
"His butt?!", Yugi squeaked. "No, no, no, I don't need to see that, really!"
"Come one, someone has to be witness of how badly I kicked his butt! Literally!", Rashad said and laughed.
Before Yugi could argue against him he was standing in Atem's dressing room where all his tunics, skirts and capes in all colours hung on wooden tailor's dummies. Atem was still only wearing the short skirt and wiped his face with a towel. His whole body was wet with sweat and so was his piece of clothing. It stuck to his hips and legs and even showed a little the shape of what was in between…
Yugi flinched, took a step back and forced himself to direct his gaze to his feet. He didn't dare to look Atem in the eyes. What if he had noticed his stare? Was he creeped out? Disgusted? The view on him was even more hypnotizing up close.
Rashad didn't seem to notice any of Yugi's thoughts and stretched out his hand for Atem's skirt.
"Hey loser, show Yugi how badly I hit you", he said grinning but Atem evaded him.
"I will not! Besides, it's not that bad!", Atem said and hit Rashad's arm with his towel.
"Then you should have no problem with showing it! Come on, we're closer than brothers and Yugi is your boyfriend! Don't be so coy!", Rashad said and tugged at Atem's skirt. Atem slapped Rashad's hand and tried to get away through the tailor's dummies but Rashad cornered him and grabbed the hem of his skirt a second time. He ignored Atem's protest and kept pulling while Atem held on to it.
Yugi's well-behaved side wanted to look away but his head wouldn't move. If Rashad won the fight he'd see Atem naked for the first time. It was just that thin, moist piece of cloth that stood between him and the view he desires most. After all his fantasies he'd now find out what Atem looked like…down there.
They circled each other and Yugi screamed silently when Atem's skirt slightly slipped down and revealed a little part of his firm butt cheeks. He saw a reddish to purplish spot but the rest of it had to be even lower…and if Rashad insisted on showing Yugi all of it…
Yugi bit his lower lip and his hand ran over his chest. But then he felt two peaks that stuck out.
'You're not serious, body! Now?!', he thought, jumped forward and forced himself between the two. He pushed Rashad away, his back on Atem.
"Rashad, don't! This is really unnecessary!", he said. Rashad frowned but then he smiled.
"Oh, I get it. You want to undress Atem yourself", he said and Yugi's cheeks flushed in the blink of an eye.
"N-No, that's not what I-", Yugi said but Rashad had already approached the exit and had the handle in one hand.
"You're welcome. See you later!", Rashad said, winked and closed the door behind him.
The room fell silent as Rashad's steps faded away. Yugi felt like a weak lamb at the mercy of a strong wolf – only that he enjoyed the feeling instead of loathing it. He crossed his arms in front of his chest, so Atem wouldn't see his hard nipples. He walked towards the door without looking at Atem.
"Well, I guess I better-"
"Partner, wait", Atem said, hurried forward and blocked the exit. He was right in front of Yugi and exposed him to his oily, pristine skin. Yugi stumbled backwards. If he stayed too close he wouldn't be able to hold back his fingers that tingled at the prospect of discovering every curve and crevice of Atem. He was well-exercised but not buff. It was just the right balance of muscles and his natural slimness, similar to his own. "Care to explain now why you avoid me all the time?"
Yugi had to swallow all the saliva that had gathered in his mouth before he spoke.
"Yes…No! I mean, I'm not avoiding you", Yugi said and scratched his left calf with the toes of his right foot.
"Partner, I'm not stupid and you're still a bad liar", Atem said.
"I…uhm…", Yugi said, looked down and rubbed the bridge of his nose. His mind told him to get away but his body wanted to stay, rip that skirt off Atem's hips and do it here on the floor. He turned to the side and took a slow breath through his nostrils.
"Well, I get it. I should bathe", Atem said and scratched his neck.
"W-What?", Yugi asked as Atem pulled a rope next to the door. One moment later a servant knocked and entered.
"Prepare a bath. Sandal wood oil", Atem said and Yugi felt a shiver dancing down his spine. She nodded and left again. Atem walked to a table to his right and took off his leather bracers. "But after that do you think we could-"
"Sorry!", Yugi said and fled through the now free door. He ran through the corridors, knowing how rudely he behaved, how much he would frustrate Atem again but there was no other way. The image of Atem taking a bath had taken over his brain in one second.
How he dropped his skirt and entered the tub with warm water…the air filled with the wonderful scent if sandal wood oil…and surely the Pharaoh had servants who washed him. Oh, if only Yugi could be that servant! He'd kneel down next to the tub…dip the sponge into the water and brush it over the Pharaoh's arms…his back…his chest…watch how the water dripped off that perfect skin in the same colour as the desert sand at dawn…would see how single drops gathered on the chestnut coloured peaks on his chest…and just to be a good servant he'd climb into the water with him…just so he would miss no spot on the Pharaoh's godly body…and he would let the sponge, no, his bare hands run over his firm legs, hips and even what lay in between…and if all that happened to arouse that energetic, manly Pharaoh…Yugi would do everything the Pharaoh wanted to satisfy the urges he had woken so carelessly…and if he'd have to go down on all fours and take what the Pharaoh gave him…oh, so be it!
Yugi didn't know if he was panting because of his thoughts or because he had been running. He was exhausted, ashamed and aroused at the same time. He shut the door to his bed chambers, his face hotter than the midday sun. How could all the blood still make his cheeks blush when it was clearly all gathering below his waistline? It was like his body didn't know itself where to pump his blood and it resulted in Yugi feeling dizzy and stumbling towards his bed.
He flopped onto it and the vial of moon rose oil next to it caught his eye. One day they'd bathe together and his fantasies would come true. But would Atem also play Pharaoh and servant with him? Yugi cared for Atem more than anyone and when they'd sleep with each other it would surely be gentle and careful and full of love…but the Pharaoh would take his his servant out of lust and be ruthless, just to satisfy that basic instinct. Right now that thought was so much more arousing than making love. Why was it so exciting to imagine how the Pharaoh had all power and Yugi none?
Yugi looked down on himself and what he saw didn't surprise him. He remembered Atem in that thin, damp skirt, recalled his fantasy of him taking a bath and gave in to the urge he couldn't fight anyway.
As guilty as he felt for shutting Atem out Yugi couldn't bring himself to confessing the truth. Atem grew irritated at Yugi's behaviour and dropped mean hints about how disappointed he was almost every time they were together. It hurt but Yugi couldn't blame him. If Atem left him alone in a time of need he'd be frustrated as well. But Yugi's excitability became even more sensitive.
Even his dreams were full of dirty things and he usually woke up with more stains on his bedsheets. If only Atem didn't give him so much material! Yugi found himself intrigued by the most trivial things about Atem: how gently he brushed back his hair, how majestically he walked, how tightly he held the reins of a horse…it didn't matter what he did. Even watching how he used a toothpick sparked that feeling of arousal. Layla couldn't help but laugh when he confessed this to her. Maybe he'd have laughed as well if the whole thing wasn't putting so much strain on his and Atem's relationship.
Yugi found consolation in how Rashad managed to make Atem laugh, no matter how stressful the day was. Whenever they were together, fooled around and played with Taia it was like Yugi got a glimpse of the inseparable duo they had been on Cyprus – or trio if you counted Taia in. Rashad somehow brought back a part of Atem's carefree, risk-loving former self that Rashad described in all their stories about Cyprus. How much easier his life must have been when he hadn't had to take care of an entire nation yet.
But Rashad and Layla's visit was scheduled to take no longer than a month and sooner than they all liked it the last week of it began. Yugi couldn't believe that it had been only three weeks since their arrival, especially considering the good friendship he had developed with Layla. Soon they'd have to say good-bye; Atem would be without his currently best supporter and Yugi would lose the only person he entrusted with his dirty thoughts. But all four decided not to dwell on their sadness and instead enjoy their last days together as much as possible.
The grape harvest in the south had been early this year and an entire shipload of wine barrels reached the palace. Another banquet was held to celebrate the end of the sand storm, try the fresh wine and to share that delicacy with the Arabian guests.
The sun had set and the hall was lit by torches and fire plates. Big bowls with blue mosaics were filled with water and had lotus flowers and oil lamps floating on it. Clusters of red grapes on the long, wooden tables served both as decoration and food and gave the hall a fresh and fruity scent. The Egyptian and Arabian nobles were seated on big, fluffy cushions as they turned their heads towards Atem. Yugi watched him from behind a curtain and didn't listen to his speech. The sight was a lot more interesting.
Atem wore sandals, a midnight blue skirt with a thick, golden belt and the pelt of a cheetah, wrapped around his torso a little like a sash. His bracers, earrings, anklets, necklace and rings were golden and his eyes framed by thick kohl lines. His hair was hidden underneath the blue-yellow striped nemes headdress with a golden cobra attached to the forehead. It distinguished him as the Pharaoh, the highest-ranking person in the room and God on earth.
Everyone had followed when the Pharaoh had ordered them to be silent and how couldn't they? In his formal clothes, with that erect and proud posture and that loud and clear voice it was even more impossible to resist him than usual. Something about his strength made everyone want to obey and no one understood that better than Yugi. When Atem finished his speech he raised his goblet and was thus the first to drink from the fresh wine. After he had taken his first gulp everyone else was allowed to drink as well. Atem sat down and the crowd started chattering. Servants entered with plates, bowls, pots and jugs and provided everyone with food and more wine. Yugi played with the loose gold chain hanging around his hips as his gaze remained on Atem, wondering how he could look even handsomer than usual.
"My lord, you can join the Pharaoh now", Isis said beside him and Yugi startled.
"Oh yeah. Right", he said and forced his feet to approach the table. During official procedures the seat at Atem's side was still reserved for the queen and so Yugi could only sit down once the official parts were over.
The closer he got to Atem the louder his heart pounded. He sat down and pulled his chair slightly away. He glanced at Atem but looked quickly to the other side. With his make-up his skin looked so pristine; he was just as perfect as one of those Ancient Egyptian masks or statues he had admired since he was a child. But Atem was real in all his pride and handsomeness.
"Hey", Atem said and Yugi gulped.
"H-Hey", he said and played with the sleeve of his purple tunic. Yugi felt that Atem's gaze was still resting on him, in order to provoke him to say more than that. He felt like a mouse, cornered by a cat that had the power to play with its prey however it wanted. Yugi was watching every movement, anticipating the cat's attack on the weak, vulnerable mouse he felt he was – and he liked it. But he couldn't let Atem find out, had to endure that stare that made him want to stretch out his hand, let his fingers run over Atem's firm thigh, to his knee and back up his inner thigh until…
He was saved by a waiter who stepped between Atem and him to place bowl of stew in front of them. Yugi concentrated on his spoon dipping into the orange-brown dish until Atem turned towards his own food and Rashad at his other side.
Grapes were an ingredient of almost everything that was served. It was also in the stew, next to chicken, onions and other vegetables. First Yugi thought it was a weird mix but somehow the combination of spices rounded it off and he enjoyed it. The grapes tasted even better in a salad of nuts, onions and other vegetables. But Yugi's favourite food of the banquet was bread with cheese and grapes baked into it. While he ate he watched the crowd before them.
Musicians, singers and dancers entertained the guests, even though they paid more attention to the wine than anything else. Their laughs became louder, their words turned into slurs and instead of walking they staggered from place to place. Mana sat not far away from the Pharaoh's table and was busy keeping her giggling girlfriend from setting fire to her own hair. Later a group of acrobats performed for the crowd and Yugi thought it was a shame that most people were busier with drinking than enjoying the impressive show.
Yugi had some goblets of wine himself and a few cups of water in between. He exchanged a few words with Atem now and then but he had to turn away quickly before he began thinking about Atem in that way. Atem knew that he had to keep up his composure and didn't drink too much. In comparison to all the drunk guests he looked even more elegant. Yugi noticed admiring looks towards Atem from both men and women in the crowd. He couldn't blame anyone for being intrigued by Atem's handsomeness but it made Yugi want to sit down on Atem's lap, caress that perfect skin and feel his arm around his waist. How jealous they'd all be!
But Yugi couldn't allow himself to give in to that fantasy. Surely Atem wouldn't react by pulling him closer and kissing his neck. He'd be confused and ask him why he behaved like that all of a sudden. By acting like he had he had built a wall around himself and he couldn't just pull Atem inside all of a sudden. It'd be weird! Or would it…?
As it were the guests who got to eye Atem they had the advantage after all. From the crowd it wasn't very conspicuous to look at the Pharaoh. Pretty much everyone gave him a look now and then since he was the most important person in the room. If only Yugi could just change his seat…then again, why not just do it?
Yugi swayed a little as he stood up. The wine had gone to his head already. But he could still walk straight towards Layla who was eating a slice of bread next to Rashad. She wore a white dress with a diamond belt and earrings. Yugi bent forward so he was on her eye-level.
"Hey, I would like you to meet someone", he said.
"Really? Who?", Layla said.
Two staggering men bumped into them as they approached the table where Mana sat. Her dress was blue and her thick necklace made of gold with lapislazulis. Yugi tapped her shoulder and she turned around.
"Hey Mana, I don't think you've met Layla yet?", Yugi said. Mana looked at Layla and her eyes widened.
"I haven't but…Yugi, if anyone, then I should stand up and go to the princess. Not the other way around!", she said and pulled Yugi's arm. Layla laughed and almost let another grunt escaped her throat.
"I don't think anyone notices by now", she said and looked around. An Egyptian woman and an Arabian man hugged and called to everyone around them that they were best friends from now on. "Besides, I don't mind."
Layla sat down next to Mana; Yugi across from them. One moment later a servant handed them cups of wine. Layla grabbed another piece of bread and Yugi knew already that she would take advantage of her discreeter seat by giving in to her insatiable hunger. He introduced them to each other and Mana asked Layla immediately about her hairstyle.
'Yeah, girls. Talk about your hair. I'll enjoy the sight', Yugi thought and took a gulp. Atem was now a little too far away to see the details about his perfect body but the picture was engraved into Yugi's mind already. Now and then a noble or a waiter got into his field of vision but other than that he had a good and discreeter view on the sexiest Pharaoh of all time.
Yugi drunk his wine only in sips but waiters refilled it again and again as he fantasised about Atem. Yugi had the same liquid in his cup as Atem but wouldn't it taste so much sweeter if he could lick it from Atem's lips? The servants at the Pharaoh's table refilled his goblet immediately when he had emptied it. Yugi wished he could serve Atem as well.
He imagined him lying on a divan on a hot day…just with that short skirt from a few days ago and that nemes headdress…what a wonderful view Yugi would have on that chest, those abs, those shoulders…and Yugi himself would only wear a tiny skirt as well…and the Pharaoh would only have to snip his fingers so Yugi would bring a bowl of strawberries, kneel down next to the divan and feed him one after another…and Pharaoh's lips would touch his fingertips with every fruit he offered…and maybe he'd drop a strawberry on that almond coloured chest…ask the Pharaoh for forgiveness, eat the berry himself and lick the juices off his skin, off those chocolate brown tips that hardened under his tongue…
"What about you, Yugi?", Mana said and Yugi flinched. It made him feel slightly dizzy.
"W-What?", he said.
"Do you want to dance with us?", she said and stood up. Layla rose as well and slightly swayed from side to side.
"Oh, ehm…no, thanks. I'll stay here", he said and gave an insecure smile.
"Isn't that a bit boring? Well, either way, you can join us later if you want", Mana said and hopped towards the dance floor. Layla circled the table and bent down to Yugi.
"Enjoy the show", she said, winked and followed Mana. Yugi twisted his mouth. She just knew him and his obsession too well. After another gulp Yugi's cup was empty again but a waitress poured fresh wine into it not a minute later. She also offered him a bowl of yoghurt with grape syrup, which he accepted, even though his tongue seemed to refuse to speak clearly. He quickly forgot about Layla's comment and looked at Atem again.
Many nobles waited before the steps to his table for a chance to talk to the Pharaoh. A white-haired man with a scroll sat next to him and burst out in laughter, possibly about his own jokes, while Atem gave him only a weak smile. He maintained his composure and his words were probably as polite and well-chose as ever. But Yugi knew him well enough to see that he had enough of the banquet with all its noises and guests. Under the table he tapped his foot and his fingers played impatiently with his earring.
The waitress returned and placed the bowl of yoghurt with a spoon in it before him. It tasted delicious and Yugi wished he could share it with Atem, feed him as he sat on his lap with his legs apart…maybe Atem would dip his finger into the bowl and Yugi would gently suck the yoghurt from his warm fingers…
Yugi sighed and slowly licked the spoon…his thoughts still with Atem…
Cries and a loud bang sounded when one of the double doors was smashed open. Yugi flinched, turned his head like everyone else and saw a group of six men rush towards the Pharaoh's table. They had bloody scratches, bruises and black eyes but none of them was armed. Their clothes were simple, so they had to be commoners from Karnak and Yugi recognised the one leading them. He was the curly-haired man who had reproached Atem first during the audience a few days ago.
"You, Pharaoh! It's your fault, all your fault!", he shouted so loud that guests from every corner looked at him. The musicians, dancers and singers stopped their performance and servants froze. "Our suppliers were killed by those dirty heathens! All because they weren't let into Karnak because of those damn controls of-" Guards had hurried towards the men and forced them to the ground. They all shouted and cursed but the curly-haired man was the loudest: "I'm just telling the truth! You damn nobles, all of you! Always up in the palace while we have to suffer from those fucking-"
One of the guards punched him with the pommel of his sword and he spat out blood.
"Let them go!", Atem said firmly and rose from his chair.
Atem's voice silenced the crowd not for long. The chattering and whispering began again and Yugi heard it from all sides.
"Heathens? Those nomads that come to our towns from time to time?"
"What controls?"
"My brother told me about it! He couldn't get his wares into Karnak for a few days. But he never knew why."
The three Egyptians stuck their heads together. At the table next to Yugi three Arabian women and two men talked, their brows furrowed.
"What's all this about? How could those commoners get into the palace?"
"More importantly: What are they talking about?"
"And who are the heathens?"
"Apparently they're a serious problem. Why haven't we heard about this? The Pharaoh wouldn't hide an issue he could handle…"
"They sound dangerous! What if he was trying to lure the prince into a false sense of security and uses those heathens to kill him and make it seem like an accident?!"
"Oh, as if! You know they're friends, you silly goose!"
"But the Pharaoh must be up to something!"
An Arabian woman in a red robe rose from her cushion. Her face was wrinkled and her pinned up hair was full of grey streaks.
"My Pharaoh!", she called and her voice was so loud and clear that those around her grew quiet. Atem noticed her as well and turned her gaze towards her. "My Pharaoh, what is this about? Heathens? Please explain this!"
Yugi felt the urge to jump up and protect Atem, although he didn't know how to. His brain wasn't able to produce any argument against her concern. Rashad, on the chair beside Atem, rose and placed his flat hands on the table.
"I forbid my companions to ask Pharaoh Atem questions that are Egypt's concern and not ours", he said.
Atem slightly bit his lower lip as his eyes shifted over the crowd. He took a deep breath and then put on a smile.
"Prince Rashad, I thank you for your discretion but my subjects and your companions have a right to know what's happening to Egypt", he said and circled the table. All eyes were on him. "It's true that Karnak is threatened by a people, known as heathens. They've been nomads for centuries and only came to Egyptian towns to replenish their supplies. Even then they provoked chaos but the competent town guards could protect the people of Karnak. The rumours you might have heard, my subjects, are true. They have been invading Karnak for a few months now. They want to give up their lives as nomads and settle down in Egyptian towns. And my people have to pay the price for that selfish decision!"
The nobles' nervous chattering began again. Their mouths hung open and their faces twisted in shock.
"So it is true!"
"That greedy bunch is here?! And they want to stay?!"
"This is horrible! I won't set foot into Karnak any more! Maybe I should leave for my estate!"
Yugi didn't understand what Atem was doing. He and his advisers had kept this secret as well as they could. How could Atem just tell everything now?
"The heathens are cruel. They steal, rape, even murder to get food, water and houses that rightfully belong to Egyptians. I cannot blame my people for being scared and angry", Atem said and gestured towards the curly man and his companions. Guards were still holding their arms, some bleeding from minor wounds or the corners of their mouths. "The heathens are high in number and well-armed. Day and night the guards are sorting out crimes, watch the borders of Karnak and yet it doesn't seem to have any effect. But I swear to you by my ancestors, the Gods themselves, that no one works in vain. We have discovered how they get into Karnak and once we have taken care of this I will drive out that dirty bunch once and for all, I promise." That couldn't be true. As far as Yugi knew there had been no progress. Or did Atem just not tell him? But wouldn't he have been less stressed then? What kind of game was he playing? "I have been keeping this from you for a reason. The terror those heathens spread wasn't supposed to take over your hearts as well. And neither did I want this to cast a shadow over the visit of you, Prince Rashad and your wife, the Princess. I am your Pharaoh and protecting my people will always be my first duty, given to me by the Gods. They chose me for that task because they believe that only I am strong enough to protect the divine land they created. I know that all my subjects respect and believe in the unlimited power of the Gods. For Egyptians have faith. You are nothing like those barbarians who spread chaos wherever they go. I know you want law and order and peace. And that's why the Gods sent one of their own to you. For I am your God on earth!"
He ended his speech by placing one fist on his heart. The faces of the people around Yugi had become softer.
"He's right! The Gods put him on the throne and their will has to be right!"
"His father protected us from an invasion before and we know he taught his son well. I'm sure he knows what he's doing!"
"The Pharaoh will protect us! Long live the Pharaoh!"
The Egyptians clapped and cheered on Atem. He allowed it but then raised a hand to silence them. He stepped back behind the table and placed his hands on the back of his chair.
"As for you, Prince Rashad and all your companions: when you tell your king about this, tell him that I fight for my people. Tell him that I value nothing more than the safety and well-being of my subjects and that this conflict will not influence any treaty I signed with Arabia. So spread the news with my blessing, so you can continue the story soon with how the Egypt withstood another threat. For this dive land will never be defeated, as true as Ra will rise over Egypt for thousands of years!"
The Egyptians applauded again and this time the Arabians joined them after short hesitation. The Arabian noble in a red robe bowed to Atem.
"I apologise for my rudeness, my Pharaoh. You are a strong and honest ruler and your people are as courageous as you. This is what I'll report to the king", she said.
"I thank you", Atem said and then turned his head towards the group of men who had stormed inside. They stared at Atem with their eyes wide open, their anger replaced with astonishment. "That your suppliers were killed is a tragedy but that crime shall be pursued. Nevertheless you had no right to enter the palace and talk to me like you did. Guards, bring them into the dungeon. I will decide on their punishment tomorrow. "
The guards obeyed and lead them out of the hall. The musicians started playing a song of praise for the Pharaoh and the people around them joined.
"I hope those commoners all get at least fifty blows with a stick!", Yugi heard a woman behind him say. "You can't talk to the Pharaoh like that!"
"Indeed! I believe every word he said", another woman said and giggled. "He's so strong and handsome. A God on earth, truly."
"We're lucky to live in his kingdom. Though it would be an even greater honour to sleep in his bed, wouldn't it?"
They laughed while Yugi clenched the spoon in his hand. Normally he felt uncomfortable when others talked about Atem like that. But this time he could only agree with them.
Atem had somehow mastered this difficult situation and his subjects loved him even more. Disrespect towards such a manly and superior ruler had to be punished. Yugi's mind travelled back to the fantasy of him dropping a strawberry on the Pharaoh's wonderful chest…what a terrible error to commit towards a God on earth! He deserved punishment for such a carelessness! The Pharaoh would have to take him to the dungeons as well, command him to undress and have a guard chain him up.
He'd be all alone with the Pharaoh in that dark cell. He flinched as he imagined how the Pharaoh took a swing and spanked him with a wooden stick. It would hurt but the fiery tingle on his butt would be satisfaction for both. The Pharaoh would strike again and again and again…Yugi's buttocks turning red from the punishment and growing more sensitive to the pain…he'd hiss and moan until he begged the Pharaoh for forgiveness and ask him to make up for his mistake…the Pharaoh would have mercy on him and loosen the chains…and Yugi would crawl towards the Pharaoh, wrap his arms around his hips…look up at his ruler as he pulled down his skirt…and then…
Yugi had taken another spoonful of yoghurt and enjoyed having it in his mouth…enjoyed sucking on it…and as he imagined it bigger and as a part of Atem a shiver took over his body. Hot and cold alternated and the tingle shook him, crawled under his skin, into his brain and made him feel dizzy. He gave a quiet moan as his vision blurred and he had to hold on to the table to not fall over. He slightly pulled the spoon out of his mouth, then shoved it on, then pulled it out…
Everything around him faded into the background and he closed his eyes, his thoughts fully with Atem. His whole body was engulfed in that tingling sensation and it felt as if he was immersed in bubbling water that tickled him everywhere. He had experienced this so many times before…and had loved it each time…but wasn't there something else about that feeling? Yugi couldn't remember…
But when his brain cleared from the alcohol for a moment the realisation hit him. His eyes snapped open and he froze. His cheeks were burning as he looked down on himself, surrounded by over a hundred people in a crowded hall…and there it was: a bulge between his legs.
"Y-You're not serious, body", he whispered, the spoon still in his mouth.