First Update of the new year! I Thought of posting it December 31st but decided to wait...so Here's your nice weekend gift ^^ The new year and we're 25 chaps in! Woohoo!

ALSO: STARTING NEXT WEEK UPDATES WILL BE WEDNESDAY NIGHT/THURSDAY MORNING (Friday at the latest depending on my and Val's work schedules) That way everyone who has to wait to read the chap can enjoy it!

Now...the aftermath of Yugi's reaction!

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

As always, read, review, critique, comment, ask questions, rant and just go nuts!

Chapter XXV: Preparations

"Yugi, wait!" Mut spun to chase him, but Pas grabbed her arm and she stopped.

"Let him go, Mut. We need to discuss this first," he mollified. "You know Yugi, approaching him without a definite decision could make this whole situation worse for him."

He turned to the Atlantian King and Knight. Dartz responded with a nod. Timaeus' stared at the door where Yugi had run. He didn't move until he felt the King's hand on his shoulder. Both of them stepped away, giving the Per-a'ah and his wife their space.

Mut freed her arm, but her voice was absent of anger. "You saw his face. Timaeus is a good man, but Yugi—"

"He is right, Mut," Pas cut her off, but his words were soft and in no way sharp. "I love Yugi, just as fiercely as you do, but he cannot stay in Djanet, and I will walk willing into Ammut's belly before I see him returned to Waset. The only way to protect him now, is to get him out of Kemet. This is the best way. You and he have talked about it have you not? Yugi is young but he is not a child, it is time he was married. It's very clear Timaeus cares for him, and though I know he is upset now, I know Yugi cares for him. It is a good match."

"Indeed, it is," Mut agreed. "But Yugi is stubborn. He had been since he was a child. Even if all this is done for his benefit and the union promises to be a happy one, he'll deny any such feelings simply out of pride. Even if this works, what of Menkheperre and Maatkare? You can't expect them to surrender their loyalty simply because Yugi is lost to them?"

Pas smiled at her. "I've already planned a solution to that. Menkheperre doesn't covet power: he simply fears his own being overlooked. I have no desire to create further strife between our lands or our family. It is time for both to have peace." There was a regal passion to the words that even Mut had not seen in him before. It was both, tired and relieved, determined and impassioned as well as relaxed and finished.

"What will you tell him?" she asked him, simply. She didn't know what else to say.

Pas met her eyes. His mile was cunning and content. "He will remain as Waset's head as First Prophet of Amun, so long as he reigns with the family."

"Pas, you know he will never answer to you."

"No, not me," he took her hands in his own, "To you."

Mut stumbled back. "Me?" The word was a breath. Her mouth remained open but no sound came out,

"Yes," Pas nodded. "He will be First Prophet of Amun at Waset, but you will be Second Prophet of Amun at Djanet. It is me he has always hated. You, he has always adored and any dislike was simply the need to spite me. He will listen to you."

For a full moment Mut couldn't speak. The weight of his words fell on her shoulders like a mantle of bones, but it was surprisingly light. She composed herself and asked. "And our sister?" She couldn't recall when she had last called Maatkare that.

Pas smiled at the title. "She will remain as God's Wife of Amun, but the title of Divine Adoratrice will be given to her successor who will in turn be one of her nieces. Whether that girl is our daughter or Menkhperre's will be decided in turn when the future comes."

Mut's face was that of a queen, regal and dignified and scrutinizing all possible flaws without even the appearance of weakness or concern. "You're certain they will agree to this?"

It was not a question, but Pas answered it anyway. "They will have no choice. We will draw up the treaties and sign the documents with all our names in the House when we announce Kemet's allying itself with Atlantis. We will celebrate both with Timaeus and Yugi's wedding."

She thought it over. All but the wedding satisfied her. The girl in her, the one who had once been younger than Yugi was now, sympathized with her youngest siblings feelings of betrayal and his desire to rile against it, but the woman in her, the one who'd inherited a mother's wisdom and knowledge, knew the traits needed for a good husband and a loving marriage. Such affairs were commonly arranged and always by mothers. Having held their children to their breasts at birth, reared them as they grew, and scolded them when they misbehaved, it was they that knew them well beyond their inexperience and youth knew themselves. How could they not offer their wisdom and experience in such an important and life-changing decision?

She may not have been Yugi's mother, but it was she who caught him when Sekhmet's cult of midwives surrounded her father's second wife and demanded her assistance. It was she, who held him as an infant when Isetemkheb had been called away, she who chased him through the gardens as a toddler, and snapped at him when he behaved badly: Isetemkheb trusted no one else. She had not given birth to him but he was as close to being her first child as if she had.

"We'll need to time to organize it, write the documents and plan the wedding, and we'll need time for it to…" she paused, "Leek to the public. Let the rumors circulate. By the time of the ceremony comes the courtship, betrothal and wedding will be as good as fact."

"Agreed," Pas said. "If all goes well it'll be within a ten-day. Our war will be over, our country will have peace, and Yugi will be safely married to a handsome husband out of Kemet."

"Married, yes," Mut said with a chuckle. "As for safely, well that remains to be said." He knew it was not Yugi's safety she meant. He offered an open palm and she accepted.

They turned to the King of Atlantis and the Knight who proposed the plot to explain their plan.

X X X

Only when they were alone did the King expel a heavy sigh of remorse. "When I warned you that our objective was to protect out alliance this is not what I had in mind," he said with a hint of bitterness.

"Perhaps not," Timaeus said coolly. "But it is done and I do not regret it." He spun to his King and his eyes softened. "I know you well, My Lord. And I am confident enough that had we agreed to send him back with the Priests in exile, you would never be the same and neither would I."

The King's eyes spoke what his words could not.

"I promised to protect our alliance and I will do it with honor."

"Always with honor," Dartz shook his head with the smallest of smiles. "You truly embody your namesake." His fingers wove through his forelock, and then he controlled himself. "But you are right. I do prefer our alliance come without such a sacrifice," his eyes narrowed. "But I also know you well enough that you would never marry for politics. You made that clear many times."

There was a visible flinch in Timaeus brow. He made no effort to feign ignorance, "No, that wasn't why. I would never have asked if it was."

"You fancy him," Dartz said matter-of-factly. "You've fancied him since that first day on the Eye." Timaeus shot up with wide eyes. He opened his mouth but Dartz raised a hand and his protests silenced. "There's no need. I am no longer young, but experience has taught me to recognize the signs. I also know you are not the saucy lad you were when you first came to Atlantis, but your heart has always been free and your affairs short." He scrutinized with a paternal chide. "So what makes this child so different?"

"He's hardly a child," Timaeus challenged, but Dartz was unamused. Timaeus exhaled through his nose. "I want to protect him," was all he said. He looked away with a worldly frown. "I can't explain it. Everything about him tempts me, but it's more than that. I always feel compelled to stay by his side, but not just to keep him safe but to see him smile."

Dartz listened intently. "How long have you felt this way?"

"Perhaps…" Timaeus pondered. "Since the day he attacked me in Mut's shrine. Everything about him intrigued me: his beauty, his spirit, his wildness. When we first spoke on the ship, I wanted to protect him, but the spitfire wouldn't let me, but that only intrigued me more. I wanted him to trust me and I wanted to know more about him beyond the fire. What I found only intrigues me more."

He heard the King give a frustrated sigh, and thought he heard a muffled curse on his breath, but when he looked up he smiled. "I see, and you're certain it was not guilt that compelled you? A penance of some sort?"

Timaeus shook his head. "I thought it might be, but I realized long ago it wasn't," As he spoke the words grew more grave and more passionate. "I want him by my side; I want to be by his side. Even if he hates me now, if I can make him smile even once more, that's all I care for."

He thought he heard the King utter another curse, but when he looked up again he was smiling. "I see." He nodded. "Good, I'd be disappointed if it was anything less."

Timaeus caught the tint of sharpness in his voice. "Are you angry that I didn't choose her?"

Dartz face became indifferent. He closed his eyes only once. "No, I had hoped in time your heart would change, but I reconciled myself with the fact that it never would. Can you blame me for hoping? I love her, and you are like a son to me. I wanted you both to be happy."

"I only ever wanted happiness for her too," Timaeus admitted with a regretful frown. "I do love her—"

"But not the way she wanted you to," Dartz cut him off. "Not the way she loved you. "

Timaeus shook his head. The King only gave an acknowledging nod. "It would've driven a wedge between you," he said. "You would've been a good husband to her. I know that well, but that fact would always remain. She did not think it would but I did. I've seen it often. It would've broken her heart every day to know how much she loved and seeing you, through no fault of your own nor hers, simply could not. It would have brought her only misery."

Timaeus stared at him in surprise. The King caught his gaze and chuckled. "Oh wipe away that face, lad. I was young and foolish once. Now I am old, and experience has brought me wisdom. I love her well, and I love you too, but I knew the risks had I proposed a betrothal. Why do you think I never did?"

"Because you would never disinherit her?" Timaeus said, but it lacked the confidence the argument once had. "Not when she'd make a spectacular Queen and my heart belongs to Locri."

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. I still think you would've made a wonderful heir," the King praised then sighed again. "But alas, that is the curse of Lord and Kings I suppose. Our hearts forever belong to the lands we rule," Then he smirked. "But," he said mischievously. "Our souls they say, if we are patient and wise, belong not to our lands or fortunes, but to our wives."

Timaeus sucked in a breath and was about to ask him what he meant, but The Per-a'ah and Great Wife turned to them, and before he could speak, they began to propose their plan.

"You're certain it's wise to keep the priest in such a position of power?" Dartz questioned, respectfully.

Pas met his friend's concern with a knowing but confident smile. "He will answer to Mut. I will head the State and she will head the House as his equal. There will be balance between them and hopefully our next generation will bring a stable peace."

Dartz nodded but said nothing.

"On to the second matter," Pas said flatly and spun to Timaeus. His face was a hard, neutral mask that betrayed no emotion. "You are serious in your proposal to my brother."

Timaeus did not flinch. It was not a question.

Then the Per-a'ah asked "How is marriage conducted in your culture, Lord Timaeus?"

Timaeus looked puzzled then pondered his answer. As a country devoted to the life, marriage and triumph of its Goddess from simple, sheltered maid, to a champion queen of a forgotten land and beloved of its King, many of Locri's customs and traditions regarding matrimony were deprived in spirit as well as ceremony from the exact myths. It would take too long to explain it all in details.

So he said simply. "In the shortest explanation, the two families of the bride and bridegroom create and sign a marriage contract negotiating the dowries and inheritance of both parties. The groom then physically spirits the bride away from her home and literally carries her to the house they will be sharing together. A celebratory feast is held where the groom bestows his bride with gifts to symbolize his undying love and loyalty. After such ceremonies are concluded, the marriage is consummated. A more festive celebration and secondary marriage ceremony is done six months later in the Temple of the Goddess, mimicking her reunion with her husband and symbolizing the couple's success in overcoming the first hurdles of marriage."

Pas nodded. "Is there a civil ceremony? Any details where the documents are signed?"

Timaeus shook his head. "It varies on class and wealth. A common couple will have the documents signed in the home of the bride and the groom simply carries her through town. A wealthier groom might use a chariot. The only true ceremony is the second marriage held in the Temple of the Goddess, the High Priestess conducts the union, and the two renew their vows and then consummate their marriage a second time in the temple."

Pas nodded. "Kemet has similar customs, marriage occurring when two parties set up a home together, marriage contracts are drawn depending on class and a celebration follows. However, this will be a royal affair and it will need to be public. For Yugi's sake."

"Perhaps a compromise," Mut stepped forward with a feline grin. "We will draw up the contracts and have it signed in the House of Amun at dusk. Yugi will be brought in all his formal attire and Pas will sign the contract in his place. The celebration will be held at night. We will conclude negotiations first at noon, have Menkheperre and Maatkare act as witnesses and at dawn they will return to the temple, and you will bring Yugi to Atlantis. Then in six months' time, we will sail to your city for the secondary ceremony. We will celebrate in both fashions and keep to the traditions of both countries a ceremony to reflect the marriage and the alliance."

Dartz perked up immediately. "Excellent, Great Lady." He nearly clapped with glee. "Your wisdom of diplomacy knows no bound."

Mut smirked. "Marriage is women's expertise," she bragged.

"Unfortunately," it was Timaeus who spoke. "There is still the issue of convincing the bride." Timaeus chose his words carefully and his fingers wove into his bangs. "He's made it clear he doubts my noble intentions, or perhaps despises the idea because of them. I cannot fault him for either."

Before he could say anything else, the Royal Wife swooped like a bird diving though hair and clapped his hands in hers. The action surprised him but no more than the tender confidence in her eyes. "Do not fret, my friend. I have spoken to my brother, and I know he cares for you, and I can see clearly you care for him." Even Timaeus' strict training could not stop the pale pink dusting his cheeks.

Mut smiled, and then frowned. "But right now, he's angry as well as frightened. Yugi covets freedom and love. If he sees this marriage the way a bird sees a cage then he will rile against it, but if he sees it as a chance to have an adventure, to see the world and explore new things, to have power and duties in his own right, then he will see what we have done, we have not done solely for his safety but for his happiness as well."

Her words were gentle, like twinkling bells and flooded Timaeus with a relief he had not felt since the first time he and Yugi spoke on common ground. He appreciated her kindness, but also understood the warning in them as well. His little gem had been caged and forced his whole life. Timaeus was someone he had confided in, and now most likely believed it a rouse, and his guardian simply another who'd forced themselves into Yugi's life to make demands of him. He would have to re-earn Yugi's acceptance and his trust. Just as Yugi would have to learn his many masks and create his own, to listen and learn, and most of all to trust his husband and understand his secrets. It would be difficult, he'd known that, but not impossible. He'd seen it in Yugi's eyes: the attraction, the longing, the thirst for adventure as well as passion.

It was still there. He just had to show Yugi that.

"My lady, Perhaps if I spoke to him—" Timaeus offered but Mut dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

"No, I will speak to him," She said solemn but determined. "I am his sister. He will listen to me." she smiled at him. "I trust you, Lord Timaeus, I know you care for him, but Yugi is young and fragile. He does not give his trust easy and is even less with his heart. He'll need a gentle awakening."

Timaeus grinned. "You have my word, my Lady."

This chapter was Timaeus' focused so next chap will be Yugi. I had a lot of fun with Pas and Mut this chapter too! I love how she is just so natural to write! The scene with Timaeus and Dartz was actually and addition that I felt needed to be added but since I couldnt fit it into the coming chap, I decided it was best here. Hope it gives come insight to Timaeus' feelings for Yugi and Dartz about the relationship...especially if you recall their earlier conversation on the boat ;)

HISTORICAL NOTE: Despite Ancient Egypt's fascination with religion in all aspects of its life, marriage is the one that it doesn't play a role at all. Marriage was simply when two parties set up a home or moved in together, and a marriage contract was signed to negotiate the inheritance, ownership and properties of both in case of divorce (and by that logic, the Ancient Egyptians seemed to have invented modern relationships: including moving in together and the pre-nup)

Marriages WERE often arranged BUT unique to Egypt it was the mother who had the primary role in deciding who married who and usually the two parties would have a female go-between when they courted, and the man would use a female go-between to ask the mother for permission. Fathers were involved of course, but primarily it was mothers, sisters and aunts who negotiated marriage contracts and decided spouces. Now, anyone whi knows me knows i'm a FIRM believer in true love and love in marriages and that arranged marriages ONLY work if love is a factor, and though i STILL believe that my research has given me a lot more objective insight into the subject. I mean kids are young and stupid (and marriage age in those days was usually between 14 and 15 for girls and 17-19 for boys (so they could have a trade) and even NOW a days our first loves are hardly our first and we STILL look to our friends, family and parents when we choose our spouces, so it honestly makes sense that parents and family, particularly mothers and aunts, who raised you, knows your personality (better than you know yourself) and has experience and knowledge of the subject would offer their wisdom and guidance in something as important and permanent as choosing a spouse. Though divorce was easy in Egypt it wasn't common, and love poetry between couples shows that love was a huge factor and marriage so the theory is why parents selected betrothals by the time the two were actually married, both parties would've courted and eventually fallen in love...In this case, since Yugi's parents are dead Mut is the go-between in the terms of Yugi's marriage, so its HER Timaeus needs approval from.

I did research on royal marriages as well, and there isn't much of a different from common marriages other than the bride being brought to the palace and being presented to the people and the marriage contract possible being signed in the Temple of the Gods (which were usually conjoined with palaces anyway) so basically the same ritual just a little fancier.

As always, comment, critique, review, ask questions, rant and go nuts!

Next Time: Yugi enters self-imposed isolation. Mut comes to offer her wisdom. And the cold hard facts of marriage make Yugi question everything he knows.