Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, or The Pleasure Slave by Gena Showalter.
"Yugi, you look wonderful! That color really brings out your eyes!"
Yugi felt very pleased with his new outfit as he twirled for Mana, modeling his new clothes that told everyone of his status as Atemu's other. It was a very fine, sheer material, purple being the primary color, as it was Atemu's color. He was wearing a white shenti and shirt, with a golden braided belt around his waist. Golden jewelry adorned his wrists and upper arms, and a golden necklace with a beautiful purple pendant rested around his neck. He was also given a beautiful purple robe to wear, and white slippers adorned his feet.
"You really like it?" Yugi inquired of the small apprentice magician sitting in front of him on the floor.
"Yes! You look lovely! I really think the Pharaoh is going to like it!" Mana smiled brightly as she chirped out her statement. Yugi blushed adorably and thanked her, turning back to the mirror to look at himself. It wasn't a glass one, like he was used to back at home, but it was still enough to give him a view of himself. And he did like what he saw. Mana appeared beside him a moment later, pulling on his arm. "Come on! The Pharaoh needs to see your new outfit! Come on, come on!" Mana dragged him towards the door, and Yugi giggled, following her out. He really wanted to see Atemu's reaction to his new clothes, which Atemu had ordered crafted for him right away.
"Yugi!" Yugi turned at the sound of his name, seeing Tea jogging towards him. He smiled as he took in her appearance. She was wearing a lovely pink and white dress that fell down to her ankles, showing off the white slipper shoes she was wearing. Atemu had given her some golden jewelry as a gift, but it served another purpose as well. One of them being the pendant around her neck that stated she was of high status and under the protection of the Pharaoh and his court. As she approached, Yugi thought back to the past few days. So much had happened between now and then, and sometimes it seemed a little much to handle.
It had been nearly four days since Yugi and Tea had arrived in Khemet, and they were enjoying their time here immensely. The priests had begun their lessons on Egyptian language and writing the very next day, since it was discovered that the spell on them could be tweaked to last longer but it couldn't be made permanent. Tea was having a harder time then Yugi did learning, simply because it bored her too easily. What Tea really enjoyed was the dancing that the court's dancers performed. For the first two days they were here, Tea could always be found lurking around the dancers as they practiced.
Since her dream has always been to be a dancer, Tea naturally found the dancing performed by the harem girls in the palace fascinating. The third day they were here, Tea had sought out Atemu and discussed this matter with him. She promised to work extra hard on her language lessons if only he would allow her to learn to dance the way the other girls did. Atemu had agreed, and Tea was now taking dancing lessons with a woman named Adelaide.
At first the woman had been leery of her, since she looked exactly like the fugitive princess currently rotting in the palace dungeons. No one mentioned Tea's resemblance to the princess, and in fact Tea knew nothing about her aside from what Yugi had told her. Yugi had been afraid to tell his friend anymore about Anzu and the deeds the woman had done, fearing what that knowledge would do to her. It was kept silent then, and nothing about Anzu was from then on mentioned in front of Tea by anyone. Once Adelaide had seen Tea was nothing like Anzu, the woman began to open up a little more, though it would take some time before she was truly comfortable.
Aside from their language lessons, they also had lessons on customs in Khemet, to learn the vital things they needed to know for everyday life in the palace. Tea was being instructed in the names of all the gods and goddesses, as was Yugi, though he knew some of them already because of what he learned from his grandfather. Both were also set for a magic lesson, to see if either of them could use it or summon Ka. That was a lesson that Yugi looked forward to most, and he found his eyes straying to look at the Diadiankhs that the priests wore. Atemu had one as well, Yugi wound up learning, and they were used to summon shadow creatures forth to do battle.
As Yugi's mind turned to the priests, he smiled. Atemu had attempted to reward them all for their help in reuniting them, but they had all declined politely, saying it had been their sworn duty to assist their Pharaoh. When Atemu had protested, they had as well, saying that their Pharaoh's happiness was all the reward any of them could possibly ask for. Mana had also declined a reward, settling instead for a simple hug which Atemu was all too happy to give her. As for Duke, he did accept a reward, albeit his wasn't anything of material value. He felt almost foolish for asking for something when everyone else had declined, but after Atemu insisted it was fine, he told the Pharaoh what it was he wanted.
He wished to court Tea if she would accept, as he found himself growing very fond of her.
Atemu had been surprised yet pleased, thinking it was wonderful that Duke had found someone else to be interested in. Duke had at first thought it was foolish to want her, as that much time hadn't passed for him to be over Anzu completely, but Atemu pulled him aside to speak with him. After the talk, Duke felt much better about his choice. Atemu had said it was wise to move on, and that he vouched one hundred percent for Tea as she was a very kind girl. He could see why Duke liked her, even if Duke himself didn't completely understand it. She had a quality in her that made her very likeable, and the girl was a wonderful friend. One could see that in just the choice she made to be there for Yugi. Atemu encouraged Duke to try and win her hand, and when he had told Yugi of Duke's intentions, the smaller male couldn't of been happier. He could see something beginning to blossom there, whenever Tea looked at Duke, so he hoped the two of them could be happy together one day.
"Good morning Tea!" Yugi greeted her.
"Good morning Miss Tea!" Mana chirped, waving with a bright smile. Tea waved back with a smile of her own.
"Morning guys! Where are you heading?" Tea questioned.
"We're going to the throne room." Mana answered. "We're going to show the Pharaoh Yugi's new outfit."
"I see." Tea told her. "Mind if I come?"
"Of course not." Yugi grinned. "Do you like my outfit?" Yugi twirled, showing Tea his new clothes. Tea clapped, giggling.
"Very nice Yugi. You really look the part of royalty." Yugi beamed at Tea's approval, and Mana grabbed both their hands, dragging them down the hallway.
"Come on! Let's go! If we don't go now, they'll get busy, and then we won't be able to go into the throne room for hours!" Yugi and Tea laughed as they allowed her to drag them along. Mana was so hyper in the mornings, and they briefly wondered where she got all her energy, as she always seemed to have an endless supply of it. They headed down to the throne room together, spying the guards just outside the doors. As they approached, the guards bowed.
"Good morning." Yugi greeted them. "Could we go in and see the Pharaoh?" The two guards nodded and opened the doors at his request. Yugi, Tea, and Mana slipped quietly inside and walked through the room. Yugi smiled as he saw Atemu lounging on the throne, his priests surrounding him at the base. He felt pleasure rush through him as Atemu noticed him, those gorgeous ruby orbs widening as he sat up straighter.
"Yugi..." Atemu's eyes trailed over Yugi's body. "Good morning."
"Good morning." Yugi replied, and the three of them bowed. When they had straightened, Mana bounded up to the side of the throne, the smile still on her face.
"Yugi and I wanted to show you his new outfit. Finally got it fitted this morning." Mana told him, and Atemu nodded.
"It's very lovely, Yugi." Atemu praised. Yugi blushed, beaming. He was happy that Atemu liked the outfit. The priests surrounding the base of the throne were all smiling with approval as well.
"Thank you Pharaoh." Yugi grinned, giving a bow. Atemu chuckled, his eyes twinkling merrily. Yugi seemed to fit right in, and now with the addition of this new outfit, he looked even more so the part of the Egyptian he now was. Atemu's eyes strayed to Tea, and he took note of her new outfit as well. It suited her well, those colors, and the style of the dress. If not for their pale skin, Yugi and Tea could have passed for native Egyptians.
"You both look very nice." Tea's eyes rose to Atemu's at his statement, and she blushed, giving a small curtsey in thanks.
"Thank you very much At-er... Pharaoh." Atemu ignored Tea's near slip, as did the priests. This was still one of the things they were learning in customs. When in public, they were not supposed to call Atemu by name. This rule was allowed to be ignored however, when they were in private, as instructed by Atemu himself.
"What do we have scheduled for this morning?" Atemu directed his question at his priests.
"Not much. Later this afternoon there are meetings and a couple criminals set for trial." Siamun replied. Atemu smiled.
"Good. You are all dismissed then until this afternoon. I am not to be disturbed unless it's an emergency." Atemu ordered.
"Yes my Pharaoh." The priests bowed and began to file out of the throne room. Mana took Tea's hand after she descended the steps, leading her out of the room as she told her that she would take her to see the dancers this morning. Tea and Mana began to chat excitedly about it, Tea's eyes shining with happiness. Soon it was just Atemu and Yugi remaining. Atemu rose from the throne and descended the steps, joining Yugi on the floor. He drew Yugi into his arms, bending down and giving the boy a kiss.
"So you really like my outfit?" Yugi inquired, leaning up to nuzzle Atemu's neck. The Pharaoh shivered pleasantly at the sensation.
"Yes, I do. In fact, if we were in our rooms, I would proceed to show you just how much I like it." Atemu's tone had a husky edge that caused a thrill to run through Yugi's body. He had no doubt that if they were alone, he would be naked by now.
"Well, maybe you can show me later." Yugi suggested with a wink. Atemu chuckled.
"Oh, I will Little One." Atemu promised. He looked Yugi over again, smiling. His little one truly looked the part of royalty that he would soon be.
"So, what do we do now that we have a little free time?" Yugi asked, a playful smile on his lips.
"How about you come with me? To the gardens?" Atemu questioned. There had been something on his mind for a couple days now, and now that he and Yugi were alone, it seemed like a perfect opportunity. Yugi smiled sweetly and nodded his head.
"That sounds wonderful." Yugi told him. Atemu returned the smile, and he led Yugi out of the throne room. They chatted aimlessly about little things, such as Yugi's lessons and the upcoming magic lessons, as they walked to the gardens. Atemu was glad that Yugi was so happy here, and that he enjoyed learning the new things everyone was teaching him. Yugi chatted excitedly about learning the language, and Atemu assured him that if he studied hard enough, it wouldn't matter when the spell wore off for he would still know how to speak, read, and write the language.
They entered the gardens a few minutes later, and Atemu looked around, making sure they were still alone. Aside from the guards posted around the garden, no one else was here. Yugi didn't notice Atemu's surveillance of the garden, as he was too busy taking in the beauty of the place.
"Atemu, this place is beautiful!" Yugi exclaimed, looking around the garden. The plants were so lovely, with their exotic bright colors, and they smelled wonderful. There was also a very large water fountain in the center, and it spouted water high into the air. Atemu sat down on the bench and watched Yugi flit about the garden, looking at all the plants and brushing his fingers through the fountain as he passed it.
"I'm glad you like it." Atemu's eyes shone tenderly as he watched Yugi gently touch the leaves of one of the more exotic plants. Yugi leaned down and smelled a beautiful purple flower. This place was so pretty, and he briefly wondered why Atemu wanted to bring him here. Not that he was complaining, Yugi thought as he lightly touched another plant. He could spend all day in a place like this. He didn't notice Atemu move from the bench he had been seated on until he was next to him, and he took both of Yugi's hands and pulled the boy over by the running fountain.
Atemu seemed nervous all of a sudden, a change Yugi sensed instantly. He opened his mouth to question his lover, but Atemu placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. When Yugi closed his mouth, Atemu took his free hand once more. Taking a deep breath, Atemu thought there was no better time then now to ask his question then now.
"Yugi, I brought you out here because there's something I want to ask you." Atemu told him seriously. Yugi was a little confused by the sudden seriousness Atemu displayed, and his confusion showed in his luminous indigo eyes.
"What is it?" Yugi wondered. Atemu took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment so he could gather the words he wanted to say. He opened his eyes again a moment later, staring back down into Yugi's eyes.
"Yugi, I love you, so much. You know that, right?" Atemu began. Yugi searched his eyes, nodding his head.
"I know that Atemu. I love you too." Atemu smiled, letting go of one of Yugi's hands to reach out and cup his cheek.
"Then, Yugi my love, would you marry me?" Atemu asked, using his thumb to gently stroke Yugi's cheek. Yugi's eyes widened as he tried to comprehend what Atemu had just asked him, and his eyes filled with tears. Was this...was it truly happening?
"Really? You...want to...marry me? Really, really?" Yugi choked out.
"Yes, Yugi. You are my love, my soul mate, the only one I will ever want and need. Will you?" Atemu repeated his question. Yugi suddenly flung himself into Atemu's arms, pressing a hard kiss to his lover's lips as he realized that what Atemu had just said was real. Atemu wanted to marry him! There were no words that Yugi could think of that could possibly describe the joy he felt.
"Of course I will!" Yugi exclaimed, the tears finally spilling over his cheeks as he laughed and smiled. Atemu wrapped his arms around him and lifted Yugi off his feet, twirling him around as they both laughed. Yugi was dizzy by the time Atemu put him down, but Yugi didn't care. He was getting married! He looked up into Atemu's beautiful ruby orbs, wiping away a few stray tears. "When?" Yugi questioned.
"Not until after Anzu's trial." Atemu replied, leading Yugi to the bench. They sat down together, their hands clasped together. "I want our marriage to be a happy occasion, and I'd rather not have our honeymoon tainted by her trial and whatever it may result in."
"That's understandable." Yugi admitted. "I wouldn't want to be thinking of that during that time either."
"Good, then it's settled. There'll be a large feast in the dining hall to celebrate our union, and then it's just you and me for the rest of the night." Atemu leaned down and kissed him gently. Yugi hummed happily, but then something occurred to him. Pulling away, he searched Atemu's eyes.
"Um... Don't take this the wrong way, but... Is that all that's going to happen?" Yugi questioned. Atemu blinked.
"Yes. Why?"
"Uh..." Yugi blushed, looking down. "Well... Where I'm from, it's normal to have a wedding ceremony. There are vows said and rings exchanged, a simple way to bind people to each other." Tan fingers gently gripped Yugi's chin, forcing him to look up. He expected Atemu to look annoyed, but all he saw was tenderness and a smile on that beautiful face.
"You're saying you wish for us to have...this ceremony?" Atemu inquired.
"I-If you didn't mind. I-I know your people don't preform these kinds of things, but mine do and I-I would miss it..." Yugi trailed off, cutting himself off before he could start rambling. Atemu chuckled and pulled Yugi into a hug.
"It's fine Little One. We can have one of your ceremonies done if that is what you wish."
"I-I don't want to force you to-"
"You're not forcing me to do anything." Atemu pecked Yugi on the lips, keeping eye contact with his lover when he had pulled away. "And it's no trouble to do this. All you have to do is tell me how this ceremony goes and it will be done. Do not think you're hurting my feelings asking for such a thing. We can have the ceremony for you, and finish it with the normal celebration feast. What do we do during this ceremony?" Atemu asked.
"Uh..." Yugi's flush darkened. He hadn't been to many weddings in his life-time. The only one he had the privilege of attending was Mai's mother's wedding to her second husband. "Well, there was a priest who said some stuff, but the main things I remember were the vows the couple said to each other, and they exchanged rings. The rings symbolized their union and showed everyone that they were indeed a married couple."
"Vows and rings?" Atemu smiled tenderly at Yugi. "These things can be provided for you, love."
"It's not too much?" Yugi chewed his lower lip, looking nervous.
"Of course not! I'm happy to give you these things. We can talk more on the vows and priest part later, and I shall have the rings crafted once we decide how they shall look." Atemu kissed Yugi again, the Egyptian glowing with happiness. "Right now I want to warn you of something, though it's not bad. It's just something I want you to know of and be prepared for."
"And what's that?" Yugi asked, winding his arms around Atemu's waist.
"Your status will change. Everyone in the palace will be aware that you're mine." Atemu smiled brightly, though his touch was possessive. "And you'll be referred to as Your Highness from then on, so try not to be too surprised, alright?" Atemu chuckled. Yugi's eyes widened.
"Your Highness? Oh wow... That's going to take some getting used to." Yugi mumbled.
"You'll do fine, after all, you're getting used to everything else very quickly, and I'm so proud of you." Atemu praised him.
"Thanks." Yugi blushed. "It's been a little easier then I thought it would be."
"See? It'll all fall into place in no time." Yugi leaned up and kissed Atemu again, pleased by his assurance. A loud cough broke them apart, and Yugi blushed to a tomato red, while Atemu looked at the one who had interrupted them in annoyance. It was Mahado, who looked rather red himself, obviously embarrassed at catching Atemu and his consort in a private moment.
"Yes Mahado?" Atemu inquired, his annoyance obvious in his tone.
"My apologies Great Pharaoh, but we have received urgent news. The King of Nubia is requesting entrance to our palace. Sire, Anzu's father has arrived for her trial." Mahado informed him. Atemu's irritation was gone in a flash, and in a flat second, he was dead serious. He rose from the bench, ignoring Yugi's worried look.
"I see. Allow him entry and escort him to the throne room. I will be there myself momentarily." Atemu ordered. Mahado bowed and turned on his heel, his robe flapping as he hurried out of the garden. Atemu turned to Yugi then, sighing. "Yugi, I must go meet with this man. We have much to discuss regarding Anzu. I think it best if you retire to our room for now." Yugi was tempted to agree with him, but then he realized that if they were to be married soon and become equals, that he needed to remain by Atemu's side through these things.
"Atemu," Yugi stated seriously. "I want to stay with you. You told me we would be considered as equals, and that you wanted me by your side for Anzu's trial. It only makes sense that I stand by you through this as well." Yugi reached out and took one of Atemu's hands, lacing their fingers together. Atemu stared at him for a moment, stunned by Yugi's words. Suddenly he smiled, squeezing Yugi's hand.
"We shall do this together then." Atemu agreed. Together they left the garden and headed back to the throne room.
When Yugi and Atemu entered the throne room, they were met by Egyptian royal guards and a set of guards that belonged to the King of Nubia. He was standing before the throne, the six priests standing at the base as well. Siamun stood to the side of the throne, and all eyes turned towards them as they entered. Yugi walked behind Atemu, his head bowed submissively. He dared not look at anyone, least of all the King of Nubia. He followed Atemu up the steps to the throne, and Atemu motioned for him to sit in the throne next to his. Yugi sat, keeping his hands clasped in his lap and his eyes trained downward.
"Great Pharaoh." The King of Nubia bowed before him, his mouth set into a grim line. Atemu nodded regally in acknowledgment.
"Welcome to Khemet, King Lionel. It is unfortunate that we meet under these circumstances." Atemu spoke, his features set in an expressionless mask.
"Yes, it truly is. I understand from the note your carrier pigeon sent, that my daughter is being held under the charge of treason against Khemet?" Lionel inquired.
"Her charges are indeed treason against Khemet and the Pharaoh." Mahado spoke up, bowing to the Nubian King. "Her crimes are severe, Your Highness."
"She has used black magic against our King, and attempted to do him and his partner harm. That is something we can not allow to go unpunished." Seto explained, his tone icy. Atemu watched Lionel's jaw drop at that accusation, the man obviously thinking that his daughter could not have possibly committed such a crime. He watched his eyes flicker to Yugi, the man probably figuring that was who his partner was.
"The princess will receive a trial, but there is no doubt of her guilt." Isis at last finished.
"I understand." Lionel gulped, not willing to voice his next question, but he needed to know. "And the punishment for such a crime is...?" Lionel wanted to question who the strange boy was and why Anzu had wished him harm as well, but his main concern at the moment was the well being of his daughter. No matter who that boy was, he was obviously important to the Pharaoh and Lionel did not want to be the cause of more trouble.
"Her sentence if convicted is death, King Lionel." Atemu's tone was sorrowful as he broke this news to the king. Lionel said nothing, but Atemu could see the sorrow, anger, and grief flashing through his eyes.
"Is there anything I can do to save her? To plead for her? Anzu is my only daughter, Great Pharaoh." Lionel begged.
"I am truly sorry King Lionel, but this is out of even my own hands. She chose the consequence when she chose her actions." Atemu told him. Lionel said nothing, though Atemu could sense his sorrow and see it plainly in his eyes. He wanted to save Anzu, but there was nothing he could do. Finally Lionel bowed.
"If my daughter is truly guilty, then I have no choice but to allow this to take place. I am deeply sorry that she has committed such grave crimes against you, Great Pharaoh. I hope this does not turn your anger against the rest of Nubia." Lionel's tone became choked near the end of his sentence, and he said no more.
"No, King Lionel, my anger does not extend to your country. Peace is all I have ever wished for between us, and I can not express completely how sorrowful this makes me. I am deeply sorry, King Lionel." Atemu told him. Lionel nodded.
"I am sorry as well, Great Pharaoh. May I..." King Lionel choked up again. "May I see...my daughter? Please?" Atemu was silent, not knowing how to answer. Part of him did not want to deny this request, as it could very well be the last time that Lionel would see his daughter, but then again if he did, how would he know that the man would not set his daughter free? It had happened once, it could happen again. The feeling of a hand on his own made Atemu turn towards Yugi, who was watching him with sorrowful indigo eyes.
"Pharaoh, let him see her. He is her father, and he deserves a chance to say goodbye to her." Yugi whispered.
"Yugi..." Atemu murmured, conveying his fear through his eyes. Yugi simply smiled.
"Then send your guards, or go with him. Just don't deny him this chance." Yugi murmured softly. Atemu nodded, lightly squeezing Yugi's hand before releasing it.
"Very well King Lionel. I mean no disrespect, but I and my guard shall accompany you." Atemu decreed. Lionel nodded, and Atemu rose from the throne. Siamun motioned for three of their guards to step forth, and Mahado and Seto stepped forward as well. Atemu walked past Lionel, Yugi on his heels. That left Lionel to follow Yugi, and the two priests and three guards followed behind them. Atemu led the way to the dungeons, his facial features stoney. The two guards that were defending the door bowed to him and stepped aside at his order to let them pass.
Atemu continued the venture to Anzu's holding cell, and he stopped short of it. He motioned to Lionel to step forward, and the man practically ran forward, nearly bumping into Atemu on his way. Atemu let it slide, knowing how worried Lionel was. He stood back with Yugi, hearing Anzu's voice and the shock in her tone at seeing her father.
"Daddy! Daddy, please, help me!" Atemu heard Anzu plead. Atemu pushed Yugi away from the cell, trying to purposefully kept Yugi out of her line of sight as he did not wish Anzu to know he was here yet.
"Pharaoh..." Atemu looked down at the sound of Yugi's voice. "I love you." He whispered. It was Yugi's way of comforting him, and Atemu couldn't be more thankful that Yugi was here by his side. It would make the upcoming trial a ton easier.
"Anzu, I wish there was something I can do, but the crimes you have committed-"
"Daddy, I'm innocent! Please, you have to believe me!" Anzu cried. Lionel looked lost, turning back to the Pharaoh. Atemu said nothing. He was inwardly seething at Anzu's proclaimed innocence, but he knew better then to start a fight over this in front of Lionel. It didn't matter anyway, as he had one witness that would put the nail in Anzu's coffin, so to speak. That was, if he could get him to speak.
"Pharaoh... She claims innocence." Lionel's tone was pleading, as if Anzu's proclamation should be enough to save her. Atemu understood; as a father, Lionel would hope for his daughter's innocence and a way to save her, because he loved her. There was no doubt that this was hard for him, because even though he was a King, he was on foreign soil, and here his word did nothing. Being powerless to help your child was a feeling Atemu did not know, but still he sympathized, even if there was nothing to be done.
"King Lionel, I give you my word that I have not told you one lie. I know however, that at this point my word is not enough to soothe you, so I will give you proof of her guilt at her trial." Atemu told him. Lionel nodded.
"That is fair, Great Pharaoh." Lionel agreed. Anzu gaped at her father's words, and she began to sob harder.
"So you're just going to leave me here to die!" Anzu wailed.
"Anzu, I'm sorry." Lionel told her. "I wish there was something I could do, but you did this to yourself if you committed treason. I love you, my daughter, and I am deeply sorry for what is to become of you if you are proven guilty. Believe me when I say that if there was something I could do, I would stop at nothing." Anzu said nothing in response. She merely cried some more, and Lionel stepped away from the cell. There was nothing more he could say to her. He walked back to Atemu, wiping away his tears. He was grateful Atemu didn't call attention to them or make any other gesture.
"I will remain here for her trial, but afterward, I am heading back to Nubia, Great Pharaoh. I'm sure you understand that I do not wish to be here to see any sentence carried out against my daughter." Lionel told him. Atemu nodded.
"Of course. My guards will show you to your quarters for your stay King Lionel. I have other pressing matters to attend to today, so the trial will have to be carried out tomorrow. My apologies for the delay." Atemu bowed, showing his regret. Lionel nodded.
"Thank you Great Pharaoh. I appreciate your hospitality." Lionel strode past him, and his guards that had followed him turned and followed him back upstairs along with Atemu's own guards. Seto had gone with them, Atemu noticed, as he turned around. He led the way back upstairs with Yugi trailing behind him, and a remaining guard, along with Mahado followed the two of them. Atemu blocked out the sound of Anzu screaming, the woman shouting curses and other things at them as they left. He felt a hand in his cape then, and he knew instantly it was Yugi. It made him feel slightly better, and he continued on. The guards bowed to him again as he passed the entrance to the dungeons, and Atemu turned, dismissing the one that had remained down in the dungeons with him.
"Shall I call you when it's time for the meetings?" Mahado asked.
"Yes. Until then or unless there is an emergency, I do not want to be disturbed." Atemu then turned on his heel and headed down the hall, leaving Yugi to follow though he had to jog to keep up. Atemu didn't stop until they were in their room, and Yugi closed the door behind them. Yugi headed over to the bed as Atemu flopped down onto it, rolling onto his back. Yugi crawled onto the bed and laid down next to Atemu, snuggling close to his side.
"I have to speak with Duke." Atemu murmured, causing Yugi to raise his head to look at him.
"Why?" Yugi asked.
"To see if he is willing to testify against Anzu." Atemu answered. Yugi bit his lip.
"Oh." Yugi was silent for a moment before he spoke again. "Do you think he will?"
"I don't know. I know he's starting to have feelings for Tea, and he even asked to court her, but that doesn't mean his feelings for Anzu have gone completely away. That might cause him to not want to testify, for if he states what he witnessed her do, it will result in her death." Atemu explained. Yugi cuddled closer, one hand splaying across his lover's chest.
"What would happen if he didn't testify?" Yugi inquired.
"I don't think it will change too much, but with our word against Anzu's, and her now claiming innocence to her father, who's thoughts are already confused on the matter, it will be harder to convince him of her guilt. Our items will proclaim her guilt for certain, but to a foreigner, it will be harder to believe." Atemu told him.
"Don't a lot of people know about your items?" Yugi traced a circle into Atemu's chest with his index finger.
"Yes, but magic is still strange to a lot of people. It will be a lot easier if Duke were to speak." Atemu gently grabbed Yugi's hand, lacing their fingers together.
"Do you want to go find him?"
"Eventually, but not now. Right now all I want to do is be with you." Atemu murmured, bringing Yugi's hand to his lips and kissing the palm. Yugi purred happily, freeing his hand and raising himself up so that he was lying on top of Atemu. Atemu smiled, raising one hand to cup the back of Yugi's neck and bringing the boy down for a tender kiss.