Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh, or The Pleasure Slave by Gena Showalter.
WARNING: CHAPTER CONTAINS A LEMON. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, DON'T READ IT. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
"Place your arms above your head, just like this. Yes, that's right. Now, rotate your hips like this."
Tea watched as her dance instructor twirled her hips, spinning around in a circle. Tea copied the move, feeling elation rush through her as the woman praised her, a smile on her lips. The woman's name was Adelaide, and she was the one who instructed all the new girls in the ways of the dance, and all the harem girls in new dances. Tea was learning rather quickly, and Adelaide told her she was a natural when it came to belly rolling.
"Yes, just like that. Perfect!" Adelaide praised.
"Thank you." Tea beamed. She was tired and sweaty, but she felt amazing. "When do you actually get to dance?"
"Oh, we dance for the Pharaoh during suppers, if it's requested, celebrations, and to entertain his important guests." Adelaide answered.
"Do you enjoy it?" Tea inquired as Adelaide twirled around her.
"Very much so. It's a great honor to dance for the Pharaoh and his guests." Adelaide told her.
"Do you suppose I could dance with you and the other girls one day?" Tea twirled skillfully, her hands above her head. Adelaide clapped and nodded, a pleased smile on her face as she watched her pupil copy her moves.
"You're a natural darling." Adelaide commented. "Why, I can see you out on our dance floor in about three weeks." Tea gasped out loud, a bright smile crossing her face at the news.
"Truly? Oh, that would be wonderful!" Tea exclaimed.
"Yes." Adelaide slipped a belt of dangling bells around her waist, tying the strings together. "We'll have to get you fitted for your own dancing outfit, but that won't take long. And you'll fit right in."
"Oh thank you Adelaide, so much!" Tea told her.
"You're welcome my dear. Now, let's practice belly rolling one more time, and then you'll be free for the rest of the day." Tea raised her arms, copying the motion that Adelaide made, and together they began to dance, Tea preforming the small routine Adelaid had taught her. After they had finished for the day, Tea thanked Adelaide for her time and left the room. Tea wiped the sweat off her forehead and groaned. She needed a bath. She headed back to her room, where she drew a hot bath in the bathroom connected to her own.
After her bath, Tea felt much better. Free of the sweat and grim that had coated her skin, she dressed in a fresh, clean dress and headed out of her room. There were no classes scheduled until later this afternoon, so that left her with a couple hours to herself. Lost in her own thoughts as she tried to think of something to do, Tea almost didn't see Duke until it was too late.
"Oh!" She exclaimed, bumping into him. Duke reached out to steady her, an apology spilling from his lips.
"I'm sorry!" Duke looked her over briefly. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going." Tea apologized, a blush coating her cheeks. Duke released her, looking sheepish.
"Ah, neither was I." He admitted. Duke looked back at her then, pink dusting his cheeks. "I was uh... actually looking for you."
"You were?" Tea's eyes widened. "Why?"
"I wanted... I wanted to ask you to accompany me to the garden. The Pharaoh... said it was for everyone's use..." Duke trailed off, feeling idiotic. Tea smiled.
"I would love to." She told him. Tea found his nervousness quite cute, and she couldn't help but giggle as a smile lit his face. Duke truly was a handsome man, and Tea found herself feeling butterflies erupt in her stomach as he took her hand, leading her to the garden. Silence fell between them as they walked, though it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. Tea was all too aware of his fingers laced with hers, her face flaming. Duke suddenly let her hand go, because he thought he was over stepping his boundaries with her. Tea felt a pang of disappointment as her hand fell to her side, and she thought about taking his hand again, but she resisted, not knowing if he would let her.
They entered the garden together, and Tea couldn't help but gasp as she took in the beauty. "I could never get my flowers to bloom this prettily." She commented with a laugh. Duke chuckled.
"You grew flowers?" He asked her, sitting down on a bench. Tea sat beside him, smiling.
"Yes. I grew daffodils and tulips, oh, and some roses." Tea told him. Those flowers were foreign to Duke, but he nodded.
"Sounds like a pleasant hobby."
"It was worth it when the bloomed. So pretty. I love flowers." Tea toyed with the petals of a lovely red flower in a pot beside her.
"What else do you love?" Duke questioned. Tea turned to him, grinning.
"I love to dance."
"Ah, you've been taking lessons, right?" Duke smiled.
"Yes, almost every day now. And I've been having so much fun! Adelaide says I could be preforming in three weeks!" Tea clapped her hands excitedly as she spoke.
"That is wonderful." Duke told her. "Do you think...?" Duke began, but he trailed off, blushing. Tea tipped her head, curiosity shining in her eyes.
"Think what?" She asked.
"Uh... I...would like to see..." Duke gulped, swallowing harshly. "I would like to see...you dance."
"Really?" Duke looked at her, surprised to see the pleased expression on her face.
"Yes."
"Would you like to see it now?" Tea's eyes began to shine as she grew excited. Duke's eyes widened in surprise, but then he relaxed, smiling.
"Yes, if you wouldn't mind showing me." Duke answered.
"I would love to! Practicing in front of someone is good for nerves and such too." Tea told him as she rose to her feet. Duke smiled and watched as she assumed a starting position. Tea began to twirl then, performing some of the moves that Adelaide had taught her. She moved gracefully around the garden, and Duke felt his mouth run dry as he watched her. She was beautiful, with her skin becoming flushed from exertion and a smile on her face. Her eyes were closed as she moved to the beat of an unknown song.
"Lovely..." Duke murmured, trying hard not to start drooling as Tea pulled off a move that showed her flexibility. The thoughts that flitted through Duke's mind because of that were not very innocent, and he willed them away. He was trying to court her, not see if he could get her into his bed. Tea stopped after a few minutes, her chest heaving as she fought to control her breathing. Glancing at Duke, a wide smile crossed her face.
"How did I do?" She asked, sauntering over and sitting beside him.
"You did wonderfully." Duke praised. "You ought to be proud."
"Thank you." Tea blushed, secretly glad he had liked her dancing. For some reason it felt nice to dance for him, and Tea knew she would dance for him again in a heartbeat if he would only ask. She liked having him watch her, and the way he flushed as he eyed her was adorable. Tea could also see the want in his eyes as he looked at her, and it thrilled her knowing she had that effect on him. The two of them continued talking, sharing little looks and secret smiles, and anyone watching could see that there was something between them. Romance was in the air.
It was also a scene that Atemu dreaded breaking up.
He and Yugi had gone in search of Duke after they had woken from their nap, the monarch thinking it best to get this talk out of the way before his meetings that afternoon. There might not be another chance to talk to Duke today, depending on how his meetings and trials went. Yugi tugged on his hand, and Atemu looked down at him, noting the apprehensive look on his lover's face.
"Do we have to interrupt them?" Yugi whispered.
"Unfortunately yes." Atemu whispered back. "I know not when I'll have another chance to speak with Duke. If I don't do it now, I could very well miss out on doing so until Anzu's trial." Yugi frowned and looked back at the cute scene in the gardens. Atemu took a deep breath and started out into the gardens, and Yugi squeaked at the sudden movement before trotting after the elder male.
"Duke!" Atemu called, and the black haired male looked up. Atemu noticed their hands fly apart, and Duke flushed, obviously thinking he would be reprimanded for making such a bold move. Atemu stopped before them, and his gaze swept between them. "Tea, please excuse us. I must speak with Duke privately." Tea was on her feet in an instant, shying around Atemu. Yugi took her hand and led her away as Atemu sat down beside Duke. Atemu watched Yugi lead Tea out of ear shot, but still within eye sight. Yugi and Tea then sat down on another bench, beginning to talk. Deeming the moment right, Atemu turned to Duke.
"Duke, are you aware that King Lionel is here?" Atemu asked. Duke's eyes widened, and he paled.
"K-King Lionel...is h-here?" Duke stuttered. Atemu nodded.
"He arrived a little before noon." Atemu replied. Duke's gaze dropped to the ground.
"So I'm guessing Anzu's trial will be soon." Duke murmured.
"Tomorrow in fact." Atemu informed him. "So that brings me to what I needed to talk to you about." Atemu let the sentence hand in the air, and Duke lifted his gaze to Atemu's, a sinking feeling forming in the pit of his stomach.
"Pharaoh..."
"Duke, I need you to testify at Anzu's trial. You've been there through everything she's done, plus you are one of King Lionel's own people. You are the other proof I have of her wicked deeds, and I need you to testify her guilt to King Lionel." Atemu's tone took on a slightly pleading tenor, and Duke gulped.
"I-I don't know-" Duke began.
"Duke, I will not force you to testify if you truly do not wish to. All I ask is that you consider doing it." Atemu told him.
"Though King Lionel might be more willing to believe she is guilty if I tell him what I have witnessed her do." Duke stated, knowing it was the truth. He knew the items would be enough to prove Anzu guilty, but as a father, King Lionel would need more then a bunch of magical trinkets. He would want an eye witness account, and no one could convince him better then one of his own mages, one who had been with Anzu for years and who he trusted. While some part of Duke didn't want to condemn his princess to death, another part of him knew it would be wrong of him not to.
"Duke, think hard about this. If you need time, I can come for an answer later." Atemu offered. Duke shook his head.
"N-No. I'll..." Duke took a deep breath. "I'll do it." Atemu arched a brow, looking slightly skeptical.
"Are you sure? Duke, if you agree completely to do this, you can not back out." Atemu warned him. Duke's emerald eyes hardened determinedly.
"My loyalties are with you now, my Pharaoh. It would be wrong of me to withhold information against a criminal who has harmed you. I will do this because it is the right thing to do." Duke explained. Atemu smiled, and he thanked Duke.
"This means a lot to me, and I want you to know that." Atemu told him.
"Of course, my Pharaoh." Duke dropped down and knelt on one knee, bowing before Atemu.
"Rise Duke. That is not necessary." Duke lifted his gaze as he rose, but Atemu wore a smile on his face. Atemu got to his feet as well, and he clasped a hand on Duke's shoulder. "Really Duke, thank you." Atemu let go and stepped past him, but then he turned and grinned. "I'll let you get back to your time with Tea now." Atemu laughed as Duke flushed and stammered a quick thank you. Atemu continued on, striding to where Yugi and Tea were. Yugi rose when Atemu approached, and Duke was quick to take his place on the bench.
"Sorry to interrupt." Atemu apologized to her, still grinning. "He's all yours." Tea blushed at his words, and at the same time, Yugi playfully smacked him on the arm, a giggle leaving the little one's lips.
"We're going now." Yugi laughed, beginning to drag Atemu away. Before he let Yugi drag him too far, Atemu looked back at Duke.
"I'll send for you when it's time." He informed Duke. The black haired man nodded, and Atemu then allowed Yugi to drag him away. Tea turned her head and met his gaze, curiosity shimmering in her azure eyes.
"What was that about?" Tea asked.
"Nothing." Duke replied quickly. "Just something he needed me to do for him. Now, where were we?" Duke engaged her in another conversation, getting away from the topic of what he would have to do tomorrow. It wasn't something he looked forward to doing, but he knew it must be done.
Yugi squeaked and ducked under the water, protesting heavily against being washed down. The two women who were kneeling behind him both frowned, reaching for him, but Yugi evaded their hands. In the water across from him, Atemu chuckled, watching his little one bashfully splash away from the women attempting to give him a bath. It had been this way nearly every morning since Yugi arrived, the smaller male trying to stay away from the touches of his servant women. This was one thing that Atemu could expect Yugi to take a long time getting used to, if ever. Yugi shot him a glare as he once again evaded the grasping hands, and Atemu could see the servant girls getting irritated.
"That's enough." Atemu's voice echoed through the bathroom. The women sent him startled looks before lowering their gazes obediently to the floor. "You are all dismissed. We'll bathe ourselves today." Atemu ordered. The women, including the two that had been scrubbing Atemu's back and shoulders, bowed and hurriedly left the room. When the door clicked shut, Atemu waded over to where Yugi was pressed against the tub wall.
"My pretty, shy, Little One." Atemu cooed. "What's the matter?" Yugi continued to glare at him, wading away from him. Atemu merely chuckled and continued his pursuit, intent on catching his little one.
"You know what the matter is! You were letting them... t-touch you!" Atemu caught the hint of jealousy in Yugi's voice before it was smothered. "I for one, am used to giving myself a bath! I don't need strange women I don't know touching my body!" Yugi exclaimed. Atemu caught Yugi, catching his arm and pulling the struggling boy against his naked body. He noticed Yugi stiffen, and he smirked, feeling Yugi start to harden.
"Habibi, it is a natural thing here, and there is nothing sexual about it. It is their job to bathe royalty. We take care of most things ourselves, so they will not touch you in any area you don't wish them to. They are to assist with your back and shoulders, and to add the oils to your flesh." Atemu explained, wrapping his arms around Yugi's body. Yugi frowned, trying to ignore the growing hardness pressed against him, and gently pushed against Atemu's chest.
"You don't need a bunch of women to do that for you when you have me." Yugi huffed. "And I always managed to bathe my own back and shoulders just fine." Atemu merely laughed, leaning down to press a kiss to Yugi's forehead.
"Alright Little One. I'll start sending them away if it will make you feel better." Atemu told him.
"You'd better." Yugi growled. "No one touches you or gets to look at you when you're naked except for me." Those words sent a bolt of desire straight to Atemu's groin. Yugi was so sexy, his beautiful indigo eyes shining with jealousy and anger. Giving in to the sudden urge to take the boy in his arms, Atemu reached behind them to the massage oils, slicking his fingers.
"Possessive Yugi. I think I like it." Atemu leaned down and crushed their lips together, making Yugi moan. Their arousals rubbed against each other, and Yugi whimpered against Atemu's lips as the elder male pushed him back against the rim of the tub, a slick finger already probing his entrance. Atemu let him go so they could breathe, sliding the first finger inside him. Yugi arched and let out a cry, throwing his arms around Atemu's neck.
"M-Mine!" Yugi panted, letting out a moan as Atemu inserted another finger and began a scissoring motion. Atemu pressed a kiss to the juncture of Yugi's neck and shoulder, chuckling.
"Yours, Habibi. Always yours." Atemu murmured. He removed his fingers and grabbed one of Yugi's legs, hiking it against his thigh as he slid inside Yugi's tight warmth. Yugi cried out, his head tipping back and his eyes fluttering closed. Atemu started a rough and fast pace, pumping in and out of his lover, the water splashing around them from their movements. Yugi screamed, thrusting back against him, his nails dragging down Atemu's back and leaving slightly bloody scratches. Atemu hissed above him, the pain only adding to his pleasure as he pounded into Yugi.
"Atemu, Atemu, Atemu! Yes!" Yugi chanted, crying out as Atemu hit his prostate. "Oh gods! There!" Atemu chuckled again, starting another kiss as he shifted his hips a little. Yugi cried out against his lips, his lover's thrusts now angled to hit that spot deep inside him with every thrust. Their pace only got quicker and harder, the sound of skin smacking skin echoing throughout the bathroom. Yugi clung tighter to Atemu, their skin now slick with both sweat and water. As Atemu continued to pound into him, Yugi could feel his end fast approaching, and his moans were getting louder and more insistent.
"Yugi, my Yugi, oh Little One..." Atemu groaned, increasing his pace as he felt his own release approaching. Yugi's silken walls surrounding him felt so good, so hot. Atemu felt blessed that Yugi was all his, that he was the only one who would ever bring Yugi to this state. Atemu reached down to stroke Yugi's erection, pumping it in time with his thrusts. Yugi screamed again, and his nails dug deeper into Atemu's back. The Pharaoh hissed again, and with another thrust and stroke of the member in his hand, Yugi came with a cry of Atemu's name, his essence coating Atemu's hand.
"Atemu..." Yugi murmured, his hands now trailing loving and soothing touches down Atemu's back, to the small of it and back up. Atemu managed a couple more thrusts before he shuddered and went still, his essence coating Yugi's insides as he murmured his little one's name. Both were panting heavily as their eyes met, and Yugi was the first to break the silence, a giggle passing his lips. "Well, that was a fun way to start the morning."
Atemu laughed, slipping carefully out of his lover and dipping his hand in the water, cleaning it off. "I'll say. Maybe you should get jealous more often. It leads to wonderful sex." Yugi blushed and smacked him playfully on the arm.
"I was not jealous." Yugi huffed, dunking himself into the water to rid his stomach and chest of his own release.
"Oh yeah? Then what was that bit about no one touching me or seeing me naked but you?" Atemu teased. "Sounds like jealously to me." Yugi glared at him, but the sight was more so adorable then intimidating as Yugi had sunk down so just from his nose up was visible. Atemu reached under the water and gripped his arms, pulling him up and into a kiss. Yugi melted against him, the water from his body wetting Atemu's chest and stomach. When Atemu pulled away, he smiled down at his lover. "But you do know, I belong only to you, Habibi." Yugi smiled.
"I know. I just don't like strange women groping you." Yugi pouted cutely. Atemu grinned.
"Well, fret no more. We'll bathe each other from now on. Speaking of..." Atemu reached behind Yugi and grabbed the soapy cloth left behind by the servant women, and he began to soap down Yugi's back and shoulders. Yugi closed his eyes, humming softly as Atemu washed him. Atemu cupped some water in his hand when he was done, dribbling it over Yugi's back to rinse it.
"Pharaoh?" Atemu groaned aloud as Mahado's voice suddenly sounded in the bathroom. Turning, he saw his priest peek inside.
"Come in Mahado." Atemu called. The priest carefully stepped into the bathroom, his eyes on the floor. Yugi clung to Atemu, his face turning a fine shade of red. Why did everyone insist on bothering them while they bathed? "What is it?" Atemu asked the silent priest.
"My Pharaoh, everyone is awaiting your arrival in the throne room, and it seems King Lionel is becoming impatient. Seems he wishes to get this proceedings started, so he will know the fate of his daughter." Mahado informed him, keeping his eyes on the ground. Atemu sighed heavily.
"Very well then. Send for Duke, and tell him to go straight to the throne room. He is not to speak to anyone unless told otherwise by me and me alone. I don't need King Lionel interrogating him before I have a chance to join them." Atemu instructed. Mahado bowed.
"Yes my King." Mahado told him.
"You are dismissed. I will meet you in the throne room as soon as I and Yugi are presentable." Mahado turned on his heel then and left the room. Atemu turned to Yugi, his eyes showing hints of remorse. "I apologize, Little One. It seems we will have no more time to ourselves this morning. The rest of our bath must be rushed. for we still have to dress."
"It's fine." Yugi replied. "I know how important this is." Atemu handed him the soapy cloth and waded to the other side of the bath for his own. They washed their bodies and hair quickly, dunking into the water to rinse. Atemu climbed out of the bath, wrapping a towel around himself. He then helped Yugi from the bath, and placed a towel around his dripping lover before they headed into their bedroom. The same servant women from earlier were waiting in there, much to Yugi's displeasure. He didn't argue however, when they grabbed his clothes and set to work helping him dress. They didn't have time for Yugi to protest and attempt to dress himself like he had the previous mornings.
Yugi was turned so his robe could be slipped on, catching sight of one of the women assisting Atemu helping to secure his cloak. The other woman was attaching the golden jewelry to Atemu's arms and legs. When the first woman was done with her task, she hurried to the vanity set against one of the walls and retrieved the kohl which she then applied to her ruler's eyes. Being distracted almost completely by his lover, Yugi failed to notice that the women by him had finished dressing him, but he was made aware of them again when one woman attempted to line his own eyes with more of the kohl.
"Hey!" Yugi yelped, pulling back. Atemu cast Yugi a glance as the women around him bowed and left, their task complete. Atemu walked over to Yugi and gently gripped his chin in one hand, a smile on his face.
"It's alright Little One. See this?" Atemu pointing to the make-up lining his eyes. "They mean to apply it to you. Hold still." Yugi kept his indigo orbs connected with Atemu's ruby ones as the woman lined his eyes, her task made much easier by her ruler holding the younger male still. A moment later she was done, and the two women bowed before leaving the room like the other women had.
"How do you stand them fussing over you like that every morning?" Yugi griped, a frown marring his face.
"I have been "fussed over" just like that every morning since I was a child Yugi. It's something I'm used to, and it's something you're going to have to get used to as well." Atemu chided gently. "As you are very capable of bathing yourself, dressing is something else entirely. All the gold and robes we're required to wear are a bear to try to get on oneself alone. Their assistance in that is much appreciated." Atemu explained.
"Sorry." Yugi mumbled as he allowed Atemu to begin leading him out of the room. Atemu chuckled.
"You don't have to apologize. I understand that you have grown up very independent in all tasks." Atemu told him. Yugi smiled and laced their fingers together as they walked down the hallway.
"I admire your patience." Yugi blushed sheepishly. "I haven't exactly been treating your servants the best."
"It's alright. Like I said, I understand. One accustomed to being independent will take some time getting used to being waited on all the time. It's only natural you would give them a hard time." Atemu smiled down at him, giving his hand an affectionate squeeze. "Just try not to give them too hard a time."
"I'll try." Yugi smiled back, and they released each other's hands as they approached the doors to the throne room. The two guards on either side of the door bowed before opening said doors, allowing them both passage inside. As Atemu and Yugi entered the room, the priests all looked their way. Atemu was stunned to see Duke and Mahado missing, and he briefly wondered where they were. That matter would have to be addressed and soon, but first... At the foot of the platform holding the two thrones for Yugi and Atemu stood King Lionel, impatience radiating from his aura. Atemu climbed the steps to his throne and sat, watching Yugi sit beside him in the matching throne.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, King Lionel. I apologize for my tardiness." Atemu told the irritated king. Lionel nodded.
"May we begin?" Lionel inquired.
"Yes. Bring in the prisoner." Atemu ordered. The two doors they had just entered from opened again, and his guards led in a struggling Anzu. King Lionel gasped, watching as Anzu screamed at the guards, her hair stringy and messy, and her nightgown torn and dirty. King Lionel watched in horror as obscenities he never knew his daughter capable of uttering left her mouth while she attempted to bite her captors.
"Anzu!" Lionel couldn't stop her name from passing his lips, and just like that, her struggles ceased. She turned to him, her eyes wide.
"D-Daddy?" She replied meekly, her cheeks flaming. She couldn't believe her father had just bore witness to her uncouth behavior.
"Princess Anzu!" Atemu barked, drawing her attention to the monarch on the throne. Anzu's eyes narrowed in hate, and she opened her mouth to curse him, her father watching be damned, and it was then she noticed the smaller male sitting on the throne beside Atemu. For a moment she was frozen in shock, her mouth hanging open and her eyes bugging out. He was dressed royally, his amethyst eyes outlined in kohl, and jewelry adorning almost every surface of his body visible.
"YOU!" Anzu screamed. What in the name of Ra was that brat doing here!