This story contains TRIGGER WARNINGS for rape, violence, blood, physical and emotional abuse, suicide (mentioned). READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.
This warning applies to the story in general. NO SPECIFIC WARNINGS FOR INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS WILL BE GIVEN!
My beautiful readers,
thank you so much for sticking with this story so far. Now the moment you've been waiting for has finally come: Atem's first appearance! Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Pancake
Chapter 8
After one week of travel, they reached Waset, Egypt's capital. Before leaving the ship, Otogi insisted on Yugi completely covering himself in a hooded cape and scarf. No one was allowed to even get a glimpse of him before his début.
The sounds of yelling sailors, people chatting and negotiating, the rattling of carts, the snorting of horses – all that reminded Yugi of the harbour in Tamiat. He was curious if the two cities had even more in common. But Otogi already led Yugi and the others towards the palanquins that brought them to the palace.
Yugi had pictured the palace like a bigger version of Otogi's mansion but he was mistaken. It was like a luxurious city of its own with streets and neighbourhoods. After passing the gates and the main complex, they reached the residential part. The stone paths were lined with villas, one fancier than the other and each enclosed by walls of sandstone.
Otogi's villa was a building with two storeys, blue accents everywhere, and a large pond in the garden. Yugi and the other whores buzzed around, impressed with the silk curtains, golden door handles, and the mosaics on the floor. They were all blue with fish and water plants that gave the impression of walking in a lake.
"You see those red walls in the distance? That's where the Pharaoh and his advisers live," Asa said as they were standing on one of the balconies. She had been to the palace before but she had never seen that exclusive area from the inside.
Like in Tamiat, Yugi and Kisara shared a room, albeit this one was almost twice as big as the one at home. Once servants had brought their luggage, Yugi and Kisara began to unpack. As the less organised one, Yugi was done much quicker. He left the room and made his way into Otogi's chambers. Otogi was placing a box with an iron lock in the back of a shelf.
"How do you like it so far?" he said and approached Yugi.
"It's a lot warmer here without the constant sea wind and all … but it's all very beautiful. So beautiful…" - Yugi gulped - "…that I'm not sure if the Pharaoh will be impressed with me after all. I mean if he's used to all this…"
He gestured around himself. Otogi came closer and cupped Yugi's face with both palms.
"Yugi, listen to me. You're the most beautiful creature Ptah has ever made on his potter's wheel. You will take the Pharaoh's breath away with just one look of your dazzling eyes. I know it."
Otogi's confidence in him made Yugi feel a little lighter already.
"All right then."
"Very good. Me and the others will prepare for a party at another noble's villa. I need you to stay here and practise your choreography while we advertise you so that everyone wants to see your début."
"Yes. I'll go practise," Yugi said and Otogi rewarded him with a kiss.
Yugi rehearsed his dance over and over until not even Mai had anything left to criticise. Yet, his nervousness grew every day. Otogi and the others had told the nobles all about that special whore who would have his début very soon. The rumour even reached the Pharaoh and like everyone else, he accepted the invitation to see Yugi perform for the first time.
On the evening of his début, Yugi was so anxious he could hardly eat, drink, or think. What if he made a mistake? What if he fell? What if he destroyed Tamiat's chance for independence with a single slip-up? No, he couldn't allow himself to let his fears take over! Then he'd definitely fail!
Yugi was pacing back and forth in the backstage area. His green silk cloak covered almost his entire body and his ankles, wrists, neck, ears, and fingers were sparkling with golden jewellery. His eyes were lined with kohl, his face covered in a powder that made him look as pristine as a doll.
Kashto, Neema, Kisara, and Asa were either stretching or warming up their voices. They were more nervous than usual before a big event. Even though most of the pressure was on Yugi, they knew the entire show had to be perfect and worthy of a Pharaoh.
The hall was buzzing like a hornets' nest behind the curtains. Mai had told Yugi not to look at the audience before his dance but curiosity got the better of him. He peeked outside and gasped. The number of guests was at least twice as high as at the last big feast in Tamiat. Many carpets and cushions covered the floor for all the nobles to sit on. They had gathered around tables, drinking and chatting.
Yugi looked to his right when a laugh, louder and deeper than any other in the hall, sounded. It came from a man with a blond, spiky mane. He yelled at a servant to bring him more wine and told the others at his table a dirty joke. Or at least Yugi was sure he did, considering their grunts.
The audience was sitting in a semi-circle around the stage. In the middle of that semi-circle, right across from the curtain, was a secluded area with a few chairs, one of them the Pharaoh's throne. The latter was the only seat that wasn't taken yet.
To its left sat a slender, tall man with brown hair. He had a serious face and seemed a little annoyed. The well-built man next to him said something to him but his answer was just one word. The other man rolled his eyes and turned away.
Yugi's heart stopped and he flinched when trumpets started to play. A voice called:
"Kneel for the king of upper and lower Egypt, son of Ra, living image of Amun, divine of body and soul: Pharaoh Atem!"
Everyone followed the command and pressed their forehead against the floor. Yugi considered doing the same but since no one could see him he allowed himself to disobey. Flanked by armed guards and followed by a few servants, the Pharaoh entered and Yugi's eyes widened.
After everything he had heard about Pharaoh Atem, Yugi had pictured him as ugly as his reputation. He couldn't have been more wrong. With a muscular but lean body, dark skin, and a handsome face, he did look like a god in human form.
He wore a dark blue shendyt, sandals, and golden jewellery from his ears to his toes. He was walking into the hall with slow steps, the crook and flail crossed in front of his chest. His head was covered by the nemes, a gold and blue striped headdress only the Pharaoh was allowed to wear.
Pharaoh Atem sat down in his throne, handed the crook and flail to the bearer of insignia, and placed his hands on the armrests.
"You may rise!" called the same voice who had announced him and everyone returned to their previous positions. Yugi expected Pharaoh Atem to demand a cup of wine, to harass the women to his left and right fanning him with palm leaves, to yell at someone because the show hadn't started yet. But all he did was sit straight and eye the hall with a stony expression.
As much as Yugi hated to admit it: Pharaoh Atem exuded an aura of strength, pride, and divinity. He may have fantasised about straight up reproaching him for the north's misery but now he knew he'd be way too intimidated to even attempt it. Yet, there was something else about him that didn't quite fit with a king and god on earth. Could it be a hint of sadness…?
"Everyone ready?" Otogi said and Yugi turned around. He, Mai, Kisara, Neema, Kashto, and Asa gathered around Otogi. "You all know that this show needs to be perfect. We can't allow ourselves any less." Everyone nodded and Otogi's lips formed a smirk. "But I know you can do it. You are the most attractive and talented people in this entire hall. You're not just any whores. You're whores from Tamiat. You're the best of the best!" Everyone smiled and for a moment, Yugi felt a little less nervous. "Are you ready?"
"Ready!" everyone said. Mai gave a servant a sign and the musicians – playing slow, gentle tunes until then – stopped. Otogi entered the stage and the nobles went silent.
"Ladies, Lords, and of course our highly-esteemed Pharaoh," Otogi said and bowed. "Every show by my whores is a spectacle. But tonight you'll witness something special that you are no doubt going to remember throughout this life and the next…"
He mentioned all four whores and hinted at what they would perform. Lastly, he advertised tonight's début dance and his sensual description of Yugi made the nobles whisper.
"Don't worry, guys," Asa said, bobbing up and down on her heels, unlit torches in her hands. "I'll lay the groundwork for us!"
"…and now please give a warm welcome to the voluptuous and radiant Asa…!" Otogi said and everyone cheered. Mai gave Asa a sign and she walked on the stage with a broad grin.
Asa's speciality was fire breathing. More than a dozen torches in metal holders stood on the stage. Asa lit one after another while twirling, doing the splits, and now and then pretending to almost set her skimpy clothes on fire. The crowd gave lots of "ooooh"s, "aaaah"s, and whistles. Once she was done, Asa left the stage under applause and calls for an encore.
Behind the curtain, Yugi and the others gushed about her flawless performance. Asa thanked them, wiped the sweat from her forehead and emphasised that she was happy about having given the show a good start. Meanwhile, Otogi had returned to the stage and introduced Kashto next.
Kashto's talent was acting and storytelling. The story he had chosen for tonight was about a young man and woman who had fallen in love in spite of their villages being enemies. The audience sighed longingly at the description of their feelings and they stared in fascination when Kashto told them about their nights together.
But when their parents found out, the two were separated, which caused them both great pain. Kashto gave every character a distinct voice and gave so many details everyone could see, hear, and feel the different scenes. In the end, the lovers found a way to make peace between their villages and got married. The crowd urged him to tell another tale but Kashto left the stage, bowing several times. He hadn't committed a single faux pas.
Neema was the third one. She showed off her skills as a contortionist and acrobat. She did somersaults, balanced on unstable objects, and contorted her body in ways that made everyone gasp. Some feared for her safety but Neema always landed on her feet without having hurt herself. She too returned to the backstage while people called for her to do more tricks. She hadn't made a single error either.
"I'm so proud of you all! Your hard work is paying off!" Mai said, beaming. She adjusted one of the flowers in Kisara's elaborate hairstyle and sent her out next. She was the last one before Yugi would dance.
Yugi was shaking, kept repeating certain steps, and checked himself in the mirror over and over. Everyone had been giving their all, just so Yugi could have the perfect début. It had to be flawless! For his friends, for the people of Tamiat, for Otogi! They were all counting on him!
He peeked out from behind the curtain one last time. Everyone was watching Kisara as if her voice hypnotised them. Even the brunette man besides the Pharaoh was staring at her, his arrogance from before gone.
Yugi felt a hand on his shoulder and whirled around. Otogi was standing in front of him.
"Ready?" he asked. Kisara was singing her last note – a particularly high one – and got applause and whistles from the hall. It was as if the ground beneath Yugi's feet disappeared.
"Y-Yes," Yugi said, his voice sounding like it came from someone else. Kisara hadn't been off-key once. Everyone had been perfect. How was Yugi supposed to keep up with them?! He had never performed by himself before…!
Otogi placed a finger under Yugi's chin and made him look up.
"Listen, Yugi. You can do it. I chose you for this because I know you have the ability to seduce someone within the blink of an eye. Everyone out there will be at your feet, including the Pharaoh. You understand?"
Otogi's irises were as clear as emeralds. Yugi took a deep breath and told himself that Otogi was right. He always was. And if he believed that Yugi could put a spell on everyone out there, then that's how it was.
"Yes. I understand."
Otogi gave him a kiss, then walked onto the stage.
"Ladies, Lords, our highly esteemed Pharaoh! Now comes the moment you've all been waiting for…!"
Mai appeared behind Yugi and tied a green veil, covering his face from his nose to his chin, at the back of his head. Kashto, Neema, Kisara, and Asa also gathered around him.
"It's here! I'm so excited!"
"You're going to blow them away!"
"They will be speechless!"
"This will be the most spectacular début ever!"
"It's like Otogi said…" Mai placed her hands on Yugi's shoulders. "You're not just any whore. You're a whore from Tamiat. Now go out there and prove that no one can resist you!"
She pulled the hood of Yugi's cloak over his head. From outside they heard Otogi:
"…a beauty from a far away land, with the passion of a wildcat and the grace of a butterfly! Prepare to be enchanted, to be pulled into a magical land you'll never want to leave! I present to you the most extraordinary and spellbinding whore of my collection! I present to you: Yugi…!"
With these words and the applause that followed something peculiar happened. Yugi's heartbeat slowed down, his limbs stopped trembling, and he could see clearly like an eagle. Mai gave him a gentle push and Yugi walked onto the stage with as much confidence as if he were a king and the audience were his subjects.
Yugi leaned against the metal pole in the middle and hugged himself. Silence.
Servants threw a powder into the fire plates in the hall so that the light turned green. Some nobles whispered but they hushed once the first beats of the drums sounded with so much intensity Yugi could feel the vibrations in his bare feet.
A flute began to play and Yugi started to dance with slow steps and twirls that made his silk cloak flow softly, almost as if it was underwater. Gentility and elegance were the theme of the first part of the choreography. Yugi might as well be floating over a meadow on a spring day, birds chirping, the Nile burbling.
More instruments – lutes and harps – joined the song. Its pace quickened and so did that of Yugi's dance. Yugi brushed back his hood and some people gasped at Yugi showing more of himself, even if it was only his hair.
Until then Yugi had moved along the edges of the stage so everyone got a glimpse of him. Now he returned to the pole in the middle, grabbed it with both hands, and wrapped one leg around it. He began to spin around it while pulling a few strings of his cloak without anyone noticing. It resulted in the cloak slowly coming off as he spiralled around, first revealing his shoulders, then his torso, and lastly his legs when it came off completely. More people cried out in fascination. Some in the back even jumped up from their cushions to see better.
"Look at that body!"
"So dainty and beautiful!"
"With skin the colour of the moon!"
"And those clothes…!"
Now Yugi only wore a skirt, ending right under his knee on one side but barely covering half his thigh on the other. His top was just a skimpy piece of clothing that left free his stomach and shoulders, and had a deep v-neck. All was of sensually green silk while his jewellery was made of gold with a few emeralds.
He couldn't help but grin behind his veil. Now he understood what the other whores meant when they gushed about the audience being at their feet. All the open mouths and the knowledge that they were watching his every move made Yugi's body tingle with a feeling he rarely experienced: power.
The step sequences became more complicated, the way he moved more seductive. The theme of the second part of the choreography became apparent: desire and passion. More and more people rose from their seats, all staring at Yugi and calling for him to come closer.
But Yugi focussed on the show. Following what he had learned for weeks seemed now as natural as breathing. He was one with the music and together they ruled the hall and everyone in it.
Yugi started to sweat. Nevertheless, he grabbed the pole once more, climbed it, spun around, and performed moves in both elegant and suggestive positions.
By now everyone stood and watched and tried to look over the people in front of them. Yugi ripped the veil from his face, resulting in everyone gasping and cheering yet again. Yugi threw the veil into the crowd and smirked people jumped up and stretched out their hands to catch it.
Yugi was panting by the time the finale had come. He grabbed something from a pouch around his hips and danced towards Pharaoh Atem on his throne. He and his advisers were the only ones still sitting. Yugi spun towards him, fell on his knees, and blew the rose petals in his palm right at him. The song ended with two cymbals being clashed against one another and the audience erupted in applause.
While Yugi caught his breath, he and Pharaoh Atem were looking at each other for the first time. His eyes were red like the petals he was now decorated with. But more importantly: Pharaoh Atem was staring at Yugi as if he was terrified. His fingers dug into his armrests and his chest was rising and falling rapidly.
Yugi didn't understand. Why would Pharaoh Atem be in shock while the rest of the hall was thrilled? No, Yugi had to be reading him wrong. He wasn't sure how to react so Yugi just winked at Pharaoh Atem and rose. The crowd whooped once more when Yugi turned around and bowed. Yugi whirled around and bowed again, this time to Pharaoh Atem only. The light had returned to its normal colour when Yugi made his way back to the stage. Otogi came walking towards him, clapping and grinning proudly. He gave Yugi a hug and whispered:
"Perfect."
With that one word Yugi's worries melted away and relief flooded him. He spotted the faces of Mai, Kisara, Asa, Kashto, and Neema from the backstage area, all beaming and applauding. He hadn't let them down. He had delivered the perfect début – with their help.
Otogi ended the embrace, took a step back, and let the audience cheer for Yugi some more. Yugi bowed over and over while the crowd threw flowers and called:
"Marry me, Yugi! Please!"
"I'll pay anything for a night with you!"
"I love you!"
It took so much time for the applause to die down Yugi was a little embarrassed. But at the same time it made him feel warm and fuzzy. It might even have been worth all the stress.
Once everyone had calmed down, Otogi took Yugi's hand and gestured at him.
"I don't think I promised too much," he said and everyone chuckled. "This is usually the part where we advance to the banquet and each of you gets a chance to charm Yugi into choosing you as his first customer. However…" They turned towards Pharaoh Atem and all the good feelings in Yugi's chest were replaced with cold nervousness. Right, now the real unpleasant part was to come. "It is rare even for me to come upon a beauty as exotic and fiery as this one. After a lot of pondering I have come to the conclusion that Yugi may even be worthy of a god. That's why I believe it is my duty to give this whore to his holiness himself. Pharaoh Atem, in my name and that of all of Tamiat, please accept this gift from your humble servant."
The hall whispered, on one hand indignant, on the other unable to take away something offered to the Pharaoh. Yugi had expected the look of a hungry hyena in Pharaoh Atem that had found a defenceless gazelle to devour. But instead he seemed to be focussed on taking deep breaths. He brushed a few petals from his skin, his hand a little shaky. He cleared his throat and everyone turned silent.
"Lord Otogi, I do appreciate your generosity. Your whores are truly the embodiment of beauty and seduction, especially this one," he said, his voice of a strong but pleasant baritone. "Yet, I'm afraid it'd be most selfish to confine such a lovely flower to one person's garden. I cannot accept your gift."
The crowd started buzzing while Yugi and Otogi's jaws dropped. Yugi had imagined every reaction from Pharaoh Atem: humiliating him right then and there, groping him, being forced to pleasure him in front of the whole court – but not this…!
"I still wish to honour your willingness to part with one of your most precious treasures," Pharaoh Atem went on. "Therefore you and your whores shall be allowed to sit at the dinner table I usually only share with my advisers. The one named Yugi shall be seated right next to me. This shall apply to all banquets for the duration of your stay at the royal palace."
Yugi wasn't sure how to react and glanced at Otogi. It took him a moment to recover his ability to speak.
"Whatever you wish, my Pharaoh," he said with a forced smile. He gestured at Yugi. "One last applause for Yugi!"
The crowd clapped but they too didn't seem to understand what had just happened. Yugi bowed before he and Otogi returned to the backstage area. As soon as they were out of sight, Otogi kicked over a small table in a corner. Everyone flinched.
"That damn bastard…!" Otogi hissed and Yugi knew he would have yelled if no one had been there to hear him. Mai, Kashto, Neema, Asa, and Kisara all awkwardly stood there, avoiding looking at each other.
"I… I'm sorry," Yugi finally said. It was as if the weight of his guilt was crushing him. "I don't understand… What did I do wrong…?"
"Nothing!" Mai rushed towards Yugi and cupped his face with her hands. "You were perfect, my dear! No one in the hall could take their eyes off you!"
"It's true," Kisara said, approaching him together with the other whores. "Even the Pharaoh was staring at you. And he looked away many times during our performances! Well, but something did seem to change the moment you took off your veil…"
Asa, Neema, and Kashto confirmed that. Like all the others, Pharaoh Atem had been undressing Yugi with his eyes until Yugi had shown his face. He gulped.
"Does that mean he thinks I'm … ugly?" Yugi whispered.
"You? Ugly? No one could think that! If anything, he was probably shocked that someone as beautiful as you could exist!" Mai said and everyone else agreed, almost offended that Yugi could think of himself as something other than gorgeous.
Otogi inhaled deeply, walked towards Yugi, and took his hands.
"The others are right. None of this is your fault. I bet the Pharaoh only did this to make a fool out of me," he said bitterly.
"Wh-What should we do now?" Yugi whispered.
"We change our plan. Like the others said, he did watch you intensely while you danced until… Well, you're definitely his type. You'll just seduce him at the banquet. I know by the end of the party he'll want you more than anything. Even more than playing some silly game to confuse me."
"Y-Yes. I'll do my best."
"That's my boy," Otogi said, caressed Yugi's cheek, and left. The others hugged Yugi or patted his back. Mai took a teal pouch with gold-coloured ribbons from a chest and handed it to Yugi.
"Inside this you'll find lube and a few other toys. Always carry it with you. You won't know when you'll need it," she said.
"Yes. Thank you."
"And remember the rules of the palace. No one is allowed to speak to the Pharaoh unless spoken to first. The same goes with touching. You can get into trouble otherwise, you hear?" Mai said.
"Yes," Yugi said and pressed the pouch against his stomach, unsure whether or not he should hope to need it tonight.
The banquet took place in the gardens. Pharaoh Atem's table in the centre had gold-coloured ornaments at its edges and elaborate carvings on its legs. Kisara sat at the side of the tall, brunette man while Mai chose a cushion next to a woman with long, black hair and intelligent, blue eyes. Like promised, Yugi was seated beside Pharaoh Atem at the head of the table. He was clutching the teal pouch in his lap and only nibbled on a grape, its sweet and sour juices mixing on Yugi's tongue.
Pharaoh Atem had his legs crossed and spoke little while eating a bowl of chickpea stew. Everyone else was enjoying the food, listening to the musicians, and watching the dancers. But Pharaoh Atem's back was stiff and it was as if he was avoiding looking at Yugi. On the rare occasions Pharaoh Atem glanced at him he immediately turned his head the other way, even when Yugi was smiling.
Yugi had prepared himself for a man who was as merciless and unpredictable as a raging fire. He'd never have expected this kind of behaviour. But perhaps it was all just a trick? Pharaoh Atem was cunning and cruel and he was trying to manipulate people all the time!
"This really is a lovely garden," Yugi said to everyone at the table, hoping Pharaoh Atem would take the bait and start a conversation with him. But he wasn't among the people who nodded and agreed with him. Yugi tried to make eye contact with Mai, hoping she could help. She however, was too busy talking to the woman next to her.
"…I still know you missed me too, Lady Isis," she said and winked. Lady Isis smirked and sipped on her wine. Her posture was as elegant as that of a lioness.
"I will have to consult my oracle about that."
"Say, I heard you're currently organising a certain event?" Mai asked.
"Oh yes. It's a yearly tournament that takes place in the arena of Waset. There are different disciplines and the winners get money and food as a reward. The nobles bet on who wins and the money goes to a good cause. This time it'll go to the south where it's no doubt needed the most with the war with Nubia still going on…"
Yugi bit his lip in order to stop himself from snapping at her. Needed the most! The south had the crown's support while the north was fending for itself!
"That sounds very interesting," Mai said.
"It is, every year. But I'm afraid it has also led me to neglect some of my other duties. I had to leave the planning of this banquet to Lord Seto, even though he did an excellent job at replacing me."
"I know," the man beside Kisara said. "Still, I'd rather have spent my time on Scholar Amam's attempts to improve the method of false position. But I know I'm one of the few ones who consider mathematics a refreshing exercise for the mind…"
"Do you mean the same Amam who also wrote about how to simplify quadratic equations?" Kisara asked. Lord Seto's eyes widened.
"You know him?"
"Kisara must have picked that up from one of my guests," Otogi said across from them, in an almost apologetic tone. "Many of them are mathematicians. I'm sure she-"
"My lord, I'd rather hear it from Kisara herself," Lord Seto said. He turned to Kisara and continued the discussion with her.
Asa, Neema, and Kashto also managed to entertain the advisers next to them, made them laugh, and flirted with them. Yugi envied them. A conversation with Pharaoh Atem was impossible.
"I've been to the palace before," Kisara said when she and Lord Seto had stirred away from mathematics for a moment. "But it's so huge… It still impresses me."
"Would you like a tour one of these days?" Lord Seto suggested.
"That'd be lovely." Kisara glanced at Yugi. "Who wouldn't love a tour of this grand place? Especially when they're here for the first time."
Yugi had hoped that maybe Pharaoh Atem would pick up the hint. But all he did was take a bite out of a slice of peach. Yugi gave Otogi to his right a helpless look. Seducing someone he was terrified of was already hard enough. But it was impossible if that person hardly even acknowledged him and Yugi was forbidden to talk to him first. Not even the most skilled whore could get anywhere under these circumstances!
"Say, is Abtu Sheta still the most popular game at the palace?" Otogi asked everyone at the table. "Because that's another one of Yugi's talents, which he would surely love to demonstrate…"
"Is it true, Yugi of Tamiat?" Pharaoh Atem asked. Yugi turned to him, pulse quickened.
"Indeed. I love games."
Pharaoh Atem eyed him like a riddle. He hesitated before he said:
"Would you bet interested in a match, then?"
Yugi's heart thudded against his chest, both in joy and nervousness.
"It'd be an honour, my Pharaoh."
"Well then…"
Pharaoh Atem raised a hand and a moment later a servant appeared, ready to receive his commands. Soon they were sitting on cushioned chairs across from each other in another part of the garden, closer to a few pavilions but farther away from the musicians. By the time a servant had set up the game boards with small figures of fish and frogs, a crowd had gathered around them. The servant shuffled and dealt out the cards and the game began.
By now Yugi was used to pretending to be just as bad as his opponent. That's why it shocked him that Pharaoh Atem was actually … good. He was watching Yugi's moves, trying to read his strategy, while following his own. He wouldn't fall for any of Yugi's obvious traps but this also applied to the other way around.
Excitement inched through Yugi's veins, pushing away his fear. He had wished for a true challenge for so long, yet he'd never have expected to find it in Pharaoh Atem. Yugi drew his cards, discarded them in order to move his fish, and captured Pharaoh Atem's turtles as much as he let him. They outsmarted each other over and over and only a few members of their audience managed to follow their tactics.
Only now Yugi noticed how much his love for games had died down in the past year. But now it was back and Yugi smirked.
"You've always loved games, haven't you, Yugi of Tamiat?" Pharaoh Atem asked without looking at him. Yugi noticed a slight tremor in his voice.
"I have indeed."
"Where have you lived in the past years? Aside from Tamiat."
Yugi paused at the strange question. He drew a special card that allowed him to remove one of Pharaoh Atem's turtles instantly.
"Well, there was another place aside from Tamiat but that's not important."
Yugi smiled while taking a gulp of wine. In return, Pharaoh Atem's brows furrowed and at the same time something made his eyes light up.
"Could it be that you came to Tamiat under rather unpleasant circumstances?"
Yugi choked on his drink. He stared at Pharaoh Atem for a moment, then forced himself to put on a friendly expression.
"Forgive me but I don't think it would be appropriate to discuss such matters in public."
"Yes, of course. I would like to talk to you more though. Would you like a tour of the palace as well? Though I suspect that it's not entirely unfamiliar to you."
Without knowing what this was supposed to mean Yugi replied:
"Thank you so much for the invitation. I'll gladly accept it."
At last, a success! Though both continued the game mostly silent, the prospect of the tour seemed to cheer both of them up.
They kept playing until both were left with only three pieces. It was a long round, so long that by now some members of the audience had left and new ones had arrived. Yet, Yugi and Pharaoh Atem were still as concentrated as in the beginning. If anything, Yugi was even more focussed now. This might be the first victory in a long time that was actually worth something and at the moment, Yugi wanted it more than anything.
Pharaoh Atem pushed one of his pieces forward and Yugi tilted his head. He had given Yugi an easy opportunity to win – too easy. Pharaoh Atem's fingers were clenching his cards, a glint in his eyes as if he expected Yugi to know what to do next.
No matter how much Yugi thought about an ulterior motive on Pharaoh Atem's part, he couldn't come up with one. So why not seize the chance? He reached for the right card but then he froze.
Otogi squeezed his shoulder from behind and all his eagerness was extinguished like a small flame in the wind. Of course Yugi couldn't win. He was still just a whore who was playing against a god – a god who would no doubt think all of Tamiat had offended him if Yugi beat him.
Yugi lost within five turns.
"Congratulations, my Pharaoh," Yugi said and put down the rest of his cards. To his surprise, Pharaoh Atem had twisted his mouth in what Yugi thought was disappointment and confusion.
"Thank you. Well, it's late by now. I shall withdraw into my villa."
Without waiting for Yugi's reply, he stood up and left. People moved out of the way for him, bowing their heads. Yugi felt as if he was shrinking.
Already, others were discussing who would get to play against Yugi next. But Otogi pulled him up and led him away from the crowd. Some tried to argue with Otogi. After all, Yugi hadn't chosen his first customer yet, thus his début wasn't complete! Otogi didn't listen to them and dragged Yugi towards a statue of Horus. Only one torch lightened the corner.
"Dammit! It was going so well! Why must that brat be so fickle?!" Otogi hissed.
"I'm sorry. I acted just like I learned it," Yugi said. "The things he said were so strange. It's as if he knows me or thinks he knows me."
"Probably just some ruse of his that didn't work out."
"Do you think he's angry now…?"
Otogi heaved a deep sigh and laid one arm around Yugi.
"No. He's just huffy. He expected you to win so he could have a reason to make you his after all without having to thank or repay me. You did everything right." He kissed Yugi's temple. "It's been a stressful day. Let's go to bed."
They made their way towards an area where a couple of palanquins were waiting for passengers. Before Yugi got into it, he noticed Kisara walking next to Lord Seto down a path that was lined with hedges.
Once inside, the carriers lifted the palanquin and brought them back to Otogi's villa. Yugi looked outside at the starry sky. So here he was with a successful solo performance but without his first customer. This sure wasn't how he had expected the night of his début to go.
After perfecting the black lines around their eyes, Yugi and Kisara left their room. Downstairs in the entrance hall, Otogi was waiting next to a window. He received them with open arms.
"You look stunning, both of you!" he said. Yugi adjusted his sky blue tunic and the heavy gold collar with lapis lazulis and pearls. Here at the palace even the everyday outfits had to be fancy enough to face a royal any time. Yugi still had to get used to it but Kisara displayed the same elegance as always.
Just after breakfast, they had received a message that Yugi and Kisara would get the tour of the palace together. It had been unexpected but Yugi was relieved that he didn't have to bear Pharaoh Atem's presence without someone who supported him. A servant appeared besides Otogi.
"My lord, a palanquin has arrived for your whores."
"Excellent!" Otogi placed his hands on Yugi and Kisara's backs and guided them outside. "Remember to always be charming. Especially you, Yugi."
"Y-Yes," Yugi whispered.
Outside, the sun shone on the flowery forecourt, a palanquin, and Lord Seto, his arms crossed and an even grumpier expression on his face than last time. It lit up only for a moment when he saw Kisara.
"Ah, there you are. I'll give you the tour."
"It's an honour," Kisara said.
"Forgive me, my lord but where's the Pharaoh?" Otogi asked, stretching his neck but discovering no one else in the palanquin.
"I'm afraid the Pharaoh is busy. He asked me to give the tour I promised to Kisara and your other whore as well. And what can I do but obey?"
Yugi's insides contracted at the news. Otogi was doing his best to suppress the anger in his voice.
"I had assumed-" he began but Lord Seto interrupted him:
"Things are how they are. Please enter the palanquin, Kisara, Yugi."
Yugi and Kisara glanced at Otogi who was now glaring at Lord Seto. Yet, he forced a smile.
"Very well. Enjoy yourselves," he said and Yugi and Kisara got into the palanquin. Yugi gave Otogi an apologetic look before they started moving. Even though it was Pharaoh Atem who had insulted him, Yugi somehow felt like it was his fault.
At first, Lord Seto showed them around the different parts of the residential district. It really was like a small, luxurious town with different neighbourhoods. Every villa had something unique about it, be it the shape of its pillars, the material of its gate, the exotic trees in its forecourt. Lord Seto told them when they had been built, which architect had been in charge, and why they had made certain choices about the houses.
They came close to a red wall, higher and better guarded than any villa. Lord Seto explained that this was where the Pharaoh and his advisers lived. Only those with special permission were allowed to enter this section of the palace. Not even a friendly request from Kisara made Lord Seto consider letting them inside.
He showed them the servant district only from afar on their way to the main complex. The main complex was a large, angular building where all official business took place. The larger stone halls offered cooler temperatures compared to the outside, which had to make the work of the scribes, mathematicians, and ministers a bit easier. The footsteps of the three echoed through the corridors and everyone they passed bowed to Lord Seto.
"Is the Pharaoh in one of those conference rooms?" Yugi asked and pointed at a set of massive double doors. Muffled voice came from behind them, probably discussing a new law or tax.
"Currently not," Lord Seto said.
"But you said he's busy!"
"He is. But the details are of no concern to you."
Yugi clenched his teeth. He was sure that Pharaoh Atem was actually still sleeping or letting himself be entertained by dancers or musicians. What a lazy brat! He couldn't even be bothered to give Yugi the tour he had promised!
Yugi took a deep breath and told himself to calm down. Pharaoh Atem wanted him to get angry. He wanted a reason to use his power on Yugi. But Yugi had to find a way to get closer to him without falling for his sadistic game. For Tamiat.
"And these are the halls of history," Lord Seto said as they passed an archway that had a falcon with outstretched wings on top of it. Here the walls were covered in painted hieroglyphs and so high, ladders were necessary to read the ones at the top. There were so many square pillars Yugi knew they weren't there to support the building's structure but to offer more room for carvings.
The history started with the old kingdom to their left. Lord Seto listed events, names, and explained who the statues they passed depicted. While it was interesting at first, Yugi had to suppress a yawn after a few centuries.
Finally, they reached the wall that showed the end of the last dynasty two-hundred years ago. After the Pharaoh had died with no heir, a war for the crown had ensued and Pharaoh Atem's ancestor had been victorious. Tamiat's loss of independence was listed as one success of many. Not even the name of Otogi's family was mentioned! Anger flared up in Yugi's stomach yet again and he walked past the pillar as quickly as possible.
"Here we have the beginning of the late Pharaoh Akhnamkanon's reign," Lord Seto said and gestured at another pillar. "Here you can read about his accomplishments … and this is a painting of him, the Great Royal Wife, and his son."
Yugi stopped when his gaze fell on the painting. The small figure between his parents had black, spiky hair with red tips and blond bangs.
"He has the same hair as me?" Yugi said, his mouth hanging open.
"Ah, yes. Your hair does look alike. Quite the coincidence," Lord Seto said. "Of course you'll never get to see the Pharaoh's hair. He needs to cover it in public at all times. Only very few people are allowed to see it in private."
"I understand…"
Yugi had trouble taking his eyes off the painting as they walked on.
"And here we have the day the Great Royal Wife died after a long sickness. It was a great loss for Egypt. And for Pharaoh Akhnamkanon and his son in a personal way of course. Prince Atem was only thirteen."
"Thirteen…?" Yugi whispered. When Cyndia had died Yugi had been fifteen. Yugi and Pegasus had watched her become weaker every day, unable to help her. Had Pharaoh Atem and his father gone through the same pain and desperation? Had they also struggled with that aching void after the Great Royal Wife's death? Had Pharaoh Akhnamkanon loved her as much as Pegasus had loved Cyndia?
"Here we have mention of the breakout of the current wars, then Pharaoh Akhnamkanon's death, and here Pharaoh Atem's coronation. We shall see what will be inscribed here," Lord Seto said and placed a palm on a blank wall.
"This was interesting," Kisara said, fastening the shawl around her arms. "If you allow me to ask, what happens when these pillars are full of writings as well?"
"In that case…"
Yugi didn't listen to Lord Seto's reply. He took another look at the portrait of Pharaoh Atem's family. The similarities still puzzled him. And hadn't Pegasus done a similar painting of himself, Cyndia, and Yugi at Asphaleia?
Yugi was still pondering about this as the tour continued. After a few other halls Lord Seto then led them through the gardens and back to the forecourt. By now the sun had travelled past its highest point and people returned to work after their midday break.
Yugi, Kisara, and Lord Seto were about to walk down a stone path to their left when Lady Isis came trotting towards them on a white mare, surrounded by armed riders who had to be her guards. She dismounted and she and Lord Seto approached each other. Yugi and Kisara joined them but left some distance, unsure whether they wanted to talk about something confidential.
"I assume you've just returned from Waset?" Lord Seto asked.
"Indeed. It's a good thing the preparation for the tournament is as good as complete. I'm having trouble concentrating since…"
"Since what?"
Lady Isis played with the ribbons of her cape.
"Well, I received a letter from my brother Malik in the south. Despite the war, he managed to meet with Rishid. He's a childhood friend of ours, almost like a brother. But since he's part of the Nubian royal family, the meeting had to take place in secret." She let her gaze wander. "Rishid knows the Nubian king is mad. He wouldn't stop the war, even if all Nubian and Egyptian soldiers were dead. Ra, he'd sent every slave in his country to battle before he surrenders…"
"Slaves?!" Yugi blurted out. Lord Seto and Lady Isis looked at him as if he had just appeared out of nowhere. "You're friends with someone from a country where slavery is legal?! How can you?!"
In an instant, the blood in Yugi's veins had fired up. But Lady Isis only raised an eyebrow.
"Just being born into a certain country doesn't mean you approve of every of its laws and customs. I can assure you that Rishid is an honourable man whose heart weighs less than Maat's feather."
She walked past him with her chin held high.
"You should consider treating people of higher rank than you with more respect. Especially when they serve the Pharaoh," Lord Seto hissed before continuing the tour. Yugi didn't listen, still tensed up with anger.
He managed to calm down by the time they reached the temple district. Like everything at the palace, it was bigger and more luxurious than Tamiat's version. No god had to be satisfied with a small chapel. Every one of them had a large building dedicated to them with massive statues of them at the entrance. Once more, Lord Seto listed details about the architectural processes as they walked past the temples of Osiris and Sobek.
They reached Hapi's temple the same time a palanquin stopped right in front of its forecourt. The palanquin had eight carriers and was flanked by guards and priests throwing petals. Yugi's pulse quickened. He, Kisara, and Lord Seto knelt down before Pharaoh Atem got out of the palanquin, and a few steps later, his sandalled feet came into Yugi's view.
"Lord Seto, Kisara of Tamiat, Yugi of Tamiat. You may rise."
They obeyed and Yugi found himself across from Pharaoh Atem. He had expected a smirk or a look that dared him to react to him not leading the tour he had promised. But his face was as inexpressive as that of a statue and he stood a bit further away from Yugi than from the others. Yugi wasn't sure how to react to this, so he smiled.
"What an honour to meet you here. Have you decided to join the tour after all?" Yugi asked.
"No," Pharaoh Atem said without looking at him. Even though Pharaoh Atem's tone was neutral, it was as if he threw Yugi's friendliness back into his face. "I'm here to tend to my connection to the god of the flood."
'Something you should do more often, no doubt. Have you even looked at how low the Nile is?!' was the reply Yugi suppressed. No, he had to make use of this chance.
"It's a beautiful temple, I'm sure," Yugi said instead. "I would love to know what it looks like from the inside."
He discreetly nudged Kisara with his elbow. She understood.
"And I'd love to see Osiris' temple. Lord Seto, do you think you could show me?" Kisara asked, fluttering her eyelashes.
"That … is possible," he said. Kisara linked her arm with his and they walked away. Pharaoh Atem furrowed his brows and Yugi wasn't sure if it was in anger or confusion. Yugi was once again seized by cold fear of Pharaoh Atem's sadistic side coming out. But all he did was give a frustrated sigh.
"If the gods want it like this… Fine. I allow you to follow me."
Together they entered and Yugi couldn't help but be impressed by its beauty. He noticed the colour of the floor tiles, paintings, and pillars and guessed what they stood for: blue for the Nile water, black for the fertile land after the flood, and green for all the plants that arose from both. The scents of incense and fresh flowers wafted through the air, making Yugi feel calmer. He only got a glimpse of the different rooms as they walked through the main corridor until they reached the garden.
Following the broad stone path, they passed priests around a hut. They were heating wax, crushing petals in mortars with pestles, and filling vials with different kinds of oil.
"Are they making some sort of medicine?" Yugi asked.
"No, but lotions. Some of them are needed for certain rituals."
Priests were chanting ancient songs from the house they approached. It had to be the temple's place of prayer. They were climbing the short set of stairs to the entrance. But instead of going inside, Pharaoh Atem stopped. A grey cat with black stripes had appeared at his feet and was pressing itself against his calves.
"Meow!" it said and jumped on the stone bannister next to Pharaoh Atem. To Yugi's surprise, Pharaoh Atem petted it and scratched it behind its ears. The cat purred and tilted its head. As cute as it was, Yugi had to turn away. It only reminded him of…
"Excuse me, my Pharaoh? I have a question," Yugi said and put on a friendly expression. "Earlier I saw a depiction of you as the prince and your hair looked similar to mine. Is that correct?"
"Ah, yes," Pharaoh Atem said, his gaze on Yugi but his palm still running over the cat's fur.
"It must be fate then…!" Yugi stepped as close as he could without touching Pharaoh Atem. He twirled a strain of his blond bangs around his finger and whispered in a sultry voice: "Maybe some time we could get together and see how similar it really is…"
Their eyes locked and Yugi expected to get the usual signs of interest from Pharaoh Atem: examining him from head to toe, a grin, a suggestive remark. Pharaoh Atem did glance at his body but then turned his head.
"That's not possible," he said. He might as well have pushed Yugi. Yugi stepped back, playing with his hands.
"I'm sorry if I overstepped my boundaries." Yugi checked the Pharaoh's face for any hints of anger but found none. In any other case Yugi would accept the reaction and move on. But he knew he had to keep going, no matter how sour his words tasted. "You see… Ever since Lord Otogi told me I'd have the honour of becoming a gift for you, I've been looking forward to serving you so much… I'm not quite over your rejection yet… Whatever my mistake was, I wish to make it up to you in any way that I can… Do you think you could give us a second chance…?"
After the last sentence Pharaoh Atem held his breath. He clenched his teeth as if he was fighting with himself.
"Of course," he said, then swallowed. "Would you like to accompany me to the upcoming tournament in Waset?"
This formal gesture wasn't what Yugi had expected but he knew he had to take what he could get.
"It'd be an honour!" Yugi said, beaming.
"I'll see you then. Please leave me alone now. I have duties to attend to."
Before Yugi could bow to him he had already entered the prayer house. Yugi turned around and traced his way back. What would await him at the tournament? Maybe this strange behaviour was Pharaoh Atem's way of testing how far someone was willing to go to get close to him. If so, the road ahead of Yugi was full of humiliation… He shuddered.
Back in the main corridor of the first building, he stopped in front of a wall. Its carvings showed a figure in the nemes headdress – the Pharaoh – on his knees in the Nile. Except for the nemes he was naked and his member was erect. Before him was a woman on all fours but in another corner he saw a similar image with a man the same position for the Pharaoh. Yugi looked around but there was no priest to ask what those pictures and the surrounding hieroglyphs meant. He walked on, eventually leaving Hapi's temple.
Once back at the villa, Otogi sat Yugi and Kisara down in one of the drawing rooms and wanted to know how the tour had gone. Yugi and Kisara told him about all that had happened.
"…at Osiris' temple, Lord Seto and I had an interesting conversation about mathematics. He even offered to have some scrolls delivered here later," Kisara said, excitement in her voice.
"Mathematics…" Otogi raised an eyebrow, confused. "Well, if it works, good for us. I didn't expect any success with a cold person like him. But if we have a chance to influence someone as important as him in favour of Tamiat we should seize it."
"You really had a nice conversation with him? He seems so arrogant," Yugi said, seated beside Kisara and sipping on his cup of water.
"I know. But despite that … when we talk about mathematics … he takes me seriously…" Kisara was playing with her hands. Before anyone could comment on that, she added: "He invited me to accompany him to that tournament in Waset."
"The Pharaoh did that with me as well," Yugi added and sighed. "But I'm not sure if he did it because he wants me or because of formal reasons. He's so hard to read…"
"It's probably just part of his game. He loves to humiliate others. It's in his blood," Otogi said with gritted teeth. "Well, the most important thing is that he invited you. See? I told you you were his type. At that tournament you need to give it your all!"
"I will," Yugi said.
"I have an appointment with one of the royal scribes at the main complex. I'll see you two later," Otogi said, stood up, and left. Yugi took a gulp of water, the cool liquid running down his throat.
Was Pharaoh Atem really just pulling him into his web while Yugi was trying to do the same? If so, should he be afraid of the tournament…? Yugi might find himself humiliated in front of the whole arena soon. His inner contracted at the thought. Yet, he knew he had to do whatever Pharaoh Atem wanted of him. Tamiat depended on it, after all.