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!
Chapter 9
In the coming week, all the nobles delivered their taxes, including Otogi. Yugi sat at Pharaoh Atem's side for two more banquets but no matter how charming Yugi was, Pharaoh Atem didn't make a move on him. Now and then he asked Yugi another strange question but that was all.
Yugi had to hide his frustration and disgust behind smiles and friendly remarks. It was bad enough that had to sleep with Pharaoh Atem. Why did he have to work for an experience he'd forever try to forget?!
Yugi thought about this for the hundredth time on the morning of the tournament. He and the other whores had just donned their last accessories and given their faces a final layer of powder. They were walking downstairs, everyone chatting but Yugi. In the forecourt, Otogi and Mai were waiting near two palanquins. Only a few clouds hung over the azure sky.
Otogi approached Yugi and slipped the teal pouch with gold-coloured ribbons into his hands. Yugi couldn't help but notice the rings under Otogi's eyes. They were even darker than normally.
When they got into the palanquins, Yugi chose the one without Otogi. He had grown more and more annoyed with the situation and tended to snap at people, even for small mistakes. Yugi shared his frustration but at the same time he acted just like he had been taught. If anything, he should be mad at Pharaoh Atem!
The further they travelled into the city of Waset the slower the carriers became due to all the people moving in the same direction. The smells of horses, leather, and spices intensified with each step. In a small gap between the curtains, Yugi saw the harbour. How easy it would be to take the next ship back to Tamiat, its city, its salty ocean breeze, its tower…
They dismounted at Waset's arena, a tall, angular building with wide arches. The plaza before the entrance had to be the most crowded spot Yugi had ever been to. Behind stalls, some sold baked goods and different snacks, others took bets while both nobles and commoners chatted about their favourite contestants. City guards made sure horses and palanquins were delivered to a secluded area without any interference.
Mai linked her arm with Otogi's, Kisara hers with Yugi's, and Kashto had both Neema and Asa at his side. They made their way towards the entrance, past commoners and nobles who whispered and pointed at the whores, mostly at Yugi and Kisara.
"Yes, that pale girl! I can't believe Lord Seto is interested in a whore!" a middle-aged woman said.
"You're just mad because he didn't want to marry your daughter…" another one replied.
Kashto, Asa, and Neema waved or winked at the others, causing some of them to sigh longingly. Yugi would have done the same if he hadn't been busy with ignoring the gossip of the others.
"That's the whore that was offered to the Pharaoh? He rejected that beauty?!"
"I couldn't believe it either! But he is allowed to sit at his side at banquets so he must have some plan with him…"
"I bet! I know I wouldn't let my chance pass with a sexy creature like him… Let's keep an eye on them and when they're both out of sight, well…"
A servant bumped into Otogi and splashed him with the water from the vase he was carrying. The group stopped.
"Oh, I'm sorry, my lord!" the young man said and bowed.
"Use your eyes, idiot!" Otogi snapped.
"Well, it's just water." Mai took a handkerchief from her pouch and dabbed Otogi's soaked tunic. "In a few hours-"
"Shut up, Mai!" Otogi said and turned away.
"Is there a problem?" The unknown voice belonged to a man with wild, blond hair and cold eyes. Yugi recognised him from his début. The man pointed at Otogi's tunic. "Did my servant do that?"
"I'm sorry," the young man with the vase said. "I was just-"
The noble slapped him, causing Yugi to flinch.
"We'll talk about your punishment later. Off with you!" he said. The servant lowered his gaze and obeyed. The noble turned to Otogi. "I'm sorry, Lord … Otogi, yes? It's hard to find servants who are no fools."
Otogi took a deep breath, his anger subsiding.
"Indeed."
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Lord Kek of Abour, not far from Waset. I've wanted to talk to you for some time."
"Well, if it's about my whores-"
"It's not. Even though no one can deny their allure…" Lord Kek glanced at Asa's chest, tightly wrapped up in a white piece of silk. "You see, I manufacture and sell weapons. Since you have to deal with those Atlantean demons, I thought you might be interested in a special offer? I've been helping out the nobles in the south and I'd love to do the same for you."
"And I'm sure you'd love to make money as well," Otogi said but smiled. "I suppose there's no harm and listening to what you have to sell."
"We could meet in my club, the Blue Crocodile. It's here in Waset."
Lord Kek took a wooden coin from the pouch around his hips and handed it to Otogi. On one side it had a blue crocodile, on the other a small map with a cross.
"Sounds good." Otogi let it slip into his pocket. "I've heard of that club but never visited. It seems to be quite popular."
"It is. It was even more so a few years ago when the Pharaoh visited it regularly. Well, he was the prince back then."
"Oh, really?" Otogi asked with a grim expression.
"Oh yes. Atem and I used to be good friends and my club was perfect for having fun. You know, the kind his father disapproved of because he was so narrow-minded."
A cold grin flitted over Lord Kek's face. Yugi had no doubt it was the result of sadistic memories.
"He probably doesn't value your friendship."
"Probably!" Lord Kek turned to Yugi. Yugi let go of Kisara's arm and stepped back but Lord Kek had already approached him and cupped his cheek. Yugi felt cold, not only because of Lord Kek's shadow engulfing him. "You know, back then Atem would have made good use of your whore. Pretty boys were his favourite. He loved hearing them beg for mercy and seeing how weak and broken they were after he was done with them."
Yugi's inner contracted. Luckily, Lord Kek let go of Yugi when the sound of trumpets echoed over the plaza.
"Make way for the king of upper and lower Egypt, son of Ra, living image of Amun, divine of body and soul: Pharaoh Atem…!"
People cheered as a group of open palanquins moved towards the arena. Pharaoh Atem sat in the one in the very front, two more with Lord Seto and Lady Isis were right behind him. The group was surrounded by royal guards. In front of them were priests, throwing petals, chanting songs, and swinging censers that spread steam and the scent of pomegranates. Pharaoh Atem had the crook and flail crossed in front of his chest, the nemes headdress covering his head as usual.
"I'll see you later, my lord. And your whores as well," Lord Kek said and glanced at Asa before walking away. Otogi turned to the others.
"Neema, Kashto, Asa, you come with me. Mai, Kisara, Yugi, you join the Pharaoh and his advisers as planned. And Yugi…" he said and Yugi flinched. "Do your best."
"O-Of course."
They entered the arena and split up. Yugi, Mai, and Kisara made their way through a couple of stone corridors and past guards who asked them to give their names and titles before letting them through. After a bit of waiting, they entered the Pharaoh's box. It had a soft carpet and an awning that protected them from the sun. Pharaoh Atem sat on a throne, Lady Isis and Lord Seto not far from him. Each of them had an empty seat besides them. Yugi bowed to Pharaoh Atem, as did Kisara with Lord Seto and Mai with Lady Isis.
"Welcome, Yugi of Tamiat. You may sit down," Pharaoh Atem said and Yugi took his seat on the padded chair next to him. From here he had an excellent view on the field below them. White markings had been drawn on the ground and spears, swords, and targets stood in different corners. Half of the seats were already taken. To the box's left and right were secluded areas for nobles with cushions and servants bringing snacks and drinks.
Yugi's body tensed up at the thought of what Pharaoh Atem had done to those he had somehow lured into his bed. How many people had those hands on the armrests slapped, tied up, and throttled just for his arousal? Yugi forced himself to push these thoughts aside. He had a mission – for Tamiat.
"I'm excited. I've never seen a tournament before," Yugi said and smiled at Pharaoh Atem.
"You haven't?" Pharaoh Atem said, one eyebrow raised as if he suspected Yugi of lying to him. Yugi didn't let his friendly expression waver.
"How did your prayer ceremony at Hapi's temple go?"
"It went well."
Pharaoh Atem took a cup of wine from the small table to his left and sipped on it. Yugi would have loved to shake him for his short answers and strange questions. But he knew he had to remain charming. Yugi leaned forward as far as he could without touching Pharaoh Atem. It felt a little like setting foot into the den of a lion.
"I have a question, your holiness. You know, at a wall at Hapi's temple I saw certain carvings that showed the Pharaoh with another person the Nile, both naked…"
"Ah. Those carvings."
"Yes. And to be honest…" Yugi lowered his voice. "It's a little embarrassing but… Ever since I saw them I couldn't stop thinking about what it'd be like to be that other person… Maybe you could show me…?"
Pharaoh Atem's eyes widened. If only Yugi were allowed to touch him! He was sure it needed only a kiss or a hand on Pharaoh Atem's knee to make him give in to Yugi. But all he could do was flutter his lids and breathe a little more deeply as if the thought of those carvings actually aroused him.
Pharaoh Atem took a gulp of wine, not looking at Yugi.
"I'm afraid not."
Yugi had to swallow his disgust, clenching the teal pouch in his lap. Why did Pharaoh Atem have to humiliate Yugi by turning him down when he was clearly interested?! The gods curse his sick fetishes!
"I heard we already made over two thousand gold pieces from the bets," Lord Seto said.
"Indeed! And it's getting more and more." Lady Isis smiled. "I hope the nobles are feeling generous. The south needs all the help it can get."
Her words aggravated Yugi even more. Apparently no one even considered the north! Another reason for Tamiat to become independent…
Trumpets played and everyone turned towards the field below them. A bald man with a golden nose ring stepped on a small stage in the middle and rolled out a scroll. He welcomed everyone to this year's tournament, listed all the different disciplines, and mentioned a few candidates who were the audience's favourites. He then withdrew and the tournament began.
The first sport was running, followed by wrestling and weightlifting. The contestants gave it their all. Some even injured themselves and had to be carried off the field. Apart from the occasional brutality – and the referees stopped the match as soon as it went too far – Yugi found himself well-entertained. He held his breath when it was close and clapped for the victors. The contestants had obviously trained hard and when they won they jumped in the air and cheered.
Pharaoh Atem watched as well but never reacted as emotionally as the crowd did. In-between the different disciplines dancers and musicians performed. Servants brought grapes, figs, even bowls of a spicy stew and fresh bread around midday when there was a longer break. Yugi suggested a match of Abtu Sheta to pass the time until the show continued. Pharaoh Atem agreed but lost interest in the game quickly and preferred to talk to Lord Seto and Lady Isis – in spite of Yugi losing to him just like he had learned it.
What frustrated Yugi even more was that Kisara and Mai got along well with the people they accompanied. Kisara and Lord Seto were having discussions about mathematics while Mai managed to crack Lady Isis' distant attitude by making her laugh several times. The only thing stronger than Yugi's anger with Pharaoh Atem was his fear of him. After all, it might be part of his sadistic plan to anger and confuse Yugi until he did something worth punishing. But Yugi knew that he had to be the one to seduce Pharaoh Atem instead of walking into his trap like many had done before.
The sun had passed its highest point by the time the tournament continued. After a few more disciplines, came the only one that truly fascinated Pharaoh Atem: archery. He leaned forward and observed every contestant carefully. He clapped for the winner – a young woman with short, black hair – with a smile.
"Do you enjoy archery?" Yugi asked.
"I do. I'm an archer myself."
"I'm sure you could win the contest easily then," Yugi said but Pharaoh Atem only furrowed his brows at him.
"I'm good enough to hunt."
"Watching you must be so fascinating," Yugi said in a sultry voice. "Does it exert you a lot? Are you sweaty afterwards? I know I am after a dance lesson…"
Yugi leaned back and pretended to wipe his forehead. This way Pharaoh Atem had a good view on his body and could picture his clothes drenched in sweat and sticking to his skin. Yugi knew Pharaoh Atem was thinking about just that as his eyes ran over Yugi's legs, hips, and chest. He was almost staring and Yugi both feared and hoped for him to pull Yugi into a private room to pleasure him immediately. But Pharaoh Atem swallowed, then directed his attention back to the field.
"You're free to join the hunt as an observer if you wish," he said. By Sekhmet's razor-sharp fangs! His tone hadn't even been seductive! He might as well have invited Yugi to a conference! Nevertheless, Yugi forced himself to remain friendly.
"Thank you. I think I will."
Yugi looked to his right. Below them, in the area for nobles, Otogi was talking and laughing with Lord Kek. Would Otogi consider this a success? It was no private invitation after all…
In the late afternoon the heat of the day was starting to subside. The trumpets played again and the man with the golden nose ring announced the last discipline: sword fighting.
It was the most interesting but also the most brutal sport. Yugi averted his gaze almost every time there was blood but a few others, like Lord Kek, laughed and encouraged the fighters to go further. Pharaoh Atem didn't even flinch but Yugi detected no joy in his face either.
One contestant after another dropped out. The finale was between two men. One was a young fisherman with dark blue, spiky hair, named Kajiki. The other was at least ten years older, wore a bandana over his blond curls, and competed under the pseudonym "Bandit".
The audience cheered at both while others made their last bets. The announcer reminded everyone once more of the prize, consisting out of both money and food. Both fighters got into the ring and the duel began.
It was a tough match and both gave it their all as their blades clashed over and over. People gasped every time they made their opponent stumble or even fall. Bandit's style was more brutal and upfront and Kajiki had trouble countering his strength. Yet, Kajiki had the better technique and he managed to perform a move that sent Bandit's sword flying out of the ring.
"Bandit has lost his weapon and can no longer continue the match! Kajiki is the winner!" the announcer called and the crowd erupted with applause. Kajiki jumped in joy, beaming. Yugi clapped for him as well since he had hoped Kajiki would win.
Bandit was punching the ground, cursing. He pulled a dagger from the pouch around his hips and – before anyone could react – ran towards Kajiki, ramming the blade into his arm. Kajiki screamed, as did many audience members. Guards ran towards them and apprehended Bandit but Kajiki was already bleeding.
People booed Bandit and Yugi was about to do the same. But Pharaoh Atem rose from his throne and stepped towards the stone bannister. The crowd's noises subsided until they were silent, their eyes on Pharaoh Atem. The guards brought bandit before him and made him kneel.
"Bandit of Waset, explain yourself," Pharaoh Atem said. Bandit looked up at him and shrugged.
"I just hate to lose."
"If that's all there is to your behaviour, you deserve no mercy. Bandit of Waset, you have brought shame upon your soul, your family, and this tournament. You have proven to have no honour as a warrior and I know the gods will punish you for it in the next life. As for this one, you shall receive one hundred blows with a stick and go to prison for a whole season. Furthermore, you are banned from any other tournament in Waset. Guards, out of my sight with him."
The guards obeyed and dragged Bandit away. The crowd kept booing him but at the same time they cheered on Pharaoh Atem for the punishment. To Yugi's own surprise, he agreed with Pharaoh Atem. Bandit deserved what he'd get.
The announcer cleared his throat.
"Very well! The Pharaoh's judgement shall be a warning to everyone who thinks this kind of action is anything but abhorrent! The doctors will take care of Kajiki's wound and then the prizes shall be awarded by the Pharaoh himself!"
Pharaoh Atem turned around.
"Will you assist me with rewarding the winners, Yugi of Tamiat?"
"Of course, my Pharaoh."
They made their way down onto the field, along with Lord Seto, Lady Isis, and servants who carried a couple of flat, wooden cases. Again, some pointed at Yugi and gossiped. He stood next to Pharaoh Atem as one winner after another stepped forward. First they received a lush basket of food, even though that was more of a symbolic gesture since they'd get a much bigger delivery every month for two seasons.
Then a servant opened one of the cases, revealing a collar made of gold. Pharaoh Atem blessed it by touching it and saying a few words before Yugi took it and placed it around the winner's neck. The victors bowed deeply to Pharaoh Atem, often sweaty and shaky. Yugi couldn't blame them. Who knew if Pharaoh Atem's mood would change from one moment to another and he decided to have all the winners whipped?
"…and now, the victor of the final sword fighting duel: Kajiki…!" the announcer called and the crowd cheered for him the loudest. Kajiki stepped forward, his right arm in a sling, and received his basket and collar.
"Kajiki of Waset, congratulations on your strength and skill," Pharaoh Atem said. Kajiki grinned.
"Thank you so much, my Pharaoh. I know my father will be proud once he comes back from the war in the south."
"If I remember correctly, the announcer said you're a fisherman? How will you earn money now that you're injured?"
"I don't know… But I won enough food so I'll be fine."
"The winners are supposed to leave with more than they had before the tournament. Kajiki of Waset, I shall bestow upon you an extra prize of one hundred gold pieces."
Kajiki's jaw dropped and so did Yugi's. One hundred gold pieces may be only a small amount for a Pharaoh but to commoners it was a fortune!
"I… I don't know what to say! Thank you, my Pharaoh! I can't thank you enough!" Kajiki said and bowed. Yugi stared at Pharaoh Atem whose face hadn't shown any expression during the conversation. Was it just a ploy that was supposed to improve his reputation?
"Let me through! Please! I have a message…!"
An armoured man stood at the entrance to the field, out of breath and covered in sand and dust. Guards were holding his arms but eventually they let him through. He knelt in front of Pharaoh Atem and even from a few steps away Yugi noticed that he smelled of sweat and dirt.
"My Pharaoh, forgive me! I have urgent news!"
He rose and handed him a scroll. Pharaoh Atem broke the seal, unrolled it, and read.
"What?!" was Pharaoh Atem's reaction. Lord Seto, Lady Isis, and a few others assembled around them, pushing Yugi out of earshot. They were all mumbling, their eyes wide as each of them read the scroll. Finally, they handed it back to the messenger. He turned to the audience and read:
"I have come from the south with a most important message for Pharaoh Atem and all of his subjects: Nubia has overthrown their king and chosen a new one! He has surrendered to Egypt! The war is over!"
For a moment, Yugi forgot how to breathe. The crowd also paused before one person after another started cheering. Lady Isis covered her mouth with her hands, tears sparkling in the corners of her eyes. The messenger added:
"The new king of Nubia hereby invites Pharaoh Atem of Egypt to the southern border for peace negotiations! He vows to treat him and those in his service with honour and respect! The bloodshed between Egypt and Nubia shall come to an end once and for all!"
Pharaoh Atem stepped beside the messenger, his posture erect, his face again like that of a statue.
"I hereby accept the king's invitation and shall travel to the southern border as soon as possible, alongside only a few select of my most loyal advisers and servants! I too want nothing more than to end the senseless misery this war has brought upon the south and I shall seize this chance to make it so! The gods bless this joyous day, a day of peace!"
The crowd applauded, some cried in joy, others hugged those near them. A wave of relief and happiness swept through the arena, which also hit Yugi. Kajiki was wrapping his arms around every of the other victors.
"I'll see my father again! He's coming home!" he called. Yugi smiled – at least until he heard what people around him were saying.
"Congratulations, my Pharaoh! You brought peace back to Egypt!"
"At last, we're no longer at war!"
"It's finally over! Peace has returned to the country!"
Yugi clenched his fists. What were they talking about?! Egypt was still at war! Atlanteans were slaughtering Egyptians as they spoke! How dare they ignore the north's suffering?!
Yugi would have loved to yell at the group that had gathered around Pharaoh Atem, showering him in praise he didn't deserve. Instead, Yugi left the field and stomped through the cold corridors until he found a lonely corner. The blood in his veins was boiling with anger.
"Yugi!" a voice snapped. Yugi turned around and saw Otogi come towards him. "What are you doing?! You can't just walk away from the Pharaoh! You're supposed to seduce him!"
"They don't even care about the north!" Yugi blurted out. "I'm fed up with their ignorance! They wouldn't even notice if Tamiat just declared ind-"
Otogi grabbed his arm and pressed a palm against his mouth.
"Will you be quiet! You don't know who's listening!"
"Lord Otogi," a voice said and both flinched. Lord Seto was approaching them, his cool expression unaffected by the news.
"What can I do for you?" Otogi said, forcing himself to sound friendly.
"About the message we just heard, there's a practical matter. Before the Pharaoh leaves for the south we will arrange a feast, a feast of peace if you will. Concerning the entertainment, do you think your whores could provide a show?"
"You think about that already?"
"Someone needs to remain rational amidst all these emotions." Lord Seto crossed his arms. "Your whores are excellent entertainers and since it'll be months before the Pharaoh returns, this needs to be special. Are you available?"
"Of course. My whores will prepare something."
"Good. We'll work out the details soon."
Lord Seto turned around and disappeared into another corridor. Once the echo of his steps had faded away, Otogi turned to Yugi.
"They'll be gone for months! Months!" He lowered his voice. "He said only a few select ones will be allowed to follow him and that won't include us! By the time they come back, Atlantis will be a lot closer to invading Tamiat with bombs…!"
"This means…"
Otogi pulled him closer and Yugi could feel his breath on his face.
"It means you have no time to waste! You need to sleep with him at least once before he leaves! I need a chance to talk to him in private, and if it's just about the bill for your services! You hear?!"
Yugi chewed on his bottom lip.
"Yes but… Maybe I'm not the right one for the job? Maybe someone with more experience-"
"Nonsense! None of my whores fit his tastes more than you! You just haven't tried hard enough!" Otogi said, sending a sting through Yugi's chest. He almost would have objected but he reminded himself that Otogi always knew what was best. He let go of Yugi and stroked his chin. "Perhaps we need more information… We'll need to talk to a friend of mine. Very soon."
Yugi exited the room, leaving Kisara to her scrolls about mathematics. Like promised, Lord Seto had them delivered a few days ago and Kisara was absorbed by them since. Yugi wished that he too could have something that made him forget the real world, at least for a little while.
He made his way downstairs, into the garden, and towards a pavilion among a couple of bushes with blue blossoms. Otogi was hugging a woman with long, silvery hair with a purplish tint. She was thin, beautiful, and had light skin. Her similarities with Kisara astonished Yugi.
"So good to see you again," Otogi said and turned to Yugi. "Yugi, this is Miho, a former whore of mine."
"And this is your new star? He's even more beautiful up close," Miho said and eyed Yugi.
"Uhm, thank you. You're a former whore? Then what do you do now?" Yugi asked.
"Oh, I'm still a whore. Back in Tamiat, a rich noble agreed to buy me out of my contract with Otogi. Since then, I'm his personal whore. It's a good life, even though I miss Tamiat from time to time…"
She gave a longing sigh. Otogi gestured at the table and chairs inside the pavilion.
"Let's sit down," he said and they did just that. Miho adjusted the diamond collar around her neck, which was no doubt a gift from her personal patron.
"Well, Otogi. I assume you want to talk to me about more than just the good old times?" Miho said with a smile. Even though it was an innocent one, Yugi felt that beneath that attitude was a calculating woman.
"I'm afraid so. It's about the Pharaoh." Otogi leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "I'm trying to get on his good side, which is why I want Yugi to seduce him. But he's not getting anywhere and we're running out of time. Your letter from over a month ago was very helpful but maybe you could give Yugi advice on the matter."
Miho placed a hand on Yugi's cheek to make him look at her. Her skin was soft but her perfume was pungently sweet.
"You're definitely his type, Yugi. I wouldn't be surprised if he thinks about you at night," Miho said and winked. Her words made Yugi feel sick. "My guess is that he does want you but he's waiting to see how far you'll go for his attention. Since so many are willing to crawl into his bed he can choose those who are willing to do anything for him. He loves that game and he loved it even more when he was the prince."
"So he's different since his coronation?" Yugi asked.
"Not different, just more subtle. He's like that since the whole incident with the Nubian royal family to be exact. His father was furious and became really strict with him. We all thought he'd be back to his old self after taking the crown but no. Maybe he figured that he can get more fun out of his partners this way."
"So Yugi needs to show he's willing to do anything for him?" Otogi asked.
"Yes. Seeing others humiliated did turn him on… I mean, he never forced anyone but seeing what some people were willing to do…"
Miho shuddered.
"What did he demand…?" Yugi whispered.
"I was at the Blue Crocodile a few times back then, Lord Kek's club. He and the prince were good friends and both enjoyed humiliating people. They had that game where people could come up to the stage and had to do whatever the audience wanted. They had to answer really private questions, take off their clothes, have eggs and dirt thrown at them… Everyone knew that the prince was only interested in those who held out the longest. Some went on that stage just for the influence that came from being with the prince, others hoped he'd do them certain favours. He rarely did but just often enough so people got their hopes up and were willing to enter that stage."
Yugi swallowed his disgust. Otogi was twirling a strand of black hair around his finger.
"So if Yugi is humiliated in public for him, it will pique his interests, yes?"
"I'm afraid so," Miho said and glanced at Yugi with pity.
She and Otogi talked a little longer about Miho's new life and what had changed in Tamiat since she had left. Yugi didn't say anything and just watched a couple of birds hopping from one tree branch to another. After some cups of wine and a few rolls of bread Miho left to accompany her patron to a play in Waset.
Yugi and Otogi sat across from each other in silence.
"He's a sick bastard," Yugi hissed.
"I know. But that doesn't matter if we want to save Tamiat."
Yugi was unable to look at Otogi.
"Please don't make me humiliate myself."
"Yugi, what needs to be d-"
"Please!" Yugi said and reached for Otogi's hand. Otogi sighed, stood up, circled the table, and placed his hands on Yugi's shoulders.
"Fine. For now we will join the next hunt as observers like he suggested. You need a moment alone with him when you make clear that you'd do anything for a night with him. Whatever his answer is, you'll do it. If you can't succeed then, humiliating you is the only way. Understood?" Otogi said but Yugi's inner contracted at the thought. Otogi squeezed his shoulders. "Understood?"
"Y-Yes…"
Why couldn't Pharaoh Atem just get on top of him and be done with it?! Otogi sighed and hugged Yugi from behind.
"Yugi, I don't want to do this to you. It's all his fault. Remember, whatever happens, once all this is done it'll be just me, you, and Tamiat."
"I will remember it," Yugi said with a cracking voice. Hopefully the thought would help once he was at Pharaoh Atem's mercy.