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. I'm afraid I don't have a lot to say in these segments but know that I'm grateful to everyone of you who reads, favs, reviews etc.! (Oh and... Sorry, Yugi.)

Sincerely,

Pancake

Chapter 11

Six guards formed a circle around Yugi and Otogi. They walked out of the main complex and towards one of the palanquins and its carriers. Without a word, Yugi and Otogi entered it and it began to move a moment later. Yugi's mouth was dry.

"Otogi," he whispered. "What should I do if he wants me to…?"

Otogi glared at him.

"Go down on all fours and do what I taught you."

His voice was trembling with anger and anxiety. Yugi looked down at his thighs. Should he resist and save at least a part of his dignity? Or was it better to just let it happen so it'd be over quickly? Considering that he could barely breathe in fear, it'd probably be the latter.

Through the thin curtains Yugi saw the outlines of the red walls that enclosed the royal district. The villas here were even bigger and more luxurious.

He didn't know if it took only a heartbeat or an eternity until the palanquin stopped. A guard pulled the curtains aside and Yugi and Otogi got out. Yugi found himself in a large forecourt, on a broad stone path that was lined with huge sphinx statues. Except for the main complex and Waset's arena, Yugi had never seen a larger building than this.

It had three storeys and several balconies. All the other houses were made out of sandstone but Pharaoh Atem's villa was purely white. Even in the light of the moon Yugi saw that it made the all paintings look even more vibrant than on other walls.

The inside was lit by fire plates, casting scary shadows through the corridors. Everything felt dangerous. Would the tall pillars crush him? Would the fur rugs of cheetahs and lions come to life and eat him? Would he be squished between the massive double doors?

The guards lead them into a small hall with a throne and withdrew. On the wall behind the throne, a giant falcon was painted and from Yugi's perspective it seemed as if the wings were sprouting from the backrest. On each side stood a small table with bowls that were steaming gently and spreading the scent of pomegranates.

Yugi didn't know how long they waited, as motionless as the statues in the corners of the room. He flinched when he heard steps. Another door opened and Pharaoh Atem entered, approaching the throne. Lord Seto and two scribes with scrolls and wooden boards were right behind him. Yugi and Otogi knelt on the floor, pressing their foreheads against the cold marble tiles.

"You may rise," Pharaoh Atem said and Yugi and Otogi obeyed. Pharaoh Atem had taken his seat, his hands on the lion-shaped armrests. Lord Seto sat on a chair not far from him. The scribes had crossed their legs on raffia mats, placed empty scrolls on their wooden boards, and dipped their reed pens into ink pots.

"My Pharaoh, I can't say how sorry I am!" Otogi began immediately. "Yugi is such a silly thing! Really, I shouldn't even have let him become a high-class whore with a mind as small as a pea! He's just frustrated because he couldn't get you into bed! Everything…"

Pharaoh Atem raised a hand.

"What do you have to say for yourself, Yugi of Tamiat?"

Yugi's heart thudded against his chest at Pharaoh Atem's sharp voice. Otogi nudged him with his elbow.

"I… I didn't mean any of what I said," he croaked.

"Then why did you say it?" Pharaoh Atem asked but Yugi had no answer. "Why would you claim that the people of the north do not adore their Pharaoh? How would you know?"

"I don't. I made it up."

"How is your relation to the people of Tamiat then?"

"Not existent! He just sits in my mansion all day and…" Otogi said but stopped after a cool look from Pharaoh Atem.

"Are they your friends, Yugi of Tamiat?"

"S-Some."

"How often do you see them?"

Yugi hesitated, confused by the questions.

"A-At least once a week. Me and my friends, we go to the villages surrounding the city and bring them food."

"Then what do they say about me?"

"Nothing!" Yugi said, scared he could get his friends in trouble. Pharaoh Atem raised an eyebrow.

"So they don't even know I exist?"

"O-Of course they know you! They adore you!"

"Then who are they blaming for the low Nile? Or the fact that the crown is sending all its forces to the south and none to the north?"

"No one!"

"Really? You expect me to believe that there are people who don't blame anyone for the bad things around them?" Pharaoh Atem said. Yugi had no idea how to reply. "I don't believe you, Yugi of Tamiat. I think there are things going on in the north that I should be aware of."

"No! Never, my Pharaoh!" Otogi said.

"I don't believe you either, Lord Otogi. It seems I have to suspect treasonous actions from Tamiat. Maybe even a rebellion."

"That's completely-"

"Silence," Pharaoh Atem said. "Lord Otogi, you're hereby under house arrest, as are your whores and servants. I will have you observed and questioned. I shall also send a group of investigators to Tamiat for further inquiry."

Yugi gasped.

"No, you-" he began but Otogi grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.

"M-My Pharaoh, as wise as your words are I'll need to return to Tamiat. I need to take care of-"

"In case your whores prove unaware of any rebellious activity they may travel back to the north with written instructions from you, only once they've been checked of course. For as long as the investigation lasts you will stay here, under the watch of the royal guards."

Yugi held his breath. If the whores were free to leave, did that mean…?

"About you, Yugi of Tamiat," Pharaoh Atem said and Yugi's inner turned to ice. "You will accompany me to the south as my personal whore. On the day of your début Lord Otogi was ready to give you to me. Back then I refused but I've changed my mind. I accept your gift after all."

It was as if invisible ropes wrapped around Yugi and pressed the air out of his lungs. He gave Otogi a helpless look. Otogi paused but then he said:

"As you wish, my Pharaoh."

Yugi grabbed his arm, panicking.

"No, please, don't let him, please…!"

"If the Pharaoh can forgive me that way, I'll gladly let him have anything I own."

Yugi believed to faint. He turned to Pharaoh Atem, wondering what was colder: his heart or his ruby-like eyes?

"Will you ever let me go home?"

"That depends," Pharaoh Atem said. Did that mean he'd let Yugi go if he allowed Pharaoh Atem to have his sick ways with him? Or was it only an empty promise to keep him obedient? "I allow you to stay with Lord Otogi until the day of departure. From then on you'll be mine, meaning you'll be under my command and my protection. You may leave now."

Yugi followed Otogi back to the palanquin but it was as if someone else was in control of his limbs. By disobeying Otogi, Yugi had once more harmed the north. What if they found out about Otogi's plan to make Tamiat independent? Or his meetings with Dartz? Or what the commoners really thought about Pharaoh Atem?

Not to mention that Yugi himself would be at Pharaoh Atem's mercy as soon as the journey to the south began. He'd never again see his home or his friends. Everything he loved would become a distant memory. His reality would only consist out of humiliation, rape, and torture.

At Otogi's villa, guards were already being positioned everywhere. Yugi and Otogi left the palanquin, walked inside, and Otogi closed the wooden door behind them. Yugi stared at the floor mosaic, which looked like a pond with fishes. Steps sounded from another room and Mai, Kisara, Kashto, Asa, and Neema rushed towards them.

"What did the Pharaoh say?"

"Why are there guards outside?"

"What's happening to us?"

"We're under investigation," Otogi said, guilt punching Yugi in the gut. "He suspects a rebellion. And he made Yugi his and wants to take him to the south."

Their eyes widened, paralysed for a moment. Kisara placed a hand on Yugi's back but he barely felt it.

"Are you all…"

Otogi grabbed Yugi's arm and pulled him with him. Yugi stumbled a few times as they hurried into Otogi's bed chamber. Otogi slammed the door shut and pushed Yugi against it. It was dark but Yugi could still make out Otogi's eyes, gleaming with anger. Yugi's regret was replaced by fear.

"How dare you?!" Otogi hissed, his fingers digging into Yugi's skin. "How dare you make me beg him for forgiveness?!"

"I just-"

Otogi slapped him with the back of his hand, bringing back the burning sensation from earlier.

"I told you a hundred times that you're too stupid to do anything I didn't command you to do. And the next thing you do is force me to beg that maggot for forgiveness. The one who's responsible for… You made me beg."

Otogi's voice was quiet but as dangerous as the hiss of a snake. Once more, panic gripped Yugi's throat.

"I'm sorry…!"

"You will be."

He pulled Yugi towards the bed and shoved him onto it. Yugi's tunic slid over his shoulder as he landed on the embroidered pillows and covers, all in different shades of green. Otogi knelt between Yugi's legs, then pinned his wrists to the mattress.

As Yugi stared at Otogi's eyes something changed about his wrath. It was now mixed with arousal but not the kind Yugi knew. It wasn't about pleasure or ecstasy. This was about punishment.

Otogi pressed his lips against Yugi's. His kisses turned into bites that ran over Yugi's neck and shoulders. Yugi moaned in pain, feeling as if he was being devoured by a predator.

"Otogi! No…! You're hurting me…!"

Yugi twisted his wrists and somehow freed his hands. He tried to push Otogi off him but Otogi slapped him again. Otogi made him turn around so Yugi lay on his stomach, then began to rip Yugi's tunic apart. All the while all Yugi could do was lie there, drowning in dread and soon agony.

Yugi was still lying on his stomach when Otogi was done with him. His whole body hurt but the most excruciating pain came from his inner. He couldn't move. He could only lie there, one side of his face pressed against the pillows. Broken.

Otogi was sitting on a chair in a corner. He was playing with a few dice but dropped them over and over. Except for the chirping of some crickets outside, it was quiet.

"You really don't need to make such a big deal out of this," Otogi said, his voice shaky. "We've done this a hundred times before!"

To Yugi, this had been nothing like the sex he enjoyed so much. It had been only pain and humiliation.

"Don't look at me like that!" Otogi jumped up, his dice falling on the carpet below him. Yugi had no idea what he meant. "Listen, this was different! You deserved it! I'm not like my father! You hear?! I'm not!"

Yugi didn't react. But Otogi's desperate expression and the tears in the corners of his eyes confused him. Otogi paced back and forth, burying his face in his hands until he grabbed a falcon statuette from a chest of drawers and threw it at his vanity. The mirror shattered and combs, jewellery, and brushes scattered over the floor. Yugi winced.

"OUT WITH YOU! OUT!" Otogi yelled. Despite the pain, Yugi forced himself to stand up, pressing the leftovers of his torn tunic against his chest. His backside was naked.

He staggered towards the door, avoiding the shards on the floor and almost stepping on the wristbands Otogi hated so much. He closed the door behind himself and shortly after, Otogi smashed more things. It should have scared Yugi but he was still numb.

Every step ached but he somehow made his way through the dark corridors, into his and Kisara's room. Kisara jumped up from her bed when Yugi entered. It took only the weak light of the oil lamp on her bedside table for Yugi to see that the room was more orderly than before. Kisara must have tidied up in the meantime. It was something she tended to do when she was nervous.

"Yugi, I… What happened?"

Without answering, Yugi limped towards his bed and carefully laid down on his side. His breathing became more shallow and soon he was crying, leaving dark spots on the sheets. Only now Yugi comprehended what Otogi had done to him and the realisation was like a dagger in his chest.

How could this be the same man who had been so gentle and patient with him in their first night back in Asphaleia? The one whose kisses could be sweeter than deep red strawberries, who had always managed to lighten the mood with a joke, who had whispered so many charming and seductive words in his ear. His betrayal had been brutal, inflicting hot pain on his body and cold pain on his soul.

Kisara sat down next to him, pulled the cover up to his hips, and hugged him from behind. The strands of her silvery blond hair, brushing his face, smelled of jasmine blossoms. She sang a lullaby while Yugi sobbed and sobbed, sure the pain, both emotionally and physically, was suffocating him.

Somehow, this whole day had ended even worse than he had expected. Ra, why hadn't he at least learned from the bridge incident over a year ago? Once again, he had harmed the north and once again, it could have been avoided if he had just obeyed Otogi and not acted out of line.

Maybe he deserved whatever Pharaoh Atem would do to him. Still, the thought of Pharaoh Atem forcing himself on Yugi scared him even more than Dartz had back in Asphaleia's library. He wouldn't just use Yugi for his pleasure. He'd take revenge on him.

"I… I don't want this…! I'll be a … a slave to him! That's what Master Pegasus and Mistress Cyndia protected me from all these years…! And now…" Yugi pressed a yellow pillow against his forehead. He now understood the last choice his mother had made in a new way. "I don't want to go to the south…!"

He didn't dare to feel safe in Kisara's warm arms. She wouldn't be there whenever Pharaoh Atem wanted to humiliate him. He wouldn't even have the hope of returning to Tamiat one day. The promise he had made to himself on the day of departure… He'd have to break it…

"Maybe I can come with you," Kisara said. "I'll ask Lord Seto if he wants me to accompany him. I know I won't be able to save you… But at least you won't be alone."

Yugi slowly turned his head towards her.

"You'd do that…?" he asked. He would have hugged her if he had been able to.

"Of course I would."

She removed a blond curl from his face. Yugi knew he should have told her no. Who knew if Pharaoh Atem would end up using her as well? But, broken and hopeless, Yugi couldn't reject the only offer for help he had.

"Thank you so much, Kisara. I'll never forget that," he whispered.

They weren't allowed to leave the villa over the next three days and no one was allowed to visit. Everyone was questioned but no one knew anything about a rebellion. The guards were positioned both outside and inside. They eavesdropped on every conversation, especially if it was whispered.

Kisara sent a message to Lord Seto and he agreed on letting her accompany him as his personal whore. Otogi also gave his permission. Other than that, he stayed in his chambers and didn't talk to anyone except for those who questioned him. Yugi avoided even going near his rooms.

Only on the day of departure Yugi saw him again. His black hair was in a messy ponytail and his make-up barely concealed the dark rings under his eyes. Yugi too had used make-up to hide his reddened cheek and the bite wounds on his neck and shoulders. The physical wounds may have started healing but Yugi knew that even once his body had recovered, his trust to Otogi wouldn't be restored. Would it ever?

They kept their distances and didn't exchange a single word on their way to Waset's harbour. Mai, Kisara, Neema, Kashto, and Asa didn't talk much either. It was a stark contrast to the lively harbour where people were chatting, carrying sacks and boxes, and saying their goodbyes. Normally the splashing of the waves, the sunlight reflecting on the water, the slap of fish being poured out of a net would have calmed Yugi because these sensations reminded him of Tamiat. Today he was indifferent to all of it.

Surrounded by royal guards, Yugi and the others made their way towards a ship with a red main sail that would bring Mai, Kashto, Asa, and Neema back to Tamiat. Them and the people who would investigate Tamiat for any suspicious behaviour. Royal guards were already patrolling the deck.

"Well then…" Mai said as they stood on the jetty. She wrapped her arms around Yugi. "You and Kisara take good care of each other. You hear, darling?"

"Y-Yes," Yugi whispered. She heaved a deep sigh.

"I don't like having to leave alone any of you. What kind of madam am I when I don't take care of my whores?" She cupped his cheeks. "I'll make sure to tell Jou and the others everything. Jou will probably want to march on Waset by himself but I'll keep him from it."

A small grin appeared on Yugi's face. He and Kisara exchanged hugs with everyone. Only Otogi rejected both physical contact and words. Asa, Kashto, and Neema were all being kind to Yugi but Yugi couldn't help but feel like he didn't deserve it.

"Guys…" Yugi began after a kiss on the cheek from Asa. They all looked at him, his heart heavy with guilt. "I just want you to know… I'm sorry. For everything."

"Look," Kashto said. "It's not like they'll find anything suspicious. We may not be happy with the Pharaoh but no one is plotting a rebellion. We'll be fine."

Unless someone found out about Otogi's plan to make Tamiat independent. Or his secret meetings with Dartz. Yugi could only hope that the few ones who were involved in this wouldn't give in to the investigators.

"Still… Please tell everyone that I'm sorry," Yugi said and the others promised to do so. They didn't want to let go of each other but eventually, they mounted the ship. It left the harbour with Mai, Kashto, Neema, and Asa waving at Yugi, Kisara, and Otogi.

Yugi suppressed the thought of maybe having said goodbye for good. If he let that possibility take him over, it'd hurt like having one of his organs ripped out of him. He swallowed the pain and followed Otogi, Kisara, and the other guards to Pharaoh Atem's ship.

The galley lay at the longest pier of the harbour. It had three masts and a falcon shaped figurehead made of gold. The jetty was shaking under the steps of all the sailors, servants, and nobles who were about to get on board.

Some nobles pointed at them and whispered behind fans about Tamiat's possible rebellion and Yugi's punishment. According to them, being Pharaoh Atem's personal whore sounded more like a reward and Yugi deserved much more severe consequences. Yugi didn't have the strength to be mad at them. Gossip was the least of his worries right now.

"My lord, good to see you again," a voice said. Yugi looked up and saw Lord Kek in front of Otogi.

"You too," Otogi said, unconvincingly. "Will you be part of the journey as well?"

"Oh yes. I supply the south with weapons after all so this will have an unfortunate impact on my business. We'll see how long the trip takes considering how low the Nile currently is… I'm sorry about that investigation. I'm sure it'll be over soon."

"I hope so too."

"Once all this is done, I'll invite you for a drink in my club. I'll see you then," Lord Kek said and walked away. He caressed Yugi's cheek as he passed, causing Yugi to shiver.

Trumpets played, announcing Pharaoh Atem's arrival. He was in an open palanquin, as were Lord Seto and Lady Isis behind him. People cheered but Pharaoh Atem only looked ahead. Once at the pier, the carriers lowered the palanquins so the passengers could dismount. Lady Isis turned to one of her servants while Pharaoh Atem and Lord Seto approached Yugi, Kisara, and Otogi. They bowed.

"Good morning Kisara," Lord Seto said. "May I show you the ship?"

Kisara glanced at Yugi. The suggestion had come so quickly it must have been planned.

"Of course," she said and followed Lord Seto on board of the galley. As intended, Pharaoh Atem was now alone with Otogi and Yugi.

"Here he is," Otogi said with a forced smile and pushed Yugi a little forward. "From today on he's all yours, my Pharaoh. Yugi will please you in more ways than you could imagine, no need to hold back. And of course, you won't have to pay for anything."

"Obviously," Pharaoh Atem said. Yugi chewed on his bottom lip, wishing he could object. Pharaoh Atem turned to Yugi and Yugi's heartbeat quickened. Had those eyes always been just as red as blood? "Yugi of Tamiat, from today on you're my personal whore. When I call for you, you come. When I tell you to do something, you do it. And if that sharp tongue of yours lashes out again, I'll be the one who decides about the consequences. Is that clear?" he asked. Yugi wanted to punch him, wanted to tell him that he didn't belong to anyone, wanted to run away. But all Yugi could do was nod, even though it felt like putting a noose around his own neck. "Good. Of course you're allowed to ask my servants for anything you desire. They're your subordinates just as you are mine. You may say your goodbyes and then I expect you to join me on the ship."

He walked past them. Otogi pulled Yugi into a hug, causing Yugi to flinch. After what had happened his arms felt like chains, his perfume smelled like poison.

"It's your fault we're in this mess," Otogi hissed. "So I expect you to do all you can to get us out of it. You will do everything he asks of you and you will pretend you like it. For once, do what I tell you. Otherwise you'll harm Tamiat even more than you already have. Got it?"

Yugi gulped.

"Got it," he croaked. Otogi let go of Yugi and shoved him towards the galley. With leaden feet, Yugi walked over the plank and onto the deck.

He made his way past sailors, servants, and nobles, towards Kisara at the rail. She embraced him.

"I'll always be there for you," Kisara whispered. Yugi looked at Pharaoh Atem next to the middle mast, talking to the captain and Lord Seto. How much time did he have left until Pharaoh Atem would call him into his cabin? Until he commanded Yugi to take off his clothes, until his bed would squeak under their movements, until Yugi would feel that stinging pain again … and again … and again …

Under any other circumstances Yugi would have fought back, even if he knew he'd lose. Yugi pressed his forehead against Kisara's shoulder. No matter how degrading it was, no matter how much he hated it: From now on Yugi would have to always smile, look pretty at Pharaoh Atem's side, and go down on all fours whenever he asked for it. Yugi would have to be the best whore Pharaoh Atem could have hoped for. He'd have to be as obedient as a slave.