Tales of the Inari King and Woodland Queen

Chapter 18

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When they met up, Atemu had decided to take Yugi far from the city, outside the city limits and into the wild beyond. Yugi had explained to the king about what happened at breakfast that morning and his response was immediate. Society would only cloud his queen's thoughts more of the issues to weigh on his shoulders. While the spirit realm would welcome Yugi with open arms, solstice preparations were still in the planning stages and some of them were surprises that Atemu didn't want Yugi to see yet. So he decided that they would explore the rural world outside the city, see the farmlands carefully cultivated and nursed by experienced hands. See the trees able to grow tall uninterrupted by civilization. The mountains that rose like spires against the blue of the sky and rivers clear of pollutants from runoff.

Yugi admired it all from the back of his husband, muscle pumping in rhythmic motion as Atemu bolted over wide fields as a dark shadow among the grain. When he stopped, both took the time to bond with the natural world around them, listening to the winds howl in their ears and run through hair and fur. The birds tittered above them, gliding around nature's king and queen while field mice crawled over Atemu's paws with their taunting motions. Yugi laughed when Atemu's head bowed down, trying to nip at the playful rodents before he was off again. He slowed into a leisure trot, head tilted back to look at his precious dove. "How are you feeling? A little lighter, I hope." Yugi smiled, hands running through the long mane of the fox he rode upon, speaking that he was at peace now that he was in their natural realm.

"The world outside the concrete jungle welcomes me so well no matter where I am. Perhaps it's a blessing from your presence or I'm truly recognized as their queen. Whatever is accepted, I am grateful for it." Atemu smiled as he continued on before reaching a flowing river bubbling with its roaring torrents. "They welcome you always, dove. Whether it's this realm or mine, nature will always notice what you are and welcome you with arms ready to cradle you into mother's bosom. They will never turn you away for you are deeply ingrained in the natural world. You are still human in body but your heart and spirit is truly fae." Yugi beamed at the thought, climbing from Atemu's back as the king leaned down to get a drink from the river after their long excursion, sitting beside him. The ambience of the world around him soothed his busy thoughts. The tension at home was so thick, it could be cut through with a knife.

The atmosphere his father brought home with him was cloying and Yugi began to fear if his influence could affect his livelihood staying where he belonged and preparing for the future already planned ahead for him. Yugi didn't want to be forced miles and lands away from Atemu. The king was his heart and soul and the healing Yugi brought to him after the life he lived would devastate him. That thought in mind broke his own heart. Yugi couldn't do that to Atemu, refused to, even. It would be over his cold, dead body that anyone would try and separate him from the inari king. But even for all the evil his father tried to bring, Yugi still held hope that he would see the error of his ways. That forcing Yugi away for personal enrichment but not knowing of the real sacrifice his son would suffer being pulled away from all he knows would do nothing more than strain their already tentative relationship thinner to the point of no recovery.

Yugi never wished to forget his father, only accepting that after the last contact he had of him years ago meant that Kazuto himself moved on from them. But he had come back, hoping to rekindle things with his forgotten family but had taken all the wrong steps not even a day in the Motou household. His mother would be a fierce contender but she was shadowed by the might of Atemu's superior presence. Yugi knew that if they had given in so easily, he would step in with all the fiery wrath held as a second presence in his body, scorching all ties to the family and taking Yugi away himself. It would be before his time but Atemu was still kitsune and kitsune never wanted to lose their greatest treasure. Would Yugi accept that decision if it had come to that? His heart and inner fox screamed yes. There was no way he would betray the trust and love given to him by Atemu by staying with a family that would hand him over to a fate unworthy of him.

Yugi didn't realize how deep in thought he was until the press of a wet nose against the back of his neck made him jump. "Atemu!" The fox laughed warmly as he stared into the precious gems of his beloved's eyes. You were lost in thought again, he teased, pressing his muzzle fully into his mate's chest, making Yugi squeal out another laugh as he tried to shove the king's head away. His efforts only rewarded him to be barreled over by the large head, a sound following as Atemu plopped down on top of him. "You're adorable when you're deep in thought but I also think about what you're thinking about too." Yugi hummed, a hand reaching to thread through the mane, fingers brushing over the thick collar which held the crotal bell so important to the king. Many things, Yugi surmised after a moment.

His father, his game, his life beyond. It was human nature to always think about the future and that hasn't changed. Yugi told his king of his mind before, of whether he had a future worth looking forward to if he never met Atemu following a rumored legend of his shrine. Would he have the means to delve into Spherium, willed himself to not fall to cowardice to present his game at the show where it won. Would his father have come the same as he had now, promoting his idea to take him away overseas and his family agreeing for the same reasons he thought to coax Yugi with? There was so much to think about, leaving his mind busy with what ifs if he hadn't fallen head over heels for the king that helped him, nurtured and cultivated him to become the queen to a world far beyond belief to the mortal coil.

Atemu listened to it all with an ear tilted forward before a small smile curved the corners of his jaw. "That's a lot of thoughts indeed, my sweet dove. But let me tell you something." Yugi raised his head curiously, watching Atemu lift his own. "I would know when a fae heart cries for freedom. Entrapped in a world that does it harm. If it cries loud enough, I will toss aside my disinterest to the mortal realm to find it and bring it home. That is my right as a spiritual king. Even if you did not come to me, I will feel your presence and find you myself. Even if the city is your home, your very heart and soul will ask for nature's embrace. If you can't fulfill those desires then it will only deteriorate until it withers away. No one but us fae folk would understand it but to lose your spiritual heart is a blow that cannot be rectified once gone. The pain of emptiness would make you no less than those that have given away their very blood to the corporate agenda. No longer would you smile or feel happiness. It will eat away until nothing of this beautiful personality I've grown to love remains."

Yugi was amazed at all Atemu revealed, sitting up as well. Guess we were already tied at the hip regardless of what may occur, Yugi whispered, leaning his forehead against the king's. Scarlet met violet as long tails came to curl around them. "It was in fate's design to bring us together. Perhaps even a blessing from higher deities to provide the perfect match for me. Perhaps it's penance for the suffering I went through or a gift that awaited the right time to be revealed to me. In any case, I don't regret a single moment meeting you, dove." Those words brought delight to Yugi's heart and that feeling carried him through the rest of their time together and well into him arriving back at the door of the game shop. That outing was just what he needed and Yugi felt he could combat anything to get in his way. So when the door was opened to reveal Kazuto manning the counter, Yugi took a deep breath before addressing the man.

Kazuto was still rattled on the matter of Atemu but after the warning his wife gave, he chose not to entertain his busy thoughts on what to do about the man playing his family a fool. He wanted to believe in their honesty, that Atemu wasn't some wicked boss laundering money and putting his family in the middle of his efforts. He only wished for safety and if it meant bringing Yugi out of such dangerous conditions, why was he being fought on it? Was it silence, a promise that if Yugi restricted himself to Domino then no harm would come to them? What would Atemu even want with a traditional game shop anyway? What money they made was enough to keep themselves afloat but nothing extravagant aside from the big game Yugi made with his own two hands. Even so, the liquidation of the building couldn't amount to much in comparison to places like Black Crown or something under the Kaiba name from what his father had explained, more so ranted, to him in regard to rising gaming firms around the city.

Their little shop lasted on a popular game and nostalgia and while Kazuto didn't want to undermine his father's work, the situation he thought they were in only proved his reasoning further. Alas, the blindness to actually getting information on the matter would be his gravest mistake. Kazuto nodded his own greeting, shuffling papers over the counter as Yugi went to pass him with the intent to head into the family room. "Yugi," The voice made the smaller male pause, turning towards his father. "I...wish to apologize for my behavior since I've arrived home. I only wished for the best and to make up for things. Even with the time to have passed, it only saw these things as a concerned father that doesn't want to see his family harmed." Yugi sighed, turning from the door to look the other man in the eye.

Yugi knew he meant well but to spring the things he spoke onto him and so suddenly is why everyone reacted as they had. "You should know to ask these things when you haven't even made yourself fully at home would only lead to hostility. And you didn't even bother to ask me what I thought of it. I know the experience would do me good but I have things to connect me here. I have a life made here and I can't just uproot it so easily. Atemu taught me the dangers of that." There was that name again, making Kazuto bristle. Why, he began slowly, trying to not show his ire towards the man that had entrapped his family with whatever false promises and dreams he offered. "I really don't trust this...Atemu. He looks as if he means well but he could be planning something. You know well that the seedy underground business to plague our humble city isn't something to get lost in or you'll lose more than you're willing to give." The words stung and while Yugi constantly understood his father's fears, they were misplaced and highly judgmental.

He didn't know everything like mama and jii-chan do and Yugi ached to just tell him everything about his king. Of what Atemu really was to him than just a lover. Alas, that was a right solely Atemu's own to share which his father still had to earn. So far, that was clearly unobtainable with each passing second for the accusations that there was something malicious about his presence just from hearing his name. "Papa, I just want you to take the time to get to know him, he is my heart and I only ask for acceptance from you. If that is too hard a concept to grasp then we have nothing more to speak on the matter. I can't keep trying and hoping that you'll drop these wily claims only to reaffirm that you won't, rather, you refuse it." The tone spoke of finality, making Kazuto click his teeth irritably. This nonsense has gone on for far too long. Even if Yugi was old enough to make his own decisions and live life the way he chose it, the older Motou would not allow this blind faith in a stranger to be the only belief he desires.

But before the man could even think to protest his argument yet again, a menacing presence came from the doorway of the game shop. Light violet eyes turned towards the door and no matter how many times he blinked, the illusion was still there. No, he had to be mistaken, there was no inky black fox sitting there with eyes like fire. But there was and it sat there, perfectly still as one would imagine a myōbu statue at the local shrine. But this fox didn't bring luck but a warning. Do not entertain your thoughts any longer. Kazuto swallowed, wisely staying silent and only the sound of Yugi proceeding with the current path of heading off into the sitting room making him blink once more only for the fox to disappear. Of course, the apparition didn't do such a thing, merely slipped past the older man and followed after Yugi. Finding the smaller male taking a seat on the couch, the inky fox leapt onto the couch cushion beside him, catching his attention and a smile crossed his face.

"Atemu must be worried about me walking back into the house and having to confront papa." He murmured, the fox finding purchase upon his lap. The spirit held no weight but was content with laying across Yugi's lap, a hand touching the back of it as he whispered his gentle inquiries. Why won't he accept things as they are? Why must he fight against what fate has already designed. Perhaps the hopes and dreams Yugi had of his father ever understanding the world hidden to him was too far gone. That he had been consumed under the working world and became blind to what true reality hides. "He'll never understand, will he?" Yugi asked the apparition on his lap. The sketchy body moved only slightly before red eyes peered into his own. The answer lied in those glowing hues and Yugi sighed. "So be it. No more trying. He is beyond the queen's service therefore I need to put my work into something more meaningful. I will visit Atemu in the spirit world tomorrow to help with the solstice preparations." That was enough of an answer for the fox upon his lap, the creature fading away like a ghost and Yugi stood to go make himself a snack.

He had work to do, pushing Kazuto to the back of his mind. Later that night, dinner was a simple affair. Sugoroku asked how the game was going and Yugi answered exuberantly of its progress. He expected by this time in winter, he'll have a rough draft ready to send off. It was a promising turn of events and Kazuto wished he could be proud of such achievements but his heart was still in the wrong place. After their talk earlier, Kazuto had slipped away to make a call to the authorities. He asked if there were any police records of activities by one Atemu Sennen but to his shock, the name didn't even register in their system. There was no such person living in the city which only fueled his desire to put this mysterious entrepreneur behind bars and save his family from his influences. But without anything to go off in terms of seeking him out, he was left with crumbs of an impossible lead. All except for Yugi who knew more about the man by working with him. But after the constant arguments, he would never get an answer easily from him. Why do you continue this fight, a voice whispered. I do it for...

Kazuto blinked, chopsticks paused with a helping of rice. Why did he continue to fight? Was it for self-satisfaction that he can still be a father or his personal agenda to prove them wrong? The man hadn't been one with the family for years so his opinions held less value to them if he didn't prove himself worth listening to. He had been buried in his work, neglected his son and wife, even his own father. They all have moved on and Yugi found someone to settle down with. The off chance that he was trapped in unscrupulous business seemed like a far off thought if it meant happiness and filling the void left behind for his absence. Even if Kazuto continued on this path to see that Atemu was just an underground boss ready to take all from them, it could very well lead to destruction the deeper he dug.

He only wanted what he thought was best. But the man was a mess of conflictions of what was right or wrong with someone he had refused to learn about. The revelation finally struck him and made Kazuto realize that it wasn't Atemu ready to tear his family apart...but himself. He wasn't going to lose his son to a man that he felt unworthy but lose his son for his lack of understanding. Kazuto knew nothing of Yugi's life any further than what was revealed and the achievements he made for himself. Everything aside from that was nothing but his own speculations because of his fears. The realization of these thoughts made all his actions over the past two days mortifying and understandably so. It was no wonder his wife and father were cross with him. Sighing, Kazuto continued on with dinner, not contributing much to the conversation as the rest talked among themselves. It was only by Sugoroku's kindness to keep him as one with the family despite his efforts that there was a question directed towards him.

He could feel Yugi's eyes watching him, almost judging his words for whatever he is to say next and swallowed. The scrutiny was damning but he spoke calmly, that he had thought over some things and began to see where he had gone wrong upon stepping through the front door. "I just wanted to fix things between us. But I suppose my bullheadedness was the wrong approach. I was always a stern man, only asking for the best and trying to make that fact be seen eye to eye. I realized now that I rushed things without getting to know who my family is now. If you'll permit me now, I will do better and with it, I hope you will come back to me about my proposal." Yugi frowned, his heart raised with promise that his father had begun to see the error of his approach before but fell once he heard that his proposal was still in mind.

Even Reichiru sighed at that, having promised as well that he had changed from that line of thinking. Alas, Kazuto was likely to never drop it until the moment he fully learns of Atemu's status. "Kazuto, I want to have at least one family meal that doesn't break out into an argument and I want you to really listen and understand. You beg for forgiveness and we want to give you that. However, this talk of taking Yugi from his rightful home is not just a big decision but also one that has yet to bear a reason behind it. You wish to bond with him yet you choose not to make use of these months you have here. Do you think you would have better opportunities back where you are comfortable rather than here? Do you think that the work you do is suitable for Yugi as well? Those are things that are only on your mind and that is treading dangerous ground. You need to know Yugi, know of the life he had made here. If he looks unsatisfied with things here then it would be a proper incentive to allow him to go with you. But make that time instead of assuming that through us, we will push him into your hands. There are things you need to know but to earn those rights, you need to prove yourself. You may not believe me but there is a reason Japan is a land of myth and secrets. Perhaps in time, you'll see one in person."

The ominous tone of her voice set him on edge but didn't dare to elaborate further as dinner continued on. When finished, Yugi was the first to excuse himself from the table, wanting to get some more groundwork done on his game before he was out for most of the day tomorrow. Plans for a gathering were all that was mentioned which Sugoroku was delighted to hear about when all was said and done. "A gathering? For what?" Kazuto asked when Yugi had left the room and Reichiru began collecting plates. "A celebration of seasons. You know the solstices and equinoxes? Well for each of these, the first day of the season, Atemu hosts a party for a special clientele. Yugi offers to join him in the setup and execution. I hear they have great fun with food and dancing, sometimes even gift giving. Atemu doesn't shirk on the expenses from what I hear." Kazuto sucked his teeth at the idea. It sounded normal and harmless but his constant suspicion of the other male left little to be desired.

What clientele did Atemu host for these "parties"? Business associates? High profile dignitaries? Underground leaders? He knew expressing concern when he was told to find these things out on his own would get him scolded so Kazuto could only nod, whispering that he hopes Yugi has fun during the event. "He always does! The glow on his face when he returns means the trip is well worth it." The man could only nod, heading into the sitting room to indulge in watching television. He really did have a lot to learn about Yugi now.

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The next day, the morning ritual was much of the same, Yugi eating quickly before he had to head out. Kazuto, in the time he had available, tried to squeeze in the precious few seconds to talk but it seems his son's hostility to not redirect the conversation to more claims of foul play of his beloved partner had him ducking out sooner than he had to catch him. It was devastating but not surprising after his attitude for the past two days. It will definitely take some work to get back on speaking terms. Once free of the building and his father's incessant questions, Yugi felt the oppressive weight of scrutinization shed off his shoulders. He knew his father cared and only wanted him safe but the disrespect he was showing Atemu sets off every volatile nerve in his body to defend his mate. The king would never, ever bring harm to him as was customary in kitsune. Atemu loved and cherished him like the precious star ball he was compared to. Yugi's health and wellbeing was always his top priority and if anything or anyone were to put him in danger, they would see his fiery wrath.

If only his father could see that without needing an example of Atemu's inescapable, protective nature. Yugi couldn't even think of one that wasn't throwing himself into traffic. Neither would be pleased about that arrangement. But that was hardly worth the concern, there was still roughly two months left. If his father desired to make the amends he sought for and understood that Yugi will not up and leave the future that is coming to him, then there was hope that they could rekindle their relationship. But if Kazuto thought that guilt and speculation of his lover was going to be a constant conversation starter every time they were in the same room, then he would plead the idea of making Kazuto take to staying in a hotel room for the remainder of his stay. Yugi definitely didn't want Atemu to be summoned from his home every moment his heart and mind are stressed trying to verbally combat his father. He had his realm to maintain and while he loves and adores his queen, he wouldn't want to pose as a bad example that people like Dartz would feed off from when insecurities of their king become prevalent.

A light exhale left the smaller male, stopping at a crossroad when the sign prompted him to. There was no time for thoughts like this. The summer solstice would be upon him soon and who knows what Atemu already had together. Hopefully not everything so Yugi could have some input and work to help out for once. When the light changed, Yugi jogged across the street and continued on his way to the shrine. Upon reaching the old shrine, Yugi basked in its familiarity. He always felt at home when he was near the shrine, feeling its ancient architect hum with mystic power. The very energy that coalesced in Atemu's form swirled the air like a primordial fog that cleansed his body with each inhale. It welcomed him in its embrace, blanketing around his shoulders and provided him a safety net from the dredge of city life. Yugi needed this rejuvenation once in a while and in these dire straits with a father who is unable to see this world, a day like this is just what he needs.

Pulling out an ofuda charm from the usual place, Yugi moved to the torii gate that was the doorway to his other home and whispered the chant to imbue its magic. Throwing it to the gate, the portal was opened and Yugi stepped through to warm sunlight unfiltered by clouds and trees welcoming him with enthusiastic boughs. Animals tittered about him while birds chirred their greetings above, delighting the small queen before he was ushered off by the winds to guide him to his beloved king. In due time, he saw the other surrounded by a number of spirits, seeing some familiar faces in Yusei and Aki. Aki was the first to spot him, tapping Yusei's shoulder to direct his gaze to the queen and both waved. It was their acknowledgement that brought Atemu to notice him as well, making the other smile as he waved for Yugi to come over. "I'll leave you two in charge of the carving. The tree has been through the proper rites and you have my permission to chop it down for the festival. Fly off on falcon's wing to finish the task in time."

Aki bowed respectfully, promising nothing but perfection for the task at hand for the king, giving one last wave to Yugi before she and Yusei departed on their job. Yugi waved back to them before walking to Atemu. "Special task?" Atemu nodded, hinting also for them to have some alone time without Judai. "The sparks are flying indeed but they haven't had a moment's peace to truly interact with each other. So I've busied them with a task for an activity I am eager to introduce you too." Yugi clapped at the idea of it, knowing to ask would get no answers as Atemu loved his surprises. Atemu smiled, proud to see his mate delighted at the prospect of activities before asking how things were going at home. At the mention of home, Yugi's expression fell a little, giving Atemu enough of an answer of what had been happening.

"Still hardball about my "illicit" activities, is he?" Yugi sighed, walking off with Atemu beside him. I just want him to understand us, Yugi uttered, wrapping his arms around himself. "I know you promised that you'd reveal yourself when the time is right but each day, I feel that is far from a possibility. Every time I look at him, I dread that there wouldn't be just a simple conversation. Somehow, it circles right back to you and your "dreadful" intentions with me and the family. You only have our best interests at heart and even a plan for us at the end of our mortal clock. It's things like this I want to tell him but he would either think I'm crazy or you slipped some sort of drug into us to make us believe this is all a dream." Stopping in the center of the field that would be the stage of the summer solstice festival, Yugi looked up towards the clear skies, despondent.

"I want my father back, I truly do, but I'm at the end of my rope trying to have him understand me and my life. I don't want to be forced away against my will, I just want him to see me as I am now. A queen, a man, an individual." Atemu nodded, understanding everything and went to bring Yugi into his arms. "Then let's not wait. Upon your return to the mortal realm, pray to me, my darling. Pray to me your wishes and I will answer them. We need not wait for him to be prepared to meet me in my truest form for only seeing it will make the stories fade. I am not some dark underground lord or maestro of evildoing, I am the inari king and spiritual ruler of nature under the earthen mother. I had asked you to become my long sought queen and you have accepted my token and chose this as your life with your fae heart awakened. If this is not enough proof to cleanse the mind of his petulant misguidance then you and I both have no further reason to explain ourselves. Your grandfather and mother have accepted me, I will not miss anything if a forgetful and neglectful father chose to abandon his son."

Yugi smiled, relieved, touching his mate's arms who only brought him closer. "I will never abandon you, Yugi. We foxes mate for life and if I have to fight for my right to be the human equivalent of your partner, so be it." Yugi laughed, reminding Atemu that the term was "husband" but didn't argue against it. If that's what it takes for Kazuto to understand the significance of their relationship, then let Atemu spare no expense to prove it. With that matter off the table, Yugi asked what needed to be done in preparation. An ear tilted forward, the action cute in Yugi's mind, and Atemu began to list off what needed to be finished. Decorations were handed off to the agile workers, two being the familiar tanuki ladies that have always been Yugi's handmaidens when it comes to getting him ready for events. The food dishes were on the table and equipment for other activities were being repaired.

"Aside from our ceremonial dress, just about everyone who is willing to offer a hand, claw or paw are off doing their thing. But that doesn't leave us without something to do. Join me?" pulling away, Atemu held a hand out and Yugi took it, following the king as he led him along. The walk was a decent length, soon reaching a grove of bushes and trees bursting with fruit. Yugi could see the many hands at work harvesting what was ripe and ready, bushels upon bushels of fruit settled in neat rows. Yugi was amazed at what was gathered, eyes clearly asking if all this fruit would be necessary. "Oh it is. What isn't used is given to the spirits and fae for their daily living. For all that's harvested, there will be no waste for everyone will find their favorites and make use of it plenty." Atemu's presence was enough to draw attention and the response was immediate with bows and prayers of good fortune and harvest with his visit. And with Yugi beside him only meant better. Smaller fae were eager to come forward from their gathering, bringing handfuls of sweet berries and water for Yugi to drink.

Yugi didn't waste time in sampling everything given to him, the berries sweet and water cool and refreshing. The peaches were juicy and early harvest apples delightfully crunchy. The quality of everything brought to him was far above any store quality produce. He knew stores worked to get the best product from their growers outside of town but here, there was just that little extra kick that puts anything back home to shame in terms of quality. By the time the sun was at its zenith, Yugi had tried at least a sample of everything that was harvested and now sat to the side in the shade of the grove, sipping more water while Atemu worked alongside the other spirits and fae. A croon from above had him look up, seeing a pair circle in the air and the familiar feathers made him grin as he stood and ran from under the shade.

"Xerxes! Uzume!"

Both falcons dove in immediately at the call of their names, Yugi holding both arms out for them to land and Uzume came close to nuzzle her head against Yugi's cheek. "I've missed you too~ Hope you've been well here cause back home is just a mess. I'm actually glad you aren't there to deal with papa." This had her tilt her head curiously, Yugi moving back under the shade to sit with both falcons and share his tale of woe. Atemu smiled at the sight, clapping his hands to cease the harvest and have all the bushels be mounted on their carts and taken to the kitchens. Yugi never did ask where Atemu has all the goodies prepared but as long as he continues to get a helping of the delicious walnut scones that he loves, he won't wonder much. When the shadow of the king came over him, Yugi looked up, seeing a hand brought down for him to take and did so. Once lifted onto his feet, Xerxes fluttered onto Atemu's shoulder and Uzume to Yugi's. The two looked at each other lovingly, a king and queen lost in the love for each other, before Atemu leaned in to press his lips to Yugi's.

The kiss was deep and meaningful, sending a fiery thrill through Yugi's veins and leaving the cool gale of content to chase after it. The connection between hearts was full and warm, reminding Yugi just how much this world, this realm and all its inhabitants mean to him. And at its forefront was the mighty king who took him in as his bride, entrusting his very being in the palm of Yugi's hand. That raw, wildling power of nature with the illusory magic of the kitsune. Yugi truly was blessed by the fates and the earthen mother herself. Even if he was reminded of what awaited him at home should his father still think such venal thoughts at the behest of his own safety, well Yugi had an answer for that. Atemu was the first to pull back, grin marking his face as he gave one quick lick across his mate's plump lips.

"Come. We have a whole day of tasks to do and everyone would welcome your help in the little things. I know a couple of wood sprites that would be delighted to have those nimble fingers work on some flower chains."

Yugi nodded happily to the idea, following beside the king as he walked along. As day began to turn to night, the hidden queen returned home on airs after all he was able to help with the festival. His fingers and knees were dirty and his cheeks flushed an apple red from the sun. This was the sight to welcome Kazuto when he walked in, making the man wonder just what work Atemu put him to. But there was never a moment to ask, the smaller male going to freshen up and reheat his meal before returning to his room. Within the shelter of his personal space did the queen take out the worn wedding omamori charm and make his invocation to his king. To reveal himself to his father and show him what his future holds. "After the Summer Solstice, appear to him and make him believe the world beyond our own. Make him know what awaits me after death. Appear to him, O great king of the forest and prove thyself of the spiritual realm to lay parallel to our own." He prayed, the corner of his lips curling when the prayer was responded with the gentle pass of wind to tickle his skin and ruffle his hair.

I'll be there, dove...

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Zypher: next chapter will bring about the summer solstice festival~ hope your all are ready for the fun to come along with it~