Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of the characters (unless otherwise stated) Kazuki Takahashi does, nor do I make any money from these stories.
05
Atemu and Yugi finally made it back from the oasis and as they were both hungry they headed straight for the dining hall. While they were eating Aknamkanon appeared "The guards said I'd find you here."
Yugi got up to bow
"It is alright Yugi there is no need to bow please, continue eating."
"Thank you my pharaoh."
"Did you want anything in particular father?"
"No I just wanted to see if Yugi here was okay after today's events." He looked across at the young man "So, are you okay?"
"Yes my pharaoh I am fine now, thank you."
The pharaoh stood up "Good, when you have finished eating I want you both to come to the throne room, I have something I want to discuss with you."
"Can we have time to clean ourselves up first father?"
Aknamkanon chuckled as he finally noticed the two sand covered youths "I think that might be a good idea."
As Aknamkanon left the hall Atemu and Yugi looked at each other
"Hmm." Atemu muttered, "I wonder what he wants to see us about?"
"We'll find out when we get there." Yugi answered with a grin,
Atemu chuckled "Yes I suppose you're right."
After washing up and changing into clean clothes Atemu led Yugi to the throne room, the guards opened the heavy door and bowed as Atemu and Yugi passed, they were surprised but could not hold back a smile when Yugi whispered "Thank you."
Closing the door behind the crown prince and Yugi the guards went back to their posts.
"You wanted to see us father?"
Aknamkanon smiled "Yes I do, follow me."
Atemu and Yugi followed the pharaoh into the small office that was just off the throne room. "Take a seat boys."
Atemu and Yugi sat down and waited while Aknamkanon sifted through some papers, he sat back "Atemu, I can see you two have gotten close rather quickly, so tell me what is your relationship with Yugi exactly?"
Atemu sighed, "He is mine." He looked across at Yugi and smiled softly "As I am his."
"When did this happen?"
Atemu turned back to his father "Today while we were at the oasis, and I will not allow it to change."
Aknamkanon had heard the hard edge to Atemu's voice and smiled "Have no fear my son, I only ask as it may have some bearing on what I am about to say." He watched as his son relaxed again.
Aknamkanon turned to Yugi "As you know tomorrow Seto and Jou's punishments are to be decided."
Yugi nodded and Aknamkanon could see the sadness appear in the young ones eyes, he also saw Atemu take Yugi's hand and give it a light-reassuring squeeze, he smiled.
"It's alright I do not expect you to attend the hearing but it is what will happen after that I want to talk to you about."
Yugi looked up at him "What is it pharaoh?"
"Yugi, you have impressed me with the kindness in your heart and the gentleness of your soul." He paused seeming to make up his mind about something "I want you to become the holder of the millennium scales."
"What!" Yugi said surprised
The pharaoh chuckled then, turning serious he looked at Yugi,
"Seto has already been stripped of his priesthood and Karim has replaced him as high priest and taken the position of holder of the millennium rod, leaving an opening, an opening I believe you would fill perfectly."
"But father." Atemu broke in, "Yugi would have to be a priest."
"I know my son."
"He can't!" Atemu yelled at his father "Priests are forbidden to take lovers! Father, I will not give Yugi up! Not for anything."
Aknamkanon was surprised by the ferocity in the crown prince's voice.
"My pharaoh?" Yugi whispered "Thank you for your kind offer but if it means I will have to leave Atemu then no I cannot."
"Will you not even think about it?"
"No, I am sorry my pharaoh but Atemu means more to me than a position in your court."
The two boys watched as Aknamkanon stood up and opened another door to reveal the five remaining priests "You heard?" the pharaoh asked
"We heard everything that was said and yes you are right Yugi would fill the position perfectly."
Yugi stood up "I am sorry but if you heard everything…"
Isis stepped forward "It is fine Yugi, we have spoken together with the pharaoh and have decided that if the scales will accept you as you are, you will not be required to enter the priesthood, although you would have to complete the duties required of you as the holder of the millennium scales."
"Is that possible father?" Atemu asked hopefully
"Yes my son, Shimon used to hold the millennium key and he was not a priest."
Yugi sat down slightly shocked "I…I really don't know what to say."
"Yugi?" the pharaoh asked kindly "Go back to Atemu's rooms and discuss it with him, we do not need your answer until tomorrow."
Atemu and Yugi stood and Yugi bowed "Thank you my pharaoh."
"Yes, thank you father." Aknamkanon could see the gratitude in Atemu's eyes, he nodded, Yugi and Atemu left.
He turned to his priests "What do you think?"
"You are right sire he would be perfect for the position of holder of the scales and as prince Atemu's consort."
The pharaoh smiled "I'm pleased you agree, you may go."
The priests all bowed and left the room, Aknamkanon sighed, he knew it was going to be hard to persuade Yugi to take the position, the young one wasn't interested in wealth or power and Aknamkanon found that truly refreshing, it also meant that he knew the boy's feelings for his son were true.
Atemu and Yugi had finally got back to Atemu's rooms and the prince had noticed that Yugi had gone even quieter than usual "Yugi, habibi, are you okay?"
Yugi looked up, and once Atemu saw his tears, he wrapped his arms round Yugi's waist, then Atemu whispered, "What is wrong antyw ari?"
Yugi sniffed "I am so confused Atemu, why would your father offer me such a position? I don't understand."
Atemu pulled Yugi a little closer and held him a little tighter, "I don't know ari but whatever the reason, knowing my father it is a good one."
Yugi snuggled into Atemu's body "wi mr Atemu?"
"Always." Atemu whispered.
Antyw ari / my partner (AE)
Wi mr Atemu / love me Atemu (AE)
Habibi / beloved (Arabic)