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.

06

The following morning while Aknamkanon was eating his breakfast he was surprised to see Yugi approaching him.

"Pharaoh?" he said quietly "May I speak with you for a moment?"

"Of course you can Yugi, please, sit down." As soon as Yugi sat down a plate of fresh fruits, meat and bread was put before him, Aknamkanon couldn't help but shake his head in fond affection when he heard Yugi whisper a heartfelt 'thank you' to the slave. "What did you want to talk to me about Yugi?"

Yugi fidgeted uncomfortably "Well it's just that I don't understand why you would offer me such a high position in your court, I mean I have only been here a few days, you do not truly know me."

Aknamkanon smiled "Yugi you may have only been here a few days as you say but in that short space of time you have shown your compassion many times along with a selflessness I have not seen before in someone so young." Seeing a still confused look on Yugi's face Aknamkanon leaned towards him and whispered "It's the same thing that makes Atemu love you." He smiled at Yugi's light blush.

"That's another thing pharaoh why have you accepted our relationship so easily? Surely Atemu will need an heir, which I cannot give him."

The pharaoh sighed "When Atemu's mother died it hit him pretty hard, and he closed in on himself, we tried everything we could think of to snap him out of it." He shook his head and chuckled "We even went as far as to find a girl to be his wife."

"What happened?" Yugi asked the pharaoh

"He stormed into the throne room and told us in no uncertain terms he did not want a wife." Aknamkanon looked thoughtful "I think that was the day you met him at the oasis, he'd saddled his horse and taken off." Aknamkanon looked at Yugi and grinned "Then he came home with you and I have not seen him look happier." Again Yugi blushed.

"But" the pharaoh said, "I think we have gotten off topic." he raised his eyebrows at Yugi who sighed.

"If the scales accepted me as I am would I still be able to be with Atemu?"

"Yes you would."

Yugi chewed his bottom lip "What if they don't?" he whispered and Aknamkanon could see the tears start to form.

"Then we would have to find someone else."

"You will not force me into the priesthood?"

"Of course not Yugi, once the scales have chosen the final choice must be yours and yours alone. A forced partnership would not work."

"Partnership?" Yugi asked

The pharaoh chuckled "It is difficult to explain but if it works out okay you will understand straight away, the scales will teach you."

"Wow." was all Yugi could think to say.

"Now do you have any more questions?" the pharaoh asked kindly

"Only one sire."

"What is it Yugi?"

Yugi looked down embarrassed "May I attend the sentencing of Seto and his lover?"

"Are you sure you want too?" Aknamkanon asked

"Yes, I have an idea but I need to hear your judgment first."

"Will you tell me what it is?"

''No pharaoh I, do not wish to influence you."

Aknamkanon smiled "Then you have my permission to attend if you so wish."

"Thank you pharaoh."

The two continued to eat in silence until Atemu disturbed them "There you are Yugi, I've been looking for you."

"Did you need something prince Atemu?"

Atemu sat down and looked at Yugi with an arched brow, "What's with the sudden formality Yugi? Have I done something wrong that I'm not aware of?"

Yugi giggled "Heavens no! It's just that I thought I'd better get used to calling you by your title if I am going to be joining you."

Atemu frowned "Joining me? When?"

Aknamkanon looked At Yugi "You have not discussed this with Atemu?"

"No pharaoh, I wanted to talk to you first."

Atemu looked at the pair of them "Will someone please tell me what is going on?"

They waited until the serving girl had placed Atemu's breakfast in front of him and left the table before Aknamkanon spoke,

"Yugi has asked that he be allowed to sit in on the judgment of Seto and his lover, and I have agreed."

Atemu looked at Yugi "Why do you want to do that?" Atemu asked, slight anger lacing his voice.

Yugi sighed, "That was one of the reasons I didn't talk to you first, I knew you wouldn't like the idea as you were still angry at them both but please." Yugi took one of Atemu's hands "Please, understand I have to do this, I need to know that I bear no malice towards Seto's lover."

"And what of Seto?"

"I care nothing of Seto, his lover though…" Yugi put his head down.

Atemu gently lifted Yugi's head to look at him "If this is what you truly want then I will not try to sway you."

Yugi smiled "Thank you."

Aknamkanon stood and looked at the two young men "Atemu, when you have finished eating take Yugi to your rooms and show him how to prepare for the trial of the scales." He looked at Yugi

"We will be doing that today as well."

"But pharaoh I am not ready!" Yugi protested

Aknamkanon chuckled "That Yugi, is the best time for the test."

With that Aknamkanon left the two youngsters to finish eating.

As Atemu led Yugi back to his rooms he looked at his little love "What's wrong Yugi? You're being rather quiet."

Yugi looked up at the prince and shrugged his shoulders "I suppose I'm being silly really but I am so nervous."

"Why?"

"I keep thinking, what if the scales reject me? Will I be forced to leave the palace?" He looked up at Atemu "Forced to leave you?"

Smiling Atemu stopped walking and wrapped his arms round Yugi "Listen, you will not be made to leave the palace."

Yugi tried to speak but Atemu put a finger to his lips to stop him "If they do make you leave then I will renounce my claim to the throne and leave with you."

"You can't do that Atemu." Yugi protested "This is who you are, and I will not have you leave it for me."

Atemu cupped Yugi's cheek "Forget about it for now, let us see what happens first okay?"

Yugi leaned into Atemu's touch and whispered "Okay."

Atemu and Yugi continued to the prince's rooms where Atemu showed Yugi, much to Yugi's embarrassment, which oils to use to cleanse himself. Yugi was embarrassed because a totally naked Atemu insisted on getting into the large bath with him. Yugi squeaked as Atemu, who had dismissed the servants took up the cloth and started to wash Yugi with gentle, sensual strokes.