disclaimer: don't own Yugioh or its characters.
Prince Atemu...age 15 (FINALLY!)
Yes, it is now the day after my fifteenth birthday. The party is over. The guests are gone. And my punishment for my little race endeavor has commenced. I don't mind that today though, my head hurts. Too much wine I suppose, or was it the beer? No matter, my head still hurts. Come to think of it, so does my stomach. I don't remember much after Aten disappeared from the sky for the evening. But from what I can recollect, I will place here.
The morning started out normal and routine though mother's grin was wider than usual. Guess it was pride for her son making it 'this' far in life considering all the trouble, mayhem, and other endeavors I always find myself in. I naturally beamed back for it was this age I set for myself that I would begin to consider myself an adult...young adult mind you, but still adult. That doesn't mean I won't stop my usual immature acts of boldly testing my restraints, allowing responsibilities to well, slip my mind, and other acts that constitued fun and amusement for me and headaches for father. What good would I be if I didn't constantly keep father sharp and astute in these times of peace right? Somebody's got to keep him at his wits and his brain working in a fashion other than boring usual political, financial, governmental matters. I bore myself just saying those words! When I am king, I must find more 'amusing' manners of dealing with such subjects. I wouldn't want to insult somebody while falling asleep right in front of them due to a deep case of boredom afterall.
Anyway, it was my favorite meal
today...my first 'gift' if you like. There's just something about
Kufta bi-l-fahma
(Meat fingers flavored with charcoal) alongside a fine wine. With
that meal was an enticing dessert...Asru decided to attend afterall!
I guess I didn't do a good job refraining my emotions in regards
to her either. I got bemused looks from both my parents and was
that a snicker from Shimon!? I further compounded my situation
as my cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. I don't like being
put on the spot with a subject I myself, am still trying to figure
out. Gaming I know. Sports I know. Love...I'm not entirely sure
yet. Wish they'd just leave it alone and let me progress in my
own manner. When I wish it to be more than a private thing then
I'll make it so, but not before.
Due to all the festivities and people wishing to speak with me and wish me good tidings on this day, I had virtually no chance to speak with Asru. I briefly told her thank you for attending and to meet me later when all the guests, friends, family, and so on retire for the evening. And this time she gave me a little kiss! It was only a brief kiss upon the cheek, but she had initiated it! Luckily only mother and Mahaado saw her do this. I guess Asru then departed with her father to attend some of the other festivities with the rest of the guests. I couldn't tell from my raised position beside father.
Actually, I need to amend that. Turns out Seto saw it too. The smirk he gave me just begged for a duel of some sort right then and there! But, I had to restrain myself. I was a bit 'occupied' with all this birthday stuff at the moment. Mustn't frighten the guests afterall.
As I rounded the corner of the foyer to return to father's side, Mana stood directly in my path. She seemed most upset. I asked her what was wrong and boy, was that a mistake! In a flurry of words, I'll try to recollect what transpired.
"Prince, you actually like that girl!?"
"She's nice."
"Hmph! And what am I, chopped liver!? She's a peasant girl!"
"As were you once, Mana, before Mahaado took you in as his apprentice."
"Well I'm not anymore and this isn't about me, it's about you and her." she spat with venom upon the emphasis on the last word. I now knew exactly what was going on...Mana was jealous that I would actually take interest in another female other than her. I never had before this so yes, it was new to her and me. I can't blame her I guess. But...I don't know how I feel about Mana...sister, close friend, or something more? I just don't know. But I do have an idea about how I feel in regards to Asru.
"Mana, Iet's discuss this another time. I need to return to my father and it is a day of celebration, not accusations."
She stepped aside with a huffy exhale. She refused to look at me. Great, I pissed off two females in a span of a week or so and neither was intentional on my part. What is it with females?!
As I returned to father, I guess he could read the exasperated expression upon my face.
"Trouble in girldom my son?" he asked in a hushed tone.
"Don't even ask father."
"I could've told you so."
"I think I need to learn to deal with these matters on my own now father. I am a man afterall. "
Father hated my reference to that, but it promptly shut him up. Father still has issues about me growing up so quickly and becoming an adult right before his very eyes. Actually, it stuns even myself sometimes. I can look at my reflection in the water daily and always something seems the same yet different. The giddy, crybaby little child I once was still looks back at me, but the dashing, intelligent, strong young man I'm becoming is looking back more and more with each passing day. It's actually quite frightening. Who am I becoming? What will I be like? Where is destiny taking me? Do I even want to know? Sometimes I wish I could stop the sands of time and just let things be as they were when I was carefree and happy at age ten. Back then all I had to worry about were my studies and when Mahaado and Mana would be free to play.
The day's festivities continued on without any further altercation though anytime my eyes met Seto's, he gave me that challenging smirk. Does he have an asp up his ass or something?! Does he realize how much those smirks boil my blood in challenge? He probably does, otherwise he wouldn't continue to do such.
When twilight finally arrived, I began to grow restless for meeting Asru. Mahaado and mother had a laugh at my expense. Both said something along the lines of 'ants in my pants.' I really wanted to reply honestly to them, but bit my tongue as it was not appropriate. I really wanted to tell them I had a fire within my loins, but ahh, that is just not something you tell your mother outright. It probably would've shocked Mahaado's poor innocent ears too. The guy really does need to get a clue about some of the things he's missing out on in life. But he is so devoted to his magic and protection of my family and this kingdom. I guess it leaves little time for much else.
Speaking of fire within the loins...I was watching Asru on the dance floor. She was dancing with no body in particular...just lost within herself in the beats of the music. Dancing seems to be a natural talent for her and she obviously enjoys it. She moves with the grace of a swan, the fluidity of a stalking leopard, and the heat and intensity of the forces of the desert sands. THIS is what was causing a continuous shift in my seating position. There were 'parts' of me reacting to what my eyes and mind were seeing and thinking. Good thing there were so many people around because the thoughts racing in my mind were such that if I and Asru were alone...well, I'd give us a one way ticket to the skies of the gods...at least I hoped I was that good. I'll have to find out someday. Did I just say that? As I said, with each passing year, different interests are taking hold upon my body and mind. I don't think I have any control of any of them so I'll just play along and enjoy the ride. Destiny wills it so since according to mother, it's part of growing up. But oh Ra, I need to cool off or I'm going to have some embarrassing explaining to do...if you know what I mean.
I got it...distraction...I needed a distraction! Mental distraction since I couldn't leave. My eyes caught sight of Shimon, who stood beside father on the other side...I tried to imagine him creating a family...eww, yeah, that helped a little. At some point I am going to have to deal with this 'fire within' before it becomes a raging inferno. It seems to be building up over time and my body is telling me of a need of release of all this heat and pent up passion...but when and how? Guess that will be a matter for me to resolve at some point...soon.
As things began to wind down for the evening, I finally had the opportunity to wander about. Most adults had already departed, were too drunk to know what was going on, or preoccupied with peoples of their acquaintance to notice their 'prince' milling about among them.
I had only one course of action...find Asru as I promised earlier in the day I would meet with her later. I caught sight of her with a group of women and some other girls her age. Great...just what I needed to be...a young cock walking into a hen house. Make that one very conspicuous royal young cock. I stopped mid-stride and my legs refused to go further. I was too obvious both in appearance and manner. Maybe this should be a game? Games always provided me comfort in uncomfortable situations such as this. If only Mana wasn't upset with me! She could have penetrated this circle of females easily. But, guess I have to do this a different way. The easy way wasn't an option. The obvious way wasn't an option. That leaves, the cool, calm, subtle option. I didn't want to appear over-anxious to her or others anyway. But oh Ra, this is going to be hard when inside, I don't have the patience to deal with this little hurdle!
I noticed they were against a wall that was not far from a side entranceway. Okay, the back way in for me will be the first task. I calmly turned about and made my way back towards the throne area. There's a back exit for us royals to and from the throne. From there, I took the corridor that leads to that side entranceway. Why did I feel like a leopard stalking its prey? Guess I'll go with that. Leopards...calm, cool, graceful, yet powerful and deadly. I think I can fit that description. This leopard is always successful in the hunt afterall!
I peered around the edge of the entranceway and slid to a pillar unnoticed. I could see Asru, but I was so stealthy in my approach, she obviously didn't notice me. I doubt any leopard has ever had to throw something at its prey to get its attention. But this one had to. Seeing a couple of lone grapes that someone had dropped on the floor, I opted to utilize them. Hard enough to make an impact, yet soft enough to not cause any form of harm or injury. It was like destiny had willed it so. This was meant to be I guess. Still, when you think about it, the crowned prince of all of Egypt, future king of this land, throwing grapes to get some hapless village girl to notice him? What an interesting tale this will be years later!
I waited impatiently for a moment where she was far enough away from the group of clucking hens so only she would notice and not all the others. When the opportunity came, I was ready. I must thank my mentor who taught me how to throw spears. My aim was as I needed it to be! I threw the first grape high and to her right, not wanting to hit her. But she didn't notice it with all the commotion of the party, and so on. Okay, so the last one had to hit her. Carefully picking a spot that wouldn't be offensive yet be noticed left me only a very small target, her bared upper arms. I chose the right arm since it was the only arm I had a clear line of aim on. If destiny wanted us together at this time, the grape would fly a true course and hit its mark. Either that or I just need to get out of this line of work. Lucky for me it was the former over the latter. The grape smacked nicely on her upper right arm. Actually, it squished and caused juice to run down her arm. Her eyes flashed anger as she was about to smack down whomever had done that to her. It sent a shiver of warmth down my spine. (Can I have a shiver and warmth at the same time? YES! Some things work in contradictory ways...apparently 'love' or whatever it is I'm feeling for this girl is one of them.) Before she took on the entire room of guests, I peered out from the pillar when she looked in my direction. She gestured and mouthed 'you?' and I shrugged and nodded back. The noise in the room prevented any talking over distance so we were resorting to body language. Not that I minded. The exaggerrated gestures she was making were amusing and enticing at the same time! I pointed towards the exit nearest her. She understood and casually dismissed herself from the group then headed for the exit. I looked around and entered an adjacent exit. Both exits met up in basically the same corridor anyway.
There were still people milling about in the corridors too so I had to maintain my air of dignity and status even there. I held my head and stance high but as I passed her, I whispered. "Meet me at the garden."
She nodded her understanding and allowed me a sizeable lead there. I briefly glanced back towards her previous position and she was not there so I presumed she was on her way there too, just using a slightly different pathway.
I found the garden to be quite tranquil compared to the rest of the palace. The stars were appearing and the day's heat was losing its grip upon the land. A nice cool breeze whisped fresh air and cooled my skin. I don't know if I was hot due the temperature of the day, the crowds of people, or what I was feeling towards Asru. Probably all of them combined.
Asru entered just as I was taking in the scent of some freshly bloomed flowers. Must've been a sight to behold for her. Not too many guys allow themselves to be seen sniffing flowers like some excited little girl. She said nothing however and just gave me a warm smile.
"You're not going to blackmail me with this down the road are you?" I asked.
"It's cute. Guys don't usually take in the beauties of nature. Most are too absorbed in finding ways to conquer or master it."
"No mortal, especially no mere human, will ever do such a thing. I guess I'm not a fool for believing what others think can be done." I said as I was about to offer her a flower. She stopped me though by placing a hand on mine.
"Don't pull it. Once ripped from its place, it dies a slow death. Flowers are most beautiful when they are alive and rooted to the ground."
"You're right. I never saw it that way." I replied, suddenly embarrassed, but at the same time, suddenly realizing that her views of the world might be along the same lines of my own. Did I just find a kindred soul? I also noted that she didn't remove her hand right away. I took advantage of that and placed my other hand upon them and simply stared into her eyes, hoping for another magical moment with her.
We stared at one another for what seemed like an eternity...neither of us wanting to speak, but rather just enjoy the entrancing beauty of the moment. Who ever thought staring would be beautiful? I was always told it was disrespectful. At this moment I hardly believed that.
I felt bold. I leaned closer to her and sought her lips. She allowed it this time and did the same. We had so much passion and heat in this kiss! Without breaking the lip lock, I continued on my bold endeavor and slowly snaked a hand around her into an embrace. Again, I met no resistance. I allowed my hand to caress her back and fought to keep myself in check from racing to her buttocks or other areas. But she was touching, no grasping my buttocks! Does she know what that does to me!? I guess not because she didn't stop! My breath was becoming raspy. I was losing focus. I broke the kiss only to meet a pair of eyes that danced in amusement and delight. Oh, so this is a game eh? Maybe it's monkey see monkey do? I'll figured I'd find out. Without spoiling the moment, I dove in for another long, passionate kiss, our tongues meeting on occasion. With both hands free now, I raked one along her back, tracing her spine with my fingertips while the other slipped up her blouse and felt the smooth, silky skin of her belly. Her hands were also working me...my back was being massaged in ways only my mother knew before and my budding abs were feeling the caress of a gentle touch. We were lost in ourselves and our explorations. And that's when it happened...
Father must have decided to step out for a breath of fresh air too. Needless to say, with Asru and I in a rather well, 'interesting' moment, even the village idiot could figure this one out.
"Son?"
Asru and I snapped free of our embrace, trying in vain to desperately and quickly recompose ourselves. My face was flushed with heated passion, my breathing too raspy to allow words. Asru stepped slightly behind me, unsure if she should bow or do whatever villagers are supposed to do in the presence of their king. Guess she decided that standing behind the Crowned Prince of Egypt would suffice and protect her. I intended to, but who's going to protect me!?
Yikes! I'm late for my study session with Shimon! I'll write more later! See, no rest for the weary or the punished.
(I guess I remember more than I thought I could! Heheh, alcohol doesn't phase me! That's a good thing...I think.)
tbc...