Authoress' Notes: I was supposed to post this a week earlier, but I lost the original file. So I'm stuck with making a new one.

Also, I don't know if you've noticed, but my friend pointed out that how can they be so far back in technology as to use stagecoaches, when they have mobile phones?

My response was, hey, this story's AU, so they're advanced in some areas and back in most. But if I were honest, I'd say it was an error.

WHAHEHEHEHEhehehehe...he-ahem. Hey, you can actually figure the whole chappie by the title! Oh wait, maybe not. Actually, the title doesn't have much relation…Anyways, don't forget to review.

I don't own Yu-gi-oh, in case you were planning to sue me.

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Princess Training Camp

SixMighty Maids and Big, Bulky Guards

Serenity swallowed the lump in her throat, hoisting herself down the line of assorted bed sheets, dresses and lingerie tied together. She began to descend from her room in the third floor, to the roof over the first floor of the huge palace that stood in the center of Domino Kingdom.

She supposed this was the stables' roof, considering the miles of plain grassland before it.

Honestly! It was way past lunch time and the guards barring her door didn't bother giving her food. After the prolonged hangover, she just had to find herself locked when she woke up. They couldn't very well starve her all they…could they? Amazing how they were so apathetic to her screams.

The sun rose high above the clouds and a bead of sweat rolled down her smooth cheek.

She cursed the Crowned Prince again, while lowering herself another notch. She was still wearing her boy-disguise, because a dress would get in her way. Imagine his face when he realizes I escaped! Serenity laughed inwardly, and that all the bed sheets were ripped. Hmm...and they were made of fine linen too. Ah well. Small prince to pay when you mess with me.

Her feet touched the roof of the first floor, and she breathed in relief. She didn't have fear of vertigo, but it never hurt to be precarious.

She went to a corner of the room, where, as expected, she found the support stand. She climbed down halfway, preparing to jump the other half.

"...Serenity! Is that you?" Serenity almost fell in surprise, managing to balance herself in the last second and safely landing in the grassy ground. She turned around. That voice! It can't be--

"ISIS!" Serenity yelled, her magnificent eyes glowing in bewilderment, then pure joy and happiness as they riveted to a lovely, young raven-haired woman clad in a simple, white riding habit that stood in the middle of the open space.

The two stared at each other, both noting the changes in their appearances, both unsure what to do. Their smiles grew as the took one step forward, then another, and suddenly they were running into each others arms, laughing and crying in joy.

"Oh, Isis, I missed you so!" Serenity giggled, launching to a torrent of questions. "How have you been for the past year since you left home? How's your brother Malik? What are you doing here, in the palace, and in Domino? Are you happy?"

Isis laughed, answering the questions by order. "I've never felt better. Malik works here, and I volunteered to come with him when we left home, as his artworks finally paid off and he works in an art store now. He's fine too. I got a job here in the stables, as an assistant when the stableman, Allan, was impressed by my knowledge in horsecare. Yes, I'm quite happy here."

Serenity grinned and hugged her childhood friend for a second time. The two laughed again, curling their legs beneath them and leaning their heads against the railing. Isis Ishtar was her best friend, ever since they used to play in their hometown a year ago, before Malik Ishtar had left to pursue his dreams, and his sister agreed to join him.

"The stables! Oh, I'm so glad you've found a job near your passion! And here too!"

"Well, enough about me. How about you? Why are you here?" Isis asked.

"Oh, I'm here for the Princess Training Camp." Serenity replied, her voice softening.

"I've heard about that…but to marry a Prince at the end? What's with that?"

"Actually, I moved in with Bakura and Joey to Domino, and Bakura convinced me that I should enter. Not for the purpose of marrying a Prince, of course. It's a strange experience, really. I met this girl, she's a countess…" The two talked together like the old times, with the easy camaraderie of old friends.

Two hours later, Isis asked worriedly, "Bakura? That's the albino thief, isn't he?"

"Uh-huh." Serenity smiled. "I owe him everything, he's helped me so much, and especially Joey. Now brother's happy, and contented, I think. I'm so happy for him."

Isis placed a hand on her shoulder. "But thievery?...That's the reason why you're joining in the Training Camp! But…that's against the law! You could be thrown in the dungeon. Besides, it's against morals."

"We only steal from the rich." Serenity returned defensively. "Like a modern-day Robin Hood, except instead of giving to the poor, we give to…well, ourselves." Serenity bit her lip. She knew Isis would be against this, but she didn't want to look like a criminal in front of her friend. "You have to understand, Isis."

Isis looked dubious. "Despite your however passable intentions, that doesn't justify the act. Stealing is a sin, however way you look at it. And stealing from the rich? Hmm, if I remember correctly, you met Bakura because he STOLE from you. And I'm afraid to admit it, but you weren't that well of then."

"He changed. And to tell you the truth," Serenity confessed. "I don't like stealing either. I'm supposed to get the prince's ring, but just being with the prince makes me nervous and I don't know how in the world I can get it without him knowing. But I talked to Bakura about this. He said after this, my test to make me a full-fledged thief, that I would go on assignments only as a partner, as a lookout or in positions wherein I wouldn't do the stealing."

Isis looked away. "No matter if you contributed only a small part, if that small part is a factor to a sin, then it is as big as the sin itself."

"Please Isis," Serenity pleaded. "I beg you. I really need your support. I'm confused and…I don't know anymore. One part of me wants says it's alright, the other is telling me it's wrong, and this internal battle is wreaking havoc into my mind…" She cried. She couldn't stand it, not Isis. She wanted to know, just how deep loyalty and affection ran.

Last time, she hadn't had a chance to ask Isis before she left. Now, she badly needed her support. For the past year, she had endured many a ridicule from the people she once played with, her friends. Even her mother was starting to be suspicious of her. She couldn't stand one more. That was part for her reason for running from home.

Isis face softened, and she enveloped Serenity in a hug. "Oh, it's alright, you don't have to beg. You know I'd be by your side no matter what, just like you were beside me. Hush now, you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

Serenity sobbed to Isis' shirt. "I…thank you so much…"

"Please don't cry anymore. How about some food? You haven't eaten have you?"

Serenity remembered the guards by her door, not allowing her to get out. It was the Prince's order, because of the other night, when she had spent to much. She remembered how much she hated being there, the restrictions, the fact that Tea had not heard—or chose to ignore—her screams of frustrations. "Yes, thank you."

"I only have some bread, butter and ale, are you alright with that?"

Serenity choked. Ale. How she now hated the beverage. "Butter and bread would be nice…"

H

After she ate, Serenity said goodbye to Isis, finally deciding it was time to confront the Prince. She made her way inside the palace.

Maybe she could grab the ring, if she were lucky enough perhaps.

She felt an uneasy feeling as she crossed the hall, passing the hundreds of servants running around, wondering if a guard would recognize her and grab her and throw her into her room again. She didn't like the thought, considering said guards wore armor that didn't hide their bulging muscles, obvious strength, and grim faces.

She tapped the shoulder of a girl dressed in a maid's uniform. "Err…ahh…excuse me."

The maid twirled around, and immediate bright smile pinned to her face. "Madam. How may I be of help to you?" She curtsied.

Serenity returned her smile. "Where can I find Prince Seto?"

"In his study, near the library, ma'am." The maid replied.

Serenity waited for her to tell her where the study was, but the maid only curtsied again and left. Serenity sighed, if they didn't want to help her, then she'll find this study herself. She was about to turn left to the nearest door, when an iron grip caught her forearm.

She froze, thinking it was the Prince., and reflexively pulled her arm. The grip however, only tightened, hurting her slightly. She remembered the same grip Prince Seto had…

But when she turned around, it was merely the maid. She released her breath. What kind of maids did they have, athletes lifting weights? The maid smiled and released her grip, curtsying again. "I'm sorry, ma'am."

"Um…it's alright, and you don't have to bow everytime…"

"It's common manners for those of inferior." The maid replied immediately, leaving Serenity to wonder what kind of principles this palace held that the maid called themselves inferior.

"Ma'am, I meant for you to follow me, to Prince Seto's study."

Realization dawned to her, and relief entered her face. No wonder the maid left without telling her directions. "Oh. Yes, sorry." She mumbled, following the maid.

They ascended the stairs, turned left and right in a series of mazes Serenity didn't bother memorizing. She would just be lost in them Finally, they arrived at a door leading to the study. The maid turned around, addressing her. "What be your name, ma'am?"

"Serenity Wheeler."

The maid nodded and knocked two times at the door. "Serenity Wheeler wishes to see you, Your Highness."

Seto's flat voice emanated from the room. "Let her in."

Serenity bit her lip, gathering her confidence. She had to forget what had happened between them, if she were to survive and continue in this Princess Training Camp, which she needed to. It would also prove nice if she got to the good side of the Prince, if it meant getting easier access to the ring.

That sounded twisted and betraying, but she didn't have time to contemplate those things.

In a split second, she pinned an overly bright smile to her face, lifted her spirits and entered. She would be polite, nice, and respectful.

Seto sat in his armchair behind his desk, and snapped shut the book he was currently reading, devoting the full attention of his cold, inscrutable gaze to her. "What are you doing here."

Serenity smiled. "Good evening, Prince Seto. I came to discuss…ah, matters regarding our former meetings."

Seto raised a brow. "The fact that you're here means you escaped the guards posted at your door."

"I know you don't like me--" Serenity began, ignoring Seto's words as she sat down on a chair without waiting for his invitation.

Seto narrowed his eyes. "You must be more clever than I thought. But they were meant temporarily anyway. You'd be gone soon enough." Then, he shrugged the total matter off. "In any case, we have nothing to discuss."

Temporarily? Yeah right."—but I plan on staying here as long as it takes to get—" Serenity paused abruptly.

"To get?"

"I meant, to win this tournament entitled Princess Training Camp." Serenity amended quickly.

"I don't suppose it's because you want to marry me?" Seto asked, propping his foot to the table and crossing his ankles. He opened his closed book and started reading again. The insult was almost Serenity's undoing, but she bit her lip, containing the anger she felt.

When she spoke, her voice was louder. "Marry you? I'd choose marry a squid before I marry you."

Seto didn't seem to b e the least bothered by this proclamation. "Yes, a squid is more appropriate for your affections."

Serenity fumed at that, her cheeks flushing. But she replied calmly. "The choice of my affections has got nothing to do with you."

"If not, then what is you motive? Enlighten me." Seto looked at her, imprisoning her gaze in his dark blue eyes.

"My m-motive…" She stuttered. She couldn't think under the pressure of that gaze. The ring? No, no, no… "My motive…I…well…whatever else?...I…I want your mo—" She choked, then cleared her throat. "I want your money. Who doesn't?"

Seto's voice was venom, full of disgust. "How simple-minded. You'd think if you became my wife, I'd give you all my money?"

Serenity hung her head in acute embarrassment. Money? She didn't give a damn about money. "Wouldn't you?"

Seto grinned, putting down his book. He stood up, walking to where she sat. "What do you think?"

Serenity kept her head down, knowing he was just right in front of her. "How would I know?" She whispered shakily, feeling anxious all of a sudden.

Seto let a finger trace down her cheek, then tilted her chin up, leaving her no other choice but to look at his eyes. His other hand leaned against the wall beside her.

"I think," Seto said softly. "That you're lying."

She shivered under that intense look, watching hopelessly as it turned warm and sensual. Suddenly, his presence became threatening. He became a dark, royal, mysterious stranger that sent shivers down her spine.

She panicked when his lips slowly descended down hers.

"I'm not lying. The money—it's the money I want!" She sputtered, trying to prevent the inevitable. She tried to pull away, and when she couldn't, she said desperately. "I only want the money, the title!"

Seto almost laughed at that, instead, he slowly smiled, pausing. "You don't know what you want." He said softly, pressing his lips against her tight ones.

He kissed her, tender and coaxing, then turning insisting. His tongue traced a hot line between her closed lips, urging them apart. When they did, his tongue plunged inside her mouth, stroking in intoxicating sweetness that made Serenity forget everything else.

His hand shifted to her neck, supporting and caressing.

Seto pressed harder, his kiss turning hungrier, more demanding. Serenity leaned to him, unable to ignore the raving sensation that burned inside her. Her body racked convulsively as waves and waves of primitive pleasure entered. Serenity mindlessly gave in to the sweet splendor, returning the kiss with matched ardor.

And when she did, he slowly, abruptly pulled off, leaving her in the unwanted position of desire. She leaned closer helplessly, and slowly the sane part of her mind came back, pulling her out of the heavenly stupor.

Seto released a tortured breath, fighting to control the emotions that rose. After a moment, he grinned, brushed his lips lightly against hers, then straightened up.

Serenity watched him dazedly, until suddenly, she realized what they had just done. She shot to her feet, whirling around. Alarms set off in her brain.

"I—I have to go." She said hastily. She didn't glance at him as desire let way to fear, then dread. She ran, as fast as she could, jerking out of the room as the door slammed behind her.

Seto watched her go silently, then he laughed.

He rubbed his hand against his mouth. "That didn't go as expected, but that worked more effectively than guards, I see."

H

Serenity fled, dashing across the corridors, not certain where she was going to, but not caring either, as long as she got away from that man.

She couldn't, wouldn't let what happened inside there repeat. She didn't even know what possessed her. Why! Why was she so stupid? That wasn't supposed to happen. But it felt so sensual, so heavenly…

"SO NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!" Serenity yelled to herself. She turned around a corner, and entered a door. She was surprised but relieved to find herself in the Princess Lounge. Many of the candidates sat there, talking and knitting, but she tore through the room, going for her own door, not caring about the startled gazes that watched her. She barely noted that there were no guards near her room anymore.

"Serenity!" A familiar voice called, but she ignored it. "Serenity, you missed the announcement! Later on, they would announce those who passed the second rou—"

Serenity didn't hear anymore because she yanked the door open and closed it behind her, leaning against it as her heart pounded. Her breathing was irregular as she closed her eyes and opened them again.

She looked around, making sure no one was in her room before sliding to the ground, wrapping her arms around her knees as she buried her head and cried.

H

A/n: I finally finished it! Lol, my first romance scene. I'm awful at these kind of stuff, so tell me what you think. This chapter seems messy, but that's because I wrote it on-off in a series of days following the week since I updated.

Flowerperson: Well, there's a first time for everything. Lol. Yep, Serenity's drinking…hmm, I wonder where I got that idea…

KrystalSakura: Hmm…well, I tried to make this chapter as unpredictable as I could, but I fear it is…

Julie: Maybe on another chapter…I might do a companion fic with Yami in it someday.XD

Aliccia: Thank you! So what do you think of this chapter?

ANAYAS-CREATER: Thanks for reviewing!

Sakurelle: Haha, I guess not many people are attentive…oh well. Sorry to say, it seems this chapter went in favor of Kaiba…no payback for Serenity…yet.

Please review!