Author's Notes: Thanks to Halys for the lovely long review. :) The research is less work and more play for me, because I've been obsessed with Ancient Egypt for as long as I can remember. I actually don't need to research most of this stuff. I do have reasons for placing Yami in the 4th dynasty, what most of them were I've already forgotten, but I'll try to offer some explanation. I thought a lot about it and tried to follow canon at first (1005 BC), but then he's in the 3rd intermediate period close to the decline. The New Kingdom is the period most people know a lot about, but the priests of Amon (Amon-Re) had become so powerful they were almost in partnership with Pharaoh. In the Old Kingdom before the rise of Thebes and the cults of Amon and Osiris, Pharaoh was a god in his own right and power was extremely centralized. Plus, the economy was booming and the people were living well. I think this is where Yami belongs.
Next to nothing is known about how Egyptian's performed marriages- the only source I have says they didn't have a ceremony, just a party X/. So that's why I'm not describing that. Readers may notice the lack of "billowing silk bed curtains" in this story. This is because in Ancient Egypt, not only did they not have SILK, they didn't have the kind of BED you are describing. No, no huge wooden four poster bed with satin sheets and silky curtains all in red. Just stop that train of thought before it starts. Go home; cry a little, you'll be fine.
Thanks (again g) to lucidscreamer, don't think you got my message edited into the last chapter.
EGYPT: 2498 BC
Chapter Five
i- na Xaa – kua Xu – kua user – kua neteri - kua
I have come, I am crowned, I am glorious, I am mighty, I am strong
Yuugi found himself completely swept up in the King's wake, everything and everyone else seeming just as overwhelmed by this presence, the very sun seemed to shine more brilliantly in his radiance as the anointed King passed between the mammoth pillars into the light. Yuugi couldn't explain it, but he gave off such an incredibly aura of poise and presence the spacious, open stone hallways felt absolutely filled to capacity, brimming with atmosphere alone. The First Prophet, Seth, walked at his king's side, the two deep in conversation, one soft, musical voice and one sharp with a strange devious edge along it, the King's elegant hands expressing more than his words at various points in the quiet discussion.
Seth, who was impossibly tall and definitely at least a full head and shoulders above the king, seemed dwarfed by this quiet, softly imposing, gently majestic figure who spoke in gesture. The idea that the Lord of the Two Lands was indeed a god come to earth was becoming less and less unlikely in Yuugi's awed perception, else he would be forced to reach the conclusion of his countrymen; that he was in the presence of a genie. With a strange tingling feeling encompassing more of him for every moment he was with the King, he was prepared to accept any explanation for the way this man seemed far, far more than human. Goddess aside, Yuugi was already mostly convinced the people of the black land had it right, though he had yet to admit it to himself.
The party paused suddenly in the sandy corridor, the King's flick of the wrist plunging them all into silence. The King's guards- who were so adept at staying out of the way Yuugi had to keep reminding himself that they were there at all- rested hands on the short, straight copper swords at their sides, ready to obey any orders they might receive. His majesty, however, was not looking at them; he turned slowly to observe his latest acquisition, dark eyes narrowing for a moment before his expression was kind again.
"This, little princess, was where you were meant to have met us for our inspection before the feast. We are not sorry for the deviation from what was intended, but you must learn from this moment henceforth that every word and deed you perform outside your chambers will be carried out to our utmost specification…." He let this hang for a moment, looking down with an unfathomable emotion in his eyes, "When you have been given," he continued abruptly, motioned toward Sensut, "Kemet shall have feasting in honour of our union and you and we retire together to the chambers of the Great Royal Wife. There, we have decided, you shall live- " Dark ruby-brown eyes glanced sharply at Seth, glittering dangerously, "As it please us."
Seth was silent, but his expression was grim. The King had obviously not followed some advice of his and had made it clear the discussion of said issue was very much over. He inclined his head to his ruler, then bowed onto the floor again before backing down the corridor and turning to leave.
Yuugi curtsied as low as he could, bowing his head and wondering if he should say anything in reply to this announcement. His manners were more out of genuine respect, at this point, than any lingering hope in his heart; if they were to retire together right after the wedding feast, the odds were good that the King would discover him long before he had the chance to make a good impression and confess his situation. Gaining sanctuary from his father and averting impending disaster for his people was too important to give on, but his optimism was dwindling rapidly and he had already turned a small portion of his inward thought to preparing to meet his maker.
"High Priest," the King spoke again.
Seth froze, only a few steps away from where he had turned to leave. He faced his liege again, bowing almost double, but not falling to the floor as he had done before. It seemed acceptable enough, because the King motioned him foreword. "Your majesty?"
"You return to dwell in the temple of Ptah in one week's time, do you not?" the King had made some slight movement of the head and Seth sank to his knees after all.
"It is so, your majesty," the priest answered, his eyes fixed on the King's golden sandals. Yuugi was happy that at least now he knew what a First Prophet was, but he did not stir from his own prostrate position, watching from beneath his cloth headdress' hangings. It all seemed so grand and formal- far more royal than his father's court could ever hope to be- and they were standing in a hallway.
The King sighed slightly, too quiet for the guards standing nearby to hear, "And it has been four months, we remember… you must return…" He was silent for a long moment of contemplation, "On the morrow at midday you will attend our further pleasure in Hathor's Garden outside the palace. Watch for our coming and disturb nothing of the sacred trees… we shall need the good will of the goddess. Now, all," his voice suddenly snapped loud and commanding over all the assembled company, "We go to feasting!"
Yuugi found himself left alone in the hallway with Sensut- again. He blinked owlishly at the man in whose care he had been left.
Sensut smiled at him, secretly amused over something, "I will present you to the King, since your own royal father is not here to do so…" he hesitated, looking uncomfortable, "You should know, princess, that all Kemet does not share the tolerance of his gracious majesty when it comes to… Well, outsiders often do not know their place and their arrogance offends... if nobles know nothing else, it must be said that they know how to hold a grudge…" He seemed to be talking to himself more than to Yuugi and it almost made the prince giggle.
"What is it you wish to warn me about, Sensut?" He asked, trying to hold down his amusement. The last thing he needed was one breach of control that could start his descent into hysterics.
"I am saying…" Sensut looked over at him and sighed heavily, "Outsiders are known to be inferior and most of the court will not accept the Son of Ra's decision lightly- to say the least. Some believe it borders on sacrilege to knit the King to a foreigner… It does not happen often, my princess."
Yuugi's brow knit in confusion; if they didn't ever allow these sort of political marriages, if the King's pure blood was brought into jeopardy by his presence… if this would create unrest in the nobles and priests- why on earth was his greatness, king Atemhotep doing it? It wasn't as if it really mattered if he upset Carni or not, his court and crown mattered more than a little backward nation off the border- even if the threat was small. There was something afoot here no one was talking about, something that wasn't quite right…. Yuugi's mind turned back to the conversation between the priest Seth and the King, but it revealed nothing more than that the King wished Seth to remain in the palace.
"I do hope I have not offended, princess," Sensut was saying, taking his long silence for indignity, "I was only trying to warn you of what to expect when the King is not there to silence the gentry."
Yuugi shook himself out of his reverie, "Fear not, your nobles cannot be blamed. Outsiders, at least those of my own country, are indeed inferior to your people. No other way about it- I've never seen anything like this city, nor have I seen anyone like your King. This place is… something else." He smiled faintly. It was an understatement.
Sensut returned the smile uncertainly, "Truly…" he looked ahead and they passed into silence.
Until a cacophony of drumming reverberated within the hall where the King had disappeared. The cry of a crowd followed and Sensut looked down at Yuugi with another small smile, "It is time, little princess."
Yuugi stared up at him, wide-eyed, his lips firmly pressed together to keep from crying out his whole story and pleading for deliverance from his current tribulation. Instead he raised his hand, laying it on Sensut's elbow for security, glancing up into his guardian's face for permission to leave it there. Sensut nodded once, then raised his chin and started foreword.
TIMEITMIEMITMITIME
The feast was resplendent, there had been beef, veal, antelope, gazelle, fruits, honeyed sweetmeats, cakes and bread all in quantities Yuugi could barely conceive of, there had been dancing girls and acrobats and a teller of tales. Everything and everyone was perfumed, the people wore fine white linen and dripped with gold, but no one equaled the solemn, aloof beauty of the King. Yuugi was uncomfortable thinking that as he watched his new 'husband' sip wine and converse with the nobles around him, but he had been unable to shake the thought. His goddess was looking more and more impotent the longer he watched.
It was that same something he had observed before, that strange grace and elegance which completely set this man apart. When he moved it was deliberate, when he spoke the room hushed slightly to hear the musical lilt of his words, if not enough to hear the words themselves. Everything seemed to slow down, to almost pause near him and Yuugi couldn't tear his eyes or his thoughts away- it wasn't an attraction, it was an alien compulsion, a lingering fascination for what was decidedly Otherworldly. Yuugi had spent most of his life wishing he could come to this land, wishing he could learn more about the strange idea of a god-king… now faced with it, its plausibility frightened him.
The feast raged on around him, various entertainments passing through the great hall and various platters of food circled the room in the arms of the near-naked servant girls, their black wigs flying as they swirled passed. All of it was a blur as he struggled to think more clearly, turn his musings to how he could convince the King not to spend his wedding night with his bride. Before he could even begin to think a hand fell heavily on his shoulder and he was being led away again.
SHIFTSHIFTSHIFTSHIFTSHIFTSHIFT
Yuugi sat carefully on the low wooden platform, hung heavily with near transparent linens, scented with the same heady, sweet-smelling perfume that everything seemed to be doused in here in the palace. The ornate legs of the bed were carved and decorated with gold inlay and gold head rests sat innocently at the higher end of the slanted surface, ready to receive their sleepy patrons, lotus flowers littered the floor, glistening wetly as if they had just been picked. All the furniture in the big, open room was of the same light build, curved backs and seat for the chairs and the lounge, thin arm rests and legs carved and painted in minute detail, patterns chasing each other around the wood.
The lamps gave off no smoke, the servants having sprinkled salt into each little bowl of oil, the wicks sitting low to keep the light soft and ruddy, casting on orange glow over the room and creating giant flickering shadows over the walls. The chill stone of the floor was swept clean, all the furniture freshly scrubbed and all the linens brilliantly white; everything was mysterious and beautiful in the lamplight. He had never lived like this before.
Yuugi's heart leapt into his throat when a sound from the hall alerted him to his King's arrival in this the chamber of the Great Royal Wife. The Lord of the Two Lands swept into the room in a dozen light, quick steps that agitated his clothing and almost gave the appearance of floating over the stone floor. It was the first time Yuugi had seen him without the hovering presence of his guards about him and the first time his crown was gone from his brow. Long ebony black locks fell over his shoulders, full of tiny braids woven with delicate golden trinkets and beads- Yuugi wondered absently whether or not it was a wig.
The King's many-layered beaded necklace shone in contrast to his dark skin, glittering in the flickering light as his many gold adornments shone as if freshly polished. The atmosphere was so thick Yuugi felt vaguely light-headed; the serene, knowing look on the harshly beautiful features of the King was not helping him to gather himself together.
The Son of Ra came foreword and Yuugi fell to his knees again, touching his brow to the floor at the King's feet before- helpless to his own curiosity- he raised an anxious glance. The King regarded him down the sharp line of his nose; shoulders squared and chin raised, royal dignity practically oozing from his pores. "Tell me, little princess, what are we to you?"
"My king," Yuugi answered before thinking, realizing this was the truth and hoping it was appropriate.
His posture relaxed slightly and his expression became somewhat closer to gentle, "Just your king? One day we shall ask for more from you, there is more you must accept; but we will not begin your education on this the first night of your new life…. Tonight," he lowered himself to Yuugi's level, folding his long legs elegantly beneath him, "Tonight and at all times within the confines of this room, I am your husband and you are my wife and there shall be no class between us. In this room, you may think of me as… within reach." He smiled slightly, tilting his head at his bride, gentle fingers rising to cup Yuugi's sharp chin and force him to meet his gaze.
The young prince's eyes were wide, mystified at this magnificent being's strange aspirations to ordinary relations, to claim- even very temporary, very restricted- equal standing with anyone, even his wife. He had not expected the crown to come off and was unprepared to deal with this generosity.
"Wh- " he fumbled, wondering if he might overstep the bounds of this new arrangement.
"Have no fear, you are strange to our customs, I will suspend offense." The King breathed, his tone light, eyes drifting searchingly over Yuugi's face.
Yuugi swallowed, "What shall I call you?"
With a bell-like tinkling of golden hair ornaments his tilted his head again, considering, "Whatever manner of name pleases you, little one, I have a great many names… Given more than I was born with when I took my place." He was being extremely generous, more generous perhaps than he ought to be, Yuugi could see it in his suddenly unguarded face.
"Is there one of those you would like for me to use?" the prince asked carefully, aware that the King might regret giving him so much freedom later on.
"My cousin Seth- the First Prophet, son of my father's brother- gave me a name in childhood…" he mused, smiling distantly, "Not an official name, for princelings are not of consequence… only he called me such. You may use it now, for it is a word in your language, small wife, you are permitted to call me Yami."
"Majestic…" Yuugi translated under his breath, seeing why it had been fitting. He flushed as the King turned to look at him and the corner of his full mouth twitched in amusement. "Thank you, your majesty… Yami." He bowed his head.
Yami looked pleased and rose gracefully to his feet, going over to a tall vase and pouring water into a bowl on the low table. Then he settled himself on one of the elegant, delicate-looking chairs, beckoning Yuugi to his side.
The prince stood, feeling faint, knowing the time when he would be discovered was drawing nearer and nearer all the time. He felt the strangest sensation of not caring that it would mean his death, would have stopped caring altogether in the haze of this most unfathomable day and the comfort of this luxurious room but for the question of war. Like a storm on the horizon, threatening everything he held sacred; he couldn't allow his father's plan to succeed, couldn't betray his people or Kemet's so easily… And any moment now he would have a plan. Any moment. He walked to the King's side, nevertheless, feeling odd to be higher than him.
Yami reached up and guided Yuugi's hands- without touching them, though he was millimeters from it- raising them to his face as if to inspect them. If he noticed their paleness he didn't give any sign, "Cleanse yourself and come back to me."
Yuugi turned to the bowl of water, dipping his hands and rolling them over each other in the clear, cool water, only now realizing why Yami had put it there. Despite any words spoken, the King was the King, was a god, was most definitely higher than any other- and Yuugi was a foreigner who needed to wash away his inferior filth before he could touch what was far above him. He leaned over and rinsed his face and neck, too, water dripping beneath his scarves and down his chest, making him shiver. He dried his hands on the linen next to the bowl and turned back to the King.
Yami took his hands this time, raising them again to his face in mock inspection, he touched the tips of Yuugi's fingers to his cheek, his eyes on his bride's face, then he pressed his lips chastely to each palm. He looked up again, into Yuugi's eyes, "There is nothing I would take from you not freely given… it is my wish that you be happy here, where you will live the rest of your life." Yami's serious gaze was making him fidget, but he understood then, in a rush, that his husband was releasing him from the duties of a wife on her wedding night. His secret was safe! At least for one night, one night that Yami could certainly forgive him… one night that could be enough to think of what to do. The tension fell from his slim shoulders and he smiled gratefully at the King.
Yami did not return the smile, though his eyes were kind, but lifted Yuugi's hands again to put his fingers against his earlobe. He guided Yuugi's small fingers in a swoop over the curve of soft flesh, then down to the screw of the long golden earring hanging from the King's ear. Yami's touch closed his hands around the bauble and then fell away, eyes meeting Yuugi's again. Comprehension dawning, Yuugi looked over Yami's long, slender form, he noticed again that his whole person positively dripped with jewelry. Gold arm braces, bracelets, armlets, anklets, rings- on his fingers and toes- his huge necklace, heavy earrings and clasps higher up and an amulet slung around his waist.
Yuugi swallowed nervously at the intimacy removing it all would require… he supposed that was the point, a calm, unfrightening, mundane way to bring him close to his new husband, make him comfortable with touching him… except it wasn't. He concentrated all of his attention of the tiny screw that held the earring in place, deciding as long as he didn't think about what he was really doing he would be all right. He twisted gently, golden clasp slowly loosening until he caught the heavy gold as it fell. Unable to help himself he ran his fingers over the pierced earlobe, feeling the hole, stretched with the weighty gold- it was strange to him, something that wasn't done in his country.
Trembling slightly he took the other earring, insanely conscious of Yami tilting his head just a fraction to give him easier access. Next was the broad necklace, held in place with an ornate counterweight, wrought in gold and inlaid with precious stones. His knuckles slide against Yami's long, elegant neck, the bronze skin feeling scorchingly hot under his hands as he worked the clasp. Necklace, bracelets, braces; all came away with the release of their ingenious little hidden clasps and Yuugi set them all carefully aside on the low table next to the bowl of water where he had washed himself.
Rings were next and he tried not to shake too much as he held long, slender, perfect hands in his and gently guided the gold bands from slim, nimble fingers. Still Yami's skin against his was uncomfortably warm and the softness of his hands made Yuugi hurry through the task. The King's feet were immaculate, showing so little wear as Yuugi knelt to remove the jewelry there, that he almost wondered if Yami ever walked more than a few steps at a time. Anklets and toe rings and then the painfully embarrassing moment of putting his arms around the King's waist to find the clasp of the amulet. The warmth of the domestic scene was stifling and oppressive and yet something he almost didn't want to end for reasons he didn't understand.
As the last chink of gold was laid safely on the table Yami rose again, his bare feet silent against the stone floor as he walked over to his bride, standing behind Yuugi at the table and resting a hand on his arm.
"I don't know what to do…" Yuugi whispered, his voice strained.
"You have given me everything I have asked of you, have shown your desire to be to me what I wish you to be…" Yami's voice rose and fell as if in song, his words coaxing, but very serious. Reminding Yuugi to be aware of who and what he was, even in the comfort of their own room, in the shelter of marriage, the safety of Yami's promise he would not take anything not freely given. "…and it is enough."
Yuugi's breath was hitched, "Enough?" It wasn't really a question and he was uncertain even at that moment what he meant.
"It is enough." Yami's fingers curled around his arm and his warm breath tickled Yuugi's ear as the King leaned his whisper close, then brushed his lips very carefully across the heated skin of Yuugi's slender neck to the hollow where it met his shoulder. He pressed a kiss there, then turning, buried his face as his arms closed around Yuugi's waist, his hold loose enough to allow a little distance between their bodies. "Yet there is one last honour I would ask of you, Yuugi of Carni…"
Yuugi turned in his King's grasp, lifting his chin to look up into the eyes of his husband, this strange, noble creature of surreally sublime regality, of Otherness, this god on earth who's dark eyes both commanded and adored. His skin burned as if with fever and yet he felt cool, his head was swamped, his vision distorted as if by water… he felt everything and he felt nothing- a sensation overtaking him he'd never experienced before. The ruby-brown of Yami's eyes glittered almost black in the low light, but nothing could have proven more complexly fascinating…. Three days before he had been a stowaway in the temple of Althen, day-dreaming about leaving Carni and now he was in the arms of the greatest King in the known world, in the greatest country, the richest, the strongest….
He was somewhere he could never have imagined he could be, but he was not overwhelmed by his situation; it was the expression in the depths of those eyes which confounded him, robbed him of his understanding. The King leaned slightly closer, inclining his head, but Yuugi had not even recognized the movement before Yami had bent his head and infinitely soft lips had brushed lightly against his. So quickly he was almost certain it had not happened- his heart thundering in his chest at three times its normal speed and feeling faint again- but Yami met his gaze again and he knew it had.
The King led him to the platform on which he had been sitting what felt like hours ago, guided him down to lay on it, his head in the headrest, without ever touching him. Yami lay down next to him on the small surface, obviously not built for two, and passed his hand down Yuugi's cheek, whispering a good night and lying down for sleep. Yuugi didn't think he would ever fall into the welcome oblivion of slumber with the King lying next to him, but the strain of the day eventually lulled him to close his eyes….
ENDENDENENDNEDN
History Bites? Well… not a whole lot is known about what Pharaohs did behind closed doors, so I figure slight creativity is permissible. Within the range of plausibility. And about the name thing… yeah, it's a bit stupid, it's a bit of a cope out, but I didn't want to be calling Yami 'the king' all the time. And I don't think Yuugi would be calling him Atemhotep. There has to be some relax of formality if they're going to have a relationship and it gives me the added bonus of being able to call him Yami, which I much prefer to Atemu because he's lived in it more. Or something.
I wouldn't normally plug my other stories, but can somebody read Rose Tint My World, please? I think it's sort of neat and I really wish some more people would tell me what they think.