Ten chapters in little over two months! Holy Smoke that's a new record for me! Since the last chapter was posted pretty late, I decided to post this one early for you guys ^^

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

Dedications: To all my reviewers! you have no idea how much your favs, comments and follows inspire me! I am so happy with the reception to this story!

Chapter X: Chivalry

He'd purred the words with a bird-like cock of his head—the almost innocent gesture only amplifying the sultry tone.

He was teasing again and Yugi knew it, but he didn't shy away from the challenge. Instead, he gracefully avoided his touch like a cat avoiding grabby hands. "Firstly," he chided, "I have no interest in military secrets—Atlantian or otherwise. Second," he said, hard and sarcastic, determined to prove who exactly was the cat in this game, "I'd rather seduce a toad."

"Really now?" Timaeus leaned up, words high with mock surprise and sharp eyes bright with mischief and scheming. "It would have to be quite a handsome toad."

Caught off by the response, Yugi felt his cheeks burn. He turned around and was caught off-guard by the sudden closeness. "I can't see anything less attracting you." The Trierarch purred the words and Yugi forgot to breathe. His heart hammered in his chest.

"A-Are you trying to court me?" Yugi said with a hiss of disapproval, but it lacked the desired effect.

Timaeus chuckled and smiled, the tension suddenly lightening. "Believe me, little one," he leaned in closer, and a finger curled under Yugi's chin and lifted it slightly. Yugi felt another shiver run up his spine, but he couldn't tell if it was disgruntlement or—dare he admit it—delight. "If I was trying to court you, you'd know."

A breath caught in Yugi's throat when he met Timaeus' eyes. The close proximity highlighted every detail of the Trierarch's face: every sharp curve that arched his nose and tilted his cheeks on an angle, like a curious owl. Every smooth line that curled his jaw into a hybrid of a smirk and a smile. The defining black arch of his brows and thick lashes accentuated the blazing light in his emerald eye, and the red slit of his scar. He couldn't deny it—even if Yugi wanted to. Timaeus was simply beautiful.

And worse, he did nothing to hide it. Or accentuate it. It was simply there—simply a fact. Yet instead of muting this beauty, it only seemed to craft him in a different light. A sort of stripped-down elegance that was just as stunning, perhaps even more so because it was real. It was neither flaunted nor competing against elegant jewels, fine silks, or beaded wigs. It made Yugi wonder what he must've looked like when he was younger, when he was past maturity and not yet flawed by age—if age had touched him at all.

Yugi broadened his back and donned a stoic smirk. "Would I?" he asked, swallowing a lump caught in his throat. Timaeus' smile curled, but it wasn't the cat-like grin that boasted control and left Yugi frazzled for losing. It was more of a smile. Genuine and sweet, and his eyes had softened like a lover's. Only now did Yugi realize just how close they actually were. Their noses were barely touching. All Timaeus had to do was lean in and…

"Yes." Timaeus slid next closer. His words were a sultry purr. He bowed his head, and Yugi closed his eyes and parted his lips slightly, waiting. "You would."

"Rather than being boldly forward…" Timaeus spun around and Yugi's eyes shot open, suddenly feeling lost and dazed. He blinked in curiosity and spun around, then round again. He caught Timaeus' retreating back and swaggering step. "My approach would be to compliment your appearance and personality." He leaned against the deck railing with a casual push of his back—his arms arched in an upside down V behind him, giving him a relaxed and regal look.

Once it was clear that there was no kiss coming—nor had their ever been one—Yugi shook his head and leaned against the opposite banister, grateful for the distance. Mostly to clear his ravaging mind. What was he thinking? It didn't matter how handsome the man was, he knew better. To save face, he grumbled and fought down the heat he knew was rising in his cheeks.

"Really," he grumbled and kept his face stoic. "And what would that be?"

Timaeus eyes lit up with the challenge and he chuckled almost sweetly. "Well, I'd start by stating how lovely you look. You prettiness is so smooth, elegant, and innocent. Exotic, even by Kemet standards. Your cheeks are so round and sweet, and they look just dazzling when you blush, and they seem made just for smiling—despite the fact that you always seem to keep it in a scowl. And, of course, one simply cannot deny that your eyes are stunning." He pushed off again and strolled over to him, only this time, he knelt down to meet Yugi's eye level.

The boy's blushing face, determined to be stubborn, met Timaeus'—which was set in a charming smile. "I've never seen such a lovely shade of purple. Makes me wonder if those fabled blue lotuses your country is so famous for could even compare."

"Oh." Yugi looked away, determined not to be held captive by that smile again. He already felt embarrassed for falling so easily before and felt stupid for the odd sensation of confusion and expectation. "T-Thank you?"

"'Tis the truth, little one," Timaeus said kindly and earnestly. When he pulled away, he was still smiling and looked at Yugi with a proud gleam. "I'd also state how much I admire your sharp wit, how your will is as strong as a dragon and twice as fierce, no doubt—and despite your less-than-pleasant experiences in the temple, you still cared enough to warn them of our arrival."

Yugi's eyes flew open at that, and he stared at him with wide eyes, his brows vanishing beneath his bangs.

Timaeus smirked. "Don't think I didn't notice you in the desert, or again, in the heart of the temple. You're impossible to not notice. But I think that decision says a great deal about you."

Yugi was about to thank him again when a dark thought filled his mind. "Wait, where are the priests? Dartz said your mission was capture and rescue. It couldn't have been just about me, right?"

Timaeus frowned. "You are correct, little one—it was not just about you. Our orders were to apprehend the High Divine Servant of Amun and the Divine Adoratrice, and anyone else they had allied themselves with. Before I apprehended you, my men had already secured every man, woman, and child living within the temple and escorted them onto the ship."

Yugi's heart sank. "You imprisoned them?! Why?! Most of them were just servants or singers or simple priests! They didn't do anything wrong nor do they deserve to be imprisoned!"

Caught off-guard by the sudden outburst, Timaeus jumped back, his eyes widening in curious surprise, then his gaze softened and he smiled. "Once again, your reaction says a great deal about you." He said it as if to the wind, but in it was the intimacy of a whisper. "You can rest easy, little one. Everyone is safe. My men were given strict orders that no one was to be harmed. Anyone injured during the crash, Rhebekka is treating, and since only a handful of people were there, anyone able to was put to work helping her in the infirmary and kitchens. My King made it clear to them that they were to be transported to Djanet by the new Pharaoh who had given strict orders to secure their health and safety. They were much more compliant with that assurance."

A rush of relief swept over Yugi, but before he could expel his fears, a lingering thought disturbed him. "And the Divine Servant and Divine Adoratrice?" He couldn't bring himself to use their true names.

Timaeus frowned. "They were non-surprisingly less compliant. But they, and anyone else unwilling to meet their king willingly, was warned they'd spend the trip in the brigs next to the cargo hold. Any who chose not to relent are still there. And one sniveling bulk of a man whose cowardice disgusted me." Timaeus expelled a disgruntled snort. "So I threw him in there, as well."

Yugi couldn't stop himself from laughing. "That would be Siam—and you're right, he's a coward and a bully."

Timaeus arched a brow over a frown. "I take it you know him well, then?"

Yugi snorted. "Unfortunately. Whenever I skipped my lessons or chose to ignore them, the Divine Servant and Adoratrice would send him to fetch me. They only did so because they knew we mutually despised each other," he chuckled. "When can I see them?"

"I beg your pardon?" Timaeus asked, surprised, and his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"The servants and the priests?" Yugi blinked as if the answer was obvious. "You said they're on the ship, so when can I see them?"

Timaeus felt an awkward flush rising to his face, but he quickly controlled it and coughed into his hand. Only fools made assumptions without observations first, he reminded himself. When he opened his eyes, he found Yugi staring at him curiously. Recalling the youth's early question, he replied, "They're in Rhebekka's care, so you'll have to ask her."

"She seems to possess a lot of authority, I see," Yugi commented with a sly smile.

This time, Timaeus grinned, his element restored. "Yes, she does. As a physician, she demands quite a bit as all my men owe her their lives, and since I've never met anyone half as fierce, she doubles as an effective First Mate." He spun to the steps, then to Yugi and motioned with a curl of his fingers for Yugi to follow him. "Come, I'll take you."

Yugi rolled his eyes. "It's down below. I don't need an escort," he complained, but followed anyway.

"Perhaps," Timaeus called, descending the stairs with the grace and casual swagger of a royal prince. He looked over his shoulder with a smirk that was almost possessive. "But can I help it if I like having your company all to myself?"

Yugi fought down another blush with a stoic frown, but it failed miserably. He was about to remark when a chuckle, low and smooth as relaxed thunder, interrupted them.

"I see you two are getting along." Timaeus spun and Yugi looked up. Dartz had crossed the deck with a serpentine silence and moved with the fluidity of one—regal and noble, but quick to turn deadly.

His gaze fell on Yugi and he smiled. "It's good to see you well, Ujalah," he said, bright and kind but regal. "I trust my General and his Physician have been taking care of you?"

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness," Yugi praised with a respectful bow of the head. The gesture and use of title surprised Timaeus; if his king was correct about Psusennes' claim, didn't that mean that Yugi himself was royalty? Even a child by a lesser wife was still part of the Great Royal family in Kemet's culture. Traditionally, only another king was of equal status to a king, but the king's family was immune to such formalities out of respect. Yet Yugi chose to address another king as someone of lower rank?

Yugi raised his head with a sly smile. "The Lady Physician has been very kind to me," he spoke elegantly, but with a sly smile like he was setting up a joke. "Your General, I'm afraid," Yugi paused, his smile wicked, but his thoughts scattered, "Is another matter entirely."

Dartz only laughed. "Yes, I'm afraid our mutual friend enjoys his ambiguity." His smile was aimed at Timaeus, who bore it all with an amused smile. "But I assure you, you won't find a more chivalrous man."

"Chivalrous?" Yugi blinked multiple times. Rhebekka had said the same thing. Recalling their earlier conversation, Yugi snorted. "Well, he certainly seems to think so."

"And if you'll recall, little one, I admit to being proud." Timaeus pushed himself off the banister and wove into the conversation. He swooped to Yugi's side and a strong hand rested gently on his shoulder. "No one ever said a man couldn't be both." He purred with a wink and Yugi fought down a shiver. Only this time, he knew it was rage. How dare he! How dare he try and flirt with him in front of the Atlantian King! Chivalrous? The man had no shame.

Then at once, he'd pulled away and stood at Yugi's side. His hand was still on his shoulder, but his back straight and his face a neutral mask despite the smallest of smiles gracing his lips. "As a matter of fact, we were just about to see the Physician. Our guest is concerned for the rest of our ship's party."

Dartz's golden eyes flashed for a moment. "I see. I assume you told him they are well in her care?"

"I have," Timaeus began, but Yugi interrupted him. "I'd like to see them myself, thank you." He kept his voice civil despite the demand. Dartz smiled. It reminded Yugi of a serpent's relaxing after confirming a local passer-by was not an enemy.

"Understandable." Dartz nodded and slipped past them. "Since we're here," he turned to Timaeus, "May I have a word, General?" he asked, but in his mouth, it wasn't a question. Though his mouth was a small smile, his golden eyes were secretive.

A question formed on Timaeus' lips, but it was lost when Yugi shoved him forward.

"Yugi!?" Timaeus growled, annoyed.

"Please don't let me burden you." The kindness of the gesture was marred by the sheer glee.

Timaeus protested again, but Yugi was off before he could finish the sentence. "Dammit," he grumbled under his breath and ran a frustrated hand through his bangs. He sighed and turned to his King with an apologetic bow. "My apologies, Your Highness."

"No need to be formal," Dartz dismissed with a wave of his hand, his tone suddenly much lighter. Timaeus blinked and Dartz laughed. His eyes were once more on the spot where Yugi had left. "He's a sweet boy."

"He is," Timaeus admitted with a smile, then snorted. "But he's stubborn. Stubborn and proud. And his wit and will are sharper than a blade," he grumbled with reluctant respect. And yet Timaeus couldn't help but smile.

"A spitfire in true form, I see?" Dartz asked with a flicker of a smile.

"Indeed," Timaeus chuckled. "But he is not terrible company, I'll admit." Though the time had been short, he couldn't deny that the brat was easy to grow fond of. With his lovely face and wild eyes, he was pleasant to behold, but that wild tongue and fierce temper offered a challenge. And yet, it made him curious what lies beneath it. He hadn't failed to notice the small moments when Yugi would frown or shiver when he thought Timaeus wasn't looking. Like he expected to be struck at any moment. It was expected under the circumstances, but surely Yugi didn't find him that intimidating? He just couldn't understand it.

"How long until we reach Djanet?" Dartz asked, his gaze suddenly neutral and looking over the Nile.

Timaeus blinked, caught off-guard by the sudden subject change. "Not long," Timaeus explained. "I suspect by nightfall tomorrow, if not shortly after dawn."

"Good," Dartz nodded with an aged sigh. "I'm hoping to conclude these negotiations soon. As pleasant as the desert is, and I can truly understand why Kemet adores her beauty, I must say I am looking forward to the journey home."

Timaeus couldn't help but agree. He was no stranger to life at sea and neither was his King, but it was a different love for their mutual home—and though Timaeus had only been made Lord of Locri for a short time, he knew a lot of the bond between King and country.

"I think we will all be happy to return home," he said with a smile. "And even more so in possession of a new ally."

"Let us hope." Dartz chuckled and leaned against the ship's rail. The Nile breeze caught his own sea green hair and blew small wisps about his face. "But I admit I'm more looking forward to reuniting with my daughter again."

Timaeus chuckled—light and full of heart. "Any father would be—be he a beggar or a king."

Dartz laughed at the joke. "She misses you, you know?" he said with a tint of slyness. The words caught Timaeus off-guard and he paused to listen.

"Before we left, all she kept asking was when you plan to visit the capital. Or when I plan to visit Locri. She claims that as future Queen, she must accompany me on all my exhibitions, but while I may be her king, I'm also her father. I can see past her tricks," Dartz concluded and turned to his general. There was a hint of mischief in his eyes and his face pulled into a mask of scheming. But Timaeus hadn't noticed it, becoming lost in his pondering.

It had been a while since he visited the capital, but he had his people to think about: ships and merchants to manage, local businesses who'd yet to pay their annual tax, festivals to plan, crops to harvest. And though his household kept the circulation flowing while he was away, he couldn't just take a day off and visit whenever he pleased. Still, he wasn't undone of the princess. She'd been one of his first friends when he'd come to Atlantis; her, along with Hermos and Critias, had welcomed him into their family when he'd returned with Dartz. They hadn't needed an explanation and just accepted him, but he still hoped to earn a permanent place in their hearts—and he had. In her case, perhaps a little too well. He grimaced. It could never be the same as it was back then. But still, he missed her.

"I miss her, too," Timaeus admitted, oblivious to the surprise on his king's face. "Perhaps once things are settled, I will schedule a visit to the Capital." He had his eye closed and didn't notice the hope shinning in his eyes or his mask shift to one of triumph.

But the casual innocence in his tone was light and matter-of-fact, almost a laugh. "It'll be nice to visit an old friend." He spun around and descended the steps to the main deck.

He never noticed his King's smile drop to a frown.

Still not sure if I like the title for this one and its a little short compared to recent ones, originally i was going to end the last chapter with Yugi thinking Timaeus was going to kiss him, but i like last chaps' cliffhanger better and honestly when i broke down these chapters the layouts just fit, and I definitely needed to keep the section with Dartz. Hope you all enjoy the Yugi and Timaeus banter. Plus there were some major hints and foreshadowing in this chapter, any guess ;)

Next Time: Timaeus gets a very unexpected surprise and Yugi has a new role on the ship.