This one was ROUGH! Long story short, I had TERRIBLE writers block, when i FINALLY got inspiration thanks to finishing my masters and real life being busy (the good kind) put it on hold for two weeks then it took another two weeks to write and it ended up getting split, so I have not had a weekend to myself to just write in like a month! I was also vising relatives this weekend which is why this was late: i was too tired to edit.

I got nervous all the chapters were catching up I was afraid I'd have to skip a week to write some more chapters, but I finished them and am back on track with writing and staying at least three or four chapters ahead of posting.

On a happier note: as of last chapter THIS STORY HAD 100 REVIEWS! And i had NO idea! (dies) I was SO happy when my Beta showed me I just wanted to thank everyone for reading it! I'll admit I was nervous at first because it was a new pairing and style for me, but I am so proud of the turn out and thank you all so much for loving to read this story as much as i love writing it!

DEDICATIONS: This one is for Sakura-chan whose ideas inspired me when I had nothing, and for Val who helped me through every motivational block, word struggle and every time i fought myself over whether something made sense or not! You two are the best!

Dedications: I own nothing but the plot and the design of the Eye of Timaeus

As always read, review, critique, comment ask questions and go nuts!

Chapter XIII: Gossip

Yugi woke to Amun's persistent dawn shining through the glass windows and groaned. Flares of lemon light threatened to annoy him unless he awoke, but he was warm and comfortable and abhorred the thought of leaving his cocoon of warmth and softness. Yugi groaned and squinted hard. With a sluggish whine, he peeked an eye open. It would be his luck that the Trierarch's cabin was built facing the East. He expected Timaeus rose with dawn.

He rolled onto his side and stretched his limbs: chest puffed forward and arms back obtusely then arches forward in an acute curl: the gesture distinctly cat-like. His back brushed the warmth behind him and rolled over to snuggle closer into it. His eyes slid closed and his fingers curled over, smooth, slippery silks. His cheeks rubbed deeper into the snuggling warmth, feeling heat under his cheek, and the rippling hardness of firm muscles under tight flesh.

Flesh.

Yugi's eyes flew open and sprang back like a startled caracal. He clapped his hands over a voiceless scream. Eyes bulged with stunned mystification, and his stomach gurgled with a nauseous mixture of fright, flattery and bewildered shock. Timaeus lay curled on his side, resigned to the left of the bed. Oblivious and sleeping soundly, and completely ignorant that Yugi had spent the night pressed against him. The compromising nature of the position set in and Yugi blanched then bloomed crimson.

He flushed with a heat that wasn't environmental. It wasn't fear that caused his heart to pound. Nor was it shock. In an effort to distance himself from the cause of his embarrassment, Yugi scuttled backwards but slipped on the slick silks and landed on his back.

A groan, low and relaxed as a roll of thunder caused Yugi's heart to stop. Then the bed shifted, and he struggled to regain a more dignified position. Timaeus woke with an arch of his back and rose with no further complication. If he noticed Yugi, he gave no hint and dressed in his armor. Yugi's heart hammered though he couldn't figure out why. A mixture of relief and embarrassment clashed against confusion and disbelief. He shook his head trying to clear it, a low growl rumbled in his throat.

Ears and eyes sharp with alert, Timaeus spun towards the sound then relaxed with a surprised blink when he caught Yugi there. "You're up early," His smile was relaxed, his voice a soft purr.

Yugi's face burned even redder. "Y-Y-Yes, well," he stuttered like a child caught sneaking sweets before dinner. He coughed into his fist and collected himself. "I'm used to rising early."

Timaeus' brow arched. Yugi's chin dropped with a shudder at such a weak excuse. He swung his legs and prepared to hop off, but Timaeus' hand caught his shoulder. His brows knitted together. His mouth pulled into an unreadable line. Yugi shivered when he raised a gloveless hand then pressed a palm to his forehead. Yugi's opened with an owlish blink.

"Perhaps you should rest," Timaeus suggested, lacking his usual command but the small shove to his shoulder forced Yugi to sit. "You seem feverish." The earnest concern and sheer oblivion of it nearly caused Yugi's heart to burst. His presence swallowed the room making it impossible to look anywhere but his eye and his scar. And they were like mist and smoke and water and all unobtainable, insubstantial things.

It was too much. Yugi lost his nerve and pushed Timaeus' hand away. "I'm fine!" It came out in a harsh squeak. Timaeus retracted his hand with a look of surprise and Yugi used the opportunity to look away.

He scooped his sandals off the floor and rushed to the door. "I'll be helping Rhebekka this morning." He slid the door open as he spoke. One step and he'd be free.

"One moment." Timaeus stole his chance when he grabbed Yugi's arm. Yugi wanted to wrench it free but found he couldn't move. Timaeus spun him slightly and placed a new set of clothes in his arms. Similar to the smock he'd worn previously, it was sleeveless and laced up the front, but leather straps replaced silver ribbons and the skirt was cropped to resemble a tunic with a belt to go around the waist.

Yugi looked up with an owlish blink.

Timaeus smiled. "Since you disliked my gift of fine silks and I didn't have the heart to destroy it," he purred against Yugi's ear. The warm breathe teased his hair and Yugi fought the urge to shudder. "I thought you'd prefer this instead."

He pressed a quick kiss to Yugi's ear and left the room.

Yugi's knees buckled. He collapsed to the floor with a loud gasp of air.

X X X

Dawn had already settled over the desert when Yugi finished dressing. Morning dew still dampened the air. The chill was a welcome relief against his burning skin. Mists whirled over the Nile like phantasms bathing the shores in soft, pale lights.

At dawn Amun's warmth made even the desert look safe, but instead of promise and new beginning Yugi thoughts were only of Timaeus. Just the memory of that morning and his entire body flushed with a wave of unbearable heat.

I'm not some slave girl! He burned with shame. He had snuggled against Timaeus. His captor. The Trierarch. He had snuggled against Timaeus, of all creatures! The man who just the night before had offered him comfort if he chose to accept it. Had he? Without even realizing it?That was the question that burned Yugi the most.

He trekked across the deck in a daze. Groups of boatswain struggled to raise anchors. Riggers scuttled about in the overhead nets untying the sails like insects caught in a spider's web. Soldiers lacking their armor donned the roles of able bodied sailors and massed on deck. He spied Timaeus delivering commands from the helm, above him. The Atlantian King at his side always eyeing the man with pride.

The sight of him sent a frisson through Yugi. His eyes were cold and unreadable, his expression neutral, and his voice commanded only authority. This wasn't the Timaeus who teased him mercilessly and whose constant insistence to remain at his side infuriated him. No, this was the imperial-willed Trierarch; unbreakable, untouchable and whose loyalty was matched only by his confidence in his power. He looked at Yugi once, a quick, cursory glance but in that moment his eyes softened and the line of his mouth looped to a smile, then he looked away and the mask returned.

Something in Yugi fluttered. That was the Timaeus from the night before: the Timaeus who'd promised him freedom when they first met. The Timaeus who, if Yugi thought about it now, had kept his word, every word, and—considering Yugi's own temper—had been extraordinarily patient with him. It was the same Timaeus that he'd bantered with the night before. The one who's teasing felt like a game to enjoy and not a veiled desire to conquer him.

He felt a sudden rush of heat and shook off the thoughts, and hurried to the infirmary, and pulled. The doors didn't open. Confused, he tugged again, but the doors remained locked. There was a snicker behind him. He could hear the steady mummer of gossip woven into conversation. He whirled around. Soldiers were exiting the mess and forming cliques on the main deck: murmuring secrets and casting him glances. They silenced when they caught him staring. Then their conversations became louder, their smiles perverse, their glares accusing and disapproving stares.

Yugi froze spotlighted under their scrutiny, and curious of the cause. Darkness twisted his gut, and he flushed. Oh Sekhment, did they know? His face hardened and he held his chin proudly. Secretly, his heart was in shambles. Amun, he didn't want to think any of them might suspect him of getting cozy with their General.

He shook off the thoughts and descended the stairs to the mess with his chin raised proudly—and nearly choked on the humid air thick with the wet stench of ash, sweat and spices. Clouds of steam bubbled from huge pots and intermingled with damp smoke. His throat clogged. His eyes stung.

Through the haze, he saw straggling crew crowding the benches of the mess hall, finishing the last of their ales and piling their dishes for Rhebekka's assistants. Yugi crept along the wall hoping to avoid their eyes, but the effort was in vain, and he caught several of the soldiers staring. None of them smiled when they looked at him, one even purposely shoved him as he walked past, and Yugi caught himself on the wall.

Servants scuttled about in the smoke carrying dishes to a wood tub of soapy water or carrying trays of food up a secondary staircase, Yugi assumed led to the infirmary. The girls paused and gasped when they saw him: some blushed and ducked their faces; others covered their mouths to keep from giggling.

He blinked baffled, but ignored them and slipped into the galley, a semi-circular alcove embedded in the far wall encircling a brick, gimballed caboose. Pots, pans, utensils, sacks of dried ingredients and bushels of herbs hung along the walls. Racks of dishes and spices rested over small stones and a large side table where servants chopped ingredients. Only small windows provided any ventilation. Tables were piled high with floods of bowls and dirty plates. From the center where a brick stove burned, Rhebekka barked orders and dumped heaps of broth thick with vegetables and meat chunks into wooden bowls.

She caught Yugi over her shoulder, and spun to face him, her face a mask of surprise. "Yugi?" she blinked then laughed. "I didn't think you'd be up at all today?"

With a bewildered blink, Yugi replied "Why wouldn't I be?"

Rhebekka paused like she was torn between curious desire and dignified pride. "No matter," she said at last, and fixed her emerald spectacles. "Did you eat with Timaeus then?"

Heat was upon Yugi before he was aware enough to stop it. "No, he—" Red painted Yugi's cheeks and he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. With a grunt he shook his head to keep from embarrassing himself further.

"I see," Rhebekka raised a skeptical brow but her smile was sly. She spun around and filled two bowls with broth and set them on a tray alongside a plate of bread that was fluffier than Yugi was used to, and thick slices of fruits. She handed him an empty mug and gestures towards the barrels. "Beer's in there. We're conserving juice and water until we arrive in Djanet."

Yugi understood and filled both mugs. She gestured to a table in the back and set the tray down between them. Yugi studied his choices and gathered a few slices of bread. It was soft and fluffy: nothing like the coarse barely cakes he was used to. He examined the stew: it was a hearty broth, golden green with boiled onions, garlic cloves, sliced leeks and thick with chunks of rubbery white meat, Yugi realized was fish. The combination was odd, tangy and robust but pleasant none the less.

"You'll have to forgive the taste," Rhebekka said, though it didn't sound like an apology. "I'm not used to the Nile's ingredients."

"It's delicious." Yugi said honestly, swallowing a large spoonful. He broke a piece of bread in half and dunked it. The soft texture absorbed the broth and became soggy in his hand, to his great surprise.

Rhebekka giggled. "It's wheat, Yugi. I'm afraid it's not as thick as barley." She chuckled then spun to the crowd and boomed "Alright, lads and gents. The men are fed so feed yourselves! Do it now, or you'll have to wait for dinner!" She warned then plopped on the other side of the table, chin in her palms and eyes wide like a child anxious for a bed time story.

Yugi's spoon froze and he blinked at her then he frowned. "Why are you looking at me like that?" The words were arched with defense.

Rhebekka blinked. "Like what?" she asked, earnestly confused.

"Like you expect me to tell you something? Something you know but I don't." Yugi snapped a little harsher than he intended, and swallowed a large spoonful harshly. "I've been getting looks all morning."

"You have?" Rhebekka blinked earnestly surprise. "From who?"

"Everyone," Yugi grumbled. "Servants, soldiers, I swear even the king looked at me differently for a moment?"

"Oh that," Rhebekka understood and to Yugi's surprise her giggle sounded sheepish. "Well, you two made quite a commotion the other night." She piped and, like child who'd gotten a reaction for naughty antics, added "apparently you woke the whole ship up?"

Yugi froze then pinched his nose, brows knitted together in frustrated annoyance. "We argued. That was all."

"Must've been quite an argument, but I must say," said Rhebekka with a sidelong glance. "To have you both fall into bed."

Yugi chocked and nearly spat out his drink, aghast. "What? What are you implying, Rhebekka?"

The crooked smile that looked slitted with secret knowledge, and the sly way she said it, confirmed that the words were far from innocent. "You tell me, Yugi? It's obvious you're sweet on him?"

Yugi felt his face flame crimson. "Apep and all devils," he cursed. "All we did was argue over where to sleep! He insisted I take the bed. I insisted I take the coach, we finally agreed to share it. He had one side, I had the other. That. Is. All." He punctured the final three words with a hiss that promised a venomous bite.

She nodded, but Yugi knew from her face even if she believed him no one would believe it the truth. They already had their own. A wave of horror swept over him. His limbs became weak as wet grass and he collapsed in his seat. His face aflame and mortified, he buried it in his folded arms. "Lady of heaven, is that what they think? That I'm his mistress now?"

"They predicted that already?" Rhebekka said bluntly. Yugi shot up and looked at her with horror. She sighed and said apologetically. "Don't look at me like that, aside from Timaeus and the King only I and your fellow hem-netjer know your identify. The soldiers only know you as a servant who Timaeus rescued. Now why would he do that if he didn't like you?"

Never before in his life had Yugi wished he could disappear. "And now their suspicions are confirmed." The chuckle was dry and bitter. "And they hate me now?"

"Oh, Yugi, it's not that." Rhebekka said, rubbing a soothing hand through his hair. "Who the Trierarch takes as a lover is no more their business than it is their say in it. It is nothing to do with you," she said with a comfort that morphed into a grave laugh. "Witless brutes care nothing for context. They could easily see it as your way of saying thank you, instead they assume you're trying to seduce the King's heir."

"Damn them all, I'd sooner seduce a—wait," Yugi's anger subdued when one of her words struck. "His heir? You mean Timaeus?"

"The same." Rhebekka nodded with a grin and downed a heavy gulp of mead.

Yugi blinked in surprise. It wasn't uncommon for childless kings to select one of their generals to succeed them. The process had become common in Kemet after Tutenatem had died without an heir. But unless some tragedy occurred that Yugi had yet to hear of, King Dartz was not childless.

"I thought the King Dartz had a daughter?" He asked bewildered

"He does." Rhebekka confirmed. "The Princess Christina. She came of age just this past year."

"Oh." The confirmation did little to ease Yugi's confusion. "Then is Atlantis patriarchal?" It was common practice, but not unheard of for woman to rule in her name if she were the King's only heir.

"Oh heavens no," Rhebekka laughed. "Atlantis is far more progressive than that. You see," she snickered like she was telling him the beginning of a joke. "Before he was Lord of Locri, Timaeus lived under the care of the King. Trained alongside his own daughter. Gossip was they grew quite close, maybe even liked each other."

Yugi didn't miss her undertone. "You mean they were lovers?" Yugi gasped but couldn't be surprised.

Rhebekka shrugged. "I honestly couldn't tell you. There was certainly talk. Not a day went by when maids weren't gossiping about wedding plans and soldiers were making bets on who'd propose first. In all the years I've known him; I know he cared for her deeply. He does still. It wouldn't surprise me if they were."

For a reason he couldn't explain, Yugi wanted to turn away. It had nothing to do with him, but he wanted to hear more. "I see, and the King approved." It wasn't a question.

"How could he not?" Rhebekka giggled. "He's unequaled in battle. He has love of Locri and the support of Atlantis behind him. He commands unwavering loyalty of his men and the respect of his comrades, and he is the youngest of them all. The King loves him as a son, and his loyalty to him is matched by none. What else could he ask for in a potential bridegroom?"

"And I imagine the princess' fancy helped?" Yugi had not realized he'd spoken the words he'd been listening so intently. So lost in the perfection of the fantasy.

"Yes, he may be King, but Dartz loves his daughter most. Which would make it all nice and neat for the King if Timaeus weren't so damn honorable." She took another swing of her ale. "He's too chivalrous to marry a girl for politics."

Yugi shot up. "But," he choked on his surprise. "They were lovers."

"Yes," Rhebekka nodded, placing her chin in her palm, and her fingers dancing over her mug. A half-lidded smile on her face. "They were, yet Timaeus never once confessed to being engaged, and the princess remains unmarried."

A surprising lightness suddenly swept over him: the heaviness in his chest evaporated, and his shoulders loosened like they'd been released from a great strain. His fingers clenched his mug, only half empty. It was surprising and frightening. This sudden flutter in his chest that Yugi couldn't explain. "Then…it ended?"

"It did when I met him at least," Rhebekka shrugged, swirling her fingers over her mug and wiped the corner of her mouth on her arm. "As far as I know nothing ever came of it. If they ever were its ended and did long ago. There are tons in Atlantis who believe they are still, but only they know the details." She sported a smug smile. "And I flatter myself to think I know Timaeus well enough to know he's above that."

Her tone was simple and matter-of-fact. "If you ask me, I think they were but found their love was simply that of a Princess and her General: an unwavering loyalty, an unbreakable trust, and true friend's affection. But that is not love. Not the love a husband feels for his wife, at least."

"Oh," For some reason that pleased him. His stomach bubbled with the bewildering ache he tried to soothe with food but it brought him no release. It was bewildering and unsettling. Once more his thoughts drifted to Timaeus. Then another thought was upon him, one less pleasant. "Wait! Then they think I'm trying to take him from her?" His chagrin bled into his voice.

"Probably," Rhebekka said with a shrug and rose from her seat. "They're daft, all of them! But then again they're soldiers, they don't need the facts, they only assume. Are you finished?"

Lost in his dazed fit, Yugi hadn't heard her. Then he blinked and stared down at his empty bowl and half-drunk mug. "Yeah," He finished it in a gulp wiped the access on his arm. "I'm finished."

She dumped the dirty dishes on a pile and bellowed to the rest of the room. "Has everyone eaten? Good, now get to work." The servants obeyed and Yugi found himself lost in the chaos and the world became a blur. He tried to find Rhebekka, but the lioness was in Mistress Mode and her words were bites. He slipped through the crowd and spied a tray of bowls still steaming on the counter.

"Who are those for Rhebekka?" He asked without thinking.

She spun towards him, ready to pounce for being interrupted. Her expression dropped then morphed to a self-scolding growl. "Oh Blast me!" She smacked her forehead. "The brigs still need to eat—"

"The brigs?" Yugi piped up. Below the storage deck, two layers below. No one to snap at him or give him dirty looks. No one to bother him or interrupt his thoughts. "I'll do it!" Yugi volunteered before she could finish and grabbed the tray of bowls.

"Yugi!" Rhebekka called, but he was out before she could grab him. She watched him vanish and her face blanched. "Leviathan's scales!" she growled and yanked at her bangs.

She knew exactly who occupied the brigs, and when Yugi found out, the Trierarch would not be pleased.

And yet somehow I managed to end this on a cliffhanger too? Phew! I seriously feared I'd have to skip a week to make sure I had enough chapters prewritten. Glad to know that wasn't the case and I haven't broken my record.

And as of this chapter it has been exactly 90 days (according to doc manager) since I posted this first chapter, and already its got 100 reviews! I STILL can't believe it! I hoped my regular fans and followers would love and maybe even inspire some new ones but i never dreamed it would become so popular so fast! Thank you all so much! And the best part? We haven't even gotten to the first plot twist yet? Just wait everyone!

Next Time: Dartz confronts Timaeus on an important matter and Yugi learns exactly who resides in the briggs. Oh and did I mention a kiss?