I AM BACK BABY! FINISHED THIS CHAPTER IN TWO DAYS! Would've been consecutive days if I didn't have a job interview, a date and bunch of other stuff lined up but i got this chapter-and the next one done! Originally, they were meant to be one chapter, but so much ended up happening this chapter I decided to split it. Ironic, how the chapter I think will be short and quick, end up being the long ones...ironically this one was pretty quick...
The only tricky part was the final scene I ended up having to rewrite from scratch (i had it originally written out a year ago as soon as i came up with the idea for the six-month second wedding, but when i went to type it up i could not find the notes-six hours of internet, e-mail, pm searched and terrying apart my bedroom and i realized it was gone. Thankfully i remembered enough to rewrite it.
I was SO happy to get my mojo back for this story-the only tricky thing was keeping the original style, but once i got back into it just flowed...so without further ado...
disclaimer: I own the plot and nothing else. Yugi's dress was loosely inspired by Serenity's Atlantis dress from the Yugioh Paper Doll series (available on Deviantart)
As always read, review, critique, comment, ask questions and notes at the bottom
Chapter LVI: Confrontations
As Timaeus lifted him into his arms, Yugi caught his first glimpse of his new home. His eyes widened with amazement and a sort of horrified fascination. Though dwarfed by the Great Houses of Kemet, the palazzo of Locri was by no means a small house and every piece from its colorful windows to its tall, elegant facades had a reason behind it.
Built overlooking the city and coast below, the manor was built in the heart of the mountain's upmost valley. Two long rivers poured down the mountain's slopes: one, looped low and fed a small grove of tall trees, the second curved around and connected in a defensive mote. Unlike the tall towers of palm and fig Yugi was used to, here trees had twisted trunks crowned with branches like many arms and fingers heavy with fruit and foliage. The massive chain of mountains formed a curved valley ending in the steep drop of a huge cliff and the city below.
The house itself was no less impressive: elegant with its pointed towers and curved archways, it stood so tall Yugi had to crane his neck to see the lacy crenellations of the alfernso roof. Rectangular and asymmetrical, it was carved entirely from glass and white brick. Windows clear as water and sparkling like a tapestry of jewels, glittered and let in light. Verandas with inflected arches curved around almost the entire second and third floors, with smaller balconies and arcade loggias scattered throughout. The whole thing boasted a modest courtyard made from the same polished brick as the building itself.
"Like it?" Timaeus asked in a whisper, choosing Aramaic for privacy.
Though caught staring, Yugi could not remove his eyes and nodded, almost mutely. "Yes."
"Far cry from the castles of Kemet, I imagine," Timaeus chuckled "But you'll find them no less lovely, and no less magnificent in their structure."
It was nothing like the small city of Kemet's Great House, and though Yugi had prepared himself, it still felt alien, mythic, ethereal.
"Are you ready? They're waiting for us."
This time Yugi did look away. "What?"
A grin slid across Timaeus' face and he whispered, haughtily, "Why to meet my house of course. They've waited a long time to meet my new bride." He gestured forward with a grin. Yugi blushed at the crowd of retainers gathered in the stone courtyard, all donning their finest clothes and cheering enthusiastically. The reality settled heavily in his heart as if just now understanding the full grasp of it. Even after weeks of preparation, Yugi felt nervous. Like all before was just a dream and he'd just now woken up. It was a strange feeling but not an unsettling one. His heart was pounding: excited and frightened at once. He was grateful for Timaeus' arms around him, fearful he'd stumble if he had to walk on his own.
He gulped and nodded.
With an imperial stride and a beaming smile Timaeus swaggered up the path, servants and staff alike shifted aside, bowing and offering congratulations. They stopped in front of the magnificent, massive doors. The guard in front of them was young, but the strong build and balanced form hidden beneath his thick black and silver armor betrayed his true age. A curtain of thick black hair was pulled back in a long tail exposing the richly tanned curves of his face, the smirk on his lips emphasized by glittering gray eyes. A green cape thrown over one shoulder was pinned at the breast with a silver, single-eyed dragon with sword in his mouth. The same sigil decorated the door etched into a plate of thick metal.
"Welcome Home, my Lord Magister," he dropped to one knee in a graceful bow. "You have been sorely missed and—"
A scream of delight pierced his speech. Yugi and Timaeus barely registered the squeal of utter happiness and the flash of gold before the kneeling man was sent toppling over and landed splayed on his back with the golden-haired girl plopped in his lap, her green eyes glittering.
"I missed you, too, Rhea," he choked through flattened lungs.
Yugi covered his mouth a stifled a laugh. So, this was Timaeus' First, the notorious husband Rhebekka had told him so much about. She hugged him tightly then just as quickly pulled away, her eyes hard and her tone held no room for chat. "We've much to discuss, you and me. Much indeed."
"Yes," he said seemingly unmoved by the change of demeanor, but Yugi caught the slight tremble in his voice. It made him wonder how often he'd been on the wrong side of his friend's leviathan-like temper. "But first," he diverted carefully and peeked past her, locking eyes with Yugi for the first time. "I believe we have a Magistrate to welcome?"
He placed his hands around her slender waist and brought her up with him. Their smiles matched as they turned to Timaeus and Yugi, bowing. "Welcome home, Lord Timaeus, Magister of Locri, and welcome, Lord Ujalah, our new Magistrate."
Timaeus set Yugi down and smiled. "Yugi, allow me to introduce Mokuba, My First, and second-in-command in my absence, and as I'm sure you've realized, Rhebekka's husband."
Yugi nodded and arched his back forward with his arms wide, the same way he had when he'd address Cristina and the King. "It is good to finally meet you, Mokuba," he said warmly. "I've heard many things about you."
"All mixed, I reckon," he sighed casting a gaze towards his wife. "My wife you've met." Rhebekka looked no less haughtily now than she had on their ship.
"Now that that is done," Timaeus scooped him into one arm, making him shriek, and stumble. A few servants giggled at his clumsiness, but Yugi straightened his back and refused to be shamed.
"Members of my honored house," Timaeus bellowed loudly, raising his free arm for silence. "It has been many long months since I've set foot in my home, and I am truly pleased to be back." The crowd cheered, then silenced when Timaeus raised a hand. "But I have not returned to Locri alone. I am pleased to announce that after all these long years, I have finally chosen a bride to be my Magistrate. May I introduce," he gestured to Yugi who rose smiling. "Lord Ujalah, former Prince of Kemet, now Magistrate of Locri and all her people and my new consort." He said the last part with such authoritative happiness like it was the proudest and most important fact of all.
The crowd roared with applause: though some seemed fickle in their cheers, others gazed about confused but most were seduced by the festivities and ceremony. Yugi chose to ignore it all and let Timaeus guide him through the massive doors Rhebekka and Mokuba pulled open.
The inside of the palazzo was no less magnificent on the inside: it focused on the grand entrance with an open vaulted ceiling lit entirely by the glittering windows and huge chandeliers heavy with candles. Several staircases spiraled to higher floors and hallways were opened banisters. Timaeus approached the stairs and had Yugi stand upon the dais of steps.
"Now," Timaeus boomed, but his eyes were on Yugi. "Following the tradition of our Dark Lord when he spirited away his Iron Lady for their wedding night, tonight, the King of Atlantis, his Daughter, and the last two Dragon Knights shall celebrate our union with a grand Feast, a Revel, and a celebration of Gifts."
"But first," Timaeus spun and locked eyes with Yugi. The bright emerald orb glittered with promises and its pearl, vacant twin clouded with the weight of them: both offering him their shield, their sword, and all they were.
"It is tradition that the Groom gift his bride first, upon entering their home." he bowed to Yugi, then whispered softly in Aramaic to Mokuba. "Have all my wishes been met?"
Mokuba nodded. "To the letter." Behind him Rhebekka slipped forward, something glittering between her hands. Yugi's eyes widened with recognition unsure how he'd not seen it before.
"I'll bring it to your rooms," she said in Aramaic, winked and disappeared up the steps. Yugi sighed with relief. He'd been right to trust her with that secret.
"First," Timaeus announced and Yugi spun to face him. A voluptuous woman stepped forward, her golden hair cascaded down her back, longer than even Rhebekka's and her bright, round eyes and full lips were made for laughing. An auburn haired, apple-cheeked girl stood close behind her next to a younger boy with soft wisps of light brown hair and dark eyes set in a boy's face, short for a man grown. The last of the company was a tall man with lightly browned skin and darker hair styled to a point: he boasted a warrior's body and his arms were strong from a life-time of fighting, but his face was set in a neutral frown.
Timaeus nodded and all four stood in a line and dropped to a knee.
"My first gift," he smiled, presenting the handmaidens and manservants. "They are no simple servants, my sweeting." With a gesture of his hand they rose with honest smiles and eager eyes. "Mai is Mistress of the Wardrobe and Lady of the House in Rhebekka's absence. She will gift you with a wardrobe fit for a Royal Magistrate and instruct you on the running's of our household. Anything your precious heart desires, you need but ask her."
Mai stood and threw back her golden curls with an ear-splitting laugh and the whole room winced as she bellowed into it "My sweet Master, you do me the highest honor with your service. My poor apprentices and I were about to die of boredom with only our dear Lord to dress." She had a kind, sodality smile that reminded Yugi of his own sister and he smiled, eager to know her better.
"Serenity, is our Mistress of Citharedes. She will teach you music, our instruments, how to play them, and the songs and steps our country loved best. I trust you will find her company most pleasant as well." He winked, knowing well his consort's love for music.
The girls bowed sweetly and her smile was a kind, innocent thing with no room for gossipy rumors or any judgement but her own. "I look forward to having you as my student and my magistrate."
"Tomoya." The younger boy stumbled forward at his summon. He was a shy thing with a bookish aura and Yugi immediately sensed his discomfort being away from them. "He shall be your personal Steward and Tutor. He will teach you the language of Locri and her history." He squeezed Yugi's hand and whispered. "Until then I asked them all to speak only in Canaanite. I trust you're familiar with the tongue though did well hiding it from my men." His smile was a sly thing torn between admiration and playful scolding.
Yugi's cheeks paled, but he straightened his back and refused to be shamed. He met the shy boy's eyes and smiled sweetly in perfect Canaanite. "I have much to learn from you, but I know you will be a fine teacher."
Tomoya nodded eagerly.
"And last, Tristan, our Master of Arms." The brown-skinned man stepped forward. His eyes narrow and unreadable. "He shall instruct you in the Arts of Self-Defense and train you to fight."
Yugi nodded and said. "I promised to be a disciplined student."
Tristan smiled thinly and nodded.
"And next," Timaeus snapped his fingers. Mai and Serenity giddily rushed forward, holding up a gown for his inspection, forcing a gasp from Yugi's lips. It was beautiful: shiny and silvery like liquefied moonlight with sheer sleeves, cut to expose the shoulders and held in place with silver chains. Subconsciously, he reached a hand to touch it, but hesitated. Sensing his uncertainty, Mai winked and nodded. It was smooth beneath Yugi's touch and ran through his fingers like water. Softer than any linen, he vaguely wondered what it was made from. A stressed wool, silk perhaps? Something softer, sleeker?
"It is a tradition for brides to wear only silver on their wedding days and gold thereafter." Timaeus whispered, his hands steading Yugi's shoulders. "It is yours for tonight and every night after."
"It's beautiful," Yugi praised, his eyes shining. He thanked both woman in turn.
Tristan presented the third gift, a lovely medallion of sterling silver on a long silver chain. The image was of an enthroned couple: in her hands, the queen held a strange-looking insect, her husband held a river, and their free hands were locked together in a loving embrace. The emblem that of Locri's Chief God and Goddess: The Lord of the Dead and the Iron Lady: his badge of office, Yugi realized, as he lifted it into his hands and ran his finger along the Iron Lady's lovely face.
Not caring who was watching or what anyone else through, Yugi spun to Timaeus and hugged him. He smiled wider when Timaeus returned the gesture. When they separated, Yugi placed it back in its box, and thanked Tristan and Timaeus both wholeheartedly.
Yugi knew what came next. With the cheers of the house in the background, he and Timaeus departed through two separate staircases to wash and dress for the evening. Serenity and Mai took his hands and ushered him up the stairs, giggling. Rhebekka slipped past and down the steps, giving him a wink as he did. Yugi nodded and watched her go. He glimpsed her giggling as she whispered something in Mokuba's ear. The man balked, wordless but Yugi heard the loud echo of "WHAT!?" before he disappeared around the stairs and ushered into the communal baths—his own private ones would not be his until after the celebration.
It was open and airy with large colored-glass windows for privacy and beautifully tiled floors. Serenity removed his silks and helped him into a large, alabaster tub Mai was filling with water from a set of copper pipes. The room filled with a loud, gurgling rumble, even after she turned the water off. He sank into the water, submerging completely and letting the water saturate his skin and fan his hair. After months at sea and bathing with cool water, a stool and a bucket: a hot bath was a welcome relief. His muscles relaxed instantly, making him feel weightless. Lost in the serenity, he pouted when someone tapped his head, forcing him to surface.
Mai uplifted a basin over his head, and started washing his hair and combing out the snags. Serenity scrubbed his back and feet, asking him questions while they worked: how he and Timaeus met, what happened when Atlantis invaded? What he was like? What they first spoke about? Did Yugi like him? It blended into details of their wedding day, and the event at sea, and if they consummated their wedding night. Yugi blushed but answered, honestly. They responded to his confessions with bright smiles and looks of compassion: Mai chatting loudly in bemused laughter and Serenity listened, offering soft words of encouragement. They expressed sympathy when he discussed the circumstances of their marriage and his sibling's betrayal, burst out laughing when he detailed the many, many disagreements of their courtship, both before and after they were married, teased him mercilessly when he mentioned their more, romantic moments but refused to discuss them further. By the time the story finished, he was already rinsed, out of the rub and toweled dry.
"Well then," Mai chuckled, brushing his hair until it shone like molten gold and ebony. "Seems we've no need to tell you how lucky you are to have such a kind and handsome man as your husband."
"But we will," Serenity giggled, and anointed him with pomegranate oils. "You forgot he's strong, Mai. He's tall and fierce, and fearless in battle, but his touch is tender and you'll never find a gentler heart." She did his eyes with kohl to emphasize the color.
"And he has chosen well, I think." Mai agreed, with a wink.
"Yes," Serenity smiled, and returned with the dress Timaeus had gifted him earlier.
They helped him into the dress and it fell like wisps over his skin. So soft and sheer, Yugi thought a single touch might unravel it. He dared not move as the girls fastened the silver chains in place. Serenity slid silver sandals onto his feet and Mai slid a belt of woven silver chains around his waist. A silver circler woven in a complex floral pattern crowned his hair.
"Really?" Yugi asked, only half-teasing. "It doesn't bother you that he married me and not the princess." There was a tint of sadness in his curiosity.
Mai whooped so loudly, both Yugi and Serenity winced. "Are they still spreading that rumor? Don't misunderstand, we love our Princess, dearly, but she was never the one for Timaeus. He may be our pride, but he is a simple man at heart, and ruling a Kingdom is a feat he has no patience for, and I think we all could take a lesson from his wisdom."
"Yes. He feigned his ignorance simply because he did not wish to offend her. You have no fear of that in us, Yugi." Serenity smiled. "We've not known you long and already we see you are kind and fierce and strong. You must be or the Magister would never have married you."
"You think so?" Yugi asked with a twinkle in his eye.
The girls giggled. "Yes. The Magister has always been an excellent judge of character. If he has chosen you that is enough for us."
"Yes," Mai said placing a silver diadem atop his gold and red and black crown. "His First has read us both his and his wife's letters and they speak nothing but fondness, and her approval is no east feat to earn. Even the fiercest of his men adore you. Is it true they call you their Little Prince?"
Yugi blushed. "Aye, they do."
"And the Trierarch is not jealous!?" Serenity gasped. "Oh, he must love you dearly to have such faith." Lastly, she tied the silver pendant with the Locrian crest around his neck.
"Now you look like a Prince, or better yet, a Magistrate," Serenity said breathlessly when they were done. They showed him a silver looking-glass and Yugi glanced at his reflection and gasped. The silver fabric clung to his trim waist and slender hips running in rivers of silver, sculpting his curves and pooling at his feet. Mesh sleeves shown silver exposing the small muscles of his arms and curve of his collar. The silvery-white color shimmered against his golden skin and made his eyes glitter like amethyst.
"I…I…look…"
"You look regal," Mai whispered encouragingly. "If Timaeus was not in love with you before, he surely will be now."
Yugi felt his cheeks heat. He stared at his reflection, his mind swimming but one thought. persisted. Just wait until Timaeus sees me in this. The thought filled him with a wicked pleasure and his heart trembled with excitement.
"You mean love him more," Serenity corrected, apple-cheeks pulled into a cheerful smile that suited her lovely face. "And do you love him?"
It was an honest question, but something about it made Yugi shiver. Did he love Timaeus? He knew in his heart he did, but it was a tricky thing to admit. "I know I care for him more than I have anyone else," He said softly. His eyes tinted with sadness. "But, I don't know much about him. He's told me some, but not much, and there is so much I'd like to ask…" he trailed off.
They both nodded. "He is a very private man," Serenity assured him brushing aside a loose bang. "Only the King knows him best but I doubt even he is privy to all of his secrets. Even we know little of his past. But it is a small thing."
"Aye, he's already told you some, and that's good. Perhaps in time he'll tell you the rest. You're lucky to have such a kind and loving man for your husband."
It dawned on Yugi then: they'd only seen Timaeus as Magister. He was their Lord and Master, albeit a kind Master, he still was one nonetheless. Yugi had seen all the sides of him: The Magister who ruled with kindness and fairness; the Warrior who conquered with ruthless efficiency, the Trierarch whose command was as harsh as it was just, the Man and Rouge, who trusted him with his heart, and more importantly his secrets, and set his soul afire with his passionate embraces—all of them were Timaeus and all of them made Timaeus. He was a man capable of both terrible cruelty and overwhelming gentleness. Yugi blushed, recalling. Even then, Timaeus had never once pressured Yugi to go further—though doing so must've frustrated him to the point of pain. Thus, he was not only a man of endearing kindness but incomparable patience as well.
The memory of his marvelous flesh came back to him with shameless clarity: the way water cascaded in rivulets over valleys of muscle, the way his strong arms flexed whenever he held him, the way his scars rippled across his chest when he moved. That powerfully-built body excited him the same way his valley of scars worried him. Timaeus was like a broken vase, damaged but lovely and more because of it. And all mine, he thought with cheeky delight.
"And besides," Mai whispered, coquettishly, her eyes aglow with merry wickedness. "That is what the consummation is for."
Yugi felt his whole face burn.
A loud, impatient knock disturbed any further opportunity for conversation. Mai strutted to the door, while Serenity helped him to the hall.
Critias stood in the doorway. His face was a neutral mask with no hint of friendliness and no desire to chat. His eyes widened for the briefest of moments when his gaze fell on Yugi, but just as quickly he looked away snorting.
They fixed each other with a hard gaze.
"The ceremony will start soon," Critias grumbled and there was no masking the bitterness in his voice. "I'll not have you embarrass Timaeus by being late in front of our King and Prince—Gah! Wretched woman!"
Mai smacked him across the back of the head before he could finish the insult. He spun to her eyes furious and blazing. Mai did not flinch. "You dare—"
"You forget yourself, Dragon Knight," Mai cut him off. Her face was a mask of indifference and her voice held a hard edge. "You may be Magister of the South, but this is the West. This is Locri and you are a guest in the House of her Magister, and you will do well to remember it."
She stepped passed him and stood proudly at Yugi's shoulder. Serenity on his other side. "This man is our Magistrate. He is the one our Magister chose as his. When you insult him, you insult our Magister and you insult yourself. You will respect him."
Critias glared at her but said nothing. He spun to the door, his gaze commanding the younger to follow. Serenity squeezed his shoulder, worriedly. Yugi flashed her a reassuring smile, squared his shoulders, and followed the Knight. This was his wedding celebration after all, in the Atlantian sense, he would not let this man ruin it for him.
He followed him through a darkened hallway, lit only by the flaming lights of the setting sun through the expansion of window and the candles alighting the walls. The silence, eerie. Yugi sighed and chose to ignore it. The Knight was being civil, at least and Timaeus was waiting for him after all. He only prayed for no distraction.
They descended the stairs, where the Great Hall was lit and lively with festivities, even as they awaited their guest of honor.
The Gods were not on his side this night, however. Cristina was waiting for him.
From the foot of the stairs, she stood tall and imperial, her intentions evident in the intimidating way she composed herself. It abandoned her instantly when she gazed upon him. Gowned in a flowing form-fitting gown of shot-silver with white mesh sleeves curled like smoke about his arms, even she could not deny how fetching he looked. The shiny, silvery monotone seemed to highlight his rainbow of colors: his honey-gold skin, the midnight tresses, the crimson streaks, the golden crown of bangs, the striking violet hue of his blue eyes. The simple silver chains adorning his shoulders, collar, waist, and hair exemplified the natural beauty of his round features with a soft elegance in a form of stripped-down loveliness.
Temporally stunned, it was a miracle of her will she did not swoon. In the company of her maids and the ladies of her father's court, Cristina herself had always been the most beautiful by comparison, the most fetching, the most desired. Compared to the stunning beauty of this Kemet creature, that all seemed like some cruel joke.
Yugi quickened his pace, but Critias blocked his path. "Go." He bit.
Yugi narrowed his eyes but obeyed. Critias stepped away leaving them alone in the hallway.
"Did you need something?" Yugi asked her, cordial and patient.
Broken from her stupor, the princess collected herself and matched his comity. "I will speak with you, urgently." She harrumphed, and turned for him to follow her.
Suspicious immediately, Yugi narrowed his eyes but followed.
Once they were alone, she turned to him and spoke. "I assume you know why I asked you here."
"How could I possibly know that?" Yugi interrupted swiftly and crossed his arms. Restrained patience arched his brow. "You haven't said what it is you want of me."
She flinched visibly but collected herself.
"Then I shall get straight to the point." She cleared her throat and took a breath. Then in a voice full of forced comity, she spoke "I know you do not like me and you have no reason to trust me and that our first meeting was not...ideal and for that, I apologize." She had the grace to look away, embarrassed, but in a flash, it was gone. "I understand why you are here. I understand your marriage and the purposes for it. Timaeus has always been a man of unquestionable honor and fierce loyalty. It was through no fault of your own and I can accept that."
He opened his mouth to protest but she continued before he could.
"You must understand. Timaeus is the pride of our country and with that honor comes certain...arrangements...expectations, if you will." She began slipping into an imperial plural. "He was adopted into the royal family but he rose himself as our Dragon Knight, our Trierarch and our Magister of Locri. He is well loved in his city and his country. You have seen how they love him," she added with a slight sharpness. "And he has proven himself worthy of our love and our loyalty." She paused as if that explained everything. "He is a good ruler, a worthy commander and a kind man and even the King thinks of him highly. It would be only natural that he would become a candidate for the King's heir." She hinted, waiting.
Yugi's nails sank into his arms. "What is it you wish of me, Princess?" He asked again voice even. His mask of indifference did not falter:
Her's cracked. "Timaeus was always meant to be our King." Her patient voice held a sharp edge like she was scolding a selfish child. "Of course, in his loyalty, he would never challenge our right to succession or accuse our father of disinheriting us, but his naivety is not his fault, though we all hoped in time he would see the solution for himself but alas that day was not to come. Just so, Timaeus was always meant to be our King and our alliance with your country does not change that, though it does complicate things."
She leaned closer her large eyes fixated on him like he was a child daring to claim his innocence after committing a wrong. The arrogance of it, took Yugi's breath away.
Her lips curled with the faintest of smiles. She whispered, as if they were privy to some coup secret. "Timaeus cares for you, and I know you care for him" she admitted though it embittered her to confess it. "So do I, I always have, and we all care for Atlantis. Wherever you were born, Atlantis is your home now and you owe her your loyalty, yes? We must make our choices based on what is best for Atlantis and her people, not just ourselves." Her words were even, patient as if persuading a child why he deserved a spanking. "And you know what is best. What needs to be done." It wasn't a question.
Stunned mystification caused Yugi's eyes to bulge. Whatever words he thought of in protest died in his throat.
She smiled again, sharper this time. "Fret not, I have a solution, a proposal if you will. Timaeus has made you aware of our marriage laws, yes? Then you are familiar with the second Ceremony? You know you can decide if you wish to remain married or dissolve the affair. Here is what I propose: in six months' time, you will learn the workings of Locri. Timaeus will teach you, his house will teach you and you will learn. Then, when it is time for the Second Ceremony you will dissolve the union. It must be you, as to not threaten the alliance and Timaeus is too honorable to do so, anyway. When you do, you must insist that it is best for all that he becomes King. He will not listen to me but if you suggest it, he just might see reason. And when he does, I will tell Father to insist you be made Magister of Locri in his place. The people are already fond of you, his men acknowledge you as their leader, and doubtless the people will accept you if Timaeus recommends you himself. Our alliance will remain intact, but through bonds much stronger than marriage. You and Timaeus may see each other whenever you like. I will not keep him from you, I know he adores you and you care for him, I do not mind sharing if I am not neglected. I will do well and so will my husband and so will you. Together, we will make Atlantis great, and all you must do is dissolve the marriage and convince him to marry me instead." Her voice seethed with absolute conviction and there was an almost fervent glee in her eyes as she said it.
For a while, Yugi just stood there, too shocked to speak and for the briefest of moments he even saw the wisdom in her logic, considered it, and perhaps a month ago, he would have even believed it.
Then he banished the thought and crushed it beneath the heel of his sandal and what he knew to be true. What Timaeus had told him was true.
"No." He said evenly.
"What?" Her whole expression dropped, so certain that she'd convinced him.
"No," he repeated more sternly. His brows knitted together and anger filled his voice. "I will not dissolve my marriage to Timaeus, and I will not tell him to marry you instead, and damn you for thinking I would ever consider it!"
Cristina stumbled back as if she'd been slapped. "You dare-"
"Yes, I dare!" Yugi cut her off. "You came here hoping to intimidate me into questioning my marriage, you brag about the glory and greatness of Atlantis when all you care about is getting what you want regardless of who you must hurt and what Timaeus wants, and then you have the sheer audacity to try and guilt me into doing what is best for all when all you think of is what is best for you. So yes, Princess," he spat the word as if it were poison. "I dare."
She stared at him for a whole minute, shocked. Her face scrunched up with rage and she snarled "Insolent child! How dare you speak as if you know what I want! What Timaeus wants! You think you know him so well? Ha! I know him as you do not."
A month ago, those words would have stung. But he knew the truth now. "Perhaps you do. You knew him then when he was young and wild." He couldn't help but chuckle at how he described him, so much like Yugi was now. "But that does not matter to me. I don't care who he was then, or what he's done or who's bed he slept in." He watched her blush, horrified with embarrassment as he said that. "I care about who he is now. That is the man I know, that is the man I married, that is the man I love."
He stopped himself, eyes widening. It was the first time he'd said it. The first time he'd admitted it to himself or anyone else. Having done so to this woman of all people? He laughed at the irony.
Cristina's face contorted with rage and she screamed. "You would deny him greatness! You would deny him his destiny!"
"Enough," Yugi said in an aggravated huff. "You act as if he's still the same boy your father brought home. Do you know why he never proposed to you? Why he never met those 'expectations'? It wasn't because he was naive as you so childishly put it. He knew well what was wanted and he simply refused to humor it."
"No!" Cristina said turning too quickly. "I refuse to believe he would willingly refuse to acknowledge it, unless he did not know. You know nothing! He did not want father to disinherit me, he didn't know father wanted him to be king."
"He knew," Yugi said evenly. "He just chose not to."
"You know nothing." Cristina said quickly.
"I do," Yugi said. For a moment, he pitied her. Saw not a cruel, selfish princess but a love-struck girl who'd lost her true love and was desperate to claim him back. How could she not see herself as the heroine of her own tale? As the Princess reclaiming her beloved Knight from the Black Bride. It sounded like one of the tales his sisters used to tell him. Kemet stories were filled with false woman and lovers rescuing their husbands.
But this wasn't a fairy tale. And he wasn't the Black Bride in this story. "He told me."
He walked passed her and she stood there, stupefied. He was content to leave it there, but she was not.
"We are not done!" She spun to him, her command held no room for argument.
Yugi did not look at her. "I am." He said and started for the door.
She followed him, just as Critias descended the stairs.
"I believe this is the way forward, my dear," Hamos swooped in front of her and gestured towards another entrance, effectively stopping both princess and Knight. The three of them blinked with surprise.
Hamos rose and looked to Yugi. "He's waiting for you at the main entrance." He explained.
Yugi blinked. "Do you hate me, too?" he asked suspicious. Hamos had always been indifferent of him and showed no interest in his marriage, but his sudden appearance was too coincidental to overlook.
Then something happened they did not expect. Hamos smiled. "Now why would I do that?" He asked. "Is it my business who Timaeus takes to wife? I did not know."
"No," Yugi said surprised and undignified, then chuckled. "It is not."
"Then what reason have I to interfere?" Hamos smiled again, ignoring Critias and Cristina completely. "Timaeus is my honored companion and I trust his judgement." He offered Yugi a final nod before leading his companions away. It was the closest he could muster to a confession of approval.
Yugi started at the departing trio, stupefied, then all but smiled.
"There you are," Yugi jumped and spun. Timaeus stood in the entrance of the massive doors, splendid in a new black wool tunic and pants with a matching mantle trimmed with silver fur thrown over his shoulders. Pinned at the heart was a silver dragon with a sword in its mouth and an emerald for its single eye. His hair was combed and crowned with a black iron circlet and a silver pendant depicting the emblem of Locri tied about his throat.
For a full moment, they could do nothing but stare at the other, until the distance became too much and Timaeus swooped forward and stole a kiss from his lovely bride. Yugi returned it with just as much fervor.
"You look wonderful." He breathed as if reciting an ancient prayer.
"And you," Yugi replied, gazing him shamelessly with his eyes. "I've only ever seen you in your armor."
"Or nothing." Timaeus teased, kissing him again. The opportunity for more was lost as the doors slowly tugged open. Giving the other a special look, they laced their hands, and stepped into the revel together.
Phew! This was a fun chapter to do.
Originally, I was gonna come up with different names for the characters with Greek origins (since I plan on turning this into an original novel) but since i kept the original names of the cast before i decided to keep it the same for consistency. Also originally i was gonna have Tea be Yugi's music teacher, but I came up with a much better arc involving her that i like MUCH better ;) here's a hint, it includes Otogi and there will be a hint next chapter.
Also, i know its VERY hard not to see Cristina as a sympathetic character right now, but just wait, she'll have her shinning moment.
I'm hoping now that updates will be more frequent, now, but once Part 2 is finished, this story will be going on hold. I will be plotting and and semi-pansing Part 3 and now an official Part 4-I've got a lot more ideas for this story and i'm really excited to expand on it and see where it goes. In the mean time I'll be working on original stories as well as getting Raccoon and the Shadow King (which will be going through a name change) and At the King's Pleasure back on track!
NEXT TIME: In which Timaeus shares his thoughts, the Magister and Magistrate's Wedding Revel is in full swing, gifts are exchange, a feast is demolished and Yugi gets his first test as Locri's Magistrate, and the marriage is, at long last, consummated, though not necessarily in that order.