Chapter Three- The Ball

Joey adjusted the cape of his new outfit before applying thin gold chains around his neck, rings to his right fingers, and his new crown before taking in the effect in the mirror of the guest room he slept in during his visits. He wore a crimson tunic with matching pantaloons, white tights, brown boots, and a purple cape that hung on his shoulders and ended at his knees. I look more like a human prince than usual, he thought with a smile. He left the room, joined Yugi and Atem at the ballroom doors, and entered the room behind the princes. The room had been full of chattering guests, but had fallen silent as the trio entered and approached the thrones at the far end. Solomon stood in front of the center throne and smiled as his grandsons took their places, Yugi on the right and Atem on the left. Seto stood beside Atem's throne so Joey stood beside Yugi's.

Solomon raised his arms. "My people! We have gathered to honor our esteemed guest Prince Seto who will choose his fiancée tonight from among our many hopefuls. For now, enjoy the ball and Seto will let me know when he has decided." The orchestra started to play as Solomon sat and couples swept onto the dance floor.

A girl with voluminous blond hair and wearing a purple dress that matched her eyes came up to Seto and curtsied before Seto led her out to the dance floor. Joey watched them and squashed the jealous feeling that rose up inside him. They make a cute couple. She seems to suit him. The music ended and as another piece began, another girl stepped up to dance with the prince. Twenty minutes later, Yugi got up. "I'm going to dance with Seto next," he told his family and Joey before striding toward the brunette.

Joey resisted the urge to laugh as they danced. Their heights were so vastly different, it was funny. Yet, by the way they looked at each other and talked, it was clear that they were hitting it off. Joey tilted his head. Maybe I was wrong. Perhaps Yugi will be Seto's mate. At that moment, two girls came up to Atem and him, wanting to dance.

After dancing with two girls and while Seto was dancing with Atem, Joey went to get some punch. He watched the ball as he stood beside the table, sipping his drink. It never ceased to amaze him how similar humans and merpeople were. We both have a royal family, kingdoms, a marketplace, and celebrations. Why can't we get along together? I think I know. Humans fish in our waters and eat sea life and mermaids sink ships when they turn siren. As for mermen, I know I'm the only one who becomes human. He became aware of someone nearby and looked over to see Seto.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, extending his hand.

Joey put his cup down. "Sure," he answered, accepting the hand. He followed the prince out to the dance floor, reasoning that accepting was only polite and this was the perfect opportunity to tell Seto that he was not hoping to be his mate.

"It occurred to me that we really haven't talked," Seto said. "Tell me about yourself."

"Well, I'm eighteen and I live with my mother and younger sister."

"Do you? My father died a long time ago, but Mother re-married and then she died a couple of years ago. Now I live with my stepfather and little brother."

"Oh, you have a brother? That's cool."

Something in Joey's voice caught his attention. "You'd rather have a brother?"

"I would. Don't misunderstand; I love my sister, but she drives me crazy at times."

Seto chuckled. "I think that's why younger siblings exist. How old is she, anyway?"

"Serenity's thirteen."

"Serenity. That's a pretty name. My brother, Mokuba, is eleven."

"Mokuba. Nice name."

"Thanks. You know Joey, I would love to meet your family."

Joey heard the suggestive tone in Seto's voice and knew now was the time to end Seto's interest. "Seto, I like you, but I'm not looking for a mate. You would be better off choosing someone else."

"I like you too and I originally wasn't planning to take a mate. However, that has all changed. I know who I want and I'm ready to announce it." Joey saw Seto's eyes looking over him and glanced back to see Atem. Maybe I was right, after all.

Seto took Joey's hand, bowed, and released the hand before going to Solomon and speaking to him. The king smiled and got to his feet bringing the orchestra to a halt and silence fell over the room. "Prince Seto has made his choice. All hopefuls line up please." Joey reluctantly joined the line with a little nudge from Yugi who was at the end of the line facing his grandpa and Seto.

Seto's gaze swept the line for a moment before pulling a ring out of a pocket. "I will confess that when I first arrived, I was against my stepfather's wishes that I find someone to marry in two months' time and that it would someone from this kingdom. But, the moment I disembarked my ship, I saw three potentials. Tonight, as I danced and talked with each of you, I realized the one that will become my fiancée." He smiled at the line and the room. "Prince Joseph, please come up here."

Joey stood frozen in shock until a nudge from Yugi sent him stumbling up the steps and stand before Seto. The brunette smiled at him, his blue eyes shining with affection. He took Joey's left hand. "Before these people and with this ring, I name you my fiancée and future husband." He slid the ring onto Joey's finger amidst claps and cheers.

Joey stared at the ring on his finger before looking up at Seto to tell him no and hand back the ring. His brown eyes looked into Seto's beaming face and his protest died in his throat. As much as Joey kept saying he wasn't looking for a mate, he found that he was in love with Prince Seto and the feeling was clearly mutual.