Angel: Well hiya people

Y.Ang: You have no idea what you're writing for this chapter do you?

Angel: (sweatdrops) No, not really. I only started this chapter because of a review by FireGoddess101. Made me think if she's reviewing again, I probably should get a move-on. I mean, it's already May…and probably by the time I post this, July…

Y.Ang: (nods)

Angel: So, because of my devotion to my loyal reviewers, I decided to try writing this chapter, even with writer's block. And it's all completely from scratch

Y.Ang: This should be interesting……

Angel: And omg, I just re-read the first few chapters, and I swear once I finish the whole thing, I am so re-writing them. They are horrible!

Yami: Angel obviously does not own YuGiOh. If she did, let's just say this story would be written a lot faster XD

Angel: Thanks…btw, the replies to reviews will be at the end of this chapter…if I remember to put them in. XP

Lonely Heart In Egypt

Chapter 17: Court

Crystal sighed. Her beautiful blue eyes surveyed the embroidery before her with distaste, even though it was a lovely piece of work, a bouquet of roses. She actually quite liked it, but it was what she should be doing now that she was cross about.

The young heir to Isiria sighed again. Even though she loved doing her embroidery, a skill her mother had taught her, she would have rather been in court, and at the same time, she wanted to stay where she was. The reason that she wanted to be there was the same reason that she was here. She wanted, and didn't want, to see Yami.

However, she didn't particularly want to see him now. She was afraid, deep down, that he was actually looking forward to being introduced to the ladies of Egypt tomorrow. She didn't want to have to see him smile at those that would arrive today, because she knew it would break her heart…

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Yami sighed as yet another princess of marriageable age was led off by her father after being introduced to him. He really was beginning to regret the holding of this ball, even though it had only been a day or so since he agreed. (AN: Just so you know, I had to change Crystal's birthday to a few days later. Obviously, nobles have to attend this ball, and they need more than 1 day to get the message and get to Menefer --)

Seto and Isis both noticed their Pharaoh's obvious reluctance to be here, and both were amused by it. Isis turned her head towards Seto, about to inquire about the documents the Pharaoh had brought home with him, but Seto beat her to it. "Isis, for the last time, I'm not saying anything! Stop badgering me, please!"

Isis pouted, "Seto, please?"

Seto glanced at his lover, looking slightly annoyed, "No. I promised the Pharaoh I would say nothing to anyone, and that includes you."

Isis glared at him, and Seto sighed. "Isis, regardless of my love for you, I will not disobey my Pharaoh. And if he told you, you would do the same."

She scowled, but before she could whisper another remark, Yami turned his head to glare at them both. He had only found out this morning that the two were lovers, and had been quite surprised, especially by the fact that they had managed to keep it from him for so long. However, now was not the time for them to be talking. (AN: just so you know, I basically made these two be together for something to write about. Sorry if you despise this couple, but considering their similar nature, and similar attitudes to Crystal and Yami…it just seemed natural I guess…)

Isis blinked, and noticed everyone was looking at the two. Blushing she quickly turned away, and hurried to find quarters for the princess of Kyrete.

Yami's mouth turned up with the beginnings of a smile, but quickly pulled himself under control as his cousin glared at him. Feeling a laugh coming on, he coughed to cover it. Seto's glare only deepened.

Yami quickly turned his head, and motioned to the page. The youngster moved forward hesitantly. Yami lowered his head, and whispered his instructions to the young boy. He nodded, and raced off on his various errands.

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Crystal glanced up at the gentle knock on the door. A young boy's voice followed it, "My lady? Princess Crystal, are you in here?"

Crystal smiled, and called back, "Yes, I'm here. You can come in."

A nervous young page entered the room, and Crystal smiled kindly, "It's alright child. I don't bite."

He looked up apprehensively, and regarded the beauty before him, "Excuse me my lady, but my Pharaoh requests that you join him in the throne room immediately."

Crystal smiled pleasantly. "Alright then. Just let me put this embroidery away, and I'll be right there."

The boy still looked uneasy, "My lady, the Pharaoh ordered me to accompany you to the throne room."

Crystal shut the lid on her embroidery box with a snap, "He did?"

The boy winced, "Yes, my lady. I was ordered not to let you out of my sight. Except, I just remembered that I was also ordered to bring iced fruit drinks to the Pharaoh, which means I must take my lady to the kitchens. I should have gone there first, but I thought I might trip and spill them and…"

Crystal smiled again, gently cutting the boy off, "That's fine. We'll just go to the kitchens then, and I can help you carry the drinks. That way you can complete both your tasks quickly. We wouldn't want the Pharaoh upset, would we?"

The boy (AN: Who needs a name, so that I stop calling him 'the boy'…), shook his head, "No, my lady, we don't. Thank you."

"That's alright. What's your name?"

"Mark, my lady."

"Well then, Mark, I suggest we hurry down to the kitchens. Yami will be most upset if we take our time."

Mark nodded, and the pair set off.

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Yami frowned. The page should have been back by now. Perhaps the kitchens were taking too long, or perhaps Crystal was taking her time. The Pharaoh decided that the latter was far more likely.

He turned his head as the doors were opened, but they only admitted Isis, back from her errand. Looking cross, Yami resumed glaring at the door.

Isis quickly moved back to her place, and leaned over to whisper to Seto again, "What has got Yami so agitated?"

Seto frowned slightly, "I'm not sure. I think he summoned Crystal here, and he's annoyed that she's taking so long."

Isis looked intrigued, and was about to ask more, but Seto cut her off, "Quiet, someone else is here."

The Master of Ceremonies then called out in a voice still strong, regardless of his age, "The Crown Princess of Isiria, Lady Crystal!"

A look of profound relief, and something else, crossed Yami's expression. Confusion then followed as he saw her carrying the tray of drinks he'd ordered the page to get, while the page walked beside her. He frowned as she came up and placed them beside him, while Mark resumed his place against the wall.

"And why are you carrying the drinks?"

Crystal glanced up at him, not in the least bit daunted, "Because the page feared he would spill them, and because they are quite heavy for such a young child."

Yami frowned, but before he could say anything else, Crystal sharply cut him off, "And what's the idea of ordering the poor child to collect drinks from the kitchen, come all the way to my room, and then escort me back down? Either he does his duty, and risk spilling everything on the floors, or he must collect me first and drag me down to the kitchens before bringing me here. You should know better than that, Yami. It would have been far easier for us all if you had the brains to send 2 boys on the separate errands."

Yami was quite taken-aback at Crystal's tone, and merely stared. She glared at him, and then quickly strode over to stand next to Seto and Isis. 'Whatever has gotten Crystal so upset? I'd best ask her when court is over. Hopefully, that will be soon,' Yami thought to himself

Isis merely showed amusement at Crystal's behaviour. Crystal was often like this, as she loved discomfiting the men in the courtroom. Her father had commented ruefully on some of Crystal's more embarrassing moments when he'd been at the palace a few months earlier. However, Crystal's behaviour was quite unrelated to her delight in embarrassing other royals. Her resentment was because of her anger and jealousy towards the Egyptian princesses being introduced today.

Crystal's face turned expressionless as the next royal family was introduced. Isis turned her head and noticed Crystal's normally bright eyes were as hard as diamonds. Crystal's coldness was quickly explained upon identification of the next princess.

"The Royal Family of Selima Oasis!" (AN: Yep, it's Anzu alright)

The stately King of Selima Oasis strode up to the throne, bowing neatly. His gushing daughter followed him, and stepped into a flowing bow, her expression breathless, "Oh, my lord Yami! It is a wonderful honour to be introduced to your august personage! I do so hope that you could perhaps find time in your busy schedule to show me your wonderful palace before I must return home."

Yami blinked, and decided the safest course of action was to address the father, "King…"

Crystal tuned out at this point, her expressionless gaze glaring holes in Anzu, who was quite aware of her rival's scrutiny, and who was revelling in the fact that she would have the Pharaoh first. Anzu then turned her head slightly, and she and Crystal silently stared at each other, each subtly showing their distaste for the other.

"Lady Anzu, were I able to find time, I would be happy to show you our palace, but I regretfully cannot at the present time. I hope you understand."

Anzu was quite startled by Yami's response, as she had lost her place in the conversation during her glaring at Crystal. Thrown off balance, she could only nod gracefully and follow her father out of the room.

Isis hid a smile as she showed the royal family to their rooms. Crystal's subtle method of distracting Lady Anzu was an admirable move, and certainly entertaining. Isis had a feeling that with those two stuck in the same palace; the next few days would be very interesting indeed.

Crystal also tried hard to suppress a smile. Trained her whole life in the intrigues of court, she had often turned to subtlety to throw others off-track. She knew exactly what she could away with, and she was good at it.

Yami frowned lightly at the Isirian princess. He had a feeling Crystal had something to do with Anzu's sudden change in personality, and although he was glad for it, she should know better than to play mind-games with his guests.

Crystal casually glanced away, pretending not to notice Yami's unamused glare in her direction. She resumed her light bantering with Seto, who seemed to be quite amused by her attitude. He found it interesting that she dared to unsettle an opponent in the Pharaoh's court, and even more so, that she showed no notice of Yami's annoyance at what she had done. He hid a smile as he realised that Yami was going to have a lot of problems with telling Crystal what to do. 'He had to find the most beautiful, intelligent and independent woman to fall in love with didn't he?'

Isis smiled at watching the young woman's antics. "Well, at least Yami's found a woman who's his equal in wits," she said softly.

Crystal then turned so quickly she appeared to get a neck cramp. Her eyes were fixed of the doors to the throne room, and Isis saw that those beautiful eyes were filled with terror…or something else. Isis then saw that Yami had also noticed Crystal's sudden movement and was gazing at her with some concern. The answer to Crystal's sudden emotion was shown as the next royal family stepped into the room. Or rather, as the king stepped into the room, as he had no immediate family. The Master of Ceremonies then called out, "Lord Ishtar, King of Syria!"

Crystal stared at her dear old friend. She knew in her heart that that terrible evil had left him once their marriage had been cancelled, but had never seen him look so bone tired in all her life. However, only someone that knew Ishtar as well as she did would see it. Her beautiful blue eyes gazed on her dear friend with a mixture of regret, sorrow and concern.

Yami noticed the way Crystal watched Ishtar, and felt his heart twinge in jealousy. Unsurprisingly, his response to Ishtar's greeting was one of irritation. "Yes, it is good to see you again King Ishtar. Priestess Isis, please show Ishtar to his chambers." Yami's tone left no room for argument, and Isis knew that his jealousy would make him tolerant to nothing but instant obedience. She then hurried to do his bidding, and spared Ishtar the Pharaoh's glaring.

Ishtar looked towards Crystal just as he was about to leave the room, his eyes full of questions. Crystal noticed, and nodded slightly, indicating she would do as Ishtar wanted. Yami grew suspicious of their behaviour, and was grateful that there were no more royals arriving until after the midday meal. He hurriedly stood, and declared that court was adjourned until then. The court murmured, stood and then hurried out of the room upon various errands. The Pharaoh strode with obvious purpose to the young Isirian princess, and therefore caught the attention of a few of the remaining vassals.

Crystal sighed, and turned her attention from the door to look at Yami. Before he could speak, she hurriedly said, "Yami, I need to do something. I'll be back later, I promise." With a quick bow, she swiftly left the room. Yami stared after her, his expression one of amazement.

Seto chuckled at seeing his cousin's face, "Yami, I could have told you that Crystal is as independent as they get. You're going to have one hell of a time telling her what to do. She'll spoil your authority by refusing, I can assure you." Seto smiled in remembrance of when the 8-year-old princess had refused to go to bed when her father ordered her to, causing a 'scene'. But Yami's attention was not on his cousin's words, but rather on what Crystal had to do so urgently.

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Crystal arrived at Ishtar's chambers quite breathless, and the page at her side gestured to the door. "Here are King Ishtar's chambers, as you requested my lady." Crystal nodded, and dismissed the page before knocking on the door. A tired voice answered her, "Come in."

Crystal gently pushed the door open, and entered the room "Ishtar?"

Ishtar, who had been sitting on his bed, jumped up in surprise at hearing her voice. "Crystal?"

Her eyes moist, she nodded, and ran forward to him, catching him off-guard in a bear hug. "Of course it's me. How could I not come after seeing you so sad and tired?"

Ishtar revelled in her warmth, but then his thoughts caught up with him and he pushed her away, "No, Crystal, you can't stay here."

"And why not?"

"Because…oh gods, you know exactly why. I can't bear the thought that I will hurt you again."

Crystal sighed, and hugged him again, "That's nonsense, and you know it. The reason you're so tired is because you finally fought that creature and won, right?"

Ishtar sighed, and drew away from her again, "As usual, you're right my lady. But still, I don't want you here."

Looking hurt, she replied, "And why not? You're my friend Ishtar."

He sighed, running his hands listlessly through his hair, "Because, you are still young enough to be betrothed again, and from palace gossip, you are almost certainly going to marry the Pharaoh. I don't want to appear too close to the future Queen of Egypt, and give the Pharaoh more cause to hate me."

Crystal flushed, "Oh Ishtar, don't be silly. Yami's not going to marry me. He has every girl in Egypt to choose from. Despite the fact that I love him…" Upon realising what she had just said, her hand flew to her mouth in shock. Ishtar merely smiled knowingly.

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Angel: Well, sorry this chapter took so long to get updated. I've had severe writer's block, and yeah. Anyways, this chapter was originally supposed to be longer, but I decided to just post this part, so you, my loyal readers/reviewers would have something to read before 2007 XD.

Replies to Reviews:

Leneia: Thanks for your helpful review. I like reading your reviews, they actually tell me what you think I could improve on and stuff, and it really helps. Thanks.

Angel: Thanks for that. Hope you enjoy the rest of the story too.

Kendoro: Thanks for the idea, even though I didn't really use it…..(sweatdrops) Anyways, I've discovered that reading other stories or books seems to help too, except I tend to then change all my ideas…

Ria, the person in the shadows: Sorry I nearly made you wait until August…that's why I had to post only this part now…so I would post something this year (sweatdrops) And yeah, Yami's just so cute like that…indeed, that's why we all love him. And thanks for the compliment.

anonymous: Well…I don't really know what to say to you…(sweatdrops) But thanks for reviewing anyway!

RobinIV: You know, Yami just might come to hate you, because you've given me a really evil idea…(plans ways to 'interfere' with Yami's proposal and grins evilly) And thanks for the compliment.

SeaAngel: Thanks for the compliment, and sorry I took so long. Hopefully, school and writer's block will be kinder to me next term/chapter.

pharoh atemu: Thanks for pointing that out. Now, all you evil people threatening me, take heed of pharoh atemu's words, cause if you kill me, you'll never know what happens next! And thanks for the compliment, sorry I made you wait.

FireGoddess101: Thanks for your recital on the review cycle. It was very…informative I must say XP. And did I read/review your story? Sorry, I can't remember if I have…and thanks for your 'update' review. Sorta got me writing a little more, even though it still took ages…sorry. (sweatdrops)

Maistwin: LOL, thanks. I love being complimented!

PharohAtemusQueen: Wow, thanks for saying this is GREAT. I'm glad you like it And yeah, Yami's my favourite character too. So sexy and heroic (sighs, and Yami Ang coughs) Anyways, thanks for your compliments. Very appreciated.

YamiServant: Did I read/review your story? I'm so sorry if I haven't, but I will get around to it. And yeah, I suppose you can have Seto, but I will need to borrow him every now and again for my story/stories. (I hope there will one day be 'stories'…)

SoftBallChicketa: Thanks. Sorry it took so long though.

Angel: Wow, that was a lot of reviews…and most of them were just me thanking you for your compliments or apologising for being late...must get some new things to say to reply to reviews...but anyway, thanks for them guys! I really appreciate them all! (hugs all readers and reviewers)

Y.Ang: Now, let's all start hoping that the next chapter will be more interesting, longer, and out before December XD

C YA! Angel