Angel: Ok, even though I only got about 3 reviews on the last chapter, I suppose I did deserve it with the incredible lateness of my updating. Once again, I plead forgiveness, but for those that did review, your support is greatly appreciated. And for those who are reading this, thanks for not deserting me after my editing spree...(looks guilty)

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh. However, I do own Crystal, Isaac, Rames, Clarita, Isiria, and any of my other OC characters or places.

Lonely Heart In Egypt

Chapter 19: A Birthday Celebration

Shortly after leaving Crystal's chambers, the small group of three arrived at the throne room. Crystal glanced at the huge doors in some apprehension, and Yugi glanced up at her in slight curiosity. "Crystal, what's wrong? We need to go inside!"

Crystal blinked, and looked down at the eager little Prince. "Nothing Yugi dear, just thinking," she said quietly. Yugi and Mokuba looked at each other in slight confusion, but both shrugged before turning to open the doors. The guards standing outside smiled, and subtly helped the two young boys open the doors, as they were too heavy for the youngsters to move on their own.

Since formal court had not started yet, the Master of Ceremonies did not cry out the names of those entering. Mokuba and Yugi, both holding one of the princess's hands, then led Crystal inside.

Sitting on the throne was Yami, who was currently arguing with Isis about something. But when they heard the doors open, both went quiet to see who it was. Upon seeing Crystal, Isis gave the matter up as lost, as the Pharaoh was unlikely to concentrate on their argument and would instead focus on the Isirian beauty. But she still smiled at the young princess as she approached the throne.

Yami stared at Crystal as she approached the throne. Her hair was out, trailing down her back in golden waves, but was kept out of her face by a small tiara of silver placed delicately on her head. Her dress was a deep sky blue colour, covered in glitter, and seemed to shimmer as the sunlight caught on it when she moved. Pieces of paler blue chiffon trailed from the front and back of each shoulder almost down to the ground. The sleeves of the dress were the width of the chiffon pieces, and comfortably rested on her shoulders.

Yami continued staring until she went to bow to him, which jolted him back into the present. "Crystal, there is no need for you to bow to me," he said hastily, moving forward to catch her shoulders to prevent her actions.

She straightened, and looked at him in some confusion. "I see no reason why there is no need," she said quietly, a soft smile forming on her features. This conversation was practically a morning ritual, and happened exactly the same way almost everyday.

"Because you are a dear friend, and I have been telling you that there is no need to bow to me for that reason alone for weeks now. And also, it is your birthday today," he replied gently as he released her shoulders.

She laughed, and bowed again (for the sole purpose of annoying him). "Anyway, good morning to you, my Pharaoh," she said calmly, a slight twinkling in her eyes. He sighed heavily, and nodded his head at her in return. "And a good morning to you also, my lady," he said with a slight frown and another sigh. "Crystal, why do you persist in ruining a good day with unnecessary formalities?"

She shrugged, and smiled. "Perhaps I find it entertaining, Yami. And I could be far worse if you preferred," she said with a teasing grin. Yami, remembering how formal she could actually get (she could even affect that annoying pompous voice when she was in a really good mood), raised an eyebrow. "I don't think we need another display of that," he said hastily.

"Anyway, ignoring your persistent urge to torment me in cruel and unusual ways, I'd like to wish you a happy birthday."

Isis nodded their agreement at that. "Yes, I hope you have a wonderful day today Crystal," Isis said warmly.

Yami then sighed. "Oh yes, I hope you enjoyed the gift I gave you yesterday. Unfortunately, you won't get the other half of your present until later."

She beamed at the Pharaoh, and impulsively hugged him. "Thank you Yami. And you don't have to get me anything, you've already done so much for me," she said, hoping he would assume that she was only referring to the breaking of her engagement.

Yami was startled at her reaction, but he still hugged her back. Moments like this, when she showed affection towards him, always left him feeling happy and now, hopeful. He reluctantly drew away from her when he realised Isis, Yugi and Mokuba were right there. "Nonsense, you are a guest and dear friend. You deserve an actual present on your birthday."

She smiled again, and Yami felt his heart skip a beat. It never ceased to amaze him how she could make him act this way, even after several months of being around her. "Well, I look forward to finding out what it is!" she said happily, her eyes sparkling. She then turned to chat to Isis, ignoring the sniggers of the young boys standing slightly behind her. However, Yami noticed them, and fixed both Mokuba and Yugi with a stern look, which made them both attempt to look innocent.

The two young boys were saved from further punishment as the golden doors opened again, this time revealing Seto Kaiba. Mokuba ran across the throne room to hug his brother, the enthusiastic young Prince Yugi at his heels. Seto smiled at his younger brother and his friend, but pried himself from Mokuba's grip and continued towards the throne. Once there, he bowed to the Pharaoh, his robes swishing out behind him as he did so. "Good morning my Pharaoh," he said politely.

Yami inclined his head at the gesture, and turned slightly to tap Crystal on the shoulder. The young Isirian princess turned away from her conversation with Isis, saw Seto, and gave another brilliant smile.

Seto smiled back at her, though his smile was far less expressive. "Good morning to you as well my lady."

Crystal continued grinning and moved forward, hugging Seto too. "Oh, stop being such a stuffy prig. Formal court hasn't even started yet, and your attitude is giving me a headache," she said happily before pulling away.

Seto smiled at her words. "I cannot help my nature, my lady. It is who I am." The princess rolled her eyes at that, and Isis, Yami and Seto all laughed at her reaction.

"This sounds rather familiar, Crystal," Yami said with another chuckle.

Crystal's response was to glare at him, causing the young Pharaoh to mock-cower behind his hands. Her glare deepened, and Seto chuckled as he leaned over to whisper in Isis's ear. "Married life for those two would be interesting to say the least," he whispered, earning a soft chuckle from his lover.

"Indeed it would be. Yami would be over-run within a week. One thing's for sure, his trouble-making days would be over. She'd get her own way in the end," she commented, eyes sparkling as she watched the royal pair arguing – well, Crystal was glaring and arguing, and Yami was pretending to be afraid of her.

Seto sighed. "Another thing I know: Crystal is one of the only people I'm afraid of. I wouldn't want to get on her bad side. Yami is in for an interesting ride, as he'll be sure to annoy her often."

Isis chuckled at the image, but went quiet as Crystal turned to look at her; her blue eyes narrowing. Seto then coughed. "Well, anyway, ignoring the persistent need for our young royal couple to bicker and annoy each other..." he said as both royals turned red, "But happy birthday, Crystal. We all hope you have a wonderful day," he continued.

Crystal decided to ignore his earlier comment, and smiled happily. "Well, thank you to you all then. I'm sure today will be good – well, for me it will be. Yami still has to sit through formal court with no excuse to get out of it," she said with another grin at the Pharaoh.

"Ugh, don't remind me," Yami said crossly as he rolled his eyes.

Crystal then glanced behind her. "Speaking of which, I should really get these two out of here so you three can have a fun-filled morning on your own," she said as she placed her hands on Yugi's and Mokuba's shoulders.

Yami glared at her. "Any excuse will do with you," he said, trying to sound annoyed, but he couldn't hide his smile.

Crystal beamed at him, nodded goodbye to the two advisors, and smiled again at Yami as she quickly moved off with the two young royals.

Seto and Isis took one look at each other after that exchange and burst out laughing. Yami rounded on them, an annoyed look on his face. "And just what do you two find so amusing?" he snapped.

Seto just continued laughing. "My Pharaoh, you are in for an interesting marriage," was all he could say before laughter overtook him again. Yami just raised an eyebrow at the pair, and ignored them, sitting on his throne in a dignified silence.

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A few hours later, Yami and his retainers had finished discussing the matters regarding Egypt's financial status and such related matters, and Egypt's royalty were now milling about the throne room in preparation for the feast about to be held in celebration of the festival of Isis.

Crystal, who had retreated to the library with the two young Princes to read some fantasy stories to them, had returned and was currently warning Mokuba and Yugi to stay away from the food they had been eyeing. Pouting, they obeyed and stayed by her side as various nobles passed by her, nodding politely in greeting but saying little else.

Fortunately for the two hungry Princes, Yami soon stood and declared that the feast should begin. The celebration started in earnest then, with several entertainment delegations from various cities around Egypt performing for the Pharaoh and his noble guests. The guests spent their time watching the performers, eating, and chatting to one another.

About halfway into the afternoon, the High Priestess of Isis entered the throne room with some of her acolytes. The group then performed the ritual to give thanks to the Goddess for all she had done for Egypt, and to ask for her continuing co-operation throughout the coming year. All the attending nobles remained respectfully silent during the ritual, but after the priestess left, the celebrations resumed as before; the throne room buzzing with talk.

Crystal noticed in amusement that Yami looked rather bored at the whole thing, because the only people that dared to talk to him were merely trying to get on his good side and spent the whole conversation flattering him. Deciding to ignore the amount of gossip that would arise from her actions, she walked over to the Pharaoh. "So, Yami, has the great Pharaoh achieved any new great things this afternoon?" she asked with a teasing grin, referring to the flatterers that had congregated around him earlier.

Yami noticed a small group of older noblewomen out of the corner of his eye twittering to each other about the Princess's relationship with the Pharaoh. Rolling his eyes, he then looked at the Princess. "The only remarkable feat I've achieved this afternoon is that I haven't yet died of boredom," he replied dryly. "The ritual to Isis non-withstanding of course," he said hastily.

Crystal smiled. "Worry not; I'm sure the Goddess knew what you meant. And you are right, that is a remarkable feat. Maybe all the fawning kept you awake?"

Yami glared at her, but the smile remained on her face. "On the contrary, it was what made me the most bored. I swear I nearly fell asleep during King Sion's monologue to me earlier."

Crystal smiled sympathetically. "Sion does tend to ramble on at times, but he is a good man. At least the worst is over."

"Far from it. I still have to endure your birthday celebrations also," he said crossly before suddenly realizing the error in his words. "Uhh...that is, not that your birthday is a bad thing or anything," he said hastily.

Crystal's eyes twinkled, but she still pretended to be hurt. "Oh my Pharaoh, how could you say such a thing?" she said in mock pain; one hand to her heart, the other on her forehead in a dramatic pose.

Yami pretended to be alarmed at her words. "Oh my lady, I never meant to wound you in any way. Would you accept my apologies for my thoughtless, heartless words?"

Crystal grinned. "Well, when you ask like that, I suppose I have to forgive you. But I still think you should work for it a bit," she said, a teasing smile crossing her lips.

Yami raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I'm not sure if I like the sound of that," he said, chuckling nervously.

Crystal grinned. "No need to start sweating Yami, I was only teasing."

Isis, who had just wandered over to the throne, cleared her throat. Yami was expected to ride through the streets to show his devotion to the goddess to the people, and he was supposed to leave now.

Crystal sighed sadly as Yami prepared to leave. She wanted to go to, and didn't feel like being cooped up in the palace on her birthday, even if the dull part of the day was over. However, to her delight, Yami insisted that she come along too. Isis scowled at this, but Seto calmed her down before the royal couple left.

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Crystal flicked her hair out of her eyes as she steadied herself on the chariot. Yami chose how to travel whenever he paraded through the city. Today he decided to use the chariot, and Crystal was standing besides him. Many Egyptians knew that the Isirian princess had been staying with the Pharaoh for a few months and they cheered loudly as they saw her. They had all heard stories of her generous nature from their Isirian friends or relatives, and had heard that she was truly a kind young woman. Also, since she had arrived at the palace, taxes had gone down, and their Pharaoh had become a more just and kinder ruler himself.

The gossips of the city, mainly the merchants and noblemen's wives, had also spread the news that the young princess was expected to become the next Queen of Egypt. Knowing the effect she already appeared to have on their Pharaoh, this only made the people cheer louder.

The young Isirian Princess blushed as a few of the more bold young male merchants waved energetically at her, and several also blew kisses in her direction. Yami frowned at this behaviour, but his expression turned to a smile as Crystal turned to look back at him.

However, all too soon in Crystal's opinion, the ride through the city was over. Crystal felt a slight pout coming on as Yami extended his hand to help her down from the chariot, but the pout changed to a smile as she gracefully jumped down.

Yami then cleared his throat, looking slightly self-conscious. "Crystal, I was wondering if you would perhaps accompany me to the gardens?"

Crystal glanced over at her friend. "Of course. I'm surprised you have to ask. I'd much rather spend time with you than all those stuffy nobles in there," she said with a bright smile.

Her expression only caused Yami to feel more nervous, but he still held his arm out to her. Smiling, she slipped her arm through his and he led her to the fountain at the centre of his labyrinth.

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Yami sighed to himself as Crystal sat down on the fountain's edge, and starting pacing slightly. Crystal frowned to herself as she watched him pace. "Yami, what is wrong? You seem nervous."

The Pharaoh sighed again, and came to a halt in front of the beautiful princess. "Crystal, you know that I would do anything for you, don't you?" he asked finally, after hesitating for several moments.

She seemed surprised at his question. "Of course I do. You are one of my dearest friends, and I know I can turn to you whenever I need to."

Yami ran his fingers nervously through his hair before moving to sit down beside her. "What if I wanted more than that? What if I wanted to be more than just your dear friend?" he asked seriously, his expression almost hopeful.

Crystal froze, her eyes wide, but was stopped from commenting as Yami placed a finger on her lips. "Please, let me finish. Crystal, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever known. You are also incredibly intelligent and talented. My life was empty until you entered it, and I have never been as happy in my life as I have been these last few months with you by my side. I do not want the happiness I feel to end; I do not want to lose you," he said before sliding off the fountain so that he was kneeling in front of her.

"Crystal, I met with your father last week not only to end your engagement, but to enable me to achieve the thing I want most in the entire world," he said before laughing. "Forgive me, I ramble. Crystal, will you marry me?"

Crystal blinked rapidly at the Pharaoh. Whatever she had expected him to say, it had not been this. "Yami...I...I don't know what to say," she said, still looking at him in a state of shock. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought he would actually propose to her.

Yami seemed slightly startled at the honesty in her words, and sensed she was just confused. He stood up and sat down next to her again. "Crystal, please think this over before you reply. Do not feel pressured to accept – you might grow to resent your decision. And I would not treasure any moment in your company that did not bring you joy."

At his words, she seemed to wake up slightly. "No, Yami, I am just quite startled. I just...I wasn't expecting this."

Yami sighed, and took her hands in his. "I know, Crystal. That is because you do not remember the day in which I first told you I loved you."

She stared at him, her expression showing shock once more. "What...?"

Yami sighed, and looked into her eyes. "The day you were injured – before I left to see your father. I asked you to come down to the garden, and I eventually told you I loved you. In return, you kissed me."

Her hand flew to her mouth at this, but Yami continued. "You fled the palace to return home, presumably fearing the consequences of your actions as you were still engaged at the time. On your journey, you were attacked. The fall from your horse gave you amnesia, so you remember little about the day. After seeing the pain you had felt at revealing your feelings, Mana told me not to tell you what had happened. She told me that you would honour your engagement no matter what, and that I should not make it more difficult for you to bear."

He then took a deep breath. "She told me that she did not want to see you suffer because of me. She told me that you loved me. I wanted to talk to you after the attack, but was too afraid of losing you to speak my mind. But now that your engagement is broken, I am free to tell you my feelings." He watched her, and felt a slight desperation when she did not answer for several seconds. "Please say something," he said softly, a trace of his fear creeping into his voice.

Crystal blushed. "Sorry. I do not mean to worry you – this is just so much to think about."

Yami squeezed her hands. "Well, tell me what is on your mind. I promise I will not be hurt by your words, and will listen as a friend would. On this you have my word. Do not spare my feelings in this matter," he said seriously.

Crystal sighed and looked away. She hesitated for several moments before speaking. "Yami...it is true what Mana told you. For a long time now, I have been in love with you," she said at last, seeming to weigh her words carefully. "At first it was just a girlish crush, but lately it has developed into something far more and far stronger. You treat me so wonderfully, and make me feel so special and wanted everyday, even just as my friend. Like you, I do not want that to end. I do not want to leave your side. Especially as you have just proved the strength of your devotion to me – you put yourself through months of silence, not speaking of your own feelings, in order to spare me pain."

She then smiled. "Oh, I'm as bad as you. I feel the need to put things so eloquently, but just can't find the right words. Simplicity will have to do," she said before smiling radiantly in the way that Yami loved. "Yami, you make me the happiest woman alive when I'm around you, and I love you. Of course I'll marry you!" she said before throwing her arms around him and kissing him.

Yami seemed slightly taken aback by the suddenness of her actions, but quickly lost himself in her kiss. Unlike the first kiss they had shared, this one had no desperation in it. Her kiss was sweet, and he didn't want to break away. She spoke volumes about her love for him, and he answered. Yami then broke away and laughed as he thought about what he had just 'thought'. It sounded even cornier than his earlier speech. Crystal looked at him questioningly, and he sheepishly explained what was on his mind, causing her to laugh too before she kissed him again.

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A woman's angry scream was heard, suddenly followed by a loud smashing noise. Sighing heavily, Rames returned his quill to his ink bottle, and moved across the hall to his quarters.

Once inside, he neatly stepped around the smashed pieces of his best crystal ball and moved over to the bed to soothe his irate lover. "Clarita, what cause do you have to smash my best crystal ball?" he asked, sounding rather irritated.

The look she gave him was one of pure fury. "Look back into the past and see for yourself!" she seethed, shaking with fury.

Rames sighed. "I'd rather not right now my darling. The King has been most irritable regarding magic use by his higher-ranked servants and I cannot be found out. As it is, I may have to leave soon anyway. Why don't you just tell me?"

She glared at him, her black hair twisting about her head. "The Pharaoh just proposed to our dear darling Princess Crystal," she snarled.

Rames stared at her, before letting out a crow of triumph. She glared at him, her green eyes narrowing. "Why on Earth are you HAPPY about this?" she screamed. "Our plans are ruined now you fool!" she shouted, hurling his second-best scrying crystal at the wall. She turned away from him in sheer anger.

Rames sighed, his left hand fiddling with his dagger. "Don't be so sure about that," he whispered menacingly. Clarita's eyes narrowed at this, but before she could turn around, the dagger's hilt slammed into the back of her head, knocking her unconscious.

Rames's eyes glinted as he stared at his lover. "You fool; you have no idea of my plans. You were a useful tool to keep the pretty Princess from discovering my real goal. Your clumsy attempts to kill her kept her from realizing the truth. And now, my plans are complete. I have no more use for you," he said coldly, moving away from her as she slumped to the ground. He then called for his guards to take her away and kill her somewhere discreet.

A self-satisfied smirk then crossed his lips as he dwelt on Clarita's earlier words. "At last, I have won. Let the pathetic Pharaoh have his pretty bride. And there is no longer any annoying relatives to destroy my plans," he said, eyes darkening as he recalled the actions of the previous Pharaoh. He had been very clever, and had nearly caused Rames to lose the war. But no-one knew about the old Pharaoh's cunning plan, and thus could not learn from it. There was no way he could lose now. The events just set in motion had removed the last barrier to his plans. "What the Tomb Robber destroyed has at last been repaired."

"I have won."

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Angel: Bum bum bum! I am so excited! I finally finished the chapter:D And its finally approaching the end now folks! But what is that nasty Rames up to? How can Yami marrying Crystal help his plans succeed? Sorry, but you won't find out until next time!

Also, apologies if the last few sections are a little bad – I just finished them today, and am too lazy to edit. I may go back and edit them later. Actually, this whole chapter might need an edit. Anyway, for now, I decided to reward my beloved reviewers with at least something no matter how good/bad it may be, lol

C YA! Angel