A/N: Sorry for takin a while, i got sick and couldn't work on it, but i'm on a roll now so i should be adding quite a few chaps soon. But i'm a very bad procrastinator... oh well. This chapter took a while for me to get into, so i'm sorry if that comes across, but yeah, maybe you'll still enjoy it. I'm enjoying where the story is going. wink and in the next Chap. Bakura comes in! I love bakura, one of my fave characs in the show.

Chapter 10

"Pharaoh! Masika! Wake up!" the yell came through the door, scaring the two sleepers.

"What is it?"

"The Prince has arrived early!" Karim's voice could've knocked the door down it was so loud.

"We're coming!"

They scrambled out of bed, getting dressed in some clean clothes and running out of the room heading for the entrance.

"Just in time my Pharaoh," Seto mumbled as they ran up; the Palace doors just opening. Pharaoh smiled, telling everyone to do the same as the Prince approached them on horseback.

"Hello Pharaoh," the prince bowed, as did Atemu.

"Hello good Prince," he greeted not realizing that the Prince's attention had been turned to Masika.

"And who may this be?"

"Her name is Masika," the Pharaoh introduced her, seeing the stunned expression on her face as he kissed her hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he bowed.

"As it is nice to meet you,' she bowed slightly.

Awkward introductions aside, they made their way to the discussion hall, in hopes of finishing the negotiations as quick as possible. That wasn't the case however as the Prince insisted more on touring the Palace rather than the negotiations.

"I would love if Miss Masika could give me a tour of the palace," he bowed slightly, showing his respect.

"I would be delighted to give you a tour," she bowed in return, giving Atemu a slightly odd look of confusion. 'Why does he want ME to do this? I don't like doing these types of things. Atemu, you owe me big time!' she sighed inwardly as she led the Prince on his tour.

'This is great! I'm in the Palace and they have no idea that I'm not really the prince. These stupid people! Once I steal the sennen items for master Bakura, I'll definitely be given a higher rank!! Aha! And even if that doesn't work, I can always bring him this little worm. She's so stupid, and she's supposed to be a queen! HA! I'll just get close to her, and she'll be all mine!' the undercover thief thought happily to himself.

"Um, are you okay?" Masi poked him, seeing his oddly evil look as he thought to himself.

He snapped instantly, turning back to face her with a smile, "Oh yes, I apologize, I get deep in thought sometimes."

'Creepy' she faked a smile. "This way," she led him silently on the tour.

"Pharaoh, May I speak with you?" Seto placed a hand on the King's shoulder.

"What is it Seto?" he raised a brow at Seto's odd look.

Seto was never one to look so untrusting, it was as though he were choking on his own confusion.

"Seto? What is it? Are you okay?"

Seto's eyes never left the Prince, even as he rounded the corner, "No. There's something wrong with that Prince. Something about this doesn't seem right, he shouldn't have arrived until tonight. I think it would be best to put the negotiations off until tomorrow at least."

"Umm… Okay. Seto, I've never seen you so tense, are you sure that's all?"

He shifted his gaze, avoiding the Pharaoh, but nodded before stalking off.

'I'm kind of worried for Masika now, I should keep an eye on her. Seto's hunches aren't usually wrong, I hope she's okay,' she King turned and followed his love from a distance.

He followed her, watching this 'Prince' strike up some amusing conversation, getting her to laugh and seem to enjoy herself. 'This is pointless, she's fine; she'd tell me if she thought something was up, her heart will keep her safe,' Atemu smiled, knowing he could trust her. Rolling his eyes he turned and went the opposite direction, only to run into Mana.

"Atemu! I need your help!"

"What is it Mana?" his eyes dialated.

"I lost the Prince's horse!!"

The light in his eyes faded to dull, "You what?" his voice low and harsh.

"I'm sorry! It wouldn't stand being around the other horses in the stables and ran off! It should still be in the Palace… but I don't know where!"

"I'm sorry Mana, I can't help you there, but once you find it, keep it away from other horses. Give it an inspection, make sure it's not injured," he reasoned; the horse wouldn't be open to company when injured… would it? He didn't think so.

"Thank you Atemu!" she bowed and ran off calling for the horse.

He shook his head sadly before turning to go to his room. The morning had just begun barely two hours ago, and it was already going too slow.

Masika entered their room, laughing, but halted when she saw her Pharaoh sleeping on the bed. How she loved to see him appear so vulnerable, he was so human. Taking a seat beside him, she allowed her fingers to pass gently through his hair, stroking it gently.

He shifted in his sleep, rolling over, coincidentally, into her lap. She couldn't stop the red that settled into her cheeks; another sigh passed as her hands continued to pass through his hair. Time could've stopped in that moment and she would've never wanted to push play; he was that adorable, almost kitten-like.

'Masi! Don't think like that!' she mentally slapped herself for such thoughts, 'Engaged or not, that's not right for me to think that. He's the Pharaoh, the embodiment of god. To imagine him as a kitten… well… STOP IT! But… Cats are very sacred creatures, so I guess it's not AS bad… Masi! Stop yourself! You're justifying something you just told yourself was wrong… but, he's just so cute. I just love him. I'm so lucky to have him! My heart is so overwhelmed with love it could explode! … I sound like a fangirl… a lovestruck fangirl… oh, I am, so oh well,' she smiled, not realizing that he was now awake, blinking at her as her hand passed through his golden bangs.

"Masika?" he yawned, making her jolt, praying that he hadn't heard her thoughts.

"Uh…. Uh. Yes?"

"Are you okay?" he remained in her lap, looking up at her contently.

"Yes. I'm very well thank you," she smiled.

Giving her wary eyes, he knew she was hiding something, he couldn't help pressing it, "What are you hiding?" Thoughts about the Prince raced through his mind, had something happened when he wasn't watching?

She broke eye contact, she couldn't tell him she'd just pictured him as a kitten! She had to lie, but she couldn't lie, she just can't! Coming up blank she smiled weakly at him.

Taking it the wrong way he jolted up, turning to face her squarely, "What's wrong? What happened?"

Her head tilted to one side, unsure now of what was going on, "What do you mean? Nothing happened. I just came in the room and played with your hair!" Her image of him as a kitten wrestled its way back into her mind, dragging a secretive blush with it.

"Masika, did something happen before you came in here?" he looked worried, scared even.

"No. I just gave the Prince a tour. I don't really like him, I get a weird vibe when I'm around him."

He didn't seem to believe her; her weak smile and kitten-like-atemu weren't helping too much to calm him. "Masika, what's on your mind?"

"Why the formality Amun?" she placed a delicate hand on his; a flick in his eyes as they shifted back and forth.

His hand pulled away from her, crimson eyes growing dark. "What's on your mind?" it was more ordered this time; as though he would kill her if she didn't answer.

She backed away, into the headboard. Slightly frightened, the fear shone in her eyes, but the Pharaoh's eyes only grew more dark, "Nothing!"

"Masika, don't lie to me. There's something on your mind, and I want to know what it is! With everyone on high tense because of this Prince, I can't be too careful! What's wrong?" He inched towards her, seeing her flinch in fear, he allowed himself to appear more approachable. His crimson eyes still deadly, he lowered his voice back to a softer tone, "Please tell me."

She shook her head, now cursing the stupid image that plagued her. She tried to look at him, but found herself being greeted with the image of an angry, hissing kitten, as opposed to the happily asleep one she saw only moments ago. She swore to herself as she looked away, out the balcony, seeing the sun was now high, it was almost lunch and they'd have to solve this soon. She couldn't bring herself to utter a word.

"Masika," he growled, seeing her flinch again.

"It's nothing Amun! Really it's nothing! I was just thinking! It has nothing to do with the prince or Seto or anyone but me and you! That's all!"

"What?" his anger turned into unsuppressed confusion. "What does that mean?"

"I was thinking about us!"

"Why didn't you say that?"

"I told you it was nothing!"

"We aren't nothing."

She rolled her eyes. "Amun. Please, my thoughts were nothing important, I promise you that!" she lowered her voice to a mumble as she turned her eyes from his once more, now favoring her fingers as they intertwined amongst themselves, "I shouldn't have thought them anyway."

"What do you mean?"

She jumped, unaware that he had actually been able to hear her muttering.

"Uh… uh… never mind."

"Masika," he pulled her into his arms, wrapping them gently around her small frame, "tell me." He nuzzled a kiss into the crook of her neck.

She giggled at the touch to her sensitive skin. "No."

"Why not?"

"It was bad. I'm not telling you."

He looked up, blinking. She had been thinking dirty? About him? Now he was intrigued, he had to know. Smirking happily, he turned her around; tickling her into submission, "Tell me! I won't stop until you do!"

"No!!" she giggled with him, squirming to break free, but to no avail.

"Yes!" he grabbed her wrists, pinning them to the bed as he leaned over, lips almost touching, teasing, no, taunting her, "I want to know what's going on inside that little mind of yours."

She pressed a kiss into his lips hoping to silence him, but instead he quickly dominated the kiss, showing his perseverance he slid his tongue to venture inside her mouth, invoking a moan to come from her as he roamed –gently but forcefully- before pulling back. "Tell me," he demanded, licking his lips, knowing full well that she would submit soon.

She opened her eyes to see her beautiful kitten – er, Pharaoh – looking down at her with those taunting eyes, slowly drawing her in, willing her to break, she couldn't help but smile at how drugged she felt. "I can't, I just can't," she gained access to one of her wrists, using that hand to stroke his hair before allowing it to fall back to her side. "I can't tell you."

"Masika, you can tell me, and you will," he smirked, giving her that look, willing her to break, to submit, knowing full well what her prize would be for succumbing to her king.

"Don't give me those eyes," she groaned, trying to break free from his gaze, but finding it impossible; her eyes wouldn't budge.

"Don't keep secrets from me," he smiled, leaning in once more, allowing his tongue to pass gently over her lower lip. She could only whimper in response.

"I can't tell you Pharaoh," her words barely a whisper, but full of mixed emotions; happiness, sorrow, lust, love, admiration, surrender.

He gently nuzzled her lower lip between his teeth, allowing his tongue to pass over the sensitive skin.

Her eyes rolled back from the sensation, for sure there would be more if she would just tell him. That was all she wanted: more. "Fine, I give," she surrendered.

His eyes lit up as he slowly detached himself from her lower lip, sitting up a bit to look at her with equally lustful, yet still serious eyes, "So, what were you thinking?"

'God, his voice is so tempting! Just hurry up and kiss me again!' her eyes closed, reveling in the feel of his tongue on her skin, "I… when you were sleeping, I – I thought of you…"

He nodded, leaning gently back in, kissing her softly, urging her to continue, "Mmhmm."

A soft whimper came from the gentle touch as she whispered, "as a kitten."

His eyes shot open, looking at her 'A kitten? SHE thought of ME as a kitten? She has such bad thoughts? No wonder it was hard for her to break… hmm. A kitten huh?' she smiled, seeing her now frightful eyes looking up into his.

"A kitten huh?" he raised a brow, watching the blush settle back in her cheeks. 'I'll show you who's the kitten!' he smiled, reuniting their lips to bring back the intimacy from only moments ago.

She could only make an attempt to catch up to him as his tongue quickly took domination, pulling yet another whimper to arise in her throat. Once his hands found their way around her clothing she could only gasp mentally as she found that both of them had worked to remove their clothes. Skin to skin at last, hearts raced as hands graced the bare flesh.

He pulled back from the kiss, his hand lingering on the stomach of his lover went unnoticed as his kisses turned to her collarbone, yet again he began to make his mark on her skin. His hand kept her in place as her back reeled in the sudden emotion being drawn straight out of her skin; or was that blood? Did it really matter? Her fingers digging into his bare back only forced him to sink in harder, meaning the mark would be a bit more noticeable and not to mention bigger than her previous one. Smiling he released the flesh of her collarbone from his grip, slowly trailing his kisses down, to her belly button.

She laughed as his tongue played gently with the soft skin of her navel, biting her lip as his teeth sunk in for a few instants, she pulled him back up, back to her before rolling them over so she could have her turn enjoying her lover's skin. She however wouldn't be so pleasured of full grace as she knew from the look in his eyes saying she was stealing his dominance; but he was more than obliged for a few moments once her teeth came in contact with his chest.

Being the forceful, commanding Pharaoh he was, he hoisted her lips back up to his and returned them to where they should be; him over her. As sensitive skin began to touch, he felt her flinch beneath him. He pulled back for a second, for a small utterance, "I won't push you if you're not ready," he reassured her, but she shook her head.

"You're not pushing me," but she nodded, admitting she was a bit nervous, but he merely laughed. "Don't worry about me love. I'm quite alright as long as I have you."

"As am I," he smiled, uniting them in one swift motion, invoking a soft moan from her, but complete submission.

"Oh my… Ra help us!" Mana dropped the brush she held in her hand and ran around the palace, making her way swiftly to the Pharaoh's room. She was about to knock, but by hearing the strange noises coming from the other side of the door, she figured it best not to.

"I wouldn't interrupt them, they may hate you if you do," Seto appeared behind her.

"Have you been listening? Seto that's gross!" disgust painted her features.

"No, I needed to talk to the Pharaoh and heard that. Now I guess I need to guard the room," he rolled his eyes, "what do you need Mana?"

"Umm… I need to tell Atemu something!"

Seto's eye twitched at the informality, "He's the Pharaoh and you should treat him with that respect."

"I apologize Master Seto, but this is really important!!!"

"What is?"

She opened her mouth to speak but found herself silenced as she caught sight of the Prince approaching them from down the hall. She turned and greeted him, "Hello Prince, may I be of service to you?"

"I wish to speak with the Pharaoh," he smiled.

"I'm afraid you can't do that at this time," Seto seemed annoyed.

"I apologize Master Seto, but I don't approve of that tone," he shifted, a regal pose settled in.

"I apologize to you Prince, that tone is not aimed at you, the Pharaoh has been busy all afternoon, he even missed lunch," Seto tried to be nice. 'He better be done soon. How long are they going to be in there?'

"Do please tell the Pharaoh that I need to talk to him," the Prince turned and left, leaving Mana and Seto to only blink in his wake.

"What was it you needed to tell him Mana?"

"Its about his horse."

"I'm sure he can wait to hear news of his horse."

"Not the Pharaoh's horse!" she lowered her voice, "the Prince's."

"What are you up to Mana?"

She looked around, hoping no one was listening, "His horse ran away from the stables and so Atemu told me to find it and check it for wounds."

"I don't see how this is important," Seto rolled his eyes and dismissed her.

"Master Seto!" she tried to reason, without being too loud.

"Mana, I'm sure it can wait."

"But it can't!!" she lowered her voice once more, "The horse was fine."

"Mana. You're getting on my nerves, go back to your chores or something," Seto waived her off.

She mumbled, "I hope he kills you first."

"Mana! What was that?" he shouted, unaware to the volume of his mouth.

She screamed back, "It was NOTHING! Tell them I want to speak with them when they're done!" she stormed off, around the corner. Seto rolled his eyes and stalked off, figuring that the two would soon be emerging to hear what the commotion was.

When no one emerged Mana decided to go bring them some lunch seeing as they had both missed it hours ago. Dinner would be ready in a few hours, so she could at least bring them something to hold them over. Upon bringing the tray she saw the two standing outside their room, inspecting each other, making sure they looked presentable; despite the clear lust that was still in their eyes.

"Atemu, Masi, I brought you some food since both of you missed lunch," Mana held up the tray, watching as they removed some of the food from her hands.

"What was all the yelling about earlier?" Atemu looked at her frightened eyes.

"You remember me telling you about the horse?"

"Yes."

"Well when I was brushing hi—"

"Pharaoh! I need you here Now!" Seto called from around the corner, signaling him over.

"Tell me in a minute will you Mana? I'm sorry," he ran after Seto.

"I'll tell you then," Mana growled, looking to Masika. "I was brushing the Prince's horse and when I brushed past part of the mane, I saw… you'll never believe this… but I saw," she looked around again, whispering very quietly, "Bakura's cattle brand."

Dumbstruck Masi looked at her, "He has a cattle brand?"

"Yes. But that's besides the point!" Mana jumped, wondering why Masika hadn't caught on by now. Everyone in Egypt knew who Bakura was! "That's not the Prince, he's a thief of Bakura's!"

"No way!" Masi jumped, looking for Atemu, "We have to tell Atemu!" In her haste of shaking her head every which way, she revealed her fresh hickey and couldn't help but notice Mana's wicked smile that grew on her face. "What?"

"You two… y'all are pretty bad," she smiled.

"Mana. You're changing the subject, we need to tell Atemu and Seto!" they ran around the Palace, only to find Seto and Atemu were up front with the rest of the council and the 'Prince', now coming to greet another man introducing himself as the Prince. "ATEMU!"

"Stay back there Masika!" he ordered, not taking his eyes off this new Prince.

"Atemu! We have to tell you something!"

"It'll have to wait!"

Mana rolled her eyes, running off up to the Pharaoh, not noticing the 'Prince' broke away from the crowd and grabbed Masika, covering her mouth. Slowly, she felt sleepy, there was something on the cloth he had just covered her mouth with, and it was making her weak.

He dragged the unconscious Masi around to the back entrance, getting them both onto his horse and riding off into the sunset.

"Pharaoh. The Prince that arrived this morning is a fake! He's one of Bakura's thieves," Mana shook him violently. Instantly everyone turned to where the fake Prince had been standing.

"Where'd he go?" Seto looked towards the back entrance, realizing Masi was gone as well.

"He must've ran off," Pharaoh sent guards to search for him, feeling something wrong bubbling from within him. He looked around, trying to find out what was wrong, then it hit him, "Where's Masi!?"

"She was in the doorway!" Mana looked back to the entrance, "He would've had to pass her! What if he took her?!"

They all scrambled back and forth, trying to figure out what exactly had just hit them. This fake Prince was gone, and he took Masi with him, but… why was he there anyway?