This is a more relaxed chapter.
Enjoy!
Chapter 13- Egyptian Ball
"So, there's a ball coming up?" Heba asked.
"Yeah. It's an annual ball that takes place every year." Atemu said.
"It's boring." Bakura said.
"You always say that." Yami said.
"Because he's right." Marik stated.
The group was sitting in the lounge.
"So, what's the ball for?" Joey asked.
"It's just an annual ball where all the nobles of the kingdom are invited here to eat, dance, and mingle for the night." Seto said.
"In other words, they get to enjoy the luxury of the palace for a while." Heba said.
"Exactly." Yami said.
"What's so bad about that?" Ryou asked.
"Well, the women are all over us because they think that they might have a chance with us. There are even some guys that are like that. It's irritating!" Bakura growled.
"Well, you don't have to worry about it this time, Kura. I'll be with you the entire night." Ryou assured him.
"Good. I won't have to hit anyone this time." Bakura said.
"Hit?" Ryou asked.
"There was this one guy that wouldn't give up on Bakura during the last ball. He went as far as to try to force himself on Bakura. Bakura was so angry that he punched the guy in the jaw and broke his jaw." Marik said.
"Well, that's understandable if the guy forced himself on you." Ryou said.
"Oh, yeah. And if he's here again, I'll do it again." Bakura said.
"No, you won't." Ryou said.
"Why not?!" Bakura growled, his eyes narrowing.
"I'll do it for you. You're my husband, and I'm not going to stand for anyone else coming onto you." Ryou said.
"Okay. They're in trouble at the ball." Yami said.
Bakura smirked. "I don't mind." Bakura said.
"Yeah. I bet you don't." Yami muttered.
"Okay. We all have to be at the ball. That's all that really matters in this situation." Atemu said.
"I think that we get it." Joey said.
Aknankanon, Amara, and Aknaudin were all in Aknankanon's office.
"How do you think that this ball will go?" Aknaudin asked.
"What do you mean?" Amara asked her brother-in-law.
"We all know that there are people who loath the fact that Atemu, Seto, Marik, and Bakura are married to Millennial. There may be nobles who try to kill them." Aknaudin said.
"That will not happen." Aknankanon said.
"How do you know?" Amara asked.
Aknankanon looked up from his work to look at them. "Simple. Before any noble is allowed to enter the palace, they will be searched for any kind of weapons. Their cars, the people with them, and any kind of bag will be searched before they are allowed in. I am not going to let anything happen." Aknankanon said determinedly.
"That's a good safety measure." Aknaudin agreed.
"I do know that Heba, Ryou, Joey, and Malik can all defend themselves, but I would rather not have any incidents at the ball." Aknankanon said.
"I agree." Aknaudin added.
"Atemu, do you like the balls?" Heba asked as he walked in the gardens with Atemu.
"Not really. Since I was the Crown Prince, I always had the most people chasing me. The ball would barely start before I was swarmed with girls and boys who all wanted the chance to dance with me because they thought that they might be able to seduce me. It was downright irritating. I actually love balls and dancing. I just hate the way so many people come onto me the way they do." Atemu said.
"Do you think that they will continue this time since you are married to me now, or will they keep trying?" Heba asked.
"They'll keep trying. The girls think that if they can get me to have sex with them and they get pregnant, they would automatically get to marry me, and ii would be forced to divorce you." Atemu said.
"Would that happen?" Heba asked.
"No because I'm not going to put myself into a position that I could be seduced." Atemu said.
"No. Not that. I mean, if that were to happen, would you have divorce me and marry the girl? In a hypothetical situation?" Heba asked.
"No. By law, it would be my choice. Actually, the woman could be killed if she had my child. It would be your choice, but you could have the woman killed if you wanted." Atemu said.
"Well, if you ever put yourself in that situation, you would be a dead man." Heba said.
Atemu laughed. "I know, and I don't plan on putting myself in that sort of situation. Besides, I don't like women in that way. I have preferred guys to girls for the last few years." Atemu said.
"Well, it's a good thing that I was male then." Heba said.
Atemu grabbed him by the wrist and pulled Heba to him. He then kissed Heba.
Heba kissed Atemu back.
"Besides, I certainly won't be in that situation because I am going to be with you the entire night." Atemu said.
Heba smiled. "You most certainly are." Heba agreed. He then kissed Atemu again.
"Did I mention what you have to wear?" Atemu asked.
Heba looked at him. "What does that mean?" Heba asked.
"Well, you see, any member of the Royal family has to dress a certain way, so you have to dress that way, too." Atemu said.
"What exactly do I have to wear, Atemu?" Heba asked.
"Why don't I show you?" Atemu asked.
Heba nodded and followed Atemu inside to Atemu's room.
Atemu then took out a few articles of clothing.
Heba looked from Atemu to the clothing back to Atemu. "Tell me you are joking." Heba said.
"No, Heba. I'm not." Atemu said.
Heba looked at the leather pants and the tight shirt. There was also a cape that was crimson along with a few bracelets as well as a neck belt.
"Heba, this is what we have to wear." Atemu said.
"Including the bracelets and neck belt?" Heba asked.
"Oh. No. Those are just a few accessories that I choose to wear. Yami likes to wear them, too. The pants, the shirt, and the cape you don't have a choice on." Atemu said.
"Well, I don't wear leather, but I suppose I can deal." Heba said. He then had another thought. "Do your father and uncle have to wear something like that, too?" Heba asked, not able to Aknankanon or Aknaudin wearing something like that.
"No. They have something different to wear." Atemu answered.
"I didn't think that that was something that they would wear." Heba said.
"Nope. When they were our age, I'm sure that they did, but not now." Atemu said.
"Well, where do I get mine?" Heba asked.
"The tailor is already making it. The clothes should be done by tomorrow." Atemu said.
"Okay. That's not quite as bad as I thought it might be." Heba said.
"I just didn't know how you would feel about it since I've never seen you wear anything like that." Atemu said.
"I get it." Heba said.
"Good. I'm glad that you don't mind too much." Atemu said.
"Well, I don't have much of a choice in the matter, Atemu." Heba said as Atemu put the clothes back into the closet.
"Did you have balls back in the Millennial Kingdom?" Atemu asked.
"No. My father sees them as pointless. Besides, he thinks that by not doing that, it will keep the nobles in their place. He doesn't want them thinking that they are just as important as he is, so he makes sure that they don't have a reason to think that." Heba said.
"Well, that sucks." Atemu said.
"I know. It doesn't matter. You might want to tell me how I should act, though." Heba said.
"Nothing special, Heba. At the start, Father just says a few words, and we stand at the throne with him. After he is finished, the ball starts. You can eat, mingle, or dance. The only thing you have to do is keep a regal air about you, be polite, and don't start trouble." Atemu said.
"I might need to have a little talk with Joey and Malik before the ball. They are the ones that would cause trouble." Heba said.
"It doesn't matter. Bakura and Marik always cause trouble. Keeping out of trouble is more not make my father's headache worse." Atemu said.
"Okay. I get it." Heba said.
"Good." Atemu said. He then leaned forward and kissed Heba.
Heba moaned and wrapped his arms around Atemu's neck as the kiss deepened. Atemu ran his tongue over Yugi's bottom lip, asking for entrance. Heba opened his mouth, and Atemu slipped his tongue inside. Atemu started to roam around the inside of Heba's mouth, making sure to map out every inch of Heba's mouth.
Soon, the need for air forced the two to break apart.
"You seem to like kissing a lot." Heba said.
Atemu smirked. "That's because I'm addicted to kissing you." Atemu said.
Heba shook his head. "You can be a romantic at times." Heba said.
"Maybe." Atemu said before kissing Heba again.
~The Night of the Ball~
"Okay. So, I don't look so bad." Heba said, looking at himself in the full-length mirror in the room.
"I think that you look great." Atemu said from where he was sitting in a chair with one leg thrown over the arm while the other was on the floor.
Heba turned and glared at him. "You would think I look good naked." Heba said.
Atemu smirked. "Is that a promise for some time in the near future?" Atemu asked.
Heba walked over. "Do me a favor and get your mind out of the gutter? I would rather not have to fight you off all night." Heba said.
Atemu stood up. "All right, Heba. I'll keep my mind out of the gutter." Atemu said.
"Good." Heba said.
"But during the ball. My mind is going right back to the gutter the moment that the ball is over." Atemu stated.
Heba groaned. "You are hopeless." Heba said.
"Yes, I am." Atemu said, leaning forward to kiss Heba.
"Atemu." Heba warned.
"Hey. We're not at the ball yet." Atemu said.
"We're going there now. Come on." Heba said, grabbing Atemu by the arm and dragging him out of the bedroom.
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Yami asked as he walked at a fast pace to keep up with his brother and brother-in-law.
"His mind is in the gutter." Heba said as he walked away from the two.
"I didn't realize you two were sleeping together." Yami said.
Atemu huffed. "I wish." Atemu muttered.
"Ah. Meaning you're being denied." Yami said.
"It doesn't matter. I mean, he's not ready, and I respect that." Atemu said.
"Doesn't stop you from trying to seduce him, though." Yami said.
"No, it doesn't." Atemu agreed.
Aknankanon and Amara were sitting on their thrones in the ballroom.
The priests, Atemu, Heba, Yami, Seto, Joey, Bakura, Ryou, Marik, and Malik were all in their respective places as well.
Aknankanon then stood up. "I would like to thank everyone for coming this evening. I hope that you enjoy yourselves this night." Aknankanon said.
The ball then started.
The musicians started to play, and there were a few couples who went on out to the dance floor to dance while other chose to stand around talking and eating.
Heba and Atemu had gone down from the throne along with Seto, Joey, Ryou, Bakura, Marik, Malik, and Yami.
"Do your parents not do anything?" Heba asked.
"Not normally. They usually stay there and just talk to each other and Aknaudin. They have gone through these balls so many times that I think it has become somewhat monotonous to them." Atemu said.
"Well, they probably don't have much to do unless your parents dance." Heba said.
"They don't. My father loathes dancing." Atemu said.
The two walked over to the refreshment table and got themselves a drink.
"Hi, Prince Atemu." a female voice said.
Atemu turned and internally cringed. He really didn't want to have to talk to this girl. "Hello, Lady Vivian. It's nice to see you again." Atemu said, forcing a fake smile.
Heba could tell that Atemu was faking the smile and the politeness. He then looked over the girl, Vivian.
Vivian had dark hair and dark eyes. She was also very elegantly danced, so elegantly that it was obvious that she was trying to show off just how wealthy her family was. She also wore far too much make-up in Heba's opinion.
"I haven't seen you in a while, Prince Atemu." Vivian said, smiling sweetly.
"It was the last ball, I believe." Atemu said, turning from her.
Heba noticed the angered look in Vivian's eyes when Atemu turned away from here. 'Hmm. This may be interesting.' Heba thought.
"Prince Atemu, I was wondering if you wanted to dance with me." Vivian said, smiling sweetly again.
"No, Lady Vivian. I would not." Atemu said.
"But we dance together at every ball." Vivian said, her tone taking on a whiny tinge.
"I do not wish to dance with you." Atemu said.
"Then perhaps we can go to your room. I'm sure we can find something "fun" to do." Vivian said, smiling in what she thought was seductive. She didn't bother to hide the lust in her eyes.
Heba felt a rush of anger and decided to step in. "I'm sorry, Lady Vivian, but I believe that Atemu would rather stay at the ball." Heba said, smiling a fake smile.
Vivian glared at him. "And who are you?!" Vivian snapped none-too-kindly. Her eyes narrowed. "And why do you call the Prince by his name?" Vivian demanded.
"Lady Vivian, I don't believe that you ever met my husband, Prince Heba from the Millennial Kingdom." Atemu said.
Vivian wasn't out off in the least. "Well, I'm sure that you would rather spend time with me, wouldn't you, Prince Atemu?" Vivian said, trying to latch onto his arm.
"No, Lady Vivian. I do not." Atemu said, trying to get the girl to release him.
Heba watched then and hid a smirk. 'Hmm. This girl doesn't know when to take a hint.' Heba thought. He then said, "Lady Vivian, I suggest that you release my husband."
"Why?" Vivian growled.
"Because you don't wan to cause a scene and embarrass your family, or would you rather everyone here see guards escort from the ball and force you to leave for disrespecting a member of the Royal family?" Heba asked.
Vivian starred at him. "You wouldn't?" Vivian challenged.
Heba smirked and said in a low voice, "Try me."
Something in his tone told Vivian that he would, so she let go of Atemu and walked off.
"Thank, but would you have done that?" Atemu asked.
"Yes. After I hit her." Heba said.
"I might want to keep you on a tight leash." Atemu said.
"Maybe." Heba agreed.
"Come on. Let's dance." Atemu said.
The two then walked out onto the dance floor and started to dance.
"Did you really dance with her at the other balls?" Heba asked.
"Yes, but only because she wouldn't leave me alone until I did. This time, I have a reason not to dance with her." Atemu said.
"Oh, I feel loved. I'm the scapegoat." Heba said, feigning hurt.
"Well, that might be what it seems like, but I would much rather dance with you than anyone else." Atemu said.
Heba smiled. "You really are a romantic." Heba said.
Atemu smiled back. "I try." Atemu said.
Meanwhile, Ryou was getting pissed.
A girl had come up and was trying to seduce Bakura.
"Come on, Lord Bakura. Let's leave this place and go somewhere more private." the girl said.
"No." Bakura said, coldly.
"Why not? I am the most beautiful girl here." the girl declared boldly.
Bakura inwardly snorted. 'Yeah. Right.' Bakura thought.
"Come on. I'm sure that I can show you a good time." the girl said, smiling seductively.
Ryou had had enough. He walked forward and linked his arm with Bakura's. "Actually, I don't think that he wants to go with you." Ryou said.
"I wasn't asking you." the girl spat.
Ryou smirked. "You do realize that Bakura is a married man, don't you?" Ryou asked.
"It doesn't matter. That stupid man isn't even here. I'm much better than a Millennial whore." the girl said.
Ryou's eyes narrowed dangerously, and he smiled in a sadistic way. "I am Lord Ryou, Bakura's husband, and I don't appreciate you speaking about me in such a way. Perhaps I should tell the Pharaoh about how you speak of me." Ryou said.
The girl's eyes widened in shock and horror. She didn't know what Ryou looked like, so she had no idea that Ryou was the one she had spoken badly. "I-I'm sorry, Lord Ryou. I had no idea." the girl said before rushing off before Ryou decided to do something to her.
Bakura snickered. "I have never had her leave me alone so fast." Bakura said.
"Well, she had to learn that you were taken and no one else was going to get you." Ryou said.
"What would you have done if she hadn't left?" Bakura asked.
"I don't know, but she certainly would have regretted it." Ryou said.
"I don't think that I'm going to mind these balls so much." Bakura said.
Seto and Marik weren't having these problems because they already made it known that they were there with their husbands by kissing them publicly and keeping them close.
Aknankanon, Amara, and Aknaudin looked over the ballroom.
"Well, at least Heba and Ryou didn't cause a scene." Amara said.
"Yes. They seemed to have handled it quietly. I'm rather surprised that Vivian gave up so easily." Aknankanon said.
"Yes. Normally, she doesn't give up period, regardless of what is threatened or said." Aknaudin agreed.
"Well, I think that Marik and Seto have made it clear to everyone that they might as well forget coming onto them." Aknankanon said.
"No doubt." Aknaudin agreed.
"I'm just glad that they're all happy." Amara said.
"Yes. I thought that they would be miserable, but they have all found happiness." Aknankanon agreed.
"That in itself was a miracle." Aknaudin said.
After dancing for a while, Atemu and Heba decided to walk out in the gardens.
"Won't you ge tin trouble for not being at the ball?" Heba asked.
"No. Mom and Dad know that I can only handle so much, so I come out here every so often during the ball. I usually come by myself, but I think that I would rather have company this time." Atemu said as he slipped his hand into Heba's.
Heba smiled. "I feel honored." Heba said.
"Are you enjoying yourself?' Atemu asked.
"Other than getting angry at all the people that stare at you with nothing but lust, I am." Heba said.
"Ignore them. They don't have a prayer." Atemu said.
"I know, Atemu." Heba said.
"You know, it really is a beautiful night." Atemu said.
"I know it is." Heba said, looking up. He then smiled sadly.
Atemu noticed this and said, "IS something wrong?"
"No. I was just thinking." Heba said as they sat down.
"Abut what?' Atemu prodded.
"My brother Yugi. When we were kids, we would sneak into each other's rooms at night. We would normally go out on the balcony where a hammock was. We would lay in the hammock together and look up at the moon and stars. I don't know why, but it always fascinated us." Heba said.
Atemu looked down. "I guess you miss your brother, don't you?" Atemu asked.
"Yeah. I do. I wish I knew what happened, but if I ask my father, I will only get lies." Heba said.
Atemu put a hand under Heba's chin and forced Heba to look up at him. "Heba, let's not talk about your father tonight. Let's just forget about the problems he causes and enjoy ourselves." Atemu said.
Heba smiled. "That's a good idea." Heba said.
Atemu smiled. "Good." Atemu said before he kissed Heba chastely.
"Ready to face the crowd again?" Heba asked.
"Like I have a choice." Atemu said.
The two then stood up and walked hand-in-hand back into the ballroom.
The two had some people approach them to talk, and Atemu and Heba were relieved that it was not more women coming to try to seduce Atemu.
Isis and Mahado had heard whispers going on among the nobles.
"Do you believe what they are saying?" Isis asked.
"I don't know. Some of them think that Prince Heba and the others should be killed because they are not Egyptian and have no place married to member of the Egyptian Royal family. Others think that Prince Atemu and Prince Heba look good together, and that they make a cute couple." Mahado said.
"Well, everyone is welcome to their own opinion. I personally think that they look good together." Isis said.
"So do I." Mahado agreed.
"I know that the people won't change their minds on how they feel, but they will have to get used to the face Prince Atemu and the others are married to Millennials. There is nothing that they can do about it." Isis said.
"Anyone who hates it will find anything and everything to make it seem bad. They won't change their minds because they don't want to be wrong. In any case, they will have to learn to deal with it. After all, Prince Heba and the others are not going anywhere, and I personally want them to stay. I find them better company than some others I can think of." Mahado said.
"I agree." Isis said.
Atemu and Heba danced a few more dances together.
"Come on. Let's get something to eat." Heba said.
"I couldn't agree more." Atemu said.
The two walked over to the refreshments and fixed themselves small plates that they started to eat from.
"Atemu, is this the only ball that takes place during the year?" Heba asked.
"There are usually three or four unless something comes up. Sometimes balls are held for visitors or special occasions." Atemu said.
"I see." Heba said.
"Would you want them more often?" Atemu asked.
"No. I think that's about the right amount. There is only so much of this a person can take." Heba said.
"I know there is." Atemu said.
Once the two finished their plates, they set them aside for the servants to get.
After the ball, Atemu and Heba had gone to Heba's room.
"Man. I thought Seto was going to kill that man that came onto Joey." Atemu said.
"I know what you mean. Seto looked ready to commit murder." Heba said.
"And Joey didn't look much better. If Karim hadn't come over and put a stop to it, that man would have been killed. I just don't know who would have been covered in the blood. Seto or Joey?" Atemu said.
"It might have ended up both." Heba said.
"True. Marik and Malik didn't have any trouble." Atemu said.
"I'm glad. Malik would have caused a scene." Heba said.
"Marik, too. Bakura didn't have as much trouble as he usually does, although that might be partly due to the fact that Ryou was glaring at everyone who starred at him." Atemu said.
"Well, you can't blame Ryou. He can get jealous easily." Heba said.
"True." Atemu said. He then stood up and walked over to Heba. "Just like I would have been jealous had anyone come onto you." Atemu said.
"You wouldn't have had to worry because I would have set them straight fast." Heba said.
"I don't doubt that." Atemu said. He leaned forward and kissed Heba. "It's late so I had better go to bed." Atemu said.
"All right. I'll see you in the morning." Heba said.
Atemu nodded before kissing Heba again and leaving the room.
Heba smiled. 'I really do love that man. I never thought that I could be this happy.' Heba thought.
Heba then changed into nightclothes before he headed to bed.
Hope you liked it.
Next: More romance, mainly between Heba and Atemu.
R&R.