Note: Magi - Silent Magician and Sai - Silent Swordsman

To say that Yugi was nervous was an understatement; his hands shook terribly under his long decorated sleeves.

As Prince of Tenjoukai, it was his responsibility to make sure his people would be safe and thriving.

And that was what he was going to do. Even if it meant moving to another country as the consort of the ruler. Although he didn't know if it would be him, or either of his older siblings, but that was going to happen,. It had been accorded that, as a sign of formalizing the alliance with the great Khemetian lands, their ruler, the Pharaoh, would come visit Tenjoukai, and choose one of the royals to be his consort.

So there they were, at edge of the great river, at the border of their kingdom, waiting for the Pharaoh and his companions to arrive. In a line from oldest to youngest, in front of the staff that had accompanied them.

Although he was wearing a hakama, his outfit also consisted of a night blue obi that contrasted the hakama's color degradation, from dark blue below to sky blue above what was originally a haori, it was white with blue decorations on the ends, it was more than half its original length, not covering the obi at his waist, and it was closed over his chest.

The middle child, Prince Katsuya, was wearing a male hanfu that faded from dark silver above to deep black below, with red and orange decorations.

The eldest, Princess Mai, had her hair up with a kanzashi; and she was wearing an uchikake that faded from purple below to pink above, with white decorations.

Finally, Pharaoh arrived through the river, in a lustrous boat.

He was covered with jewelry, most of it being made gold, moonstones of the blue and white variety embed on it. He wore a purple cape, with a white shendyt under an almost transparent cloth. He had them up with two belts made of cloth: one was deep blue with white details and the other had yellow and blue lines. Underneath them, he had another belt, one made of gold. And on his chest was the same almost transparent cloth that was over his shendyt.

The Pharaoh was accompanied by 3 gargantuan men.

One had a headdress that covered his hair, and wore a white pearl tunic with bracers made of gold.

The second had straight black hair that fell to his shoulders. He wore a longer white shendyt, and like the others, he wore golden jewelry.

The third was bald with black symbols painted on his head, and unlike the others, he had circular golden earrings. He was wearing a robe that only covered half his chest.

"Thank you for receiving us today," said Pharaoh as he got off the boat.

"It is an honor to have you as our guest," responded Sugoroku. "Let me present to you my grandchildren," he said smiling. "The eldest is Mai," he said and the mentioned made a small reverence. "She has a strong personality and is a natural leader." She smiled confidently. "The second is Katsuya." It was his turn to make the small reverence. "Strong and agile. One of the best warriors there is." The blonde smiled too at the praise. "And the youngest is Yugi," he made the reverence without looking up to the others. "He has the brightest mind, no one but myself has ever defeated him in a game." The Pharaoh's smile brightened at that, but Yugi didn't see it, for he was still looking down.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," said Pharaoh. "Now, let me present you my companions. This is Mahad, our court's mage and dear friend of mine," he signaled to the man with the headdress. "Karim, head of the royal guards and one of our best warriors," he said then signaled to the one with the shendyt, the most muscular of all. "And Shada, a priest follower of Ra and a brilliant tactician," the bald man made a small reverence with only his head.

"It's an honour to have you all with us," said Sugoroku, his grandchildren accompanied with yet another reverence.

Then, all of them began their short journey back to the castle, since Tenjoukai was a rather small kingdom.

They travelled on carriages, Tenjoukai's royal family on the second while the Khemetians rode in the third. While the Khemetians enjoyed the view, Tenjoukai's royal family prefered to chat all throughout the journey.

"So," asked the old king, "What do you think of the Pharaoh?"

"He's very handsome," said Mai with a smile. "I just hope his personality isn't like mine or we won't get along," she half joked. Katsuya guffawed.

"I don't know, can't say he's my type," commented Katsuya still smiling. Now, it was Mai's turn to laugh.

"Yeah," she nodded. "I think he's more Yugi's type." The youngest blushed in response.

"But I don't think he saw him, I love the floor too but not as much as Yug," Katsuya said and everyone started laughing, even Yugi with his face red, a bit embarrassed that he had been that obvious.

"Oh, come on Katsuya!" he complained. "I was just nervous."

"Nervous?" squeaked Mai. "Yugi, darling, that's an understatement."

"Can you blame me though?"

"Of course not Yugi," said Sugoroku. "In your situation is more than understandable. In a week, one of you will get married to a man you barely know, and leave for a kingdom you've never been to before." His eyes showed a certain sadness. "But don't worry, I've known him since he was a baby. Pharaoh Atem is a good man," he said with a small smile, almost apologetic. A smile that his grandchildren returned.

"It's okay grandpa, don't worry about it," said Mai with a reassuring smile.

They arrived at the palace that evening, dinner already prepared for them.

"Yugi," said Pharaoh. Yugi's face darted up half panicking, internally, and slightly blushing. "Do you like games?"

"Ah, yes I," he stuttered, "I love games." His siblings sent him a smile, in between moving and smug.

"Would you like to play with me tomorrow?" he asked making Yugi's face turn even redder. "It's been so long since I've had a decent partner; defeating my cousin Seto has lost its charm," he chuckled.

"I'll be honored Pharaoh," he said trying to not show just how nervous he was. "Is there a game you have in mind?"

"Not really. Although, I would like you to teach me a Tenjoukain traditional game."

"It'll be my pleasure," he smiled, albeit a bit shyly.

Dinner continued very calmly after that, mostly chatting about Pharaoh's journey and a bit about the geography and traditions of each kingdom.

The next morning, Pharaoh was dressed by some Tenjoukains maids. His outfit wasn't simple; unlike Khemetian clothing, Tenjoukains have way too many layers in his opinion, but he couldn't really complain, after all, one could say he was a 'fan' of the style.

He was dressed with a male ruqun. The top part was green, with yellow and orange flowers drawn on the end of the sleeves. The bottom part was a dirty orange that gradually became dark red on the bottom end, with the cloth belt being a bright orange.

He looked at himself in the mirror, and liked what he saw.

He was happy that the others also noticed how good he looked in Tenjoukain clothing; especially pleased by the youngest Prince's awestruck expression.

Breakfast went smoothly. Once it was over, he almost sprinted to Prince Yugi; excited about their upcoming game.

"So Prince," said Pharaoh whilst walking alongside him, into one of the palace gardens. "What game have you prepared for us?"

"I thought about a classic game of chess," said the Prince, his eyes flicking between Pharaoh and the floor. "If you would rather something else, another game could be arranged in no time."

"I'll be glad to play chess with you, Your Highness," said Pharaoh, smiling bright when the Prince's eyes stopped on him, his face blushing slightly.

It had been so long since Pharaoh Atem had had so much fun. Yugi never fell in any of his tricks, and not even the chit chat seemed to distract him from the game, always responding and never failing. There were moments in which Atem seemed to get the upper hand and still, it wouldn't take long for Yugi to change the tables once again. Once the sixth round was over, Pharaoh Atem had almost come to the conclusion that anyone who dared play against Yugi was doomed to lose from the beginning; and somehow, knowing that he would probably never win against the lilac eyed boy made him warm and fuzzy in the inside, a very nice feeling in his opinion.

After playing some more games, in which he was also bested by Yugi, someone arrived to the palace looking for the Prince. He excused himself and left Atem in the garden, thinking about the decision he had to make.

He was to marry one of the three siblings after all.

And while he was inclined to choose Yugi at that moment, he still hadn't spent time with the other two. Fortunately, he still had four more days to decide.

He stood up. Atem was walking around the garden when Princess Mai arrived. Unlike Yugi, she seemed a lot more at ease around him.

"Pharaoh," she greeted. "How was your game?" Her smile was rather smug, a sign that she already knew the outcome of the game.

"It was the first time in so long that I had so much fun," he said, smiling up at the tall Princess. "I was obliterated." Both chuckled at that. "A warning would have been good."

"Well," she said still smug, "Grandfather did say that Yugi is good at games."

"Yes he did," he said mind absently. "What about you, Princess?" he asked. "What do you like?"

"I also enjoy games, all in our family does. Although I'm not half as good as Yugi," she said and seemed proud of that. "I also enjoy traveling very much; however, I do it less than I would have liked. What about you Pharaoh? What do you like other than games?"

"I enjoy the serenity of the gardens at the palace, a good story, swimming," he chuckled. "The simple things of home I guess."

Mai hummed. "Seems nice; yet, if it wasn't for my future role as Queen, I would leave this country, travel the entire world," blissfully, she smiled to herself.

"I hope you have the opportunity to do it, if not in this life, then, in the next."

"Thank you, Pharaoh." She smiled down at him, "It seems you're knowing of our beliefs."

Pharaoh chuckled.

"Although my beliefs are different than yours," he said walking back inside alongside the Princess, "I think it to be rude to wish you the best without considering your culture and beliefs."

"How very mindful of you, Pharaoh"

"You know, Princess, you should be more casual with me. We are going to be family after all."

"You are right. Then, you should also be more casual, Pharaoh."

"Please call me Atem."

"Call me Mai," she replied with a smile. "It'll be an honour to have you as brother in law," she said smugly as she made a reverence and left the baffled Pharaoh alone.

Ryo Akefia, a close friend of Prince Yugi, awaited him in his private drawing room.

"Ryo," said the prince as he entered, the servants staying outside as accustomed to. "How are you?" He noticed the depressed and anxious state of the albino, "What's wrong Ryo?"

"Oh Yugi," cried the albino, running to the prince and hugging him, his arms around Yugi's neck. "Oh Yugi…"

Yugi drew circles on the back of his friend's back with his hand.

"Ryo," he said again. "What's wrong?"

"I feel so awful," he said letting go of his friend. "Remember Lord Marik?" he asked, sitting on a sky blue cushion sofa.

"I'm not sure..."

"He is a Khemetian noble, who is also my brother's secret lover."

"Oh, I remember now! The merchant Lord." Ryo nodded. "What about him?"

"Well, he visited us to ask for my brother's hand in marriage," Yugi listened attentively, "But since he's the eldest, he has to inherit the family business, so of course, they won't let him marry Lord Marik," he cried. "But my mother said that he could marry me instead, because of course they still want him in the family," he complained "They want the rich Khemetian Lord merchant in the family!" He threw his hands up to the sky, both falling on his face, covering his eyes. "Lord Marik didn't agree right away of course, he's in love with my brother not me!"

"But he did." said Yugi.

"YES," cried Ryo exasperated. "Because it's pretty much his only and best option to see my brother more freely and regularly."

"Have you told Lord Otogi?" asked Yugi, bringing Ryo back to tears.

"Of course I did!," he cried. "He's my lover. The man I want to marry. But he's not as rich as Lord Marik; I told my parents but they opposed…!"

"Ryo," Yugi kneeled in front of his friend, taking his hands in his own. "Please don't cry. I'm so sorry to hear that, it's not a good situation for anyone involved."

"Except my parents," said Ryo with some toxicity. He breathed in and out, trying to calm himself, Yugi stood and hugged his friend, settling the albino's head on his shoulder, gently petting it with one hand. "I'm sorry to break down on you like this, especially so with you in a similar situation." Ryo freed himself from the hugg, Yugi returning to his previous position while Ryo leaned down, resting his elbows on his knees. "At least I've known my future husband for quite sometime… You..." he sighed. "I'm sorry Yugi..."

"Don't be," he smiled. "After all, unlike me, you have somebody you love."

"Oh Yugi," Ryo hugged his friend once again.

"And what are you going to do?"

"Marry Lord Marik, of course. I don't have the heart to elope and leave my family behind, especially my brother, I would miss him so much..." he let the short Prince go.

"I'll support you no matter what Ryo," smiled Yugi, both standing up and walking out to one of the gardens.

The mood lightened as they strode, cracking a joke or two, until Ryo finally asked.

"So how's the Pharaoh? He arrived yesterday, didn't he?"

"Ah...," Yugi hesitated to reply, his cheeks tainting a pretty pink colour. "Yes, yes he did."

"How is he?"

"Well... he is, very handsome."

"I didn't mean physically," said Ryo, a very much pleased smug smile appeared on his face. Yugi almost spat.

"You," he said accusatory "You didn't specify" he complained and Ryo laughed. "If you wanna know. I've only known him for a very short time."

"But…?"

"He's a brilliant gentleman," said Yugi with a smile. "He's truly an amazing rival. At least in chess," Ryo nodded. "Grandpa says he's a good man and I trust him, so I'm not worried about that."

"You're more worried about who'll he chose as his spouse."

"And the fact that whichever of us marry him will have to move to Khemet with him, and we'll get to rarely see each other once that happens." He gazed down, more sad than worried. "But that's what needs to happen in order for the alliance to be formalized." He raised his head and continued walking alongside his friend.

So Princess Mai was out of the question, he thought, or at least it seemed that she believed that he would not chose her, which wasn't exactly wrong. She and the Pharaoh had little in common, apart for their love of games.

He still knew too little about the middle child, Prince Katsuya, and he refused to make a decision without at least trying to get to know him. After all, he was to be married to one of them soon.

So, after asking a servant about the Prince's whereabouts, he almost sprinted there in hopes of arriving before he left.

Prince Katsuya was sparring with the soldiers, easily defeating them in body combat. None were wearing armor, nor shirts. The Prince had his hair tied up in a ponytail that still couldn't keep his fringe out of his face. Like with the other soldiers, bruises were visible in his body, new and old, even some scars if one were to pay close attention.

"Yo! Pharaoh," the prince greeted casually. "How was the game? Any luck against my baby brother?" He cleaned his face with a towel, his contagious smile bright and warm.

"Not really, didn't win even one round," he said making the Prince guffaw.

"Don't worry Pharaoh, the only one who can beat Yugi at games is Grandpa, and that's just because he was the one who taught him." He gave Pharaoh a rather hard pat on the back as he laughed, "What brings you here Pharaoh? Want a match?"

"If you're alright with a sword match," he said with a smug smile. "And please, call me Atem."

The Prince's eyes brightened at that. "Then Atem, call me Katsuya."

Once both of them were ready, with light clothes and wooden swords, they began.

Atem had always been proud of his mental abilities, not so much his physical ones. He was a great equestrian and proficient with swords, but he didn't really excel at either. On the other hand, Katsuya was known for his great talent for fighting and other sporting activities, being one of the best warriors of the kingdom. Atem could only hope that Katsuya would go easy on him.

Katsuya seemed relaxed as he attacked mercilessly and effortlessly.

Atem focused on defense as he looked for an opportunity to strike. Katsuya's strength was making him go back; he needed another strategy. Only defending was getting him nowhere and it doesn't seem like Katsuya was going to get tired anytime soon. And so, he put all his weight on his next move, blocking Katsuya's sword and throwing him off balance. He got the upper hand and attacked the Prince as mercilessly as he had been attacked. But of course it wouldn't be enough.

Fortunately he was saved by a soldier.

"Your Highness," said the soldier, "Lady Shizuka is looking for you."

That made the prince stop, Atem managed to stop mid swing but was still thrown off balance by the force he had put in it.

"She is?!" asked Katsuya overly excited. "I'm sorry Atem, but we will have to finish this another day." He hurriedly put the wooden sword aside and ran inside, yelling for the maids to prepare a bath and clothes for him.

"Who is Shizuka?"Atem asked the soldier.

"She is Prince Katsuya's half sister."

"Half sister?"

"I'm sorry, Your Highness," said the soldier. "But it is not my place to talk about these things." He then bowed, more than ready to return to his duty.

"Is there anyone who can tell me?"

"Only one of the princes or His Highness, the Emperor."

"Thank you," said Atem, putting the wooden sword next to Katsuya's. "Would you please ask the maids to prepare a bath and some clothes for me?"

"Of course, Your Highness." The soldier bowed before leaving Atem alone.

"SHIZUKA," screamed Prince Katsuya as he ran into the room, his hair still wet, and a maid trying to tie his orange obi. "You're here!" He extended his arms, more than ready to hug her.

The red haired girl giggled at him. "I'm here"

Katsuya picked her up in a hug and spun while the maid still fought to tie his obi, the half siblings laughed as the maid cried internally. Katsuya finally put his sister down, after almost falling and her crying out that she was going to throw up, and the maid finally got to tie his obi.

"How are you?" asked Katsuya, still hugging his sister.

"I've been alright, although," she paused, her smile fading, "I'm not here to see you Katsuya. I'm here to see the royal doctor."

"What? Why?"

"I'm..." She hesitated, her lips trembling as she hugged her brother back and hid her face on the crook of his neck. "I'm going blind Katsuya," she said, her voice muffled.

Katsuya stiffed, not knowing what to say. Although there was nothing to be said, all he could do was hug her tightly as she tried not to cry, hiding herself in her brother's embrace, a safe place.

Yugi moved the queen, bored. Well, not bored, more like, half deeply in thought. He glared at the chess board. He moved a knight.

"Sweetheart~" called his older sister as she hopped to him. "How are you?" she almost sang.

"As fine as I can be," responded Yugi as he moved yet another piece.

"Oh, sweetheart~" the nickname almost sounded like mockery. "Already pinning for the Pharaoh?"

"Mai!" he squeaked. "What in the name of Tsuki-Yomi are you talking about?" His face turned red as he straightened on his seat. "I do not do such things," he said, trying to not show just how flustered he was. Mai guffawed. "Mai!"

"Oh Yugi, don't be a little shit." She nudged the boy, taking a seat on his armrest. "You can't hide anything from me," she winked.

Yugi huffed. "I was just thinking."

"About Atem?" she asked, but did not wait for a reply. "That's called pinning."

"I was not!" he retorted, slightly offended. "I was just thinking about the general situation," he said with a pout. Mai nodded. "I'm just… Worried?" he sank on his seat, annoyed with himself. Mai nodded.

"Everything will be fine," she said. "Just because one of us will get married doesn't mean we will never see each other again." She petted her brother's hair softly and he nodded half mindedly.

"I know."

Atem went to bed early, and yet, he was still awake when the moon was high on the sky. So he got up, and went to the garden.

There was a bench in front of a pond with water lilies, and on the bench sat Prince Yugi, wearing a white nagajuban.

He stood beside the bench.

"Good night, Your Highness," he said softly.

The Prince gasped in response, almost jumping out of his seat as his head turned sharply to him.

"Pha-pharaoh," stuttered the Prince. "I... I didn't see you there."

Atem chuckled. "I noticed, and please call me Atem." Hhe sat beside Yugi, who seemed a bit more relaxed. "Couldn't sleep?" Yugi shook his head. "Neither could I."

"I just-..., have a lot to think about."

"Yeah, me too." He hugged one of his legs and rested his chin on his knee.

Yugi looked down at his hands on his lap while they just sat there in silence, but it wasn't bad. Atem stared at the reflection of the moon and stars on the pond; his mind wasn't doing the thing it was supposed to do, which was think about his decision, in fact, it couldn't think about anything but Yugi beside him. He couldn't help but feel guilty, it was painfully obvious that the idea of separating someone from his family pained him greatly; his heart was set on taking Yugi as his spouse but, it would only inflict an immense amount of pain on the young prince, wouldn't it?

"If you were not obligated to," asked Atem shyly, not looking to his side to Yugi, who had now his eyes on him "Why would you marry?" he still did not look to the prince, and by doing so he missed the pretty pink blush that appeared on his already rosy cheeks.

"If I," he started, slightly flustered "I would like to," his eyes returned down to his hands "I always hoped," he said "I always dreamt to marry my true love" he finished, wriggling his hands on his lap. He hunched, as if expecting ridicule.

"That's a lovely dream" was Atem's response, a small smile appearing on his face.

They let the silence take over once again, peacefully paying attention to the soft noises of nature. Yugi looked up again, his eyes fixed on the handsome king sitting at his side, he felt his heart skip a beat; maybe all that Mai had said before was true, he blushed at the thought, could he fall in love for a man that he had met so little ago? That did happen in stories quite often, if not always.

"What about you… Atem?" he asked, feeling the name roll off his tongue sweetly.

At that, Atem finally looked at him and his breath caught up in his chest.

The moonlight gave Yugi a divine aura, and his amethyst eyes were quite literally full of stars, glimmering in the dark of the night. He heard his heart more than felt it, how it pounded in his chest at the scene. If he didn't know better, he could have sworn that Yugi was a god.

He couldn't help but notice how Yugi tried not to bite his bottom lip, how his blush turned a deep red and reached his ears and neck as his eyes looked down to the side in slight embarrassment at Atem's bold stare.

Atem felt his face grow hot once his brain caught up to the fact that he had been caught admiring the Prince.

"Me?" He stuttered "Me what?"

"Why would you have liked to marry?" Said Yugi in a hurry. Atem looked away.

"I would like to marry out of love" he said in all honesty, trying to calm his heart down.

"Then" started Yugi, shyly "Is it right if I assume that this arranged marriage wasn't your idea?"

Atem shook his head "It was my father's" he said "I'm not entirely sure how he reached the decision but; I guess he just wants to see me get married before he dies" his eyes flickered to Yugi, noticing the question in his eyes "He's ill, he's getting worse, I don't," he paused, feeling a lump in his throat "I don't think he'll stay with us for much longer" he felt his eyes watering, and his head darted to his side when he felt Yugi's hand on his.

"I'm sorry" he said softly.

"Don't be," he said in the same soft voice "It's no ones fault" he froze when Yugi's other hand reached his face. Yugi cleaned away a tear from Atem's eye, and Atem cleaned his face hurriedly, finally noticing his own tears; he sniffled "I'm sorry" he said, his voice failing him.

"Don't be" said Yugi, placing his hand on Atem's cheek "It's okay to cry. It's okay to feel sad"

"Can I hug you?" He asked, his voice small.

In response, Yugi embraced him, letting Atem's face rest on his shoulder, one hand on Atem's hair.

Atem didn't sob but he did cry. Yugi hummed a lullaby while he drew circles on Atem's back.

"Thank you" said Atem, hugging Yugi tightly "Thank you, Yugi"

"It's alright"

Atem sniffled and cleaned his face with the back of his sleeve.

"I think we should return to bed" said Atem, standing up "It is late and we need rest"

"You're right" said Yugi, also standing up.

They walked together back into the castle, sharing jokes and smiles. Then came the time for them to part ways. They wished each other goodnight and walked in different directions. But Yugi stopped, he turned around.

"Atem," said Yugi nervously, Atem stopped and looked back at him "Tomorrow," he swallowed the lump in his throat "There is going to be a small festival at a shrine of Okuninushi-no-Mikoto," he felt the ghost of sweat on his hands "Would you. I was wondering if," he corrected himself "Would you like to go with me?"

"Yes" was Atem's instant response "Of course"

Yugi smiled toothily "Then," he said "I'll see you tomorrow" Atem nodded, and Yugi almost hopped all the way back to his room.

Yugi glared at his wardrobe, his arms crossed.

Her personal handmaid, a mute girl with white hair and blue eyes, she had a silver kimono on her hands. Even though she and almost everyone in the castle knew at least the basics of sign language, she was still someone of few words, she usually communicated through shaking or nodding her head, pointing and overall her facial expression. She looked at the Prince unamused.

"I don't know Magi" he said "Won't silver make me look paler?" Magi shook her head "And it's a rather small festival, maybe I should go more casual?" he mused "Maybe a yukata?" he groaned "That's too casual" he ruffled his hair in frustration, Magi snorted "Qiyao Ruqun?" Yugi paced "That's still too casual isn't it?"

Magi nodded mind absently while she put the kimono back in the wardrobe.

"You know what Magi?" snapped the Prince "Whatever! I'll just wear a kimono, a coat and okobo" he threw himself on his bed with a groan.

Magi took clothes out and laid them next to Yugi, before she sat at his other side and patted his head lovingly to get his turned his head to her, a pout on his face. Magi smiled and tucked Yugi's blonde lock behind his ear.

"I'm worrying too much, ain't I?" he sighed, Magi nodded and Yugi chuckled, he hoisted himself on his elbows and looked at the kimono "Wow, that's a new one, isn't it?" Magi nodded "But… isn't it ..." he paused, he loved the outfit but… Magi shook her head energetically, she smiled toothily and gave the Prince a double thumbs up "If you say so"

Magi nodded a bit full of herself, fully trusting her fashion sense.

Atem let himself be manhandled by the maids into the hanfu.

It was mostly wine red, turning into a dark fuchsia at the edges; it was decorated with drawings of leafs in burnt orange and light brown threads. The undergarments were soft pinks and pearly whites that somehow didn't stand out too much. He was shoved into a pair of geta and he almost tripped.

His hair was pulled up in a high bun with a brooch with amber and ruby embed in it, and yet some of his blonde locks managed to escape the hairstyle to frame his face. His makeup was rather natural, just a touch up, some khol on his eyes and eyebrows, and a very pale wine red on his lips.

He admired himself, he truly liked the Tenjoukain style. Not only did he look good, but he felt handsome, although he could have appreciated some more delicacy on the part of the maids, but oh well, it was a job greatly done nonetheless.

He strode proudly through the hallways to were Yugi would be waiting for him, it was past midday and he was grateful that he had managed to not sleep in that morning, especially after spending almost all night with Prince Yugi in a garden.

He found Mahad admiring the garden he had been in with Yugi last night.

"S'up Mahad" he greeted "How do I look?" he winked, fully aware of how good he looked. Mahad snorted, he knew this very well.

"You look fine" he said, making Atem pout.

"Just 'fine'?"

"Very handsome Casanova"

"Of course I do" grinned Atem "The maids really know how to help someone look best"

"So you already made a decision?"

"I'm not sure" said Atem looking away in annoyance.

Mahad raised a brow "You aren't sure" he repeated.

"I mean… Not Mai, we don't have much in common, Katsuya is absolutely Seto's type" he chuckled "I'll send him here to discuss trading, you too and maybe Mana, she'll make sure he gets to know Katsuya" he mused with a smile.

"So Yugi" said Mahad, making Atem blush. Mahad laughed.

"Whatever" he pouted "I'm leaving now, I don't want to be late" he strode off.

"Good luck on your date" he said before Atem disappeared through another hallway.

Yugi fidgeted with sleeves of his icy blue coat, he bit the inside of his mouth and received a slap on the back of his head.

Beside him was Magi's twin brother, a mute albino named Sai, he was Yugi's personal Knight.

'Don't do that' he signed with a frown. And softly slapped Yugi again once he saw him repeating the act 'I said don't do that' Yugi pouted.

Yugi concentrated then on fidgeting with his sleeves, and received another slap for his efforts.

"Sai" he complained.

'You'll ruin the cloth'

"I won't" he whined "Just let me distract myself"

'Don't lie to me Games King' he signed, that had been Yugi's name for years now. When they had first met he had named him Moon boy, 'You're not distracting yourself, that's just a tick you have'

Yugi glared at him and raised a hand to play with the brooch of his pigtail.

'You're going to ruin it' scolded the Knight. The brooch fell just as he finished signing that.

"What a way to jinx it" complained Yugi. Sai raised an eyebrow.

'Let me fix that for you' he took the brooch off of the floor and blew the dust. It was a pretty brooch, a flower made of silver and moonstones. He adjusted the pigtail and even seated some honey bangs on Yugi's face.

"Thank you Sai"

'Anything for you' his hands movements were slow and soft, like his smile, which Yugi reciprocated.

"Oh Yugi, what's the occasion?" greeted Sugoroku.

"Ah, Grandpa" Yugi blushed "I'm going with Pharaoh to the Okuninushi-no-Mikoto festival" the old man chuckled.

"Oh~" the old man eyed him "And since when do you go to festivals without your family?" he asked in a joking manner making Yugi blush harder and spluttering for an answer "It's alright Yugi, don't worry." laughed the man smacking softly his grandson's back "You look wonderful"

"Ah… thanks grandpa"

In all honesty, he still felt a little insecure of his outfit. Yes, it was beautiful, but...He decided to better not think about it and once he finished chatting with his Grandfather, he strode off, followed by Sai, to the entrance of the castle which as guarded by a duo of maple trees.

He sat at a bench there and took off his coat, the sun was still up and very much against him wearing a coat at that hour. He played with the leafs while he waited, which wasn't long. A breathless wow was what let Atem's presence known.

Yugi stood up rapidly and almost fell face first on the floor, but he fell face first on Atem's chest.

"Ah! I'm sorry!" he said in a hurry, embarrassed of himself. But Atem didn't say anything, he just continued gaping at Yugi, his tanned face deeply blushed, his ears red.

Yugi's thoughts ran back to his outfit; there was nothing wrong with it, even though the model of the kimono was for girls, not a kimono made for boys, but no one would judge him for wearing it, pretty much everyone could agree that girls' kimonos were way prettier. The problem was that he feared it wouldn't suit him, even though it was beautiful.

It was winter themed, on the edges were drawn snowflakes of white threads, with similar threads, on the chest, back and shoulders were drawn frosted flowers. The base color of the kimono was a cobalt blue that turned into a pale artic at the ends of the cloth. The inner clothes were pale blues and whites.

"You look beautiful" said Atem, who didn't seem aware of his words.

Yugi felt his face grow even hotter, and even more when he eyed Atem.

"Th-thanks" he stuttered "You look amazing too" he said a bit shyly.

They separated slowly, both smiling like idiots.

"Thanks" said Atem "So… Let's go?"

"Let's go" said Yugi

They arrived to the festival at dusk and Atem was fascinated. The lamps, the well organized stall with games, toys and food, the music! He dared say that he was in love.

He almost dragged Yugi around, like and excited child, pointing at this and asking what's that. He would had become a little self conscious if it wasn't for Yugi's laughter and eagerness to answer each one of his questions, even going out of his way to show the Khemetian king something new. They were thrilled and they couldn't contain his emotions. They danced and they sang, Atem stumbling over the lyrics but laughing it away. They weren't interrupted by anyone thanks to Sai, who followed them like a shadow, making sure both were safe and sound.

Finally, after going all over the small festival a couple of times and dancing and singing, they got tired. They sat on a bench under a chinese fire tree which was steps behind the shrine. They were still laughing.

"And I almost twisted my ankle like a hundred times" recalled Atem with a smile.

"Oh!" laughed Yugi "When you tripped over that woman and you accidentally touched her breasts"

"I feared for a moment that her man was going to kill me" he snorted "I was fortunate that you stepped in"

"Yeah, I saved your ass back there, didn't I?"

"Yes you did. I owe you my life now" he joked making the both of them guffaw "You're amazing" he breathed, a little too honest.

"You are incredible" smiled Yugi face red, and not from laughing. He lowered his gaze but kept smiling, he reached for Atem's hand on the bench with his own in a little moment of bravery.

"You know?" said Atem softly, intertwining his fingers with Yugi's "I truly enjoy spending time with you, like with none other"

"Yeah" replied Yugi in the same soft tone "I too love spending time with you" he straightened, his eyes flickering briefly to Atem next to him "Isn't it funny?" he mused "We've known each other for so little and yet..." and yet I have this feelings for you were the words that died in his mouth.

"I guess" said Atem "Maybe..." maybe we are meant to be said his wishful thinking. Yugi looked up to him, that's when they finally noticed just how close they were to each other. If Atem leaned in just another inch then, none moved.

"It's just like in fairy tales" whispered Yugi, and Atem could feel his hot breath over his lips.

"You think so?" he asked.

"Yes" exhaled Yugi.

"Then it's alright If I…?"

"Yes" and it sounded like a plea.

Atem leaned in that last inch.

The kiss was the simplest there could be, they were simply pressing their lips against the other´s; but to Yugi who had no experience was magical, and to Atem who had experience but had never felt anything quite like this, it was as if something inside him was set on fire. He couldn't help but lick Yugi's bottom lip; that had him yelping away so fast that he fell off the bench, on his back.

"I-"

"I'm sorry" interrupted Yugi, laying on the floor "It just took me by surprise and I.." he covered his nose and mouth with his sleeves in embarrassment, not making the minimum effort to stand up "I… I don't have any experience with any of this" he murmured, almost hoping Atem wouldn't hear him.

"No, I'm sorry" said Atem with an awkward smile "I shouldn't have taken it so fast" he stretched out a hand for Yugi, who took but kept covering his face with the other as Atem pulled him up.

"You didn't, it just took me by surprise" he said, still trying to hide his blush "But you know," he really hoped his voice didn't show just how nervous he was "I did like it" he was covering almost all his face now "So maybe we could..." the words died in his mouth.

"Try it again?" completed Atem, and Yugi nodded slowly "Yes, yes of course" he tried to hide his excitement.

Yugi uncovered his cherry rose face; Atem caressed his cheek, inclining it just lightly and he leaned in, softly posing his lips on Yugi's once again. He felt like his heart was about to explode and something was squirming pleasantly in his stomach.

Atem pulled away just as softly, and found himself once again mesmerized by the starts in Yugi's eyes.

"I fear I might be in love" whispered Yugi against his will.

"I think" said Atem "That I might be in love with you too" he smiled and Yugi did too, leaning in to kiss him this time, a little bit to forceful, but to Atem it was perfect.

"Have you decided, Pharaoh Atem?" asked Sugoroku from his throne, Atem stood feet in front of him. It was only them in that room.

"I have" he said confidently "My heart is set on your youngest grandson, Prince Yugi" Sugoroku smiled, but it had certain sadness to it "I came here hoping to find a spouse with who I would be able to get along" he continued "I believe I have found more than that"

"Would you be kind enough to elaborate on that?"

"In the short time I've been here," he said, blushing slightly at his own boldness "I've found myself enamoured by him. I believe we'll be able to find love in this union, if there isn't already" that soothed the sadness of the King's heart.

"I wish for both of you to, if not a lover, at least find a friend in each other"

It couldn't be said that anyone was surprised when the news came out.

But that doesn't mean that there was no reaction, no, that wasn't the case, quite the opposite. Mai, for example, decided that they were going to have the greatest ball ever seen as a farewell gift to Yugi. He received so many hugs from everyone and Katsuya cried like never before.

It wasn't until deep into the night that Yugi got some alone time to process it.

He sat in front of the lily pond, looking at the stars.

"Can I sit here?" asked Sugoroku, making Yugi almost jump off of the bench. The old man chuckled.

"Ah, yes of ofcourse Grandpa"

"How are you feeling Yugi?"

"I'm… not sure?" he hunched in slight embarrassment "I mean… I think I like Atem… very much, but," he put his blonde lock behind his ear.

"I'm sorry you have to go through this Yugi," sighed the man. Yugi hurriedly hugged him.

"No grandpa, there's nothing to apologize for," said Yugi "This may not been what I always dreamt but it's not bad. I think… I think I'll be able to find love in this." he smiled, and those hopeful words made the king smile too.

"I truly hope you do"

The next two days passed in a blurr. Mai had not been joking when she promised a farewell ball for Yugi. And the staff had seemingly convinced Sugoroku to hold a 'small' wedding ceremony.

So Atem and Yugi had been prisoners of the seamstresses who had taken on the challenge of making them their no so traditional wedding attires in two days. The cooks had also been working like crazy. The menu had taken around half a day to decide, but once that had been established everyone started working nonstop. Mai had taken over the decorations, with Shizuka helping they organized everything else, from the music to the entertainment, as well as sending some invitations to close friends, especially those who would be able to arrive in three or less days. Katsuya and Sugoroku had their time divided in between organizing the ball and organizing the soldiers for it.

Yugi looked at himself in the mirror, he felt sweaty and his heart was deafening him. Ryo was saying something but he didn't hear, he couldn't, that is, until he was slapped on the back of his head by Ryo's twin brother, Bakura.

Bakura Akefia was almost identical to his brother, Ryo. His hair was just as puffy but it was a lot shorter, if you payed attention to it, you would notice that it wasn't as white his Ryo's, but just barely. His eyes were a grayish fuchsia, while Ryo's where a more brownish green. He seemed shorter that Ryo, but that might just be because he was bulkier, and on the right side of his face he presumed a manly scar that, in his words, made him look 'mysterious and exotic'.

"Pay attention when people are talking to you" scolded Bakura. Then got scolded by one of the maidens that was helping fix Yugi's hair and makeup.

"Sorry" said Yugi with a pout.

"Don't worry about it," said Ryo "You must be really nervous"

"He's always nervous" retorted Bakura with a smirk, Ryo chuckled apologetically and Yugi sent Bakura a glare.

"Don't be mean Bakura, after all is technically Yugi's wedding day"

"Technically" repeated Bakura.

"Technically" echoed Yugi "The actual, official ceremony will be in Khemet in about four months I think"

"We better be the first to in your invitation list" warned Bakura.

"Is a public ceremony Bakura"said Yugi, trying hard to not move as a stylist painted his eyelashes with khol.

"For the Khemetians" retorted Bakura "Us foreigners need an invitation. Or are you planning in not inviting us?" he inquired.

"OF CO-"

"Your Highness please don't speak" scolded him another stylist that was painting his lips a soft pink. Bakura snickered.

"Don't worry Yugi," said Ryo "We know you do plan to invite us"

"If not then we would start a revolution," was Bakura's mock threat.

"Don't listen to him Yugi"

"I don't" said Yugi finally free of the stylists. He turned around so his friends could see him properly "How do I look?"

"You look amazing Yugi" said Ryo, finally getting up the bed and hugging his small friend.

"You actually look good shrimp"

"I can't believe you just said that," said Yugi in fake shock "In my technically wedding day"

"Alright, I admit you do look handsome" said Bakura in defeat, yet smiling "But never let Marik hear I said that about you"

"Why? Does he get jealous?" asked Yugi, that got Ryo guffawing.

"That will hurt his ego more than anything" wheezed Ryo "The only one who gets jealous is Bakura" the mentioned pouted as he blushed "Marik has the confidence of a god but it's also so fragile" he laughed, Bakura groaned.

The door was slammed open, scaring the people in the room.

Mai and Katsuya crashed into the room. They ran to their little brother and picked him up in a hug. Both were crying.

"Yugi" they said.

"Wha-?" Yugi squirmed a bit in the embrace "What's gotten into you guys?"

"It's just-!" cried Katsuya.

"It finally hit us-" continued Mai

"That our baby brother is getting married" finished both in unison.

"Technically" said Yugi.

"Still" croaked Katsuya.

"Come on guys, let go please, it took hours to get me ready, you're going to mess me up" he pleaded and they hesitantly put him back down.

"We'll miss you so so much" said Mai.

Yugi felt his eyes fill with tears "I'll miss you too"

Everyone turned back to the door when they heard a knock. There stood Sai, wearing the royal uniform.

´Your Highnesses' he signed 'It's time'

Yugi breathed in deeply.

Atem fidgeted with one of the inside clothes of his montsuki. The base was traditional, black, but the edges were silver colored; it had drawings made of blue and red threads. His hair was up in a bun like the night of the festival, except his hair had agreed to stay out of his face.

He half listened to Sugoroku until he mentioned Yugi. It was moment for him to arrive. He could have sworn his heart stopped for a moment as the door opened.

Yugi's hair was up in a bun like his own, he wore his own montsuki, but this one was white and turned gold at the ends, the drawings made of purple and green threads. His makeup, much like his own, was basic, yet it managed to make his features stand out beautifully.

Yugi finally stood beside him.

"Hello" he whispered "You look breathtaking" he smiled toothily at Yugi's red blush.

"Thanks" he whispered back "You too, you look incredibly handsome" Yugi smiled shyly.

The ceremony went smoothly. Once that part was over, everyone moved to the ball hall where Yugi and Atem were congratulated endlessly.

They danced, they sang, they played games and they cried. And once the sun was down, everyone processed them to the great river, where Atem's boat awaited them.

Yugi and his family cried as they bid farewell. And fireworks decorated the night sky as Yugi, Atem, Magi, Sai and the other Khemetians sailed away.