…you're all still here? Wow! Alrighty then~ A long awaited chapter for you patient folk! I hope you enjoy~

~…***…***…~

Chapter 12: Skewed Perceptions

The sprawl before them on the table had Yugi's mouth watering, almost unconsciously letting a drop fall from his lips but managed to catch it in time. A small blush of embarrassment crossed his face. It was still so odd to him to be sitting at the same table as the Pharaoh of Egypt…a man he was supposed to be a slave to. But after the events of the previous week, nothing had been the same.

Yugi joined Atem for all meals now, as well as attended several meetings with him. Many glances of differing opinions were given now and then from various sentries and advisors, but all were met by a silencing glare from the Pharaoh. It was unheard of for a Pharaoh to allow his personal slave to be off a leash or some kind of restraint. Slaves were not trusted, slaves were not even people, not even human. They were property, and to give one such freedom was truly worrying a good deal of Atem's court. Not to mention Yugi, of course.

"Are…are you sure?" he asked timidly, arms itching to reach for a leg of meat. Atem gave a soft smile and chuckled, extending a hand in gesture. "Of course. Please, go ahead."

To hear a Pharaoh say that word…that was the most odd of anything.

But Yugi gladly dug in as he had the past few days, despite asking each and every time. He couldn't help it; it was his nature. Not only as a slave but his personality. Besides, who knew how long this treatment might last? Perhaps the Pharaoh was tricking him…seeing how far he would let the leash of freedom go before snapping it down on Yugi once more. The fear seemed far off with how the Pharaoh had acted earlier in his quarters, but nevertheless Yugi kept that possibility in the back of his head. The last thing he wanted to do was upset him and return to feeling cold metal around his neck.

Atem watched him eat, amused more than hungry at the time. He had never seen someone eat with such vigor. But he had to remind himself that Yugi had probably never seen so much food before his first time within the palace. His smile faded slightly thinking back to those times…to what he had done to the poor boy. How he treated him…how he treated other slaves before him. It wasn't right…it just wasn't. How could his father have done the same without this monstrous guilt eating him alive inside as it did Atem? A hand reached to his belly, clutching it as it churned. He nearly lost his appetite at the memories that surfaced…

Yugi noticed his change in expression, and paused after swallowing a mouthful of fruit. "…My Pharaoh? Are you alright?"

The younger's voice shook Atem from his stupor. "Ah…yes, I'm fine." Yugi pouted slightly, noticing not a morsel on the Pharaoh's plate. "I can't possibly eat like this if you aren't going to."

That brought a smile back. "Well then, we can't have that." Atem reached for a pear and took a hearty bite out of it, reassuring Yugi he could continue eating.

Even after a week of being treated as a royal guest rather than a servant, Yugi's fingers still shook when he made practically any movement. The fear was still there. He was still in the presence of a Pharaoh, the most powerful man in Egypt. He could kill him in an instant, crush his skull and continue on with his daily routine as if nothing happened. Yet why did Yugi think of such things now? Clearly, the Pharaoh had no intention of such but…the dread had been ingrained, carved into Yugi like a tattoo or a brand. He couldn't shake it, no matter how kind the Pharaoh was to him. He hid this as much as possible, not wishing to cause trouble.

Atem was no different in hiding his emotions, this thoughts. Between each bite of the pear he took, the Pharaoh went over many scenarios in his head…ways of making up what he had done to Yugi. Questioning why the boy wanted to stay despite everything. Not only that, but also pondering who might have been the hooded assailant responsible for Yugi's injury. And his own attempted assassination. Since Atem was still alive, that meant whoever wanted him dead would be back. That meant…

Crunch.

…Yugi was in danger also.

Naturally, the moment Atem had regained his composure after giving Yugi his room, the Pharaoh had the guards doubled. Not a single blind spot was to be missed. Not a single mouse, mosquito or speck of dust was to enter the palace without his majesty knowing about it. So strange it was…being more concerned for another than himself, especially when he was more so the one at risk. The least Atem could do for Yugi was make sure he didn't get hurt protecting him twice.

With all the food in his general vicinity deplenished, Yugi laid back in his chair with a delighted grin on his face, patting his belly. Atem snickered. "Full?" The other nodded at him. "It was so good…thank you."

With a final bite, Atem finished his pear and stood, approaching Yugi. "Would you like to rest and digest a bit before we go pray to the gods?"

Yugi thought for a moment, rubbing his belly as if to test its merit. "No, I think I'll be fine. It would be rude to keep the gods waiting for our prayers for my own selfish needs."

How honorable he was. What divine power brought this boy to Atem, the Pharaoh thought. But the man shook a finger. "What did I tell you about being selfish?"

A blush came once again to Yugi's cheeks. "…it…it's…it's okay to be…selfish…" he mumbled, as if not wanting to admit it.

"Good~" A gold-clad arm reached out to help Yugi up from his chair. "Come, then. Let us pray." Nodding, Yugi took the hand and stood, following the other out of the dining hall toward the shrines. Looking over his shoulder, servants had already started appearing to tidy up the mess of their meal. He frowned slightly, feeling guilty in taking pleasure in such things when his fellow slaves were still forced to work. He could only ask so much of the Pharaoh…it wasn't like he was holding a knife to his throat. And it wasn't like he was in any real position to make requests that would make the Pharaoh's life harder. For now, he decided, Yugi would tolerate being treated like this. But with what power of the Pharaoh he did hold, Yugi swore internally to one day free all the slaves working under his rule.

Was that…even possible? Could he convince Atem to do such a thing? Without any servants...no monuments to his glory would be built, no army would he have against a waring nation, no protection would he have from whoever was trying to murder him. Then again…without his servants…would the Pharaoh truly be one to be feared? Feared to the point of attempted murder? Too much thinking again, Yugi decided. All good things would come in time. For now, he had to narrow his focus and decide what he could do in the now. It would be hard for him, but Yugi had no choice if he wished to see his dreams be realized.

As the two left, guards followed silently. More so than usual, Yugi noticed. Though such was not surprising after the near tragic events of the previous week. The Pharaoh's life had been threatened, nearly snatched away…Yugi shuddered thinking about what might have happened if he had not returned. It was all the more reason he encouraged himself to believe what Ryou told him…the more confident he became in his choice to return. He was there for a reason, and not only to be a servant to a king. But for something…much greater than that.

~…***…***…~

As evening dimmed the lights of the sky on the horizon, Yugi sat in his room, still raving internally about how soft his bed was. Rolling around in the sheets and pillows…he could only imagine what the king's bed was like. Never before could he sleep so soundly and wake refreshed the next day. Compared to the cots in the slave huts and the ground itself…this was heaven.

His room was not large, but it wasn't small either. There were a few small tapestries hanging from the wall, and a tier for incense stood in the corner. A small window open to the world let in light from across the room, on the opposite side of the door. There was even a very simple desk against one wall, for what purpose Yugi could only imagine. Although he could read and write a bit, far more than most slaves could, it was not nearly enough to write very much on his own. Perhaps he could even practice in spare time? Now that he no longer was forced to the duties of a slave, Yugi's schedule had become rather lax. He could join the Pharaoh for most events of the day if he wished, and could venture into most parts of the palace. But really there was not much for him to fill his time with besides shadowing the king.

Touching the piece of parchment sitting on the desk, Yugi smiled softly and moved to sit in the chair. A quill rested next to the paper with an ink vase beside it. Dipping the tip into the dark liquid, Yugi then brought it to the top left of the parchment, brimming with ideas of what he could possibly write.

But nothing really came to mind. The ink dripped off the tip of the quill and onto the paper, staining it several times in the same spot as Yugi contemplated. When he realized it, the boy quickly returned the feather to its resting place and blew on the ink to dry it as best he could. No reason to waste parchment.

"…hmm…ah," he sighed, unsure what to do. Lounging back into his chair, Yugi tilted it off the ground using his foot as a balance against the desk. "Maybe inspiration with come to me later…"

Yugi returned the chair to its rightful balance and stood, glancing at the door. "Perhaps His Majesty is up to something…maybe I can go find out and join him. Dinner won't be long off either, anyway." With a smile on his face, the young one left his room in search of the king, half skipping through the hallways.

~…***…***…~

"Are you questioning my authority, Seth?"

"No, my Pharaoh, not in the slightest. It's just…perhaps you've changed since meeting that sla- ah…that boy."

"Does this change bother you?"

"No…I simply worry as an advisor should."

"For what do you worry, then? Perhaps I once thought tyranny and selfishness was to be expected of a ruler as my father did and his father before him. But even kings have potential to change. I am the rising and the setting of the sun, Seth. If I say it is so, then it shall be. How I go about doing so, however, should not be of any concern to you."

The advisor sighed as the two stood, gazing out at the plaza below the palace. Alone in a hallway, even without guards present for Atem's assurance of Seth's skills, the two had been speaking for some time. Much had taken place between now and before Yugi was brought into the palace, and that change was not necessarily something Seth thought was positive. It made things greatly dangerous for the king, a fine example being the attempted assassination. There were words Seth thought but could not possibly speak for fear of being struck down for them. It was not his place to express such thoughts.

"Pharaoh…I only wish the best for you and your kingdom, as do all your other underlings. The courts have been discussing your behavior and fear it is putting you in danger."

"Discussing without me?" Atem sneered softly. "Regardless of how I behave, with security like what we had before, anyone could have snuck in like that. Besides, it was my choice to send what little guards there were away even if for only a moment. A king is entitled to his privacy and if that gets me killed, then the fault is not mine."

"That is true, my king, but…please do hear me out. I do hope this is not above what is entitled to me but…I fear that boy is a negative influence on you."

Atem's eyes narrowed at Seth, a questioning tilt of his head given. "…and what kind of negative influence do you mean, Seth?"

The advisor's defense grew. "Forgive me…I…" he sighed. "…I fear your emotions toward him are making you lax in other aspects of your rule."

"Do you think I am not capable of running this country simply because I have made a new…friend?"

"Not at all…it's…it's simply that…" Another sigh. Seth shook his head and ran his hand down his face, stroking his chin in thought of how to word himself. "I fear a domino effect. If you are this kind to a sla-…er…plebian…then what if others think they can receive the same treatment? What if you allow yourself room in your heart for too many of these sob stories? What if you lose sight of your true purpose as Pharaoh?"

"And what would you know of the true purpose of a Pharaoh, Seth?" Atem's tone was harsh.

Seth winced. "…I…" But Atem held up a hand in apology. "No…forgive me, you ought know more than anyone besides myself. I do not want you to think these things, worry like this simply because of the treatment I am giving a single former slave. Not everyone beyond these walls is a friend, nor is every peasant going to turn me into a bleeding heart. I know my enemies are still active, I know my position must be maintained and a hand of divine authority must be kept in order to succeed. Do not doubt me, my advisor. That is all I ask."

Seth softened, understanding a bit more but still unable to keep himself from worrying. It wasn't as easy to do as the Pharaoh stated, but he had to know that himself as well. A short silence filled the space between the two, neither sure what to say next.

"This empire shall stand taller than it ever has, Seth. Fret not for that. I am still Pharaoh and I still hold absolute power. We shall expand, we shall conquer other lands and further gain in strength, notoriety, and legacy." The Pharaoh turned to the other and gave him a gentle smile. "And I need you to ensure that will come to be. If my advisor does not believe in me, then where do I stand? Do you understand, Seth?"

The smile was returned, followed by a nod from the advisor. "Yes, my Pharaoh."

The shorter stretched, cracking his neck a bit and exhaled. "Now, you had something else you wished to speak about, yes?"

Almost surprised, Seth's demeanor changed rapidly. "Ah…yes, I did. It's about…the prophecy."

Atem's ears perked. It had been a little while since he remembered such. With all that happened, it had slipped from his memory. The legend of the Millennium Puzzle and the power it held…and the key to unlocking that power. Would it actually come true? Tan fingers curled around the puzzle hanging from the Pharaoh's neck, stroking the gold edges. Yugi was involved…he could be the key to it, the answer to everything. With that power, Yugi and Egypt could be protected. But how? Exactly how was he connected to the prophecy? It all swirled around Atem's head, confusing him. He was lucky he had Seth here to help him decipher the meaning of it all.

"Go ahead."

"Well…the magic auras we have been observing are growing even stronger. What with the assailant breaking into the palace and everything, we worry they might be responsible for it. Especially after having failed in their first attempt, they will no doubt be gathering more resources, more power to try again. Whether they are a mercenary or whatnot, they will not return unprepared."

"Where are you going with this, Seth?"

"I'm saying we need to focus on fulfilling the prophecy. The Millennium Puzzle must be returned to full power in order for you to not only protect yourself, but your empire. Someone who would wish for your head can only wish for the downfall of your empire, your legacy. We cannot let that happen."

"Of course, but how would you suggest we speed up the process of fulfilling it?" True, they knew Yugi had something to do with it, but beyond that the scope of their knowledge was limited. The location of the final piece was unknown, not to mention exactly what would happen when the puzzle was completed. There were so many mysteries about this prophecy, then again without them would it really be one? Such a thing was not going to be easy, but both men wished for perhaps another clue.

"Could we convince Shadi to reveal more for us?" Seth suggested.

Atem shook his head. "That man's mind is a bag of cats. We're lucky he gave us this much besides the inscriptions. Trust me, I've tried."

Both sighed again, feeling defeated. "…well, regardless, I do have a concern."

"Hm?"

"You've been letting that boy have free range of the palace…but what if he decides to leave suddenly without warning?" Seth questioned.

"He won't…" Atem stated somewhat confidently. "Besides, I am not going to have him restrained in any way after what I have done to him. Should I try anything like that, he might very well run off anyway. I'm surprised he has stayed as long as he did…more so surprised he came back after I…" Atem gripped his own crossed arms, glancing out the window. "…if he wanted to leave, he would have done so already."

"But how can we be sure of that, my Pharaoh? We should at the least do something to keep him within the palace, perhaps a certain area he is not allowed to leave so we know where he is at all times."

"You speak of him like he is an animal…or a slave."

"Of course I do not mean to say he is either of those things. I simply offer the possibility of losing the one new lead we have on the prophecy because of your leniency. We need him."

"I know we do. He is crucial, for more than one reason." Atem exhaled softly in thought. "He is no longer a slave, and I can no longer treat him like one even if I cannot let him leave."

"You are the Pharaoh, my king. You can do as you please. Your word is law."

Atem was silent for a moment, considering it all. Perhaps…he could use his power still, if it meant keeping Yugi safe. "Alright, I will do what I must to keep him here. But we must work fast."

~…***…***…~

From behind a huge alabaster vase, Yugi held back tears behind his hands. While looking for the Pharaoh, he had stumbled across the two in the middle of their conversation, and had only managed to pick up a few key words and sentences. Unfortunately…the worst ones he could have.

"…prophecy…have him restrained…he wanted to leave….done so already….not allowed to leave…need him…crucial…can no longer treat…word is law…work fast…"

The rest was mumbles to Yugi's ears and filled with what his brain could piece together first…the most negative of reasons for this conversation. All his inner doubts and fears were only fueled, the fire raging out of control for Yugi felt it was the most logical of truths. Had…had the Pharaoh been lying to him this whole time? Was it that he only recently found out about the prophecy and how Yugi was connected to it? Was that why his changed his attitude toward him?

Yugi clutched his chest as he hid behind the vase, choking back sobs. The trust…the kiss to his hand…the special treatment…was it all a lie? That had to be it. The king only wanted him for whatever the prophecy foretold. He didn't truly care about him…he didn't truly feel for him…lies, lies, lies all lies! Without thinking, Yugi bolted upright and ran back off toward his room, eyes clenched tight with tears spilling from the corners. How foolish he had been to think for even a moment he was anything but a slave, a tool to the Pharaoh. He should have known better. He shouldn't have let himself get wishful and start believing things that were but pipe dreams. Yugi hated it, hated himself for thinking that way. Letting his emotions get the better of him and his judgement…how foolish. The king would never truly set him free, nor his friends and fellow slaves. This was how the gods separated them at birth, how things were to be. It couldn't be changed, destiny was already in place. Not even an encounter such as this could change Yugi's future. Shadi was right; the Pharaoh needed him. Not for what Yugi had hoped though.

How could he have…how could he have let himself…

Yugi's loud footsteps caught the attention of the Pharaoh, who whirled around just in time to see Yugi dash off. Confused, he could barely form a question before the other rounded a corner. "Y-Yugi? What-" What had he heard? Surely their conversation had to have upset him…Atem had no idea the other was listening in. Without a word to Seth, the king took off after Yugi, calling his name but to no avail. Seth, now alone and bewildered, decided to resume his work with the council, seeing no reason to follow.

"Yugi, please wait!" Atem shouted after Yugi, perhaps in too commanding of a tone he thought afterward. But the other simply continued to run, not looking back. "Yugi, what's gotten into you?"

The younger did not answer, only managed to get to his room and shut himself up inside with a loud slam he immediately regretted. Hearing the lock slam shut from the inside, Atem knocked with great intent of being let in, worried about why Yugi ran away so suddenly. Was the talk of keeping him closer to the palace the cause? The fear he might once again become shackled to the Pharaoh's side? Atem had to resolve this, even if Yugi resisted.

"Yugi, open the door! Please!" Never had he used that word so much in his entire life than in these few weeks. His voice was resounding, but as gentle as he could be while maintaining a noticeable level of concern. He hoped his words would calm Yugi rather than make matters worse. But that poor boy's mind must have been scrambled in more ways than one with how his life had led.

Inside the room, Yugi sat on his bed with his knees up to his chest and face buried in them. Tears dripped down the sides of his legs, and he gave a few soft racked sobs. Foolish…that word kept surfacing in Yugi's mind. Even if the Pharaoh had a kind heart deep within, even if he could learn to love and be a good king…that didn't excuse Yugi from the duty he had been born into. This was the Pharaoh's kingdom, his domain…he was the very sunrise and sunset and all obeyed him without question. Why did Yugi think for even a moment he was truly free?

"YUGI!" Atem bellowed from the other side of the door, startling the boy into looking up in the direction such a sound came from. It was frightening but…he knew he had no choice. To defy the Pharaoh was a death sentence. And so slowly did he rise and move toward the door, shaking as he gripped the handle and opened it.

Immediately, he fell to his knees. Atem, shocked, motioned for him not to but was cut off by the other's half-choked-back sobs.

"M…M…My Ph…Pha…Phara…" he could barely get the words out but was determined. "I…I.. beg your f-forgiveness…I…I sh-shall do anything you wish…I…a-am but a humble s….servant of yours."

"Yugi, what in the name of Ra-" the king knelt as well, placing his tanned hands upon the younger's shoulders. "Why do you say such things? Why do you kneel before me? Did I not release you of your servitude to me?"

Yugi could barely look up at the other, struggling to maintain enough composure to reply to his majesty's questions. Eyes puffy and red, his tear streaked face tilted up just slightly. "Pharaoh is absolute…I promise I won't leave the palace…I'll do as you say my king…" He didn't want to go back to that life, to being treated as he was before. The realization that he couldn't save his friends, that he might never see them again…it was breaking his heart. And Yugi couldn't maintain his composure in front of the king as hard as he tried. Eyes shut tight to try and keep every tear in, Yugi clenched his teeth until he thought they might crack, whimpering and trembling like a reed in the wind.

"Yugi…I never said you were going to be a slave again. I do not go back on my word." He hesitated, thinking back and realizing. "…ah, I'm not as I was then. My word will not be broken, especially to you."

But that only made Yugi cry harder, all while trying to hide it. Atem was truly concerned for the other, and gently stroked his arms up and down, trying to soothe him. "Yugi…please believe me. You are so important-"

"Only because of the prophecy!" Yugi suddenly blurted out, immediately snapping his eyes open when he realized what he said and covered his mouth with his hands. A dark red swelled up from his already flushed cheeks, realizing what he implied. Oh gods no…why did he have to go and say that? He could be killed…he could be tortured beyond even what he had been before. It was ridiculous to think that, ridiculous to have grasped such a small strand of hope.

And yet…he could not ignore the whims of his heart.

Atem stared questioningly at him, understanding that Yugi somehow knew of the prophecy. Shadi's work, no doubt. So he would tell him about it but not to the Pharaoh. Internally he was amused and would need to speak with Shadi later, but for now…

"Yugi…I did not know you were aware of it. I should have spoken with you sooner. I apologize for discussing without you of such things. That is why I wanted you to stay near the palace, if you would. Perhaps the prophecy could be fulfilled with you here," the king attempted to calm the younger with kind reasoning.

But the former slave could not shake the thoughts he had or his feelings. They clung like the mud on his skin when Yugi was forced to make bricks.

Don't say anything…it's not worth it…

Important…needed…

Those words circled his head from the way Atem said them…comparatively with how Yugi wished he meant them.

"…m…my Pharaoh…" Yugi started, trying to wipe his soggy face. "…I…I'm sorry…I'm so sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry…"

"What? Whatever for?"

"I…for…" the words wouldn't form right. A lump hung in Yugi's throat closing off his air and making him feel like throwing up. Sickening, head throbbing from crying, it was difficult to manage a single word. All his attempts only made his exterior condition worse as his breathing quickened and his body shook more. He couldn't stand it any longer. He had to just say it out loud to accept it. However the king might react to him, whether being hit, starved, water-boarded, buried alive even…he had to.

Yugi's head bowed far down to the floor and he let out a sorrowful cry:

"F…For falling in love with the Pharaoh!"

For too long, there was silence. Shock. Bewilderment. Amazement. Atem was unable to react from hearing those words. Yugi had…what? How could he…even after all the king had done to him…to his friends…Yugi still…

Warmth spread to his cheeks as Atem brought a hand to cover his mouth in pure surprise. Tears began to well in his eyes as well. As much as he had hoped to believe and dream for it, Atem knew in his heart he would never be able to gain such trust from Yugi after all that had happened while in his service…no, his entire life because of Atem. He had only dreamed of the other returning how he felt, and thus had tried to ignore it himself, to forget so as not to act on it. But in this extremely emotional situation, the king found himself in tears as well, but rather ones of joy. He smiled so honestly, sniffling a bit and causing Yugi to look up at him from the sound.

"…Phar…oh?" Yugi was still a mess, and now more so after seeing the Pharaoh's reaction. "..w…why are you…?"

"Oh Yugi…" Atem wistfully spoke as he wiped the droplets from Yugi's eyes. "…you will have to forgive me as well in that case."

The boy's gem-like eyes went wide. "…forgive…my Pharaoh?"

"For I…" His smile grew as the man cupped Yugi's face with one hand. "…have fallen in love with a commoner."

Yugi didn't think he could have cried anymore if he tried, but somehow he did. He couldn't believe it. Was he hearing right? The Pharaoh…loved him? It had to be a dream, all of this. He was still asleep in his hut far below the palace waiting for the guards to scream in his ear and remove him from such a paradise. It had to be a dream…

…no. It wasn't. He was here, in the Pharaoh's arms in his own room in the palace, having saved the king's life by risking his own and was linked to a prophecy that could save Egypt from some unknown threat. It was real. He was really here. And the Pharaoh really just confessed to him.

Still trembling, Yugi managed to swallow a bit, finally getting rid of the lump that had been sticking there. His heart rate slowed, but seemed to pulse harder with each beat. The king's hand on him…so gently…it was all real. He couldn't believe it.

"Yugi…"

Atem's voice startled him slightly, but immediately the younger met his scarlet eyes. "Y-Yes?"

The king's thumb slowly ran over the edge of Yugi's lower lip, sending a shiver down the other's spine.

"…may I…kiss you?"

Okay, now Yugi was definitely dreaming. Never in a million years did he think…no, no time to think!

Blushing deeply, Yugi pouted shyly. "…you are the Pharaoh. You may do as you wish."

The Pharaoh chuckled, leaning in closer. "And I want your permission. I nearly lost you once with force…never again."

He was serious. All nervousness and doubt faded away, his guilt and self-demolition evaporating. Ryou and Shadi were right. There was good in the king. And Yugi had been the one to bring it out.

Slowly, the younger nodded. "…please."

And with that, the Pharaoh gleamed and brought Yugi's face up to his, sealing their lips in a tender embrace. Warm, delicate, caring…unlike anything Yugi, or Atem for that matter, had experienced before. He found himself wrapping his arms around the other, not wanting this moment to end. First love's kiss…and surely not the last.

~…***…***…~

From outside Yugi's room, Seth had heard everything. Even his Pharaoh's personal life was part of his duty to oversee. But knowing it was not his place to be present for such a moment, he took the liberty of leaving them alone, striding back through the halls of the palace…smiling. The king now had someone to protect, someone important to him. It was another step in the right direction.

End Chapter

Holy shit guys thanks for waiting TWO YEARS for an update! Not the end still! Plenty more to come if I can get myself motivated~ Please let me know what you think and I hope you all stay around for the next chapter too!