Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ The Pharaoh’s Decision ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 1 )

The Pharaoh's Decision

A/N: Last names and original characters were given actual ancient Egyptian names that I found on this site: http://maatkare.com/m_names.html For the Yu-gi-oh characters all of their N.A. first names were used (except Ishizu - I just think Isis is a better name) to make thing less confusing in knowing who is who LOL. Though being as this is really an AU, being set in the past some characters maybe a little OOC at times.

Chapter One:

The heat was stifling as the mid day sun blazed down on the desert. But, life went on as usual. The market place was crowded, with merchants trying to sell their wares to the customers that packed the narrow dusty streets. Slaves of the kingdom, who were building the pharaoh's tomb, worked through the heat. And even though the labour was hard but they continued to work and not solely because of their position in this lifetime they, like the rest of Egypt, loved the young pharaoh Yami Rahotep. The twenty-year-old king was one of the most beloved pharaohs in nearly a century.

Yami sat on his throne, and even though the temperatures were soaring his tri-coloured hair, of red, black and blond, some how managed to stay in spikes. He was dressed in a white tunic with a black leopard belt and red cape. Gold manacles with ornate designs were wrapped around his wrists. Around his neck he wore a chain with a golden puzzle attached to it. The puzzle resembled and upside down pyramid with the Eye of Ra on the center. His crimson eyes were filled with boredom as he watched the man who was in front of him reading from a parchment, who was dressed in a simple dark brown wrap.

To his left was his advisor and high priest Seto Horhotp. Seto was dressed in a white kilt and wore a dark purple cloak. His head was bowed slightly but his cerulean blue eyes were keeping a careful watch. A golden rod, with a ball that had a depiction of the Eye of Ra on one end, was clutched tightly in his right hand.

Yami raised one hand. "That is quite enough, Tristan. I am well aware of the problems concerning the shadow games. So, if you have no new information for me you are dismissed."

The man looked up from the parchment in surprise. "Yes, Pharaoh. I just thought…"

"Are you questioning the pharaoh's order?" Seto glared at the brown haired man.

"No." Tristan Sirenput shook his head, and quickly rolled the parchment. He bowed to the pharaoh then quickly made his way out the exit.

"Please tell me that he was still the last one that I have to deal with before diner. I am quite bored after listening to so many reports." Yami said.

"He is the last one." Seto said.

Yami smiled. "In that case, I order you to accompany me in the gardens."

"Oh, that is an order is it?" Seto asked, with a small smirk.

"Yes, it is." Yami said as he stood up. "And since it is an order you can not say no."

"Like I would ever say no to you." Seto said as he smiled at Yami. "Love you too much." He added in a whisper.

Yami smiled brightly as he looked at Seto. "As do I you."

` ` ` ` ` `

Seto walked along side Yami through the gardens, a place that was the pharaoh's own personal oasis in the desert. In a place that held such tranquil beauty Seto wished that he could be more open in expressing his love for the pharaoh. That he could simply reach out and take Yami's hand as the walked along the pathways. However, Seto knew that they couldn't even touch until they reached their hidden sanctuary, hidden away from prying eyes.

Yami glanced at his lover as Seto stopped by a rose bush and smelled a beautiful crimson red rose that was in full bloom. So few people knew the young high priest the way he did.

When they around other people Seto put on a cold front, with a glare that could chill even the most skilled warrior to the bone. But Yami knew it was just an act, in truth Seto was a kind and gentle soul who was loyal and true. Seto was the high priest, his advisor, his protector, his friend, and his lover… Seto was everything to him.

Seto carefully snapped the twig and handed the rose to Yami. "Matches your eyes."

Yami blinked slightly as he was pulled out of his thoughts. He smiled at Seto. "Thank you." He said as he took the rose and smelled its beautiful scent.

They continued to walk through the garden until they reached a secluded location, past the bushes, and underneath the shade of large willow trees, was a cool shade place that only the pharaoh and his high priest knew about. It was here the two lovers could be together.

Yami wrapped a hand around the back of Seto head, weaving his fingers into the soft brown hair. He pulled Seto's face closer and kissed him deeply, sliding his tongue into the other man's mouth and exploring the warm depths. Seto slowly slid his hands around Yami's slender waist and held him close.

Without breaking the kiss Yami undid the clasp of Seto's cape and allowed it to drift to the ground. When Seto tried to undo the golden clasp of Yami's cape, Yami gently slapped his hands away and pulled from the kiss and smiled at Seto, his crimson eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. He reached out and undid the strap on Seto's kilt that held the Rod, and carefully tossed it onto the discarded cape. Next he undid the kilt itself, allowing it to drop to the ground. He stepped closer to Seto, who stood there in nothing more then his sandal, and slid his hand up the inside of Seto's thigh. Seto's body trembled slightly with anticipation at the light touch.

"Take off your sandals." Yami whispered the order into Seto's ear.

Seto nodded and quickly kicked of his sandals, not caring where they landed.

"Good." Yami praised as his hand petted the inside of Seto's thigh. "Now knell before me." Seto was quick to obey and knelt before his pharaoh. "Good." Yami praised again running the back of his hand over Seto's cheek. "Now just stay there and watch." Seto opened his mouth to object, but Yami laid a finger over Seto's mouth before he could say anything. "It is an order." After a moment Seto nodded. Yami smiled at took a step back.

Yami slid his feet out of the sandals and stepped out of them. Next he undid the clasp for his cape and allowed it to slowly fall to the ground. He undid the belt, loosening the tunic and tossed it to ground. He slowly slid the tunic off his shoulders, guiding it down slowly, revealing his bare flesh. Seto watched intently, his mouth watering at the sight, his cerulean blue eyes fixed on Yami. As they tunic dropped to the ground Yami stepped forward, out of the tunic that was pooled around his feet, moving closer to Seto.

Yami kept the puzzle around his neck and the clasps around his wrists. He slid a hand under Seto's chin, and tipped Seto's head upwards so they could see into each other's eyes. Wordless communication passed between them and Yami's hand slowly slipped away. Seto leaned his head forward and ran his tongue along Yami's length in several slow strokes. Yami moaned and grasped Seto's shoulders, holding on tightly. Yami through his head back in pleasure as Seto's talented tongue pulled him to full erection. Seto slid his hands along Yami's hips, moving the back to cover Yami's firm buttocks and sliding the them back his hips, his hands repeating the suggestive move several times. Seto licked a drop of pre-cum off the tip of Yami's erection before taking slowly Yami's length into his mouth. When Yami felt himself close to reaching a release he pulled back. Seto looked up at him with confused eyes, but Yami just smiled.

"Bend over." Yami said.

Seto smiled and nodded as he quickly got down on his hands and knees. Yami stepped around Seto and knelt down between Seto's parted legs. He ran his hands along Seto's sweaty sides, before gripping Seto's hips. Seto gasped as the tip of Yami's erection slid into him, he tried to push back against Yami but Yami held him in place. Yami set a slow place but soon he was fully incased inside of Seto's body, he held the position for a moment, releasing the feel of Seto's muscles closing down around him. Then, with a firm grip on Seto's hips he began to thrust his hips, being sure to hit the sensitive spot inside his lover with each stroke. Seto moaned in pleasure, leaning into each thrust. Yami wrapped one hand around Seto and stroked Seto's erection. Finally the pressure built to the point of explosion, both men reaching their sweet release at the same time.

Yami slowly, and reluctantly pulled himself out of Seto's warmth. Seto moaned at the loss of intimate contact. Yami pulled Seto over and lay on the ground by his lover. Seto wrapped an arm around Yami's waist and snuggled closer, laying his head on the inside of Yami's shoulder.

"Thank you, my sweet pharaoh." Seto said.

"I should be the one thanking you." Yami smiled, he wrapped an arm around Seto, holding him close.

The cool ground felt good against their warmed skin as lay in each other's arms. They were silent for a moment, both wishing the same thing - wishing that they could have more moments like this together. When they were in their sanctuary nothing else mattered, there was only their love. It was a time when they could be nothing more then two young men in love and not a pharaoh and high priest who were already plagued with more responsibility then anyone so young should have to deal with.

They laid together in silence for several long minutes before Yami finally sat up. "We should leave now."

Seto sighed. "Do we have to?"

Yami nodded. "We both needed to clean up before tonight's dinner." He stood up and began to gather his clothing. He started to get dressed and turned to look at Seto who was still lying on the ground. "I do not want to leave yet either but we have no choice."

"I know." Seto said. He sighed again and stood up and gathered his clothing and got dressed.

Yami smiled and gently kissed Seto's lips. "If I had my way I would stay here with you forever."

"I know." Seto smiled. "And I thank you for the time you have given me."

"And I thank you for allowing me the time with you." Yami said.

"I love you." Seto said.

"As do I you."

The two lovers then turned and left their private sanctuary, back to a place where they couldn't be together.

` ` ` `

The grand dining hall was crowded with diplomats and other wealthy citizens, many of who were parading their single daughter, some barely of age to wed, in front of the pharaoh, determined to have their daughter chosen to be the queen of Egypt. Yami hated these dinners. He wasn't interesting in any of these women he only wanted to be with his beloved Seto. But as pharaoh he would soon have to pick a bride of his own to bear at least one child for the royal lineage.

Seto sat to Yami's right, his arms folded across his chest, as he glared coldly at all those that passed by the table. Seto hated these dinners even more then Yami for he knew one day one of these beautiful woman would steal Yami away from him. Once Yami was wed there would be no more secret meetings in their special place and he would forever more be alone.

To Seto's right sat Shadi Taharqa, guardian of the pharaoh's tomb. A gold Ankh hung around his neck. He watched the coming and goings with a look of indifference.

Beside Shadi was an older man, Pegasus Sneferu, his hair a pale violet almost white. He sat drinking a glass of wine, looking very amused as he watched all those that went past. The man's most disgusting feature was he only had one eye. The other was a golden eye with the symbol of Ra.

The chair to Yami's left was empty, reserved for his future wife. All the women that were paraded past eyed the empty chair hoping that they would be the one to fill it.

A young woman, Isis Inarus sat in the next chair. She wore a simple white dress, her long black hair held back by a simple gold band. Around her neck she wore a golden necklace with an eye on Ra.

To her left sat her younger brother Marik Inarus. He looked extremely bored as he sat beside his sister, but remained silent.

In all there was six of the golden millennium items that had given out by the gods. The last item, the millennium ring was still sealed in a tomb waiting for the one destined to hold it to appear. Though only five of the six people that sat at the table had an item. Shadi held two items while Marik had none.

Finally the parade of woman came to an end and it was time to enjoy the feast. Many of the women were still trying to catch Yami's eye even as they ate dinner.

` ` ` `

After dinner Yami sat gathered with the four others who held the golden millennium items, to discuss the potential brides from those that had been presented at the dinner.

"I think any of them would be a fine choice. But then Seto-boy wouldn't agree, would you?" Pegasus smirked at Seto.

Seto glared at the older man but said nothing, knowing that Pegasus was purposely trying to upset him. Pegasus knew, everyone in the room knew, the powers of the millennium items made Yami and Seto's love impossible to hide, though it was never openly discussed.

"There was indeed many fine choices among those that were presented tonight." Shadi said. "But I am not sure if any them are a proper choice for Yami's bride."

"Then none of them shall be." Yami said.

"I think it's premature to reach that decision." Isis said. "One of the women you met tonight will be your bride."

"Aren't you being a bit presumptuous?" Seto questioned.

"Not at all." Isis said. She looked at Yami. "If you do not make a choice soon we will have to make it for you."

"Then so be it." Yami said. Even though it broke his heart that he was soon going to have to make a choice of who to spend the rest of life, when it meant never being with the one he loved again.

Seto could feel his heart sinking, knowing it wouldn't be long now before he lost the love of his life, he cursed the gods for not letting him be born a woman and allowing him to be forever with the one he loved.

"I want the three of you to begin narrowing down the choices." Yami said, motioning to Isis, Shadi and Pegasus. "Pick three each by the end of the week."

Isis, Shadi and Pegasus all nodded and turned and left the room leaving Yami and Seto alone.

"I think she is wrong. None of those women deserve to be your bride." Seto said.

"You knew this day was coming." Yami said.

"It does not have to be now." Seto argued. He was trying hard to keep a strong front when inside he felt like he was dying.

"Seto… I am sorry but it is the way things must be." Yami said. He stepped closer to the high priest and put a hand on Seto's shoulder. "I am truly sorry."

Seto bowed his head; his eyes burning with unshed tears. "I know…"

` ` ` ` `

The next four days passed all to quickly for both Seto and Yami and soon the nine women had been chosen, narrowing down the choices for Yami's future bride. The nine women were then allowed to live in the east end of the palace

The first night there was an elaborate dinner all the women vying for the pharaoh's attention throughout the meal. After the dinner was over the festivities turned to dancing, each woman getting one dance with Yami. All using what time they got with the pharaoh to prove they were the best choice to be his bride.

Seto stood against a pillar, his arms folded across his chest, his eyes full of jealous anger as he watched the women dancing with Yami, some even making the pharaoh smile.

Shadi stepped over to Seto. "Be careful, high priest. For jealousy is truly a greater beast then any dual monster. And can cause twice as much destruction."

"Do not tell me how to feel." Seto's tone was sharp, and he didn't even turn his head to look at Shadi.

"Poor little Seto-boy is jealous." Pegasus said, his voice gleeful, as he stepped over with a glass of wine in his hand. Seto's eyes darkened but he said nothing. "You know Seto-boy one of these women will be the pharaoh's bride."

"Do not call me Seto-boy." Seto turned his gaze from the dance floor to glare at Pegasus.

"Oh look, Seto-boy, he is dancing with one of my choices now." Pegasus grinned, motioning out to the dance floor where a young woman with short brown hair was dancing with Yami. "I believe her name was Tea Ptahhotep."

Seto glared at the woman with hate as she pressed her body against Yami's as they danced.

Pegasus's smile widened. "You know Seto-boy after he is married he will be through with you, but never fear for I will gladly take you under me."

Before Seto could say anything Isis stepped over. "That is quite enough, Pegasus. Such remarks are not called for."

"I was merely having a little fun with Seto-boy." Pegasus said. Seto growled at the remark making Pegasus laugh.

"You do not need to be here, Seto. We can keep watch over Yami." Isis said.

"Very well." Seto said. He pushed himself away from the pillar and made a slow and gracefully exit out the closest door. However once he was away from the watchful eyes he broke into run. Seeing Yami dancing with all the woman had hurt deeper then he would ever admit and he was glad to be out of there.

Yami stopped dancing when he noticed Seto walk out of the room after talking with the others. `I hope he's alright.' Yami thought.

"Is something the matter?" Tea asked, her voice nervous.

"No." Yami said.

Tea glanced in the direction Yami was looking, not seeing anything out of the ordinary. "I hope we can continue out dance then. You are such a graceful dancer."

"So are you." Yami said, before starting to dance again. That much was the truth, she was one of the best dancers he had danced with so far tonight.

Tea smiled brightly at the remark hoping that her dancing would help make the pharaoh chose her as his bride.

The song came to an end and Tea was led away from the pharaoh as the next women, a voluptuous blonde Mai Pedibastet was brought forth for Yami to dance with. By the end of the night Yami was exhausted, after nine dances with woman who were desperately trying to impress him by any mean necessary the young pharaoh wanted to do nothing more then sleep.

` ` ` ` ` `

A few hours after the end of the celebrations the palace guards made a grisly discovery in the garden fountain. One of the nine potential brides was found dead. Her body draped over the edge of the stone fountain laying face first in the water her long black hair floating around her head.

Yami sat, in his throne room, waiting for someone to inform him of why his sleep had been disturbed. He wondered why the guards looked nervous and where keeping an extra close watch on his every movement. Isis, Shadi and Pegasus stepped into the room standing close to one another and speaking in hushed tones.

"What is of such importance that I had to be woken up in the middle of the night, only to have to wait so long to be told?" Yami asked in a clearly annoyed tone.

"The guards have not yet found Seto yet." Shadi said.

Yami felt his breath catch in his throat. Had something happened to Seto and that was why they were waiting to tell him. "What do you mean they haven't…" Yami's question was cut short when Seto walked in with two guards. The young high priest was still dressed in the same clothing he had been wearing at that night's festivities. But he appeared completely unharmed so Yami let out a breath of relief. Seto stepped up to his place at the pharaoh's side, as the others kept their place on the floor. "Now, what is all of this about?" Yami asked again.

"We found one of the girls on the garden fountain." Menna, the leader of the guards explained. "We believe that she was murdered."

"Murdered?" Yami questioned.

Menna nodded. "I have placed extra guards on the room where the rest of the girls are residing as the killer may still be in the palace."

"Do you know who the killer is?" Yami asked.

"No, Pharaoh." Menna asked. "We are still searching for clues."

"Who was she and how was she killed?" Yami asked.

"Her name was Nefertari Asetbity. As far as we can tell now she was drowned in the water of the fountain." Menna asked.

"And you have no leads?" Yami asked.

"What I would like to know is where were you, Seto-boy?" Pegasus asked.

"What does it matter?" Seto questioned, glaring at the older man

Pegasus just smirked.

"I had taken a walk." Seto asked.

"Where?" Pegasus asked.

"In the gardens. But I was not near the fountain." Seto said. `I had gone to the secret place that Yami and I share.' He added in thoughts.

"And you saw nothing? Know nothing of this horrible crime?" Pegasus asked.

Yami glared at Pegasus, how dare the older man infer that Seto had anything to do with the death of this young girl.

"I know nothing of it." Seto said.

Menna looked confused but thought very little of the conversation that had just transpired, after all the golden millennium item holders all had strange ways that no others could understand. "I want to place extra protection on guard for you as well, Pharaoh."

"I have all the protection I need." Yami said.

Menna looked as though he was going to argue, but instead he nodded. "I will keep you informed of any new developments in this crime."

"Very well. Dismissed." Yami said, with wave of his hand.

` ` `

Moments later Yami and Seto were the only ones left in the room. Seto knelt down beside Yami's throne and looked up at the pharaoh. "I am sorry I took so long getting here. And that I was unable to easily explain where I was. When I left the party I went to our place… so I could feel closer to you then I could actually be at the time. I lost track of the time and when I heard voices I wanted to be extra cautious when I came out of our place so it would remain secret." Seto told Yami in a hushed tone.

Yami smiled at Seto. "You do not have to explain yourself to me. If I had not been so tired myself I may have joined you there. It is probably for the best that I did not. If they had found my chambers empty after discovering the dead girl those foolish guards would have assumed the worse."

Seto chuckled slightly, knowing that Yami was right. Whenever Yami wasn't exactly where they thought he should be the guards tended to become frantic. "True."

"Little do they know I have all the protection I could ever need right here." Yami gently brushed his fingers over Seto's cheek in a quick gesture. "All I could ever need."

There was a long moment of silence before either man spoke again.

"I had nothing to do with the girl's murder." Seto said.

"I know that. I never thought you did. I am angry that Pegasus dared to infer that you could have possibly had anything to do with it." Yami said.

A quiet rustling near the doorway caught the men's attention. Seto turned slightly and saw one of the guards standing there, yet trying hard to not to obviously watching over the pharaoh. Seto casually stood up. "I believe it is time to return you to your bed chambers now, Pharaoh. I will stand guard to ensure you are not disturbed any further tonight."

Yami nodded and stood up. Even though they way they had been speaking, with Seto knelt in front of him, made it appear they were discussing an important matter and not having a personal conversation it was best to end their conversation now.