Chapter Text
There were two lives a prince could live. One of opulent pleasure and one of conquest. To wear oils sweeter than the ripest blossom, or claim a victory so lofty, it warranted the attention of gods. Both were expected, but at one point, the life of a royal would veer one way or the other. And it would end that way.
But not cut short. Not caught dead in its tracks, and told to walk the other way. But that is where Seto found himself.
Today was a day which would mark history for the rest of time. After long years of war, the kingdoms of Khemet and Almania were to be united for the first time, after a tiresome and fruitless war that left both kingdoms nearly penniless and spent of all things worth pride and glory. An arranged marriage was the easiest solution. After a time marked by avarice and strife, the only thing left to do was invest in prosperity instead of discord. In concordance with the laws placed and upheld by our forefathers, and their predecessors- The two kingdoms were to offer their eldest heirs to be wed in the name of peace.
At least, that’s the long version. That is what Seto Kaiba was supposed to think. The version he was expected to accept and hush up about. To him, this wasn’t good news. The one vehicle of his right of passage has been stolen from him. His servant places the final piece of his wedding garb along his shoulders, the long fabric pooling at his feet. A cloak, embossed with lucid thread of silver, gemstones no larger than a pupil glittering more brilliantly than any star in the heavens. It fastened in the front with a sterling chain that sat across his collarbone. Each stone mocked him with every glint and sparkle. Look at you. You thought one day, you would be donning armor. Your sword in hand, mounted upon your dragon. A fire in your heart, ready to tear into the enemy. You’ve awaited this day since that damned prince Atem humiliated you. But look at you now. Instead you’re all prettied up to be wed, like a doll.
“I’ve prepared you to the best of my ability, my liege.” His servant, Isono spoke. “I hope you are satisfied.” He stepped away, bowing deeply. The other servants made their leave with a bow, leaving Seto alone with his most trusted advisor, although Seto would never admit that aloud.
Seto adjustd his cuffs, a frown forming. “The only thing that would satisfy me is the Prince’s defeat.” Seto spat.
“I know, I know.” he sighed solemnly. “But this is what’s best for our people. For both our nations.”
Seto raked a gloved hand through his hair at the dismay of the stylist. He couldn’t care less. “If I collected a sum for every time, I've heard that. Then our countries wouldn’t be in so much debt that I have to be married off.”
Isono placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know there is nothing I can say to soothe you, all I can tell you is to at least remain civil when it’s time for the ceremony.”
“I don’t need soothing, I need vengeance!” Atem was lucky that it was customary for fiances to not see each other in the days preceding the wedding. To think he was somewhere in the castle at this very moment.
“Please calm yourself, your highness, for you are to be presented soon.”
Seto swallowed his anger and inspected himself in the floor length mirror in the dressing room. His narrow frame awash in silver-white finery. Silks and satin adorned hin. Brilliant blue stitched seams and iridescent thread woven into a cloak that could put the grand tapestries in the throne room to shame. His pale skin flush against the tailored fabric of pearlescent quality. All in stark contrast to the festering, black fury in his heart.
“This doesn’t suit me at all.” Seto grumbled. “I’m a warrior, a tactician, and they’ve made me into a walking chandelier.”
“If it offers any solace, your grace, the jewels do remind me of your dear and trusted Dragon. You shine as brilliantly as her scales, and I am sure she would be pleased to see you appreciating gems as much as she does.”
This does, unsurprisingly, make Seto feel better. Anything related to dragons always did, as childish as it may seem. Isono always knew the right thing to say. Of course, Seto would never admit that either. Perhaps even a dragon rider such as he could sport a gown like this. Although the cape could be cumbersome.
“In that case.” Seto began. “I must hold my head high, for her sake.”
“Well said, your grace.”
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“My prince.” Mahaad greeted Atem at his side as the young groom looked over the sweeping balcony of his chamber. He’d only arrived in Almania’s capital, Drizia three days prior, yet he was to be married to the heir in mere minutes. Not just any heir, but the one he swore to face in battle all those years ago.
“It’s nearly time.” Mahaad said. “Please come inside.”
“Just a moment longer.” Atem requested; eyes fixed on the mountain range just a way from the castle. Obsidian shards jutting into the sky, dusted in white. There wasn’t anything like it in Khemet.
“If you insist, please wear this.” Mahaad draped a fur cloak around the prince. Atem pulled it tighter around his shoulders, previously unaware of how cold he was, the frigid air just now getting to him. Golden bracelets and cuffs didn’t do much against the cold.
The thin muslin fabric of his tunic danced in the icy breeze. “It’s so much colder here.” Atem comments through chattering teeth. Fur was a rare commodity in the enduring heat of the place he called home, but today on, he’d better get used to it and this weather.
“You have been out here for some time now. What troubles you?”
Atem brought the cloak up past his chin, almost disappearing into the soft mass. “I shouldn’t trouble you right before the ceremony.”
“You cannot trouble me, for I am not only your attendant, but a friend for you to express your grievances.”
Atem kept a trained eye on the horizon of untamed mountains. “It’s just.” Atem pauses. “It’s going to be so strange to see him again, in this circumstance. It’s been years”
“It will be quite the change, for your past adversary to become your betrothed in a single day.”
“I thought my destiny was to kill him.” Atem notices how the jagged peaks remind him of blades littering the earth after a bloody battle. A sight he would learn to not associate with the boy, no, the man he knew as Seto Kaiba. Truly, there was more to it than that. They were friends once, before all this. Good friends, in fact. “How the tides change”
Mahaad nodded. “Perhaps, fate has decided to lead us on a path of love, rather than malice.”
Atem finally turned away from the mountains and faced Mahaad, just as he faced his responsibility. Regardless of any qualms or hestiance, he would go through with this arrangement. For it was his duty to his country and his people, and Atem was more than willing to put fleeting emotions aside for that. He is grateful to have Mahaad at his side, as he has truly lived up to his namesake, “bringer of ease.”
“I’m ready now.” Atem declared. “Let’s go.”
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Seto’s mind was in countless places, and none of them were this wedding hall. The cloak was much too heavy. All this crystal still looked ridiculous on him, no matter what Isono said. Soft silk and delicate embroidery were not fit for him. He’d rather be working on transmutations or crossing t’s on the trade itinerary. Or feeling the wind in his face while riding atop Kisara’s back, careening around the mountain bends and slicing through the clouds. Not here, about to be made a spectacle for all the subjects of Almania to gawk at.
The first half of the event was to take place in the castle’s church, followed by a celebration in the ballroom. This was the hard part Seto told himself.
After the vows and the priest's blessing and the sharing-of-the-chalice, he could just sit and watch all the nobles and lords' stuff themselves like pigs with the delicacies and spirits bought with the military budget. Seto would pretend the room didn’t reek of wine as he sat with his “husband” and pretended he didn’t exist. It was all only for show anyways. Pure theatrics.
Then he’d shut himself in his chamber and wish himself to be in a world where everything could be simple, and Atem was only his enemy and Khemet was just an obstacle, and he didn’t have to wear flouncy clothes and pretend to like alcohol or parties.
Seto watched through the gaps of the doors flanking the sides of the cathedral. Subjects gathered in a circular seating arrangement; a gap in the middle for the two to walk and unify in the center. The altar was framed by two great pillars, the priest ready with his holy book and robes. Many of whom were in attendance clearly hailed from Almania. The dress of Khemet nobles was distinct and easy to spot among the fur and velvet clad Almanians.
A kaleidoscope of light filtered through the stained-glass windows, forming a honeycomb of translucent color splashing on the altar, right where they were to be officially married under the church. Seto could not even be spared by the sun, for it too, was laughing at him. Hope you like the decoration! He imagined it saying. The sun can fuck off, truly.
“You really hate this, don’t you, Seto.” He recalled Mokuba saying to him weeks ago when the marriage was announced. Seto had been irate ever since the news was brought to him, as he was holed up in his observatory or with Kisara.
“I can’t say I'm thrilled.” Seto answerd his younger brother.
Mokuba scowled, bangs falling over his eyes, his long, unruly black hair as animated as he was. “He’s not good enough for you anyway! This is just a last-ditch effort because they don’t have anything else to do. Don’t let it phase you.” Mokuba urges. “I’m not letting them take you away!”
“We won’t be separated, Mokuba.” Seto assured. “He’s coming here, it’s in Khemets’ best interest, apparently.”
“Then, it’s not so bad.” Mokuba admitted. “As long as we’re together.”
And those were the only words that mattered in this moment. The doors unlatched and the ceremony began, the audience seated, and the organ erupted in melodic song. Seto begins his solemn march to the center, putting in every ounce of effort into not looking up at his groom. It’s fine at first. He is going down steps. Seto has to look where he is going after all. He tried focusing his gaze elsewhere; the carvings of the pillar, the little gargoyle with a broken nose that they never bothered to fix. The speck of dust revealed by the sun's rays. Anything but him. Not like this. He chided himself. My god, grow up Seto. You’re going to look like an even bigger fool. Just look ahead.
And in that instant, Seto was intoxicated. The most exquisite perfume attacked his senses and Atem became the bitterness, the sweetness, and the fire of it all. Seto looked up and became no better than a tavern drunk. Drunk on something he couldn’t put a name to.
He was gold and indigo on brown skin. Time collapsed on itself and suddenly, those drawn-out chess matches and horseplay on the palace grounds all flood back like it was just yesterday, and he realizes the time between then and now didn’t mean anything. We stitch everything worthwhile together as the hasty tailors of our memories. Piecing together what we might.
Atem held a heart as wild and unrelenting as a lion in his chest; one held high, as if greeting the very ceiling he walked under. His gold was blinding, Seto sacrificing his eyesight to the unforgiving glare of his decorum. The sun never ceases to boast. Seto feels that he has crossed oceans by the time the grooms meet at the altar.
The organ stopped. The priest cleared his throat. Seto couldn't tell if the look Atem is giving him is reproachful, mournful, or nothing at all. He was too occupied with trying to remember the day they last saw each other. And when Seto shot above him in height.
“Today, we unite the great nations of Khemet and Almania to behold a union under God. A union to be honored and agreed upon between our sovereign kingdoms. Today, we begin an alliance and forego the past. In this matrimony, we aspire to peace and order. To any and all who wish to object, you shall. If not, then you shall forever hold your peace.”
Seto amused himself with the mental image of Mokuba shouting “objection!” but it fades as the priest looks back to his scripture.
“Atem, son of Aknamkanon. Will you take this man as your wedded husband? To live with, to stand by and to honor as long as you shall live. To serve him and your people in the ways in which they require. To pledge to him, and to be his shield.”
“I will.” His voice was a rich baritone that catches Seto off guard.
The priest motioned to him.
“Seto Kaiba. Will you take this man as your wedded husband? To live with, to stand by and to honor as long as you shall live. To serve him and your people in the ways in which they require. To pledge to him, and to be his shield.”
Nothing in these vows said anything about forsaking rivalry. Seto accepted this challenge. So be it.
“I will.”
The priest lowered the book to reveal two rings to the grooms; one gold, one silver. Just as rehearsed. The silver one was for Atem, the gold for him. They each hend a ring, stepping closer to the other. Seto started by holding out a hand for Atem to take. Atem complied and placed a well-shaped hand into his. His warmth manages to permeate Seto’s white glove that he previously thought to be too thick and too refined to feel any sensation through. Seto slides the ring into place. It is now Atem’s turn. He starts by removing the glove; starting at the wrist and pulling the fabric off to reveal the bare hand of his newly promised. Atem is careful.
His hands, Seto now notices, are smaller than his, his hand almost tucked under Seto’s rather than being a platform like his hands were to Atem’s. They are even warmer now that there stands nothing between his skin and Seto’s. Rather soft too. Atem slides the silver ring down Seto’s slender finger. He never thought gold suited him until now. This ring was an exception. Not that the person giving it to him had anything to do with it.
“And now, please serve the wine to your spouse, which will be what binds you at last.”
The grooms uncorked the wine bottles in unison, the slick pop echoing in the church. The aroma tickles his nose. They each grab their chalices and pour for the other. Atem is careful not to overfill, while Seto is quick to bring the wine near the brim, the drink bubbling. As tradition would require it, they hold the chalice to their spouses' lips. For a moment, Atem locks eyes with Seto as he does this. He takes his drink in a controlled, steady sip.
Seto leaned forward, lowering himself enough to make Atem’s life easier; it was strange to look down at him. Jet black hair flecked with crimson and magenta at the ends, blond tresses falling around his face. Styled in a daring spiky crown.
Seto lets his mind wander while he drinks to make it go down without thinking so much about how sour and dreadful it tastes. What was Atem like now? Did he still like games? Underestimating people? The letters stopped, so what did Atem do during all this time? How much did he hate this exactly? Did he even have anything in common with Seto anymore? Now that it would be an act of treason if they even came close to what we thought was in store?
The chalices are set down, faint red staining the lips of the former combatants now joined in matrimony. The priest closes the book, laying down on the altar. “The marriage is now sealed. Let us rejoice.”
Something feels lighter inside Seto. For whatever reason.
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All are brought to the ballroom. Atem and Kaiba exchanged nothing more but brief glances as they walk together, joined by Atem’s entourage and Kaiba's servants. The backs of their hands briefly graze the other’s as they walk. Atem isn’t sure if Seto has noticed it already. He probably didn’t.
The ballroom swallows up the wedding party and spits them out into a cacophony of music, food and excessive laughter at a joke likely neither had the appetite for. The dragon rider just wanted to get to his designated seat as soon as possible. Atem’s stomach rumbled at the smell of roasted meat and bread spread out on the sprawling dining banquet. He lost his appetite hours before the wedding. Now that it was all over, he only had two things on his mind. Seto Kaiba, and a hot meal.
“Here you are, sires.” a servant presented them to their seats in a deep bow. Two thrones, both alike in dignity and a table as bare as their present ambition. They each take a seat in the pulled-out chairs. The servants dismiss themselves and offer to be of service for whatever they may need, and now the princes were left alone. The party goers look expectantly at the two. Atem cleared his throat loudly, raising a chalice. Seto looks at him quizzically but raises one of his own.
“A toast.” Atem’s voice booms, proud and commanding. “To the peace, and the prosperity of both our kingdoms.”
“To the future.” Seto joins, to Atem’s surprise.
“To the future!” relief pours from the hall, like the entire country let out a breath it didn’t know it was holding.
The crowd begins their merriment, now ignoring the newlyweds. How odd, that this was supposed to be one of the most important days of their lives. One they were anxiously awaiting the moment it was decided. And now, it is already a mere memory. Both of them were entirely too worked up. Atem coughs into his fist, his throat dry save for the taste of wine from the ceremony. He throws a side eyed glance at Kaiba. Kaiba’s back was flat against the back of his throne, arms crossed. He catches Atem looking, which causes both to avert their eyes to look elsewhere. Several uncomfortable minutes pass.
Never before did either of them inspect a tablecloth so closely. Or a beam in the ceiling. Atem drums his fingers against the table. One of them has to say something. The gilded prince decided to be the first to speak.
“Hello,”
Atem thought they had to speak to each other eventually. Seto turned his head. While the rest of him grew up, he maintained that same glacier stare.
“Hello.” Seto replied simply, arms still crossed. He kept his words locked in his throat, sealed away from the world and the ears of his former enemy. There has to be something Atem can do to break this tension. They were allies now. More than that.
“You’ve always hated parties.” Atem began. “I’m sure this feels like your own personal hell.”
“That’s one way to start a conversation.”
“Everything must start from somewhere.”
He exhaled. Seto relaxed a bit. “You remember,” he says.
Atem continued. “I remember a lot of things about you.” he affirms. “I remember that you hate parties, mostly because they are noisy. You hate alcohol because it’s bitter, and you like to be clear headed. But you drink it in front of the lords because it’s polite, and makes you look mature.”
Kaiba nodded, blinking slowly. Should he keep going?
“You always chose the white pieces in chess. Because they go first. You like long coats, dragons, and you’ve always been picky about your cut of meat.”
“I remember things about you too.” Seto added. “You have strong opinions about how someone should shuffle their cards. You never slouch. You never go without perfume. And you never backed down from a challenge.”
“And you were always the one challenging me,” said Atem.
“It was only fitting, at the time.”
“It was,” Atem agreed. There was a pause. A servant brought a platter of food and cups of mead to the table. Atem took small sips of the drink. It was sweeter than expected.
Kaiba rested his elbows on the table, shifting his weight. “I thought they would have a Khemetian ceremony. We only had one, with Almanian customs. And now this.”
“Ah.” Atem said. “Weddings aren’t really a, well. I shouldn’t say that they are not a big deal. it’s not really an event where I am from.”
“What do you mean? There is no ceremony?”
Atem shakes his head, earrings dangling as he speaks. “Well, there sort of is, but it’s more personal, you could say. Once you enter your spouse's home with the goods agreed upon and possessions are accounted for, it is considered a union. There aren’t really any marriage rituals besides that.”
“Do you prefer one over the other?”
“I’m not sure. Do you?”
“Your version sounds a lot better.” Kaiba admitted. “I’d rather you just bring all your shit and be done with it. And I wouldn’t have to wear this ridiculous outfit.” he huffs.
“What’s wrong with it?”
“I don’t like being made up by other people. I feel like decoration.” he broods. “An ornament.”
“I think it looks nice on you,” said Atem. “I know you hate this, but you don’t look ridiculous doing it.”
“You don’t have to flatter me because we're married.”
“I know.” Atem peered at his reflection in his cup, ripples scattering. “We do not have to be married for me to speak the truth.”
They eat in silence, Kaiba picking at his plate every so often, nursing a single cup of mead. Atem chews his food slowly. He eats a bit of meat and a mysterious bird-roast that he’d rather not ask about. There was a severe lack of plant-derived foods, only the occasional vegetable with meat dishes could be seen. Atem would miss the lush fruits and the earthy smell of the Nile during Akhet. He would visit eventually. Their kingdoms were already repairing relations, it would not be long before the two could easily traverse back and forth with little political strain. Mahaad and other educated Khemet representatives were to join him, to strengthen the alliance by integrating magic and whatnot.
Atem wasn’t going to be completely alone. He finishes his food, pushing it aside. Kaiba still stiffly waiting for an acceptable time to leave.
“Pardon the interruption, your highnesses.” A female servant approached them. “It’s about time that you are led to your chamber, however, there is no rush”
Kaiba wasted no time pushing himself up from his seat, his cloak following behind in a scintillating trail. He looks over his shoulder, checking to see if Atem had moved.
“Are you coming?” Kaiba asked.
“Oh.”
“We can at least pretend that we’re happily married.” Kaiba grunted. “You should follow me.”
A maid leads them through a hidden corridor. Not secret, but just out of view enough that stragglers wouldn't find themselves wandering into the hallowed newlyweds' quarters. Sweeping arches lined the hallway, curved lengths of alabaster stone. A checkered marble for the floor. The sun hadn’t set, the rich golden hues trickling in through the windows. Servants moved about, dusting fixtures and lighting candles for the evening. A metallic scent lingered in Atem’s nose.
The whole castle had a sort of industrial smell to it that he wasn’t used to. They eventually arrived at the chamber doors, lavish door knockers of silver-plated brass designed in the likeness of a wolf.
The doors were pulled open to reveal an equally impressive bedroom. There was only a single arched window. A velvet couch, a fireplace, and thick drapery encompassing the bed. It was the first time he saw anything the color red in the castle. All the bedding and wallpaper and wood are either a warm mahogany or deep burgundy. A grandfather clock was placed beside the window.
“I bid you a goodnight’s rest, my liege.” And with that, the pair are left to their own devices. Seto doesn’t touch anything, merely surveying with arms folded behind his back. He stops to look out the window to observe the snowfall. Atem runs a hand down the soft curtain of the bed frame. He ruffles a pillow sham, unfamiliar with such bedroom trappings. Atem assumes it would take a lot more to get a good night's rest in this weather. He notices neither of them have made any attempts to get comfortable.
“Now that we’ve pretended, I’ll find another place to sleep,” said Kaiba. He brusquely unclasps his cloak and bundles it in his grasp, leaving only his white suit.
Atem stands over the side of the bed and smooths a wrinkle in the blanket. “Where do you usually sleep?” he asks.
Kaiba shrugged. “Somewhere in the library, or the observatory. It doesn’t matter to me.”
“That sounds a little lonely.” A small frown tugs at Atems lips. You would assume a prince, a crown prince at that, would use the luxuries afforded to him and sleep comfortably, in a proper bedroom chamber.
“Not anymore lonely than sleeping in a bed.”
“I meant for tonight.”
Kaibe looked like he’d been pinched. “I am not sharing a bed with you.” Kaiba hissed.
Atem sighed. “But the tradition-”
“I don’t give a damn about tradition. You’re sounding perverted.”
“The bed could fit six of me, I won’t even get near you. I can even make a wall with the pillows if you like.” He takes a pillow off the bed and holds it out in front of himself.
Kaiba grumbled, let’s out another hmph and looks out the window again.
“Not happening.”
Atem relented, letting him have his way. It’s not that he was too keen on it either. He only wanted to honor the customs. To think they were to meet in a battle of wits and strength, and now they argue about sleeping in the same bed or not.
Atem dropped the pillow and sits down on the bed. “I heard that in your tradition, sometimes there is an audience for the couple's first night together.”
“We also strip for all the townspeople and perform a felliato exhibition”
Atem raised his eyebrows. “Really? I never heard of that tradition.”
“Of course, we don’t do that!” Kaiba snapped. The snowfall outside the window leaves speckled shadows on his form, glowing a luminous white now that the sun has left and there is only the moon’s light.
“The first thing, maybe. Besides, one of the reasons it exists is to have a witness to attest that the child isn’t illegitimate. Obviously, we cannot produce an heir, so there is no point. That doesn’t matter to them though. We are just going through the motions. All of this is purely representative. The wine. The bed. Everything.” He tears away from the window and stops at the room's exit, back leaning on the wall.
“Our duty is to represent a future for our kingdoms, together. I hope we can put the past aside, and at least be friends again. “ Atem said. Kaiba still stood on the opposite side, the downward curve of his face holding a tight, unhappy mouth.
Atem tried to empathize. with him. “This is strange for me as well, you know”
“Hmph, you do a good job of making it strange, all right.”
He placed his hands down on the bed. “I apologize.” said Atem.
Seto cleared his throat and evens himself against the wall. He checks the time on the clock.
“I want you to meet me at dawn. On the outer tower”
That’s...”
“Well?”
He shrugged. “A bit of an odd request,” Atem admitted. “Won’t we just see each other tomorrow at a regular time? Why dawn? Why the outer tower? I should really ask which outer tower, if we want to get technical.”
Kaiba frowned. “So many questions."
“Well, I have a right to know. We should be able to share things like this with each other.”
Kaiba pouted again. “Don’t you know where things are? Surely, you have been toured by my staff and acquainted with the castle.”
Atem shook his head. “No, I’m afraid not. Not to any great extent. I mostly stayed in the guest wing.”
“Such incompetence.” Kaiba grumbled. “I will take it upon myself to make sure you know this place well. This is your home now.”
Atem smoothed down the hem of his robes, giving an affirmative pat to his leg in acknowledgement. “Alright. That is much appreciated.”
“Hmph.”
Atem twirls his thumbs in his lap. “Do we still have to meet at dawn?”
Kaiba fluffed his bangs, brushing the hair out of his eyes. “Yes, because I want to play a game with you. A game I plan to win.”
“Oh, what will it be?”
“Chess.” Kaiba answered.
He nods. “Of course.” Atem hunches his shoulders, fiddling with his gold wrist cuff.
“And you want it to be at dawn because…”
“The world belongs to whoever wakes up early.”
Atem chuckles. “Very well. I shall heed your request. I will meet you there.” Atem flashed a faint smile at Seto.
“But don’t misunderstand me.”
“I won’t” Atem assures. Whatever that meant.
“Goodnight.”
Kaiba then marched out of the room, the sheen of his suit dissipating in the gloomy hallway. Seto is out of sight before Atem can reply.
“Goodnight?” Atem said to no one. There was much else to get used to besides the weather.