"Enter." The door to Seto's office opened as Joey quickly walked in, closing the door behind him. He said nothing as he walked up to the tidy desk Seto sat behind. Steel blue eyes glance up and a small smirk formed on his lips as Seto sat back in his chair.

"I must admit that I didn't think you would give in so quietly. Not that I gave you much of a choice." Joey gave a slight growled but said nothing. Seto glance back down at the papers he had in front of him and asked, "Was the patrol leader pleased to see you? You've been avoiding them for so long."

The blond huffed as he crossed his arms saying, "That kiss ass is no leader. If he was, I would have been caught long ago. If I had to join, I'm glad it happen like this." Seto hummed saying, "Another surprise, we agree on something."

A hand motioned for the wolf to sit in the chair across from him while he signed a document. Joey obey without a fuss and waited quietly for Seto to look back up at him. The dragon eventually did since he felt it was out of character for the wolf to be so obedient. Joey's brown eyes flicked to the small stack of blank paper and writing tools sitting on the desk, then back to Seto.

Seto's brows furrowed and gave a small nod. Joey spoke as he reached out for the items, "So, how is this going to work? The patrol leader didn't seem to know what to do with me."

"That is because you will be under my direct command and will take orders only from me starting today. There will be no need for you to speak to the other wolves."

"Good to know." Joey pushed the paper towards him and Seto gave it a quick glance. Yugi is here with me. He wants to talk to you. Seto internally groaned saying, "You can wait out side while I deal with this matter. Inform me if any disturbances appear."

Joey stood from his seat then opened his coat to let Yugi fly out from his hiding spot. Yugi swiftly landed on the desk then looked back up at Joey, giving him a reassuring nod. The wolf nodded back and walked out to stand guard. When the door close Seto snapped his fingers just as he had done in the carriage with Persona. "Welcome back little sprite. Is there something you need?"

"First off, my name is Yugi, and second, I don't trust you." Yugi looked up defiantly into the cold blue eyes of the Demon King's cousin. "I want to know why you are helping us."

"You miss understand. I'm not helping you. It is you who is helping me." Yugi rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms saying, "Your King has made it clear that he does not want the maze solved so why are you now letting me solve it?"

Seto leaned back with a sigh. He did not want to do this right now, not when the castle was about to receive a large number of guests that could turn into traders in a moments notice. "As I said last night, that girl believes in your capabilities."

"What does Persona have to do with anything? You know that I've been trying for years to solve this place, so what is it about her that you now change your mind?" Seto stared down at the four inched man staring right back at him not caring whose presence he was in. Yugi had always been one willing to poke the beast if it meant he could get answers, but hard times did teach him when to back off before getting bit. His wings flapped in irritation when Seto walked away from the desk to a shelf filled with scrolls. "Your cousin has no idea that your helping us, right? Persona had mention how he hates it here like the rest of us, but he doesn't do anything about it."

"That is because he can't. He lost his right to go against the maze, but you and Persona can." Yugi watched as Seto set a scroll on the desk and flatted it out. "This will show you where the puzzle in the north is."

"No! I won't do a thing for you till you answer my question about Persona."

Seto rolled his eyes and was in the mood for any resistance. "Don't forget that I- "

"Mai and Persona are hidden!"

Seto blinked at the sprite as his mouth hung open. His eyes flashed dangerously as he bent over Yugi and slammed a hand down near him. Yugi didn't jump away or showed any signs of fear making the giant growl. "What do you mean hidden!"

"You really didn't expect me to just let you hold all of our lives in your hand. Joey and I are willing to hand ourselves over to you but not them. Persona will not be coming back here, not till I know what you and the King want with her."

This was not good. That girl had to come back. When Seto returned last night to the castle after the incident with the trolls Yami seemed desperate to know what had happen to both him and the girl. He had never seen him have that much concern for another person since he lost his humanity and was grateful that the mark prevented him from killing Persona in the carriage. Yami had only calmed when he told him that she was indeed safe and with Mai. He had return just in time before a goblin was sent to check on her and offered to go instead if it would put the king at ease. If she disappeared now there was no telling what the demon would do. "You may hide the girl, but I can find the harpy easily."

"Mai, disbanded her business. She had a backup plan in case she felt things went south. That guard you sent over is watching over an empty building."

"I will end your wolf friend and keep you alive!" He threaten knowing that he was grasping at straws.

"And I will challenge your King!"

The man took a step back as he felt his hold on the rebels loosen. To challenge the King would mean that this sprite, who never set a foot in the east, had solved the puzzle. Or did he? Seto let out a cool laugh as his fist tighten, turning his knuckles white. "You can't be serious. There is no way you could have solved the puzzle."

"And there's no way for you to know that I didn't. The two of you have been careless around Persona, especially the King." Yugi felt a bit of satisfaction as fear filled Seto's eyes. This was the closest he was going to get to revenge. If he could get that same look from the King then that would be even better, he could be contented with the knowledge that the king felt a brief moment of defeat by him.

"She wouldn't...she didn't." Seto told her not to tell anyone, but there was no guarantee that she wouldn't tell Yugi. "She told me she wouldn't let you kill him." Yugi shrugged as he watched Seto sink into the chair. He could kill the sprite now but what if Yugi wasn't the only one with the answer? Would the wolf or the Mai woman take his place out of grief. Would Persona? "And to think my arrogant cousin believed you to be a minor concern." He chuckled lightly then said, "I meant what I said last night about not knowing why I'm doing this. I didn't know till I saw my cousin. I need you to find the exit before he comes to a realization that will undo him."

"And what is that?"

"That he has fallen in love with your human girl, Persona."

Xxx

Persona worked on her dress in her room at the hide out. When Seto left, Mai gathered her girls in the shop and paid them all off. This was the sign that they needed to go to a safer location. Those who did not have lovers or friends Mai sent to another agency she trusted would take good care of them.

Once they were taken care of, Yugi led Mai and Persona out a passage that Mai had hidden in the shop. Joey stayed behind to close the tunnel for good. Years of plotting to leave had made the trio ready to enact almost any emergency plan. Persona went along quietly not wanting to draw anymore attention to herself. She didn't mean for all this to happen and though no one openly blamed her she felt it was her fault. Had she let Mai kill Seto when she had the chance they wouldn't be scrambling for safety. When they got to the hide-out, they all knew that it would only be a matter of time before Seto would search under the maze for them. The best way to throw Seto off would be for Joey to turn himself in to the patrol and for Yugi to go with him.

The bite mark on her shoulder began to itch, but Persona ignored it as she worked. Work was the only thing keeping her calm. Yugi told her that she would not be going back to the castle unless he could be sure that Seto could be trusted. Persona wanted to argue but she couldn't tell him about the promise she made. Her hand slipped as she thought about Yami and pricked her finger with a needle. "Ow."

"Are you alright hon?" Persona turned slightly with the injure finger to her lips and gave Mai a weak smile. "Yes. I was just careless." Mai frowned and walked in with a tray that had a cup of tea and a small jar.

"Here, drink this. It'll help calm your nerves." The girl thanked her and slowly sipped the drink. Mai sat down and opened the jar then pulled down the cloth covering Persona's shoulder. "Mai! What are you doing?"

"This ointment will help with the bite mark." She gently spread the cooling paste over the red area. Persona swallowed nervously as she wondered if Mai knew what the mark meant. The older woman sighed saying "Your lucky it's not a very deep mark. It should disappear in a few days."

"Oh, and what about any effects it may have." She heard Mai close the jar and set it aside. The girl bit her lip anxiously as she heard the woman let out a small sigh. She was worried that Mai would be angry at her, that Yugi would feel hurt and Joey would cast her out. A tear slipped from an eye as the idea of being abandon alarmed and hurt her.

The harpy saw her tear and wiped it away and turned the girls head to face her. "Persona, what have you been keeping from us? From me?"

"Please," Persona whimpered as another sorrowful tear fell, "don't tell Yugi." Mai's lovely eyes darkened and reached for her hands saying, "I won't so just talk to me and don't hold anything back."

The young girl let out a deep breath and told Mai about her time with the Demon King. How she was slowly becoming drawn to him and how he had mistakenly marked her as a potential mate. Mai closed her eyes and sat back in the chair. She should have known something like this was going to happen. Mai thought that the King was just amused with how poorly this girl acted as a professional escort and merely enjoyed her company. He had broken the unspoken rule and fallen for Persona.

"Mai, say something." Purple eyes looked back at the girl with her shoulder still bare, showing her mark. Persona knew what was happening yet still went back and it made Mai wonder, "Persona, do you care for him?"

The girl stiffen and looked away shamefully making the woman sigh again. "Oh honey, he is a demon. A demon who would kill you if he ever found out what you are."

"I know."

"Then why? Why would you keep this from us? If I had known that he was becoming too infatuated with you I would have gone with Joey's idea and figure out a way to get you out of there."

"I didn't think it would go this far. I just found out about the mark last night."

"Persona," The girl looked at the harpy and could see that she was worried for her. "I don't think you should go back anymore. There is still time to get you out."

The girl shook her head and looked down at her feet saying, "Mai, I promised him that I would come back to see him every night." Biting her lower lip, Persona glanced up at the older woman as tears filled her eyes. "I can't break my promise to him."

"You're supposed to be a demon! Demons break their promises all the time! He can't really expect you to keep your word." Persona stared at Mai as she try to think of something to say. Mai use her silence as a chance to get through to her. "You still want to go home, don't you? How can you go home and keep your promise to him?"

"I said that I would be with him till he doesn't want me anymore."

"Well that mark on your shoulder clearly says that he wants you Persona!" The girl stood up and paced the room. "I know. I know. Which is why I'll help you and the others get out and I'll stay here till I can figure this out."

"Persona, you can't be serious." Mai stood up and walked over to the girl and gently grabbed on to her forearms. "Honey listen to me, if you stay you will never see your home again. Any dreams you had would be gone. Family, friends, loved ones, you will never see them again." Persona took a shaky breath and nodded her head. "I know, but at least you three will make it out." She then smile and said cheerfully, "I would be okay knowing that Yugi possibly made it out to those meadows of his and started his family with you and Joey watching over him."

"They will kill you!" Mai shouted as tears fell from her eyes. This all felt too familiar to the harpy as she tried to talk some sense into the young woman. "Well, maybe they won't. It's not like I want to die, so I'll just have to be careful and not get caught again." The girl said lightly as she held the woman's face and wiped her tears. Then for a brief moment Mai saw a different girl standing before her when she saw the same unwavering look in Persona's eyes. More tears fell when she realized that she had again failed to save a friend. Mai had tried to stop the witch Anzu from sacrificing herself and she was failing again with the human Persona.

Mai was about to say something when they both heard the front door open. Mai quickly let go of Persona to fix her face as Persona covered her shoulder.

When they both stepped out of the room, they both saw Yugi and Joey coming in looking tired. "Well, we lived." Joey announced as he set down a bag. "Yugi and I will be leaving tomorrow to the north and then to the other parts of the maze."

"Okay, and what about me and Persona?" Mai asked crossing her arms. Joey looked nervously over to Yugi. The sprite's violet eyes met Persona's and asked to speak to her alone. The girl nodded and walked back into her room. Mai stared after the two worriedly till she felt Joey put a hand on her shoulder. "Mai, I think you should head to your hide-out in the south. Yug and I will meet up with you in a few days."

"But what about Persona?" He shook his head and led her back to his room to talk more with her.

Persona sat cross-legged on her bed and looked down at Yugi. He looked so tired and stress but fought to put a smile on for her. "What do you want to talk about Yugi?" He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply before asking, "Persona, do you love the King?"

She blinked at him then asked for him to repeat his question. "Do you love the King of the Maze?"

"I...don't know." She reply hanging her head then said, "I know that I don't want to kill or hurt him."

Yugi starred at the girl as she hugged her arms to comfort herself. He sighed and asked her to close her eyes for a moment. Persona complied and felt the world around her change. When she opened them, she saw that she was again shrunk down. She looked around her and watched as Yugi walked up to her and sat down across from her. "Yugi?"

"Persona, I talked to Seto to find out what was going on. Why he would want to work with us and the answer was not something I was expecting." The girl's breath hitched as she waited for him to continue. He saw guilt in her eyes and looked away saying, "Turns out he is trying to find the way out before the King gets any ideas on staying here forever."

Persona gawked at him and cried, "But why would he want that! He hates it here."

Yugi scoffed and said, "Possibly because he believes that there could be a future here with a certain someone at his side." His lovely eyes then slid to look over at her making Persona gasp. "But...no, that can't be right. He is just bored and lonely, and we hardly know each other enough- "

"He marked you, right?" Persona subconsciously touched her shoulder and asked, "Seto told you." Yugi nodded and Persona looked down at the blanket underneath her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for this to happen." She heard him sigh again then move closer to her. He cupped her cheeks and moved her face up to his. "Persona, I told Seto that I would challenge the King if he killed Joey and he believed that I had solved the King's puzzle. You have the answer, don't you? Something that he wouldn't want you to say to anyone."

The girl's eyes widen then understood what he was talking about. She was about to ask if he wanted the answer when he said, "Joey and I are going out to solve the other three puzzles that are left in the maze. Seto is giving us two weeks and only two weeks to solve them. Mai will go to the south to stay safe and you..." His eyes moved away from her and Persona finished the sentence for him saying, "I'm going back to the castle to stay there. Am I right."

He closed his eyes and gave a small nod. Persona was about to say something to him when his eyes snapped to hers again. He had a serious look in them that stopped the girl from speaking. "Persona, I don't know what will happen when I solve them all or if I can; but should anything happen while I'm away that would put your life endanger, I want you to challenge the King. If he finds out what you are challenge him. Don't let him kill you."

"Yugi, I can't." The girl said in a low voice. "I can't kill him."

"You won't have to if you can keep your secret from him. Just keep your head down till I get back." He said gently as his fingers rubbed against her cheeks. "Yugi, I...I"

"Either you do it or I will." He said calmly as the girl wilted in his hands. Persona knew that he was not bluffing and her plan to hand herself over as a last resort was never going to work. Still, she was a stubborn as he was. "Yugi, if you do that you will be stuck here. You will be made the new ruler of the maze. You will never see your home again and your promise to Anzu..."

"I know, and I don't care. I can't let him get away with killing two people I care about." Persona put a hand over his and closed her eyes as a few tears spilled out. Yugi smiled sadly at the girl seeing with his own eyes that the girl had indeed fallen in love with the demon. He swallowed bitterly and said with a strain voice, "You know, I think that even if he did find out what you are, he would hesitate to kill you, but don't give him the chance Persona. I need you to promise me that you will fight to stay alive till I get back."

"Yugi- "

"Promise me." The girl closed her eyes and shook her head saying yes to him. He pulled her a tight hug as the girl cried softly. "Humans really are mysterious creatures. Persona if you won't say it out loud then I'll do you a favor and say it for you. You love him. At least you are starting to love him, and I can't fault you for that since he has not done anything to you to earn your disgust."

"Not true. He was an ass-hole to me, remember." Persona choked out in a light laugh.

Yugi smiled at her words and said, "But you forgave him, right." Persona sighed and nodded. He then pushed her back to look her in her eyes once more. "I don't need or want you to shoulder my issues with him. I'll deal with that on my own."

"So, you're not angry with me?" Persona ask gingerly as she tried to look down with her eyes. Yugi sighed and shook his head no. He then kissed her on the cheek and rested his forehead on hers. "I'm not angry with you. I don't know what you see in him but that's my bias opinion." Persona choked out another laugh making him grin. The clock in the sitting room chimed the hour and Yugi breathe out shakily. "You better start packing your things. Seto is expecting you back in two hours. I'll change you back, I hope. Just close your eyes again for me."

"Alright." The girl waited for Yugi to do something when she felt a pair of lips gently press against hers. She took in a deep breath and before she could open her eyes, she felt them leave and her body went back to it's normal size. When her eyes forced themselves open, she looked around for Yugi but saw that he had already left.

Xxx

(Persona POV)

When Yugi left Mai came in to help me pack and to help me get ready to go back to the castle. Joey told her what he knew, and I filled her in on the rest. Knowing that I had one option of defense she felt a tad better about me going to live in the castle for two weeks. As she helped me pack, she made a light joked asking if this what it was like sending a bride off to her new home. Though I smiled at her comment I couldn't help feeling terrified. I told her that it couldn't be since in my time a bride would be happy to go, knowing that a new future laid before her. No, what I would be doing is surviving for two weeks making sure I wasn't discovered. Seto would help but Yami was so unpredictable that I feared that he would do something that would reveal who I was again.

"I wish I had some advice for you. I would say to just keep it friendly, but your too many kisses and a bite mark in to turn this around." She thought out loud as she helped zipped up my dress. "Maybe just stay out of his bedroom?"

I laughed saying, "I not planning on stepping a foot anywhere near there, so that won't be a problem."

"Well, if you dress this modestly every day and night, I'm sure you'll keep his dirty thoughts at bay." I rolled my eyes since I happened to like the outfit I wore. "The idea is not to draw any more attention to me, right. I should just be glad I don't have your sex appeal, or I really wouldn't stand a chance no matter what I wear."

Mai hummed at the compliment as she shrugged her shoulders and said coolly, "Just remember that a hot and bothered demon is not something to take likely, so be on your toes." I nodded to her then turned my head when I heard Joey calling out that it was time to go.

I said my good byes to Mai in the hide-out and set off with Joey and Yugi to meet Seto in a different part of the maze. I had no time to get a new glamour charm and had to use a cloak with a hood, while Yugi's magic hid my scent. When we made it out the tunnel Seto was there with a carriage ready. "About time you three made it." He snapped his fingers and a tall burlap being with black button eyes and a sewn-up mouth walked around the cart and took my things from Joey. The wolf growled at the strange being when it got near me and stepped in front protectively.

"Heel mutt. It's just a voodoo doll. It's not going to harm her." Seto explained rolling his eyes. I put my hand on Joey's shoulder to let him know that it would be alright. He turned around and surprised me by giving me a big hug. "Take care of yourself Persona. Yugi and I will be back for you." I choked back my tears as I felt relieved that he didn't hate me for everything that had happen. "I will, and you be careful too." I whispered back.

He pulled away and Yugi flew up to Seto with the chain of hair he had given me. "This is the item I want you to use." Seto sneered at it and took it from him. He laid it in his palms and I watched as the locks of hair turned to solid gold. "There, this glamor charm won't break so easily."

"Yugi." I watched as the sprite flew back to me holding the last memento of his beloved. Joey raised my right arm and I watched as Yugi slipped it over my wrist. "I told you that I want you to have it." His round face looked back up at me and said firmly, "I'll be back for you both." I nodded at him as he kept a hand on the charm.

"You better look out for her while we're gone dragon!" Joey growled.

"I'll do what I can mutt, now hurry up! There's work to be done at the castle and I can't be gone for too long." Seto opened the door to the carriage. I was about to walk towards him when Yugi flew up to my cheek and kissed it one last time as he whispered to me not to forget my promise to him. "I won't. Be careful out there, Yugi." I said giving him one last look.

When the door snapped shut the cart took off at a fast pace and I prayed that this wouldn't be the last time I see my new friends. Seto grunted making me turn to him, he then said dryly, "I've told the King that it would be better for you to stay at the castle till the ball past and that you agreed."

Giving him a confused look, I said, "But Yugi said that I was supposed to stay there for two weeks."

"Oh, I think you'll give him a reason for staying longer." I glared at the mocking look he gave me and turned away. The only thing I enjoyed about being with Seto was that he didn't feel the need to talk to fill the silence as we rode to the castle. The ride this time felt long and deadlier then my past visits. I thought about what Yugi had said to me and figured that he had to be wrong about me being in love with the King. I cared about him as a friend and nothing more. The kisses were, nice, but whenever I was going to see him, I was always filled with dread. How could there be love when I feared him?

Xxx

The castle was all a buzz getting ready for the arrival of the demon girl. They were also preparing for the ball as well, but it her they where all excited to have stay with them. Seto told the maids to get a guest room ready for her, but since he did not specify which one, they sneakily cleaned out the only bedroom that was connected to the king's living quarters. The queen's chamber. The room had never been in use even when the ruler was female, but they hope that something good would come from her stay.

Every guard polished their armor till it shine and marched with added pride in their steps. This was their chance to impress the girl and make her stay comfortable with them. The servants whispered to each other excitedly as it was reported that the King was in a good mood even with the events of last night. Even now as he worked tirelessly with the elder witches in the seeing room, they could tell that he was ecstatic to have her with him.

The orc guard posted at the watch tower spotted the carriage rapidly approaching the gates and signaled to the rest of the guard that their future queen was here. Seto's brow raised and did Persona's since their arrival was never announced before. Those fools are getting ahead of themselves! The dragon thought as he let out a low growl. "Look girl, the staff have this ridiculous idea of you in their head so be careful around them."

Persona gulped and asked what he meant but the carriage stopped, and the door was pulled open. Seto nodded his head to the side and Persona bent forward to peek outside. Her mouth fell open as both the orc and goblin guards positioned themselves on both sides of the path and stairs leading into the castle.

"They want you to be the new Queen and help keep my cousin here as King." Seto explained then stepped out of the carriage before hearing her protests. He turned and held out his hand to the shock girl who took it with a tight grip. He could feel her fear increasing but was relieved to see her step out with her head held high. The Guards presented their arms and Seto led her into the castle quickly before the girl fainted out of anxiety.

Inside was hardly better as nearly the whole staff was there to greet Persona. All the girl could do was wonder how it came to this? Was all this Yami's doing?

"Seto." The girl said nervously under her breath. He was about to say something to her when a revenant and head of the staff walked up to the pair and gave a low bow. Seto was so irritated with the display of missed guided loyalty that he was ready to rip this servant a new one. "What is going on here?" He snarled. The revenant merely blinked at him and told him that they were given permission by the King to make Persona's stay as comfortable as they could. Seto was ready to snap the revenant's neck when Persona put a hand on Seto's arm and said, "Thank you for the greeting, but I don't want to keep you from your work. I'm merely a guest here."

"My lady, I assure you that it is no trouble. Please do not hesitate to call on us if you need anything."

"Where are those servants going with her things?" Seto growled. "The guest rooms are the other way!"

"My lord, you asked us to prepare a room for her, but neglected to say which one. I only assumed that you meant the room closes to the King's." Both Persona and Seto saw the glinted in the revenant's eye and the both of them inwardly groan.

"Assumed my ass!"

"My Lord- "

"It's fine Lord Seto, we should get started on the lesson before my meeting with the King." The man glared at her then back at the revenant. "Fine." He said through clench teeth and pulled Persona to follow him to his office. He could feel the revenant grinning at them in sickening victory. This was going just as they had hope.

When they were out of sight the revenant huffed then turned to the staff and the guards walking in from the outside. "We all know the plan. We must all help Lord Seto keep that girl's secret till the elder witches find a way to make her a true demon. If we play our cards right, we will have both a Queen and an heir."

Xxx

"Filthy scum! All of them!" Seto roared when he slam the door to his office making the frame shutter. Persona spotted a bottle of wine on a table and went to pour the dragon a glass to help calm him down. "If it's not people trying to solve the maze, it's scheming castle staff! I hope your friend finds the exit soon, cause I'm afraid what will happen if he doesn't."

Persona walked up to him with the cup and he snatched it without a thank you and gulp it down. "I'm sure he will Seto."

"You better hope so or I'm gonna end up walking you down an aisle." Persona gasped and sank into a chair. "Your exaggerating. The King doesn't see me that way. We both know that mark was an accident."

"Oh, no!" He tossed back another glass then said, "Apparently, one of the goblins told him that he should make you his queen and start a line with you! Before I met back up with you at the shop, he asked me last night if being the forever King here would be a bad thing."

Persona was so tired of saying it, but she did it anyhow hoping that it would prove him wrong. "But he hates it here!"

"That's what I told him! The damn fool!" Seto set down the cup nearly making it spill and fell into his own chair behind the desk. He put a hand over his head and took a deep breath. Persona stayed quiet as she let him cool down and gather his thoughts. His blue eyes looked over at her and saw how impassive she was. "I'm surprise that your not more joyful about this. Weren't you falling for him?"

"When did I ever say that?"

"You didn't but I assumed that you cared about him."

"Seto, he is not in love with me. He loves a façade; how can I be joyful. Besides," the girl turned to face him fully to make it clear to him her thoughts on the matter. "I have no intention of marrying him, so no one in this castle is getting what they want from me. I'll play along till Yugi gets back, but once he does, I am leaving this place, exit or no exit."

The man eyes widen at her remark and he let out a harsh laugh then said, "I have forgotten how humans could be even crueler than actual demons. But to be fair, it is his own fault for falling for an escort."

Persona looked away from him as he let out another laugh. How she wished she had never set foot in this cruel place.

xxx

Yami was walking back to his room to change for his dinner with Persona when he saw a group of maids walking out of a room that was near his living quarters. If he remembered right, that was the queen's chambers. His eyes narrowed and stopped the group to ask why they were in there.

"My king, we were told to ready a room for the lady Persona." The maid replied. Yami gawked at her for a moment then asked, "By whose order?"

"Lord Seto, my King." Yami's fist tighten and dismissed them quickly before murdering them. Swallowing hard as he hurried into his room and leaned against the door, he let out a deep breath. His heart beat rapidly in his chest as he tried to bar his thoughts from the suggestive knowledge that she would be sleeping so close to him. He slammed his fist on the door knowing that there was no way that this was Seto's doing. Just last night his cousin had to remind him that he did not want to rule this place and that he had no need for a queen.

This was a mistake. He thought as his head fell to his chest. Why did I agree to let her stay here? I could have just sent a squad to protect her. He knew the girl had too many secrets and he feared what they would be. Lust was a feeling that so short lived and weaken as time went on that he wondered if she could feel something more for him. He reasoned that he could easily be contented with her as a casual companion/lover but feared the next step that his emotions wanted him to take.

He took a steady breath and walked to his bed and crawled onto the plush sheets. The demon felt his face heat up as he thought how a door was all that kept him from seeing her whenever he wanted. Well, maybe not whenever he wanted. He grinned to himself as he thought of what her reaction might be if he just entered her room. He could almost see her eyes fired up and challenging him head on. He bit his lip as he imagined himself pulling her to him and bringing her to his room and pushing her onto his bed and how she would look beneath him with wide eyes and flushed cheeks and-

"Damn it all!" he roared out as he flopped on to his back. No, no, no and no! He screamed in his mind as he hit his forehead with a fisted hand. It was bad enough that he was desiring her company more and more that he refused to let himself get carried away with a fantasy. Why on earth did I make her promise to see me every night! And for me to be her only client! How much am I dropping on this girl! Money wasn't really an issue, but he was looking for reasons to stop seeing her. He didn't want to stop and that was going to be trouble for him. The maze was using him to keep on going and if he had no reason to leave, he'll still be here passed the three centuries he planned for.

No, he needed to stay miserable and not get any cozy ideas on staying. Screw the castle staff and their plans of a royal line. Screw the people of the maze that wanted him to stay so they could abuse the weak that wondered into this hell. And screw the maze itself!

"I hope you burn to the ground." He hissed out. He then heard a door creaked opened and from where the sound came from, he knew it was not the main doors. His head fell to the side and spotted Persona's familiar form. Her beautiful eyes went wide as a light blush dusted her cheeks. She gave a small bow and quickly closed the door. Yami moaned and grab a nearby pillow to cover his face as Persona leaned against the door and wondered what the Universe had against her.

xxx