A/N: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh or any characters associated with it. I do own my own plot and characters. Please read and review...thank you all in advance...I know this is a short chapter, but seeing as I usually write long I figured I could get away with this. Please read and review!
Chapter 20
"I hope the embassy is prepared for my arrival," Aron growled at his frail assistant. He was cold and cruel, but his looks were breath taking. He was truly a wolf in sheep's clothing. His eyes were a light gray, devoid of the blue his sister was graced with, he had the face of an angel, but, for all his beauty he lacked all human emotion. His light brown hair, which he wore in long layers, curled at the base of his neck. His height and well-built stature made him very intimidating. This new king was a depraved, sadistic demon who put his pleasures over the well being of everyone.
"I took care of the final arrangements yesterday Your Majesty," the girl was tripping over her own feet in an attempt to keep up with his long strides.
"This coming weekend we will have an inauguration party to honor me and my new status. I want the crème de la crème invited, nothing but the best for me." He grinned wickedly. "I only wish my dear old father could attend, have you had any luck locating the old fool?!"
"No Your Majesty sir," she had become more mindful of calling him his title, being backslapped several times brought home the fact that he would have control. "There are still many men attempting to locate him, but at this point they have had no success."
He stopped and turned on her, waiting.
"Your Majesty sir." She finished, cowering before his hard gaze.
He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him, "So, you're finally learning your place, that's a good girl."
He let her go and continued his walk towards the awaiting jet. The same one his sister had used to flee his impending rule. Now he knew where she was. It was time to reclaim his very valuable pawn. Not only could he use her to entice his associates into donating to his causes, she was the only threat to him and Simon. He knew she was capable of taking down his business associates with just a few keystrokes. She had destroyed a few of his allies already.
He had rallied by destroying their father's company. She was so busy with her own affiliations that she left their father vulnerable to attack. Now Robert Mortimer owned the last remnants of father's stronghold. What a waste, she was blessed with beauty, why she had a brain as well he had no idea. He had to protect his place of power, she was the only member of the royal family that offered a challenge, everyone else fled in terror of him. Her fearlessness and defiance infuriated him, she had to be brought down and soon, before she could cause him further turmoil. He smirked when he thought of what her reaction would be when he came face to face with her.
"Any news on that witch I share DNA with?"
"Iolite? Your Majesty Sir?" The small girl asked tentatively.
"Who else would I mean?"
"The last news, Your Majesty sir, was that Seto Kaiba was still off on a business trip and that she is alone at the Kaiba mansion. She is guarded heavily and isn't allowed to leave without armed escort. Your Majesty sir." She dreaded what this monster would do to his sister once he got his hands on her. He had been raging since the day she was discovered missing.
"She's still alone? Have you ever heard of newlyweds separating so soon after they were blissfully married?" He turned on the girl, a cruel twisted smile formed about his lips. "Just think, this will be the last time we share this plane alone, on the return trip you will have another female so you won't be sniveling alone." He raised his hand, as if to strike her, he loved the reaction of her fast blinking eyes and slight duck. She was broken down at this point, he would need a new 'assistant' who was vibrant. Then he could beat her down just like this simpleton.
They boarded the plane and took off for Domino.
Simon was already at the embassy awaiting his brother Aron's arrival. He was almost the spitting image of his brother, except he had light blonde hair, pale sickly blue eyes and a goatee. He was seeing to the invitations being sent to the local dignitaries and social hierarchy. He lingered over one invitation in particular, the one to his sister. He smiled as he slipped the special invite to a private counsel with 'His Majesty-The New King of Valkaria' inside the announcement, he only wished he could be there when she received it. He knew that her greatest fear was the two of them. How would she react when she knew in a few days she'd be before them?
"I take it all of the preparations are commencing?" A familiar voice stirred him from his thoughts.
"Robert Mortimer...it has been a while friend." Simon turned to shake his hand.
"Friend? I didn't realize I was still valued." Mortimer stated flatly. Taking the extended hand in his slippery palm.
Simon looked at the man before him in. He was an average size man in height, a bit pudgy with large jowls and hooded eyes. He was not attractive, from his potbelly to his receded hairline. His hands always felt clammy and the grease he used to slick his few remaining hairs across the top of his head made him look slimy. He knew his sister abhorred Robert, as did most women, the only ones who gave him attention were the ones who were paid handsomely.
"Why would you think you weren't valued?" Simon asked, despite Mortimer's looks and vicious cruelty, his pocketbook was quite attractive.
"You let your sister marry someone else. I have been after her for years and then you go and let her marry Seto Kaiba?" He sneered at Simon, "I hope you will remedy this situation with some speed."
"Aron knows your plight, Iolite will be here for the inaugural ball. Seto Kaiba has abandoned his new bride, so I think she's fairly ripe for the picking." Simon assured the man.
"Let's hope you're right, I would hate to have to demand payment on the promissory note I have from you and your brother. It would be hard for you both to explain where the money you 'borrowed' from me went. I don't think you new 'loyal' subjects will enjoy being taxed because of your, how shall I say this, habits?" Mortimer wasn't the most intelligent man, but he had money oozing out of his pores, it was the only thing he was useful for. He did have a point, the monarchy had sole rulership, but if it dipped too hard into the country's funds the people would revolt. That must not be allowed to happen.
Anarchy, in and of itself, was another reason to get rid of Iolite, the people of the country detested him and his brother, they loved the Princess. She was dangerous on every front, she had to be neutralized.
"I know Aron. He has quite a bit in store for that wandering bitch. She'll learn that she belongs to the monarchy she was born into. She will pay for her desertion and will be forced to make amends to you...my dear friend. How dare she deny you what you have been panting after for all these years. Besides, now she will be even more valuable. Taking something that once belonged to Seto Kaiba will be a major coup for you in the business world. I'm also sure that little shrew has already hacked his system. Wouldn't knowledge of Kaiba Corp. come in handy? Just think of it-Robert Mortimer taking down the likes of CEO Seto Kaiba." Simon fairly beamed at the thought of seeing his baby sister squirm under Mortimer's command.
"You deliver her to me and all debts will be forgiven." Mortimer turned and left the room.
All debts will be forgiven. You can have her, but not for too long Mortimer, she is quite a commodity, I have a feeling this Princess will be able to erase a lot of obligations for us. Espionage comes at a high price, she's one of the best, her price will be colossal. Between her experience with Cathway plus Kaiba Corp. and the hacking knowledge she has her value has a sky high limit. Also, after being used thoroughly, she will be too mentally distraught to be a threat to my brother's and my power. She'll be a mental train wreck who only lives to raid at the bidding of others, as well as share her charms.
A/N: Just a quick set-up here. Hopefully the next chapter will be up soon! Am I being evil not following up the cliffhanger immediately?! I will have the next chapter up this weekend, I think there is a problem with author alerts and all e-mail updates, so just keep checking the 'just in' part of fanfiction for the posting. Hopefully the problem resolves soon. I have stories I'm following and it's frustrating not being alerted to their continuations! (Am I wrong?) As always thanks for any and all reviews!
Frosty: I have no idea if the system is better yet or not. I did receive an author alert from someone on my list, but none from your work. I will keep checking the 'just-in' section to see if you post. I can't wait to see your new baby. I'm attempting another one, but haven't sorted it out enough to post it yet-have to work the bugs out first. I know that Iolite being seductive is a funny thing, seeing as she's usually depicted in shorts, sweatpants, jeans and t-shirts. I never wanted her to be a girly-girl. I think her awkwardness when it comes to seduction would be comical (only going on Mai's advice). I could so see Mai's character being a Samantha too. As for your rambling...I think I ramble too...I love your reviews! Don't change them. Can't wait to read Magnolia!
Solo-girl: She has a lot of explaining to do huh? Well, I'm sorry I'm making you wait a bit longer to see exactly what is going on. I agree with you on his temper, it is vicious, but without it would he be as appealing?
WhitejellO: Thanks for the inspiration...I'm glad you think it worked. I can't wait to write his reactions, I have a few ideas... I'm sorry I was so evil with the cliffhanger, but it worked so well. Ah, Othello...just love William...I guess the next chapter will reveal if it's sugar coated or soaked in vinegar. That's a cool analogy: Othello, destroying the one you love for stupid pride and all because of misunderstandings. If they had just talked about it, it would have worked out flawlessly, but where is the tragedy in that? English comp. has me doing Shakespeare comparisons so you just brought that out in me-sorry! I think Much Ado About Nothing is lighter fare. Maybe I should parallel that one...
Sarah: Sorry you are so opposed to cliffhangers, but they really are cool, keeps your mind wondering. Thanks for the review and I will update this weekend so you won't be in suspense too long I promise!