A/N: I'm baaaaaaaack...nope, don't own Yu-gi-oh anymore now than I did before...Thanks for all the splendid reviews...I'll do my part-writing, and I appreciate you all reviewing (it's the only way I know I'm doing my job well).

Chapter 23

Thursday

Seto Kaiba was enraged when he laid eyes on the man standing before him, adding to his irritation was the fact that Raine was standing beside Ryan. Cold, calculating blue eyes locked on him, in Kaiba's mind, Ryan was an adversary. Could Raine be a traitor?

"How dare you show your face in my presence," Kaiba spat at the man.

Ryan was fuming silently. He quashed the urge to attack the conniving vermin glaring at him. What the hell Iolite saw in this snake he had no idea.

"Trust me Seto Kaiba, I want to be here even less than you want to have me here. If it weren't for Iolite I would simply give up on your sorry, aloof ass and wash my hands of you." Ryan put on an air of superiority, which only served to incense Kaiba further.

"Stay the hell away from my wife!" Kaiba swiftly moved around his desk and attempted to approach the man who was challenging him. Roland quickly appeared at his side, while Raine half-stepped in front of Ryan. Kaiba looked from man to man, not completely understanding what was happening.

"Someone has to stay near her, seeing as you've all but discarded her as so much trash." Ryan spat.

"So," Kaiba's eyes narrowed, "You've decided to what, play nurse maid? Or bed warmer?"

Ryan's lips formed a snarling smile, he had promised Raine and Roland that he would maintain a calm, cool, exterior, but with each insult he was weakening. He wanted nothing more than to wrap his hands around Kaiba's lecherous throat and strangle the life out of him.

"Would you care if I warmed her bed? At the distance you're keeping you'll freeze her heart."

"Once again," Kaiba took an aggressive step forward, "Who the hell do you think you are? She's my wife and my concern! If I catch you near her so help me..."

"You'd never know if I was near her, seeing as you've distanced yourself from her. Why did you marry her anyway? Answer truthfully Seto Kaiba, I have an inside track and if you lie I intend to ruin you in her eyes permanently." There was deadly venom in his voice.

Kaiba weighed the comment. What exactly did Ryan know? Kaiba folded his arms defensively across his chest and glared at Ryan. He was always a skillful tactician, but he was fumbling. He wasn't sure what type of threat was being levied against him. What information did Ryan possess?

"Why do you think?" Kaiba asked sarcastically. He would counter with questions until he was sure what Ryan's angle was.

He smirked at the CEO, he was sure he had rattled his cage. Ryan was about to commit the ultimate sin, so he had to be sure it wasn't just a hunch he had.

"I won't play games, answer me." Ryan remained steadfast.

Kaiba looked at him, no one demanded anything from Seto Kaiba, and now it was time to teach him that lesson. Kaiba took another step forward and noticed both Raine and Roland were closing in. Could they be on Ryan's side?

"I don't give in to demands, especially from a man such as yourself." Kaiba looked down his nose at Ryan.

"Then I'll up the price of poker." Ryan surveyed Kaiba's expression, "you tell me why and I'll tell you how to save her."

Saturday

Iolite surveyed herself in the mirror. She looked her part, the perfect princess. Her dress was made of pure silk in a shade of deep amethyst, which caught subtle flecks of color in her otherwise deep blue eyes. The gown was strapless with a plunging waistline, which produced cascades of fabric, which pooled around her ankles. Mai had pulled her hair into a French twist, releasing only two long curling tendrils to frame either side of her angelic face. How well dressed she was for her own execution.

"Promise me you won't leave Mokuba's side," she reminded Tea once again.

"I promise not to let him out of my sight." Tea knew she and Mai would have to be in charge of keeping Mokuba in the mansion and away from the embassy. Iolite was afraid the small Kaiba would try something rash. Talk had spread through the mansion about her 'situation' and poor Mokuba had heard the gossip. Even though his brother may not care, Iolite knew Mokuba did and because of that she also knew there was a chance for him to place himself in danger.

"Read to him, play games, do anything, but keep him here. Oh, and don't play hide and seek." Iolite tried to joke. She smiled bravely; knowing when she said good-bye to her friends tonight it would be for the last time.

"Hopefully, once I'm gone, Kaiba will come home and life will return to normal here." She closed her eyes tightly as she realized she was spending her last moments of freedom in a place she had once regarded as her prison. How ironic.

"I'm sure things will turn out well," Tea tried, but could barely convince herself let alone her friend.

Iolite smiled at Tea. "I wish I had your optimism, but you have no idea what monsters my brothers are. Once I walk into the embassy, all hope is checked at the door."

"Then why go?" Mai asked.

"I would rather go with dignity. If I don't go I know I'll be dragged away like a child for disobeying my king's edict." She nearly choked on the words.

"To hell with dignity," Mai growled, "I say let him come after you, have him come to your turf. Kaiba Corp. will protect you, what will you prove by walking into the lion's den?!"

"I will keep my pride. I'll walk into the embassy with my head held high. He hasn't won the war, only the first battle." Iolite took a deep ragged breath. She had left Ryan specific instructions on what to do after the night was over. She knew that once she was brought home to Valkaria there would be no way she could continue taking down the companies that needed to be corrupted. Ryan would know what to do and if she could hold off her brothers and their foul allies she could, possibly, escape the fate her brothers had planned. This was plan "Z", and it was a long shot at best. Her personal 'Hail Mary', except this wasn't football...

There was a knock at the bedroom door. Raine entered after she called out an invitation.

"The limo awaits Princess, though I must say I think this is a wretched idea."

"It's out of our hands Raine, tonight my marriage will be declared void due to Kaiba's abandonment and I will be at the mercy of my brothers. Why prolong the inevitable?"

She was almost showing some fear, but quickly hid it behind her royal mask.

"If I don't go tonight, I'm sure they'll show up here in the morning with a deportation order. I don't want that embarrassment in front of Mokuba. Let me do this to spare him, he doesn't need to be exposed to that." Her eyes dropped and Raine's heart broke for her.

"I'm ready." Her resolve was evident in her voice.

"I want to know when she arrives." Aron smirked at his assistant.

"Yes Your Majesty sir," the girls winced. She prayed that iolite would run, that the rumors that her marriage being fake were just Aron was like a shark and Iolite's blood laced the waters. Tonight he would attain his pawn, and with her in his clutches he would gain more momentum and more funding. His eyes glazed over when he thought of Kaiba Corp. being toppled by his little sister. Once Mortimer gained control of the vast corporation the money would flow like water.

He turned his attention back to his meek assistant. "What are you standing around here for?" He growled at her, "shouldn't you be greeting our arriving guests? I wouldn't want our guest of honor to arrive without a proper salutation." The girl stumbled out of the room, terrified of angering her boss. She had outward bruises that spoke of his cruelty, but her mental scars were far worse. Wincing was a way of life, as was being scared of the slightest noise in the dark. She shuddered as she approached the growing crowd of people. She shook her head, not understanding why so many of the idiots in the room turned a blind eye on Aron's maniacal side.

It was an hour into the inaugural ball when a deep hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned to the entrance from the foyer into the main ballroom. She walked in, unescorted, with three guards surrounding her. Raine was at her side, as usual, and two of Kaiba's best security men guarded her back. She was safe, for the moment, but her eyes constantly scanned the room looking for the dangers that lurked within. Somewhere in this holding her brothers were crouching, waiting to pounce on her and tear her apart. Aron was deadly and Simon was in training to be just as evil.

She forced a shudder to end before it began. Regally she sauntered into the room smiling briefly at the few faces she was familiar with, turning a cold shoulder to those who were threats. She lingered in conversation with a few business allies, all of which asked about her boss-Cathway. She also began to notice how no one brought up her new husband, this fact chilled her, it was as if Seto Kaiba's existence wasn't significant. The room began to spin as the realization hit her-these people knew her marriage was a ploy and she would be returning to her role in the monarchy-it had already been decided.

She excused herself and slowly moved towards the balcony, with any luck they were high enough up that a fall, deliberate or not, would cause instant death.

This isn't surrendering, it's merely a retreat and regroup. I have to get a handle on the situation at hand, figure out how to deal with it and then take action. I could go in there and speak of Kaiba as if we really did have a marriage, but without him here it would look fabricated. I could abdicate my title, I'd no longer be a threat if I did that, but it could later be contested if it's done under duress...this is duress...isn't it? It's bad enough that I'm having conversations in my own mind, and now, here I am waiting for answers to questions I'm asking myself.

She was gripping onto the banister so tightly that her knuckles were tuning white. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she tried to pull in a full breath of fresh night air. The crispness didn't comfort like it usually did, the dark seemed an enemy now. Hiding in the shadows was no longer an option, her brothers had ousted her and it was as if a spotlight was cast upon her at this despicably decadent affair. She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice the man sneaking up behind her.

Mortimer could hardly believe his luck when he spotted his prey sneak out onto the balcony without her guards. They had perched themselves at the doors, protecting her from assailants that would follow, but they didn't think of those who were already lying in wait. He watched the fabric of her dress hug her curves, heard her ragged sighs, he could smell her fear and he could feel his excitement growing. Slowly he stalked her, she was so wrapped in her own thoughts that he was able to wrap his arms around her, capturing each of her wrists with his hands.

"Have you missed me my love?" He purred against her ear, she stiffened in his arms, but didn't pull away.

"Get your filthy slimy paws off me you vile monster," she hissed. Screaming would draw unwanted attention and she knew she could handle this menace.

He pressed his hips against her backside as he pulled her closer, careful not to release her hands, he had to keep her as still as possible, he needed no more scars from this lovely creature.

"Soon you will be forced to come to me." His voice rasped against her neck.

"Soon you will become a necrophiliac, humping a corpse because that's about the only way I'd allow your contemptible touch...now I warn you one last time to unhand me...sir." Her voice was threatening, however, he felt he still had the upper hand. Raine was surveying the ballroom and her stupid guards were watching a doorway, she was completely at his mercy.

She finally realized he had no intention of letting go, so she deftly brought her heel down hard on his smallest toes. She used such force she was sure she had at least broken one or two. When he released her and bent to tend to his foot she brought her knee up swiftly, connecting with his nose and mouth roughly, producing and instant spray of blood.

"You bitch!" He garbled as he grabbed for his handkerchief to stop the bleeding.

"Heed my words you troll-the next time you touch me your testicles will pay a dear price and no surgeon will be able to set you to right." She store down at the impish monster who was sniveling at her feet.

"Well, well, well Princess I see you still know how to put up quite a fight." A warm familiar male voice came from behind her. She turned and scrutinized the man now standing before her, it took a second for her lips to go from a snarl to a smile as the blood in her veins thawed.

"And just what are you doing here?" She folded her arms across her chest. She no longer cared about Mortimer, only about him...

A/N: Hey I'm back...sorta. Did you all miss my obsessively quick updates? I still have lots of schoolwork to do, but I'll update my stories as often as I can. Thank you all for reviewing! All of you are too wonderful and I'm soooo inspired by you all! You make me wanna skip the homework and stuff and simply write my life away!

Frosty: I hope everything is fine with you... I hope I didn't rush this chapter, I wanted to get it out there, I've been neglecting this for schoolwork, mostly because I keep doing it the other way around. You know, write stories, neglect term work...I hope I achieved quality. Pregnancy like writing a story...interesting comparison...I think I'll join a convent...jk...I hope you update soon. I know you have a lot going on, but I do miss your stories. Hope you liked this chapter!

Mariks1andonly: thanks as always!

SetoLover: I totally understand...been quite sick and busy myself. Life happens right?! I'm glad I'm challenging you (kinda challenging myself as well with all the twists I'm putting in I'm pulling my hair out!) Hope I can keep it all straight and together! Thanks for reviewing...I've missed ya!

WhitejellO: I love that line too, if I don't say so myself! It was scary...you made perfect sense. Communication would so help here, but communication does not a good drama make.

Kerry does have pipe dreams (he knows what he wants to achieve, but never mentions how he'll get there), he married up TWICE, and my boyfriend has me in stitches saying "That's just wrong..." Kerry's favorite ad line. I get to vote this year, which is cool. Florida is a key state so this should be interesting. Both men are down here constantly. If it isn't one it's the other and if it's not them it's their running mates!!! I HATE GRID LOCK!!! You're right about the troops supporting Bush-if they are willing to die for him and fear Kerry that sure as heck says volumes. Are you planning on pursuing politics, you have such strong views you'd make an awesome campaign manager! I'm a Bush supporter-he had to be President during the darkest time in our history and I think he's done a damn fine job. This coming from a former New Yorker who was there when the Towers fell. Not many Presidents have had to deal with the tragedies he has had to and, he may not smell like roses, but he hasn't wavered either. Ok, now I'm ranting...thanks for the review (as always...love reading your reviews and opinions...) PS- I hardly ever use the word cool...but it so applies to you...

Solo-girl: Phantom on Broadway is an experience like no other. If you ever have the chance to see a Broadway play see that one. Yes movie in December-first in line right here! I decided to make her do the bone breaking, she needs rescuing, but she's not a shrinking violet (I just hate that saying-almost as bad a 'wall-flower'). I couldn't go into too much detail about the meeting, I hate spoiling it all, and I know I could easily do just that. Sorry 'bout the baseball comment I missed. I'm clueless about baseball (only that a local comedian called the Red Sox a cockroach that wouldn't die) I'm a hockey fan myself...

Tenshi: I did follow up her nightmare...he betrayed Iolite's identity to Seto. Iolite in that dream basically changed her mind from Ryan to Seto-unconsciously discovering what her heart wanted and all... He is a good guy, most of the time anyway...

Sarah: I'm glad you liked that chapter, hope this didn't disappoint! Sorry she couldn't show up on his doorstep, but that's what had to happen...all will be revealed soon...

Ayala: (blushes) Awww shucks...thank you so much! I just hope I can keep up the good work in your eyes. I'm so glad you're enjoying the story, thank you for the review and the major ego boost! You're too kind!

SirisAnkh: I'm glad you're hooked...hope I can keep your interest...before I lose my mind trying to keep up with all my plot lines.

Jenny116cn: I can't do mushy fairy tales, I'll leave that to Disney, I prefer roller coasters! Anyway I'm glad you like the story and thank you so very much for reviewing! That's soooo awesome that your friend told you to read this story what flattery! You made my night. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long...