Chapter One Reviews:
Nightfall2525: The real show starts around chapter 4 or 5 I should have to think.
Chi Yagami: (smile) I'm glad that you're so eager, really, I am. I thought I'd get absolutely no reviews for this fic.
Eve-Of-Misery: I've just realized I've been thinking you're 'Eye-Of-Misery'. Sorry 'bout that. Thanks for the compliment, I like my characters that will only live in this fic too ().
Sailor Tiamat: Tis very promising, mwahahaha! (tear) That's so sweet! I thought the bios were kinda crappy. (oO)
Marin M: YAY! Lol, thanks much!
LoneGothic: Actually when I did the info chapter, I had the first official chapter done already. (sweat drop) But I wanted to see if anyone wanted to listen to what was going to happen.
Rayne B: (Sweat drop) I know, not modest at all, but Mai is a whore! No offense to Mai-lovers, but she is and she dresses like one. Actually when I said 'Mai is a whore', I meant the kind that sell their bodies. They're called whores back then, I should know. I've read enough romance novels to know. I'm sure that I'll get to updating old ones. I'm stuck on a few, like 'Black Widow' and 'The Book'. So don't worry! (smile)
Eden's Chaos: lol, don't be scared. It's not all too freaky. I mean, it does involve some rape scenes, some gore, but mostly seduction and romance, lol. I'll try to be on aim more often.
Bakurasveela: I'll check on your fic 'Polyamorus' and see if I can help any. I hope I can!
Violet: (grin) I'm glad I have you interested! But there's no way out, mwahahaha! Look closely into the spiral:
ArtemisRoseShadow: Wow, you're the second person who's commented on Mai's description, lol. But it was true!
Chapter Two Reviews:
Mystic Darkness: I'm really easing into the story line, so of course youll be seeing fast updates for this fic, lol.
Nightfall2525: Next one to do what? The chapter? Oh well you'll to find out. (grin)
LoneGothic: I agree, Duke should have been beat to a bloody pulp. I should have had him been beaten, lol
Marin M: I intend on keep updating! Yeah!! () Thanks.
Eden's Chaos: Awesome, everybody thinks it's good! I didn't think anyone would update, really.
PrettyStupidGirl: It will be great once we get in the plot completely. Thanks for the compliment, totally glad that you like it—lots.
Chi Yagami: Yes, be a friend of the button. The button is nice, good button! Lol. Maybe Duke has been rolling too many dice. Or to be exact, too less.
Sailor Tiamat: Actually the only reason she backed off was because she was about to tell the magistrate, which controls the law in England pretty much. And to answer your question, no, she isn't going to tell her parents about Duke's ordeal. He's a big boy now, he can deal with it, lol.
DojomistressAmbyChan: Yeah, it's gonna be a little fancy. I only hope not too fancy. I'm a politician, so this fic, plot and setting came of interest to me. And so you know, this is indeed Bakura/Anzu. I was thinking of making it Marik/Anzu at first, but decided to stick to my plan, but no one shall know of that!! Mwahahaha! (cough) Ugh, I think I've talked enough...
DIS: Ok, that's about it, I'm sure. If I missed you, I am very sorry. I just am replying to those I got in an email as right now (sweat drop) Well, here's chapter three! Enjoy!
Note: Monsieur Julian is one of Anzu's best friends. I forgot to add him. I'll give his bio at the end.
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Chapter Three, An agreementBakura tapped his finger on the table, reading the letter he had just recently received. A smile played on his lips.
"What is it now?" Ryou asked, looking up from his book.
"I'm going to be expecting company."
"Oh, that's all?"
"No, you fool! Not that type of company. A different type." He grinned. "An innocent type." He laughed cruelly and Ryou cringed.
"You're horrid." Ryou mumbled, standing up, his thumb holding his place in his book. Bakura stood up as well and smacked the book from him hand, his thumb slipping from the page.
"Yes I am, brother." Bakura laughed as Ryou flipped the pages of the book.
"What a bastard." Ryou muttered when Bakura was gone.
-
Anzu looked at herself in the mirror, brushing her short cinnamon-brown hair.
"Miss! Monsieur Julian is here, shall you like to see him in?" Her maid, Celica asked.
"That won't be necessary, Celica. Tell him he may come here in my room. I have much to discuss with Julian."
"Monsieur Julian." Celica corrected her, wagging her finger at the princess. Anzu sighed, rolling her eyes up to the heavens and mouthed, 'Why?' Celica pursed her lips in that annoying way she did when she was upset. She clucked disapprovingly and left to fetch Julian. When he entered, he gave a grand bow.
"Lady Anzu!" He exclaimed, beaming. "It's been so long since we've seen each other!" Anzu laughed at his exaggeration.
"It has been less than three days, monsieur." She said, grinning at him with a happy, audible air around her.
"Oh ho! I beg pardon, I did not know it was that long!" Anzu laughed and stood up, still in only her nightgown. She crossed the room and she and Julian gave a brief hug.
"I have to talk with you." Anzu told him, her smile disappearing. He cocked his head curiously.
"Where has your most beautiful smile gone to, Anzu?" His eyes scanned her face as thought hoping the corners of her mouth would rise, but they did not.
"This is serious, Julian." She explained gravely.
"Very well, what is it?" She drew away from his ever-so-warm embrace and turned back to her vanity and sat down.
"Duke has gone in debt with gambling." She said finally.
"Yet again? What is so bad about that?"
"It's...different this time."
"Different?" Julian replied, rather shocked. "What ever do you mean, Anzu? Does it...involve you?"
"It always involves me!"
"Then how is it different?" He scowled for the longest moment.
"He gambled at Lord Bakura's casino." She said flatly. Julian paled.
"Good lord, what was your brother thinking?! Wait a minute...Anzu you are not going to help pay off those debts! I forbid it!"
"You forbid it?!" She repeated, aghast. She opened her mouth to say something, but Julian was answered with a stunned silence. He sighed.
"Tell me, why have you told me this, Anzu?"
"I need your help...Duke needs your help." His face hardened.
"I'm not giving the scoundrel anymore money than I already have! He's barely paid that off! He's lucky he isn't in debt with me, because I am less merciless than Bakura."
"Julian," She sighed. "Bakura has allowed Duke to pay in small amounts, but we both know it is hopeless." She turned to her vanity and unclipped a silver chain. "I am going to see Lord Bakura today."
"Oh, that's good, maybe then he'll—WHAT?" He finally registered what she had said. "ANZU! Are you daft, woman? Bakura is a damned rogue and all of England knows it!" Anzu scowled at him.
"Aren't you exaggerating that a bit?" Anzu said, looking at Julian from underneath her lashes. That had always been a flirty look she sent him or men and it always worked. Julian shifted uncomfortably. She smirked. She knew her friend much better than he had anticipated.
"I just don't want you to get hurt." Julian told her calmly. "If anything were to happen to you...Really, I'm not sure what I would do." She smiled and turned to him, standing up.
"I can kick a heavy punch when I feel up to it." She said, flexing her right arm. He laughed and draped an arm around her shoulder.
"Well, if you're so sure, then I can trust you. But if you ever reconsider...Well, you know." Anzu grinned. Oh she knew all right. Instead of talking with Bakura, he'd beat the bloody hell out of him. "I don't want to hurt my friend's brother, but, hey, I'm sure he hates him just as much."
"Brother?"
"Ryou. After and if Bakura ever dies, Ryou inherits his title, money, and casino. If Bakura manages to produce an heir before that that time, then Ryou will have a might time to wait. Though he won't mind."
"You're getting off topic." Anzu informed Julian.
"I do beg pardon, Anzu. Anyway, I'm sure Bakura has quite a few bastards out there."
"Eh?"
"I mean, kids. Just they're not legally the heir or Bakura hasn't sent recognition of them."
"Ah, I see."
"I must leave you now, Lady Anzu." He bowed and kissed her hand. "I expect to hear from you of your...trip. Good day." He bowed one last time, then, throwing on his cloak, left Anzu to get ready for her visit to Lord Bakura's casino, or rather, office.
-
Marik looked up to see who had entered. He was tipping his cup up to drink from it and when he saw who it was, he spurted the rum everywhere. He jumped up and ran over to her.
"What do you think you're doing here?! Don't you—"
"Marik, whoa, slow down." Marik glanced up at his brother, who was at the stairs. "Come on, sweetheart, Bakura's waiting for you upstairs." He jerked his head up to the ceiling. She gulped. "I'll show you up."
"Oh, no, I'll be quite fine."
"I doubt it." Marik grunted glowering at her. Was it obvious he hated her or what?
"Do you mind not getting so close to me?!" She asked, irritated. "You're hovering right by me and I very much hate it." Marik's eyes rounded briefly, before he turned and left, muttering and glaring over his shoulder at her.
"My, my, quite a temper you have there. Come on, it's this way." As they headed for where Bakura was lying like a lion about to pounce, Anzu realized she most likely would not have been able to get to Bakura's "office" without getting lost. By all the twists and turns, Malik proved her wrong.
"Bakura's inside here." Malik said, stopping at two bronze oak doors. "I hope you weren't expecting me to stay and hold your hand." He raised an eyebrow at that.
"No, I—" The doors flung open and shut. A blonde turned and raised an eyebrow at Anzu, then purred at seeing Malik.
"Oh, Mai, did Bakura call upon you?" Malik asked, crossing his arms across his chest.
"Ah, no." She purred seductively. She was all but attempting to seduce him, which annoyed Anzu. They could do whatever, but not in her presence, she would not allow it. "It's a pity that Bakura declined my offer." The professional whore pouted, then looked in Anzu's direction. "I doubt if he declines me he'll want anyone else, I am his favorite after all." Anzu snorted ladylike.
"Come on, Lady Anzu." Malik ushered to her as Mai stalked jauntily down the hall. He threw the doors open and closed them once she was inside.
"Ah, you must be Lady Anzu." She looked over at the male that had been reading in a chair.
"You're not..."
"Oh no, no, I am not. My brother had to deal with yet another problem downstairs in the casino. Please do forgive him."
"Oh, well, for that I shall forgive him for, but other things..." She glanced at the doors. "Well, surely you understand." Ryou gave puzzled look, but nodded nonetheless.
"Oh, I beg pardon, I haven't introduced myself yet." He apologized. "I am Ryou, brother of Bakura and son of..." He gave a quizzical look. "Well, I can't say. Anyway, if you will excuse me. I must retire to the library."
"Oh, Ryou?" She suddenly exclaimed. He blinked.
"Yes, that is my name." She smiled.
"My friend Julian knows you well, does he not?"
"Monsieur Julian?" Ryou asked, halfway correcting her without knowing it.
"Yes, that is him." She said.
"Oh yes, he is a very good friend of mine. He, however, does not like my brother one bit." The doors burst open, causing Anzu to jump. Bakura raised his eyebrows.
"Lady Anzu, you're a bit early." He commented, his eyes flicking to Ryou briefly.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Anzu." Ryou said quickly, kissing her hand briefly bowing and hastily leaving the office. Bakura scowled in his direction but stopped once his brother had disappeared into the library. Bakura shut the doors and rounded over to his desk.
"I suppose that I should be grateful I hadn't accepted Mai's offer." Anzu frowned at him.
"To accept a whore's offer must make you feel dirty, using a human being as an object." That was the most rude, ironic hint that Bakura had ever had thrown at him.
"Ah, you do not like whores as I see it."
"It's apparent you do, m'lord." His eyes flashed over at her.
"Enough. We are not here to discuss what I like and dislike."
"Clearly." He leaned across his desk, resting his chin on his folded hands.
"I don't like the way you're speaking with me, Lady Anzu. Remember, I have authority here, not you."
"I am here to speak with you of my brother." She said sharply, ignoring his last comment. Or at least attempting to.
"Ah, Duke, yes. What an odd name he has. Lord Duke. It sounds as if you're addressing both a lord and duke." Bakura smirked at her furious expression.
"You must lower the debts, Lord Bakura." She said, deciding to get right to the point.
"Lower them?" Bakura said slowly, keeping his calm stature in tact. "Listen woman, only men who can gamble correctly come to my casino. When he first came in, he was winning." His eyes narrowed. "Your brother cheated, Lady Anzu. He brought his own dice and he kept rolling 7's. When I challenged him, he was bitterly reluctant. When we used normal dice, he lost everything. He had betted more than 5 times the money he won and that is a multitudinous money." She was silent.
"He's always cheated and no one ever said anything. He knew he would win." She said softly. "That's no reason not to lower the debt."
"Dammit, woman it is! Nobody cheats in my casino, period." Her lips trembled. She took a deep breath.
"Please, m'lord, he hasn't any pride left and his reputation has been—been...demolished." Bakura tapped his finger on the desk, then smirked.
"I will reduce it by one pound." She stared at him.
"Lord Bakura!" She took a deep breath, attempting to calm herself. "Is there any way I can pay off my debt for my brother?" He rubbed his smooth chin thoughtfully, silent.
Hmm, I will need a wife very soon or my inheritance will go to Ryou. Plus, I'll need an heir. Ah, yes. All I really need is a marriage on the license and then I will keep my money, my casino, everything!
"Actually there is." He replied. She froze, staring at him. "If you marry me than we have a deal, my dear." Anzu reacted fast.
"No! Never!"
"Never? Not even for your dear brother's own sake?"
"Go to hell!" She whipped around and stormed out of his office, slamming the doors. Bakura flinched and heard his brother shout: "BLOODY HELL!"
"'Go to hell', eh?" He grinned. "She'll come back for me, they always do." Bakura relaxed against the chair and slammed his feet on his desk. Marik entered, his face pale.
"Bakura, we have a problem." Marik told him gravely, holding a piece of parchment in his hands.
"What is it?"
-
DIS: (grin) Utter, horrible suspense! Want to know what happens? TOO BAD! You'll have to review and wait until next chapter to find out! And look, the little button down there looks so lonely...Please review and make friends with the button like me and Chi Yagami! (snickers) Till next chapter.
Note: Look below for the bio of Monsieur Julian
Monsieur Julian—Julian is the best friend of both Anzu and Ryou. He hates Bakura, Malik, Marik and especially Lord Yami. He is kind at heart and holds a deep concern for what happens to Anzu. He is currently 21 and is the same stubborn, comical guy that Anzu remembers him to be.
