DIS: I have, at last, returned. I was waiting for some Medieval and Renaissance books that I ordered to get here. (sweat drop) Plus, I was waiting for a costume book so I could get an idea of what the people back then wore. I knew what the women wore, but it was the men I think that troubled me the most. Anyway, review responses.

Angel: You're not the only one who believed it to be confused, though, I'm not certain how it was. (pause) How was it confusing, pray tell?

Eternal Eyes: (o.o) Nope, I haven't read the one-shot. But, knowing you, it probably won't stay a one-shot, lol. I'll check it out as soon as I can.

Cataracta: I'm still learning Latin myself, lol. (U.U) It's a more difficult language than I had anticipated...Oh, and yes, that cannibal ate that horse. If it makes you feel any better, er, he likes human blood better. (O.O) Okay, that might not make you feel better. Reminds me of Hannibal Lector.

DangerousandDemonicDevil: (oO) Perhaps I'll put down a glossary below after every chapter...If I'm not too lazy. But if it makes you feel any better, Bakura isn't saying anything very interesting.

Chained and Torchered: Pegasus and Shadii fighting over Anzu. Two of my favorite characters! I've always been meaning to try a Shadii/Anzu fic, but I've never gotten a good enough plot for it.

P1nk R41n: I'm glad you love all my fics. I noticed you don't have any stories of your own up, do you need any help? I'd love to be of assistance!

Goddess of Dark Magicians: I was wondering where you went, since I hadn't heard from you for so long, lol.

DIS: And now, for the long awaited chapter! (sweat drops) I sincerely hope it is a good one, because let me say this, I have been breaking my back, hunched over my new books that I bought. They cost almost a hundred bucks! And just for five books, too! ( ) But they were helpful, so I should be grateful Anyway, on to the chapter!

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Chapter Eight, Seto's scheme

Vincent Hastings, a humble man of England new that the King was going to be disappointed if he did not attend court. He might not be one of the higher men in England or London for that matter, but he did know that as the Lord of Essex (1), he was still a respected man of court. As he entered the palace of Gloucester, shivering from the cold. (Yes, we jumped ahead a bit to Winter) He was pleased to find that he was not the only one arriving so late. He knew he should have arrived earlier, but really! He, as Lord Essex, was nearly always late. But that was what His Majesty, King George, liked so about him. Because the Lord of Essex made grand entrances and that, to the King's eyes, was what mattered.

X

"Court," Isis told Anzu with a grin fluttering about her rose-colored lips, "is what you need, child. Amidst the people in court with His Majesty, the King, is as safe as it gets!"

"Majesty," Bakura snorted, rolling his eyes.

"Bakura," Isis sighed, "even if you are a Frenchman, scoffing and rolling your eyes at King George is not going to get you anywhere but the Tower." Anzu stiffened at the mention of the Tower.

"I am in foreign land," Bakura told her innocently, tucking a finger in his cravat (2) and smiling, "I don't know the laws any better than a boorish (graceless) Roman."

"It's a wonder that Court can even go on," Anzu admitted to Isis with sad eyes.

"Why do you say that?"

"With the war of the Americas, how can King George think of holding Court like this?"

"Anzu, you are such a worrywart!" Isis waved a hand, dismissing the younger female's concerns. "After all, what does it truly matter? We are safe here in England, while in America, those barbarians are defying our Majesty, King George." Bakura scowled and Anzu looked dubious.

"You think greatly of our king?" They turned and Isis beamed up at Seto, who smiled down at her tenderly.

"Where did you and my brothers get to? I was beginning to worry!"

"Your brothers were flirting with some women of the court," he grunted. "As for myself, I was looking for the Earl of Essex."

"He has not arrived yet?"

"Essex?" Both Bakura and Anzu spoke at the same time. She blushed, glancing at Bakura, who blinked twice, before repeating, "Essex?"

"Yes, Vincent Hastings, Earl of Essex. You do not know him? I'm sure that your father, Duke of York, knew him." Isis raised her eyebrows at Anzu, who bit her lip.

"My father had contact with a man named Vincent, but he was not Earl of Essex then, I presume?"

"No," she smiled, "Vincent was only made Earl of Essex a year ago. He was once Master of the Horse, but someone else was given that job. He, however, did get a horse from His Majesty. And nearly a fortnight later, he was promoted to Earl of Essex and lives on his farmland near where Marik's own tenants are."

"Hm?" Bakura frowned. "Chelmsford, I'm guessing? Why is Marik here, then?"

"Oh, you know him," she rolled her eyes. "Always likes to put things off until the very last minute, that brother of mine."

"Humph," Seto snorted. He knew Marik well enough and there was only a few minor things that Marik Ishtar put off. The Earl of Huntingdon frowned, watching as the said brother of his fiancée twirled on the floor with a blonde. She laughed at something he said and he scowled, glancing behind him at Anzu and Isis and the Frenchman who so adored the Lady of York. He uttered an oath, resenting both Bakura and Marik at that moment. They were going to ruin his marriage with Isis this way, especially the way she devoted herself so lovingly towards Anzu. If she was unhappy, Isis was unhappy. And that unhappiness was going to be brought on by one of the blackguards that were contesting (competing) against each other.

He sighed, frowning, then spotted the Earl of Essex enter grandly. Many people turned and His Majesty, King George, beamed at the entrance. For some reason, haughty entrances seemed to impress the king. Suddenly, an idea popped into Seto's head and he went through it with a fine-toothed comb and he smirked. The Earl of Essex was not unhandsome. In fact, though he had seen thirty and six summers, the male was forcibly attracted.

That's it! Seto exclaimed joyously in his mind. The Earl of Essex, old though he is, may just be the man for Anzu. Bakura is most obviously a scalawag (rogue) and isn't to be trusted and as for Marik, well, I might as well say it. He's a damnable slut. He pondered on the thought, then came up with an alternative. Of course, if the Earl of Essex does not find Anzu appealing – though I don't see why he would – I could always somehow make something build between Malik and Anzu. A fine couple, as well.

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He saw her standing with the Earl of Huntingdon, talking with his fiancée. Oh, how lovely, he thought sarcastically. She is here as well. But perhaps that will be good for me. If I can somehow dispense of her soon, then the Mazaki family of York shall be done forever. Hahaha!

X

Lord North wrenched his eyes from the young female of York (Anzu) that he had been watching warily for the last fifteen minutes and glanced down to see Vincent Hastings kneeling at the king's feet. He frowned, staring down his long, pointed nose at the elderly male, who rose with a tantalizing smile filled with charm just for the king, who was beaming.

Why, Lord North thought with a mental scowl, does my lord favor that pigheaded idiot? After all, he doesn't even live up to his title. All he does is sit on his farm and stay at peace. The nerve of him, I swear! I don't sit at my farm and do nothing. Humph.

"Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to once again be at court with the most gracious host," Vincent murmured, his dark eyes glinting teasingly. The effect they had on Lord North was much different than the effect they had on his lord. They bedeviled the right-hand man of the king and he wanted to box the man's ears for such insolence. The man, who had only been the kings Master of Horse was as contemptuous as a whore on duty.

"It's good to see you again, Vincent. I hope you enjoy the festivities. Perhaps this year you shall find a wife," he winked at Vincent Hastings and the latter rewarded the king with the same charming, audacious smile.

"We shall see, Your Majesty, won't we?"

"Indeed. Now, go! Enjoy the gaiety!" Vincent backed away, bowing once, twice, then turned and escaped into the crowds.

"He is always late," Lord North muttered, arching his back, a small crack sounding, unheard to the king beside him.

"Oh, don't be so dour (strict), Frederick ," the king told him, smiling gaily. "He is always late and the way he enters does so amuse me."

Amuse you. You are so daft, my lord. Frederick North thought, frowning in the midst of all the jubilation.

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"My lord of Huntingdon," Vincent greeted, bowing as Seto did as well.

"There is a matter I wish to discuss with you, Vincent."

"God's blood, man, you sound grim!" The older male exclaimed, his eyes shooting wide. "What is it that makes you so?"

"My fiancée," Seto sighed. "Well, not precisely her. It's her companion."

"Companion?"

"You have heard of the late Lady and Lords of York?"

"Oh, yes. What of it?"

"There is yet one Lady left. The Lady Anzu Mazaki."

"Is that your fiancée's companion, chap?"

"It is."

"And?"

"If she is upset, Isis will be upset."

"...Yes? Go on."

"The Viscount of Chelmsford and Earl of Canterbury seek Anzu out. Well, Bakura does, I am sure of that."

"Yes, indeed. Chelmsford if Isis' brother, am I not correct?"

"You are."

"Hm..."

"And he's flirting, courting, wooing and bedding women constantly."

"Bakura," Vincent murmured, leaning forward a bit towards Seto, "I've heard has kept from women for the last couple months. They say he intends to marry the Lady of York, Anzu Mazaki. It would be a good marriage, for if this murderer is still after her, then he will be able to protect her, no?" He drew away from Seto as he frowned.

"But Bakura is as much of a rogue as Marik."

"True," the Earl of Essex nodded, "but really, my lord," he raised his eyebrows, "if it what she wishes..."

"If Anzu is left on the streets like many women Bakura has bedded and is ruined just like them, then Isis will fall into depression for the girl and I don't need that."

"You will go to such lengths to keep your love from harm, Seto?" Vincent asked, a smirk beginning on his lips.

"I would."

"Well, that is something!" He grinned. "So, why are you telling me this?"

"I want you to seduce Anzu."

"I dare say you've gone mad, man! I am just as bad as Bakura, except I am older and I do not know the lass (3) as you well know."

"If she appealed to you, if you found her very likable, would you bed and marry her?" Vincent stared at him, appalled.

"I will...consider it, my lord of Huntingdon, but I cannot promise anything."

"Don't, for there is an alternative after you if you do not agree. I shall speak to him tonight."

"Hm...Very well. I shall call upon you for my answer when it is decided." Seto nodded and returned to Isis.

X

Marik frowned at his sister, who was arguing with Bakura about something. He noticed that Anzu was gone and that Seto was as well.

Scratch that, he thought to himself as Seto approached them, coming from the Earl of Essex. And just what were you discussing with that jackass? He shrugged it off and peered in the crowds, wondering if Anzu might be dancing with someone.

"Ma petite is with Malik," a voice spoke in his ear and he turned to see that Bakura had abandoned the discussion with Isis after she had started to beam and hug Seto in enthusiasm. Hearing the swish of skirts, he knew that the couple had exited onto the dance floor.

"Since when is she your darling?" Marik asked, his brows crinkling down.

"Since you nearly made love to that slutty blonde on the floor," the Frenchman replied, malice lacing his tone, though elegantly and carefully. Marik glared at him, but didn't deny the accusation.

"What's your point? You do it too."

"I did it at one point." He smirked. "But, I have cut myself off from that, for I shall soon be married."

"Oh? Is it official, you cavalier ass?" Bakura's smirk was wiped away at being called arrogant (cavalier) to his face.

"No, but I assure you that she would no doubt prefer me, since I am making an effort not to flash myself around with a different woman every time."

"You did before you met her!" (4)

"It doesn't what I once did, because I am doing it no longer."

"...Not using French, hmm? How would you feel if I told Anzu of your little escapade in Scotland or wherever the hell you were?"

"The more she knows, the better," was Bakura's simple reply.

"Damn you, Bakura, what do you see in her?" Marik exploded, but thankfully, no one was near enough to hear. The Frenchman merely glowered at him from the corner of his eye.

"There you are, Marik," Malik commented, coming up with Anzu. "Where've you been? One minute you were right beside me, then gone."

"He was dancing," Bakura replied, taking Anzu's hand. "As I shall be with the most loveliest woman in London, how lucky am I?"

"Bakura, you are going to be the cause of my death, mark my words," Anzu remarked, forgetting about her earlier worries. "I'll be flattered enough to lay down in embarrassment!"

"I embarrass you?" Marik growled, shooting a dark look at Bakura, who he had once considered a friend.

I should have killed that French bastard when I had the chance. Marik thought bitterly.

"Excuse me." They all turned to see the Earl of Essex, which made Marik's fury rise at seeing the "jackass" as he had called him. "I hope I'm not intruding, but...May I take your hand for this dance, milady?" Bakura blinked once, twice, then smiled, regaining his composure.

"You don't mind, do you, Bakura?" Anzu asked him, almost staring at Vincent Hastings.

"No," he gave gracious bow, "she is all yours, my friend." As the two departed onto the floor, Bakura muttered, "You incarnation of Satin, fiend of nine hells, bastard of a spiteful father, the king's man-whore." The two Ishtar brothers stared at him in shock as he spat more lewd (obscene, vulgar) insults at the Earl of Essex.

"What's gotten into you, Bakura?" Malik queried when he had finished his furious tirade (name-calling). "Do you even know the guy?"

"Not formally, no," Bakura huffed, "but I still hate that co– "

"I think we've heard all we can handle."

"Humph...I still hate him."

"You've made that quite apparent, Bakura," Marik told him, his eyebrows raised. "Though I don't blame you. I resent the bastard just as much."

"Don't you think it's odd that he's dancing with her now? Anzu seemed confounded." Malik commented questionably.

"I think she was in awe, if anything." His brother replied.

"Damn him, I bet he's a Protestant (5)." Bakura seethed.

"You are feeling just bitter today, aren't you little guy?"

"Little guy?" Bakura glared at Marik, who smirked. Malik sighed as the two started to swear at each other.

X

Seto grinned in triumph, seeing Anzu and Vincent spin to a ballad. Oh, yes, by the look on Anzu' s face, she thought him quite acceptable. And as for Vincent...Well, Seto wasn't so sure what the Earl of Essex felt.

"Seto, you keep stepping on my feet," Isis whined.

Oh God do I feel like a fool, he thought, feeling his face burn and Isis pull him to the side, nursing her feet that he had clomped on like an ogre. A really big fool...

X

DIS: You might think that this is going no where, but as you noticed, I introduced three new characters: King George III, Lord Frederick North, and the Earl of Essex, Vincent Hastings. Now, one of these guys is the killer...er...cannibal. So, take a guess at who it is! I might even tell you if you're right. Please review and I hope you enjoyed this. Next update should be faster, adieu!