A/N: No ownership here of anything Yu-gi-oh or related. I do own my characters though, as well as my plots.

Chapter 9

Home, Hell, Home

During the drive, in the limo, to her Mother's cottage, the mood was light. Mokuba kept pointing things out and asking questions, while Seto scowled. Iolite gave a short lesson on the history of the country and explained important landmarks. She was smiling and gushing about everything. Even though her brothers had betrayed her, her country never had. She leaned across Seto and showed Mokuba the fountain she had played in as a child.

"You were allowed out of the castle unguarded?" Mokuba asked, with wide eyes, thinking of all the times he had been kidnapped.

"The Princess never listened to anyone, and could escape the best guards." Raine interjected.

"You will be staying under lock and key and not trying anything Iolite." Seto's eyes bore into her eyes. He couldn't stand the thought of something happening to her. "Like I said, if any of your family starts trouble we're leaving, no arguments. I'm keeping my family safe." He looked out the window towards the fountain and thought of a blonde-haired, pixie child dancing in the waters. Her life had been carefree while her mother was alive, and when her Dad was around, but she was subjected to horrors much like his own. He almost felt a kindred spirit to her. She was his now, and no more terrors would affect her. She would have happiness, he would see to it.

"Are we almost there yet?" Mokuba was bouncing around the limo like a kid on a sugar high.

"Almost," Iolite sighed as she settled next to Seto. Their bodies touched at the shoulders and legs, but they didn't participate in handholding. He didn't believe in outward signs of affection like that. He had danced with her, she smiled to herself, and they were making progress.

"I've never been to a cottage before." Mokuba went from window to window, watching as the countryside slid past.

Raine rolled his eyes; obviously, the boy had no idea what royalty referred to as a 'cottage'. Slowly they turned up a drive to huge rod iron gates that had to have been fifteen feet high, held by brick pillars. The gates were open and the limo drove through. The car followed a long winding path through a huge pasture surrounded by trees and rolling hills. In the distance a large mansion came into view, it was enormous. A smile, one Seto had never seen before, graced Iolite's lips. A sparkle lit her blue-violet eyes and a warm flush caressed her cheeks.

"This is my Mom's home. I mean, the castle was her home, but this was where her heart was." Raine leaned forward and squeezed Iolite's hand in his. It had been a long time since they had been here. It had been a long time since he had been here with Alexandra. She had been so carefree in her youth; her marriage had beaten her down, but never broke her. It was fitting that Iolite was here to bring light back to the darkened halls. He smiled over towards Mokuba, whose eyes were as big as saucers. The small boy would be a help in that as well.

Raine's only wish was that Edward wouldn't join them; unfortunately, he knew the man was here. All would be well though, Edward said Iolite's Aunt was there. Seeing Meggie would be a pleasure.

They pulled up as Mokuba threw the door open to race out of a still, moving limo. Seto raced after him, grabbing him by the back of the shirt.

"Did you want to end up seeing the hospital the first day?" Seto growled.

"I'm sorry big brother, it's just that it's so big and exciting, nothing like what I was expecting!" There were huge water fountains, rows of statues and flowers everywhere in every shade and shape. The staff of the 'cottage' was lined up outside awaiting their arrival.

"Bessy!" Iolite cried out as she ran to one of the staff, throwing her arms around the elderly woman. "It feels like forever," Iolite gushed as the old woman gave her a ferocious hug, tears trickling down her cheeks.

"Oh Miss…we were all so worried about you! We heard what Simon and Aron were up to and we were so afraid for your safety. Thank God you're safe and sound!" She held Iolite away for a moment, to make sure she was really there, then crushed her back again. Iolite smiled broadly and hugged her back again.

Finally, she disentangled herself from the woman and looked at everyone.

"It feels so good to be home," she whispered. Slowly she walked over to her scowling husband and took his arm. "I want to introduce you to everyone."

Slowly he met each of her staff. He was amazed at how she knew everyone and their families, down to the names of their animals. She really cared for all of them, and he could see how they adored her. Suddenly, in the doorway stood her father, Kaiba cringed at the vision. On his side was a man, Iolite's hand grasped Seto's arm tighter. He didn't know if she even realized it. He slid his hand over hers as a comfort.

Edward and the man approached. "I see you have introduced your," Edward looked Seto up and down, "husband to the staff. This," Edward stepped aside, letting the man next to him be seen, "is Uther, the head of the household."

"But Father, what happened to Ian?" Iolite asked.

"When I got here I thought he was being too slack on the staff, so I demoted him. He's now a pantry butler, right now he's organizing spoons or something."

Iolite cringed; she would fix this post haste. She had always hated Uther; he had seemed to constantly take the side of her brothers' against her. Then again, he was her father's servant, not Aron or Simon's.

Seto pushed Iolite behind him. It was a protective move, she was his wife and he was getting more incensed.

"Perhaps your things should be taken to your rooms." Uther smiled.

Several servants unpacked the cars and carried the bags into the huge double doors.

Mokuba disappeared into the mansion as Iolite giggled. He was so excited about this whole trip; she couldn't wait to take him to the stables.

"You're panicking," Seto murmured against the shell of her ear. "Nothing is going to happen, here or anywhere to you. What's mine I keep safe."

She felt a slight shiver go down her spine, he made her feel safe, but like property, just the same. They walked up the steps together and into the main hall. The place was decadently huge, chandeliers on a grand scale, a fireplace that several people could stand in, oak floors had been shined to a glass surface, windows adorned the room, and everywhere rare antiques sat, unaware that time had passed.

Iolite took a deep breath; it was all coming back to her now. The last time she was here. She had spent most of her time on these grounds, before she left for Japan. It was getting too dangerous to be in the castle and she just needed to be kept safe. Here was safe. It now felt even safer with Seto by her side. Slowly, she walked around the room smiling at everything. It was as if she had just stepped back in time. A million things had changed her as a person, but here time stood still. Uther came in and cleared his throat. Iolite regarded him with fearful eyes, why did her father hire a man that had worked in the castle? He had worked for Aron and Simon for a time, and he never really did like her. Why have him in her home?

"Yes, Uther?" She asked, trying to calm her voice. The urge to bolt was there again. Stupid nerves. This was her home and she would be damned before she was made to feel out of place. She had gone soft in the Kaiba mansion. There, there was no fear. No monsters lurking around corners, no one could harm her or come after her. She had begun sleeping through the night, curled up in Seto's arms. There was no need to move through the shadows, using stealth she had mastered, she even stopped training with Raine. Her life had become…normal. Here, there was no normal. Too many predators.

"Your things are in your suite, your Highness. I placed Mr. Kaiba's in his, as per your Father's orders." Uther turned to leave the room.

"What do you mean in Mr. Kaiba's room?" Iolite asked.

"It wouldn't be seemly for you to share the same room. Your mother never stayed in the same room as your father when they stayed here, your Highness. It is just the way things are done." He left the room, leaving a stunned Iolite to ponder that information.

Not sleeping with her husband? She didn't think that would be possible, especially not here. As safe as she felt being around her mother's belongings, she did not feel safe here in Valkaria. Seto's presence was vital; she began fiddling with her hair, knotting it almost immediately.

She turned on her heel and raced quickly up the steps.

"There you are my dear," came the trilling voice of her Aunt, not Margaurite, but her father's sister-Gertrude. Following on the witch's heels was her cousin Tatiana. Great, things were getting better and better. Here she was, trapped at the top of the stairs with women she was never good enough for, years of intimidation flooded back to her.

For years she was compared to the amazing Tatiana, and always came up short. Funny how here they were here now, probably to torture her for her homecoming. Still, she promised Seto that if she couldn't get along they would leave. She didn't want to leave. She would hold her tongue, as if she was going to be given a choice. She was taught how to respect her elders and her Aunt was no exception. She had to get along to please her father and prove she was a lady now. Failure in that was not an option.

"Oh tsk tsk…running up the stairs dear? That is rude behavior, wouldn't you say?" It was rhetorical. "Then again, being brought up by men is to blame for that. It is such a shame that you didn't have the proper upbringing dear. You look and act like such a boy. Let me see your hands…" Her Aunt said sternly as she held out her palms, requesting Iolite's hands. "I swear, do you dig in the ground like commoners still? It is too bad that you are such a child and no woman has influenced you. Always said bringing you up with boys was a bad idea." Quickly, the woman shuffled her daughter to stand before Iolite. Tatiana was everything Iolite wasn't. Finest boarding school, manicured nails, perfect hair and make-up, perfectly mannered lady, gentle and sweet. Iolite felt like a stupid kid, next to the regal woman before her.

"You see Tatiana is a young lady. She is skilled in the arts and I think some time together would do you a world of good. Maybe between the two of us we can teach you a few manners."

"Yes ma'am," Iolite meekly answered, feeling tears stinging behind her eyes. Suddenly, she craved home, and this was no longer home.

"We'll start with your wardrobe and work up from there. Why do you insist on wearing these ghastly pants? Ladies wear skirts and dresses. Oh dear," she turned to her daughter, "we do have our work cut out for us."

"I have to be excused, I must find my husband." Iolite tried to push past the two.

"I heard about your nuptials. I am curious to see what type of man could marry a woman who was lacking in so many ways." She held her fingers over her mouth and shook her head slowly. "I mean-look at you, you're such a naive child dear. How can you be expected to be a wife?" Tatiana shook her head in distaste as well.

"I must go, excuse me." She pushed passed the two, but managed to over hear how bad her manners were, and how much of a child she still was. Least she not forget what a disappointment she was to the crown. By the time she approached her suite hot tears were streaming down her face. This was supposed to be an adventure! It was a nightmare!

Before she could open her door her father approached. "Why the tears?" He asked with concern.

"You said Aunt Margaurite was coming…not Gertrude! She hates me father. She thinks I can do nothing right. I bet she thinks I'm too slow to even being competent. I also think she believes I'm more like a boy than a girl!"

"Now dear, I know she can be a bit harsh, but she has always had your best interest at heart. If she is giving advice I think you should take it, my heart. She loves you and look how well Tatiana grew up. Now, clean yourself up and join us for tea." He opened her door and closed it behind her.

Iolite threw herself on the bed as torrents of tears surged from her. This was her mother's room, her home, her country and she felt like an outsider who belong here as much as a fish belonged out of water. A soft rap on the door caught her attention.

"Go away!" She yelled, burying her head back down. No luck, Raine entered. He frowned as he watched her sob.

"I guess you ran into the witch?" Raine asked.

"I thought…it…it w-would be Aunt Meggie!" More sobs shook her.

Raine approached her bed and sat beside her. "You're better than a thousand of her or her 'mini-me' daughter. You're real-they are fake. They aren't worth one of your tears, Princess." Iolite sat up and sniffled. Raine grabbed a few tissues from the box and wiped her tears, then handed her another. "Come on, you know better than this. We have been traveling and you're exhausted. Where is Mr. Kaiba?"

"I don't know, Uther said he had to sleep in another area of the house, father said so."

Raine chuckled; she looked up at him with red-rimmed eyes. "I doubt that will happen if I know your husband."

"Where is your back bone child?" He asked, tilting her chin up. He quirked his eyebrow, "you were never this emotional and I hate thinking that old bitty got to you."

"Do you think Seto thinks I'm too much like a boy?" Iolite whispered.

"You a boy?" Raine laughed at that, she never quite understood her own looks. "If you shaved your head, dressed like Mokuba and never wore a stitch of make-up again, he would know you were all woman."

She wiped at another tear. "Did you see Tatiana? She looks gorgeous, all prim and proper. Then, here's me, looking like some tomboy who never polishes my nails…" She looked down at the stubby mess, it wasn't hat they were dirty, just short. She gardened, did chores and typed-nails would get in her way.

Seto finally decided to step from the shadows. He had heard her Aunt's little nasty remarks and now wanted to voice his own opinion.

"I prefer a woman who can organize my staff, raid companies, slide across floors with my brother, climb down trellises, aggravate me to exhaustion and then, well…" A familiar smirk graced Seto's face as he now was fully in the room.

"How long have you been standing there?" Iolite asked as she hiccupped a soft sob.

"Long enough to know that Raine is the right man for his job." Seto looked at Raine.

"I think you can handle things from here Sir. Would you like me to have you things delivered to this room?" Raine offered.

"Already being taken care of." Seto dismissed Raine with a wave of his hand.

"Thank you Raine…" Iolite smiled at him, right before another tear escaped her eye.

"I was only truthing Princess, as Master Mokuba would say."

Suddenly she and Seto were alone. He sat next to her on the bed and wiped her tear with his finger.

"I am just about ready to end this trip. I won't have you crying over your stupid family. They aren't worth it."

Mokuba chose that moment to come tearing into the room. "This place is awesome, it's so big! Bessy said that this place is full of hidden doorways and secret passages!"

"I want your word you won't go exploring Mokuba." Iolite interjected. "Those passages are far too winding and steep in places. It's like one big maze and I won't have you getting lost or worse in there. No one has used them in years ok." Mokuba looked like she had just burst his bubble. He looked up at her, "well, then can we go riding?"

"Of course, but I think it's almost time for dinner now, why don't you clean up?" Iolite ruffled his hair. Off he ran, yelling that he would meet them down in the dining room.

Seto looked at Iolite, "wash your face, don't give them the satisfaction. Hell, you'd never give me the satisfaction of getting to you, now would you?" He stood and looked at her with a cold expression. She had to toughen up, her Aunt was a shark, and her daughter was no better. His stay here would last as long as his patience held out-at this rate they'd leave before dessert. No one made his wife cry, except for him. He never did it with intention to hurt her, in fact, he hated when he did it.

Iolite slid off the bed and stood, taking in a deep, cleansing breath and exhaling slowly. Why Gertrude was here, she had no clue. "Seto?" She called before he reached the door.

"Yes," he turned to look at her, why did it cause him to ache to see her in such disarray? Her tears actually had affected him, he was angry at that bitch Gertrude for doing it. He wanted to console Iolite, but had no idea how. She was his to console, he slowly realized.

"At dinner could you…" She tried searching for what she needed to say.

"Tell your Aunt off? Gladly…" He offered casually. She giggled; he never practiced the art of being subtle. However, that wasn't what she was going for. She smiled at him, meeting the blue eyes that haunted her sleeping and waking moments.

"I was thinking more along the lines of…paying attention to me." She bit her lip as her eyes left his and began searching the room futilely. "You always barricade yourself behind a paper and if my Aunt sees your non-interest, she'd think I was even more inadequate than I already am. Please, Seto."

He watched her stance with interest. She felt inadequate? His paper reading caused it? It was simply a habit he never chose to break, she never asked him to before. The truth was that she was more than adequate for him. Stupid bitch downstairs, in the lapse of two minutes, had shot down Iolite's self-esteem. He couldn't understand why. How could this woman, his wife, lay a man out in two heartbeats, with the sharpest tongue and quickest wit, yet cower before a woman who was greatly deficient in manners, looks and intelligence?

"You will have my rapt attention Iolite." He smirked; she never seemed to realize that she always did.

"I'm not joking Seto." She implored.

In a few quick strides he had her in his arms, kissing the breath from her. Her hands immediately tangled in his hair as she sighed against his lips. His hands slipped beneath the back of her shirt to stroke the soft skin of her lower back. Softly and slowly their mouths danced to a familiar rhythm they had engaged in many times before. The taste of peaches stirred in his mouth, while coffee mingled in hers. She pressed tighter against him as his hands slid to her hips, tugging her closer, to prove his appreciation.

"I think dinner might be an unnecessary evil." He growled against her ear, as his mouth slowly devoured her neck, trailing hot kisses to the hollow of her throat. Leaning her head back she moaned, he could affect her with the slightest touch.

"We could have dinner brought here," he continued to kiss her, her eyes closing. "I could shower you with attentiveness." His tongue stroked over her ear, eliciting a shiver.

One of his arms slipped around her waist, tugging her closer while the other stroked the back of her neck. "Do you even understand…?" He murmured.

She buried her face in his neck, breathing in his warm scent. "I love you Seto." She nuzzled against his skin, as he pulled her into a sweet hug. She was making him soft, he knew it, then again, he was beginning to rely on her strength-which was a scary thought. Especially now that her strength was in question. He would have to rise to the occasion and protect her from that shrew.

"We have to go to dinner Seto. If we don't show they would all know what we were doing." She could barely speak. His lips were grazing her collarbone and moving back to her throat and neck.

"I don't care," he grumbled, as he continued his assault on her skin. How did she manage to taste so damn good at all times?

"Oh please Seto," she tried to struggle, but really had no urge to stop him. His mouth caught hers more passionately this time. Some of the gentleness was gone. The desire was getting more ferocious.

A hard knock caused Iolite to tear her mouth from Seto's.

"Yes?" She called out.

"Why is your door locked?" Her father's voice boomed in.

"Damn," Seto whispered, as their foreheads rested against one another. They were panting softly, still very aroused in one another.

Iolite broke away and walked to the door. She unlocked it and then looked at her Dad.

"It's time for dinner, why was your door locked?" Edward stormed in, upon seeing Seto his eyes narrowed. "What is he doing in here? This is not proper behavior for a woman, having a man in her room behind a locked door."

"Father!" Iolite yelled sharply. "Seto Kaiba is my husband! The door was locked to insure our privacy. I'm an adult now and a wife. What I chose to do behind my own LOCKED door is my business as well as Seto's. It is none of your concern! If you are attempting to meddle I warn you now-back off. My marriage is off limits!" She was furious.

Seto smirked, now this hellcat was his wife, no sniveling going on here. He had missed her.

"But dear," Edward tried to soothe. "This is how marriage works…"

"Not my marriage! Oh, and just so you have this straight, Father, he will be staying in my rooms with me. Stop trying to control me father, you never could before, don't try now." She was flustered and amazingly beautiful to Seto. This was his wife.

Edward backed up a few steps. "I would hope you both would join us for dinner. I am sorry for the intrusion." With that he left, with Seto and Iolite looking after him.

"How dare he try that crap!" She lamented. "I guess my guard was down. I usually don't let him walk all over me." She was whispering, almost as if talking to herself. "I mean, honestly, the man is an absentee father most of my life. Then, thinks he can freaking come in here and tell me how to run my life? I never listened to him before, I sure as hell won't now." Here eyes took on the purple color of her rage, gone was the soft blue from moments ago.

"You don't get along with your father?" Seto asked. This was strange; he was under the impression she did.

"He would breeze in and out of my life so often there was no real parental guidance in him. Raine is the only authority figure I respect." She grabbed Seto's arm and dragged him to the door. "Let's get this dinner thing over with."

Seto was more than happy to oblige, he was curious to see how she would react to this dinner. Personally, he was more interested in dessert. He wasn't a man who liked to start something he couldn't finish.

A/N: I am just starting to delve into this…more characters and happenings to come. I'm kinda psyched at this part of the story, so many ways to go with it. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. I'm so glad you all still like this story so much!