A/N: Don't own…couldn't handle the responsibility…honestly I couldn't.

Dedicated to scuba-thanks for all the pep talks and making me feel better-I so do appreciate it all! You are super great!

Chapter 11

Only Fools Follow Golden Rules

Seto's eyes narrowed as they entered the elegant dining room. Things were set up as if a grand ball was to be held. Everyone was dressed as if attending an inaugural ball and not dinner. A new face was seated some what near Tatiana, a man-instantly Seto Kaiba disliked him. Being in the business world you learned quickly when a person had an agenda, and this man had one-it was obvious no one else felt the same. He would have to discuss the man with Raine.

"Oh dear," Gertrude was the first to speak, as she looked Iolite up and down. "You look even more disheveled than before. I thought you might use your time to clean up a bit? I guess it's just the same Iolite, I was expecting more, but then again, you're just such a child." The tsking was annoying.

"You're just a mean old lady!" Mokuba bit out-then hid behind Seto's legs. "Do you ever have anything nice to say?"

The glare he received could kill a tiger. "Small, ignorant children should be seen and not heard. I can tell your upbringing will lead you the same way Iolite's has led her-to bad manners and ill attempts at eloquence." Gertrude shook her head and returned her gaze to Edward. It seemed as if she were asking him to reprimand them.

"Old women who are vindictive and, quite obviously, aloof and laughably irrelevant should keep their trivial opinions to themselves. If you insult my family again you will deal with me. I shall give fair warning now. In a battle of wits you are no match for any of us, but in other arenas I will take great pleasure in putting you in your place." His voice was clean and steady. Blue eyes that could freeze over the tropics trained on the woman who let out a small gasp. Kaiba then noticed that they were being separated at the table, which was unacceptable. "I will be sitting near my brother and wife. If not we have no problem dining elsewhere."

"In formal dining, it is appropriate to change partners in order to enhance conversation." Tatiana explained, levelly. Her eyes meeting Seto Kaiba's. "It isn't to mock any of you in any way sir. It is just how things are done."

"It's alright Seto," Iolite whispered softly.

They all took their seats; Iolite didn't want to have any more fights so she took her place next to the new face at the table. He quickly introduced himself as Tatiana's fiancé. He seemed nice enough, though she really had no interest in small talk; she was more worried that Seto was seated next to Tatiana. Was she insane to let this happen? Tatiana was everything she wasn't. She was beautiful, elegant, and with manners that ran over and beyond. The beautiful cream-colored dress Tatiana wore made her look like a porcelain doll, while here she seat clad in jeans and a t-shirt.

"It has been awhile Princess," the man beside her pulled her thoughts away from the 'properly' matched couple.

"Do I know you?" She asked him, really not having any idea who he was.

"I'm sorry, Gertrude didn't really give a chance for us to be introduced properly," he held out his hand, offering it to her. "Conner, I'm what one would consider blue-blood." He smiled at her. "I met you years ago back at the castle. I believe you were 12 at the time. I'm in line for the Danish throne." Iolite slipped her hand into his, feeling his fingers wrap around it as he brought her hand to his lips for a chaste kiss. "Still the stunner." He smirked, as he turned his attention from her.

Iolite sat there trying to place him. He, obviously, remembered her. She remembered nothing of him; then again those were her carefree days with Ryan as a child. Oh well, no matter.

Dinner went by in relative silence. Tatiana tried several times to engage Kaiba in conversation, which he thwarted at every angle. One-word responses, and grunts were all she received. He knew she was flirting, it was artistic flirting, not eager or obvious, but present. He was less than interested. He had a feeling this 'prim and proper young lady' was well versed in being with the opposite sex. She knew her weapons and knew how to use them to her advantage. They would never work on him, he had all he wanted, and if that man touched his wife again, scruples be damned he was going to throttle him openly.

Gertrude and Edward discussed bloodlines and royalty, as well as manners and protocol. It was so clear that Seto Kaiba was not an approved suitor. Iolite could hear it, but she, honestly, didn't care. The monarchy mattered little to her, aside from the fact that she wished she could save the country's poor people from her psychotic brothers. Other than that, she was more than content to meander through life with Seto and Mokuba raiding companies and building her business prowess.

Mokuba rose from the table and wandered, mostly unnoticed into the kitchen. Raine was sitting at one of the tables in there talking to an old friend. The small boy sat with a loud sigh.

"Something wrong?" Raine asked, a smile playing on his lips.

"Is every dinner like this?" Gray-violet eyes asked Indigo.

"No, usually it's more boring." Raine snickered.

"I don't want to have to sit near that witch again, and I don't like Iolite's Dad at all. I know I should show respect, but they don't respect any of us, so why should I?" Mokuba asked.

"How about a hamburger and some respect in here?" Bessie asked him, as she rubbed his head.

Raine felt badly for the boy, he recalled how many times as a child Iolite would steal away from fancy dinners to hide with the two in the kitchen. Luckily for her, at the time, Ryan would be around as well. His young princess would steal bits and pieces of real life as she made her own family time. Mokuba would now do the same, for as long as they would be here.

Seto finally stood, signaling he was finished. "It has been an 'enlightening' evening." His eyes snapped to Iolite's. She stood, as if on silent command and together they left the room.

He slid his hand around hers and kept walking without saying a word. Slowly they made their way out into the garden, when they finally reached a safe distance he stopped abruptly. She slammed into him from behind. Her mind had wandered and she hadn't realized he had stopped.

"How long do we have to stay here?" He growled.

"What's wrong?" She asked meekly. "I know my Aunt is horrible and all, but we just got here and I want to spend a little time showing you and Mokie around. Besides, you handled her quite well."

"It's not your Aunt I have a problem with." He grumbled.

It was Tatiana, he hated her, and he also had a major problem with that man who had taken up residence next to his wife.

Iolite's eyes fell. He was comparing her to Tatiana, and she had come up short. There she was, looking more like a friend of Mokuba's than a wife of Seto Kaiba's and here was beauty incarnate-Tatiana. He was probably afraid if they stayed too long he would realize that he had chosen unwisely. Tears stung her eyes-against her will. She had given him her heart and now here he was struggling to even want her. She turned from him and wiped at a tear that streaked down her cheek. She refused to let him see her cry and hidden here, in the dark, he wouldn't be able to see the lone tear she wasn't able to control.

"How long do we have to stay? A few days? Possibly a week?" He was aggravated. He wanted to be back home again, where everything was familiar and life was as he wanted it to be. He hated how they were treating her, and he would continue to lash out verbally until he could contain his rage no longer, then he would hit someone-probably the guy from the table.

"Did you enjoy your dining mate?" Seto asked, obviously annoyed.

"Wh-what?" Iolite turned to him, now confused.

"The man you were seated next to, did you enjoy his company? You seemed to talk quite a bit." He folded his arms defensively.

"I met him years ago, but really don't remember him well. He seemed nice." She shrugged, not sure where this was going.

"He seemed very interested in you." Seto looked her up and down, appreciating her soft features-his angel. "I didn't appreciate it."

"I didn't want to sit next to him Seto, that was not my plan." She began to understand, he was jealous. "Besides, Tatiana seemed to have your full attention." She snapped.

"That made up little whore?" He scoffed. He chuckled, honestly chuckled, when her eyes widened. "You think I have any interest in her? I bet she's been around the block so many times her name is written on walls next to, 'call for a good time', in about every restroom." Iolite was in utter shock at his remarks.

"I-I don't." She had nowhere to go with his remark.

"I have a feeling you compare yourself to her. There is no comparison. She paints a pretty picture, knows how to play the game and how to work it, but I prefer honest and genuine." He tilted her chin up. "I like that you don't slather yourself in make-up or dress up to impress pompous, arrogant ingrates. I enjoy watching you play with Mokuba, and how you actually care about people around you." She had no idea what to make of the revelations he was making.

"I'm never going to be a proper royal, and I sure as hell don't feel like a porcelain doll-like her." She whispered, not able to look him in the eyes.

"Porcelain tends to break, I never want you broken. Now, tell me, what does one do for fun around here?"

Iolite shrugged. "Archery, horseback riding, swimming…"

"Archery?"

"It's the big thing here next to polo. Don't bother asking if I can, because I can't." She giggled. She never did like the sport, finding it dull and mundane. There were contests and all, she kept herself distanced from it all, not liking it or watching it.

"Would you like a tour of the grounds?" She asked him.

He looked around, not really interested in much of anything. Being alone with her was what he really wanted. He smirked; it was time to finish what they had started.

"I think it's been a long day and I would like it to make it a short night. Maybe we could retire early and leave Mokuba in Raine's able hands?" He pulled her to him. She smiled.

"I would advise you to wear the Kevlar vest under your clothes at all times Mr. Kaiba." Raine handed him the apparatus. "Iolite is safe, but you're the perfect target. If you should come to harm and Iolite is left alone…she would be worth billions and prey to everyone and everything. There is reason for them to want you dead here."

Kaiba examined the vest. He never really worried about his safety, but this was unfamiliar territory and anything could happen, he had to stay safe to keep Iolite and Mokuba safe.

"Tell no one of this," Kaiba warned. He didn't want to worry Mokuba or Iolite and, possibly tip his hand that he knew he was in danger. "I'm hoping we don't have to stay in this place too long. Hopefully she'll get her fill and we can go home where things are safer."

"You should know about Conner as well." Raine admonished. "He is friendly with Aron and Simon. He may have an agenda. He has the perfect cover-an engagement to Tatiana, doing that has him in league with that bitch Gertrude. Things may get ugly around here." Raine shook his head, he never wanted to see Valkaria again, and yet here they all were. Like shooting fish in a barrel. "Roland and I will stick close to Iolite and Mokuba. I will also put two of the other men I trust on them as well. I do wish you would allow me to put a guard on you."

"I can take care of myself Raine." Kaiba wouldn't allow this situation to change things too much. "I'll wear the vest and that's it."

"You should tell her that you're wearing it." Raine suggested.

"Why worry her?" Kaiba left the room and returned to the one he shared with Iolite. He had left her sleeping soundly, and she was still tangled in the sheets. He could scarcely believe she thought Tatiana was even in her league. There was no contest as far as he was concerned. Slowly he undressed and slid in bed beside her, tugging her body against his.

"Where did you go?" She whispered, still being lulled by sleep.

"I needed to talk to Raine, nothing serious. Sleep, we'll get on with the tour tomorrow." He figured the faster they saw everything the sooner they could get home.

"This should work out wonderfully," Aron smiled, just the knowledge that everyone was back on native soil was soothing. The last time he had had a confrontation with Seto Kaiba, he was at a disadvantage, now Kaiba was on his territory. The game had changed, roles were now reversed.

"How easy of a target will he be?" Simon asked as he plopped onto a soft armchair. "You know Kaiba isn't a stupid man, neither is our sister for that matter." He rolled his eyes as he rubbed his temples.

"I have a few good ideas to put an end to the man, or at least his marriage. I wonder how happy our dear little sister will be to see Ryan." Aron smirked, there had been something between the two forever. Could this shaky, at best marriage, withstand some friendly interference?

"I doubt Ryan will bite this time, he did play a pivotal role in getting them back together. He wants her happiness; I can't believe that little bitch can just wrap people around her fingers. Makes me ill." Simon lamented in a gruff voice.

"We just need it to seem that way…Kaiba has a good imagination and very jealous bones. Can he trust her? For real? Maybe if Ryan and her were caught in a compromising situation he would simply assume guilt." Aron thought outloud.

"I want her destroyed, there is too much at stake here Simon-for us both. I can keep playing with the books, but sooner or later it will catch up to us. She keeps taking out our backers-left and right." Aron stood and ran a nervous hand through his hair.

"What she doesn't do Seto Kaiba takes care of. It just seems to get worse. Our backers can't land contracts or they are simply annihilated, I know they are both responsible for everything! Damn them both. Why not just put a bullet through her head and finish it?" Simon growled.

"It's rash talk like that which will get us in trouble. We have to be subtle. How would it look if our little sister died in Valkaria? Do you know whom the fingers would point to? We would be instant suspects, no; we have to be more cunning than that. We have to attack the marriage first. If that fails…we'll try other modes. I have a feeling Kaiba will be easy to convince that his wifey is unfaithful. Hell, her and Ryan were together for years. We just have to help Kaiba connect the dots." Aron smiled a sick, twisted smile.

Iolite showered and dressed quickly in the morning. She watched as Seto lazed in bed, still sleeping…sheet casually wrapped around his lower torso. He looked so inviting, despite his sleep. She didn't want to disturb him, so instead she snuck out and went downstairs. Her father was sitting behind the desk in the main room, writing some papers out and talking with Uther.

"Good morning Father," she said curtly, still annoyed about the day before.

"Good morning my heart," he replied with a large smile, as if nothing had happened. That was always his way, sweep problems under the rug and just move on as if all was forgiven and forgotten. Whatever.

"What are you doing?" She asked as she approached the two.

"We're planning a party, in honor of your returning to Valkaria." Edward smiled.

"You know I hate parties Father…all the dressing up and everything. It just isn't me. You can have it, but I won't be there." Iolite was fuming, how dare he plan a stupid party?

"It will be a garden party, Precious." He tried to soothe her. "Complete with an archery tournament, string quartet, and a lunch. Nothing big and fancy. I promise to make it very intimate and special. Only the best of the royals will be invited. It will be nice to see you moving around through your own kind." Edward rolled his eyes a bit as he turned his attention back to the page he was scribbling on.

Iolite knew what that jab meant. Away from the lowlife you married and his brat brother. She hated royalty and bluebloods made her nervous. This was stupid.

"Do whatever you'd like-I won't promise to be there." She stuck her nose up at him. He couldn't make her come.

"You are exasperating," Edward sighed. "I'm just reintroducing you to society and allowing you to show off your new…family." He hated the way that sounded. She should be married to someone deserving of her-not that boy.

"Keep your motives firm father, if I think, even for a second, that you are scheming something I will bolt so fast your head will spin." She promised as she walked out the door. She was done with him for now.

Raine watched from the shadows, thoroughly amused. This was the Iolite he was use to, maybe with a bit more spunk. She owed that spunk to a certain blue-eyed CEO. They were a match-Raine couldn't be more proud. He wasn't happy about this party, but he was thrilled that Iolite was back up to speed and Kaiba was wearing Kevlar. He knew trouble was brewing, he only hoped they could see it before it entered the front door.

A/N: So, there you have it…a few motives…a few set-ups…and some plots. The party will be coming up next chapter. That should stir things up a bit…