A/N: I don't own Yu-gi-oh or any of the characters. I only own my handful of made up ones.

Sorry this took so long guys, but vacation was three weeks in New York and when I got home I was very sick…'nuff said. Anyway, I am back into the writing thing and here is the next installment…

Chapter 16

Painting a Clearer Picture…

Iolite moaned and rolled over, her head was pounding and her mouth was quite dry. She managed to struggle into a sitting position and attempted to clear her eyes. Despite the pain, her head felt very clear, and her arm now throbbed and itched a bit. The pain was welcomed, hell—it made her feel awake. It had been days since she felt awake.

"How are you doing?" A warm, familiar voice asked.

"Ryan?" She managed before scanning the room. That was when she noticed him, standing by the window—staring at her. Slowly he approached the bed and sat next to her.

"You scared the hell out of us—especially that worthless husband of yours…" He chuckled at his own remark, even as she frowned.

"What happened? I mean, the last thing I recall is…" and she was silent. What did she remember? It was amusing how only small images and not much else existed in her mind. Going back over her memories, she thought of the day the arrow pierced her. There were a few choice moments with Seto, but other than that—things felt blurry and wrong.

"You were being drugged by someone in this damned place. Why the hell did you come back here anyway? Come on Io…you know this place is probably the most dangerous place in the world for you." He lifted her chin with his index finger. "You and your new family are in jeopardy every minute you stay."

She frowned, "I have my other family as well—my Dad…"

He shook his head, "You need to think with your head. Someone is trying to get to you and you're too naive to see it."

"Well, if it's someone in this house, my bets are on Gertrude. She's been trying to irk me since we arrived." Iolite's eyes narrowed as she rubbed her temples. "Where is Seto?" She asked, her head coming up, as if he would materialize in the room.

"Trying to save your father," Ryan filled in. "He left me in charge of you, and soon Yugi and Tea will be arriving. You are not to be left alone—understand?" His eyes were hard and unyielding.

"My…" Iolite began as she stumbled out of the bed, and nearly fell to the floor. Her head was spinning as Ryan caught her. "Damn it! What did they use on me? I feel so sick…"

"I think it was a major sedative, it exhausted you, delayed your reactions and made you very pliable and depressed. Valium could do that." Gently, he placed her on one of the chairs. She sighed and gave him a challenging look.

"You don't think I'm going to stay in bed do you?"

"You'll stay where I put you, and heaven help me I will tie you to the bed if necessary." Ryan folded his arms across his chest.

"I don't think Seto would appreciate that." She grumbled, slapping his hands away.

"I'm sure he'd prefer to do it himself, yes, but in the interests of keeping you safe he'd understand. By now he has to know how difficult you are."

"I'm not difficult, I just hate being babied. Seriously Ryan, I need to start figuring out who did this to me…" Her eyes narrowed as a voracious thought ripped through her. "You're the only one who knows that I'm better right?"

"Don't even think about it," he warned.

"It's my best chance of finding out who's behind this plot. I'll be careful—I'll simply wander around the cottage as if in a drunken stupor. No one will know except us." She stood, quickly grabbing onto his arm to be steadied.

"You're hardly in any condition to scheme and plot things. I think you should stay in bed until your husband gets back." His voice was firm. There was no way she would do this under his watch.

"You know I won't simply lay there like an invalid. This is the perfect plan. Now, either help me or step out of my way." She complained.

"You're too weak to do anything, get back in bed." He warned.

Slowly she made her way to the bathroom, grasping onto surfaces to steady herself. A long shower would make her feel better and soon she would be ready to put on quite the performance.

"So, what is your part in all of this?" Seto asked the woman in the backseat. He was more than a bit annoyed.

"My part?" She chuckled. "I sent Edward someplace safe so he couldn't be used as a pawn against your wife. I also know that Simon and Aron are planning something major with Iolite, which isn't good. Someone in the cottage is working closely with those two psychos. I should know who it is soon." Marguerite settled back against the seat. She didn't know fine details, but something was developing and fast.

"How do you know so much?" Seto snarled, hating that she seemed quite ahead of him.

"Because, I know this kingdom, and I have allies. I can slip in and out of places and see people. You don't have the trust of the people I do." She shrugged, watching the scenery race by the windows. "Besides Aron is so concerned with Iolite he had no idea I even arrived. They aren't the brightest or sharpest—but surely you know that."

"Who in the house is on their side? Gertrude?" Seto complained, but basically was in ignore mode. He would figure this out on his own without her help.

"Gertrude is a bitch, but hardly intelligent enough to pull this off. It's possible she is further on their side than Iolite's, but someone else is more corrupt." Marguerite leaned forward and looked at Raine. "So, what is your take on all of this?"

"I would rather have stayed in Domino than come here. Iolite should have been kept from this place permanently. Unfortunately, Edward convinced her that she needed to be seen by her people with her new husband and family."

"She's thick-headed and stubborn," Marguerite, sighed, "still I thought a husband would have put his foot down and forbidden it." A frown was shot at the blue-eyed CEO.

"Megs, you know that girl has a mind of her own and short of nailing her feet to the floor there is no way to convince her to do what you want her to. Iolite has her own agendas, and even if it means getting herself in over her head she'll do it if she thinks it's right." Raine smiled, a small but tense smile.

"You should have stolen her from that God-forsaken place once Alexandra died." Marguerite whispered.

"Why didn't you ever challenge for paternity?" Kaiba asked Raine, he could tell Marguerite knew just from the way she was speaking.

"It would have robbed her from her chances at being a royal, how could I deny my daughter a magnificent life and replace it with that of a body guard's?" He sounded a bit defeated.

"You know her bloodline lays with her mother—typically the crown passes to a female heir not a male. I could have spit when I realized what was happening." Marguerite complained. "The crown belongs to Iolite and no one else, not that little scummy creature Aron. You would think with Alexandra around for his childhood her goodness would have rubbed off on Aron. Simon too, I mean what went wrong?"

"Gertrude," Raine offered. "She stepped in and insisted on trying to help raise the boys, but she paid no attention to Iolite."

Kaiba was deep in thought about the information going back and forth. It was filling in a lot of blanks.

"Thank God Gertrude never got her hands on Iolite." Raine whispered.

Kaiba thought about Tatiana and how awful the girl was, snobby, arrogant, stiff, cold and …sexual. He had the urge to dress in heavier layers when that she-demon was around.

"That wasn't an option," Marguerite scoffed. "I would never have allowed it. I wanted to take her with me, but I was too young at that point. At twenty I had to attend University and all. Once I finished, she was in New York with Edward's brother. He isn't a bad man, neither he nor Edward were corrupted by the power of this monarchy. I can't say the same for Gertrude. Hell, if anything Edward is the victim of his title. He tried so hard to be ruthless and rule—when it was never in him. He should have abandoned the thrown when Alexandra died. He was an adventurer, loving exploring the past—he never cared much for politics or the future. The crown trapped him into a life he never wanted. He only did it because of my sister. Unfortunately Simon and Aron are cutthroat and ruthless. They both want the kingdom Edward never did. It was easy to steal it from him because Edward was too lax about it all."

Raine shook his head. "Edward annoys me thanks to his snobbery, but there was a time he was down to earth—before Alexandra was taken from him. At least he treated Iolite well, he was a good father." There was doubt in Raine's voice.

Marguerite settled her hand on Raine's shoulder and squeezed it softly. "You were a good father Raine, always backing Iolite up and laying down rules. Thankfully she had you at her side all of these years." They stopped at a light and Kaiba watched as the two looked at one another. There was a story in their eyes, one he didn't have a right to know about or ask.

"So, what do you want?" Kaiba asked in a bored tone.

"I want to get her out of the country, it's that simple." She responded in a commanding voice.

"That's a great plan, but she can't be flown with her injury, not until the doctors are sure there is no infection. So, until then I'll keep her heavily guarded." Kaiba explained and then gave a small nod as he tried to figure out the best line of defense. He had no need to include this 'Aunt' of Iolite's in any of his mental workings.

"Hmmm," Marguerite frowned, this was not the response she was hoping for. The ideal situation was getting Iolite the hell out of Valkaria, since that couldn't happen she had to come up with another plan.

"What are you scheming?" Raine asked, knowing the woman was one of action—not of sitting on her hands. This could be a dangerous thing, especially with Iolite being so hard to control. Did he and Kaiba need two women who were uncontrollable?

"We have to devise a way to…" she tried but was abruptly cut off when Kaiba shifted in the seat, and turned to stare her down.

"There is no 'we' in this! She is my wife and I will take care of my own. Your family is a bunch of fruitcakes and I will not accept your help on any level. You're lucky I didn't kick your ass out and force you to walk…" His eyes were on fire as he tried to massively intimidate the woman in the back seat.

She smirked at his show of aggression. "You're a piece of work. You know nothing of the customs or the people and yet you think you can save her all by yourself? You're a pain in the neck! Why did my niece marry you again? I bet you forced her into it—you're too disagreeable for her taste."

"Megs…you better knock it off, he is my employer and if he asks me to pull over and drop you off I will." Raine chuckled as she grumbled and leaned back against the seat. His eyes met hers in the rear view mirror, and she quickly looked away.

"This is insane Io! I can't believe I agreed to this plan of yours. If I make it out of this with my skin attached it will be a miracle." Ryan grumbled as he handed her a bottle of water. "How can you act drugged?"

"I'll just wander around in a daze…and see what they say to me." She shrugged.

"You can't answer back and you have to be meek and complacent—you aren't that good of an actress. God knows what Gertrude will say to you." He watched as she brushed her hair with one hand. Her frustration was evident, and he took over the task quickly.

"You can't accept anything to eat or drink from anyone. You also have to remain almost silent—only nodding or simply agreeing. No matter what they say." He frowned, as he worked the knots in her hair out. He finally finished and she sank back in the chair. "You're too weak for this, maybe in a day or two…"

"In a day or two Seto will have me under lock and key. If you haven't noticed, I'm in no condition to climb down the trellis." She struggled back to her feet and shrugged, "It's show time."

Slowly Ryan lifted her; she winced slightly as his grip tightened. A quick word of apology was spoken as her good arm wrapped around his shoulders. It felt funny to be held by this man who, in almost everyone's opinion, should have been her husband. Gingerly and sweetly, he carried her from the room and down the hall. He placed her in the upstairs sitting room and frowned down at her.

"Are you sure about this? I mean it's risky." He whispered.

She smiled adoringly at her childhood friend and nodded. "I know the risks, but there is no other way. I'll be fine. I've done much more dangerous things in my life."

"I don't even want to know," he groaned.

For a moment she was quiet as she thought, "no, you probably don't." Looking down at her fingernails, she attempted to collect herself. "Don't wander too far Ryan…" It was a tiny whisper, a plea.

He shook his head, "I'll be in earshot—scream and I'll be at your side in a second."

She looked up and gave a weak smile. Whoever was drugging her could be trying to kill her as well. If she screwed up she could die in the few seconds it took for Ryan to reach her. Determination would pull her through this and hopefully by the time Seto came back, with her father, she would have fingered the culprit. Sadly, Ryan left the room, if he stayed—there was no way they would approach.

About an hour passed and she began to doze softly. Fingers stroking through her hair brought her around. At first she thought it could be Seto, but when her vision cleared she noticed Conner standing by the window. He was leaning against the sill with his arms folded across his chest. Head tilted, his eyes wandered over her. It took every ounce of effort not to glare at him and chastise the leer. Who the hell did he think he was?

"So, Ryan decided to let you out of his sight?" He moved away from the window and approached her. "I thought he would keep you all to himself, he always did have quite the crush on you." Sitting on the coffee table he lifted one of her hands to his lips. "He should learn to share, especially while that husband of yours is away."

Blue eyes started to blend with violet as he continued to stroke her palm. Dim memories came to her of him taking liberties, touching her, looking at her, saying inappropriate things to her. If she weren't playing a game he would be swallowing teeth. Oh, she would be sure to tell Seto all about this—and let him beat the crap out of this idiot.

"There she is!" Aunt Gertrude smiled with glee.

Iolite was confused, the woman never smiled, and her sour disposition was infamous. What the hell was she so cheerful about?

"You're beginning to look better my dear," she commented. "Can I get you anything, or shall we continue with your lessons?"

Lessons? What the hell did she mean by lessons?

"Do you need a drink or anything? Conner be a dear and get her a drink of juice."

This was a twist, Gertrude telling Conner to get her a drink? So, who would drug it? Conner rose and left the room. Iolite tried to remain in a stupor while Aunt Gertrude expounded on the ways she could improve her wifely duties. Including being silent, gentle and obeying.

Iolite was almost thrilled to see Conner when he returned. It would mean Gertrude would have to stop talking. She hoped neither saw her eyes roll heavenward.

"Here, drink this." Aunt Gertrude handed her the glass of orange juice. "Come on sweetheart, drink up."

Iolite blinked a few times at the liquid in the glass. Usually it was used to signal morning and waking up. How was she to know this wouldn't shove her right back on her backside? Seto would kill her if she ended up drugged again, and then kill Ryan for allowing her to scheme.

Conner smiled as he left the room, "I'll escort you to dinner later." He called over his shoulder as he left.

Iolite tried not to frown. "Conner seems very friendly," Iolite mumbled casually.

"He seems quite attentive when it comes to you. He was so frightened the day you were in that unfortunate accident." Gertrude sighed. "No more daring stunts like that, you must think of your status—storming a party on horseback is hardly lady-like."

"He holds my hand a lot," Iolite tried to see if it would anger her aunt, but instead she waved it off as if it were natural.

"I think he's a bit smitten with you. Which, honestly isn't a bad thing my dear. It would be nice to have someone to talk with when your husband spends time with my Tatiana." Aunt Gertrude patted her hand.

Could the woman be that sick? That she would actually suggest that Conner should take the place of Seto at times? Oh hell no. The thought made Iolite's skin crawl. If Conner ever attempted anything she would…

"Drink your juice dear as I explain how to perform the proper curtsey. I also think it's time you cut off all that hair—I mean seriously, no married woman wears her hair to her waist. A shoulder length cut is by far more sensible. I think I will have my own stylist come tomorrow. He'll cut it short and maybe change it to something less bright, maybe a nice shade of brown."

"I think my wife is fine the way she is. I don't want your input." The anger in Kaiba's voice startled the two women. He walked in and without a word scooped Iolite up. The glass fell from her hand and shattered on the ground. He knew she was fine as soon as he looked into her eyes. Walking out of the room he growled against her ear, "You have a lot of explaining to do."

Iolite swallowed hard as he marched them towards the bedroom.

A/N: Sorry 'bout the wait, but now that college will be starting I will be on a more regular schedule. Hope you all enjoyed it. Thanks for reading and hopefully you'll review…if you're all still interested.