"When that judge arrives I'm sure that when you explain to him that the girl's week long disappearance and the fact that we never seemed to run into any search parties out looking for her that it was all a misunderstanding, that you were worried and did look for her. Though one might wonder why it is that when we came to the front gate no one even knew the girl was even missing." Yami said.

"Not to mention how it would look to your people when rumors start to spread about the fact that their little princess went missing for a week and that their beloved queen did nothing about it. So, you have only two choices. Sign that paper giving us custody or we simply take the girl. Then in a week, we shall have her walk through town telling everyone that she had been kidnapped. Then when they find that out, will they not think it strange that they were never told or ever saw any unusual activity around the castle indicating there was trouble? What would people think when it is discovered that the girl was missing for over a week and you did nothing?" Seto said.

"I do not give into threats or blackmail."

"Really perhaps, we should just leave then. With the girl!" Seto said, though he had been thinking about Hera's words of how Maura could just as easily tear his family apart and as sensitive as Mokuba is, one false move and it could happen. Though he was doing this mostly for Yami's sake he still had to wonder about it. It happened once before when they thought little Mokuba was two different people.

"Stepmother, it would not look good in the eyes of the people if Maura were to vanish." Diana said.

"She's right. Sooner or later someone will notice and rumors will begin to spread." Jasmine said.

"Then what would you do? Explain she ran away but yet you never bothered to look for her. I'm sure your people would understand." Seto said.

"I'm sure since Maura's wedding was supposed to be the other night that the people are already starting to talk." Jasmine said.

"What will they say when you announce the wedding that was planned had to be delayed till a new husband could be rounded up?" Yami said.

"What would they say if they learned that I signed away their princess?" Hera asked.

"You don't need to tell them anything other than she's gone away to study; that when she returns she will be ready to assume the throne." Yami said.

"Tell the people the truth. I'm sure that's something you're not used to doing but…" Seto started. "Stay simple. She refused to marry and the groom also called it off. So, you sent her away to study and be more prepared for the day she assumes the throne." Seto said.

"How will she be prepared? If she ends up anything like yours, she will never be ready! She will end up even more of a spoiled little brat than she is now! Her father coddled her way too much!"

Though Mokuba didn't understand everything this woman said, he caught enough to know that it was a cut down on him. He whimpered a bit, cuddling closer to Ryo, who wrapped both arms around him. Seeing this only disgusted Hera even more.

Seto glanced over and wasn't sure how much Mokuba understood but knew he understood enough to be upset by it. "So, it's agreed then. We'll just assume you no longer want her and we'll keep her ourselves."

The queen's top advisor walked over and with his back facing them and whispered to the queen, "Perhaps it's best if you do allow them to remove the brat. She's the only one left to oppose you. The older two have kingdoms of their own to deal with; which just leaves Maura to inherit this throne. That means when she gets married you're out. The late king's only sibling was killed in an accident a few years ago and he had no known heirs. It would take time, perhaps years before another blood heir could be located. In the meantime your son Eric from your first marriage could easily take the throne once that brat has a little accident . I'm sure I can find someone who can arrange for our little princess to have an accident."

Everyone was suddenly spooked when a strange smile appeared on Hera's face. "Thank you, Earl, that's an excellent idea. Earl just informed me that it would be in my best interest to release the girl. So if you shall just hand over the papers I will be more than happy to sign them."

'Yes, enjoy the brat while you can, for she won't be around for very much longer.' Hera thought and had to keep herself from laughing out loud. She would be rid of the brat one way or another! There was no way in hell she was just going to allow that kid to just waltz out that door and live happily ever after. No, she'd make sure she had a nice cozy little spot nestled between her mother and father. Why didn't someone think of this sooner? If she'd known it was this easy, she'd killed her and her father at the same time. Of course, it'd been a different method but still would have gotten the job done.

No one could believe she just signed the papers so easily and willingly after saying she wouldn't. Seto however seemed to be the only one that knew she had something else up her sleeve. For some reason it appeared like everyone else just believed she was sincere and had a change of heart. No this woman was too much like his father and he knew with his father hell would freeze over before he'd give in willingly. He didn't believe she was any different.

x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-x

Maura was shocked and thrilled as her sisters helped her pack. She couldn't believe it; she was leaving this rattrap. It wasn't the same after her mother died and only became a rattrap after the death of her father. Things were bad when he was alive but they got ten times worse when her father died. Her sisters promised that when Christmas came, they'd come to visit. She wondered what it would truly be like living with Seto and Yami.

x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-x

After a little magical help the week's ride was only a two days ride away. They got home Seto and Yami were trying to make Maura feel at home, but in doing so they also made Mokuba feel a bit left out. They didn't mean to its just the way it worked out.

Ryo bent down. "It's okay kid, they only want her to feel at home. They don't mean to neglect you, you know that."

Mokuba sighed and nodded his head. 'Yeah, Ryo's right. Things will be more normal later on after she's settled in.'

"Come on, let's go kick that soccer ball of yours around. Would you like that?"

Mokuba smiled brightly and nodded his head.

x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-x

After they'd played for a while, Mai brought out sandwiches for them to have lunch outside.

They had lunch then went to explore the castle grounds more. Just like the last time they went exploring they got lost. It took a while but they'd made it back in time for dinner.

"Okay kid, I'm going to go eat with Bakura and the knights, they like to talk when they eat. I'll see you later." Ryo said and kissed the top of his head, before leaving.

Mokuba sighed and walked to the dining room but stopped hearing voices and what sounded like silverware. He peaked around the door enough to see that not only had they started without him, but Maura was sitting in his chair.

'No, it can't! Not again! This happened the last time. When they thought their real brother was still out there somewhere. Now they're leaving me out again.' Mokuba sighed. 'Am I that forgettable? Ryo never seems to think so.' After waiting for a few more minutes and seeing that there was no place set for him. Mokuba figured it was like last time that they assumed he was with Ryo. Mokuba turned from the door and leaned against the wall. 'Did they ever think to wait and see if I was going to eat with Ryo? Don't get me wrong I think it might be fun having Maura here, except now I'm wondering if maybe I'm being pushed out again, last time it was an imaginary person now it's a real one. What is so wrong with me that makes them not want to remember me?' Mokuba waited another minute before going upstairs to Ryo's room. His eyes went wide seeing the bags packed. 'W-why are Ryo's things packed? He's not leaving me is he? No, he-he can't! Not now! I need him!' Mokuba sat down on the bed to wait for Ryo.

A few hours later Ryo came into his room and was surprised to see Mokuba there. He wanted to ask but the boy was sound asleep and looked so peaceful, he didn't want to disturb him. He pulled the covers down on one side of the bed and pushed the boy over. Then pulled out one of his shirts and, being careful not to wake him if he could avoid it, he changed the boy into it. Then he covered him up and changed into his own pajamas before climbing in next to the boy.

Feeling the bed shift, Mokuba turned over and laid his head on Ryo's chest.

Ryo smiled and started to stroke his hair for a few minutes before going to sleep himself.

x-x-x-x-x-x-xx-x-x-x-x-x

Later that night Maura was coloring at the table in the family room while Yami was reading a new spell book and Seto was looking over some important documents. Then the grandfather clock started to chime. Just as it finished, Mai walked in.

"Master Atemu, did you wish for me to continue to put Mistress Maura to bed?"

Yami looked up and seeing the time, he realized it was that time already. "Yes, if you wouldn't mind."

"No, not at all, I'm happy to."

"Maura go with Mai, it's time for bed."

Maura stood up. "Okay, goodnight Master Atemu, King Kaiba."

"Maura, this is your home now. I told you to call me Yami." Then he turned and looked at Seto. "Well Seto?"

"Well what?" Seto asked just now, tuning in to the conversation.

"What do you want Maura to call you?" Yami asked.

"Oh, Seto's fine kid." Seto said going back to his papers.

"Give him time to warm up to you more." Yami said. "Now go on to bed."

At the word bed, Seto looked up and around suddenly realizing a problem.

"What's wrong Seto?"

"Where's Mokuba? I don't remember seeing him since we got home."

"You're right, he never came to dinner."

"I'm going to check with Ryo, if the boy felt neglected he's the first person he'd run to."

"I'll check with Dr. Solomon and see if maybe he went to treatments alone again tonight."

"Good, do that. I'll kill that doctor if he went ahead and treated him again without us there. Especially with this new treatment."

"I'll be sure to let him know." Yami said leaving.

Seto walked to Ryo's room and knocked. He waited when no answer came, he did it again. Still no answer, he carefully opened the door and looked inside. He smiled seeing the boy curled up on Ryo's chest. He carefully closed the door and waited till Yami returned.