What If: Lady Mandarin
Lady Mandarin was quite pleased. The Mandarin's kingdom was expanding and his rule over the underworlds of Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America was expanding. His empire was vast and his rule absolute. She was his consort and an extension of his will. She was his tool to use as he saw fit.

Her life was for him to use and she was happy to serve him. He had given her life meaning and purpose. He was all that existed. She had a family once, she remembered them quite clearly, but they meant nothing to her. The Mandarin had forbidden her to go near them or try destroy them. He said the time to destroy them would eventually come and she was looking forward to that day.

She looked at her reflection in the full length mirror. The Chinese style dress she wore hugged her form and accented her enlarged stomach. She placed a hand on her stomach and felt the tiny life inside pushing at the constraints of its small world. She smiled. The Mandarin's heir would be born soon. Her greatest duty would soon be fulfilled.