Title:
Author: Whenpigsfly84
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, nor do I make any money from these writings.
Pairings: 1x2
Rating: T
Genres: Drama, Romance, AU
Chapter 1:
"After my poor, beloved husband passed away, his sister whom he had raised from a child, was left in my care. She's very quiet and shy and after losing her brother, the only family she's ever known I'm afraid she's become nearly mute. But she's very obedient, keeps a clean house and is a very skillful cook. Her brother left her with no dowry to speak of, no lands or money and I have been unable to find her a husband. I know she will make a very good, faithful wife who will bear you many fine, strong sons."
Duo kept his eyes lowered, in what he hoped was a meek but respectful gesture as his sister-in-law kept prattling on to the Prince about what a wonderful "wife" he would make. Although Duo was aware of his family's legacy for outrageous acts, passing himself off as a woman in order to get a Prince to marry him was definitely the craziest. In fact, Duo would have called it off and fled the castle already if not for two of his sister-in-law's brutish brothers standing guard over him.
Ever since his brother, Solo had died three years ago his wife Meredith had taken over the running of the household and turned it into a prison for Duo. Her six brothers had moved in less than a month later, each one nearly the size of a horse and had set about making Duo their servant. They were immediately obeyed or Duo would quickly be beaten until he could barely stand. Duo had attempted to flee several times but the brothers were relentless in their pursuit and had brought him back kicking and screaming each time. He'd eventually stopped simply because he feared the next time he was caught they may actually kill him.
It seemed as though his luck had run out however, if this ruse was successful and the Prince decided to take him for a wife, Duo would quickly find himself hanging from a noose or locked away in a dungeon for the rest of his life when his gender was discovered. The thought of how the Prince would make Meredith and her brother's pay for the deception was keeping the fear of his own death at bay for the moment.
It would be a relief to get away from Meredith for even a little while, though trying to keep up the act of being a girl was going to be very difficult until he could manage to escape. Duo knew the moment he opened his mouth his lie would be discovered, his voice was far too deep and rough for anyone to believe him a girl. Not to mention he was lacking in several of the physical female parts, which were being covered nicely by the long, thick gown he was wearing. Meredith had covered his face in make-up, painted his lips bright red, brushed out his hip length hair and curled it until it hung in heavy ringlets all around him. It had been quite the process and Duo had cursed and swore throughout the whole thing, but Meredith's brothers had threatened him within an inch of his life until he's been forced to sit still and let her doll him up.
Duo was surprised when after only an hour of Meredith's sweet talking the Prince, which she was very talented at, a female attendantcame to take Duo to his rooms. Duo glanced back at Meredith and her brothers, wishing they would realize what a foolish plan this was and call a halt to the whole thing; but Meredith only gave him a triumphant smile and a wave in farewell.