England, 1337
On his way, back to his room Dean lost himself in thoughts of Sam and how beautiful he had looked in the yard. As he reached the door, he jumped as it opened in front of him and a young red haired girl came out. Eyes locked on the floor, she curtsied "Your father asked me to make sure there was water in your room for bathing my lord. He gave me some clothing for you with the message that the King is going to get his tailor to make you some attire in the same size as you are wearing just now. I also took the liberty of laying out some wine and sweetmeats for you".
"Thank you" he said gratefully. Bending his head lightly, he tried to catch her eyes to no avail, her gaze refusing to meet his. "You can look at me you know," he said softly.
Her startled gaze flew to meet his, her lips parted in an O of surprise "Thank you my Lord. I'm not supposed to look at my superiors without permission, the last time I did…" she trailed off, her gaze returning to the floor once again.
He placed a finger under her chin and forced her to meet his eyes "The last time? What happened or more to the point who happened?"
The girl looked at him, fear in her eyes as she began to speak "It was last week, I was taking wine to the Earl of Sussex and I met his eyes without being told to. He…he had me whipped my Lord, my back still has the marks" she whispered, tears shining in her eyes.
Dean felt a rush of fury run through his body. How dare Sussex treat another human being like that, servant or not. There was something about Sussex that was not sitting right with him. There was something off about the other man. He resolved to keep a close eye on the Earl to see what he was up to. Drawing himself back to reality, he looked at the girl again "What's your name?"
"It's Anna, my lord," she said with the barest of smiles.
"Ok Anna, I'm sorry for what happened to you because of Sussex but you never have to fear that with me all right? You can always meet my eyes and you have my permission to talk to me freely, I will not punish you for it. If it is ok, I would like to ask something of you?" He searched her face questioningly until she nodded slowly. "Thank you Anna, now you don't need to agree to this but do you attend the Earl often?"
"Yes, he seems to like the sight of me. The moment he sets eyes on me, I am always at his beckoning". She looked at him in confusion "Why?"
"The thing I have to ask you is to do with the Earl that's why. I believe that you're a good woman Anna, you have trustworthy eyes and I would hate to be wrong in this. However, I get the idea that you are not fond of him. I would ask that you watch him, if you see anything unusual; I would like you to come find me and tell me exactly what you have seen. Will you do that?" Dean prayed inwardly that the girl could be trusted and would help him.
Anna nodded "I will my Lord, I promise to be true to you. The Earl is not to be trusted, he has done many things to other nobles but people will not believe me. Why would they? I'm only a servant.""Well anything you see or hear, tell me. I will always believe you. Now off you go, I'm sure you have duties that I am keeping you from". He smiled softly at her getting a small smile in return before she turned and hurried down the corridor.
Going into his room, he spotted clean garments on his bed along with a metal tub in the middle of the room filled with steaming water, towels resting on the desk next to a decanter of wine and tray of sweetmeats. Grinning to himself, he stripped off his doublet and began to unlace his shirt, pulling it over his head. Unbuckling his belt, he began to peel off his hose wincing as it tried to stick to his sweat soaked skin. Flinging it to the ground, he padded over to the desk picking up a sweetmeat and closing his mouth around it. Swallowing he groaned at the taste, his body crying out for more. He had forgotten to eat this morning and his body was feeling it. Pouring a goblet of wine, he raised it to his lips. Drinking a little, he washed down the taste of the meat with the fruity beverage. Closing his eyes briefly as he picked up more sweetmeats, he parted his lips and placed it on his tongue, letting the flavours assault his pallet. He wondered how it would be to feed these to Sam, if his reactions would be similar. Thinking of Sam, he could feel a tightening in his groin, the cold air of the room caressing his cock, as it began to harden. Opening his eyes, he grabbed his wine and stalked to the tub, slowly getting in and sinking into the hot water. Groaning deeply in satisfaction, he placed his goblet at the edge of the tub and laid his head back basking in the heat relaxing his body.
Running his fingertips over his torso, he began to imagine the silky touch of the young man that had been underneath him earlier. "Sam" escaped his lips almost silently as his hand travelled further down, his fingers brushing the tip of his cock. Opening his eyes, he saw it fully hard poking out of the water curving towards his belly. Thinking of the beautiful hazel eyes that he knew was going to haunt his dreams and the full pink lips, which were begging to be kissed; he wrapped his hand round his length tightly. Moving his hand up and down, he brushed his thumb over the slit feeling the light stickiness of his pre-cum leaking. Using his thumb, he rubbed it over the tip moaning softly at the sensation of lubricating his hard cock. Closing his eyes, he imagined Sam in the tub with him, his full body laid out on top of Deans. His tongue traced patterns on Dean's lips until he parted them. When they parted Sam's tongue invaded his mouth tangling with Dean's.
Dean could almost feel the rock hard body of Sam against his own; he was running his hands over Sam's sculpted abs, his fingers trailing across the indentations of his hips before moving to cup his ass. Moving his hand faster on his cock, Dean could hear the sloshing of the water against the tub, some hitting the floor with the violent pulls of his hands. Gritting his teeth, he could see Sam, his eyes full of want and desire, the desperation of needing Dean's cock in him. Bracing his feet on the floor of the tub, his hips thrust up, his cock fucking his hand hard. "Shit" he groaned as he thought of opening Sam up with his fingers before slipping his cock into him and making him ride him in the tub. Gripping hard, he pulled his cock a few more times before he yelled Sam's name loudly, thick ropes of come hitting his chest.
Resting his head against the tub, he tried to catch his breath; his eyes flickering open slowly focusing on where he was again. Rising up, he saw the mess he had made of the floor, shaking his head; he ducked under the water to wash his hair. Surfacing he grabbed a cloth that had been next to the tub and soaked it cleaning off the come that was staining his chest, Staring at the droplets he couldn't help but be a little disappointed that it had all been a fantasy and that Sam was in fact not here. Sighing he washed the rest of his body, throwing the cloth into the tub, he stood, the water crashing over the end of the tub soaking the floor. Stepping out, he felt the droplets of water dripping off his hair, down his chest before pooling at his softening cock. Grabbing a towel, he dried himself off. Walking to his bed, he saw the clothes Anna had laid out for him, picking up the dark hose he slowly pulled it on. Grabbing the shirt, he was about to pull it on when there was a knock at the door. Still gripping the material, he went towards it, pulling it open he came face to face with the man whose name he had shouted only moments ago as he came. Sam stood in the doorway, a smile on his face as he spoke "You said I could come see you when I had changed".
His eyes roamed Deans naked torso unashamedly as Dean stood back "I did, please come in. Pour yourself some wine; I have just this moment finished bathing". He watched as Sam poured a goblet of wine for himself before picking Dean's up from its position next to the tub and filling that again. Dean beckoned to the tub "Sorry, I'm sure one of the servants will be around to remove it soon".
"It's fine Dean," Sam said softly, Dean's eyes snapped to Sam's hazel ones at the sound of his name. He could listen to that all day; it sounded so right coming from Sam.
Grinning at the taller man, he pulled on his shirt not bothering to lace it up "I'm glad that you came Sam. It is nice to have a chance to talk to you without prying ears" they both laughed, their bodies relaxing as Dean joined Sam at the table. Lifting his goblet, he held it out in toast "To new friendships"
Sam lifted his in return, a smirk crossing his face "To new friendships and more". Dean felt a jolt of desire rush through his body, the heat reflected in Sam's eyes. Both could feel the air burning with a sexual tension. Both of them wanting to close the gap between them but unsure who would make the first move.
"More, that sounds interesting" Closing his eyes, Dean took a deep breath trying to break the sexual tension in the room, willing himself not to jump Sam right there. "So you wanted to talk? What would you like to talk about Sam?"
Sam's eyes appraised him "You…I would like to talk about you Dean. I have heard the stories about you and you fascinate me. I want to know you, learn what makes you tick".
Chuckling Dean looked up at him "Me? Ok you got it Campbell, take a seat". Picking up his goblet of wine, he walked to his bed and stretched out on it, his head lying on the soft pillows. Watching he saw Sam try fold himself into a small chair, laughing loudly he motioned to the vacant spot next to him on the bed "Come sit here, I promise I won't bite much".
Sam smirked at him "I wouldn't mind you biting me". Grabbing his goblet, he toed off his boots and made his way over to the bed.
Stretching out next to Dean, they could both feel one another's body heat, both swallowing deeply trying to ignore the heat; they turned slightly to face one another, their hands propping up their heads so they could look at one another. "Ok, you want to know about me. Ask away, can't promise I will answer everything but I'll try" Dean said biting the bottom of lips, a little nervous at what Sam was going to ask him.
Sam studied him quietly for a few minutes before speaking "I'll start off easy I think, are you happy to be back in England?"
"Yes, I am. I have missed England for a very long time. I wasn't sure when I would get the chance to get home or if I would even have a chance" Dean replied, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "That was an easy one but why do I get the feeling things are going to get personal? And before I forget do I get to ask you questions or is this just interrogating the returned Duke"
Sam chuckled lowly, turning on his side a little further to see Dean properly "You can ask questions if you like. Ok, next question how old are you?"
"I am 24. My turn now, how old are you?" Dean asked, curiosity curling through his body, he really wanted to know more about the man in front of him.
"I just turned 20. I'm curious about one thing. Your only 24, yet the English call you the best knight of the realm. Isn't that a young age to have such a reputation"? Sam watched him, the interest alight in his eyes.
Dean stared at him for a few minutes before speaking "I'll answer your question in a minute, but one thing makes me curious. You don't class yourself as English even though you have been here since a boy? If you did, you wouldn't have just said that the English call me the best knight…" Sam paled for a moment, the implication of his statement hitting him full force, Dean reached his hand out and grabbed Sam's with his own lacing their fingers together "Don't look so worried Sam, I just wondered. You don't have to answer me. To answer your question, I was trained from childhood in the art of battle by my father. All I knew was that I meant to be a knight, to protect my country. I gained my reputation because at 15 my father decided it would be a good idea to take me with him to the war in Wales. I faced down the enemy, no more than a slip of a child, I cut down men twice my size, and no one was able to touch me. I captured a Welsh prince to bring back with me. It was after that, people noticed me, the King spoke of my worth as a warrior and my name was known through the land. Ever since that I was the knight called to battle alongside my father to Wales once again and the Scottish". Dean said the last word quietly as he realized that he had killed Sam's countrymen, it was obvious to him that the young man still regarded himself as Scottish even though he had spent a considerable amount of time at the English court.
Sam looked down at their clasped hands before raising his gaze to meet Dean's, a frown etching his face. "You say that I don't have to answer you but are you not going to question my loyalty to King Edward?" He paused for a moment as though gathering his thoughts before continuing, "I want to answer you Dean, and I want you to know me. Do I think of myself as English? No, I don't, others think I do but I'm not English. You knew I came to the court as a boy, so I guess the King told you where I'm from?"
He looked at Dean briefly "He said you came from Scotland with your father".
"I did, the thing is I fully appreciate everything that has been done for me here. Rather than being treated like the enemy I was welcomed into the court. Nevertheless, I am not English, I may have the accent of one but I am Scottish and nothing is going to change that. My father committed treason against the Scottish King, for a long time my father wanted to come to England. He felt this was where he truly belonged and he was being held back in Scotland. He gave away the location of where the King would be seeking refuge for the winter; he was the only person to know. It was attacked by English troops, the King managed to escape, only barely though. It was obvious who had given the location, we couldn't remain in the country any longer, we escaped and my father brought us here throwing ourselves on Edward's mercy. I think he saw the advantage of having us here; my father was a chief advisor and had so much useful information to give up. After time I settled in and the King looked after us both. My father was sent away a few months ago on a mission to Wales I think, we don't really talk. I couldn't forgive him for what he done, because of him I cannot return to Scotland, I would be dead the moment they laid hands on me. Sad really, I think of myself as Scottish but I can't go home". Sam laughed bitterly. "I would never betray this court however, it is I guess home to a point and I would never be a traitor to it."
"Thank you for telling me that Sam. You didn't have to but I appreciate it. I want to know about you and if the roles were reversed, I would probably feel the same. Do you ever miss your father? Wish you could fix things?" Dean asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
"No, I don't miss him. My father is little more than a stranger to me. He never had time for me as a child; he brought me with him only because people knew he had a son. Wouldn't look good if he had appeared without me. Enough about me, I still have more I want to know about you. I saw that you wear a ring on your finger, is it important to you?" Sam asked, clasping their hands tighter,
Dean looked down at his hand surprised at the question. He had forgotten he had the ring on; it was something that he never took off, practically an extension of his body. Smiling he nodded "It's very important to me. It belonged to one of my ancestors; it has been passed down through the generations. It is passed on to every male in the direct line after his first battle, to symbolise becoming a warrior. My father gave it to me after Wales, I have never taken it off, I'm to afraid to lose it"
Sam brought his hand closer to his face studying the silver before looking at Dean "It's beautiful. I like that story, something passed down through time." He wiggled round the bed trying to get comfortable, his position bringing him into direct contact with Dean's chest, the heat emanating through the man's shirt causing him to shudder with excitement. Burrowing closer to him, he rested their entwined fingers on his chest whilst staring up at Dean, his emerald green eyes watching him with amusement.
"Comfortable are we?" he asked, the amusement showing in his tone.
Sam nodded, turning his head to the side, his face just inches from Dean's shirt. The man's smell hitting him, breathing in deeply he smiled, Dean smelled of the woods after a fresh rain shower as well the masculine scent, which was just Dean. "Very, thank you". They sat in silence for a bit, Dean lifting his hand from Sam's, his fingers drawing small patterns on the back of Sam's hand before tracing the hem of his doublet. Feeling brave, Dean moved his hand off Sam's arm, drawing the same patterns on his chest before running slowly upwards finally resting on his cheek. Sam looked up at him, their gazes locking. Dean wet his lips, nerves getting the better of him, swallowing he lowered his head towards Sam brushing his lips gently. As Dean moved backwards, Sam traced his lips with his fingertips before moving upwards to meet Dean once more. He was just about to lock his lips to Dean's when there was a knock at the door.
Groaning Dean pushed himself to his feet walking to the door, throwing a look of despair and regret at Sam before throwing it open. Standing outside was Anna and a young dark haired servant, his eyes flickering between Dean and the floor "I'm sorry my lord, I came to fetch the tub that you bathed in. I was to also let you know that your father is coming to visit you soon," he said softly. Nodding Dean motioned for him to come in, he stood at the table watching as they moved quickly round the room, clearing up some of the spilled water and discarded towels. He locked gazes with Sam who was perched on the side of his bed; they smiled at one another before shifting their gazes to watch the two servants working. The dark haired man smiled softly at Anna as she bent to grab an end of the tub "Are you ready Anna?" he asked.
She looked for at him and huffed slightly "Yes Castiel, I'm ready. I would probably have more luck lifting this than you would".
Dean chuckled at their banter, both of them looking at curiously. Waving his hand in the air he said "I apologize for listening in, it's just you make a rather amusing pair". He grinned at them before letting them continue with their work. Watching them lift the tub between them, he opened the door to let them out. Biding them good-bye, Anna reminded him that his father was coming to see him at some point. Closing the door, he turned to face Sam leaning against the wood. His eyes roamed the expanse of Sam's body as he got into his previous position as before. "Looks like we are alone again"
Sam looked at him, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes "Looks like it". He watched as Dean went towards the table picking up some sweetmeat, his eyes drawn to the sensual way the man put it in his mouth, his tongue darting out as though to pull the taste of the food from his lips. Coughing slightly and adjusting his body on the bed to hide his growing erection, he asked, "I was wondering what was wrong with you earlier? You were really pissed".
Swallowing the last bit of the meat, he looked at Sam his eyes darkening with the memory of that morning. "Let's just say that the news of my return has certainly travelled. I was in the chapel this morning and bumped into one of the Queen's ladies who was rather quick to remind me that I am a wanted man and that I'm going to be hunted. It didn't put me in the best of moods. I am more than aware of the danger that I'm facing without someone trying to bring it to my attention. I am never going to be free Sam, I will always have to watch my back, I don't know that Phillip does not have spies here and the moment they found out what I have done, well I will be fair game to them. To kill me would push them up in his favour and that's a place most people want to be". Sighing deeply he leaned back against the table, one hand rubbing through his hair as he contemplated the danger he was in. "Something was off about her, I can't put my finger on it but I just wanted to be away from her".
Sam pushed himself up and sat back on the edge of the bed, looking at Dean in concern. "Who was it? To be honest there is more than a few ladies in this court who warrant such a reaction, but I do have a suspicion that I know who it is."
Removing his hand from his hair, he wrapped both arms round his waist as he spoke "She said her name was Ruby".
"Damn it, I knew it had to be her, Ruby Devereaux. That woman is poison; it would serve you well to stay away from her. She is the daughter in law of the Earl of Sussex. No one is entirely sure where she comes from. One day Sussex returned from travels abroad and she was with him. Months later she married his son". Sam said harshly. "She is brazen, more than once she has tried to lure me into her bed. As though I would touch her, it is ridiculous. Dean pay her no attention, she has no idea what she is talking about"
A jolt of familiarity rushed through his head at the name Devereaux, he felt as though he knew it but he couldn't quite place his finger on it. Walking to his window, he stared out taking in the darkening sky. "I know that name but I can't think how," he murmured softly. He jumped when he felt a pair of arms surround his waist, pulling him slightly backwards; he leaned back into Sam's warmth. He let the taller man's heat encompass him, giving him a feeling of safety. He felt at that moment, that Phillip could send his full garrison to capture him but as long as Sam was holding him, nothing could harm him.
"It will come back to you, I'm sure," Sam whispered as he tightened his hold and buried his face in Dean's hair, breathing in the other man's scent. Dean laid his hands on top of Sam's and soaked in his warmth and the feeling of security the man provided. He turned his head slightly to the side locking gazes with the taller man. They both leaned in simultaneously, their lips barely brushing when another knock sounded at the door. Groaning Sam buried his face in Dean's hair "One of these days my dear Duke, I am going to kiss you properly without interruptions".
Squeezing Sam's hands, Dean smiled softly and whispered, "I am going to hold you to that. I'm sorry but I need to answer that". Pulling away reluctantly he flung open his door to find his father on the other side. "Come in" he said standing aside to let John into the room.
Dean saw a look of surprise on John's look as he noticed Sam before a look of comprehension settled in his eyes. Coughing slightly he looked at his son "You asked me to come see you when I had time?"
Dean ducked his head out the door to make sure the corridor was clear before closing the door behind him. Waving his hand to John and Sam to sit down, he leaned against his writing desk, his hand rubbing through his hair as he tried to gather his thoughts. He had to decide right now if he could trust Sam, he had only known him a day and his whole chain of thought could lead to a shit load of trouble for him if Sam couldn't be trusted. Looking at the younger man and his beautiful hazel eyes, he knew that Sam would keep this to himself. Standing upright, he looked at his father "What I say right now can not pass beyond these doors. Sam I am aware that we don't know each other as well as we should considering what I am going to say but something tells me that you can be trusted with this" he watched as both Sam and John agreed with him. "Something is very wrong at this court."
Pausing he studied the two men's reactions. Sam a look of confusion on his features "What do you mean wrong?"
Just as he finished his sentence, John spoke quietly "Sussex"
"Sussex? What do you mean my lord?" Sam asked John.
John looked at his son to see if he was going to confirm his statement. Dean nodded "You always told me to watch out for him. That there was something off about him. Sam think back to last night, did the advice Sussex give the King make any sense to you what so ever?"
Sam leaned back in his chair, his hands running through his hair in concentration as he tried to remember the previous night. "He said to let the French attack on our land. I guess that it doesn't make much sense"
He opened his mouth to continue speaking when John held his hand up for a second silencing him. A frown marred the older man's face "I'm sorry but what are you talking about? I spoke to the King briefly last night and never heard a thing about this."
"Before you arrived home last night, I de-briefed everyone on what was going on and Sussex tried to convince Edward that was his best course of action. Father you know as well as I do, that is not the best plan. He is planning something I just don't know what, I'm just glad that Edward decided to listen to me," Dean said as he gripped the end of the desk laying his full weight against it.
"There is a problem Dean which your father knows as well. Sussex has become close to the King since you have been gone. He is one his chief advisors and confidantes, if he wants to, I am convinced that he can get the King to change his mind" Sam said quietly.
John nodded in agreement "It's true, we are still closer to the King however Sussex has managed to wrangle his way in. Some nobles have been set aside to make way for him yet no-one knows how"
Dean's eyes widened as his father spoke "I may have a way to find out. The young servant girl Anna, I was speaking to her earlier and found out Sussex has been using her of late. She told me that he has done things to people but no one would believe her. She has agreed to spy on him for me."
"That's good thinking son. You need to speak to her again and find out what he was doing" John stood from his chair stretching before moving towards his son and leaning against the desk as well.
"Holy shit" Sam swore softly. Both Winchesters looked at him in alarm as the younger man began to rock on his chair, his eyes locked on his hand in his lap.
Dean studied him, knew exactly what he was thinking. Moving from the desk, he walked to Sam and got to his knees in front of him. Bending his head, he locked his eyes with nervous hazel ones. Laying his hands on top of Sam's, he spoke softly "I know how scary this is Sam. I have been there; all you can think of is the shit load of trouble that is going to come your way if this goes south." He watched as Sam nodded slightly, tightening his grip on Sam's hands, he smiled "I'm not going to let anything or anyone hurt you ok? I will protect you, if this does end badly, I will make sure that your name stays out of it as well my fathers, the only person responsible will be me".
Sam's head snapped up, shaking violently "No. No I won't let you take responsibility for me Dean. I am going to help you with the plans, yes, I'm terrified. We are going up against one of the strongest nobles in the court, he has connections all over the castle but if he is plotting something then I want to end that. I told you earlier that no matter I will never be traitor to this country and I will be damned to see someone else do the same". He flashed Dean a nervous smile.
Both men stared at one another, lost in each other's gazes until a cough sounded from the side of them. Flushing they faced John who was staring at them a brow raised. Smirking he spoke to Sam "Sussex may be one of the more powerful nobles but do you really think that he is any match for the Winchesters? Sam we come from the most powerful family of them all bar the royal family. What Sussex thinks he can achieve is nothing compared to what we are capable of. What we need to think of is why he is doing this?"
Pushing to his feet, Dean shrugged "That's the problem I can't think of any reason" he turned to face the window watching as the last of the sun faded and the darkness began to settle over the countryside. He thought of the Earl's behaviour and advice when it struck him "Oh my god, I think I know" he whirled on his heels to face the two men "He has to be working for the French. Think about it, he is only an Earl but is power hungry. If he can help Phillip get control of England imagine the power he is going to gain. Fuck, he has become a traitor to the crown but we can't go to Edward, he won't believe us if they have gotten as close as you say they have".
John paled slightly "He knows all the King's residences, where the armies are based. He knows everything that could lead to a complete downfall. If we don't strike soon, this country is going to fall and we won't be able to stop it."
Sam got to his feet shakily "We need to make plans and stop him"
"We do but not here. It is too risky, he could have spies looking for information," Dean told him.
"That was another reason I came down actually. The king has been kept busy with the Welsh, Sussex has been pushing home affairs on to him, and I guess I know why now. Edward said that we could go to Richmond for a few days to rest. It may be a good idea to go, allow us time to think of what we are going to do. I am going to have quiet talks with the nobles that I do trust and see if we can't gain some allies" John said, looking at Sam he smiled "And of course Campbell, you are able to join us. I'm sure the change of scenery will do you some good. Dean can show you our lands in your spare time"
"Thank you my lord" Sam grinned at him.
"Please call me John in private. Now if you excuse me I am going to retire, time is getting on and I would like to get some sleep. We will leave in two days possibly three depending on how I am getting on with things." John smiled at both men.
Sam turned to Dean and leaned in close to him "I am going to go just now as well but I look forward to spending some time with you at Richmond. Maybe we will be able to actually get that kiss"
Dean flushed as he watched both men leave the room. Grinning to himself, he pulled off his clothes and settled under the covers. As he felt himself drift off to sleep, he wondered where the time had gone that day, it had gone far too quickly for his liking. The last thought being of hazel eyes and pink lips begging to be kissed.