Genre: AU/Fantasy/Drama
Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 13x5, 6+OC
Disclaimer: Don't own nothin' but these words
Warnings: Yaoi, lemon, violence, slavery, language, war, torture, fear of the unknown
Special Note: Dedicated to snowdragonct. You, my dear, have been this story's inspiration since almost the very beginning, and it's come this far thanks to you. Special thanks as well to Closet Goth and StandingOnTheRooftops for all your encouragement and lovely feedback.
A/N: Who was it that asked me about heirs? Don't worry, anyone! I have already figured it out. I always consider important things like that (remember The King and the Shaman?).
DarthZombieSarah: I would be unbelievably thrilled and honored! ^_^
Drums of War
They came out of nowhere, the clouds. Thick and dark and tumultuous they obscured the sun and swallowed the blue sky. They brought a fierce, howling wind that shrieked through the ramparts of the city, a wickedly gleeful gale that sent everyone scurrying for cover. They brought frigid rain, pelting down like little darts. They brought furious thunder, booming through the emptied streets like an offended god. They brought jagged streaks of white-purple lightning, flashing down and scarring the sudden darkness. They brought the Imperial Army of Corai, suddenly pouring into the city streets out of nowhere just like the clouds.
It would be talked about for years afterward. The Black King and his Black Queen charging into Dermaile on huge black stallions that breathed fire and were wreathed in lightning. It was over in shocking silence, and the clouds simply melted away. They yielded to a glorious sunset, splashing color across the sky in a wide canvas. The Imperial Army occupied the city with surprising chivalry, and the whole city waited as dusk slipped into night for the morning when they would know what had happened inside Lord Cerval's home.
o0o
For the first time in his life, Duo allowed his overwhelming hatred of the Tower direct his actions. As Zechs dragged Cerval into the room, Duo drew himself up a little straighter and looked imperiously down at the man when Zechs pushed him to his knees. Heero stood beside him, looking absolutely magnificent in his black battle armor. The two crossed bastard swords on his back should have looked big and ridiculous. They did not. By contrast, Duo wore only a plain black robe. No armor, no weapons. For once his hair was pulled back in a low ponytail rather than a tight braid.
"Well, well," Heero said, voice low and smooth. "It's the cowardly worm of Dermaile."
The noble court, pressed against the walls and whispering amongst themselves, watched with wide eyes. Duo saw many of them shiver.
Cerval's eyes darted to the nobles gathered, and Duo could practically see the wheels of his mind spinning. He didn't want to look like a spineless fool in front of them. He didn't want to look that weak. So he made a contemptuous sound.
"Well, well, it's the filthy half-blood sorcerer from Corai," he retorted. His voice didn't even shake.
Duo took two steps forward and backhanded Cerval across the mouth, putting just enough magic into the blow so it wouldn't hurt his hand. The impact caused a quick flash of light and sent Cerval reeling backward. An audible gasp rippled through the crowd.
"Bold words for a dead man," Heero said, low and pleasant as Zechs yanked the man back up to his knees. "How shall I kill you in front of your little court, Cerval? Make you beg? Make you scream?"
"I-I'm not afraid of you!" Cerval shrilled.
"Zechs," Heero said, voice glacial, "cut out his tongue."
He heard several women whimper as Zechs grabbed the man's face, wielding the curved dagger he kept in his boot. Cerval immediately started babbling and struggling, and two soldiers quickly came to their Lord General's aid.
"Mercy!" Cerval wailed.
"Why should I show mercy to a dead man?" Heero asked pleasantly.
"Please!" someone from the crowd abruptly called out. "Please, Black King, show us mercy!"
Heero slowly turned toward the voice, and Duo watched an awful smile curve up his lips. "Zechs, when you're done, slaughter these sheep. They're an eyesore."
That, Duo thought, was a perfect cue. He flowed forward to place himself between Heero and the cowering court. "We have no reason to harm these people," he said in a soothing tone, "as long as they swear their allegiance to you."
He could feel their shock that he, a sorcerer, was defending them.
Heero scoffed. "What use have I for their allegiance? Dobraia is full of soft and cowardly sheep."
"Only because they are led by soft cowards," Duo said, still using that soothing voice. "Led by you, they will be a magnificent addition to Corai's ranks, my king."
Though it didn't show on Heero's face, his pride in Duo swelled outward fiercely. His face was still cold as he reached out and cupped Duo's chin. "Indeed. If that is how you feel, I will spare them." He gently drew Duo to the side. "It seems my future queen sees something in you that I do not. Consider yourselves lucky. But for him, you would already be dead. Zechs, take that unsightly fool and throw him in his own dungeons." With that, he left the large open foyer.
Only when Zechs and the other soldiers were gone did the remaining people slowly move away from the walls. They approached Duo cautiously.
"Why did you save us?" a young woman finally asked.
"My fiance is at war," Duo said quietly, "with the world. He is a cold and powerful man. I will save all that I can."
They all stayed motionless for quite a time, then a middle-aged man abruptly swept forward and sank to one knee in front of Duo. "The Black King is a heartless demon," he said, "and I believe nothing will stop him until he has won his war. Therefore, it is for the rest of us to choose sides. I will not swear my allegiance to him, a man who would order people killed without a thought. I will, however, swear my allegiance to you." He took Duo's hand and kissed the back of it.
Duo watched, startled and amazed, as every person in the room quietly did the same. Finally he stirred. "The Black King will be satisfied with this, I assure you. From this moment you are all under my protection."
The first man who'd spoken took Duo's hand again, this time tucking it under his arm. "Please come with me, Your Highness. There is someone whom I'm sure you would like to meet."
He led Duo to an isolated wing and knocked politely on one of the doors. At the soft invitation to enter, he pushed it open and took Duo inside. The room was small, with only a bed, fireplace, tiny desk, and chair. The fire provided the only light, and there she was. The Green. As soon as she saw her visitors she rose to her feet, standing taller than Duo by almost a head. She curtsied low.
"Duo," she murmured. "You and I never met, but I know who you are. My name is Maritias Lanwyn, I've been waiting for you." She dropped to her knees in front of him, taking his hand and pressing the back to her forehead. "Please free me. It is my wish to enter into yours and the Black King's service, working together with you toward the Tower's destruction."
No lie, complete and direct truth. Quite the opposite of what he'd gotten from Salyn. He broke the collar almost absently, and when it clattered to the floor she stared at it as if not quite believing. She gracefully rose and touched her throat.
"I would be happy to have you at my side," Duo said with a smile.
She closed her eyes for a moment, then looked at him again. "Please accept my apologies, Duo. When I laid that trap per Lord Cerval's instructions, I did so clumsily in hopes you would sense it. That was not the only trap I laid there, however."
Duo frowned, willing her to continue.
She didn't look away, eyes clear as she met his gaze. "It was a suggestion trap, planting the idea in your mind to arrive in Dermaile using magical means and take the city by surprise. Though I despise Cerval, I knew it would minimize casualty. Also, there are several sorcerers in Dobraia, waiting for the moment to strike against you and the Black King. You are vulnerable away from Cera; I have heard many times now that your barrier around the capital city is impregnable."
Blinking, Duo stared at her in shock. She laid a suggestion trap that I didn't even sense? This was her idea?
Judging by her expression, she was willing to accept punishment and would not cower away from it. "It was the only way I could think to ensure you arrived here safely. You are very powerful, Duo, but you are very young. The strongest sorcerers in the Tower can do things you've never imagined."
It was true, and Duo felt an unexpected rush of gratitude. He smiled and looked down, feeling like a child. "I'm not angry, Maritias. On the contrary, I'm amazed at your cleverness."
For the first time she smiled, and it made her look younger. "Thank you, Duo. For your kindness and for freeing me." Taking a step forward, she leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I am at your disposal."
o0o 0o0
Heero watched Salyn pace like an agitated rodent, seriously considering the idea of creating a collar for the idiot kid. He was getting worse and worse at controlling his thoughts and emotions, which meant it was only a matter of time until he gave himself away. Heero was content to wait for that time. He would keep Salyn around until he knew why the youth had placed himself in front of Duo.
And if your intentions are foul, nothing will save you. I will destroy you, right down to your soul.
"Your Majesty?"
Heero looked up at the soldier. "Yes, what is it?"
"We have cleared the entire east wing of Dobraians. Per Lord General Marquise's instructions we sectioned off rooms for officers' quarters and a suite for you and His Highness."
"Thank you. Salyn."
The kid jumped. "Y-yes?"
Heero gave him an unkind smile. "Take yourself to the servants' quarters. You may stay there the night."
He wanted to protest. Heero could tell. But his nerve deserted him and he scurried away like a cockroach. Smirking, Heero rose. The soldier escorted him to the suite, and when he entered to his pleasure Duo was already there. Looking beautiful and ethereal in that pitch black robe that made his pale skin seem to glow. He closed the distance between them and opened his arms.
Duo went into his embrace with a smile, melting into him. "I found the Green. She hid nothing from me."
"Excellent. You trust her?"
"Yes."
Heero kissed Duo's temple. "What is her name?"
"Maritias Lanwyn."
Surprised, Heero pulled back. "Lanwyn?"
"What's wrong?"
"The queen of Lark, her name is Lanwyn. I remember hearing that the oldest daughter and heir was born a sorcerer and taken by the Tower. I wonder if that is her."
Duo's eyes widened. "If that's true, then perhaps we could take Lark without a fight. Depending on how they felt about their heir's abduction?"
Heero smiled and lightly kissed Duo. "My gentle koi. Yes, you're absolutely right."
Duo blushed. "What are you going to do with Cerval?"
"I haven't decided yet. What did you do with the rest of those worthless people?" They had decided what to say before entering that room, but the end result, of course, could not be predicted.
Looking a bit uncomfortable, Duo sank down onto the edge of the bed. "They swore fealty to me."
Heero gazed at him in surprise. Then he strode forward and dropped to his knees in front of his love. "You continue to amaze me. We took an entire city without casualty, and you have assured me the allegiance of all its nobility." He gently clasped Duo's hands and kissed the backs of both. "If you ever decided that I should wear a collar, Duo, I would do so gladly as long as you were my master. I would serve you forever if you wished."
Duo tightened his grip and yanked Heero up so they both tumbled backward onto the bed, Heero on top. "Don't say that," he whispered, eyes blazing. "You have no idea what it's like to be a slave, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Least of all you."
Heero just smiled. "I already am a slave, Duo. The moment I fell in love I was enslaved."
That enticing blush came back. "Instead of bothering me, why don't you conference with your generals and political affairs advisors about how to take the rest of Dobraia?"
Leaning down, Heero pressed his lips to Duo's neck. "I'd rather take this," he said, sliding his hands down Duo's back and cupping that enticing curve of flesh.
Duo arched upward a little with a faint gasp when Heero squeezed. "I-It's still early . . ." he protested weakly, head falling to the side as Heero lavished his neck with attention.
"Then I'll have more time to plunder you," Heero said, pleased. "Would you deny a starving man a feast?"
"You're hardly starving," Duo said, pushing at Heero's chest.
"It's been several days."
"It's been one."
"Then it's been one too long." He pushed his knee between Duo's and pressed his thigh down. Despite his love's arguments, he was already half aroused.
Duo tossed his head back, exposing his creamy white throat, lips parting in a faint gasp. So beautiful. So tempting. Heero didn't bother resisting, he sucked and nibbled on the offered skin. Duo's resistance melted like his body did, and Heero made him writhe for as long as he could. That sweet mouth, panting his name in such a sweet voice, there wasn't a single part of him that didn't completely, easily own the Black King.
