AN: This chapter was edited by a good friend of mine who is way more proficient in grammar than I! Thank you all for your support and kind reviews! I hope you enjoy!

The smells of smoked deer flank, roasted almond butter and warm rye bread mixed wonderfully with the sharp aroma of red wine and freshly plucked fruits. However, Aya couldn't appreciate any of it. His mind was a swirling maelstrom of anger, fear and confusion. Emotions he was not accustom to and they were making him feel uneasy and unbalanced. He ignored the conversations around him, didn't watch the sensual belly dancers nor did he listen to the smooth sounds of the string quartet when they arrived. Nothing could soothe him. He had made a grave mistake.

There were only four Codes he had sworn to follow: 1. Slay the Beasts that Stalk the Night 2. Live Morally 3. Emotions are Precarious and 4. Stay Silent. They were simple and he had never had trouble keeping them before. The killing came easily and naturally to him, he never regretted any lives he had taken. Living morally covered the basics of why one became an assassin, whether a man was doing it for money, God, self or country he must stay loyal in that regard. But now, Codes three and four had been completely shattered. Never had he thought he would come across someone where Code three would come into play and never had he thought Code four would be so easy to break. He let out a sigh.

"You have been doing that often this eve," his father, King Persia, was looking across the table at him with concern.

Tonight the king had asked for a small get together for dinner, it was just he, his son and two other assassins, the gardener Ken who taught lessons at the harem and a larger man Aya hadn't seen before, but would never question his ability to get the job done. They were to discuss the plan of how to go about Prince Crawford's dismissal. And even though this should have been a time of celebration Aya still realized he didn't care.

He glanced up at his father, "I am merely thinking. Go on," his tone was sharp enough to earn a raised brow from the large man, but familiar enough that it didn't offend the king.

"Very well," he said, the king sitting at a place at the table where he was almost completely shrouded in shadow.

It was a common thing for his father to do and Aya hated it. Why was the king permitted to hide when he, even though he was an assassin, stood out like a beacon in the sky. His appearance was so rare that some of the citizens thought him a deity. Others found him frightening, sure that the crimson of his hair signified the fires of Hell from which he had surely sprung. If only they knew just how close to the truth that was. Oh the hells he had seen.

His father was talking, "It is near the end of that nobleman's visit and my son," he clapped his hand on Aya's shoulder and the younger made a face. They were not truly father and son. He would never hold affection for the man. Still, he didn't pull away. Persia continued, "he will return with the noble as a sign of good faith. He will drink of their wine and enjoy their hospitality even as he plots the death of their prince."

"Why still the prince?" Ken spoke up. Aya had seen the man kill once. Though he was quick he used horrid claw like weapons. Aya found them messy and silly. Even if someone tried to explain away the corpse by saying it was mauled any one else with common sense would know a bear couldn't gouge that damn deep. Aya glanced at him as he spoke, his expression impassive as he listened, "Why not the king? Our prince will be in the palace."

"Yes, I've thought of that, but it is not the king that is causing the problems. The intelligence I am receiving as well as my own personal dealings with the king leads me to believe that his son, not he, is making the plans to invade the outer territories. The king wants a truce, this is true," Persia nodded, "but his son is seeking blood and war. The king is fickle and weak. Everyone knows it is his son who calls the shots. Not he. I want Crawford dead."

Aya nodded, "It will be done. Do not worry."

"I am not worried. Your ability to kill has never been in question."

A weaker man would have felt guilt at hearing that, a disturbed man pride, Aya though, felt nothing and he wondered what that said about his soul. He just nodded again.

The king, happy with his little meeting waved for more wine to be brought over. Ken stood, bowed and took his leave. The large assassin walked over to the group of harem dancers and picked out a young female, legal in age, but looking no more than fourteen or younger. Aya rolled his eyes and looked away when he saw the man pull her robes aside and dive in head first like she was a buffet to be devoured. But then again she was a whore so it was to be expected. No he thought whores at least get paid for their humiliation. She is from the harem, bought and sold with money she has and never will see. That made him think of Yohji and he groaned in frustration.

The king looked at his son again, "Please speak to me. I know you do not love me and have no reason to confide in me, but perhaps my neutrality will aid you?"

"I told him," Aya just spat it out. What was the point of hiding it anyway. He had no reason to trust that Yohji would keep it a secret. They were not a couple so no obligation born of love or respect had been sewn. Aya groaned again. So why had he told him anything?

"Told who what?"

"Told Yohji I am an assassin," he looked up just in time to watch the king struggling to control his expression, trying to hold to his declaration that he could be neutral.

"Who is this Yohji?"

"The harem worker you bought for me."

It took some time, but Aya finally noticed when the king remembered, "Ah, the deviant lanky slave."

Aya just nodded, but felt a twinge of something close to anger when he heard the word 'slave' in regards to Yohji.

"You would like that one..." the king sighed and wiped his mouth on a cloth. Aya didn't think he had enough dealings with his father for the man to realize his 'type', but he was in no mood to question it. Persia ran his hands through his dark hair, "So...am I to assume you are going to make a bid for his freedom. You are a couple now no?"

"No," Aya waited for the look of confusion on the king's face and when it manifested he explained, "I feel...something for him...I wish not to speak of it. The confession just sprang forth. I will take any punishment you deem worthy."

There was silence then, long and uncomfortable. The only sounds were from the string quartet, the crackling fire and the lewd grunts from the corner of the room.

Persia suddenly stretched,tilting in his chair until the front legs came off the ground. The grunting became louder as the large assassin pounded the small dancer into the wall. Pulling his fingers thorough his hair Persia growled out, "God he sounds like a boar!" The chair slammed down echoing loudly. He looked at his son and said, "Figure out your feelings. If you confided in him as a lover then I can not fault you for that, but if he compromises the mission in any way..." he left the rest of the sentence unsaid, but Aya knew.

So he nodded and said, "I will slay him with my own blade if it comes to that."

"Have you seen him at all this day?"

"No," Aya remembered last night all too clearly. Yohji had used his mouth on him in the shower then left with a cheeky grin. Aya, still confused and upset about his own behavior had spent the rest of the night and all day this day in his room, reading. He would still be there now if he had not been summoned to this get together.

"Avoidance will not gain you the answer," Persia gave him a piercing look and Aya wondered if the king really cared about him or if he just wanted things to get resolved for the sake of the assassin's team, "Go see him. Don't over think it. Sometimes your heart is smarter than your mind," he stood with his goblet of wine, "Oh and ignore the nudges from your prick, it's a selfish thing that, and in a situation like this will only lead you astray," he chuckled then turned and left the hall.

Aya was left to his own thoughts, before they were disrupted by a primal howl when his brother in arms reached completion. He stood and looking over he wasn't surprised to see the large man chugging down a mug of ale as he dropped the weakened, tired looking wisp of a girl to the floor. His eyes were already roaming to find him another. Aya was disgusted. He knew some men had sex just for the sake of keeping a tally and feeling as though they conquered something, but he could never be that way.

Using the harem felt overly selfish enough as it was and he had always feared he would become like some rutting animal in heat. So he had tried his best to suppress his desires, but Yohji's sensuality and personality had slipped through and forced Aya to examine his wants and needs. What he and Yohji did last night wasn't baseless sex and he had to admit that realizing it did make him feel a bit better. He hadn't used Yohji like some faceless, nameless whore nor had Yohji treated him as such. He looked back at the assassin and saw him suckling at the breast of another dancer, his fingers worked so far up her womanhood it had to hurt. It was settled in that moment. Yohji was never a slave to him and his own sexual urges had never been in danger of becoming so distastefully carnal. He had to speak to Yohji. Right now.

Aya had went to the harem without his guards. He had never been there before, but he had asked that they were comfortable and the room stay clean. He had insisted on the lessons they received and allowed all of them the chance to learn to read and write. Most servants thought his desire to treat the slaves under his care with kindness showed him to be a wise and respectful man. In truth, Aya knew angry, abused people plotted deaths and escapes. He didn't want to deal with the hassle. Now though, standing silently at the door of the harem he was glad of his choices. They were all smiling and chatting sitting on the floor as they ate their dinner of baked ham and sourdough rolls with water. It was a simple meal, but better than some slaves received in other kingdoms. These were happy people and it was this joyful atmosphere that Yohji was exposed to daily and knowing that made him unusually blissful.

Having come alone he didn't have anyone to announce him and he had told the guards at the harem doors not to bother. He watched them eat for a moment before seeking out Yohji. When he found him he lifted a brow in surprise that his emerald eyes were already fixed on his. Yohji hadn't called attention to the prince; it was clear he was enjoying the sight of him. Aya wasn't sure how to feel about that. There was a gasp suddenly and a clamoring of feet and dishes as a young girl noticed the prince and announced him. The harem lapsed into instant silence and stood, bowing deeply. All except Yohji, who just rose and wiped his hands on his trousers. Leather and tight around his lean muscular thighs, the lacing straining across the crotch area leaving no doubt about just how strong his erection was.

Aya's eyes went a bit wide as he realized Yohji was so aroused by just looking upon him. His eyes flicked up and caught Yohji's stare. The other just gave a shrug and a smirk that read equal parts 'yeah you are that sexy' and 'you want to feel it again don't you'.

Aya cleared his throat and spoke, "Please rise, resume your activities," he noticed that some of the girls almost sat in each others' laps they were looking at him so hard. He nodded to them and one blushed and another looked away with a giggle.

One of the males, looking to be the eldest, spoke up, "Is there something we can do for you Your Highness? We have all bathed and are ready to delight you."

Aya lifted a brow, "I shall have need of Yohji. That is all."

Yohji smirked and began stalking over to Aya, stepping over harem girls and their dinners even though he never took his eyes off the prince. Aya realized that Yohji always approached him in that manner. Hungry and confident, like a panther closing in on his prey. Aya never considered himself anybody's prey, would have been angry and asking for blood if it was ever implied, but he couldn't deny that whenever he was near Yohji he did have a disconcerting urge to submit. He thought the revelation would shame him, instead he found that his own laces were getting tight around the groin.

Once Yohji was in front of him he gave him a bow that was proper then whispered, "How may I please you my prince?"

Aya's body warmed and a tingle of pleasure rushed up his spine. Only Yohji could make his title sound like some sultry endearment. He turned and started to walk down the hall, knowing Yohji would follow.

Further away from the harem Yohji spoke again, "You ever thought about growing your hair out? It would look like fire around my thighs once your mouth was wrapped around my cock."

Aya actually faltered in step then he glanced back with a dangerous glare, "Shut your mouth until we are in my chambers!" He practically hissed at him.

Yohji chuckled, but knew better than to push the prince's patience. So he followed silently, still taking in his surroundings like he had before, adding more to his mental map of the palace. As much as he adored the prince, he still couldn't imagine living the rest of his life as a slave. He would either buy his freedom or escape. But even as he thought that the idea of leaving Aya for good sent an ache to his heart.

Finally at his door Aya opened it and swept inside. He moved gracefully and Yohji could imagine him in a fight dodging weapons, kicks and punches. Surprising men with his agility before he struck them down with a killing blow like some avenging angel.

Once the door was closed and locked Yohji asked, "Do you use a weapon? Or just kill men with your bare hands?"

"I am no brute," the prince started to remove his cape, jacket and cravat, "my choice of weapon is a sword," he turned and was left in his white shirt with billowy sleeves, his navy vest and trousers and his thick brown knee boots. Even in less attire he still radiated nobility and power. It made Yohji shiver knowing he had tamed it, more than once, and left the prince open and delicate.

Yohji smiled, the sword suited the prince. The weapon was long, sturdy and cold. A weapon that was efficiently deadly all on it's own. Intimidating. Beautiful in it's simplicity. It surely was his prince's equal.

Aya sat at his desk and said, "I will be leaving in a few days to accompany the nobleman back to his home."

Yohji frowned, "How long will that take?"

"A full day and half the night to ride by coach, then a week to stay and carry out my mission, then another day and half night back. Assuming there will be no complications."

Yohji stood silent for a while then asked, "Can I go?"

"No."

"I don't want to be here alone."

"You won't be, you have the harem."

Yohji sighed, "I don't want to be here without you," he clarified.

Now it was Aya's turn to be silent. He remembered Persia's words, that avoidance does not gain answers. He took a deep breath then said, "Fine," Yohji knew better than to gloat, so he kept his face impassive. Aya went on, "but if you jeopardize the mission I will not hesitate to kill you."

At that Yohji smirked, "Yes you would," he walked over to him, around his desk then dropped to his knees. He looked up, "You don't talk much, but I know you felt it too. That last night was more than just a good fuck," he chuckled, "fucks," Aya cocked a brow, which made him all the more handsome, before Yohji went on, "I am not foolish enough to call it love, but it is deeper than merely physical. You know that...yes?"

Aya sighed but nodded.

"And you like being near me...yes?"

Another nod.

"And it's kind of scary...yes?"

A bit of hesitation before another nod.

Yohji smiled, "For me as well. You are not alone in your confusion," he placed his hands on Aya's thighs and used them to rise up to meet his lips, "let me kiss you."

Aya closed his eyes and moaned when Yohji's lips pressed against his. Yohji smiled gently against his lips then whispered, "Open your mouth..." Aya did, slowly and Yohji swept his tongue along the bottom lip before kissing him properly.

Pulling away he slid his left hand up to rest on the laces of Aya's pants. Aya sucked in a breath and looked down at Yohji with half lidded eyes as the other lowered himself back to his haunches. Yohji took his time undoing the laces, remembering the first time he was on his knees before the prince, marveling at just how much had changed since that first meeting. As the laces loosened, the prince's swollen manhood pressed against them, trying to free itself. Yohji finally pulled the flaps aside and let out a breath at the sight of Aya's thick engorged flesh. It was truly something to behold.

He touched the tip with his finger and when he pulled it away a delicate string of precum still joined them. He smiled then took his finger into his mouth and licked it clean, watching as more liquid beaded at the slit before slipping over and sliding down the cockhead. He leaned forward and used his tongue to clean Aya, loving the way the prince's breathing kicked up. He pulled the head between his lips and sucked gently, felt the sticky precum as it coated his tongue. Everything about Aya was perfect and his flavor was no exception. Yohji wondered if one could spoil himself on cock. Lord knew he was going to find out. He pushed down deeper, pulling more length into his mouth. He could feel the heartbeat pulsing through the silken skin, the heat radiating through his mouth practically scorching him. The coarse hairs at the base tickled his nose as the heavy sac rested on his chin. He moved his tongue slowly, breathing through his nose as he worked the underside, massaging the hardness as he swallowed around the head. Precum slid slowly down his throat, thick, salty and warm. Maybe he was well past smitten, but it tasted of ambrosia. He moaned, the sound vibrating the delicious cock and the prince's hips bucked.

Aya had never felt sensation so acutely before. He had experienced a few oral sessions with various harem workers, but this was something all together different. Even different from his first time with Yohji. He looked down at him, trying to glean the answer from the other's actions. As if called aloud, Yohji's eyes lifted and the emotions of lust and admiration were clear to see. Aya closed his own eyes, feeling that foreign tug in his chest, just as he had when Yohji had taken him slowly and lovingly on the floor.

Yohji pulled away with a soft wet sound and whispered, "Open your eyes...watch me," when the amethysts were visible again he smiled, "watch how I worship you."

Aya moaned, but obeyed easily as Yohji descended once more on his manhood. The blonde took his time, sucking at the head before pulling the shaft into his tight throat. His swallows caressed the erection, softly milking free more strings of precum. He pulled away, lifting his eyes to see if Aya was still watching him. Pleased that the eyes, though merely slits, were still on him Yohji lowered his face. He parted his lips and began mouthing the hot sac as the prince's saliva slicked cock wet his forehead and hair. He heard him take in a deep breath and looked up around the shaft to see Aya panting, fighting to keep his eyes open as his pleasure built.

Yohji rolled one heavy ball then the other, before grasping them both between his lips. He tugged gently as his now hidden tongue swirled and juggled the balls making lewd sucking wet noises that sent shivers through him. Aya reached out suddenly and gripped Yohji's hair hard causing Yohji to gasp in alarm and pain, dropping the sac with an audible pop.

Aya couldn't seem to speak, but Yohji could read his face so he licked up the underside until he had reached the tip. No sooner had he engulfed the cockhead his prince was coming. Climaxing with a force that brought his buttocks off the chair and stole all the air from his lungs, leaving him weak and gasping for breath.

Yohji greedily took it all, drinking the strong spurts of Aya's essence with a vigor he hadn't realized he possessed. Knowing he had brought Aya to such great heights made Yohji feel virile and alive and sent his arousal soaring so that he too, was suddenly riding a wave of ecstasy he wasn't prepared for. He cried out, gripping Aya's thighs harder as the prince's last strings of cum landed on his upper lip and nose. His legs quivered right along with Aya's and for a moment both of them did nothing but breathe.

Aya was the first to stir, grunting with the effort it took to move his sated body. He stood and walked into his wash room. He wet a small hand towel, cleaned himself then walked back over to Yohji. He knelt and cleaned Yohji's face as the blonde grinned like some mischievous cat. Aya ignored the comment about how good he tasted and finished up. Yohji stretched out onto his back and started to unlace his breeches. Aya's jewel tone eyes slid down curiously then widened when Yohji pulled the flaps aside and they came away from his body sticky and wet.

"See what you do to me Aya...how much power you have over me..." Yohji's voice was husky with need.

Aya jerked his head up to look at Yohji. It had never occurred to him that he had any control in this. He had always assumed Yohji was relishing in his power. His lips parted to respond when there was a knock at his door.

Yohji just rolled over to his side, shielding his nakedness from the door. Aya groaned when he stood up, but told himself not to snap at whomever was on the other side. He opened the door to be greeted by a messenger. The man bowed then handed Aya a note. Aya dismissed him then closed the door and walked over to his desk. He sat down, noting that there was no wax seal on the parchment. The note had come from an internal source.

"Who's it from?" Yohji asked as he propped his elbow up and held his chin in his hand. He hadn't bothered tucking himself away.

Aya just gave a non comutal sound before opening the letter. Inside was a handwritten note that, even in all it's formality held a foreboding tone:

I, Schuldig, Nobleman of the Kingdom of Schwarz, humbly petition for your approval to appeal for the freedom of the harem slave boy known as Omi. Be it by good faith, exchange or coin I do so wish to have him in my company in my home kingdom. Please dear prince, consider my request and know that I intend no ill will.

It was signed with a flourish that sent Aya's teeth on edge. He handed the note down to Yohji and asked, "Do you know this boy?"

Yohji sat up and took the note, he read it quickly then said, "Yeah, we share a room actually."

That just made Aya's frown deepen. The noble wanted to buy Omi, the same slave who was roommates with the man he was trying to bed and continually taunted? Something about all of this seemed so wrong, so sneaky and out of place.

Aya steepled his fingers on his desk then said to Yohji, "See what he knows of this. What his feelings are."

"You are suspicious?"

Aya shot Yohji a look, "Can you tell me you are not?"

"No...I can't...but I can say this," he sighed then shrugged, "Omi likes the man."

Aya let out a snort then leaned back in his chair, "A fine mess this could be...I will not stand for any sort of games...I want to know what that man is up too. I wouldn't trust him to shovel my shit."

Yohji was amused by the sentiment, "Well of course not, he'd just sling it at your pretty face."

The prince glanced at Yohji then grinned, a stunning look on his face despite the malice in it, "Yes and when he does my sword will cry for blood."

"You truly think him so evil?"

Aya just shrugged then standing he said in a timbre full of his noble breeding, "Just find out what Omi knows. Bathe now then come lay with me in my bed," and with that he turned and made his way through another door at the side of his office that lead into his private quarters.

Yohji was not about to argue with that tone.