AN: I am so sorry this has taken so long to come out! My quarter started and I am taking Physiology this time around and it is taking up so much of my time. So I tried to make this chapter longer than the last to make up for the delay. Thank you all SO MUCH for being so patient with me! It means so much!
This chapter was self edited so I am sure there are grammar mistakes, but I do hope you enjoy this installment despite them!
By the time Aya made it to the harem he was reprimanding himself for his slip up in front of the noble. He hadn't meant for it to sound as though Yohji and he were a couple and he definitely wouldn't make such a declaration to Schuldig consciously. He was angry with himself and it showed on his face, so when the guards announced his arrival most of the harem slaves were afraid they were in trouble for some unknown offense.
Aya eyed Omi right away and pointed to him and asked to be led into his room. Omi was startled, but quickly complied and rushed to open the flap to his humble quarters. Yohji lifted a brow as the prince passed and Aya merely nodded to him before turning around to address the company.
"Leave me and the harem boy Omi at peace. Do not disturb us," and with that he stepped through the threshold.
Omi was on his knees on his pallet, head down, hands placed gently in his lap. To his surprise the prince knelt before him.
"Look at me," Aya spoke softly. He watched as Omi hesitantly obeyed. He nodded his approval then asked, "Did you know of the nobleman of Schwartz asking for your purchase price?"
"The slave Yohji told me Your Highness."
Aya resisted the urge to cringe, "From now on he is to be referred to as Yohji in my presence."
Omi dropped his head, his cheeks aflame with embarrassment, "Yes Your Highness."
"So you knew he wished to buy you," Aya sighed, "Look at me. Did you request this of him?"
The smaller man's head snapped up, "No Your Majesty! I would never! He...he said he was pleased with me. He told me he would plea for my hand, but I assumed he was merely jesting."
"He was not," Aya pursed his lips, "what would you have me do?"
Omi blinked his wide eyes, stunned, "I...uh...you are asking me?"
Aya glared at the young man, he never repeated himself.
Omi realized he was waiting for his answer. He mentally shook himself out of the shock of being asked for his opinion and lifted his chin and answered with dignity, "I wish to be with him."
"You are a couple?"
"No."
"Then why this answer? Why risk going into the uncertain?" Aya furrowed his brow, "Are you unhappy here? I have tried to provide adequate entertainment and nourishing yet tasty food. Have I failed?"
"No!" Omi was quick to answer, "I am well aware that other kingdoms treat their slaves with little to no respect. No My Prince, I am quite happy here...but...well, he fulfills me in other areas..."
"Like what?"
"Oh...um," Omi was blushing down to the tip of his collarbone, "physically."
"So I have not used you enough sexually?" Aya lifted a brow, "Is that all?"
He bit his lower lip and his large blue eyes darted around the room, "Well...yes...I mean..."
"So you are willing to give up food, a place to sleep comfortably and entertainment just for the consistency of good sex?"
Omi shook his head, "No...I just...well I feel drawn to him. I like him, I can't explain why."
"Surely you must have a reason," Aya shook his head, "you are leaving a world of certainty. How are you to be sure that the man he is now is the same man he will be once back in his home kingdom?"
"Yes...Yohji had expressed the same fear for me," Omi lowered his gaze, "I do not know...but I feel very...alive with him..." he shrugged, "maybe I will be proven a fool in the end."
Aya pursed his lips, "I surely hope not..." He stood, "Very well, began to gather your things. In the morning we will be traveling to Schwartz...your new home."
Omi gave a soft smile and a nod, "Many thanks Your Highness," he stood and gave the prince a proper bow.
Aya merely grunted, "Inform Yohji that he needs to pack as well. I will have someone fetch you in the morn."
Preparing for the trip to Schwartz was a blur to the prince. Never being a man that kept up with the latest fashions, he left it up to his butlers to pack for him. He did make one decision about clothing, however, and this was that Yohji's wardrobe contained only opaque materials. He didn't want anyone in Schwartz getting the wrong idea about Yohji's role and why he was there.
When the day came Aya was the first to arrive in the courtyard with his entourage. He stood in the center near the fountain, ignoring the fussing his maids made over his clothing and hair. He was plucking a stray thread from his coat when Schuldig walked up. He gave the nobleman the barest of acknowledgments.
Schuldig gave the prince a grin, "I really appreciate you accepting my offer."
Aya glanced then gave a light grunt.
"What shall your payment be?"
The prince turned to look Schuldig in the eye and he ordered sternly, "Do no harm to him."
Schuldig lifted a brow and for a moment it looked as though he was about to say something snide, but then Yohji and Omi arrived. Schuldig looked at the shorter man, the man whom he had just bought, and suddenly realized that he had truly made a great decision. And not just because he was going to spy on the prince for him.
He looked at Aya and nodded, "I wouldn't dream of it."
Omi took up his place beside Schuldig, looking down at his feet as was proper, while Yohji strolled over to Aya and gave him a cheeky grin. The four men waited until it was called that their rides were ready to be loaded.
The carriages were grand, each man riding in one that had beautiful hand carved scenes of flora and the crest of their home kingdom on the door. Aya had two carriages, one for his luggage and the other for himself and three guards. Two were to ride in the coach and one beside the driver. He abhorred the show, for he could handle himself, but he knew it was necessary to his station. Schuldig had come in one and since Omi didn't have much to his name he needn't borrow another from Weiss.
As the men started towards their carriages Aya noticed Yohji going in the opposite direction of him, towards the luggage. He narrowed his eyes and called out, "Where are you going?"
Yohji stopped as did the other servants and looked over at the prince confused. He didn't know why the question was asked, it seemed fairly obvious to him, "I am going into sit with the luggage Your Majesty. As was told of me."
"Who told you this?"
Even though Yohji knew Aya's chilly tone wasn't directed at him it still gave him pause. Aya could be extremely scary when he wanted to be. Yohji lowered his eyes, knowing to put on a show in front of the others, "Advisor Xan."
Aya made a snorting noise, it wasn't handsome in the least, "Nonsense. You shall ride with me."
"This can not be My Lord!" A guard rushed to the prince's side, "There will be no room for your guards and this slave in your carriage."
The guard was suddenly nailed with a piercing violet gaze, "Then go sit in with the luggage," his words booked no argument. So the guard reluctantly traded places with Yohji and was smart enough not to grumble his disapproval under his breath.
Aya ignored the smirk from the noble as he stepped up into his carriage, Yohji right behind him. They settled into their seat side by side with one guard across from them.
"This stinks," Yohji whispered, then at Aya's glance he said, "You so won't suck me off with an audience."
The prince's eyes went wide while the guard cleared his throat and looked out the tiny carriage door.
Schuldig sat down in his cushy leather seat and pulled Omi into his lap before the younger could sit across from him. Omi blushed, knowing the nobleman's guard was watching him. The roof was low so Omi had to lay his head against Schuldig's shoulder to sit comfortably.
Schuldig smiled, "Are you ready little one?"
"Yes."
"Are you pleased that you are with me now?"
"Yes," Omi looked up, "are you pleased?"
Schuldig smirked, "Very."
Omi nodded, "Good," he gave him a little smile, "so...may I ask...what are my duties now?"
"Pleasure me, that is all," the noble's fingers ran though Omi's dark brown hair, "and I shall pleasure you in return. Listen to me. Follow my orders."
"Will you...share me?"
"I can do what ever I feel fit with you," Schuldig stated simply. He cocked a brow when he felt Omi tense, but said no more.
Omi closed his eyes, "Yes sir."
"Sir?" Schuldig chuckled, "No no..." He touched the side of Omi's face and the younger looked up, "What's my name?"
"Schuldig."
"Good," he gave him a small smile, "life with me will be pleasant. I promise."
Omi just nodded, then tucked his head once more.
Yohji was reclined in his seat, he had let his hair loose and it swayed slightly with the movement of the coach. His eyes were closed and he looked as though he were sleeping. Aya was watching him, still in awe of his effortless sensuality. The man wasn't even awake and Aya felt a need for him that surpassed all those past feelings of arousal that he used to struggle with. He couldn't believe there could be a man as handsome as Yohji in the world and he was even more surprised that Yohji desired him.
Aya wasn't naïve, he knew he was a hard man to get along with. He was purposely aloof and harsh when he spoke. He actually strived to keep people at bay. In the beginning it was merely an act so he wouldn't get too attached to the kingdom of Weiss, but now he had played it for so long it was truly a part of his being now. He didn't know if Yohji liked the challenge he presented of if he was actually attracted to this type of personality, but he begrudgingly admitted to feeling flattered.
"Why are you watching me?" Yohji whispered as he opened his eyes and turned his head to face the prince.
Only a brief jerk of his eyebrows let on his surprise. He looked at him for a moment longer before answering, "I thought you were sleeping."
"Do you always stare at me when I sleep?" He smiled softly.
Aya could feel his cheeks heat so he scowled and said a bit sharply, "No."
"Don't be like that..." Yohji chuckled then reached up and touched the side of Aya's jaw, "I don't mind."
Aya closed his eyes as Yohji stroked him and decided to be truthful with him, "I like your features."
"Like a thoroughbred horse," Yohji grinned.
"Stop that!" Aya's eyes shot open and he fixed him with a slightly angry frown, "I find you striking. You are...handsome."
Aya was surprised to see Yohji's expression turn to that of shock. He was quick to fix it, but it was still troublesome. Did Yohji believe Aya would sleep with just anyone? What did he think their relationship was about? Power? Lust? It was in that moment that Aya realized he wanted it to mean something deeper than that.
He turned his head away, ignoring the disgusted look from his guard. He could care less what he thought about them.
Yohji sat up and leaned in close, "What's wrong? I said something wrong?"
"No."
"You're upset though..." he touched his shoulder, "Angry?"
"No."
"Don't lie," Yohji sounded pained. He embraced the prince and whispered in his ear so the guard wouldn't hear, "Aya..."
Aya tensed, but still he asked, "You do not find yourself attractive?"
"Oh no...what?" Yohji pulled back with a crooked grin on his face, "Of course I do. Have you looked at me? I'm hot."
Aya let out a sigh while his guard groaned and rolled his eyes. Aya pursed his lips for a moment then asked, "Why the shock then? When I complimented you?"
"Oh that? Well, I just didn't expect you to say something like that out loud," he took Aya's hand in his and reclined again, closing his eyes, "You're a pretty private person."
"So...you're not just with me...I don't know," he tilted his head back, looking down his nose at Yohji, "to break me?"
Yohji snorted, but didn't open his eyes, "Like anyone could do that. Let alone me."
Aya leaned over and smirked, "You don't think you're strong enough?"
At that Yohji opened his eyes and was taken aback by how close the prince was. He smirked right back, "Oh I know I'm strong enough. I'm just not stupid enough to challenge you. Besides," his smirk turned into a grin, "I think the little bit that you do allow to slip through is satisfying enough."
Aya cocked a brow, " 'Slip through'? What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean..." Yohji slid his fingers though Aya's fiery hair and cupped the back of his head, "it sounds so good when you moan my name..." he pulled him closer and Aya put up little protest as Yohji kissed him.
The guard shook his head, thoroughly disgusted by the display.
Omi looked at Schuldig and nodded, he was surprised by what he had just heard.
"So that pleases you?"
"Yes," Omi smiled softly, "thank you."
The nobleman chuckled, "You seem shocked. Where else did you think you would sleep?"
"In the servants quarters."
Schuldig shook his head, "No, you shall sleep in my bed, every night with me. Why would I let you sleep around others? No telling what nefarious things they would try to do with you!"
Omi actually laughed, "I doubt anyone would try anything. Most people think I'm still a child."
Schuldig pursed his lips, "Hmm, well some perverts enjoy that. Young, virginal little things."
"I'm hardly virginal anymore."
Schuldig smirked, "No little one, you surely aren't. Anyway, I do not trust others, especially around beautiful boys like you."
Omi blushed, "You find me...beautiful?"
"Of course," Schuldig smiled, "do you not think so?"
"I'm just...me."
"You are beautiful and I am not the first, nor shall I be the last person to notice this. I wouldn't leave you alone in the servants quarters, where undersexed slaves could corner you. Defile you. I didn't train your body to respond to me only for it to be used by just anyone," he looked at Omi sternly, "your body is mine. I decide when you will be touched."
"And by whom?"
Schuldig cocked his head, "This is the second time you've asked...are you so eager to be handed out? Have I made you into some insatiable slut?" He narrowed his eyes.
"NO!" Omi almost cried, "I don't want to be passed around! I just want to be yours!"
"Ah!" Schuldig laughed, "So I've made you into my insatiable slut?"
Omi's face heated down to his neck and up to the tips of his ears, "I do desire you...yes," he admitted.
"How badly?"
"Um..."
Schuldig smirked, "Enough to betray your kingdom."
Omi ignored the jab and instead answered, "Enough to ache for you now."
"Even in front of my guard?"
Omi shifted, straddling Schuldig. He parted his lips and lowered his lids to look more sensual, "What ever would please you my lord."
" 'My Lord'...oh how I love that," Schuldig smirked as he reached up and pinched Omi's nipples, "well get on your knees little one...worship me."
"So if they could find a way to put something under the carriage, you know like...I don't know, a cushion or something, then it wouldn't be so jarring to travel around in one of these," Yohji was still holding Aya's hand as he spoke with the guard. Aya had pulled the curtain aside and was watching the scenery go by out the small window.
The guard could care less what Yohji was speaking about. He wanted nothing else but to be out of this carriage. He endured them kissing for what felt like days. A show that made his stomach turn and that couldn't be escaped per his peripheral vision. He knew that the only reason the slave was talking to him now was to try to smooth things over. It was his olive branch, having known they had made the other man uncomfortable. But really the guard just wanted to be left alone. He didn't want to think about his prince fondling another man. He was heir to the throne so why on earth wasn't he out trying to woo ladies of the court? He nodded his head at whatever else Yohji had said and gave a 'yes'.
"Yes what? I just asked you a question," Yohji frowned. He looked offended.
"Oh...ah..."
Aya spoke up, "He's ignoring you Yohji. Much like I am doing since you refuse to let up on your insistent prattle."
The guard chuckled.
"Hey!" Yohji looked at Aya, "That's not nice! I'm trying to be cordial."
"How about you just sit there," the guard grunted, "slaves shouldn't talk any how. Know your fucking place."
"And you know yours," Aya had sat up straighter and was giving the guard an icy glare, "you will not speak to him in that manner. And he can speak all he wishes in my presence."
The guard gave a short bow, "I apologize my prince, but-" he cut himself off.
"But what? Why does he get special treatment? Why is he allowed so much freedom? Why do I find him enjoyable?" Aya cocked a brow, "But what?"
The guard groaned, but decided that since the prince was already pissed off he might as well say everything he was thinking, "But why aren't you fawning over a female? Or at least entertaining one? I don't care how 'enjoyable' this slave is, two dicks don't make a baby. You are heir! Entrusted with the continuation of the blood line! I don't care how many lovers you take, but shouldn't you do that after you have impregnated a woman?"
Aya's brows went up but before he could answer Yohji said, "Man has a point."
Aya sighed deeply, "Perhaps, but there is time for me to find an...appropriate female later on. Right now I want to spend time with Yohji."
The guard smirked, "He has a name."
Aya scowled, "Everyone has a name."
"Yeah, so what's your's big boy?" Yohji grinned.
The guard rolled his eyes and let out a loud exacerbated groan.
"I know right," Yohji chuckled, "stuck with me. All fucking day."
