Disclaimer: I don't own the G'boys, I just borrow them from time to time to play with and return them a whole lot happier, ne? Written for pleasure not profit.

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: Sap, angst, bondage, slavery, Yaoi, Lemon, lime, het, violence, dark, fluff, AU, OOC.

Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 1xR, 2xR

Betaed by Karina *snugs*

Summary: Heero is the eldest son of the King of Colonia. His 21st birthday is approaching and as tradition dictates his betrothed is soon to arrive. However he is also bound by tradition to select his own personal slave. The events that unfold lead him down a path that not only tests his sanity but his humanity and love as well.

Author's Note: This fic was started back in 2004 and has languished on my hard drive ever since, only sporadically being added to when I have the time (and the muse the inclination) . Updates will be far between, but rest assured, it will be finished. Feed back is most welcome as are honest critiques. Flames will be dealt with as I deal with all flames – with sarcasm.

Commenced July 2004 – published January 2008


Thank you to all for reading and warm hugs for all the continued support and feedback! You guys are the best!


"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"

Chapter 51

With both slaves sound asleep and there being nothing more that either prince could do for them at the moment, Heero decided to return to his old chambers, bathe and change. He was sweaty, dusty and dirty from the furious ride back to the castle. Trowa decided to do the same and join his brother to discuss the events and how best to proceed from here.

Freshly bathed and changed, Prince Heero had just poured himself a goblet of wine when his brother, fresh from his own bath and in clean clothes joined him. Another goblet of wine was poured and the pair sat by the fire to discuss the investigation they would start on the 'morrow when a knock came at the door.

Prince Trowa raised an eyebrow in question, Prince Heero shrugging in response before calling out, "Enter."

The door opened and a dark haired maid stepped inside, a large tray in her hands. "Good eve, sire," the maid said, unable to curtsy with the tray she was carrying. "Cook thought you would be hungry after your ride back and sent me with some dinner."

Smelling the food on the tray had Heero's stomach growling. He hadn't realized just how hungry he was. Trowa heard his brother's stomach and laughed, his own stomach joining with the rumbling a second later.

"Thank you," Heero said, ignoring his brother. "That is most kind of cook. Please, set it on the table over there, we will serve ourselves."

"As you wish, sire." Hilde took the tray to the table and began to off load the dishes from it. With everything set, she placed the tray to the side and bit her lip. If she was going to say something she needed to do it now. Distracted by her own thoughts, Hilde didn't notice the prince looking oddly at her until he spoke.

"Is there something else?" Heero enquired.

Hilde twisted her hands. "Sire, actually there is."

"Then speak up," Heero demanded.

"Heero," Trowa warned, noting the torn look on the maid's face. He turned to the maid. "What is it you wish to say?" he asked in a gentle tone.

Keeping her eyes lowered, Hilde decided to risk the prince's wrath and just come out and say it. "Sire, please forgive me if I am speaking out of line, but I feel you should know of something I overheard whilst you were away. It relates to your slave, Duo and the charges brought against him."

Heero's eyes narrowed. "What is it?" he asked, doing his best to keep a civil tongue.

"It was just after the trial had been held. I went to the princess' chambers to collect the dishes from the evening meal and couldn't help but overhear what the princess and her maid were talking about. I don't eavesdrop, sire, I certainly don't gossip either and I haven't told a soul what I heard..."

Noting the maid was becoming flustered and upset, Trowa stepped in with his calm voice. "Do not fear for your life or your position here. There will be no recourse for telling the truth."

"Thank you, sire." Those words gave Hilde the courage she needed to tell her tale. "The princess and her maid were discussing the trial and saying how well it had gone and how pleased they were with the outcome. Especially since they had managed to have it all dealt with before you came home. They said that by the time you returned that gutter snipe would be dead and you would realize that you didn't need a slave to look after you, that the princess and her maid would be more than capable of taking care of you."

As the words spilled from the maid's mouth, Heero could feel his anger rising. "How dare she," he growled.

"Brother, wait," Trowa said, his calming hand once more on his brother's arm. He turned to the maid. "There's more, isn't there?" he questioned, seeing the fear in the maid's eyes.

Hilde nodded.

"Please, tell us the rest, no harm will come to you, I promise."

"Thank you, sire." Hilde heaved a sigh of relief and then continued. "The maid complimented the princess on her acting skills, said that no one would dare question the attack. The princess agreed, stating her performance would leave no doubt in anyone's mind that she had been attacked by Duo and that once he was dead she would be able to completely relax. Sire, from what I know of Duo, he's a sweet, shy slave who wouldn't hurt a fly, I simply can't see him trying to attack the princess, in fact, he's terrified of her and her maid." Hilde closed her mouth, figuring she'd said more than enough and grateful that the prince hadn't ordered her arrest or charged her with treason.

"When did this conversation take place exactly?" Heero said, barely holding onto his temper.

"Yesterday eve, sire."

"Have you spoken to anyone else about this?"

"No, sire. I have kept this to myself until now. Sire, I don't want to see Duo harmed for something he didn't do and that is why I am speaking up now."

"Thank you, I appreciate your loyalty to Duo and to myself," Heero said. "Please, say nothing of what you have just told me to anyone else."

"Of course, sire."

"You may return to the kitchens. I will be investigating the charges against Duo in great depth and appreciate your information. Should I need further clarification I will send for you. Thank cook too for her foresight in sending dinner for us." Despite the boiling rage inside, Heero managed to give the trembling maid an appreciative smile.

"You are most welcome, sire. Thank you for listening to me." With a curtsy, Hilde left the chambers.

"As Quatre said back at the inn, there is obviously a lot more going on here than I am aware of," Heero growled as the maid departed.

"That was some very damnable information," Trowa mused. "Could be tricky though, the word of a maid against that of a princess."

"Then we will have to find more evidence to back up what the maid has told us," Heero replied, moving to the table to help himself to some food. "I'm sure that Quatre has quite a lot of information to share too. I will also have to speak with Duo and see if I can get him to trust me enough to completely open up to me about what has been going on."

"Unfortunately that will have to wait until they both wake up," Trowa said, helping himself to the food.

"Yes, you are right. There will be time enough tomorrow to start digging for the truth. For now, let us eat and then I will find the healer and learn of my... wife's current condition."

Trowa winced at the tone Heero used when saying the word 'wife'.

"After that I will return to the slave quarters to check on Duo. I do not feel comfortable leaving him there alone."

"Quatre is with him," Trowa pointed out.

"I know, but Quatre is exhausted and has already done far more than he should have. No, I will check Duo and bring him here to my chambers for the eve. I will feel much safer with him being here where I can protect him."

Understanding what his brother wasn't saying, Trowa nodded. "As you wish." His brother was bound to be feeling uncomfortable and distressed. He was blaming himself for Duo's predicament. Without further conversation, the pair continued to clean the plates Noin had sent.

# # #

Queen Une looked up as her husband entered their chambers, noting the tired look on his handsome face. She was well aware of what had happened in regards to the charges, trial and findings in relation to her son's slave and her daughter-in-law. She had also voiced her objections to the trial having been held before her son's return, but it had little effect.

Now Heero had returned and saved his slave at the last minute; and that in turn had upset the apple cart so to speak. "What happened at your meeting?" she asked, setting her needlework to one side and giving her husband her full attention.

"Heero wasn't very happy," the king replied with a sigh and sat himself down across from his wife.

"I can imagine he would have been quite angry," Une replied with a smile, picturing her eldest in her mind and knowing full well what a temper he had.

"Outraged would be more like it," muttered Treize.

"And he has every right to be," his wife chastised.

"He asked for a stay of execution."

"I trust you agreed?"

"Yes, I did. The guilty verdict is suspended for the moment. Heero intends to conduct his own investigation into the matter."

"Good. That is how it should have been handled in the first place," Une stated.

"I know that," Treize replied gruffly, "But I wasn't given much choice in the matter. I did have the reputation of the princess to consider."

"Ahh, the princess," Une said, tilting her head to one side and giving her husband a look.

"What do you mean by that?" the king asked. "And why that look?"

Choosing her words carefully, Une looked her husband in the eye. "Call it a woman's intuition if you wish, but there is something about that girl that doesn't seem to sit right."

"Care to explain?" Treize asked, curiosity piqued. His wife had always been a good judge of character and he respected her opinion on matters.

"I know she's come from a neighboring kingdom and therefore should be used to life as a royal and the work that entails, but I'm afraid she seems to be lacking somewhat in the work department. From what I have learned when we have shared time together, she's never had to do much at all, she's been waited on hand and foot, is used to having all the attention focused on her and doesn't seem to be at all interested in taking on the role of Queen and support to Heero. I'm afraid we may have made a very bad decision when selecting her for Heero's bride all those years ago."

"Unfortunately, at the time we didn't know just how she would grow up. And now that you mention it, she doesn't do much at all, does she?" Treize mused.

"No, she doesn't. That maid of hers too, she is a sly one. I know Relena is expecting and as such she shouldn't be doing too much physical activity, but before she fell pregnant she didn't seem to be interested in Heero's work or helping him in any way; unless it involved her getting dressed up, looking pretty and being the center of attention."

"You know, the more I think about it, the clearer it becomes. I often wondered why she wasn't there to see Heero off when he had to ride out, or be there to greet him on his return."

"Heero's slave was always there." Une stated.

"And so he should be, he's Heero's personal slave after all and it's his duty to look after him," Treize replied.

Changing the topic slightly, Une continued with her analysis of the princess. "I asked Relena to tea earlier today and I have to say that for a pregnant woman who had been attacked and almost raped, she didn't appear to be very upset, or injured for that matter."

"Now that you mention it, she did seem a little eager to attend the execution. I wouldn't have expected that from a woman that had suffered such a traumatic event," Treize stated. "The healer did attend her though and treated any and all injuries she had, at least that's what I was told."

"I don't doubt the healer either," Une soothed. "All I am saying is that from my own observations of the princess, I'm not convinced that Heero's slave did try to rape her."

"Well, we will know more soon enough. Heero will begin his own investigations into the matter on the 'morrow and I have no doubts he will do a thorough job." Treize leaned back in his chair and relaxed, indicating the topic was closed.

"Heero will do an excellent job and I'm certain he will get to the truth," Une replied quietly and picked up her needlework once more.

# # #

Having eaten all that Noin had sent and feeling a little better. Heero decided it was time to fetch Duo to his chambers and settle in for the evening. There would be a lot to do on the 'morrow. Leaving his brother sitting by the fire with a goblet of wine, Heero stepped into his old bed chamber and turned back the bed. He wasn't sure if Duo would be awake enough or capable of walking to the chambers or if he would need to carry him. Either way it would be best if the bed were ready to receive them once they returned.

With the bed chamber ready, Heero walked back into the sitting area and addressed his brother. "I will be fetching Duo now," he announced. "I will stop by the healer's chambers on the way."

Nodding, Trowa got to his feet and shook off the sleepiness he'd been feeling. Setting the now empty goblet on the small table he spoke. "I will accompany you and check on Quatre."

The pair left the chambers, walking side by side through the halls until they reached the healer's chambers. Heero knocked and waited.

Sally had not long returned from the princess' quarters when the knock to her door alerted her that it was most likely the prince wishing to know how his wife was. She opened the door and curtsied to the prince. "Your Highness," she said and opened the door wider to admit both princes.

"Have you checked on the princess yet?" Heero asked as they stepped inside.

"Yes, Your Highness, I have. I cannot find anything at all amiss with the princess or the baby in the physical sense."

Heero frowned. "Please explain."

"The princess and the baby are both healthy, however, the princess appeared a little distressed. I have left her maid with a herbal tea to give to her before she retires that will help relax the princess and won't harm the baby."

"I see. Thank you for attending to her. Do you know why she is distressed?" Heero questioned, doing a little early investigating.

Sally had her own ideas why the princess was upset, but now was not the time to voice those suspicions; there would be time enough for that when she spoke with the prince properly in regards to his investigation. "I feel it was the shock of your sudden arrival, sire," she replied. Whilst it wasn't a lie, it wasn't the entire truth either.

Heero wasn't stupid, he knew there was more to it but held his questions for now. "Fine. I will send for you tomorrow morn when I start my investigation. Thank you again for all you have done for Duo. I am taking him to my chambers for the eve where I know he will be safe. I expect you to attend to his wounds in the morn."

"I will be there first thing, sire and I just wish my services had not been required at all for Duo." Sally curtsied again, the prince nodding his head before turning to leave, his brother behind him.

The door closed quietly behind them and the pair continued through the castle to the slave quarters.

#

Opening the door to Quatre and Duo's shared quarters, the two princes slipped quietly into the room. The light from the candle cast a warm glow over the room and the two sleeping slaves. Trowa moved to the side of Quatre's bed and gazed down at his brave slave. Quatre's face was relaxed in sleep, his skin marred slightly by the dust and dirt from the ride out and back to the castle. A bath could wait though, Quatre needed his rest more at the moment, there would be time for bathing and talking later.

Trowa reached out and ran a finger along the soft cheek, his heart swelling in his chest as he thought of what Quatre had gone through to save his fellow slave. He was so proud of the blonde and vowed to let Quatre know exactly how proud of him he was once the slave had recovered.

Heero reached the side of Duo's bed and gazed lovingly at his slave. His heart ached when he thought of how close he'd come to losing Duo and mentally thanked Quatre once more. Keeping Duo safe until he'd finished his investigations into the so called crimes he was supposed to have committed, was his main priority now and reaching forth, he gently pulled the covers back from Duo's sleeping form.

With the covers pulled back, Heero leaned in close and slipped his arms under the slave's shoulders and legs, carefully picking him up and cradling him close to his chest. He could feel Duo's ribs under his skin and frowned. The weight of the slave in his arms was light – too light; that was something else he'd need to keep an eye on. Duo was slender enough as it was and couldn't afford to lose weight. Whilst he was nowhere near as malnourished as he'd been when Heero first acquired him, Duo had definitely lost weight.

Sleepy violet eyes blinked open and gazed into warm blue. "M-Master?" Duo whispered as his brain tried to kick start.

"Hush, Duo. You are safe now and I will look after you." Heero gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile.

"It wasn't a dream then?" Duo was still having a hard time separating reality from wishful thinking.

"No, Duo. It wasn't a dream. I'm here, you're alive and I will get to the truth of what happened."

"Thank you, master." Realizing he was being held in his master's arms, Duo started to struggle a little.

"Duo, it's okay," Heero reassured. "I am taking you to my chambers to sleep where I know you will be safe from harm."

The words warmed Duo and he ceased his struggles. "I can walk, master," he whispered.

"I know you can, but I wish to carry you. Would you deny me this?"

"No, master." Duo lowered his head.

"Good." Heero turned and smiled to his brother. "I will see you in the morn, brother."

"I will meet with you after breakfast," Trowa promised.

"If Quatre is feeling up to it, please bring him with you."

"I will. Sleep well, brother."

#

Duo found it hard to keep his eyes open as his master carried him through the castle halls and back to his chambers. His mind was very groggy from the draught the healer had given him and seemed to be running in circles. He was finding it hard to believe he was still alive, that his master had returned and saved him from the sword. He was finding it even more difficult to believe his master wasn't disgusted with him. Idly he wondered what was going to happen now.

Reaching the chambers, Heero shoved the door open, entered and kicked it shut with his foot. Moving through the chambers to the bed chamber, he carefully set his slave down upon the bed and couldn't help the smile as Duo burrowed into the pillow. Turning, he swiftly removed his own clothing, snuffed the candle out and crawled into the bed next to his slave. Pulling the covers over them both, he wrapped his arms around his slave and drew him close.

A wince and soft cry of pain from Duo as he drew him close had Heero mentally berating himself. "I'm sorry," he said, realizing he'd put pressure on Duo's back and the damage there from the flogging.

Stunned that his master was apologizing to him along with the stinging of his wounds, Duo stiffened for a moment. "No, master. You don't need to apologize, this wasn't your fault," he whispered.

"I promised you that you wouldn't be beaten or flogged here. I have failed you in that," Heero insisted.

"It's not your fault, master. You weren't here, you didn't know," Duo said softly. "It wasn't that bad, I've had worse."

"Regardless of that, it should never have happened in the first place," Heero growled. "I am so sorry I wasn't here for you, Duo," Heero whispered against the slave's neck. "I do promise you I will investigate these charges thoroughly and get to the truth of it all."

Duo was too worn out to reply, the draught pulling him to sleep once more. He gave a soft, contented sigh and ignoring the slight stinging of his back, cuddled deeper into those strong arms. For the first time in a while he felt completely safe and at peace.

Nuzzling the head of chestnut, Heero lay quietly, savoring the feeling of having his slave with him once more and determined to protect him.

# # #

Dawn broke across the kingdom, birds waking and heralding the rising sun with their cheerful warbling. Heero blinked open tired eyes. He'd slept fitfully, every time he drifted off he could see the glint of the sword blade as it swept down towards a pale neck and woke with a start. The warmth of the body in his arms managed to calm his heart rate and ease the trembles, but it did little to soothe his troubled mind.

He gazed upon the sleeping face of Duo and shivered yet again. Had they been just a second or two later it would have been all over for his loyal slave. The thought terrified Heero and he was finding it very difficult to understand why anyone could wish such a fate on Duo. The slave was eager to please, shy and reserved and wouldn't harm a fly. He simply could not believe that Duo would have tried to rape his wife. The slave had never shown any form of aggression, was positively terrified of being whipped or punished physically and as such, shied away from any form of violence.

Lying in the bed wasn't getting him any closer to the answers he sought and reluctantly, Heero slipped his arms from around Duo and left the bed as quietly as he could. Gathering together his clothes from the previous eve, Heero went to the sitting room to dress, not wanting to disturb Duo if he could help it. The slave needed to rest and recover from his ordeal and Heero was determined to see that happen.

Once dressed, Heero stuck his head outside his door and spotted a guard in the hall. Moments later the guard was dispatched to the kitchens to fetch breakfast for the prince and his slave.

"Master?" Duo questioned when the prince shook him gently awake.

"You need to eat something, Duo. The healer will be here soon to check your wounds and I have a very busy day ahead of me." Heero gently assisted Duo to sit up in the bed, propping the pillows behind him and settling the tray across his lap.

"But, master, you should not be doing this for me, it's my place to look after you," Duo protested and vainly tried to move.

"No, Duo. You lie there and eat. I know what your duties to me are, but right now you are not up to those tasks. Now, do as you are bid, eat your breakfast and rest. I am quite capable of looking after myself for a few days." Heero tried to give the slave a stern look, but failed. He was just far too relieved that Duo was still alive.

Accepting that his master wasn't going to budge, Duo gave in and began to pick at the food, only to have his hand stilled a moment later and his master's other hand appear with some cheese in it. He obediently opened his mouth and took the food, happy with his master's feeding of him once more.

"Permission to speak freely, master?" Duo asked once he'd swallowed.

"Permission granted," Heero replied and fed his slave some of the meat from the tray.

"Is Quatre alright? I didn't know where he had gone. I thought..." Duo lowered his eyes.

"What did you think?" Heero coaxed.

"I thought he was disgusted with me and didn't want to see or speak to me ever again," Duo whispered.

"Oh, Duo," Heero sighed. "He's not disgusted with you at all. In fact, he was so concerned for you that he took Rocky and left the castle without permission to come and find me to tell me what was going to happen to you. He rode all night to find us and then all day to get back in time to save you. He does care for you a lot, Duo."

"I see that now and I am sorry for thinking those things. I need to apologize to him and thank him. He is going to be alright, isn't he? He won't get into trouble because of me?" Duo was starting to get a little worked up.

"Settle, Duo," Heero ordered, placing a calming hand on his slave's shoulder. "Quatre will be fine. The healer has tended to him and he's just exhausted. He will be completely back to normal once he's had a good rest and eaten some food. As for being in any trouble... No, neither I or my brother intend to punish him for leaving the castle without permission. You do not punish someone for caring about another human being."

Tears filled those violet eyes and spilled over to run down pale cheeks. "Thank you, master."

Carefully wiping the tears away, Heero leaned in, couldn't help himself and partook of a soft kiss. "I cannot tell you how glad I am that Quatre broke the rules. I couldn't lose you, Duo, you mean far too much to me." The words were said so softly that Duo had to strain his ears to hear them. He felt himself warm all over with his master's kind words.

"Duo, I know of the allegations against you, of the flogging and the so called trial that found you guilty. I have spoken with my father and the guilty verdict is suspended for now. I am going to conduct my own, thorough investigation into this and find out the truth, something that should have been done from the beginning," Heero stated.

"But, the King, he said I was guilty..."

"I know what my father said, but the trial wasn't done properly or fairly."

"No one will believe a slave over the princess," Duo pointed out yet again.

"And no one believes a liar either. The truth will come out, I swear it to you," Heero said with fierce determination.

A loud knock to the sitting room door echoed through to the bed chamber. Duo started to move to get out of the bed and see who was knocking when Heero stopped him.

"No, Duo. You stay here, I will see who it is."

"But, master..."

"No. I already know who it will possibly be. Either my brother or the healer. Stay in the bed, Duo." Heero shifted and left the bed chamber.

"Good morn, brother. I hope we are not too early?"

"Trowa, please, enter." Heero opened the door wider and his eyes lit up a touch when he spotted the blonde head that was a few paces behind.

The pair entered, Trowa striding into the room and turning to face his brother, Quatre moving to kneel at his feet seconds later.

"Quatre, how are you this morn?" Heero asked, shutting the door.

"I am well, sire. Still a little tired, but that will pass," Quatre answered.

"I thank you again for all you did to save Duo," Heero said with a soft smile.

"I am glad I could help, sire and that it was not in vain. If I may ask, how is Duo?"

"He is feeling a bit better. Why don't you go through to the bed chamber and sit with him? I'm sure you have a lot to catch up on and I need to talk to your master."

"Master? May I?" Quatre asked, the eagerness evident in his voice.

Trowa dropped a hand to caress the blonde head. "Of course you may, Quatre. I will call if I need you."

"Thank you, master, sire." Quatre hastily got to his feet and all but ran into the adjoining bed chamber to see his fellow slave and best friend.

Heero couldn't help the soft chuckle of amusement, noting his brother also looking in the direction his slave had vanished with an amused smile.

"Come, brother, sit. We have much to discuss and a lot of investigating to do."

The two princes sat by the fire and began to talk, inside the bed chamber an excited and relieved Quatre, pounced on an unsuspecting but very happy Duo.

tbc...