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


"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"

Chapter 56

Wufei kept up a steady pace throughout the evening and into the night. The trio drew rein at the halfway point, a small village called La Grange where they stopped at the town inn. The stable lad took care of their horses whilst the trio went inside and Wufei spoke with the inn keeper.

Although the hour was late, the innkeeper welcomed the royal guard and a few coins of gold were exchanged, the trio enjoying a much needed rest, wine and a good meal. Whilst the guards rested and ate, the innkeeper had the stable lad remove the saddles and bridles from the horses and put them on three fresh animals.

By the time Wufei and his guards had finished eating and drinking, the new horses were saddled and ready to go. Wufei thanked the innkeeper, promising they would swap their horses on their return journey. Taking the offered water skins along with some bread and cheese, the group mounted up and were once again on their way to the Nataku Kingdom.

Given the steady pace they were riding at and on fresh horses, Wufei expected to arrive at the border somewhere around the time that the sun would be making its way above the horizon. That would give them enough time to rest, speak with the clan elders and with luck, be on their way back to Colonia by evening.

The moon was high in the night sky, stars twinkling merrily above them as they rode on. The night was clear and cool, the glow of the moon above enough to light their way and combined with the well maintained tracks, they made good progress.

The sun was just starting to creep up over the horizon when Wufei spotted the familiar border crossing ahead. He smiled to himself at the thought of returning to his home kingdom and speaking with the elders there once more. He was more than happy with his station in life – it was a great honor for one as young as himself to hold the position of Captain of the Guard to the King – but Wufei still held very strong ties to his homeland and loved any time he got to return for a while.

They crossed the border and rode on into the kingdom. The elders all resided within the capital – Elfive, and it was the road that would take them to the capital that Wufei galloped down. As they neared the outskirts of the city, Wufei slowed the pace, the horses appreciating the chance to catch their breath.

Trotting through the mainly deserted streets, Wufei ignored the stares of the few people that were up and about, his sole focus was reaching the Imperial palace where the Emperor – Master Long and the elders resided.

Almost at the heart of the city the Imperial Palace rose, standing proud and serene above the remaining buildings. Slowing his horse to a walk, Wufei approached the ornate gates and the guards stationed there.

"Hail, Captain Chang," one of the guards greeted and moved forward.

"Good morn," Chang replied as he brought his horse to a halt. "I wish to have audience with the Emperor and the elders on a matter of some urgency. I have a request from King Treize of Colonia."

The guard bowed. "I will have your request sent forth. Please, enter and follow the guard to the stables."

"Thank you."

The gates opened and Wufei rode forth, the other two guards following behind. Dismounting once he was inside the impressive courtyard, Chang followed the guard to the stables where several boys came forth and took their mounts. A page appeared and bid the trio to follow him into the palace.

The palace itself was elegantly, yet sparsely decorated. The Emperor firmly believed that the kingdom's wealth lay in its people and their happiness. The palace was comfortable enough without being overdone like some castles and palaces in other kingdoms. Why have a royal residence that was full of wealth and riches, elaborately furnished and adorned with items of gold and jewels when the people of the kingdom struggled to eat, to exist?

"The Emperor has assigned these rooms for your use while you are here. I trust they will be comfortable enough," the page spoke as he opened a door to one of the rooms.

"Thank you, they are more than comfortable," Wufei replied. "If I may ask, how soon will I be able to speak with the Emperor and the elders?"

"Take a moment to refresh yourself from your journey. The Emperor will speak with you shortly. I shall return to escort you in one candle mark."

Wufei bowed to the page. "I will do as requested and await your return." The page nodded and left the three. Turning to his guards, Wufei dismissed them both to the other rooms, telling them they were free to relax and rest until it was time to return to Colonia. The guards saluted and retreated into their allocated rooms, Wufei stepping into his own once their doors had closed.

The room was airy, a comfortable bed set against a wall, nightstand and screen beside the bed. A large chest stood against another wall, alongside it a desk and a cabinet that had a bowl and jug upon it. A floor to ceiling window stood within another wall, the view overlooking the courtyard. Staring out of the window for a few moments, Wufei gave a soft sigh and returned to the bed where he placed his bag. Withdrawing the leather cylinder, he set it to one side, pulling out a fresh tunic and laying it over the pingfeng screen that sat to the side of the bed.

Removing his cloak and tunic, Wufei poured some of the water from the jug into the bowl, added a few drops of the scented oil that sat to one side and began the task of cleaning the dust and dirt from his skin. Feeling refreshed, he dried himself off and disappeared behind the screen to dress in his fresh tunic. With clean clothes on, Wufei quickly brushed his hair, tying it back in a tight pony tail. With there being nothing left to do but wait for the page to return, he sat upon the bed and thought long and hard about the King's request and how he could best approach the elders and secure their assistance.

# # #

"Good morn, master," Duo greeted with a smile.

"Good morn, Duo," Heero replied and stretched his still sleepy limbs. Feeling a little more awake, he rolled over, pinning Duo beneath him and partook of a morning kiss. A loud knocking on the sitting area door echoed through to the bed chamber and Heero frowned. "I wonder who that is at this early hour?"

"I will go and see, master," Duo replied, scrambling from the bed and reaching for his pants. Quickly he made his way to the door, opening it just a crack. He smiled when he spotted a familiar blonde head on the other side. "Quatre," he greeted.

"Good morn, Duo," Quatre said as he was permitted entry to the chambers. "Is your master up and about?"

"He has just woken up," Duo said.

Quatre gave a soft laugh. "I can see that," he said with a look at Duo's tousled appearance. "My master wishes to partake of breakfast with his brother if that is acceptable," Quatre stated.

"I will go and ask him," Duo replied and turned towards the bed chamber where his master waited. Entering the chamber he walked to the bed and dropped to his knees. "Quatre is here, master with a request from Prince Trowa that you join him for breakfast this morn."

Heero raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Of course. Let Quatre know we will join my brother in his chambers shortly."

"Yes, master." Duo returned to the sitting area and passed on the message, Quatre nodding and taking his leave.

#

"Ah, brother. How are you this fine morn?" Prince Trowa greeted, clasping his brother's arm and giving him a one armed hug.

"I am well, brother. And you?"

"Fine, just fine." Trowa turned to Quatre. "Please bring the trays across, we will partake of our breakfast by the fire."

Quatre rose from his kneeling position and with Duo's assistance, fetched the two trays from the large table. The trays were set upon smaller tables and both slaves returned to their places, kneeling at the side of the chairs their respective masters occupied.

The two princes discussed mundane things whilst they ate, feeding their slaves at the same time. As the food vanished, so Heero decided it was time to find out the real reason behind his brother's request to join him for breakfast.

"Brother, as much as I enjoy your company, please tell me the real reason you wished for my presence here."

Trowa leaned back in his chair, a glint in his green eyes. "Last eve we were discussing how unfortunate it is that neither one of us has overheard the princess or her maid threatening Duo, correct?"

"Yes, that is true. Have you thought of something?" Heero leaned forward in his chair, his attention focused completely on Trowa.

"I think I may have, or rather, it was Quatre that gave me the idea."

Duo glanced over to Quatre who returned the questioning look with a shrug. He wasn't too sure exactly what he'd done in regards to a suggestion.

"Duo has slave quarters that are attached to the bed chamber of your marital chambers, correct?"

"Yes, he does," Heero replied.

"My suggestion is this. You and I, or just yourself if you prefer, hide out in Duo's slave chamber..."

"Hide out?" Heero questioned with a raise of his eyebrow. "A prince does not 'hide out' as you put it."

"You know what I mean," Trowa said with a wave of his hand, dismissing the indignation of his brother. "You send Duo to your chambers to fetch you some clothing. If the princess and her maid are there when Duo goes along, I'm betting they won't be able to resist having a few words with him. With us being in the adjoining chambers we should be able to hear pretty much everything that is said and then you can confront the princess or her maid." Trowa sat back in his chair, a smug expression on his face.

Heero tossed the words over in his head. He had to admit, the plan did have some merit to it. "I agree, brother, it sounds like a very good way to overhear anything negative or threatening said to Duo. I'm not too sure about confronting the princess there and then though, that is something I will need to think about as it might be better to keep whatever is said until the trial and use it then. I am not comfortable with Duo being in the presence of that maid by himself either."

Kneeling on the floor, Duo shuddered. The very thought of having to go into the chambers alone was bad enough, the thought of having the maid and the princess both abusing him was a little more than he could take – even if his master would be in an adjoining room.

The shudders didn't go unnoticed by Heero and he dropped a hand to caress his slave's head and reassure him.

"I can always send Quatre with Duo," Trowa suggested. "The maid or princess might not say much though with Quatre there as well."

"Master?" Quatre tugged at his master's breeches.

"Yes?"

"Going by what the maid said yesterday when she caught us by the kitchens, I don't think she would have any problem at all with saying what she feels whether I'm there or not," Quatre said.

"After what you told me yesterday, I happen to believe you, Quatre," Heero said with a smile at the blonde, hand still caressing Duo's head. He turned to look to his slave. "The one thing we've forgotten in all of this is Duo."

Trowa and Quatre looked to the prince, as did Duo, a confused frown on the long haired slave's face. "Master?" Duo enquired.

"How do you feel about this, Duo? Are you willing to go into my chambers, fetch my clothing and suffer through any verbal abuse my wife or that maid will probably throw at you?"

Violet eyes blinked in stunned shock. His master was asking him if he minded carrying out a task? He couldn't believe it! His heart did a funny twist in his chest. "Master, it is not my place to question, it is but to serve you in any way you wish from me."

Heero felt his heart swell with pride. Duo had come a long way since his arrival at the castle and was now a perfect slave in every sense of the word; a slave Heero had no intentions of losing if he had any say in things. "I know that, Duo, but in this case, as it is you that will no doubt have to suffer further torment from my wife, her maid or both, I think it only fair to give you the opportunity to refuse. You will not be punished if you decide you don't want to do this."

To say Duo was torn would be an understatement. He really wanted to please his master and that meant obeying any and all orders without question; but... He really didn't want to face that maid and her nasty tongue by himself either. If he didn't, then chances were, he would be found guilty yet again and suffer the fate of the sword. If he did though and his master overheard the words...

He glanced across at Quatre, the blonde studying him intently, a soft smile on his lips.

Mind made up, Duo looked to his master. "I will do it, master," he said softly. The warm smile his master gave him all but melted the fear away.

"Thank you, Duo. I won't send you in alone though, I will take you up on your offer, brother and have Quatre accompany Duo, if Quatre is happy to do so." Heero inclined his head towards the slave.

"I will go with Duo, willingly, master," Quatre stated.

"Then we are all set," Trowa said with a grin. "Now all we need to do is arrange when to do this..."

# # #

"Enter," Wufei called to the soft knock at the door. A page appeared.

"The Emperor and the elders will have audience with you now, Captain Chang," the page said.

"Thank you. I am ready." Wufei stood and picked up the leather cylinder. Following the page he steeled himself for the meeting, hoping the elders and Emperor would see fit to grant King Treize's request.

Several corridors later, Wufei found himself at the ornate doors that led to the chamber where the Emperor and the elders held court. He took a deep breath and followed the page inside once the guards opened the doors.

A small table sat in the center of the room, several pillows sat around the table, most of them occupied by the elders of the Nataku kingdoms clans. At one point in the circle a slightly raised dais covered with pillows sat and it was upon these pillows that the Emperor himself resided.

Wufei stopped before the assembled group and bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Emperor and elders for granting my request to speak with you at such short notice."

"Welcome, Chang Wufei," Master Long said, returning the bow. "Please, be seated and inform us of what it is that is of such urgency."

"Thank you." Wufei paused to open the leather cylinder and pull out the sealed parchment. "King Treize has asked me to deliver this personally to you. Once you have read it, I will answer any and all questions you may have and explain further if necessary." Wufei moved around the circle and handed the parchment over with a low bow. Once the parchment was delivered, he returned to his earlier place and took a seat on the pillow indicated by the page.

The parchment was read, the elders discussing the request and questioning Wufei further as to why the King was making such a request. Wufei patiently explained the situation, the circumstances and the way in which the original trial had been held and the result of that trial. He continued on, telling the remainder of the story, how the prince had ridden in at the last moment and saved his slave from the sword. The following investigation and how serious doubts as to the slave's guilt had now been raised.

He was careful not to give away any information regarding evidence and the like, simply presenting the facts and the argument in favor of having a group of completely unbiased individuals listen to the presentations, evidence and such for both sides and make a fair and just decision based on that evidence and information.

The elders mulled over the request and proposal, all agreeing the idea was a very interesting one which, if it worked according to the idea, could prove quite useful in other cases. After much deliberation, discussion, questions and answers, the Emperor agreed to the request.

Six of the elders were selected to make up the 'jury' and after further consultation with Wufei, it was decided they would leave and travel to the Kingdom of Colonia in two sunrises. Wufei would leave that eve to return to the castle and pass on the acceptance to the King. That would give Colonia two sunrises to prepare for the arrival of the elders and subsequent retrial.

With another parchment – this one from the Emperor now safely in the leather cylinder, Wufei returned to the room he'd been allocated for some food and sleep. The page would wake him upon dusk and once he and his accompanying guards had eaten, they would set out on their return journey.

For the first time since he'd set foot in the marital chambers to hear the princess screaming, Wufei felt relaxed and relieved. He knew the elders would make a clear decision, a fair and just one. All he could hope for now, was that Prince Heero had managed to gather enough evidence together to prove once and for all that Duo was innocent.

# # #

Relena frowned and paused from rubbing the oil the healer had given her into the taut skin of her belly. The loud knock to the sitting area door reverberated through the chamber. "Now what?" she muttered.

Dorothy passed over the princess' robe, assisting her mistress to slip it on over her nightdress. The princess had just returned from her bath and with Dorothy's assistance, had been applying the oil to her belly as the healer had advised. "I'll go see," Dorothy said.

"Whoever it is, get rid of them quickly, Dorothy, I have no wish to speak with anyone this eve unless it is my husband," the princess stated, pulling the robe around her body and sitting a little more comfortably on the mattress.

"Yes, mistress." Checking the princess was decent, the maid stepped out of the bed chamber and walked quickly through the sitting area to the door. Opening it slightly, she peered around the edge, her face curling up into a sneer when she spotted who was on the other side. "You again," she spat.

Doing his best to hold the tremble, Duo winced at the tone. "My master has requested I fetch some of his clothing for him," Duo stated quietly, keeping his head bowed.

"You will have to wait a moment while I check with the princess," Dorothy snapped and closed the door in Duo's face.

Duo blinked a moment and gazed at the now closed door.

"Charming person, isn't she?" Quatre stated sarcastically.

"Very much so," Duo replied, just as sarcastically.

"Who is it, Dorothy?" Relena questioned when the maid returned.

"It's that gutter snipe, mistress. He says the prince has sent him to fetch some of his clothing."

"I see." Relena fumed for a moment, then a slow smile spread across her face. "Best to let him in then. I'm sure that whilst he is gathering Heero's clothing, a little talk would not go astray."

"Mistress, he has that blonde slave with him," Dorothy announced.

"No problem," Relena waved a hand. "Leave the blonde one in the sitting area, he has no reason to be inside the bed chamber."

"As you wish, mistress." Dorothy's eyes lit up at the chance to have more words with that mouse of a slave. Giving her mistress a hand to make sure she was well covered, Dorothy returned to the door of the chambers and opened it again.

Duo flinched as the door opened and the snooty maid appeared; he made sure to keep his head bowed and eyes down.

"The mistress said to come and collect whatever it is you need and be quick about it. She does not wish to be in your filthy presence any longer than necessary." Turning, she began to walk back to the bed chamber, pausing at the door and turning back to the two slaves that were following. "You," she said, pointing to Quatre, "You wait out here. My mistress is resting and it will be bad enough she's disturbed by this foul creature."

Quatre blinked in shock, pausing in his walk to take in the words. With a bow and apologetic look to Duo, he spoke softly. "I will wait here by the door, Duo."

Nodding, Duo knew there wasn't anything Quatre could do and so he accepted he would have to be in the presence of the princess and her nasty maid by himself for a short while. He could only hope things wouldn't get too bad, and if they did...?

Then he would have to trust his master was hiding in his slave quarters and if necessary, would come in and intervene. Eyes down, Duo entered the bed chamber and made his way to where his master's clothing was kept, doing his best not to shake in fear.

The princess and maid both spotted the shaking and neither one was about to pass up the opportunity to rub Duo's nose in it.

"So you should shake, you piece of dirt," Relena started. "You should have been dead by now, but that fool of a husband of mine comes racing in to save you like a damsel in distress. It's disgusting and perverted what you allow my husband to do to you, it's against all the laws of nature and you deserve to face the sword for tempting him in that way. He doesn't need you, he has me to look after him, I am the one married to him, I am the one that is carrying the heir to the throne. He doesn't need you!" Relena said the words with venom in her tone, Duo doing his best not to listen to her and fetch his master's clothing.

Dorothy stepped in his way. "Have you forgotten already, gutter snipe?" she sneered. "You were warned not to say anything to anyone. I will see you meet the sword for this. You attempt to rape my mistress, the future queen and then deny it all?"

"I didn't do-"

"Shut up you piece of garbage. We know all about you, where you came from, how insolent you were, always being beaten and flogged. Now we know why, trying to rape a defenseless woman. You might think you've beaten these charges, but I can assure you, you will be meeting the sword."

"I haven't done anything and I didn't say anything-" Duo tried to defend himself, only to be cut off by the maid.

"That's exactly what I would expect from you, you dirty excuse for a human being. Maybe you need a few more floggings to remind you of your place. You were warned before not to say anything, and if, and I mean if, by any chance you should manage to get away with raping my mistress I will be sure to make every waking moment of yours a living hell until either your master sells you or you beg your master to end your miserable existence." Dorothy spoke the words sharply with a sneer on her face.

Deciding it would be better if he didn't try to say anything, Duo stepped around the maid and began to gather his master's clothing. He wanted nothing more than to be out of those chambers as quickly as he could. He just hoped his master was in the other room and had heard enough.

"Watch your back, mouse, you can't always hide," Dorothy stated cruelly.

As the hated slave gathered up the clothing and scurried from the bed chamber, the princess' words and foul laughter followed him out. "My husband won't always be around to protect you. Your days are numbered."

Rushing back out into the sitting area, Duo almost collided with Quatre.

Having heard all of the conversation that had passed in the bed chamber, Quatre was seething. He managed to avoid being knocked over by Duo, grabbing the other slave and taking some of the clothing from him. "Come on, let's get out of here," he said.

The pair walked swiftly to the door and out into the hall. Once clear of the marital chambers, Duo let go a loud sigh, finally managing to get his fear and trembling under control. "I hope my master managed to hear all of that," he whispered.

"So do I Duo, I don't think either one of us could go through that again," Quatre agreed.

Nodding, Duo, along with his fellow slave, made haste back to Prince Heero's old chambers.

#

Inside Duo's quarters attached to the bed chamber, Heero curled his fists at his side, ear pressed against the door and face contorting in rage as he listened to the words being exchanged. Beside him, Prince Trowa wore a similar look of anger.

They were about to move away when the princess began to speak again.

"If he does succeed in getting off the charges, Dorothy, we will have to make sure he is reminded of his place as a slave every waking moment. I want his life to be worse than the one he came from."

"It will be my pleasure, mistress," Dorothy purred.

Trowa had heard more than enough. Gently he placed a hand upon his brother's shaking shoulder and steered him towards the door that would lead them out of Duo's slave chamber and into the hall.

tbc...