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?

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"

January. 2008 ShenLong

Chapter 71

Having left the prince's chambers, Sally headed directly for Captain Chang's quarters. She found the Captain reclining in a large chair by the fire, goblet of wine nearby.

"Healer?" the Captain greeted, clearly puzzled as to her presence at his door.

"Captain, I am here by request of Prince Heero. I have a matter to discuss with you of some urgency," Sally said, a bemused smile crossing her face when she spotted the Captain's footwear.

Noting where the woman's eyes had traveled, Wufei couldn't help the slight blush. "You had better come in," he said, motioning for her to enter and indicating to the seat opposite his own.

"Thank you." Sally slipped inside the room, taking the seat opposite the Captain's. "I like your slippers," she said with a grin.

Wufei felt himself bristle. "I hate having cold feet," he sniffed in defense.

"Well, they look nice and warm."

"They are," Wufei replied, his eyes glancing at the sturdy, sheepskin slippers that adorned his feet. The soft wool on the inside kept his toes toasty warm. "The Royal cobbler would probably make you a pair too if you ask."

"I'll have to remember that," Sally said, her grin widening.

"You said you had a matter of some urgency to discuss?" Wufei prompted, determined to get the woman back to the real reason for her visit.

"Yes, I do. Captain, on Prince Heero's orders I require you to assemble several guards and send them out to the surrounding villages and Capital as soon as possible."

The Captain raised an eyebrow. "On what task?"

"We need to find a wet nurse as fast as we can."

"A what?" Wufei interrupted.

"A wet nurse." Seeing the completely blank look on Wufei's face, Sally gave the Captain a quick run down on the princess and her lack of interest in the baby followed by a brief description of what a wet nurse was.

"I see," Wufei responded. "Then I will see to it at once." He rose from his chair.

Sally also rose. "Thank you, Captain. Please inform the guards that any woman who offers to be a wet nurse is to be brought back to the castle immediately. I will speak with each individually and select the most suitable."

"As you wish," Wufei responded, grabbing his boots and replacing the slippers with them. "Is there anything else?"

"Yes. If the women who volunteer have a babe of their own they are welcome to bring the child with them. They will be required to remain at the castle until Prince Odin has no further need of them. They will, of course, be paid well for their service."

"Of course," Wufei agreed. "I will send the guards out now. Good eve, healer." Wufei bowed to the healer and proceeded to the door.

"Thank you, Captain," Sally replied and followed him out of the chambers, leaving him heading for the barracks as she returned to her own chambers.

#

The guards were quick and efficient in their search and by the time dawn was starting to break across the horizon most had returned, some with volunteers, others empty handed.

Sally secured the use of one of the smaller banquet rooms for the women to wait in whilst she spoke with each individually. She was quick and thorough in her interviews, requesting background information and checking the health of each woman. She narrowed the selection down to three individuals and after speaking further with those three, she made her choice.

The unsuccessful women were sent on their way with a thank you and small purse of coin for their trouble.

After speaking further with the woman selected, Sally arranged for the guard to visit her home and collect anything she wanted and bring it to the castle. With the arrangements made, all that was left to do was to introduce the young woman to Prince Heero and the new baby.

# # #

"Good morn, Duo," Heero said with a wide yawn.

"Good morn, master," Duo replied, blinking through sleepy eyes at his master.

The prince smiled at how adorable Duo looked first thing in the morn when he was still waking up. Leaning in, he captured Duo's lips in a tender kiss. Breaking the kiss, he leaned back a touch. "We should be rising, there is much to do today, Duo."

"As you wish, master. What would you have me do today?"

"Set my clothing out first, I will require formal dress as I will be speaking with the priest first thing to arrange for my marriage to be annulled. Whilst I am dressing you may fetch breakfast for us."

With his orders clear, Duo rose to do as his master bid.

#

"Thank you, Duo," Heero said, stepping out into the sitting area where Duo had set the breakfast tray. With Duo kneeling at his side, Heero proceeded to eat his breakfast, feeding Duo as he ate.

"I will go directly to the priest once I have finished here. Whilst I am away you may return the dishes to the kitchen and then come back here to tidy up the chambers. When that is done you are free to assist Cathy with Odin. Once I am finished with the priest I will come to see my son."

Duo's eyes lit up at the prospect of being able to attend to the new prince. "Thank you master. I promise to help Cathy all I can with the young prince."

Heero chuckled. "I know you will, Duo."

The remainder of the meal was eaten in silence and soon enough Heero had eaten his fill and left to speak with the priest. Duo quickly made the bed and tidied up the chambers before returning the dishes to the kitchen and going in search of Cathy and the new prince.

# # #

"My prince, how may I be of service to you?" the priest asked with a bow.

"I wish to have my marriage to the Princess Relena annulled," Heero stated.

The priest looked a little stunned at the direct request and it took him a moment to recover his composure. "Ah, I see. Sire, if you would take a seat?" the priest indicated to a seat opposite the desk he was standing behind. With the prince seated, the priest took his own and steepled his fingers. "You wish to have your marriage annulled?" the priest checked.

"I do believe that is what I said," Heero replied, his tone amused.

"My prince, annulling a marriage can be done, no question there..."

"But?" Heero asked with a raise of his eyebrow.

"It is a requirement of the church to have sufficient reason for such an annulment to take place."

"I think accusing my personal slave of a crime he was innocent of and ordering the death of my slave for that so called crime followed by lying to the King and court at the inquest into that supposed crime should be enough. If not, then I suppose you could say I have cheated on my wife with my personal slave; I think that should be sufficient to satisfy the church." Heero stated the words clearly and calmly, then sat back to see what the priest's reaction would be.

If the priest was shocked by the prince's words, he hid it very well. He thought on the words for a moment, swallowed, looked the prince in the eye and cleared his throat. "Ah, I think there should be enough reason there for the church to grant the annulment, Sire."

"Thank you," Heero replied. "I am sure I can leave everything in your capable hands?"

"Of course, Sire. I will speak with the archbishop at once."

"And father, I would appreciate it if the annulment can be handled quickly and discreetly."

"Naturally, Sire. I will see to it immediately. I will send word to you once I return from speaking with the archbishop."

Heero stood and gave the priest a small smile. "That will be most acceptable. Good day to you." Turning, Heero left the priest to return to his chambers to change before seeking out his new born heir.

# # #

Having dropped the dishes off to the kitchens, Duo made a beeline for the nursery. His step was light and quick, his heart bubbling over with happiness that his master had granted him permission to help out with the new baby. What he'd told his master before about helping out with children for one of his previous master's was true.

For as long as Duo could remember he'd always been a slave, passing from master to master as he grew older and along with his age increase so his duties also changed. In particular he remembered one master he'd had when he was younger and not up to the physical aspects of a manual slave. This master had taken him as a house slave, to assist the mistress with the house chores. That master also had a couple of young children and part of Duo's duties had been to help with those children.

They had been some of Duo's happier memories.

He loved kids – probably because he'd never had a childhood as such of his own.

Reaching the nursery door, Duo pushed aside all his memories and prepared himself for some new ones. He knocked gently on the door, dropping to his knees a moment later when the door opened.

"Duo," Cathy greeted.

"Miss Cathy, my master said I may assist you with the care of Prince Odin," Duo said softly.

"But of course," Cathy replied, opening the door wider and stepping to the side. "Come in, I was just about to bathe the prince. Your help will be most welcome," she said with a smile.

"Thank you," Duo smiled and raised himself up. He moved quietly into the nursery and looked around in curiosity. He'd not been inside the nursery at all since the princess had decided to use it and had it completely refurbished. A large cradle took up pride of place. The cradle itself was made from a sturdy, mahogany colored wood, polished until it shone. Sheer soft, netting type material was gathered at a hook that was carved out of the top of the cradle and draped down over the elegant wood to protect the child within from insects and the like.

A large bench sat to one side and upon it sat a small, metal bath tub. Next to the tub, Cathy had laid out several drying cloths and clean clothes for the baby. An armchair, and a couple of chests were also present. The fire in the grate heated the room enough to make it quite pleasant and from the rod and hook that hung above the fire a large pot hung, the water inside it warming steadily.

"Would you mind bringing the water across from the fire and put it into the tub please, Duo?" Cathy asked.

"Of course, Miss Cathy," Duo replied and picking up a cloth, he wrapped it around the pot handle before lifting it carefully from the hook. Taking pains not to spill any of the water, he poured about half of it into the tub, noting there was already some cold water in there. "Is that enough hot water, Miss Cathy?"

Cathy came across to check the level and temperature. "Yes, that should do nicely. I'll need to add more cold to it though before I can bathe the prince as it's a little too warm."

"I can do that for you, Miss Cathy. I often prepared baths for one of my previous master's children," he said with a blush.

"Then go right ahead, Duo." Cathy gave him a reassuring smile.

Setting the hot pot back by the hearth, Duo picked up the pot of cold water and poured a little into the tub. He paused to check the temperature before adding a little more. Satisfied the temperature should be warm enough, he asked Cathy to double check.

The maid tested the water and found it to be just right. "Thank you, Duo, that's perfect."

Duo suitably blushed with the praise.

Fetching the new prince, Cathy set the babe upon the drying cloths on the bench and began to remove the infant's clothing. With Duo assisting her, it didn't take long to have the babe washed, dried and into clean clothes.

Duo quickly cleaned up whilst Cathy dressed the infant and was most surprised when she handed the bundle over to him to hold. "Miss Cathy?" he questioned.

"Here, I need you to hold him while I fetch his next feed." She saw the indecision and hesitation in Duo's eyes. "You will be just fine with him. I have to go to the princess' chambers and... well... get his milk. I don't think for one minute you'd prefer to go in my stead." Duo shook his head. "Didn't think so," Cathy chuckled. "If I put him back in his cradle he will fret and cry. Far better for you to hold him and comfort him while I'm gone, don't you think?"

"Yes, Miss Cathy." Whilst Duo was hesitant, it wasn't because he was afraid to hold the child, he was more concerned that he would get into trouble for it.

"Your master gave you permission to assist me, correct?"

Duo nodded.

"Then this is what I require you to do. You will not be in any trouble for holding the prince. Now, come sit over here." Cathy moved across the nursery to the large chair and indicated for Duo to sit. Noting Duo's eyes widening at the suggestion of sitting in one of the chairs, she quickly reassured him. "It will be safer for you to sit when holding and feeding the prince." Once the slave was sitting comfortably, she handed the child over, a pleased smile on her face when she saw how easily Duo held the child and instinctively cuddled the babe close.

"I won't be long," she told him. "Just stay there with him and I'll be back before you know it." Confident that Duo would be alright with the child, she quickly left.

Once Cathy had gone, Duo took the opportunity to study the small being a bit better. He folded the blanket away from the face and smiled. The innocent babe blinked at him, his skin a healthy pink color and a smattering of dark hair on the top of his head. Gently, Duo ran his fingertip along the side of the baby's cheek – it was warm and soft.

"You are just perfect, Prince Odin," he murmured. The baby gave a soft gurgle. "I honestly don't know how anyone could not want you, especially your mother. Good thing you have my master as your father, he will teach you to grow up strong and with compassion. He will make a good king when he ascends the throne and I'm certain that you will also make him proud."

The baby began to snuffle and whimper a little.

"Hush, little one. Cathy will be back soon with your food," Duo soothed.

The baby gave a couple of soft cries and Duo instinctively cuddled him closer and began to gently rock the bundle. As he rocked so he began to hum. He didn't know where he knew the tune from, didn't have a clue as to the words, but he did remember that somewhere, long ago, someone had hummed the very same tune to him.

So absorbed in his humming and rocking of the baby, Duo didn't notice the door open softly and a person slip inside. He brought his humming to an end and gazed at the child who blinked sleepily up at him.

"I would say you're a natural with children, Duo."

"M – M – Master." Duo did his best to scramble out of the chair to kneel before the prince, but Heero stopped him before he could rise from the chair.

"No, Duo. Remain where you are, you are not in any trouble for sitting with my son." Heero added a smile to his words and crossed the room to stand beside Duo. "That was a lovely tune, Duo. Where did you learn it?"

"I don't know, master," Duo replied honestly. "All I know of it is I recall someone singing it to me many summers ago."

"Odin appears to like it," Heero said with a chuckle and looked at the child who had closed his eyes and relaxed fully into Duo's arms. "Where is Cathy?"

"Miss Cathy went to get something for the baby to eat, master. She should be back very soon."

Heero reached forth and ran a finger down the cheek of the sleeping babe. "He truly is a miracle," he whispered.

"Master, why don't you hold him?" Duo asked and then cringed a little at his words, hoping his master wouldn't punish him for being forward.

"You look so content rocking him that I didn't want to spoil the moment," Heero replied, "but, yes. I will hold my son. Thank you, Duo."

Duo got up and vacated the chair, the prince sitting down and waiting for Duo to hand the child over. "Just make sure to support his head in the crook of your arm, master," Duo instructed as he settled the child in Heero's arms. Suddenly he froze and dropped to his knees, lowering his head at the same time. "Master, I am sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you don't know how to hold your son. I will take any punishment you see fit." Duo began to tremble. A soft noise coming from his master had him peering up through his bangs. "Master?"

Heero couldn't help it, he started to laugh. "Oh, Duo. There will be no punishment for looking after the welfare of my son. Believe it or not, I welcome your advice and assistance seeing how I've never had a baby to deal with before."

Duo's face lit up into a radiant smile. "It is my pleasure to serve and assist you in any way, master."

A soft knock on the door had both men turning and Odin started to whimper again. Duo rose and crossed the room to open the door, curious as to who would be on the other side. "Healer Sally," Duo said and opened the door wide, dropping to his knees as the woman entered. Behind her came another woman, one Duo had never seen before.

Sally walked across the room to where Heero sat with the new prince in his arms. "Sire," she greeted with a curtsy.

"Healer," Heero replied and looked curiously past the healer to the woman standing behind.

"Sire, it pleases me to tell you that the search for a wet nurse for young Odin was successful. Several women were willing to take on the task and I have selected the one I think would be most suitable." Sally motioned for the woman to step forward. "Your Highness, this is Miri."

The young woman stepped forward and curtsied. "It is both an honor and a pleasure to meet and serve you, Prince Heero."

"It is pleasing to meet you too, Miri. Thank you for kindly offering your services. If I may ask, what be your circumstances for you to be offering your services?" Seeing the young woman biting her lip nervously, Heero continued. "If I am being too intrusive, you do not need to answer."

"No, Sire, it's not that at all. It's a little painful to talk about. Suffice to say I gave birth just two sunrises ago. Unfortunately, the good Lord decided my child was not to be mine." She lowered her eyes. "He is at peace, a little angel in the good Lord's flock," she finished in a whisper.

Kneeling beside his master, Duo's heart broke for the woman. Here was a mother, kind, nurturing and loving, denied the child she'd carried; while along the hall lay a woman who had a beautiful son and no interest in him at all.

"I am sorry for your loss," Prince Heero said quietly.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Deciding to change the subject slightly, Heero called for Duo to hold the baby whilst he stood, taking the infant back moments later. "I trust that the healer has explained to you the duties you will be required to perform?"

"Yes, Sire, she has."

"You will have your own chambers on this floor and be paid well for your service."

"Sire, if it would be permissible, I would prefer to take lodging here, where the child is, or have the child relocated to whatever chambers you assign." Seeing the prince beginning to frown, she clarified. "If I am close to the child I will be able to hear him when he wakes to be fed."

"Actually, that makes a lot of sense," Heero mused. "There is more than enough room in the nursery for a bed to be placed." He switched his gaze back to the woman. "I will arrange for a bed to be brought up immediately."

"Thank you, Sire."

"Duo, my slave will assist you in settling in. Cathy, one of the castle maids and Duo here, will continue to look after Odin's other needs until a suitable Nanny can be found. If you have any questions I am sure that Cathy or the Healer will be able to answer them for you."

Getting tired of all the noise around him and still having an empty stomach, the new prince let everyone know with a few, loud cries that he wanted to be fed.

Heero looked startled for a moment at both the volume and intensity of the wails and looked to the healer in panic.

"I think our new prince wishes to be fed, Your Highness," Sally chuckled.

"Wasn't Cathy fetching him some milk?" Heero questioned.

"Master, Miss Cathy has gone to do just that. I don't know what could be keeping her," Duo offered.

"Sire?"

All eyes turned to the young woman.

"If I may?" She extended her arms out for the child. Carefully, Heero passed the babe over. "I think it's time I started to earn my payment," she said with a smile.

"Ah, yes, yes of course," Heero said, a blush tingeing his cheeks. "I will, um, leave you to it then. Duo, come with me." Heero began a hasty retreat towards the door, Duo right behind him, much to the amusement of the Healer and young woman.

"Hush now, child," Miri soothed as she prepared to feed the infant. Moments later the babe was busy filling his stomach.

#

Heero walked quickly along the castle hallway, intent on getting back to his chambers to make arrangements for Relena's departure as soon as the ink was dry on the marriage annulment. Just as he was about to enter his chambers, a distressed Cathy came all but running along the corridor.

Spotting the prince ahead, Cathy slowed her pace a touch, concern on her face when she noted Duo with the prince.

Heero paused and stepped forward, stopping Cathy. "Why are you in such a hurry?" he asked.

"Your Highness, I'm sorry for my haste, I wish to be back with the new prince as soon as possible. I didn't want to leave Duo alone with him for too long in case anything happened."

"That's quite alright. Duo informed me that you had gone to fetch milk for my son's feed, correct?"

"Yes, Sire, that is right." Cathy lowered her eyes.

"Then why do you not have that feed with you?" Heero had scanned over the trembling woman and didn't see any sign of a vessel of any type containing milk within her grasp.

"The Princess, Sire. I went to help her to express some milk so Odin could be fed..."

"But?" Heero raised an eyebrow.

"The Princess, she refused to provide any."

"That sounds about right," he growled. Turning back to Cathy, he gave the distressed woman a smile. "Do not worry yourself..."

"But Sire, the baby needs to be fed and only mother's milk will do."

"The healer has found a wet nurse for Odin," Heero informed.

"She has?"

"Yes. The young lady's name is Miri. She is with Odin and the healer now. When we left she was about to feed Odin."

"Oh, thank the powers that be," Cathy sighed in obvious relief.

"I have informed Miri of your care for Odin at present until a Nanny can be found and I am sure she is eager to meet with you. I will detain you no longer."

"Thank you, Sire. And thank you, Duo for looking after him in my absence. I will be on my way now." With a curtsy, Cathy hurried off.

Turning back to his chambers, Heero stepped through the doorway as Duo opened it for him and strode across the room. He stood by the window, looking out across the castle grounds. Duo dropped to his knees beside his master.

"Just how selfish and self centered can that woman be?" Heero muttered. "To deny your own child the nourishment it needs to survive." He shook his head in disbelief. "The sooner we are rid of her, the better I think."

Duo silently agreed with him. Odin was adorable and how his mother could simply ignore him was something the soft hearted slave just couldn't understand.

"Come, Duo. I want to have all the arrangements made ready for Relena's departure. As soon as I have the parchments from the priests to say the marriage is annulled I intend to send her on her way back to Sanq, along with that witch of a maid of hers."

"I am more than happy to assist you, master," Duo replied, his tone light.

Heero looked down at his slave and ran his fingers through the chestnut bangs. "I'll bet you are," he chuckled.

tbc...