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 73

Prince Heero was waiting in the courtyard as Relena stepped out of the castle. She paused and gazed around at the carriages that awaited. She noted the one at the front with the four in hand waiting patiently, the two wagons behind were stacked with boxes and pulled by two, larger type cart horses each. She ran her eye over the loaded wagons, checking to see they were secure and she wasn't likely to lose any of her precious belongings on her journey back to Sanq. Only once she had satisfied herself that the wagons were secure and that all her boxes and crates were present and accounted for, did she turn her attention to the front carriage and noted Heero's presence for the first time.

Having given his now ex wife time to take in her transport Heero stepped out from the court yard shadows and forward to meet the princess. "Relena," he greeted quietly, reminding himself to be civil and gentlemanly. This would hopefully be the last time he would have to deal with the woman and once all was said and done he could see no reason to be nasty to her. In a few moments she would be gone from his life; he had survived almost a full seasonal cycle with her, he could survive a little longer.

"Heero," Relena returned, her voice short and curt.

"All your boxes and crates have been secured and nothing has been left behind that I am aware of," he said.

"Thank you," Relena sniffed.

They stood in awkward silence for a moment before Heero decided to be the gracious one. "Relena, I am sorry this marriage didn't work out, but we are too different in our ways. I can see that now, neither one of us was what the other expected and as such this could never work. I do hope that you will find happiness in the future with someone who can be what you want and need in life."

Relena's eyes narrowed. "This marriage could have worked, Heero, the only reason it hasn't is because you're too wrapped up in your work and that piece of gutter trash to pay any attention to anyone or anything else. The work I can understand, although why a lot of that couldn't have been delegated off to others to do I fail to see; but that, that slave... He's the one that should be held accountable, he's the reason why our marriage failed, always sticking his nose in where it wasn't wanted or needed. If that wasn't bad enough, he has to seduce you as well! It shouldn't be allowed, men do not seek comfort in the beds of other men, it's disgusting and that slave should have lost his head a long time ago for that," she sneered.

It took Heero a moment for his brain to connect, but when it did he felt the last thread of compassion he'd had for the woman snap. "I beg to differ," he stated curtly. "Yes, I have my work, some can and is delegated off to others; but to blame Duo, who was only doing his duty to me, for our marriage failure, that is just absurd. You have your maid to take care of you just as I have Duo to take care of me..."

"Oh yes, and he did take care of you," Relena spat.

"If my wife had been a true wife to me in all her roles then I would not have had to seek comfort in my slave's arms," Heero shot back. "You are just as much at fault as I am for this failure."

"That's exactly the sort of response I would expect from you, to blame it all on me."

Heero sighed and rolled his eyes, there was just no way he could get through that thick skull of the woman. "I suggest you take your seat in the carriage-"

"Where is Dorothy? You said she would be released and accompany me back to Sanq."

"Wufei has gone to fetch her, she should be here momentarily."

"She had better be alright too," Relena snarled. "If she has been injured or harmed in any way."

"She has not," Heero growled. "My father promised she would suffer no further punishment and he has kept his word." He narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice, the menace in his tone coming forth. "I suggest you keep your side of the bargain. Trust me, if you don't I will find out and I will make life very miserable for you."

"Is that a threat?" Relena snapped.

"Think of it as friendly advice. I suggest you get aboard the carriage – now." Heero's patience was hanging by a thread.

The tone of voice had Relena faltering for a moment, but she refused to show any further weakness. Gathering her skirts and putting her nose in the air, she haughtily walked once more towards the carriage where a footman assisted her in climbing inside.

Heero sighed and reminded himself once more that this was almost over. A door to the side opened and it was with relief he noted Captain Chang and a couple of guards appear with the maid.

"Mistress." Dorothy whispered. A smile began to blossom on her face and she called out loudly, "Mistress!"

Hearing the familiar voice, Relena turned in the carriage, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her maid. "Dorothy!"

Ignoring the guards, Dorothy picked up the pace, almost jogging in order to get to the carriage faster. She dropped the bundle of possessions she was carrying in her haste to climb inside and be reunited with her mistress.

While the happy reunion was taking place in the carriage, Captain Chang picked up the discarded bundle and handed it to one of the guards. "Here, secure that onto one of the wagons."

"Yes, sir!"

"My prince," Wufei greeted with a bow.

"Wufei," Heero returned. "I take it there were no problems?"

"None at all, Sire."

"Did you dispatch the guard to Sanq with the parchment to inform King Stephen and Prince Milliardo that Relena will be returning and the reasons why?"

"Yes, my Prince. I sent the guard last eve with the parchment you gave me. He was given strict orders to make haste and deliver the parchment personally. I anticipate he should arrive by tomorrow morn, a sunrise ahead of the princess."

"Excellent." Heero paused and looked to the carriage where the two women were talking a mile a minute, obviously catching up on everything. Heero doubted there would be any silence in that carriage until at least sundown.

"Sir, everything is secured in the wagons," the guard informed.

"Thank you," Chang replied.

"If everything is secure and ready to go I see no reason to delay the departure any longer," Heero stated.

"As you wish, Sire." Wufei saluted the prince and moved to where six guards stood beside their mounts just waiting for the order to mount up and leave.

With Wufei speaking with the guards that would travel with Relena, Heero stepped up to the carriage. "Good bye, Relena. Have a safe trip," he said.

The two women paused for a second in their conversation before Relena turned her attention back to Heero. She gave him a curt nod before dismissing him completely and concentrating on Dorothy again.

With a sigh, Heero moved back and looked up to the carriage driver. "You may leave. Safe travel and report to Captain Chang upon your return."

The carriage driver dipped his head. "As you wish, Sire." Gathering up the reins, he clicked his tongue and drew the tail of the whip gently across the rumps of the two rear bays. The horses moved forward at a brisk walk, breaking into a trot as they left the court yard. The drivers of the wagons followed on behind.

Heero waited in the courtyard, watching until the carriage and two wagons had completely departed before he gave a deep sigh of relief, his shoulders slumping slightly as the weight he'd been carrying for so long on them disappeared. All in all, he found the eventual departure a little... anti-climatic?

"At the risk of reprimand, may I say it is a relief to finally be free of those two," Wufei said quietly from beside his prince.

Heero looked thoughtful for a moment before turning to the Captain and speaking. "You know how much I dislike unnecessary frivolity, Captain?"

"I do, my Prince."

"Then why do I feel the sudden urge to throw a huge party?"

Wufei chuckled and followed the prince back inside the castle where Heero left to speak briefly with his father, informing the king of the departure of both the messenger, princess and the maid. Both parents of the prince, whilst sad that the marriage hadn't worked out, had readily agreed that in the end it was probably all for the best.

Feeling much better than he had in days, Heero decided he deserved a little personal time and went in search of his slave and son.

# # #

"You are really good with him, Duo," Miri said with a smile, returning to the nursery after having taken a quick bath.

"Thank you," Duo replied with a blush. "He's very easy to look after." He returned his attention to the babe, gently drying the warm skin of the infant after having given the little prince a bath. He picked up a piece of cloth and gently secured it around the baby's hips. Once the 'diaper' was in place, he began to dress the infant in a loose smock.

With Duo busy dressing Prince Odin, Miri fetched herself a goblet of water and got herself comfortable in the large chair ready to feed the baby once Duo was done.

"There you go, little one," Duo cooed. "All clean and dry and ready for a feed." The baby gurgled in response. Duo chuckled lightly and wrapped a warm blanket around the child before picking him up and cuddling him close to his chest. "Are you ready for him, mistress Miri?" he asked.

"Yes, Duo," Miri replied.

The baby was handed over, Miri settling him and preparing to feed him.

"Umm, I'll clean up the bathing things, shall I?" Duo asked, keeping his eyes lowered to the floor.

"That would be most appreciated, Duo. Thank you," Miri replied with a smile. She found the slave's shyness quite endearing and really did appreciate his help with the young prince.

With the baby suckling happily away, Duo began to clean up the mess from the baby's bath. It didn't take him long and once he'd finished he set about collecting together all the soiled clothing, drying cloths and anything else that would need washing and putting it all into a neat pile to take down to the laundry later.

With those tasks complete, he fetched clean linen from the large chest and began to make up the crib. So intent on his task, he completely missed his master's entry to the nursery. Only when the prince spoke did he register his presence and immediately dropped to his knees, shaking a little and waiting for the punishment that would surely come for being disrespectful.

"Good morn, Miri. How is my son today?" Heero enquired, crossing the room to stand by the woman, smiling softly at the child. From the corner of his eye he noted Duo's hasty drop to his knees and slightly shaking form and frowned to himself.

"Good morn, Sire. The young prince is very well and hungry as usual," Miri replied.

"So I see," Heero chuckled. Leaving the pair for the moment, he moved across to Duo, dropping a hand to that sweet head and caressing gently. "Why are you trembling?" he asked quietly.

"I was disrespectful, master," Duo replied miserably.

"Disrespectful? In what way?"

"I failed to acknowledge your presence quickly enough."

"Oh, Duo," Heero sighed. "You were not disrespectful at all. You were busy at your task and once you did note my presence you did the right thing. You will not be punished."

"Thank you, master," Duo replied gratefully.

A very loud burp from behind them had both prince and slave turning to look. Miri laughed, patting the baby gently on his back.

"I bet that feels much better, little prince," she murmured. The baby gurgled and brought up a little more wind by way of reply along with some milk.

"Is he alright?" Heero questioned in concern.

"He's fine, Sire. It's quite common for babies to bring up a little of the milk when they bring up the wind. Duo, would you fetch me a cloth please?"

Duo raised himself from his kneeling position and fetched the requested item, handing it over to the woman and dropping to his knees once more.

Whilst the nurse was cleaning up the child, Heero thought it time to get to the main reason for his visit.

"Miri, may I speak openly with you for a moment?"

"Of course, Sire," Miri replied, slowing in her cleaning of the babe.

"Miri, as you are aware, the princess, for whatever reason, has no interest in anything to do with her child and I am grateful to you for your service and dedication as a wet nurse."

"It is my pleasure and honor to serve you and the young prince, Sire," Miri replied quietly, curious as to what else the prince had to say.

"Thank you. For reasons I will not go into, the princess is no longer a part of this family or the Kingdom of Colonia. The priests have annulled the marriage and as of this morn, the princess has left the Kingdom and returned to her home Kingdom of Sanq."

Kneeling on the floor, Duo's ears listened intently to his master's words and the joy that filled his heart when he heard those words caused a huge smile to spread over his face. He already knew the princess was leaving, his master having arranged for her things to be packed up and promising she would be gone that day; but Duo had refused to let himself become too optimistic. Knowing just how sly and conniving the princess could be, along with the many times his hopes had been trampled in the past, he had fully expected the princess to refuse to leave at the last minute and his life to continue down the hellish road it had been on.

"I am sorry to hear that, Sire," Miri said softly.

I'm not, Duo thought to himself. Hearing his master confirm that the princess was finally gone made him over the moon with happiness, for that also meant that the evil, tormenting maid would also be gone from his life.

"Don't be sorry," Heero replied with a smile, "It will be for the best that she is no longer here. That brings me to the main reason for my visit today; aside from seeing my son, that is." Heero reached forward and caressed his son's head. "My son will require the services of a nanny as he grows. Whilst Cathy and Duo are assisting you with Odin's care, I'm afraid Cathy will be required to return to her usual duties as soon as possible and Duo has his service to me as well. I have been unsuccessful thus far in securing the services of a reliable nanny and as you are excellent with the child and his care, I wish to ask if you would consider becoming his nanny on a permanent basis?" Heero paused and studied the woman carefully. He could see her mind ticking over, the various emotions flicking through her eyes.

"I realize you have a husband and a life outside the castle, and I do not wish to jeopardize that. If I may be so bold, Miri, what is it your husband does to keep you fed, clothed and a roof over your head?"

"Sire, I am flattered you would ask. My husband, Henry, he works the land and tends the gardens of Squire Hamilton's home."

"Ah. Does he enjoy his work?"

"Yes, Sire, very much so."

"If you were to take up the offer of being Odin's nanny I realize it would mean you would need to live here, in the castle and remain so for several summers. You would be granted free lodging and a sum of coin for that period. I would also welcome your husband to the castle and if it would help sway your decision, I can find him work within the castle gardens as they are always in need of more help. He would also remain here with free lodging and a wage for the duration of your time as Odin's nanny." Seeing the woman beginning to look more like she would take up the offer, Heero added, "Of course, Duo here would be available to assist you when he is not attending to me if he wishes to do so." Heero turned to the kneeling slave. "Would you care to assist in Odin's care, Duo?"

Duo was stunned with the prince's words and it took a moment for the formal request to completely sink in. He turned his smiling face to his master's and keeping his eyes lowered, replied, "Master, I would love nothing more than to be allowed to assist with Prince Odin's care when I am not needed by you."

Ruffling Duo's hair, Heero turned back to the nurse. "What do you say, Miri?"

"Sire, I am both honored and flattered that you would consider me worthy of such a position and even more so that you would consider employing my husband too. However, as you can appreciate, I cannot make this decision alone. If it pleases you, my Prince, I will need to speak with Henry before giving my reply."

"Of course, I would expect nothing less. I can arrange for you to take leave to speak with your husband or I can have him brought to the castle for you to speak with him here."

"Thank you, Sire. I think it would be best for Henry to come here as Prince Odin needs to be fed and tended on a regular basis."

"Then I will arrange it. Thank you for at least considering my offer. Duo, once you have finished here go to the kitchens and fetch our lunch. I will await you in my chambers." With a nod to the nurse, the prince took his leave.

"He is a good and kind man," Miri murmured once the prince had left. "He will make an excellent King."

"I agree, mistress Miri," Duo said quietly, a broad smile on his face.

# # #

Prince Heero was true to his word and sent a messenger out to bring Henry to the castle that afternoon.

Curious as to what the Prince would want with him, Henry downed his tools and followed the messenger back. The prince briefly informed him of what he had discussed with Miri and outlined what would be required of the pair if they chose to take up his offer. Henry was then reunited with his wife and left to talk about the Prince's proposal.

Three candle marks later, Prince Heero was more than pleased when Henry sought audience with him to advise that both he and his wife would take up the generous offer the Prince had made. Leaving Henry in the capable hands of one of the castle advisers to make the arrangements, Heero departed for a stroll through the gardens and meet with his brother before dinner.

# # #

"You're looking particularly pleased with yourself, brother," Trowa greeted.

"It's been a wonderful day," Heero replied with a smile and gave his brother a one armed embrace.

"I know the weather is particularly nice, but that cannot be the only reason you're this happy," Trowa teased, taking a seat on one of the many stone benches around the gardens. Quatre sank to his knees by his side, Duo following suit once his master was also seated.

"You are right," Heero replied. "The weather is not the only reason I'm feeling this way." Heero went on to explain about the departure of the princess and maid that morn followed by his talk with Miri and her husband and their agreement to join the castle household.

Hearing that the princess had finally left caused Quatre to look to his fellow slave for confirmation. When Duo nodded back in the affirmative with a broad smile, Quatre beamed in reply. Both Quatre and his master were fully aware of the situation between Heero and his now ex wife, but hadn't realized her departure was to occur so soon.

"I'm sorry your marriage didn't work out, brother, but maybe it is for the best," Trowa consoled.

Heero gave a sigh. "I guess in one way I am to blame too. I should have paid her more attention."

"No, brother, I don't believe you really could have done much more. Forgive me if I am speaking out of turn, but from what I observed of the princess since her arrival, she appears to have been brought up in a very sheltered and spoilt manner. I mean no disrespect, but it would seem that she didn't have to do anything at all in regards to the running of the Sanq Kingdom other than to look pretty and play the role of a hostess. Considering she was totally unwilling to assist you in any of the affairs of the kingdom or castle other than to meet and be fawned over by the people, I'd say it would be a safe bet that she's never done anything remotely work like in her life."

"You know, brother, the more I think about it, the more I agree with you. She could also be a very jealous, cruel and vindictive person." Heero's hand dropped to Duo's head where he caressed gently. "Poor Duo here nearly lost his head when all he's ever done is to serve me to the best of his abilities."

"I blame that maid of hers for a lot of the problems," Trowa replied darkly. "She was trouble from the time she set foot on the castle grounds. Knowing what I do now, it's a miracle Duo is still with us."

"I cannot thank Quatre enough for what he did for Duo," Heero said softly. "I do hope you rewarded him accordingly."

"Of course I did," Prince Trowa replied with a smile, running his own hand along the blonde's head.

At their master's feet, both slaves sported very red cheeks, uncomfortable with all the praise being lavished on them.

"I know that according to Colonia law the princess cannot lay claim to Prince Odin now she has left, but are you sure she won't cause further trouble down the track for you?" Trowa asked cautiously.

Heero snorted. "I very much doubt it." Seeing the look on his brother's face, Heero elaborated. "A messenger was sent ahead of the princess to inform King Stephen and Prince Milliardo of the princess' return and the real reasons why. As long as she sticks to her side of the bargain she will be left alone. If she should try to break that agreement that maid of hers will be dead before the sun sets."

"Is that so?" Trowa mused.

A smirk crossed the lips of the prince. "Oh yes. The princess may think she's returned to Sanq with just her maid and belongings, but there is a new member of the Sanq Royal guard, a gift from Father in the form of a bodyguard for the princess."

"You sent a spy?"

"No, a fully trained bodyguard, is what father sent. Can I help it if he's also a trained assassin?"

Trowa shook his head and snickered.

tbc...