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
My apologies for the delay between chapters. It's been a... hard month. I had both my brother-in-law and my mother-in-law pass away within 3 weeks of each other. So, yeah, it's been a little tough.
"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"
January. 2008 ShenLong
Chapter 74
"Your Highness?" the Page said, bowing low.
"What is it?" Prince Milliardo questioned, placing the quill to one side and giving the Page his undivided attention.
"A messenger and soldier from the Kingdom of Colonia are here. The messenger wishes to speak with you, Sire."
"Then you had better send him in," Milliardo replied, his curiosity piquing.
The messenger was admitted and bowed low before the prince. "Your Highness, I have a message for you from Prince Heero of Colonia." Straightening up, he reached inside his robes and removed a small cylinder, handing it over to the prince and stepping back.
"Thank you," Prince Milliardo said as he took the offered cylinder and removed the end. The parchment slid out, the prince grasping it and breaking the wax seal. Opening the scroll he quickly perused the contents, brow furrowing as he read. Once finished he lowered the parchment to the desk and closed his eyes. A deep sigh of air left his lungs as he thought deep on the contents.
"Sire? Is everything alright?" the Page enquired.
Looking up, sapphire eyes met those of the Page. "Yes and no," he said and took a deep breath. "You must be tired from your journey," he said, addressing the messenger. "It will take a little time for me to put together my reply. Please, accept my hospitality whilst you wait. Page, see to it that this man is given quarters where he may bathe and refresh himself from his journey. Arrange accommodations in the guards quarters too for the soldier. Let the Captain of the guard know I will speak with him shortly in regard to the new soldier."
"Yes, Sire."
"Thank you, Sire, that would be appreciated," the messenger replied with a smile and another bow.
"It is my pleasure," the prince responded. "I will send for you once the parchment is ready. Page," he said turning to look at the younger man, "Please escort our guest to the guest chambers and the soldier to the guard's quarters."
"As you wish, Sire," replied the page and with a bow he tuned to the messenger. "Please, follow me."
With another bow to the prince, the messenger followed the young page from the chambers, leaving the prince to his thoughts.
"Relena, Relena, Relena," Milliardo sighed. "What am I going to do with you?" Picking up the parchment, Milliardo left his chambers, heading for his father's rooms to discuss what to do about the princess.
#
Despite being of physical ill health, King Stephen still had all his faculties and was quite capable of overseeing the main running of his kingdom, leaving the prince to deal with the majority of the physical side of the work and just having the final say on matters of state.
"I must say, in one way this does not come as a shock, Milliardo," the King said softly, laying the parchment to one side.
"How do we know that what Prince Heero is saying is the truth?" Milliardo questioned.
The King turned his aging eyes upon his son. "You know just as well as I do what Relena is capable of doing when she wants her own way."
Milliardo sighed, knowing his father was right.
"I'm afraid your sister has been spoilt, and that's my fault for indulging her far too much. I should have taken a much firmer hand with her when she was young."
"Regardless of whose fault it may or may not be, the fact remains that Relena has disgraced herself and will be arriving back home to Sanq within the next two sunrises," Milliardo stated. "The question now is what do we do?"
"I don't think there is much we really can do, my son. I think it would be best if we abide by what Prince Heero has suggested and allow Relena to at least save face as far as her reputation goes. I think it would also be beneficial to inform her of the bodyguard that the prince of Colonia has kindly provided for her, just in case she should decide to seek revenge of some sort."
Milliardo quirked an eyebrow.
"I never did care much for that maid of hers," the King said with a smirk. "She's always been nothing but trouble and led Relena astray on more than one occasion. This just might keep her in line."
"Father, you can be quite devious at times."
"Why, thank you." The king fell silent for a moment before speaking once again. "My only regret is that I probably won't ever see my grandson," he said wistfully.
"I'm sure that Prince Heero would allow you the opportunity to meet your grandson. He's never struck me as being a cruel or heartless person. Despite all that Relena and that maid of hers have done since arriving in Colonia, I honestly believe he would be happy for you to meet your grandson and myself my nephew. I will ask if it will be possible in my reply to him."
"Thank you. If that is all I suppose we'd better get ready for the return of Relena. Please have her brought to me for an audience when she arrives."
"I will see to the arrangements right away, father."
# # #
"We're almost home, Dorothy," Relena said with an excited smile.
The further away they had got from the Kingdom of Colonia, the more Dorothy had begun to relax. With her home Kingdom not far away now, Dorothy finally began to feel safe. "It will be good to return," she said with a smile.
"Yes, it will," Relena replied in a slightly sad tone. "It would have been better to have returned under different circumstances. There's not much I can do about that now though so I guess I will just have to make it well known that the marriage annulment was all Heero's fault, that he was nothing but a cheating husband with a cruel streak which was proven when he had you arrested and flogged for doing nothing more than looking out for me."
"I'm sure you will have nothing but the Kingdom's sympathy and support, mistress."
"They will soon see how wronged I have been and exactly what a selfish, evil person Heero can be."
"Once they know I'm certain no one in Sanq will want anything to do with Colonia ever again," Dorothy added with a smirk. "Serve them right too."
"Oh look, there's the castle, Dorothy." Further conversation ceased as the pair gazed excitedly at the white stone castle that had been home to the royal family for generations.
The carriage came to a halt in the courtyard of the Sanq castle, a young page stepping forth.
"Welcome home, Princess Relena," the page greeted with a bow after opening the carriage door. As Relena began to alight from the carriage she noted a shadow step out from within the castle entry.
"Relena," Prince Milliardo greeted his sister. "I trust you had a safe and pleasant journey."
"Ah, Milliardo, it's good to be back home again. You have no idea of the trials I've had to endure these past seasons. The things I've had to suffer through, it's not right."
"I'm pretty sure I have a good idea," muttered the prince.
"Dorothy," Relena addressed her maid as she alighted from the carriage to stand just behind the princess. "Go straight to my old chambers and draw me a bath. All that traveling has dried my skin out and I know I'm covered in dust and grime; as for my hair...better to not even go there."
"Relena, your bath will have to wait. Father has requested an audience with you immediately upon your return," the prince stated.
"I can have an audience with father tomorrow after breakfast. Right now I need to bathe and clean up from that horrible journey. There's also my unpacking to see to." Relena sniffed.
"No. You will come with me now to speak with father. Dorothy can go to your rooms and start unpacking." Milliardo eyed the two wagons that were jam packed with trunks. Seemed his sister had done a little shopping whist she was in Colonia. "I will have several slaves bring all the trunks to your rooms. You will accompany me to speak with father now."
"But, Milliardo, I'm tired and dirty from my trip..."
"Now, Relena," the prince stated in a tone that brooked no argument.
Seeing how her brother was not going to be dissuaded from his task, she had no choice and reluctantly agreed. "Alright, I'll come with you and speak with father if you insist." She turned to her maid once more. "Dorothy, see to it that everything is brought up and then prepare me a bath. I will be there shortly."
"Yes, mistress."
"Come, Relena, father is waiting." Milliardo turned on his heel and strode back into the castle, a disgruntled Relena following behind.
#
As they traversed the castle halls, Relena continued to whine and complain, telling her brother all about her awful trip back and how much she really wanted to rest and clean up. To his credit, the prince held his tongue, choosing to ignore the complaints and get to the King's chambers as quickly as possible. Arriving at the King's door, the prince nodded to the guards who opened the doors and announced their arrival to the King.
"Father," Milliardo greeted with a bow of respect as he stepped into the room and stopped before the large table his father was seated behind. "Relena has arrived and I have brought her with me as you requested." Milliardo stepped to the side to allow his sister to come forth.
"Relena," the King breathed, his eyes lighting up as he caught sight of his daughter.
"Father," Relena smiled and walked over to envelop her father in a hug and press a kiss to each of his cheeks. "It's so good to be back home."
"Please, sit, we have much to talk about," the King stated. As his son and daughter sat, the King ordered a slave to bring refreshments. "You must tell us all of what has been happening. What caused your marriage to be annulled and the reasons for leaving your child behind." The King sat back and waited for his daughter to tell her side of the story – as he knew full well she would do and no doubt with some exaggeration once the wine had been brought and poured.
Taking a few sips of her wine, Relena ordered her thoughts and then began her tale. "Oh, father, the wedding was wonderful and my new husband very handsome and attentive at first, but after the honeymoon, which wasn't much of one I must say, he started to change... Heero was always busy, he never seemed to have any time left to spend with me."
"There is a lot more to running a prosperous Kingdom than simply being a figure head, hosting banquets and attending ceremonies, Relena," Milliardo interrupted.
"I know that, brother," Relena snapped, "but one doesn't have to oversee and do everything themselves, that's what advisers, Squires and other minor royalty are for, to share the load. Even at the end of the day, when the sun had gone down, Heero still didn't have time for me, he was always busy. He even expected me to take on some of his duties. On the odd occasion when he did share dinner or an evening with me, most times he would fall asleep! Do you have any idea what it's like to be ignored? "
"Maybe you should have heeded his request and shouldered some of the work," Milliardo muttered.
"I did take on some of the work," Relena sniffed. "I worked very closely with the Queen to organize, plan and arrange some of the festivals, banquets and ceremonies. I even went out and attended several functions when a member of the royal family was asked to attend. Once I fell pregnant I thought Heero would slow down a little and spend more time with me, but that wasn't to be." Relena's eyes darkened and hardened. "No, he would much rather spend time with that gutter rat slave of his," she snarled.
"Slave?" Milliardo questioned, already knowing what had occurred.
"Yes, slave. I wasn't even allowed to take care of my husband, that low piece of garbage made sure of that. I tried to warn Heero, tell him what this slave was trying to do. I even asked him to get rid of him, he didn't need that slave when he had me to care for him, but he wouldn't listen. I could see what that slave was up to, trying to drive a wedge between Heero and I, I could see the way he looked at me with lust in his eyes and even though I was pregnant, it didn't matter to him. He waited until Heero was away on royal business to make his move." Relena's voice hitched for a moment and she paused to dab at her eyes.
"It was horrible! He came to my chambers and forced himself on me..."
It took the princess some time to tell her tale, the King and prince sitting quietly and letting her have her say. Both men had Prince Heero's side of the story along with all that had transpired with the trial of the slave, the evidence that had been produced and the request of the Elders to oversee a second trial. They had gone over it thoroughly with their own advisers and at the end of it all, they had to agree with the findings of the Elders. Prince Heero's slave had been innocent of any and all charges.
Both King Stephen and Prince Milliardo were fair men, both were also very aware of the princess' ability to manipulate, distort and change facts and people to suit her own purpose. They also knew she wasn't above lying or fabricating things either.
"He was going to have Dorothy put to the sword!" Relena exclaimed. "I couldn't let that happen and so I was forced into agreeing to have the marriage annulled in return for Dorothy's life!" Relena was sniffling and sobbing by now. "He covered it all up and told me I could use the excuse that he had been unfaithful to me as the reason for the marriage annulment. It's not fair! He shouldn't be allowed to get away with it and I won't let him either." Relena straightened her spine. "I intend to let the people of Sanq know what sort of an evil, cunning person he can be and that he ordered Dorothy's death just because she tried to protect me."
Letting the princess sniffle and recover her composure for a moment, the King looked to his son, Milliardo returning the look – their silent communication passing unnoticed by Relena.
"Relena, I know this has been hard on you, but I'm afraid that most of it you have brought upon yourself," the King began, only to be interrupted by his daughter.
"Father! How can you say that?! You have no idea of the indignities I have suffered, what this will do to my reputation..."
The King let his daughter have her rant for a moment before interrupting her. "Relena! Stop it!"
Unused to hearing her father raise his voice, Relena immediately stopped and stared at her father.
The King continued in a much quieter tone. "Your brother and I are already fully aware of what has transpired..." The King went on to explain how they had already been fully informed of everything that had taken place, including having dug deeper themselves to validate the Prince of Colonia's story. "I'm afraid the truth stacks up against you, Relena. The prince was left with no alternative but to do what he has done."
"But, Father! I can't believe you would side with him. I'm the one who has been wronged here-"
"Relena, that is enough!" the prince barked. "You have only yourself to blame for this. What is done, is done, there is no going back. You are welcome to return home here, however," The prince hardened his eyes, "however, you will abide by what Prince Heero has said, you will not speak of anything pertaining to what occurred at the Colonia castle. The people will be informed as per Prince Heero's wishes that the marriage broke down due to his being unfaithful and that will be the end of it. If you do not accept these terms then there will be dire consequences."
Relena widened her shocked eyes. "Dire consequences? Is that a threat? I am the one who was a victim here, I'm the one that should have the sympathy of the people, not their scorn of ridicule. They will laugh at me, I will be humiliated by my own people. No! They deserve to know the truth!"
At that point a shadow detached itself from the chamber wall and stepped forward, the hard eyes, grim line to the mouth and overall look of menace surrounded the figure. The long sword hanging at his side completed the chilling picture.
"W-w-who is that?" Relena stuttered, eyes stunned for a moment.
"That, Relena, is your new bodyguard," the King stated.
"B-bodyguard? But I don't need a bodyguard."
"Prince Heero thought you might, considering the circumstances in which you have returned," the Prince stated calmly.
"Relena, as much as it pains me to say, you have led a very spoiled life and I'm afraid that is my fault. However, this cannot continue any longer. The guard will accompany you at all times."
"But, I'm perfectly safe here in Sanq, no one would dare try to harm me and I have Dorothy with me at all times," the princess protested.
"That might be so, but I suggest you think very carefully about the reasons for your return before you speak with any of the people. A word of advice. I suggest you stick with the story Prince Heero has provided. You may not have to worry about being harmed here in Sanq, but the Prince of Colonia's reputation just might need protecting from any lies that might find its way out there. If you value that maid of yours life, be very careful what you say." The King waited for his daughter to connect the dots.
"You're saying that if I speak up and inform the people of what really happened, Dorothy will suffer for it?" Relena whispered.
"Let's just say that the Prince of Colonia intends to see that you stick to your side of the deal," Milliardo stated.
Relena thought on the words for a moment and stared at the bodyguard. Tears began to well in her eyes as she realized the Prince of Colonia held all the cards. Knowing there was absolutely nothing she could do, she lowered her head. "Alright," she whispered, the defeat clear in her tone. "It's obvious that my own Father and brother have made up their minds and decided to believe the lies of a cunning, cruel and unfaithful ex husband rather than their own daughter and sister."
"Relena, I can assure you I have looked very deeply into this matter, but I can hardly ignore all the evidence-"
"No! Don't patronize me," Relena snapped at her father. "It's perfectly clear to me that you don't care at all about me, my side of the story or anything else. Well, so be it. If that is all, may I be excused now? I'm tired and wish to bathe." Relena stood up and glared at her father.
"Yes, Relena, that is all, you can go to your chambers now," the King sighed.
"Thank you." Squaring her shoulders and holding her head up high, the princess strode from the room, clearly upset but unable to do anything about her situation. The bodyguard followed immediately behind her.
"Do you think she will listen and keep her lies to herself?" the prince mused aloud.
"I think she will," the King replied. "She cares far too much for that conniving maid of hers to allow anything to happen to her. In one way I do feel sorry for her."
"Father, don't. Relena has brought all this upon herself. She should be grateful that the prince of Colonia has covered this all up by taking the blame upon himself and saving her from humiliation."
"Yes, as usual, you're right, my son." The King paused for a moment. "I suppose we should get back to our usual routine then."
"That we should."
# # #
The preparations were well underway for the celebration of the birth of the new prince, the entire kingdom abuzz with the news of the royal birth and all the subjects were looking forward to celebrating the arrival of the new prince with their much loved royal family.
Rumors had been flying thick and fast throughout the lands regarding the departure of the princess. They varied from her father being gravely ill, her brother being injured, through to the prince having caught her being unfaithful. The rumors reached the castle, but the prince didn't bother to confirm of deny them. Along with his father they had decided to let the rumors run their course. Once the celebration of Prince Odin's birth was underway, they would make a formal announcement, advising that due to incompatibility issues along with severe homesickness and the King of Sanq remaining ill, the princess had decided to return to Sanq and the marriage between her and Prince Heero had been annulled. The people could draw their own conclusions from that, the Palace would not enter into any further discussion about it.
Several of the population were disappointed with their future queen's departure, having been charmed by the woman, but many were secretly relieved. The people were not blind, they could see the hard work and dedication their much loved royal family put into the Kingdom and fully expected the princess to be a large part of that too. It hadn't gone unnoticed that the princess only ever made an appearance when celebrations were in order.
Thoughts and speculation regarding the princess were pushed to the backs of peoples' minds though as the celebration date drew closer. Once again, the population had been invited to set up stalls in the sprawling grounds surrounding the castle to sell their wares if they wished. Entertainment had been arranged, the Royal Guard were to put on a swordsmanship display, there would be jousting, wandering minstrels and a hand to hand combat demonstration being some of the entertainment planned for the day of celebration.
All would commence after the formal introduction of the new prince to the Kingdom from within the main courtyard. A large platform was in the process of being set up in the courtyard for the Royal family to address their subjects, Duo unable to hold the shudder as he paused behind his master in the courtyard. The last time he'd been present when a platform was raised in a courtyard had been to meet the executioner and lose his head.
Fortunately that hadn't happened, his master coming to his rescue just in time.
Having spoken with the slaves and guards erecting the platform, Heero continued on through the courtyard and towards the stables, Duo following right behind, his curiosity piqued. Arriving at the stables, he smiled as he noted Quatre waiting just outside.
"Wait here with Quatre, Duo. I will return in a moment," the prince ordered.
"Yes, master."
"It's going to be quite the celebration," Quatre mused.
"That it will," Duo agreed and darted a glance into the stables. "Do you know what is going on?"
"I'm not completely sure, but I think our masters are speaking with the stable master and some of the guards about the jousting display they are going to be putting on," Quatre replied.
"Ah."
"How is Prince Odin?" Quatre asked with a smile.
Duo's face took on a dreamy look. "He's wonderful. Such a sweet tempered baby and easy to look after." Taking a quick look around to make sure they were alone, Duo lowered his voice before continuing. "He's nothing like his mother. You know, Quatre, I still can't believe or understand how the princess could want nothing to do with him. He's such a joy to look after."
"I guess she had her reasons," Quatre replied, "Let's just be grateful she's finally gone and that Prince Odin will be raised to be a fair and just King when his time comes."
"True," Duo nodded in reply. Before they could speak further, the two princes exited the stables and headed back towards the castle, the slaves falling into step behind their respective masters.
"It seems that everything is coming together just fine, brother," Prince Trowa remarked.
"That it does," Heero agreed. "At least this time we can take a back seat and just enjoy the celebrations."
"And here I thought that you would be a part of the swordsmanship display," Prince Trowa stated with a smirk.
"Then you thought wrong," Prince Heero replied. "I fully intend to spend the celebrations as a spectator, I have no interest in participating."
"I think the hand to hand combat display will be excellent entertainment."
"With Wufei being one of the combatants it will be most interesting and entertaining to watch," Heero agreed.
"Better not get too close or he just might drag you into a demonstration fight," Trowa teased.
"In that case, you might want to heed your own advice and stay clear. You're a better opponent than I am when it comes to hand to hand combat," Heero shot back.
Trowa thought on that for a moment. "Good point."
Entering the castle, the pair made their way along the hallways towards their respective rooms. Pausing out the front of Heero's chambers, the heir turned to his brother. "I will see you at dinner?"
"Of course. Father wishes to discuss a few last minute things regarding the celebrations."
"Don't remind me," Heero muttered.
"Don't tell me you're getting cold feet over having to make a speech?" Trowa questioned with a smirk, knowing full well he'd hit a nerve when the heir winced. "Better get used to it, once you ascend the throne you will have to make speeches from time to time."
"I know, and that's something I'm not looking forward to."
The two slaves barely held their snickers. They were both well aware of Heero's reluctance to speak publicly. The prince was a quiet man by nature and not one to say a whole lot at any time. This speech he would be required to give would be interesting to say the least.
"I will see you at dinner, Heero." With a friendly clap to his brother's shoulder, the younger prince left for his own chambers, Quatre following behind.
"Come, Duo. I need you to prepare a bath for me and set out suitable attire for dinner with my parents."
"As you wish, master."
tbc...
