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

Archive: gundam-wing-diaries

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


Sorry for the delay, I've managed to get a job and life has been pretty hectic with training etc. Hopefully more regular transmission will now continue...


"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"

Chapter 78

"I will return shortly," Heero said. "If you finish your tasks before I get back you may retire to your shared quarters with Quatre and rest that leg. I will send for you should I require you."

"Yes, master."

"Good. Do not over tax yourself." Heero pressed a kiss to Duo's lips.

A knock at the door broke the kiss, Duo moving to open the door once his master released him. "Quatre," Duo said, opening the door to admit the other slave.

"Prince Heero, Duo," Quatre greeted as he dropped to his knees.

"Thank you for coming, Quatre."

"It is my pleasure, Sire."

"I shouldn't be too long with my father and brother. Duo knows what needs to be done and as I said to him earlier, once the tasks are finished he is free to return to your shared quarters and rest the leg."

"As you wish, Sire."

"I will see you a little later, Duo." Heero pressed another kiss to Duo's lips. "See that he doesn't overdo things, Quatre."

"I will, Sire."

With a swirl of robes, the prince was gone, leaving the two slaves alone.

"Okay, Duo. What are the tasks we need to complete?" Quatre asked.

Duo recited what still remained to be done and the pair set to work, chattering happily between themselves as they put the chambers to rights.

#

Heero strode through the castle halls, his mind tossing around his thoughts as he tried to order them into a more regimented manner. Arriving at the parlor, he knocked and entered. Trowa and the King were seated, discussing something pertaining to the kingdom when Heero entered.

"Ah, Heero," the King greeted, giving his son a warm smile.

"Father, brother," Heero replied, taking the empty seat and accepting a goblet of wine from the parlor maid.

Pleasantries were exchanged, a few, minor issues in relation to the kingdom were discussed before the King drew the conversation back to their original reason for meeting. "I believe you have something you wish to discuss, Heero?" the King prompted.

"Yes, father, I do."

"Then let us waste no more time on frivolities." The King sat back and waited for his son to speak.

Still not having ordered his thoughts into a system he could work with, Heero decided to just 'wing' it. "As you are both aware, if not for Duo's selfless act at the festival, I would most likely have lost my son and the nanny to the stampeding horse."

"He is a very brave slave for doing what he did and should be commended for his actions," the King stated.

"Yes, he is and it is because of his selfless act and bravery that I wish to discuss a proposal with you both," Heero said.

The King raised an eyebrow.

"I know Duo has been rewarded by the many, generous gifts from the people, but I feel his bravery deserves more recognition." Heero took a deep breath. "I would propose that as a thank you, Duo be given a sum of money, a parcel of land-"

"Brother?" Trowa questioned, interrupting the heir. "What on earth would he do with that?"

Ignoring his brother's interruption, Heero finished what he was saying. "- And his release from slavery,"

Silence filled the parlor as the King and younger prince let the words sink in.

Fearing the arguments and objections that could come, Heero spoke again. "It is not unheard of for slaves to be released from their slavery, many have been freed over time."

"I understand that Heero, and that is not an issue here," the King began.

"Then what is the problem? Duo is my slave and therefore it's up to me to decide what happens to him." Heero began to get defensive, the silence from his brother and the few words from his father firing his emotions.

"Heero, there is no need for you to get yourself all worked up over this," the King soothed. "Ultimately, it is your decision, but please, hear both your brother and myself out before jumping to the defensive."

"Of course, father. Forgive me." Heero's anger began to bleed out. His father spoke sensible words and after having sought them both out with a view to hearing their advice, it was only fair he listen to them both.

"Heero, we are not questioning your right to free Duo, what you do with your own slave is entirely up to you and I do believe that your intentions are indeed both honorable and noble. I'm sure I speak for Trowa as well when I say we are just concerned that you are completely comfortable with losing your personal slave, that you will be able to continue with your duties and role as crown prince without his assistance."

"What I want or feel is of no consequence when it comes to this decision," Heero stated. "I feel that Duo has more than filled his duty to me, has shown time and time again his loyalty to me and the crown and almost lost his life, not once, but twice in simply carrying out what he was enslaved to do."

"He is one of the most loyal slaves I have ever had the pleasure to share company with, and he is totally devoted to you, brother," Trowa stated. "Are you sure though that he would be happy with his release?"

"Any slave would be happy to be released from their station," Heero replied.

"True, and a generous offer of land and coin would be of great assistance, but; would Duo know what to do with the land he is given? Would he use the coin wisely, would he farm the land and be prosperous? I am not trying to dissuade you, nor am I trying to make waves, but is this what is best for Duo?" Trowa spoke quietly, sat back and waited for his brother to digest his words.

"I would have thought that freedom is what is best for anybody."

"And so it is. I agree with your reasons for wanting to give the slave his freedom, he has more than earned it," the King stated.

"Yes, yes he has. I don't know exactly when or how Duo was enslaved, if he was born into it, voluntarily gave himself to slavery as a means to survive or was captured and sold into slavery; personally, it makes no difference. What I do know is that he's had a very hard life with several cruel masters until he came into my possession. I promised him he would not be flogged or beaten whilst serving as my personal slave." Heero lowered his head. "So much for my word as a prince and master. I let him down, allowing him to be flogged, and if that wasn't enough, he nearly lost his life as well when the only crime he had committed was to follow orders. All Duo has ever done is to look after me as best he can, serve and protect me and my family, going above and beyond what any slave is expected to do. I owe him so much and as much as it will tear me apart to free him, I think he has more than earned that freedom."

The room was quiet, the King and younger prince thinking over Heero's heartfelt words. Neither one disputed Heero's words, one could not argue with the truth and to grant Duo his freedom would be the ultimate reward any slave could ever receive.

"I will be very sad to see him leave, but it is the right thing to do and if he is given land within the Kingdom, at least I will still be able to see him from time to time," Heero added.

"If this is truly what you wish to do, Heero, I have no objections," the King said."Although I would make a suggestion."

"Oh?" Heero looked curiously at his father.

"Along with a land holding and coin, I think it would be fitting to give him a title. I would suggest we bestow the title of Lord upon him."

"Father... That would be most generous of you. Thank you," Heero said softly. Giving Duo the title of Lord would elevate him within the kingdom and ensure he retained his freedom along with dignity and respect.

"Have you said anything at all to Duo about this proposal of yours?" the King asked.

"No, not as yet. I thought it would be best to speak with you first. I did not wish to raise his hopes only to have them crushed if the decision was not in his favor. He has already suffered through too many disappointments in his life."

"Quatre will miss him."

Heero turned to look at his brother. "I know he will, and Duo will miss Quatre too, of that I have no doubt. However, Duo will be free to visit Quatre any time he wishes to, as long as you approve, brother."

"Of course I would approve. Likewise, Quatre will be free to visit Duo whenever I can spare him for a while."

"I'm sure they will both appreciate that."

"My son, if you are intent on releasing Duo from slavery, I think we need to take a look at the land you propose to endow him with. We need to find a suitable holding, not just size wise, but also location, with fertile land and preferably a home, out buildings and possibly livestock."

Having only gotten as far as his proposal, Heero hadn't given any thought to where the land would be located, size of the land or anything else to do with it. "That might be a good place to start," Heero replied a little sheepishly.

"Do you have anything in particular in mind?" King Treize asked.

"No, to be honest, I hadn't really given that side of things much thought."

"Might I suggest we settle on a couple of possible villages or the like first and then see what holdings are available in those areas?" Trowa commented.

"That is an excellent idea, Trowa. What do you think, Heero?" the King questioned.

"That sounds most logical to me," Heero replied.

"Take a look at the villages, pick out those most suitable and then I'd suggest you take a ride out to those villages and look over the holdings first hand, then you will have a much clearer picture of what would be the most suitable."

"When are you planning to inform Duo of your decision to free him?" Trowa asked.

"I think it would be best to inform him after I have found a suitable holding for him to be gifted with," Heero said.

"I agree," the King stated.

"I will assist you in your search for a suitable holding if you wish, brother?" Trowa offered.

"Thank you, your help would be most welcomed."

"When would you like to start?"

Heero thought on that for a moment. "The sooner the better I suppose. I have a feeling we could be looking at several places before we find one we think will be suitable."

"Somehow I don't think we will find the perfect place right away," Trowa chuckled.

"No, I'd say it could take a while," Heero mused, relieved in one way as it meant he would have Duo with him for longer.

"If there is nothing else, I suggest the pair of you get started on your tasks," the King said, an amused smile on his face.

"Of course." Heero stood and bowed to his father. "I have one last request before I leave."

"And what would that be?" King Treize asked.

"That no one says anything of my intentions to Duo."

"Of course. It is not for your brother or myself to impart that news, that is up to you, Heero. Neither one of us will say anything at all. You have my word."

"You have my word too, brother," Trowa stated.

"Thank you."

# # #

As Duo continued to recover, Heero spent quite a lot of time with Trowa, the brothers pouring over the maps of the Kingdom in an attempt to find a holding Heero deemed suitable for Duo to have as part of his reward. Although he was fully committed to releasing Duo from his bonds of slavery, Heero selfishly wanted Duo to remain relatively close to the castle. It was going to break his heart to let Duo go, but deep down he knew it was the right thing to do, and if Duo had a holding close to the castle, Heero could still see his released slave on a regular basis and that gave his soul a measure of comfort.

Heero selected several villages well within daily riding distance of the castle and with Trowa assisting him, they narrowed their search down to around twelve holdings they thought would suit. With the lands identified, it just remained for the pair to ride out and inspect the various properties.

Quatre and Duo were understandably curious as to what their masters were up to as they had both been excluded from the meetings held between the brothers. Unfortunately, they had to deal with their curiosity as neither slave was about to question their master and there was nothing at all to be gleaned from any of the other staff and slaves within the castle. It was frustrating, but there was nothing they could do about it.

Having taken Wufei into their confidence, the young Captain heartedly agreed with the Prince's decision to free Duo and let his Prince know just how proud he was of the heir for his decision.

With Wufei on board too, Heero felt they had a much better chance of securing a holding that would see Duo able to live comfortably for the rest of his days. Captain Chang had a more 'realistic' opinion on what would work for the slave and what wouldn't as he'd spent a large portion of his life as a subject, without the privileges afforded to one of the Royal household.

With Wufei's input, several of the holdings were dismissed for various reasons and the list scaled down to just seven possibilities. These seven properties were then mapped out and a plan drawn up to enable the princes' to visit and look each one over in the shortest possible route.

"I can understand why I must remain here at the castle, but I don't understand why you can't accompany our masters out," Duo grumbled to Quatre.

The two slaves were heading for their respective master's chambers to set out clothing for them. Duo's leg was well on the road to recovery, the bones almost completely knitted back into place as far as the healer could determine and although he was still using the crutches for the most part, Duo had taken to using a cane when pottering around his master's chambers. The leg wasn't anywhere near as painful as it had been and the sturdy splints that had been Duo's companions for several sunrises had been changed to lighter ones.

The healer had given him a time frame of another ten sunrises before the splints should be able to come off completely, but although he was taking a little weight on the injured limb, Sally had warned him to be careful and not overdo things. Duo had taken the words to heart and limited the time and amount of pressure he put the leg through. He didn't want to add further time to the healing process, but at the same time he wanted the muscles to start to build back up as well.

"I don't understand fully either," Quatre replied, "but I don't mind staying here with you. I can only think that my master wishes me to remain behind so I can help you out, make sure you don't over stress yourself," he added quickly when he spotted Duo's face darkening. He knew how much the other slave liked to be independent and carry out his duties and he wasn't implying that Duo was slacking off in any way.

"I guess so," Duo replied. "I just wish this leg would hurry up and heal. I'm fed up of being sick or injured."

"It's not your fault, Duo," Quatre stated, trying to cheer his fellow slave up. "I know this sounds wrong, but if you weren't injured the entire outcome of why you were injured would have been a lot different."

"I know what you're saying and you're right, but I still can't help but feel if I'm not able to look after my master properly he could still sell me."

"Oh, Duo. We've been over this a hundred times; Prince Heero will not sell you simply because you're having to take things slowly. He's not like that."

"I know and I also know I shouldn't think like that, but it's hard not to when you've lived a life like mine."

"Think of it this way, Duo. There have been several times during your life here that you have made mistakes and Prince Heero – if he'd been like a lot of your previous masters – could have sold you at any time for any of those mistakes; but he hasn't. You nearly lost your head because of a jealous princess, but your master saved you from that fate. Do you honestly think he would sell you simply because you have an injury, an injury you sustained whilst protecting and saving the life of his only son? Not to mention the nanny too?"

"When you put it that way..." Duo chuckled nervously.

"Put those silly notions out of your head. Now, let's hurry up and sort out this clothing for our masters. I heard that Noin is doing some baking today and if we're lucky we just might get to sample some of the results later."

Duo shook his head. "Okay, I'll race you." He took off along the hallway as fast as his crutches would allow, a laughing Quatre right behind him.

#

"What do you think, Sire?" Wufei asked.

Heero paused in his walk back towards where their horses were tethered and turned around to survey the landscape again. Beside him, Trowa also stopped and ran his eyes over the paddocks and yard layout.

"I think this could be just what I was looking for," Heero replied. "What do you think, Trowa?"

"I'd have to agree with you, brother. It has a large enough acreage to cope with the stock, well maintained fencing and out buildings and the stock all look healthy."

"Do you think Duo would be able to cope with it all? By that I mean to maintain the farm and livestock to the current standard and keep it profitable?"

"He would need help to run it, Sire," Wufei said, "But I'm fairly certain that the farm hands currently working the land and stock here would be happy to stay on under a new master."

"Hmmm. You have a point, Captain. Let us see what the house is like and if it is also suitable then maybe we should negotiate with the current owner and speak with the staff." Heero turned and began to walk towards the farm house where the current land owner awaited them.

The man was more than happy to show the prince around his home and Heero was pleased to see that the entire building was in good repair. Whilst not an overly large home by any means, it was still spacious enough with a well appointed kitchen area, three, large bed chambers, a bathing chamber and comfortable sitting area with a huge fireplace.

"The structure is made from sound timber and stone, the floors a sturdy, local wood, and the roof was re-thatched just last spring, Your Highness," the owner advised. "Water is collected in the large tanks around the buildings, the one directly to the side of the house I have managed to make up a system of pipes which allows the water to come directly into the kitchen. It doesn't take long for it to be bucketed up to the bathing chamber and heated on the fire there."

Heero had to admit, the man had done a lot with the property in order to make personal life a little easier. The large fireplace in the bathing chamber hadn't passed his notice and he couldn't help but think what a good idea that was. "Would your current workers be willing to remain employed here on the farm under the new owner?" Heero asked.

"I cannot answer directly for them, Your Highness, but I don't think they would object. I can summon them now if you wish and you can ask them yourself?"

"Thank you, that would be acceptable." Heero took a seat at the large table in the kitchen area whilst the man went out to call in the current staff.

Three, burly men shuffled into the kitchen, each removing their caps and holding them nervously in front of them. All kept their eyes lowered.

The prince stood and regarded each man before him. They looked weather worn, healthy and strong; none looked unhappy or ill-treated. "Gentlemen," Heero began, "I am interested in purchasing this holding for a friend of mine, a Lord who will be settling in our Kingdom very soon. He has some knowledge of working the land, how much I am not completely sure of and given the size of this holding he will no doubt need some help to keep it running efficiently and profitably. My question to you is simple. Would you be happy to remain employed on this holding under the new Lord? If you wish not to, that is fine, there will be no recourse. If you decide you would like to remain, work will continue on in much the same way as it is currently undertaken. Wages will remain the same for now with a view to increase as the holding becomes more profitable." Heero looked over the three men once more. "What say you?"

The three scuffed their feet, looked at each other and exchanged a few words in a low tone. The tallest of the three stepped forward and bowed slightly. "We would be honored to remain and work for this new Lord, Your Highness."

A smile crossed Heero's face. "Thank you. I will discuss the purchase of the holding with your current master now. Once I have completed my business with him I will send for you and discuss your wages, duties and so on. Is that acceptable to you all?"

"Most certainly, Sire," the owner stated.

"As you wish, Your Highness," the tall man spoke on behalf of the other two.

"Then I will not keep you men from your work. Captain?" Heero dismissed the farm hands and turned to the Captain.

"Yes, Sire?" Wufei stepped forward.

"Please be so kind as to fetch any and all documentation we will need for this transaction."

"Of course, Sire." With a bow, Wufei stepped back outside to fetch parchment, ink and quills from his saddlebags.

"Would your Highness' care for some refreshment whilst we conduct our business?"

"Thank you, that would be most welcome."

The two princes sat down once again, the owner bringing a wine skin and goblets to the table followed by a large platter of bread, cheeses and meat.

Two candle-marks later and the holding had been purchased, the ink dry on the parchments and the day set for the current owner to leave by and for Duo to come in and resume ownership.

Now all that remained was for Heero to free his slave.

tbc...