Disclaimer: I don't own the G'boys, I just borrow them from time to time to play with and return them a whole lot happier, ne? Written for pleasure not profit.

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: Sap, angst, bondage, slavery, Yaoi, Lemon, lime, het, violence, dark, fluff, AU, OOC.

Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 1xR, 2xR

Betaed by Karina *snugs*

Summary: Heero is the eldest son of the King of Colonia. His 21st birthday is approaching and as tradition dictates his betrothed is soon to arrive. However he is also bound by tradition to select his own personal slave. The events that unfold lead him down a path that not only tests his sanity but his humanity and love as well.

Author's Note: This fic was started back in 2004 and has languished on my hard drive ever since, only sporadically being added to when I have the time (and the muse the inclination) . Updates will be far between, but rest assured, it will be finished. Feed back is most welcome as are honest critiques. Flames will be dealt with as I deal with all flames – with sarcasm.

Commenced July 2004 – published January 2008


My apologies for the delay, this chapter just wouldn't flow right and after several rewrites and murdering the muse, I think I'm happy enough with it. On a better note, it's a little longer than usual so I hope that makes up for it. Thanks for your patience! *snugs*


"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"

Chapter 79

"How do you intend to inform Duo of his release from slavery and the accompanying rewards for his service to you and the crown?" Trowa asked as they rode back towards the castle.

"I hadn't really thought about it," Heero replied honestly. "I suppose I will just summon him to my chambers and tell him."

"You might want to use a little discretion, brother," Trowa chuckled. "Duo might think you're selling him or wanting to get rid of him if you just call him in and blurt it all out."

"I wasn't going to blurt it all out," huffed Heero. "I realize I will need to explain the entire process to him in terms he can understand without him thinking I'm selling him or the like."

"I'd think carefully about how you explain things to him. He's been a slave for as long as he can remember and whilst I understand that being released from slavery is something pretty much every slave would aspire to, it could also come as a shock to him and he may take a little while to fully comprehend what you are offering him."

"You know, you'd think this would be much easier. When it comes down to the bottom line, it's just releasing a slave from the bonds of slavery after all. Who would think it could be this complicated?" Heero's mind was ticking over. All things considered, he'd really not given too much thought to how Duo would react. He simply assumed that Duo would be over the moon to be a free man – what slave wouldn't?

"We are almost back, Sire," Wufei interrupted the course of the conversation.

Heero looked up to see the castle right ahead.

"When do you plan on letting Duo know of his freedom?" Trowa asked.

"He still has a few sunrises to go before the splints finally come off and the holding won't be ready for Duo to take over for a short time either. I think it may be best to wait until I know the holding is ready for him to move into. By then the splints should be off, the leg healed up well enough that he can take up residence and begin his life afresh."

"I think that would work best," Trowa agreed.

"Then that's what I will do," Heero replied.

"If you wish, I am happy to be there when you inform Duo of his release – more for moral support," Trowa added quickly. He knew that losing Duo would affect his brother deeply and he fully intended to be there to support his brother through the transition.

"Thanks. I will advise you closer to when I'm going to free Duo if I require your support."

"Will you take another slave? Once Duo's gone you will need someone to assist you," Trowa said softly.

"No. I managed on my own before Duo and I will manage again," Heero stated firmly.

"As you wish."

Heero lowered his head as they rode into the castle courtyard. "No, no one could ever replace Duo," he all but whispered.

# # #

"Okay, Duo. I want you to stand up slowly and gently ease the weight onto the leg," the healer said.

"Okay, Mistress Healer," Duo replied. Taking a deep breath, Duo grasped the arms of the chair firmly and began to pull himself up. The splints had finally come off his leg and now was the moment of truth. He'd been taking some weight on the leg over the past few sunrises, but the leg had still had the support of the splints. Now there was nothing to support the leg at all and he would know in a few moments if the bones had healed back properly and well enough for him to continue to serve his master.

With a little apprehension, Duo managed to rise to his feet, most of his weight on his arms and then transferred to his good leg. He rested the foot of his right leg against the floor, letting the foot stay flat for a moment. Gently and gingerly he began to shift a little of his weight from the left to the right, body completely alert for any feeling of pain that could indicate a problem.

The healer stood across from the slave, her eyes constantly roving over the form and doing her best to gauge just how her patient was coping. She was pretty certain that the bones had fused back together, her skilled hands having traversed the area where the bones had been broken and not finding anything to suggest otherwise; but there was always that small chance that things weren't as they appeared and she was closely observing the slave for any signs whatsoever that he was in pain or about to collapse if the leg couldn't weight bear.

"So far, so good," Duo murmured. He let a little more weight sink onto his foot. There was a little discomfort, but that wasn't coming from the bones, more from the muscles that had started to atrophy a bit given the length of time since they had been used properly.

"How is it feeling? Any pain?" Sally questioned.

"It feels a bit stiff, but no pain," Duo replied honestly.

"Just take it slowly and let me know when you have all your weight evenly on both legs."

Gradually Duo let more of his weight transfer to the recovering leg, pleased when there wasn't any pain. "Okay, I'm standing evenly now," Duo stated and looked to the healer.

"That's good, Duo. Any discomfort, anything you should be telling me?"

"It feels a little stiff and that's more the muscles than the bones, but there isn't any pain at all."

"Wonderful. Just stand there for a moment and let the leg adjust to your weight. I'll get you to try walking in a moment."

Feeling a little more comfortable and eager to try moving, Duo let the healer know he was ready.

"Just take it slowly, move around the table and use it if you need to for support," Sally advised and moved a little closer to Duo to offer extra support should the slave require it.

Taking another deep breath, Duo set his jaw and began to walk. He took his time, moving one foot and then the other, feeling the stiffness start to ease a little as he moved. After completing one round of the table and a complete circuit of the healer's chambers, Duo came to a stop beside the chair.

"How do you feel?" Sally asked, motioning for the slave to sit.

Duo sat and stretched the leg out in front of him so the healer could run her hands over the limb. "I feel okay, the leg is quite stiff and a little sore, but it's not painful. The stiffness eases a little as I move though."

"Good. I expected there to be some stiffness, the muscles haven't been used properly for some time so they will take a little while to build back up in their strength and elasticity. The bones feel fine which is great." Sally looked up into Duo's hopeful eyes.

"Does this mean I am healed?" the slave asked.

Sally smiled. "Yes, Duo. I can safely say that the broken bones have healed up very well. You may return to your duties, however," she gave the slave a stern look, "you are to remain in relatively light duties for now. The muscles will take a little time to rebuild their strength so I want you to work them in slowly and steadily. No running around the palace grounds for a while."

Duo snorted. "I wasn't planning on running anywhere," he said.

"Good. I will release you back into your master's service with a clean bill of health. Now, go, shoo and do what you do best, look after that master of yours," Sally said with a chuckle.

"Thank you, Mistress Healer, for everything," Duo said with a shy smile.

"You are more than welcome, Duo. Just don't over do things. As much as I enjoy your company and like you, I'd really prefer it if I didn't have to see you in my chambers again."

"No offense, Mistress Healer, but I'd rather not be back here in the medical sense again either," Duo replied.

"I'm glad to see we're both on the same page then. Take care young Duo."

"You too, Mistress Healer." Duo gave a bow of respect and left the healer's chambers. Despite his leg still being a little sore, his step was the lightest it had been in some time.

# # #

Duo took the healer's warnings to heart and made sure to ease his leg back into the swing of things. He made sure not to overtax the recovering muscles, keeping the exercise he did to light walking. The Captain had spoken with the prince in regards to Duo's recovery and offered to show the young slave some simple exercises that would help to restore the wasted muscles back to their former strength without putting any undue stress or strain on either muscle or bone.

Heero had accepted the Captain's offer and Duo found himself with a series of moves to complete morning and night. They weren't difficult and Duo had to admit that they did help a lot with his recovering muscles. He still used the walking stick Sally had given him from time to time, but with the exercises he was doing, he found he needed it less and less.

More time was spent with the baby prince too, Duo returning to assisting Miri with the young heir's care whenever his master didn't require his services. As Duo's leg further recovered he began to notice subtle changes in his prince. He couldn't put his finger on any reason why the changes should be happening and he very much doubted anyone else could see them, but so attuned to his master, Duo did pick up on it.

There wasn't much, really. The prince didn't seem to be as demanding in his requirements of Duo, there was a little less and less for him to do regarding his duties in looking after the prince. This confused the slave a little, but as he was still required to assist with the baby, he decided to let it be and not question his master. He'd learned a long time ago that it didn't pay to be disobedient, he was a slave and had no say in what happened in his life.

Once Sally had declared that Duo's leg was completely healed, Heero kept a careful eye on his slave to make sure he took things steadily. Once he was completely sure that Duo's leg was fine and his slave returned to full health, he decided it was time to let his slave know that he was to be released from his bonds of slavery, be given a title, coin and his own holding along with the appropriate documentation stating Duo was a free man and could never be bound by slavery again.

He'd slowly been asking less and less of Duo, trying to 'wean' himself off the dependency he seemed to have developed for the shy slave. As much as it was tearing him apart inside to let Duo go, he knew it was the right thing to do.

Heero had made his plans.

Now it was time to follow through.

# # #

"Master?"

The soft voice drew the prince from his sad thoughts and he turned to see a pair of violet eyes peering through shaggy bangs looking at him with concern. "Yes?"

"Forgive me for being forward. Master, but are you alright? You seem to be distracted," Duo said quietly, lowering his eyes.

"I am fine, Duo. I just have a few things on my mind," Heero replied, placing his hand upon the chestnut head and caressing gently. This would be one of the last times he would get to do this, his mind supplied.

"Is there anything I can do, master?"

Yes, stay here with me! Heero's mind screamed. "No, Duo, there isn't anything you can do; but I thank you for your offer and concern."

Duo had to be content with the reply, it wasn't his place to push things any further.

"Go through to the bed chamber and prepare the bed, Duo. I will retire for the eve."

"As you wish, master." Duo stood and made his way through to the bed chamber, the heavy drapes had already been drawn, keeping the chill of the night air out and the warmth of the fire, in. Duo pulled the covers on the bed back, fluffed up his master's pillow and placed Heero's nightshirt on top of the sheets.

With Duo busy preparing the bed chamber, Heero absently twirled the stem of the goblet, his eyes staring, unfocused into the blazing fire. His mind was constantly playing scenes, Duo when Heero first saw him, Duo when he'd been cleaned up and presented to Heero. Duo riding out with him to various holdings. Duo kneeling beside him, head resting on his thigh. Duo naked in the bathing chamber with him...

Duo, body flushed and panting in the throes of orgasm.

Heero only just managed to catch the sob that wanted to leave his throat and stay the hand that wanted to throw the goblet into the fire.

"Master, your bed chamber is ready."

A deep breath was taken as Heero steadied his nerves and pulled himself together. "Thank you, Duo. I will be there in a moment. I wish for you to sleep with me tonight."

"Of course, master." Duo disappeared back into the bed chamber to await his master.

Exhaling, Heero stood, determined to throw off his melancholy mood and enjoy the last night he would have with his slave. Placing the now empty goblet onto the small table, Heero headed for the bed chamber.

Once his master had entered the bed chamber, Duo set about removing the princes' clothing. Each garment was neatly folded and set aside until the prince was completely nude. Picking up the nightshirt, Duo was about to turn and prepare to put it on his master when that soft voice stopped him.

"No, Duo. I will sleep naked tonight."

"As you wish, master." Duo proceeded to fold the nightshirt up and place it back in the chest

Sliding between the cool sheets, Heero began to relax a touch. His body warmed with the thought of having Duo in his bed once more, of being able to touch and explore, make love and drive his sweet slave to distraction with pleasure. It had been too long since he'd been intimate with Duo, a broken leg amongst other injuries didn't allow for much in the way of sex.

The prince fully intended to make love to his slave all night long if he could; for after tonight, he would no longer have the pleasure of being able to indulge in his loving of his slave.

Quickly stripping himself of his own garments, Duo snuffed the candle out and slid into the large bed. Immediately he was swept up into his master's strong, loving arms and his mouth plundered by a hot, slick muscle.

"It has been so long, my lovely Duo," Heero groaned when he finally released Duo's mouth.

"Too long, master," Duo agreed. "I am yours, master. Yours in any way you want me."

The softly spoken words and look of pure adoration in Duo's eyes drove the wedge deep into Heero's heart. How could he go back to the way he'd been before Duo came into his life? For a moment he reconsidered his decision to free the slave, but then his rational and honorable side came through and reminded him of exactly why he should give Duo his freedom.

Determined not to let his melancholy ruin his last night with his slave, Heero brutally shoved all those feelings away.

This night he would love Duo like he'd never been loved before.

At least he would have these memories to comfort him in the bleakness of his future without the lovely slave.

The prince set about his task of driving Duo wild with a passion. He used every sense available to him, touch, taste, sight, smell and sound, each was used in every way possible. Gentle caresses, soft kisses, occasional nips followed by a soothing tongue sent Duo's nervous system into overdrive.

The odor of musk, sweat and body fluids enhanced the experience.

The hungry looks, flushed skin and gentle cries and moans for more completed the picture.

By the time Heero penetrated his slave, Duo was completely reduced to a begging, over-sensitized mess.

Duo was both overwhelmed and confused by the intensity of his master's foreplay and lovemaking, but he didn't dwell on it for too long. Rather he opted to put it all down to the fact that his master hadn't taken him in some time and was obviously making up for that lost time. Deciding that was what it was, Duo gave himself over completely to the pleasure, the feeling of having his master once more buried deep within him and showing him just how much his prince cared and wanted him.

It was in that moment that Duo discovered an emotion he never ever thought he would feel for anyone – much less feel it for a master.

Love.

He was in love with his master.

The thought both terrified and elated him.

A brush against his prostate soon chased away any and all thoughts other than reaching his orgasm from Duo's mind.

"Ah, Duo. So sweet, so hot," Heero moaned as he thrust steadily into his willing slave's body. "It's been too long," he groaned as he felt the tide of his orgasm beginning to rise.

"Yes, master," Duo groaned in return. His own arousal lay rigid against his belly, the friction of his master's stomach against his own providing some stimulation to the organ.

Knowing his end was fast approaching, Heero raised himself slightly, wanting to see Duo's face as they both came. "Touch yourself and come for me, Duo," he commanded.

By this stage, Duo was barely holding onto his orgasm and so the words were a gift from heaven for him. He reached between their heaving bodies and located his shaft. Curling his fingers around the throbbing organ he began to tug and pull. With his master still pounding away inside of him and hitting his sweet spot on a regular basis, it only took a moment before Duo could feel the familiar sensations stirring in his gut. Willingly he gave himself over to those sensations, letting go of any and all thought, just letting himself feel.

His orgasm would be one Duo would remember for some time. It was powerful, climbing up from deep within, bathing his nerves in complete pleasure until he felt he was drowning.

Heero's eyes never strayed from his slave's face as Duo heeded his order and came explosively. Those eyes scrunched in pleasure, mouth spilling moans and cries that went straight to Heero's heart as Duo gave himself over to the pleasure. The prince burnt the vision into his memory, something he could come back and pull out later when Duo was no longer his.

It was a sight Heero would never forget.

Managing by sheer will power alone to keep his release at bay, Heero indulged himself in drinking in the vision that was Duo in the throes of orgasm. Only when Duo went limp beneath him did Heero allow his own body to achieve the heights it was craving and fall into nirvana.

It was one of the most powerful orgasms Heero had ever had.

With his body coming down from his orgasmic high, Heero collapsed against his slave, warm arms encircling him and holding him close. Once he'd managed to steady his heart and breathing rate, the prince raised himself slightly, leaning on one elbow and using his free hand to push the sweaty bangs out of Duo's eyes and away from his forehead. Leaning close, he kissed his slave.

"Thank you, Duo."

"Trust me master, it was my pleasure." Duo looked adoringly into those endless blue eyes.

"I didn't hurt you?"

"Master, I am fine."

"Good. I don't like to hurt you." Heero's words were slightly muffled as he spoke them into the crook of Duo's neck, opting to remain atop of his slave and cuddle close.

Duo was a little startled with the extra affection his master was bestowing upon him. Not that he minded, not in the least. But he did find it strange. His master seemed to be very reluctant to let him go. Shoving the thoughts aside, Duo took what he could from the embrace.

Feeling himself beginning to fall asleep, Heero thought he'd better move now whilst he still could. Reluctantly, he rolled from Duo's body, the stickiness of their joining making itself known. "I think we need to clean up. Fetch the cloth and wash me down, Duo."

"Yes, master." Duo managed to drag himself from the bed and fetch the wash cloth, returning to clean his master up before cleaning himself off. With as much evidence removed as he could with the cloth, Duo dropped it back into the basin and crawled back under the covers. His master's strong arms wrapped him up and a kiss was bestowed to the back of his neck.

"Sleep now, Duo. I have much to do on the 'morrow and some of it isn't going to be pleasant." Heero gave a sigh. "Good eve, Duo"

"Good eve, master," Duo replied, his mind puzzling over his master's words. His mind didn't dwell for too long though, his body was sated and tired and before he know it, his eyes drifted closed and he fell asleep, safe in his master's arms.

# # #

"That was a most satisfying breakfast, Duo," Heero said as he leaned back and patted his stomach. "You may take the dishes back to the kitchens then stop at my brother's chambers and ask him to join me shortly. I have need of his presence."

"As you wish, master." Duo rose and began to place the dishes back onto the tray.

"Oh, Duo?"

"Yes, master?"

"After you have spoken with my brother, please go to the stables and inform the stable master I will be riding out shortly, to have mine and my brother's horses saddled along with Quatre's and yours."

"Yes, master." Duo finished putting the dishes on the tray and departed for the kitchens,his mind working overtime and wondering just where they would be riding out to; and more importantly, would he be able to cope with riding after his broken leg? Deciding there was only one way to find out, Duo continued with his appointed tasks.

#

"Ah, brother. Come in, Duo should be back shortly," Heero said, admitting his brother and his slave to his chambers.

Trowa raised an eyebrow, Heero giving him a slight nod in return.

"Quatre, please tidy up my brother's bed chamber whilst we wait for Duo," Trowa ordered his slave.

"Yes, master." Quatre didn't question the order, even though he thought it unusual and went through to the bed chamber to do as requested.

With Quatre out of the sitting room, Heero moved closer to his brother and lowered his voice. "I have asked Duo to inform the stable master we will be riding out and to prepare the horses for us. I intend to ride out to the farm holding and let Duo know of his release from slavery whilst we are there. I am hoping you will accompany me."

"Of course, Heero. I did say I would be willing to be with you when you let Duo know of his freedom and if I may say so, I think it is a good idea to let him see his future home before you inform him."

"I was going to tell him here, at the castle, but I thought it would be an idea to see if he likes the farm holding first. He should be back any moment."

Trowa nodded. "I would be honored to accompany you and I dare say, having Quatre along too could be helpful with Duo, depending on how he reacts to the news."

"Master, I have finished." Quatre knelt just inside the doorway to the bed chamber. At that moment Duo returned from his errands and entered the chambers, dropping to his knees as he did so.

"Thank you, Quatre," Trowa said and motioned for his slave to come to his side.

"Have you completed your errands, Duo?" Heero asked.

"Yes, master."

"Good, then let us waste no more time. My cape, Duo."

"I will fetch mine and meet you in the courtyard, brother," Trowa stated and left.

Duo fetched his master's cape and followed behind the prince as he headed for the courtyard.

#

The two slaves rode behind their masters, Quatre having been asked by Prince Heero to keep a close eye on Duo and to let him know immediately if Duo was not coping at all with the ride. So far Duo had been just fine. With their masters ahead of them and thus would be unable to hear them if they spoke in quiet voices, Quatre took the chance to quiz Duo.

"Any idea where we're going?" he asked.

Duo shook his head. "No. My master hasn't said anything other than for me to ask the stable master to prepare the horses."

"Seems strange," Quatre mused. "Usually our masters will give us some clue as to why we are riding out. I've never known Prince Heero to take a ride out simply for the pleasure of it, there's always been business of some sort to attend to."

"Well, if there is, I don't know what it could be," Duo replied. "Master hasn't said anything at all to me. Actually, he hasn't mentioned anything at all about having to travel out from the castle."

"I guess we will find out soon enough."

"I suppose so," Duo replied.

The pair cut short their conversation as the princes began to slow their mounts. A farm holding was just up ahead and the two slaves thought it possible that this was their destination. Their thoughts were confirmed when Prince Heero turned his mount onto the track that would take them to the yard of the holding.

Drawing rein, Heero brought his horse to a halt, Trowa stopping beside him. The slaves also brought their horses to a halt and gazed around in curiosity.

"Nice holding," Quatre commented softly to Duo.

"Yes, it looks well tended," Duo agreed and fell quiet as his master dismounted. Quickly he followed suit and led Lily over towards his master.

"Duo, take the horses and give them a drink, once they have taken their fill, place them in stalls inside the barn and return to me." Heero paused to remove a couple of items from his saddle bags before handing the stallion over to his slave.

"Yes, master." Duo took Wing's reins and led the stallion, along with Lily towards the large water trough in the yard, Quatre mimicking him with his own charges. Having settled the horses into stalls inside the barn and having done their best to try and figure out what their masters were doing here, they gave up and returned to the princes.

"The horses are settled, master."

"Thank you, Duo." Heero looked around the yard and took a deep breath. He glanced at his brother, Trowa giving him a reassuring smile and nod, before clearing his throat. "Duo, stand up and take a good look around. I want you to observe everything around us and tell me what you see and what you think."

Puzzled, Duo stood and did as his master ordered. His eyes roved over the yard, noting the out buildings, pens, fields and large, stone farmhouse with its thatched roof. Here and there chickens scratched around in the dirt and a few ducks paddled on the small duck pond. "It all looks neat, tidy and well cared for, master."

"Tell me honestly, Duo, is this farm somewhere you could see yourself living and working at?"

Dread began to pool in his stomach and a cold feeling began to steal over Duo with his master's words, He shot a panicked look to Quatre who was still kneeling at Prince Trowa's feet. The blond gave him an equally panicked and shocked look back. "M- master?"

"I just wanted to know if this farm is somewhere you could be happy working and living at," Heero repeated, completely missing the effect his words were having on his slave.

Duo's heart began to shatter as realization set in. His master was going to sell him, probably already had and it was his own fault for getting injured and not looking after his master properly. Why oh why had he let himself believe in this master? Regardless of his master's words and assurances, it still came down to the fact that he was a slave and had no say in his life. "I – I - I suppose so, master. It's not like I really have a choice," he whispered. A tear tripped over his eye lashes and trickled down his cheek.

Startled, Heero stepped forward and brushed the tear away. "Duo? What is wrong?"

Duo couldn't help himself, all his pent up emotions came forth and before he knew it, his mouth was running away on him. "It won't make any difference what I say. You have obviously already decided I'm not worth anything and have sold me. Why did I think you would be any different? Why did I let myself trust you? Why did I let myself fall in love with you? Why did you make all those promises to me, that I wouldn't be sold, I'd stay with you forever? At the end of it all, you're just the same as all the others, your word means nothing!" he spat. Turning angry, violet eyes upon his master, Duo took in the shock followed by rage that settled into those blue eyes of his master.

It was then that he realized, he'd truly overstepped the mark.

tbc...