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
"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"
Chapter 81
The two men approached the slender youth with slight caution. They were not sure if this man was the owner of the holding or not. When the prince had spoken with them a little while back they understood the new owner would be taking over soon, but they had no idea of the age or appearance of the new person. The closer they got, the younger the man appeared.
"He looks too young to be a lord," the taller one said quietly.
"Aye, I agree, but looks can be deceivin' too," the shorter one replied.
"Guess we will finds out soon enough."
Duo cautiously but curiously watched the pair approach. He sensed no danger from them and stood his ground. He gave a nervous swallow though once the pair stood before him.
"Afternoon, good sir. Are you the new owner of this holding?" the taller one asked.
The size of the men intimidated Duo quite a lot, but he was careful not to show any fear. "Yes, I am. Who might you two be?" He was pleased to note his voice came out steady, unlike his insides that were shaking uncontrollably.
"Forgive me, my Lord. I am Anric and this is Marcus. We were employed to work this holding by the previous owner and were asked by the prince if we would continue to work here under the new owner," Anric, the taller of the two stated with a bow.
"It is a pleasure to meet you and an honor to serve you, my Lord," Marcus said as he also bowed.
Understandably, Duo was a little confused and felt like a fish out of water. He wasn't used to having people bow to him or address him so formally and with so much respect. His training still screamed at him that he should be the one bowing and kneeling. But that was all in his past now and it would take some time for him to come to terms with his new found freedom and title to boot. "It is a pleasure to meet you both too," he said. "Please, if we are to be working this holding together, let us do away with such formality. My name is Duo."
"As you wish, Duo," Anric replied with a smile. He was already warming to this young man who seemed quite shy.
"Forgive me for asking, but have you had any experience working a holding?" Marcus asked.
"Yes, I have some experience working with animals and on the land." Duo didn't elaborate, he figured no one really needed to know of his life as a former slave – he was having enough trouble adjusting to his new life as it was.
"That is good," Anric stated.
The three stood and looked at each other for a moment, none quite sure where to take the conversation next. Feeling a little uncomfortable, Duo thought he'd best speak now and start the ball rolling.
"I have not long arrived and as yet, haven't seen anything of the holding or what it farms, crop or animal wise. As you are both more than familiar with the holding would you kindly show me around and at the same time, inform me of what you have both been doing in relation to its upkeep and productivity?"
"It would be a pleasure, Lord Duo," Marcus replied with a smile. He liked this shy, young Lord and had a feeling they would all get along just fine. "If you would come along with us, we will show you the boundaries of the holding and what stock currently reside here."
"Thank you." Feeling a little more settled, Duo tagged along with the pair as they proceeded to take him around his new home and point out all that now belonged to him along with what duties they carried out.
# # #
The morning bird song that heralded the dawning of a new day held no joy for Heero any more. It had been seven sunrises since he'd freed Duo.
Seven sunrises since the light in his life had been gone.
Seven sunrises of dark days without warmth or cheer.
And with each passing day, Heero's heartache deepened.
Trowa tried repeatedly to speak with his brother, to try to get the prince to see that what had happened between him and his former slave had been nothing but a misunderstanding; but Heero remained stubborn and refused to listen, dismissing his brother and his concerns with the excuse that he had a lot of work to catch up on and that Duo had meant every word he'd said and only served him out of duty.
As the days dragged on, Trowa watched, helpless, as his brother drifted deeper and deeper into depression. Everything he tried to draw his brother out of that well of darkness, failed and Trowa was beginning to despair of ever reaching his brother.
Quatre watched on in silence, unable to offer much in the way of assistance to the heir and frustrated that his master couldn't penetrate that invisible wall the prince had built around him. If only Prince Heero would sit and listen to what his master had to say, Quatre was sure his master would be able to explain everything clearly and that both the prince and Duo would be able to reconcile and at least be a little bit happy.
The King and Queen also noticed Heero's slide into depression. The young prince burying himself in his work each day from the moment he rose until he fell into bed at night, exhausted and unable to keep his eyes open any longer.
Miri began to fret for the young prince's health. Heero rarely visited the nursery and his son, it held too many painful memories for him and so he avoided going there. He wouldn't have seen his son at all if Miri hadn't started to bring the child to his chambers and interrupt his work for a candle-mark or two.
After ten sunrises, Quatre asked permission from his master to visit Duo and see how the freed slave was getting on. Trowa agreed and once his duties were done, it was with a light heart that Quatre mounted Rocky and set out for the holding.
He'd missed Duo so much. Sharing meals, chattering away as they completed their tasks and sharing quarters from time to time were the things Quatre missed on a daily basis. Only since Duo had left did it become apparent to Quatre just how much the other slave's shy smile and happy personality had added to the castle's daily life.
He wasn't the only one who missed the young slave. Noin and the kitchen staff, the maids, Miri and little Odin all felt a sense of loss, a hole in their midst that could not be replaced.
While not one of them begrudged the slave his freedom and fortune, he had made such an impact on their lives that now he was gone it was as if someone had torn the very heart out of the castle.
Cantering along the leafy path, it didn't take Quatre long to reach the holding. He rode into the yard and looked around. The place was neat and tidy, a few ducks paddled on the duck pond and several chickens scratched in the dirt. Dismounting, Quatre led Rocky into the cool interior of the barn, noting Lily wasn't there, but a stall was set up and in obvious use by the mare. He popped Rocky into another stall and removed the gelding's tack. Deciding that leaving the horse where he was for the moment would probably be the best idea – especially as he had no idea if there were crops planted in the surrounding fields and it wouldn't make him any friends if he'd allowed his horse to graze upon and ruin good crops – he left the gelding to munch on some hay he'd found.. With Rocky settled, Quatre left the barn and went in search of his friend.
It was warm in the fields, Duo pausing in his work to stretch his aching back and wipe the sweat from his brow. He reached for the water skin and took a few, good swallows. Wiping the back of his hand across his mouth he paused to look around him, happy with the amount of work they had gotten through so far. His eyes spotted a figure walking towards them and he narrowed them against the sun, trying to see who it was.
Marcus and Anric also paused and turned to see what had their Lord distracted. Both men moved a little closer to their employer when they saw a figure approaching, ready to protect him if the need arose.
Recognizing the figure as it drew closer, Duo gave a shout of joy, dropped the water skin to the ground beside the scythe he'd been using and took off at a run.
"Guess it must be someone 'e knows," Marcus stated with a scratch to the back of his head.
"I'd say yer right," Anric agreed, watching the two figures for a moment before returning to his task of gathering up the cut wheat and expertly binding it into sheaves.
"Yeah," Marcus replied and then started once more to swing his scythe in arcs, expertly cutting through the stalks of ripened wheat, leaving a trail behind him for Anric to bind.
"Quatre!" Duo yelled, bounding across the field they were currently harvesting to embrace his former, fellow slave in a bear hug.
Quatre laughed as he was hugged and swung around, hugging back just as fiercely. When he was finally released, he pressed a kiss to Duo's lips. "I hope you don't mind me dropping in like this?"
"Of course not, Quatre. You're welcome here any time," Duo replied with a warm smile.
"What is it you're doing?" Quatre asked. He had a basic idea of how farm holdings ran from the trips he'd gone out on with his master, but that knowledge was limited.
"We're reaping the wheat harvest," Duo explained. Seeing the blank look on Quatre's face, he elaborated a little. The wheat is ready to harvest and it's best to do that while we have some good weather. We go along in rows and swing the scythe through the stalks which cuts the crop down. Anric is following behind and scooping up the cut wheat into sheaves. He binds them and when there are enough, he stacks them together in a 'stook', that allows the warm air to pass between the stalks and dry out the sheaves. After a few days, once the stooks are dry enough, we come out with the wagon and load them up. We store it in the barn, using some as feed for the animals during the winter, the rest we beat the wheat out of and then sell it as grain. I also keep some to grind up to make bread out of."
Quatre looked suitably impressed with Duo's knowledge. "I'm so glad you know what you're doing, Duo," he replied. "Frankly, I haven't a clue and would probably starve and go broke after one season."
Duo laughed. "You forget I used to work on farms before..." He swallowed hard, a dark shadow passing over his face as his mind brought back memories he'd rather forget. "Before my master rescued me," he finished in a whisper.
"Well, you certainly have everything under control," Quatre said, trying to lighten the mood. "I brought some of Noin's pastries with me if you can spare the time to take a break." Quatre looked a little downcast, he'd not given any thought to the notion that Duo might be busy and not have time to sit and speak with him. However, he needn't have feared, Duo would always make time for his friend.
"Of course I can take a break," Duo replied with a smile. "I'll just let Anric and Marcus know what I'm doing." Turning, Duo made his way back to the two farm hands, Quatre tagging along behind him.
The two men looked up and stopped their efforts as Duo approached. They noted the slim blonde standing beside their Lord, eyes roving over the silk clad form, not missing the amulets and collar that adorned his body or the green of the emeralds flashing in the sun. Needless to say, their curiosity of this new person, their connection to their Lord and their Lord's past, deepened.
But neither was about to ask.
"Anric, Marcus, this is a very dear friend of mine, Quatre. He has come a little way to pay me a visit so I will take a break to partake of his news and company."
"As you wish, Lord Duo," Anric replied and turned to the slight blonde with a smile on his sunburnt face. "A pleasure to meet you," he said and stretched his hand out.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too," Quatre replied and shook the man's calloused hand.
"I'm Marcus," the shorter man introduced and also shook Quatre's hand.
"You go entertain your guest, Lord Duo, Marcus and I will be fine to carry on," Anric said in a soft tone.
"Thank you, Anric. I'll try not to be too long," Duo replied, feeling guilty leaving the two men to carry on without his help.
"Don't you fret none, young Lord. By rights you shouldn't be out here working anyway. 'Tis not really the place a Lord should be." Anric stated with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.
Duo felt his cheeks redden slightly but nodded in gratitude. Turning to his blonde friend, he grabbed Quatre by the arm and started to pull him back across the field towards the farm house. "Come on, Quatre, we have a lot to catch up on."
Quatre laughed as he was bodily hauled along towards the farm house, his friend's joy infectious.
#
"How is..." Duo paused, swallowed and reached for another of Noin's pastries. "How is my master?" he managed to force out.
The pair had returned to the farm house, Quatre setting out the pastries while Duo drew some fresh, cool water from the well and added some lemon juice to it. They had sat down and discussed Duo's new found freedom, the holding, the animals, crops and pretty much everything other than the castle and the prince. Quatre could tell the other, former slave was simply bursting to ask his questions and wondered how long it would take before Duo finally gave in to his curiosity.
"Ah, the prince," Quatre mused. He carefully set his goblet down, wiped a few crumbs from his mouth and ordered his thoughts. Taking a deep breath, Quatre thought it only fair to his friend that he tell him the truth, no sugar coating it, just the plain, simple facts.
"Prince Heero isn't doing too good," he began.
"He's not injured or ill, is he?" Duo interrupted, the concern thick in his voice and fear on his face.
"No, no," Quatre hastily replied. "It's nothing like that. Let me see, I'll start back at when Prince Heero left here after the...misunderstanding."
Duo nodded.
Quatre proceeded to fill Duo in on what he knew from his own observations and what little he'd gleaned from his master. "He's just so stubborn, he won't listen to my master when he tries to talk to him, to explain how things went so wrong. He's burying himself in work to the point where not only my master, but the King and Queen as well are concerned for his health. He doesn't go to the nursery anymore and if Miri didn't bring Prince Odin to his chambers, he wouldn't see his son at all. He hardly eats, doesn't attend family meals if he can avoid them and spends just about all of his time in his chambers working. He's got everyone worried and concerned and yet he won't speak to anyone. I'm afraid he will start to fade away soon and none of us know how to get through to him."
By the time Quatre finished his tale, Duo had tears running down his cheeks.
"Oh, Duo," Quatre crooned and moved across to pull his friend into a hug. "I didn't mean to upset you, but I cannot lie to you and say all is well when it isn't."
"This is all my fault," Duo whimpered, holding onto Quatre and burying his face in the slave's shoulder.
"No, it's not your fault at all, Duo," Quatre soothed.
"Yes, it is. I should have trusted my master more, I should have known he wouldn't break his word and sell me." Once again Duo cursed himself and his mouth. This is what had gotten him into trouble for as long as he could remember. His habit of speaking before his brain had engaged having earned him his reputation of being an insolent, difficult slave.
"Yes, you should have waited and listened to your master's explanation first, not jumped to conclusions, but the prince is also at fault here. He should have explained things clearer, not just assumed you would understand that he was giving you your freedom. It is very difficult to think in any other way when all you have ever known is slavery, Duo."
"How can I fix this mess, Quatre?"
The blonde sighed. "I don't know, Duo, I honestly don't know."
# # #
King Treize looked up as his wife entered his office chambers. Seeing the look on her face he immediately put the parchments he was working on to one side and leaned back in his chair. "What is it, my dear?"
The Queen sighed, gathered her skirts and sat down. "It's Heero."
"Ah."
"I'm worried about him. This depression he's sunk into is getting worse and worse, we need to do something to snap him out of it. I fear that if we don't, we could lose our son completely." The Queen wasn't one to beat about the bush and stated her concerns quickly and simply.
"I agree," the King replied. "I honestly don't know how to do that though." Treize frowned. "Short of bringing Duo back and committing him to slavery again, I have no idea what to do."
"One cannot do that," Une scolded. "Duo has been granted his freedom and that must stand."
"I know, I know," Treize stated, "but what can we do?"
"There is more to this than we know, I'm sure of it."
"I think we should speak with Trowa, find out exactly what happened when Heero released Duo." Treize was aware that when Heero had taken Duo to the holding, something had happened, but what that was exactly, he didn't know, but it was becoming painfully obvious now, that it had been something of a big deal for Heero.
"I think that would be a wise place to start. If you can spare the time, I will have Trowa come to the parlor where we can talk about this."
Treize nodded. "I will finish reading these reports and come to the parlor in a candle-mark."
Queen Une rose. "Thank you. I will send word to Trowa and meet you both there." Satisfied that at least they were making some progress, Une left the King to finish up and went back to her chambers to send word to Trowa that his presence was requested.
#
The maid left Prince Trowa after having delivered her message from the queen. Trowa frowned and thought on the summons for a moment. He had no clue why his parents had summoned him and idly wondered if Heero would there too. Deciding that no amount of thinking would get him any closer to the reason for the summons, he thought it best to finish up the ledger he was working on and heed the summons.
Just before the candle-mark was up, Trowa closed the ledger, stretched and rose from the chair. He was about to call for Quatre when he remembered he'd given the slave permission to visit Duo that day. Idly he wondered what the pair were up to, how Duo was getting along and if the former slave had settled into his new life. No doubt Quatre would tell him all when he returned. Picking up his cloak and draping it around his shoulders, he left for the parlor.
#
"Mother," Trowa greeted as he entered the parlor. He pressed a kiss to his mother's cheek. "Father." He nodded to the King who was reclining in one of the comfortable chairs.
"Trowa," the King responded "Please, sit."
Once everyone was sitting, Trowa turned his curious gaze to his father, but before he could speak, the Queen got in first.
"You are no doubt wondering why we have summoned you?" she said.
"Yes, I am curious," Trowa replied.
"It's your brother. We are becoming increasingly worried for his health, both physical and emotional. Ever since Heero released Duo from slavery, he's become more distant. I'm sure you have noticed this too?" the Queen said.
Trowa swallowed. "Yes, I have seen him sliding into depression," Trowa replied honestly. "I have tried repeatedly to talk with him, but he refuses to listen to me."
"Trowa?" the King leaned forward in his seat and made direct eye contact with his second born. "What exactly happened when Heero released Duo and gave him the holding and title?"
"Ah." Trowa took a moment to order his thoughts and decided he really needed to let his parents know the exact conversation and results of that conversation. He wouldn't be breaking a confidence as he'd not promised anyone that he would keep this to himself. Taking a deep breath, Trowa began to tell the tale, leaving nothing out.
Once Trowa had finished his story, both King and Queen looked shocked.
"That is quite the story, Trowa," the King stated softly.
"It is obvious there is a complete misunderstanding between the two of them, and I can quite understand how that has happened. Now that we know what transpired we need to try to find a way to sort this out once and for all," the Queen said as she thought deeply on her youngest son's words.
"I have tried many times to speak with Heero..."
"And he's pushed you away?" the Queen said with a smile.
Trowa nodded.
"I'm afraid he has inherited that stubborn streak from me," she said with a small chuckle. "Unfortunately for Heero though, that means I'm just as equally stubborn in my determination to get him to see reason and drag him out of this depression of his."
"I'd like to know how you plan on achieving this?" the King asked with a raise of his eyebrow.
"That is something I'm still thinking on," the Queen replied. "But don't worry, I will come up with something. Do you know how young Duo is getting along?" She voiced the question to Trowa.
"No, I do not at this stage. However, Quatre has ridden out to the holding today to pay him a visit and I expect he will grace me with all the news upon his return," Trowa replied.
"Good. After you have spoken with your slave I expect you to come to my parlor and enlighten me, bring Quatre with you as I will no doubt have questions for him."
"As you wish, mother."
"I take it that you do not wish to have my assistance in this?" Treize asked with an amused smile.
"At this point, there is no need for your involvement, but I will require it once I have everything worked out."
"As you wish, my dear." It never ceased to amaze and amuse the King how good his wife was at solving difficult problems. Seeing how his wife's attention had drifted away, he knew she was already lost in her thoughts of how to get their son back and there would be no use in discussing things any further with her for now. With a grunt, he rose from his chair and turned to his son. "We will talk again later."
"Of course, father." Trowa gave a respectful bow and left the parlor.
"I will return to my work. Send for me if and when you need me, my dear," Treize said and placed a kiss to the Queen's cheek.
The Queen nodded absently, still locked in her thoughts as an idea began to grow.
With an amused chuckle, the King also left the parlor.
tbc...
