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
I do, sincerely apologize for the length of time between chapters. Working 3 casual jobs trying to keep a roof over my head and pay the bills whilst looking for a full time position doesn't leave a lot of time for writing. Add to that a full time, online course I'm trying to complete, then add Christmas to the mix and you have one very tired, worn out Shenny.
Good news is, after 12 months of continuous job applications, I just may have scored that full time job. Keep your fingers crossed for me please!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and you all enjoy a happy, healthy, prosperous and Gundam boy ficcage filled New Year!
*snugs you all*
Shen ^_^
"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"
Chapter 82
"Thank you for your hospitality, Duo," Quatre said as he finished saddling up Rocky.
"No thanks needed, Quatre. You're welcome here any time," Duo replied with a shy smile.
"I wish I could stay for longer, but I'd best be getting back, my master will have need of me."
"I miss you," Duo whispered, a sad look on his face.
"Oh, Duo." Quatre enveloped his former, fellow slave in a hug. "I miss you too, but you know you can come to the castle to visit any time you want."
"I know, but I don't think it's a good idea right now," Duo replied. In his heart Duo knew if he were to visit the castle whilst still feeling emotionally unbalanced, there was every chance he wouldn't want to leave.
"I understand." Quatre pressed a kiss to Duo's cheek. "I'll try to get back to see you again soon."
"I'd like that." With one last hug and a kiss to Quatre's cheek in return, Duo released the blonde and stepped back so he could mount his horse.
Settling himself into the saddle, Quatre took up the reins and smiled. "I'll see you soon. Take care and don't go working yourself too hard, Duo."
"Stay safe, Quatre." Duo deliberately avoided promising the blonde he wouldn't work too hard, right now, hard work was the only thing that kept his mind from wandering to his former master.
Turning Rocky in the direction the castle lay, Quatre gave the gelding his head and trotted out of the yard, waving to Duo as he rode away.
Duo followed to the yard entry and waved in return, staying there and watching until long after the pair had disappeared from sight. It was the sound of Anric's footfalls that finally drew him back to the present.
"Lord Duo?"
Sighing softly to himself, Duo turned around and managed to put on a smile. "Sorry, Anric, I didn't mean to leave you and Marcus to do all the work."
Anric snorted. "That's what we're here for. Are you alright?"
"Yes, yes, I'm fine," Duo replied and shook himself out of his daydreaming. He noted the sun was starting to slip down towards the horizon. "I didn't realize it was getting so late. It must be time to sort the animals out for the evening."
"Aye, it is," Anric replied. "I've put the cow in the barn and Marcus is milking her now. There's just the pigs, chickens and ducks to feed and secure for the night."
"Thank you." Duo started to walk towards the barn. "I'll sort the chickens and ducks out."
"I'll lock the pigs into their pen."
The two went their separate ways to secure the animals for the evening.
# # #
"Thank you," Quatre said to the stable slave as he handed Rocky over the boy. Quickly he made his way from the stables to the castle, slipping quietly along the halls until he reached his master's chambers. With a soft knock to the door, he waited for permission to enter. Permission granted, he entered the chambers and walked with his head bowed to the desk where his master sat. Rounding the desk, he knelt at his master's feet.
"Ah, my sweet Quatre, you have returned from your visit," Trowa stated with a smile.
"Yes, master."
"And pray tell, how is young Duo faring with his freedom and holding?"
Quatre remained silent for a moment, his mind ticking over on how best to answer his master. "The holding is doing very well from what I observed and what Duo told me. The two farm hands appear to be hard working men and know what they are doing. I would say the holding will prosper nicely."
"And Duo?" Trowa prompted.
"Ahh. He appears to be doing well..."
"But? Quatre, there will be no recourse for you telling me the truth, what you observed and what your heart is telling you. I only wish to learn how young Duo is coping and if there is any way in which we can assist him if he should require help."
"Master, Duo put on a smile and a brave face, but if I read him correctly, he is miserable underneath the mask he's presenting."
"I see," Trowa replied, a thoughtful look upon his handsome face. "You would know Duo better than I and I'd like for you to elaborate on that."
"We talked quite a bit, mainly about the holding, animals and general, day to day things, but I could see that Duo really wanted to know how Prince Heero was. He did ask eventually and I told him that the prince isn't coping very well. I hope I did not overstep my boundaries, master, but Duo needed to know just how depressed Prince Heero is and exactly what is going on."
"No, no, Quatre, I'm glad you did let Duo know how my brother is coping. How did he take the news?"
"He blamed himself, master."
"That sounds like the Duo I know," Trowa mused.
"Master? Is there anything we can do?"
"I'm not sure, Quatre, but my mother requested an audience with both of us when you returned. I spoke with her earlier in regards to my brother's depression and refusal to speak about the situation. She' not happy about it all and is looking to find a solution. Come, we need to speak with her and I need you to tell her all that you spoke about and observed when visiting Duo today. Hopefully, she can come up with something to get my brother to snap out of this state he's driven himself into."
"Yes, master."
# # #
Heero sighed and rubbed his tired eyes. The writing on the parchment was beginning to blur, his head ached and his stomach growled. A knock on his door distracted him and he automatically went to ask Duo to see who it was before his mind reminded him that Duo was no longer with him. "Enter," he said as the ache in his chest flared again.
"Prince Heero," Miri said and curtsied as best she could with Prince Odin in her arms.
"What is it, Miri?"
Cautiously, the nanny approached the prince, her eyes taking in the appearance of the heir without being obvious about it and managing to keep the shock off her face at how he looked. "I thought you might want to take a break and spend a little time with your son," she said softly.
Heero gave a soft smile as he observed his son wriggling in the nanny's arms. Despite how much it brought back painful memories of Duo, Heero did enjoy spending time with his son. Pushing his chair back, he motioned the nanny towards the more comfortable chairs by the fire, a fire he now realized had all but gone out. He frowned, yet another thing he missed about Duo.
"Here, you hold your son and I'll fix the fire," Miri said and handed the infant over.
Taking his son, Heero sat down and sighed again. "I didn't realize it had burnt so low," he said as he got comfortable.
"It's no problem," Miri replied as she busied herself placing some kindling on the embers and encouraging them to take hold.
Whilst the nanny built the fire up again, Heero turned to his son, sitting the infant upon his knee and playing a game of 'tag' with the child. Prince Odin was starting to coordinate his limbs much better now and was a naturally inquisitive child. His little hands did their best to grab onto his father's finger as it gently poked around his small frame.
The child gave a giggle when that finger connected with his ribs and did his best to push it away. Heero smiled and tickled the child again. Pudgy hands pushed the finger away, only to have it return to the other side of his ribs and tickle again.
With the fire now burning strongly, Miri took her seat and watched in amusement as the Prince played with his son.
The 'war' between father and son continued, Heero tickling the child whilst Odin did his best to protect himself. Giggles soon turned to laughter, the child thoroughly enjoying the game. Heero couldn't help but smile at the youngster and his antics.
"He seems to enjoy that game," Miri stated. "And it's good to see you smile too."
Heero turned to look at the nanny, his smile fading a little as the ache in his chest flared again. "I used to tickle Duo sometimes," he said softly as his mind supplied him of several, light hearted 'attacks' he'd shared with Duo in the past.
Noting the faraway look that appeared on the prince's face, the nanny softly encouraged the prince to speak more. She knew the loss of Duo had affected him deeply and despite everyone's best attempts, no one had been able to draw him from his depression. Maybe, just maybe she could help a little. Choosing her words carefully as she didn't want the prince to clam up again, she spoke quietly. "Knowing Duo, that would have been quite the spectacle."
"Yes, yes it was," Heero said. "He was so sensitive, just the slightest poke would have him squirming away."
"And knowing you, you would have exploited that at any opportunity."
A quiet chuckle escaped. "That I did."
"Why don't you visit him," Miri suggested gently.
"I – I can't."
Resisting the urge to snort, Miri pushed again. "Why on earth not? You gave him his freedom, that is something every slave craves and wants. I'm sure that Duo would be more than welcoming to you."
"He hates me."
The words were whispered and Miri barely caught them. There was much more to this, Miri was certain of that, but it was not her place to question the prince, but she wasn't going to sit back and watch the prince slide deeper into depression either. "That does not sound like the Duo I know, love and respect," she stated firmly.
Heero's head jerked up and he gave the nanny a condescending look. "What would you know about Duo, his life and his inner feelings," he all but snapped.
"The Duo I know is kind hearted, loving, caring and always willing to do whatever was asked of him..."
"That may be so, but he only served because it was his duty to do so," Heero interrupted. "I think you have said enough." The sour look returned to those handsome features as Heero stood up and handed the child back. Sensing his father's change in mood, Prince Odin began to whimper.
Taking the child back, Miri decided to risk one last attempt to get the prince to see reason. "At the risk of being insolent, my prince, I think you are blind. Duo may have served you because he was a slave, but many of the things he did were not the duties expected of a slave. Open your eyes, my prince and see what everyone else sees, Duo served you not out of duty or station, but because he loves you. Good eve, my prince." Miri left the chambers before Heero could say anything further, knowing she had overstepped the mark, but the prince had needed someone to speak the truth.
At first the anger surged forth. Angry at having a servant speak to him in such a manner, Heero's fists clenched and he stormed over to the cabinet that held the liquor. Pouring himself a goblet of whiskey, he downed it and followed with a second. By the time he was on his fourth, the anger had started to mellow a little and the nanny's words sank in. Moving back to slump into the chair, Heero rolled the stem of the goblet in his hands and began to seriously think on what the nanny had said.
# # #
"Thank you, Quatre for telling me this," the Queen said and folded her hands into her lap.
"What should we do, mother?" Trowa asked as he rested a hand upon the golden head of his slave who knelt at his side.
Quatre had told the queen everything about his visit to Duo, Prince Trowa had reiterated what he remembered of the fiasco when Heero had released Duo and the manner in which his brother had approached the subject.
The Queen thought long and hard for a moment before raising her eyes and addressing her second born. "It is completely clear to everyone except my stubborn first born, that this entire issue is nothing more than a complete misunderstanding and misinterpretation. From my own observations of Heero and his slave when Duo was here, Duo served the prince originally out of duty, but that changed. I must admit, when Heero first brought Duo home, I had my doubts about him and if he would serve my son well enough without being a problem. It would appear though that Duo's reputation of being an insolent, disobedient and unruly slave was completely unfounded. That young man not only blossomed under my son's care, but he flourished and grew into a lovely, kind hearted and completely devoted slave."
Trowa sighed. "We all know that, mother, but as you said, it's getting Heero to see this for himself. He's just so stubborn."
The Queen chuckled. "That he is and unfortunately, he gets that from me. However, I'm just as stubborn and I think it's high time to sort this mess out before Heero, or Duo for that matter, sink any deeper into depression and we lose them forever."
"How are you planning on accomplishing that?" Trowa could see from the glint in his mother's eye that she was scheming something inside her head.
"I have somewhat of an idea," the Queen mused. When Trowa cocked his head in askance, she smiled. "My son, please have Quatre let the stables know I will be taking a trip out tomorrow and will require the carriage to be ready, two candle-marks after sunrise. Heero will accompany me on my trip."
Curious, Trowa opened his mouth to ask the burning question, but his mother's look stopped him from speaking the words.
"I will not elaborate at this time, Trowa. Suffice to say, one way or the other, Heero will see reason by tomorrow eve."
"As you wish, mother. Would you like for me to inform Heero of this trip?"
"Thank you but no, that will not be necessary. I will, however, have you inform Heero that he is to dine with your father and myself this eve, as will you, and there will be no excuses. Once Quatre has informed the stable master of my trip out tomorrow I would have him call by the kitchens and inform the cook of the dinner arrangements please."
"Of course, mother," Trowa agreed. "Will there be anything else?"
"No, not at this stage. I will expect you both one candle-mark after the sun has set." The Queen stood and smiled at her son. "Do not fret, I will bring Heero back to us all from this depression he seems so intent on wallowing in." With a nod to her son, the Queen left the parlor.
Trowa had also stood and bowed as his mother left, Quatre having already risen and opened the door for the Queen.
Dropping to his knees as the queen stepped out, Quatre raised his head a touch once the Queen had left and spoke. "Master, shall I go speak with the stable master now?"
"Yes, Quatre, do as my mother has bid. I will find Heero and inform him of the arrangements for dinner. Once you have finished with my mother's tasks return to my chambers and set out clothing for me. I will bathe after speaking with Heero."
"Of course, master." Remaining on his knees by the door, Quatre waited for his master to depart before getting up and running the errands asked of him.
# # #
Heero scowled as his brother informed him of the dinner request. "I have far too much work here to catch up on," he replied.
"Mother said she would accept no excuses. You are to attend dinner as am I and that is all there is to it," Trowa stated.
Lowering his eyes, Heero grunted. "I really don't have time for this," he muttered, "but I suppose I'd better attend."
"Unless you want mother to come here and bodily haul you to dinner I suggest you make the effort," Trowa chuckled.
Knowing his mother would have no qualms about physically dragging him to dinner, Heero nodded. "I will be there."
"Good. I will take my leave to go bathe and see you at dinner." Trowa turned and left his brother's chambers.
Once his brother had departed, Heero set down the quill and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. He contemplated the dinner ahead, knowing he had to attend even though he'd rather stay ensconced in his chambers. He'd disliked socializing at the best of times; having Duo with him had made it a bit more bearable with his unwavering support and presence. Now, with Duo gone, Heero really struggled and found it far easier to hibernate in his chambers than face anything social at all. Although this was just dinner with his parents, Heero knew it would still be taxing on him. His brother would have Quatre at his side and whilst Heero could never begrudge his brother his slave, it only served to remind him of what he'd lost the day he set Duo free.
Starting at the candle, Heero realized with a jolt that more time had passed than he'd realized. Chastising himself, he got up and made his way through to the bed chamber to find some clothing to wear. Hunting through his chest, he noted he was running low on garments, a glance to the side and the pile of laundry that sat there alerted him as to why. Another of the many tasks Duo had performed.
Everywhere he looked, everywhere he went, everything he did held some reminder of Duo. With a snarl of anger and frustration, Heero yanked a pair of leggings and tunic from within the chest and marched off to the bathing chamber.
There was no escape in the bathing chamber either.
Heero began disrobing as the large tub filled, remembering how Duo would have already had the bath prepared for him. Clothes tossed to the side, Heero went to fetch his jars of cleansing products from the shelf. He paused when he spotted Duo's jars still sitting there. A tear tracked down the side of his face as he reached out for Duo's jars. Fingers caressed the container of hair wash Duo had used while his mind showed him visions of Duo in the bathing tub, hair loose and wet, floating about in the water.
Picking up a couple of Duo's other jars, Heero went back to the tub, set the jars down on the edge and got in.
# # #
The family were halfway through their meal when the Queen informed Heero of her trip out on the 'morrow and that he would be accompanying her. Despite his protests that he had far too much work to do at the castle and couldn't spare the time, the Queen stood firm, insisting he accompany her.
"Where are we going?" Heero asked sullenly.
"I have an unofficial visit to make," the Queen replied.
"But you've made unofficial visits in the past without needing me to attend," Heero protested.
"Yes, I have, but this time I wish for you to attend with me," the Queen replied.
"Why?"
"Because it will involve you to a point."
"How so?" Heero scowled.
"You will see when we get there."
"I don't see how it can involve me and I really have a lot of work here..." Heero started to whine before being cut off by his father.
"Heero, you will accompany your mother as requested and there will be no further discussion about it. Understood?" the King snapped, his patience beginning to wear thin with his son.
Lowering his eyes and giving a petulant sigh, Heero knew he had to go. "Yes, father."
"Good." Turning his attention to Trowa, the King changed the subject to discuss the grain stores and left Heero to stew.
# # #
Having spent an uncomfortable night tossing and turning, Heero gave up on the elusive sleep just as the sun's rays were making their way over the horizon. He took a quick bath and dressed in practical clothes. His mother hadn't said anything about him wearing formal robes and he figured if what he was wearing wasn't suitable then he could always change.
Noting the pile of laundry still sitting in the corner, Heero gathered it all together and placed it in a neat pile in the sitting area; he would ask Trowa if Quatre would be able to take it to the laundry for him. With it still being quite early, Heero decided to take a walk out in the gardens. Maybe the exercise would help to bring back something of an appetite.
#
"Enter."
"Prince Heero, my master asked me to let you know that the Queen will be ready to depart in a few moments and wishes for you to meet her in the court yard," Quatre said softly.
"Thank you. I will make my way there now," Heero replied and placing a few parchments to the side, he stood up.
Taking a quick glance around, Quatre noted the pile of laundry and the breakfast tray. "Would you have me take care of the laundry and dishes for you, master Heero?"
"Thank you, Quatre, that would be appreciated." Heero reached for his cape only to have the blonde take it and settle it around his shoulders.
"It is my pleasure, master Heero," Quatre replied with a smile and did the clasp up.
With a nod to the slave, Heero left the chambers to meet his mother.
With the prince having left, Quatre went to stack the breakfast dishes and frowned when he noted that most were still full, in fact, it looked like the prince hadn't eaten much at all. Shaking his head, Quatre collected them anyway and took them back to the kitchens.
#
"Heero," the Queen greeted as her son came through the castle doors to the court yard steps.
"Mother," Heero replied, keeping the scowl from his face.
The carriage chose that moment to arrive, one stable slave rushing to open the carriage door and lower the steps whilst another went to the horses heads to hold the animals still.
Offering his arm, Heero escorted his mother down the steps and assisted her into the carriage. With his mother seated, Heero joined her inside and made himself comfortable. The steps were folded up, door closed and the two slaves moved aside. The driver clucked to the horses who moved off at a sedate walk. Once they were out of the castle and on the track, the two bays sprang into a steady trot.
The countryside rolled by, air fresh and clear as the horses continued their steady gait. Heero looked out the carriage window for a little while, still annoyed that he'd had to leave his work and curious as to why his mother had insisted he accompany her.
"We're not visiting with the wives of the Lords and other nobles, are we?" Heero suddenly asked when the thought hit him. He shuddered at that.
The Queen gave a soft laugh. "No, no, of course not, Heero." She smiled in amusement at her son, knowing very well how much he despised being with the women of a lot of the Lords. They always put on airs and graces, something a down to earth person like Heero could barely tolerate.
"Thank goodness," Heero muttered.
"No, we are not visiting any ladies. I have a visit of a different kind to make. It has been brought to my attention that one of our loyal subjects is having a difficult time at the moment. I intend to pay them a visit to see if there is anything we can do to assist them. I require you to attend as you understand how holdings run and prosper better than I and it would be beneficial to have your input into how we can help improve the situation."
Heero glanced at his mother from the corner of his eye. He wasn't too sure about this, in fact, he felt a little uncomfortable with it all, but at least he wouldn't have to suffer with obnoxious, simpering women.
The carriage began to slow a little and then turn from the track. Heero drew his thoughts back to the present and looked out the window to see where they were. His eyes widened when he saw the cottage and yard, his stomach sank to his boots, his heart briefly flooded with hope and joy before being squashed when anger raised its ugly head.
Turning to his mother, he fixed her with an icy stare. "This is Lord Duo's holding," he snapped. "I have no business here and nothing to say."
Unfazed by the icy stare or tone, the Queen smiled sweetly back. "Why yes, yes it is." Her eyes narrowed and pierced Heero's gaze. "I think you do," she replied in a tone that let Heero know his mother was deadly serious.
tbc...
