NOTES:  Ok…umm…I don't have anything to say really.   Umm…::smiles nervously:: at least I didn't make you all wait too long.  Right?  Anyone????? 

WARNING:  Beware of plotting Kings, pissed as Hell priests, flirting Princesses, elusive saviors, inquisitive Ambassadors, frustrated Princes, and observant (and blushing) Captains. 

Enjoy!

KINGDOMS' MASKS PART VI

Duo fingered lightly the silver lining to his new garb.  He had been worried at first that the King had intended to dress him like one of his peacock nobles.  Thankfully that was not the case.  When Duo awakened from a restless slumber (feeling like the cushioned bed would swallow him and he'd die of suffocation), he had found new clothes draped over a chair for him.  It had unnerved him that someone had snuck into the room and placed the clothes there while he slept.  He was a light sleeper, and someone who could enter the room without waking him had to very light on their feet.

They were a priest's clothes.  Made of light black cloth that did not itch or irritate Duo's skin. A silver sash was meant to go around his waist, silver linings on the edge of the sleeves and lining the bottom.  Black pants, and soft black shoes game as well.  The collar was simple white. Dressing made him feel self conscious, for nothing he wore old or worn.  These were new and fresh clothes.  But once Duo pulled out his silver cross, and let it hang elegantly around his neck in display he felt a little better.

The cross was older than him.  There was nothing new or fresh about it.

There was a knock on the door and the Captain from the night before entered, his features cold, and his eyes steel.  Duo wondered if he was born with a poker face. 

"You are to join the King in his court to break fast."

Duo nearly bit his tongue at this.  "Wha..huh?  You mean me?!"

"Who else?"  Came the toneless reply that was beginning to irritate him.

"But I can't go to the King's court and eat breakfast with him!  I mean, aren't all his nobles and other rich people there as well?"

Heero nodded his head.  "Yes, as well and the Queen a the Princess."

Duo froze at this.  Then taking a deep breath he said, "Look, I can't go.  I'll be humiliated!  I don't know how to act in front of nobles and rich snobs…"  He stopped and again fingered the silver lining.  "Sure you have me dressed like a court priest, but the truth is I'm not.  I'm simply Duo Maxwell, a priest who only prays for the dead."

Heero's gaze became hard and icy.  "Are you refusing the King's order, Brother?"

Duo's blood ran cold at the thought.  Him, refuse the King!!!  Duo didn't trust his voice, so he shook his head instead.

Heero saw the panic, and found it irritating how the boy was totally daunted by the mere thought of socializing with the rich, upper class.  He was acting totally different from last night when he broke into the Princess's room.  This was not the way a man who could fight against Heero should act.  It was annoying.

"Pull yourself together!"  Snapped Heero.  "You will be seated on the table beside His Excellency, the Ambassador of China, Wufei Chang.  He will help you with court etiquette, since you are so worried."

Duo flipped at this.  "What?!  You mean your seating me next to a guy the Chinese King…Emperor…whatever…sent!  Meaning he'll find out that I'm just a peasant, and if I do something and insult him he'll…he'll go back to China and tell his King that the Christian Church are nothing but Neanderthals, and they'll probably never want to have any relations with King Milliardo…and it will be my fault…and and…"

Heero could merely blink at this outburst of panic.  Seeing that Duo had already spelled out his doom, Heero groaned inwardly.  Why did the King ask HIM to deal with Duo?  He should be by the Princess Relena's side, guarding her, not pacifying a hysterical madman dressed like a priest.

Finally, when it seemed that the boy was about to dig his own grave, Heero went over and cuffed Duo on the side of his head, snapping his head to the side savagely and silencing his panic stricken babble.  Heero then smirked at the outrage in Duo's amethyst eyes that glared death at him.

"What.  The.  Hell?"

Crossing his arms, Heero asked, "Are you finished crying like a little girl."

Duo bristled at this insult.  "Hey!  What the…"

"Before your little scene, I was about to tell you that Ambassador Wufei already knows all about you, and it was he who offered to help you in NOT making a fool of yourself."

"Wha…he did?"  Duo rubbed at his sore head.

"Also, he and King are close friends, and he had a great understanding of our culture.  So I doubt you can do anything that would cause an international incident.  Now, is there something you need to say?"

There was a short silence before Duo snapped, "Yeah!  I WAS NOT CRYING LIKE A LITTLE GIRL!"

Heero chuckled at this.  "Then what do you call what you were doing?"

Duo glared, "It's called a breakdown.  Ever heard of it?"

"No."

"Bull.  I bet you've had one before.  Admit it."

Heero now glared.  "I am the Captain of the Royal Guard, as well the Princess's bodyguard.  I do not have the luxury of having a breakdown."

Duo paused for a moment, staring at the armored boy before him.  "You…your serious, aren't you?"  He said haltingly, feeling a shiver run down his back.

Heero turned away from the other's concerned and disturbed look.  He didn't need to be pitied.

"But…"

Heero snapped without looking at him, "Do you wish to be late?"

Duo 'ulped' and scrambled next to him.  Heero held the door open for him and closed it once the braided priest was out.  He saw the discomfort in Duo's eyes, for it was obvious that no one had ever held a door open for him.  Duo was a peasant.  A lower class peasant at that.  Any lower and he'd be a beggar.

Which was exactly what Duo was thinking as he followed Heero nervously to the King's Court.  He did not like the turn of events. When he had broken into castle he never in his wildest dreams had thought that he wouldn't be allowed to leave.  And he had never though that he would be forced to go to court and mingle with the higher ups.  Even thinking about it made Duo doubt his sanity.

Shaking himself out of his thoughts, Duo forced himself to pay attention to where he was going.  He had full intensions of memorizing all the halls, corridors, and pathways of the royal castle.  And if he were able to find any secret passages, he would memorize them as well.  If he had to make a quick exit he would not be unprepared and get himself lost and killed.  Duo had always prided his extraordinary ability to memorize and take in information.  If someone showed him some kind of passage of writing, or a path to a village, all he needed was that one time. 

He had noticed that the bedrooms were on the higher floors, and in the towers of the castle.  The lower floors had the large rooms for balls, councils, libraries and other rooms that Duo could not understand their use for.  He also realized that Heero was taking a long winding way, pointing out to the different rooms and passages, telling what each one was used for or who resided there.

This made Duo stare hard at the young guard.  Why would Heero be telling him all these things, wanting him to know his way around the castle?  Duo felt suddenly suspicious.  He was staying in the castle by order of the King…for his protection.  Or was it?

Duo's eyes narrowed, still listening intently to Heero as he continued telling Duo about the large dining hall they were passing.  He was positive now that the King had other plans for him. But what was it?  Duo suddenly felt a flare of anger, his narrowed eyes turning to a full-blown glare at Heero's metal clad back.  He was being used, and he did not like the feeling at all.  It tasted bitter in his mouth.  But it was not some simple person, a gang leader, or even a corrupted governor that was doing this.  It was his King…his liege, his…master.

Resentment burned at the pit of his stomach, making him feel like hurling.  For a moment he saw red as he let his anger rise into fury.  The most powerful man in the country was using him and he hated it.

And in a way…Quatre had used him as well.  Why else would he conceal his true identity?  Quatre was a Royal Prince.  Milliardo was a King.  They were all the same. The rich landowners, the governors, the nobles with their noses stuck in the air.  All of them were the same.  To them, a poor young priest was to be used as their stepping stone.  He was nothing to them.

The peasants meant nothing to the rich and powerful.  They did not care now, and they did not care all those years ago when the Church of Biburg ceased to exist.

Nothing had changed.

"…And these are the doors leading to His Majesty's Royal Court Room.  Its here he holds his daily functions.  Breakfast is always held here.  Lunch, dinner, are held in the dining rooms next to the royal library."

Duo swallowed hard and forced his trademark grin on, covering up the anger and the nervousness he was feeling within him.  "Got it."  He said.

Heero turned to him, and Duo once again paused to look at him.  This boy was no older than him.  How many times had the King used him?  Was he even aware of it?  Or was it he didn't care?  Heero's eyes were ice cold and hard as stone, yet why was it that Duo felt a feeling of sorrow surrounding the stoic youth.

I do not have the luxury of having a breakdown.

He knew it.  He knew it, yet he continued to loyally follow the King, allowing himself to be used over and over again.  Why?  Why would a person allow himself to be subjected to such degradation? 

Heero said, "When we enter, the Master of Ceremonies Hagan will announce you entrance formally.  When he is finished a Page will escort you to your seat at the Ambassador's side."

"Yeah.  Right.  Where will you be?"  Duo snapped irritably. 

Heero's eyebrow rose slightly at Duo's sudden turn in temper.  "I will be at the Princess's side."

Duo nodded his head, understanding.  Forcing himself to get a hold of himself he asked, "Will Hilde be there?  I haven't seen her yet."

Heero shook his head.  "She will dine at the women's barracks with the other Queen's Guards."

Duo stiffened at this.  Quelling the rising anger and resentment he said stiffly, "Fine.  Lets get this over with."

Heero nodded and slammed his fist twice hard against the large wooden doors.  Immediately two large ceremony guards in shining silver and gold armor opened the doors from within, allowing the two entrance.  Duo had to suck in his breath at the side of the gargantuan room.  The ceiling was high, and Duo was astounded to find the ceiling decorated in a large painting of angels flying about the blue sky carrying fruit and baskets.

"Brother Duo."

Duo tore his eyes from the beautifully painted ceiling and looked around.  There were over a hundred  richly dressed and perfumed people sitting on cushioned seats, chatting gaily with their table companions.  There was a large tables placed in three rows.  At the head of the rows was a larger table where the King and Queen sat, who were at the moment whispering softly to each other. King Milliardo still looked as intimidating as ever.  Queen Lucrezia Noin was a beautiful woman, and Duo was shocked to see that like Hilde, the Queen wore her hair cut almost boyishly short.

"Duo!"

Duo snapped back to reality and looked at a slightly annoyed Heero and an impatient Master of Ceremonies.  The man was old, but seemed healthy enough.  The problem was that he wore a large bishop like cap on his head that (in Duo's opinion) made him look ridiculous.  Duo grinned sheepishly and apologized for fazing out.

The Master of Ceremonies smiled gently, and Duo was surprised at this.  He had expected the man to sneer.  The old man slammed his staff onto the floor, and with a strong voice he announced:  "His Lordship Heero Yuy and his Grace, Brother Duo Maxwell!" 

"I'm a 'Grace'?!"  Duo jumped at this and looked at Heero in shock.  "You're a Lord?!"  He hissed.

Heero smirked.  "Of course."

Duo blinked at him as if he had sprung out bat wings and horns.  He looked to his side and found a young boy standing patiently next to him.  Grabbing the boy's arm he asked, "You the Page?"  When the startled boy nodded, Duo said, "Get me away from this freak and to my table."

"Y…Yes, Your Grace!"  Gulped the boy and led him away from Heero. 

Duo followed without looking back at the armored boy.  He was surprised when the boy led him past the rows of tables, heading closer to the King's table.  Leaning forward, Duo asked, "Hey, what's you name?"

The boy looked up at him and replied, "Michael."

Duo gave the boy a kind look and asked, "So, where does the Ambassador sit in this place?"

The boy grinned excitedly, "He sits and the table right next to her Majesty the Queen!"

Duo thought of this for a moment then realized that he was going to be sitting one person away from the Queen, ahead of all those rich nobles and lords!  Duo turned wary violet eyes toward the King.  What was the man planning?  Why would he place him on such a high status table?  Was it for confidentiality, since only the Chinese Ambassador knew he was only a peasant priest?  With every step he had more and more questions with no answers.

"Here you are, Your Grace."  Michael said suddenly stopping at a table and pulling a chair out for Duo to sit.

Duo looked at the wooden seat padded with a red cushion.  He then looked at the table with its plate and utensils set.  Finally he looked to the one sitting on the seat next to his.  The Ambassador looked his place.  Jet-black hair was tied tightly into a slim tail at the base of his neck.  He had the bronze skin of his people; his slanted eyes were pure gems of onyx.  So black were they that Duo could not see the black pupils.  What shocked Duo so that his mouth hung open for a moment was the fact that the Chinese Ambassador was no older than him.  The one sent to represent his Empire was just a boy.

"Are you going to stand there gawking at me till a bird makes a nest of your mouth, or are you going to sit down, Brother Maxwell?"

Shutting his mouth, Duo sat and with Michael's help he tucked the chair under the table.  Michael ran off to do whatever Pages do, leaving Duo alone with the young Ambassador.

"You don't have an accent."  Said Duo, staring at his empty plate with apprehension.  "For a moment there I thought I'd be spending the morning not understanding a word that you said."  He gave the Ambassador a sheepish smile.  "My name is Duo Maxwell.  I run and hide, but I never tell a lie."

"Wufei Chang.  It's a pleasure Brother Maxwell…"

"Duo.  Just call me Duo." 

Wufei nodded his head and Duo felt his tense muscles relax a bit.  He really hated formalities.  Wufei said, "You may call me by my name if it pleases you.  I heard you made quite an entrance last night."

Duo laughed at this, seeing the slight quirk of amusement on Wufei's lips.  "News travels fast here."

"Not really.  It travels to those who are in need of the information…those who are trustworthy and loyal."  Wufei paused then said, "How are you adapting to these changes?  I'm sure it is difficult for you."

"Its weird."  Replied Duo.  "But I'll manage."  He then gave Wufei a sharp look.  "So, tell me, what does the King want with me?"

Wufei's narrowed his eyes at this.  "Excuse me?"

Duo said, "I may be low class, but I am not stupid.  I can tell when I'm being used for something, and frankly I want to know why and for what?"

Wufei looked at him for a long moment, and then nodded his head.  "I see.  There is much more to you that meet's the eye, Maxwell.  The King must have noticed it as well, that is why you are here."

"Why?" Asked Duo almost pleadingly.

Wufei shook his head.  "That I don't know.  The King had a need for you, as you have already guessed, but for what…"  Again he shook his head.  "What I can tell you is that you must trust your King.  He is an honorable man."

Duo threw himself back into his seat, crossing his arms.  "Yeah.  Right.  Honorable.  Once I find out what he's after then I'll be the judge of that.  After all, its my life that he's pulling the strings on."

Wufei sighed.  "I understand your frustration, but you must deal with it.  Being involved with royalty is a dangerous game.  Those who wish to beat us just to gain eye with the King surround us.  Showing raw emotions will draw these vultures to you."

Duo's hands clenched into fists.  "Damn them all to Hell."

At the end of the Court Room, the Master of Ceremonies slammed his staff five times on the stone floor announcing the entrance of the food.  Little Pages came scurrying and holding platters of food, hastily yet perfectly setting them on the tables. To Duo they were like a swarm of little ants.  It was an amazing spectacle.  He even spotted little Michael a few times.

They started at the King and Queen's table then went down from there.  Duo looked across from his table and saw the Princess sitting there, beside her sat Heero.  The Princess was saying something to the young Captain, and Duo could have sworn a faint blush appeared on Heero's cheeks.  Duo was astounded by this and beside him Wufei chuckled darkly, he too noticing the exchange.  Suddenly, the Princess Relena lifted her cornflower blue eyes to Duo's.  She smiled gently at him, and Duo found himself ducking his head to hide his flaming cheeks.

Wufei snorted at this and muttered, "Women."

The delicious aroma of the food that was placed before him and his Chinese companion wafted Duo's senses.  Duo found his mouth filling with saliva as he stared at the brightly cleaned fruits; the warm crisp cut loaves of bread, the butter, cheeses, and jams to the side.  A large pitcher of cool cider was placed in the middle, and Duo believed himself in heaven. 

He was reaching for a red apple with his name on it when Wufei grabbed his hand and whispered into his ear.  "Wait for the King."

Duo immediately withdrew his hand and gave the King a heated look, clearly blaming him for the delay.  Gritting his teeth Duo asked, "What is he waiting for?"

Wufei gave him an amused look.  "He's waiting for everyone to have their food set before them." 

Duo sighed and waited, fidgeting every now and then and silently urging the little Pages to pick up the pace.  His stomach growled in protest, and Duo tapped his foot on the stone floor.  He looked toward the King, wondering if the man was even human to be able to wait for EVERYONE to have their food.  He then saw the piercing blue eyes looking toward the entrance doors almost expectantly. 

Wondering what was up with that he leaned over to Wufei to whisper to Wufei is concern when he heard the Master of Ceremonies's staff slam against the stone floor once again.  Duo swung his head toward the doors, wondering what else had occurred to delay satisfying his stomach.

The Master of Ceremonies's strong voice reached Duo as he announced to the King and his Court, "His Royal Highness, Prince, Amhir, and Representative of the Kingdom of Arabia, Quatre Raberba Winner!"

For a moment, these words meant nothing to Duo until it finally sank into his skull the old man had actually said, 'Quatre'.  At first he did not believe it, but when he leaned across the table (avoiding knocking over the food) he gaped at the figure that was approaching in a brisk strong walk.

He wore different clothes now, and they were in much better condition than his previous ones.  They were of Arabian origin and Duo wondered how could have Quatre changed into that outfit when he had lost all of his clothes.  And if he did find them, why had he changed into one that has seen better days?  Also, though Quatre looked battered, cut, and dirty, he saw that he could not see the nasty ones that were supposed to be there.  But still, Quatre looked worse for wear and near collapse.

Forgetting his anger toward the blonde, and opened his mouth to call to him as he walked past him.  But a strong hand yanked at his belt, shoving his back to his seat.  Duo turned to snarl at Wufei, but the look on the other's face left no arguing.

"Calm down."  Said Wufei softly.  No one must know of what happened and that you know him."

Duo blinked in shock at those dark depths, then turned to look at Quatre and he came to stand before the King and Queen with his head held high in pride. 

Bowing his head slightly, though now kneeling, Quatre spoke, "Your Majesty, King Milliardo," Quatre's voice had the same soft tone that Duo remembered, but as he spoke to the King, his voice was strong and firm leaving none to doubt his strength.  "I have come a long and hard way to represent my father, Raberba Winner, Malik of the Arabian Kingdom."

The remained quiet as the King addressed the young Prince.  "You are late, Highness."

Quatre seemed to stiffen at this, and Duo glared at his cold King.  Why was the guy acting like he didn't know what Quatre had gone though?!

But Quatre's voice did not show any resentment that he must have felt when he responded to the obvious admonition.   "It had been a heart road, Majesty.  I have seen both the worst and best of your people, King Milliardo.  My escorts and I met with your guide as planned, but we were beset by thieves that killed you guide and my escort, and took all that I possessed with me."

He paused at this, and Duo saw the shocked and concerned looks of the Court. Quatre was earning their sympathy for him.  Yet Duo wanted to shout at Quatre, why was he lying?  Thieves did not attack him!  They were assassins and kidnappers!

Quatre continued, "I was aided by some of your kind citizens, and was lucky when the men you sent found me."  He then smiled sheepishly, "I was dreadfully lost."

This last comment sent a relieved sigh through the Court, and some chuckles.  Quatre had shown that he held no hostilities toward the King of those who had abused him. 

Duo saw it then, even beneath the tattered clothes, the dirty, bruised and cut skin, he could now see what Quatre was.  An air he had not been able to place before, but now knowing the truth he knew what he saw.  Looking at Quatre addressing the King and his Court with an ease born of experience, Duo knew that he was not some lost foreign boy.  He had the same air as King Milliardo, his wife the Queen and the Princess, his sister.  Quatre was a Royal Prince and future King.  Quatre was one destined to lead, not follow, and he would play the game that Wufei spoke of, and win.

The King nodded at Quatre and said kindly, "We understand, Your Highness.  But, you look tired.  Perhaps you may go bathe and rest until you are seen fit by my Healers?  Food will also be sent up to you."

Once again Quatre bowed his head slightly.  "You are most kind, Majesty."  Two Royal Guards came to stand behind Quatre as he was escorted out of the Royal Court.  Once he was gone, the whole Courtroom was filled by the sound of the Court whispering and gossiping amongst each other.

Duo looked at Wufei in question.  The young Chinese Representative saw this and said, "It must be kept a secret that these people who attack the Prince were planning to kidnap him.  If the truth gets out the whole Kingdom will be in an uproar, and the stability will be thrown out the window.  People will panic, fearing the unknown.  It might make whomever behind this act more aggressively.  The only ones who know the truth are the Royal family, the Captain Heero, me, you, and one of the King's men."

Duo swallowed.  He did not like all this secrecy, but Wufei had made perfect sense.  "How about Quatre's…um I mean the Prince's father?"

"He knows, for if they are after Quatre, his Kingdom is concerned."

Duo nodded. "Will…will I get to meet him?"

Wufei smiled at this.  "Actually, you and I will meet after we have broken our fast."

Duo sighed and looked back to where Quatre had disappeared. 

He had lost his appetite.

*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*

Quatre winced slightly as the Healer applied some pressure to his abused ribs and looked up to the young Captain of the Royal Guard.  He studied the foreign young man who stood overseeing the Healer's work silently.

He had first taken a bath, washing away day's worth of dirt and dried blood.  He was given breakfast of warm bread, cheese, jam, and cider.  It was then the Healer came in followed my Heero.  He now wore nothing more than a pair of soft sleeping pants, allowing the Healer to see all the damage that had been done. 

Wincing again as the Healer applied some medical ointment onto a cut right under his ribs; the young Prince growled through his teeth, "Where is he?"

The Captain gave him an infuriating blank cold look.  "Who, Highness?"

Quatre glared at the other boy for all his worth, raising his voice slightly in authority, "Trowa Barton.  You were the one who allowed met us this morning when we arrived, Captain.  Please do not think me a simpleton!"  He turned pale as the Healer addressed his wrist, where it had been brutally licked by the whip and savagely disarmed.

"Highness, Trowa Barton had other responsibilities to deal with."

Quatre shook his head, "But…I would like to thank him for saving me.  I never got a chance to thank him."

Heero replied, "I will gladly relay your message to him."

Quatre stared at him in shock, then sighed in defeat.  It would seem that Trowa was inaccessible.  Whatever his savior's responsibilities were, they were not for the public eye.  Quatre regretfully understood this and let the subject drop.

"I…I was told that my friend Duo Maxwell had arrived before I did."

Heero nodded.  "He arrived unharmed.  He should be coming here soon to see you.  The King would like an audience with you two.  He will be arriving shortly as well."

Quatre blinked in surprise.  "He will be coming here?"

Heero nodded.

Quatre sighed and said softly, "I'm glad Duo was unharmed.  It was my fault that he was dragged into this mess.  I don't think that I could live with myself if anything had happened to him."  He saw Heero look at him strangely, but said nothing.

The Healer finally stepped back, cleaning his hands with a damp washcloth.  "you are lucky, Your Highness.  Whomever dressed you head wound did an excellent job.  If that wound had gotten infected, you would have certainly lost you life."  Quatre took this silently, and thanked the Healer as he packed away his supplied and stepped out. 

Quatre was about to say something to Heero when the door to his room flew open, startling Quatre and making Heero go for his sword. 

"Duo!"  Cried Quatre happily as the young Priest who had saved him stood at the door.  But then Quatre saw the look in the other boy's eyes and knew what was coming.

Duo's amethyst eyes were dark in hurt anger that was directed solely toward Quatre.

"How could you not tell me?!"  Cried the braided boy angrily.  "How could you not tell me you were a bloody Royal Prince?!"

Quatre ducked his head, not wanting to face the accusation in those violet depths.  "Would you have believed me if I had told you?"

Duo shouted, "Hell yeah!  After I saw what those guys would do trying to get their dirty hands on you, of course I would have believed you, you fool!"

"Brother Maxwell!  That is enough!"  Barked Heero.  "You are addressing a Royal Prince!"

Duo flushed angrily and was about to retort when another boy approached.  Quatre immediately knew he was of Chinese origins.  His rich silk clothing spoke his status.  The young Arabian Prince flushed at his lack of attire as he faced Wufei Chang, the Chinese Ambassador.  It was humiliating and spoke poorly for him.  But to his surprise the boy leaned forward inspecting his wounds and said gently, ignoring Duo and Heero, "You are lucky, Prince Quatre.  I have been in a violent situation such as you.  It is not one I care to repeat, ever."

Quatre suppressed a shudder at the memory, but smiled up at the young man.  "I am sorry.  I don't know you name, Your Excellency."

"I am Ambassador Wufei Chang of China."  Said Wufei.

Quatre said,  "I have met your Emperor.  He is a strong and honorable man."

Wufei nodded at this, and allowed himself to be pushed aside by Duo who also took a turn inspecting the young blond.

"You look much worse than you did when you were at Court."  He said, still angry but concern laced in his voice.

Quatre looked at him.  "Powder…to cover up how injured I truly was."

Duo winced, "What happened to you?  You look like…"

Quatre ducked his head again.  "I was captured but…the King's men found and rescued me."

Duo looked at his ribs and winced.  "They really did rough you up."

Quatre did not saw anything in reply.  He did not want to think of it.

It was then that the King entered, two sentries standing outside the door.  Quatre was about to stand when the King waved his hand, gesturing for him to stay seated.  Instead the King leaned down slightly and shook Quatre's hand, a look of utter relief on his usually chiseled features.

"You had me in quiet a worry, Prince Quatre.  How are your wounds?"

Quatre waited for the King to be seated on a chair that Heero had provided before answering, "None of them are serious, thanks to you subject, Duo Maxwell."

Duo made a chocked noise and had the modesty to blush as the King nodded toward the young angry Priest.

The King smiled at Quatre as he pulled out Quatre's golden ring and chain.  "I believe you'll be wanting this back."

Quatre took it gratefully and pulled it over his head, letting it fall over his battered bare chest.  "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The King said suddenly, "I must say I am impressed at how you speak our language like it were your native tongue.  You are much like your father, the Malik, even if your looks take after your mother, the late Malika* and Queen Quatarine."

"Did you know my mother?"  Asked Quatre curiously.

"Not really.  I was only two when she left and married your father.  I do remember that she was exquisitely beautiful, and had the most gentle and lovely voice."  He paused and said sadly.  "I never saw Aunt Quatarine after that.  She died to years after without returning to Sank…"

Quatre smiled sadly.  "I have seen her portraits at home, but Father does not like to speak of her."

"She died just like my mother died bringing life to Relena."

There was a long silence, which was shattered when Duo asked, "If Quatre…I mean Prince Quatre's mother was your Aunt…that would mean…"

The King gave Duo a wolfish grin, "We are Royal Cousins."

Duo moaned, a low anguished sound that made Quatre wince in sympathy.  This little bit of information was not helping Duo's anger not one bit.  The King seemed to know that but was taking cruel pleasure at Duo's discomfort.  Poor Duo.

The King stood up from his seat, and waved a slightly green looking Duo to him.  When Duo approached him nervously the King said, "Your King has a need for your services, Brother Duo Maxwell."

Quatre blinked in surprise, while Duo stuttered, "Wha…huh…me?!"

The King smirked at poor Duo's reaction.  "Yes, you Young Brother.  Our good Prince here has lost his personal Guard and is in need of protection.  We need one of the best, and you my dear boy fit the description."

"WHAT?????!!!!!!!!!!!"  Cried Duo, his eyes becoming large and his face loosing all color so that it looked nearly gray.

Quatre stood, wincing slightly as he strained his abused ribs.  "You Majesty," Pleaded Quatre.  "That is unnecessary.  Duo has already done enough by saving me.  You cannot ask him more!"

The King gave Quatre a cool look that made the boy stiffen.  "I will ask him for more, Prince Quatre."  He looked at the near fainting Duo.  "I am sure that you saw that this young Priest of Death has exceptional fighting skills.  So exceptional that he was able to hold his own against the strongest of my Royal Guard.  There are none other that have been capable of reaching such skill…that is except him."

Quatre gaped at this.  He did not know the details of how Duo managed to gain audience with the King.  But from what the King had just said Duo had some difficulty doing so.  He looked at his friend, seeing the helplessness in those brave eyes.  He was washed with guilt, very aware that he was the cause for that terrible look.  He remembered Duo aiding him, persisting in going on though the odds were against him.  That same boy now looked like a frightened child before the King.  But also Quatre saw something else.

Fury.

Duo knew that he was helpless and could not argue with the King.  His life had been taken out of his hands, and he was raging in fury at the ones responsible for it.  Quatre in some way was among them, and he could not blame him.  He was too aware of the feeling of helpless fury.  He was a Royal Prince and heir to the throne of Arabia.  His life was not his to choose.  He was just as helpless as Duo.

Duo was trying attempting to protest, "But…but…I don't know anything about being a personal bodyguard!"

The King turned slightly away, already dismissing the argument.  "You did an excellent job before, and you will do it again."  He then became serious.  "You will of course be paid, for you will be serving under your King, and will be paid as one under my service.  You will also be given some land and a title to it.  The details may be discussed at another time."

Duo's jaw hung open, unable to say a thing to stop the inevitable.  Wufei placed a comforting hand on the distraught boy's shoulder.

The King, satisfied, said, "You will start your services tomorrow.  Now, Prince Quatre, if you will excuse me and the good Ambassador, we are expected."  With that the King turned and walked out the door.  Wufei hesitated, giving Duo's shoulder a squeeze before leaving.  It seemed the Ambassador sympathized with Duo as well.

Quatre sat in a dead silence, afraid to say anything to Duo who still stood there in shock at the turn of events.  The blond Prince looked to Heero, who was also watching Duo with a small amount of curiosity in his cold eyes.

Suddenly Duo started to laugh, a low chuckle that sent shivers down Quatre's back.  "D…Duo?"

Duo looked at him, his violet eyes looking like two large bruises on his pale face.  "Its odd, y'know."  He said.  "Since coming here I've found myself once again totally and utterly helpless.  I've grown since then, and I became stronger…but in the end it means nothing.  I will never be my Master."  His voice became almost desperate now; "I don't belong in a palace, associating with Kings and Princes!  I don't know shit about anything here!  I don't know anything about guarding you!  And land, what the Hell am I going to do with some land and a title?!"

Quatre tore his eyes away from Duo.  It hurt seeing the boy he admired sunken to this.  "I am so sorry, Duo.  I…"

Duo jumped, his eyes wild.  "No!  You don't have to apologize to me, Your Highness!"

Quatre literally flinched at his.  "Duo, please don't…"

"I mean, I'm just a commoner, a peasant.  Why would a Royal Prince have to apologize to me?"  He smiled at Quatre, one that was scathing.

"Duo!" Cried Quatre angrily, "I'm not just a Prince!  I'm human too!"

"You're a using bloody Royal blue freaking blood Prince!"  Hissed Duo.  "Stop acting like you're the same as me, cause you ain't!  I saw exactly what you are at the Court, and I might add that you had me fooled.  You're a Prince, not just some rich foreigner like you made me believe at the beginning."

Quatre tried to plead with him. "Please Duo, I know I deceived you…but I just wanting you treating me like a Prince.  I wanted a friend not a scared subject!"

Duo's eyes narrowed, "I had the right to know what I was getting into.  I knew the danger, but…" he shook his head, "Do you realize I could have been executed for abandoning you?!  If King Milliardo was not such an…understanding…" He swallowed hard as if talking about the King made him sick.  "King, he would have executed me!  DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!  SOME FRIEND!!!"

Quatre stepped back, but jumped when Heero came to stand between them.  His voice was cold and deadly as he spoke to Duo, "You will lower your voice and speak to the Prince in the proper manner.  Know your Place Brother Duo Maxwell or you will be flogged."

"Captain Heero!"  Cried Quatre in horror at his words.  He could tell that Heero would not think twice in following through with his words.  "That is not necessary.  I am allowing him to speak his mind or else he will be a poor bodyguard."  He knew these words sounded horrible and hurtful to Duo's ears, but if he did not get control over Heero, Duo would be beaten.

Heero looked at him for a very long moment, and Quatre refused to look away, daring him to go against his wishes.  Heero finally stepped back, but he had not broken eye contact.

Duo swallowed hard and said, "I start tomorrow, right?  Well until then I gotta get some fresh air.  I can't seem to breath in here."  He paused.  "May I leave, Prince?"  He gave Quatre a look that dared him to refuse.

Quatre could only nod his head and watched with sorrowful eyes as Duo stomped out like an angry tiger, slamming the door behind him.  Quatre looked at Heero and said sharply, "You will not touch him…ever!"

Heero looked at him coolly, "With all due respect, Highness, he was close to striking you."

Quatre snapped, "So what if he did?  I deserve it!  I chose not to tell him who exactly I was, even when we went separate ways.  It was selfish and dangerous."

Quatre was startled when Heero said simply, "It was.  But both of you must remember who you are.  Like that crazy Priest said, you are a Royal Prince, and he is a peasant.  He will not speak to you in public in that tone.  If you allow him to do so in private, then fine, but in doing so he will assuredly slip in public.  If the King sees this, Duo will be flogged.  He is King Milliardo's subject, not yours."

Quatre looked away.  "You sound exactly like my Father, Captain."  He sighed, "But it doesn't help me one bit."

Heero came to stand on front of him and Quatre looked up at the slightly taller boy sadly.  "You have had a tiring day.  You should get some sleep so that you can serve you kingdom tomorrow."

Quatre nodded, looking away. 

Heero frowned at the young Prince, but took his leave, shutting the door lightly, leaving Quatre standing alone in the room.

Alone.

It was the way Quatre's life had always been.

Alone.

Always alone.

TO BE CONTINUED….

Next Time…

Queen Noin smiled and leaned next to her Liege's ear; whispering in a conspiring voice, "Look at them.  The Prince Quatre and Relena seem to be getting along very well."

"Beware the green-eyed monster."  Heero hissed, "What does you mean by that?"  Duo cackled evilly and leaned forward, his eyes twinkling in amusement.  "I mean to say that you're jealous at how the Prince's charms have bedazzled the Princess."  Again, Heero could only stare at the other youth in disbelief.  The boy was a madman!

"Tro…!"  Quatre nearly bit his tongue when his arm was yanked back in a strong iron grip that would not allow him to take a step closer to the performing Royal Jester.  Quatre whirled around and found himself facing a scowling Wufei.  The Chinese youth hissed urgently, "Whoever you think that person is you had better keep it to yourself, Your Highness, otherwise your speaking out might cost him his life!"

Whooohooo!  Has anyone noticed that my chapter keep on getting longer.  But this was longer than expected.  Sorry.

Please review!!!!!!!  I wanna know what my readers are thinking!

Rue/Sarlinia