NOTES: Ok, I have no excuse other than I have been very busy with college. But here is another chapter.
WARNING: Some foreshadowing, early feminism (poor Wufei), a jealous Heero, and Quatre feeling pathetic…there is also some smattering of 4+R, but don't worry, there's no future there, and it's only one sided.
KINGDOMS' MASKS
Part VII
Quatre stared at his face in the mirror. It had been a over two weeks since his arrival at the Palace in Sank, and the bruises and cuts on his face were nearly all gone except for the cut on his head that would scar him for the rest of his life. Seemed suiting since that injury had nearly taken his life. Readjusting his collar, he deemed himself suitable for public appearance. Princess Relena was throwing a ball for the nobles and royal guests, and she had personally approached him to give him the invitation. He could not help but smirk when he remembered how the beautiful regal young woman had turned to Duo's brooding visage and added that Hilde would be there and that as his job as the foreign prince's bodyguard he should accompany his charge to all activities.
Sighing, Quatre turned to look at the still brooding Duo who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed stiffly across his chest, his face turned to the side and staring out the window to the night outside. It pained Quatre to know that he was the reason that the normally jovial Priest of Death was in the darkest of tempers and moods. He owed Duo his life and he had rewarded the other boy with danger, deception, and entrapment. Try as he might, Quatre could not breech through the black wall that Duo had erected between them.
But Duo's coldness towards him did not stop Duo from doing the duty that was assigned to him by the King. Even though Duo had no experience as a bodyguard, he was doing quite well, especially after some long talks with Heero. The Captain of the Royal Guard had taken an interest in educating Duo of the ways to becoming a professional top class guard and soldier. Duo took all this in stride, learning and already showing improvement, but refusing adamantly every time Heero mentioned recruiting him into the guard. But Heero was a stubborn and strong man who saw potential in Duo, and Quatre knew that he would not give up. Problem was that Duo was just as stubborn.
Putting on a sincere smile, Quatre said, "I'm ready. Shall we go?" Duo shrugged his dark clad shoulders, but made no comment as he pushed himself from the wall and opened the door for Quatre. "I'm sure we'll have a great time, Duo. Especially for you since you can finally talk to Hilde," continued Quatre, trying his hardest not to loose his temper at Duo's persistent snubbing.
Duo paused after Quatre left the room, shutting the door and locking it. He looked at Quatre seriously for a moment, and then said ruefully, "Yeah, I kinda miss the girl."
Quatre felt elated at this little victory, no matter how pathetic it seemed. Even if Duo did not enjoy Quatre's company, at least at this party he could enjoy himself in Hilde's company. The walk to the ballroom was a familiar silent one that Duo was relieved for and Quatre hated. Duo walked a foot behind Quatre as was the social rule separating their status.
They were three corridors away from the ball before they could hear the music from the musicians that Relena had commissioned for the ball. When they reached the entrance, the Master of Ceremonies Hagan announced them and they were let in. Quatre head Duo's sharp intake of breath when the priest saw the extravagance of the ballroom. The room itself was wide and spacious, the floor made out of white marble with marble pillars to the sides lined with real gold. The glimmering chandeliers were alight with thousands of lit candles above. Beautiful white and gold tapestries hung from the wall, as well as flags carrying Sank's royal symbol. Beautiful people, wearing beautiful clothes talked to each other on the outer sides, while servants carrying trays full of appetizers scurried around. In the middle of the hall there was a large group of young people dancing and twirling gracefully to the music being played by the musicians. Princess Relena had outdone herself in organizing such an amazing ball.
Scanning the crowds, Quatre spotted Wufei, who stood rigid, and red-faced in a silent seethe.
"Your Excellency, you seem troubled," said Quatre, coming up next to the young Ambassador.
Wufei turned to him blinking in surprise at his seeming sudden appearance. Quatre noted this as odd since the Chinese Ambassador always seemed aware of his surroundings. Wufei took a deep breath before saying, "The Queen's Guard have just arrived, and one of them has already stamped me out as a chauvinistic bigot."
Quatre could not stop his lips from curling up into a grin. "Well, I guess she must have heard that you did not approve of the Queen's Guard. I know that they are very proud and strong women, and will take offense if a man tries to…as they would put it, 'put them in their place'."
"Who was it?" asked Duo suddenly, grinning mischievously at Wufei. "Who ruffled your feathers?"
Wufei glared at the young priest. "I have no feathers to speak of, Brother Maxwell. And if you must know, it was the Lady Sally who accosted me with her words. And if you're wondering, your Hilde was giggling in the background at my expense. No man with a different opinion is safe from these women!" He suddenly gave an angry snarl and stalked off into the crowds of young nobles and women, disappearing amongst them.
Quatre was wondering about Wufei's hasty departure when a woman's voice said, "You must be his Highness, Prince Quatre of Arabia."
Turning, Quatre found himself staring up at a tall blonde woman who looked slightly oriental in the way her eyes slanted upwards like Wufei's. She was an attractive woman, who held herself proudly, and with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, Quatre knew that this was the dreaded Lady Sally.
Quatre forced a smile and did not miss the amused look on Duo's face. The priest knew what was coming and had no intention of coming to the rescue. Some guard. "You must be Lady Sally," he said amiably, really not wanting to start the ball off with an argument like Wufei had.
Sally smiled down at him cunningly, her gray eyes sharp and not missing a thing. Quatre believed that he reeked of nervousness and Sally was going to pick up on the strong scent and pounce. "I was looking for the Ambassador Wufei Chang. I could have sworn I saw him talking to you just a moment ago."
Quatre pitied Wufei, but would not change places for all the gold in the kingdom. "Yes, he had to leave just now, I think he saw someone he wanted to talk to. I'm sure you'll be able to spot later."
Sally's smile was becoming feral with every word that came out of his mouth, and Quatre felt like a slap of juicy meat dangling in front of a very hungry wolf. "He would find somewhere to hide. I guess his opinions are not worth defending from a weak woman such as myself."
Duo smothered a cackle and Quatre cast the other a heated look, before looking for anyone to come bail him out the dreaded question that he knew was coming.
"So, your Highness, what is your opinion of women and their participation in war?"
No luck.
Sighing, Quatre said firmly, "I don't particularly like the thought of anyone participating in a war."
Sally laughed out loud at his words, flicking one of the two braids over her shoulder. "I see we have another young pacifist among the royalty. But, your Highness, I know as a fact that you have fought in battles before…and I believe have your own battalion that you alone command back at Arabia."
It seemed that Queen Noin had been speaking to her guard about him. Quatre did not know whether to feel honored or wary at the thought that the Queen thought his accomplishments on the battlefield was important enough to talk to her guard about. "I am the future king of Arabia," said Quatre simply, "I will not be worthy of the title if I am incapable of defending it and my people."
"True," said the proud woman, "but you have not answered my original question."
Damn, this woman had a one-track mind.
Knowing that it would be rude if he tried to get out of the question, Quatre sighed and looked Sally in the eye. "I must admit," he said, "at the thought of one my sisters going into battle and thought that they might get slaughtered is enough to make my blood run cold. A man believes that it is his duty to protect his family, so he asserts his power and forbids those close to him, the women, from going to battle."
"And what of the women who feel a need to protect her husband and children? Why leave them powerless so that they may be quake like chickens in a slaughter house when their husbands and sons are killed in battle?"
Quatre smiled at Sally's point. "There is no animal more ferocious that a mother protecting her child," he said, "I've read in some of Arabia's ancient texts that during battles, the women would be armed to protect the cities or towns, and some even fought as a defensive force in some of larger wars. In these times, my father and his father before him did not see a need for placing women at risk. I agree, but when I am king, I will make sure that the women of my land will know how to at least defend themselves if the need arises."
Sally was silent for a moment, considering his words. Then she said, "You say only defense, don't you think women capable of offense?"
Quatre laughed and shook his head, "You sound like my sisters, Lady Sally. I have seen with my own eyes what a woman on the offense can do. It is never pretty, and I hope to never be on the receiving end. So, I believe that you are just as capable, but I never want to see a dead woman on the battlefield."
Sally bowed her head, accepting this explanation before turning her sharp gaze to the cackling Duo. "I hear that you objected quite loudly when you discovered that young Hilde entered the Queen's Guard."
Duo's mirth was completely gone at these words. Giving Sally a serious look he said softly, "You should be careful, Lady Sally, unlike his Highness who has social rules and manners dictating his every move, I don't."
The Queen's Guard raised a golden eyebrow at this, "I'm afraid that I don't understand, Brother Duo."
"What I mean is, don't you dare try forcing your opinion on me. I won't take as graciously as Prince Quatre," his voice was low and threatening. Quatre looked at him in surprise, wondering why Sally's behavior, though a bit extreme, angered him. Duo then added, "When you have someone you cherish in the front lines then I'll deem you worthy of asking me that question. Until then, good day." He turned to Quatre and said, "Hey your Highness, I think I see Princess Relena waving at you."
Quatre blinked and looked over his shoulder. True to Duo's words Princess Relena was waving at him, loyal Heero holding two drinks in his hand standing erect next to her. The Princess was wearing a beautiful flowing blue gown, her hair pulled up with pearl pins, her long swan-like neck complemented by the large glowing pearl necklace that she wore. She looked stunning, and Quatre was forced to swallow very hard, even though he knew he was blushing.
Leaving Sally to her own devices, Quatre went to the young Princess and bowed at his waist earning him a kind smile. "Cousin, was Sally attacking you like she did to Ambassador Wufei?" she asked, her eyes filled with mirth.
Quatre laughed, "I think I came out of that skirmish with my skin intact, so I have no complaints. Lady Sally is quite formidable. I am sure Queen Noin is proud of her strength and…passion for her ideals."
Relena said, "So far, Sally has interrogated and torn down five of the nobles right in front of their wives and promised ones. I do admit that it is kind of amusing, though improper for a ball. What do you think, Quatre?" There were no formalities with Relena, especially since the two of them had been spending a lot of time together. Quatre felt himself drawn to his beautiful cousin, and was not ready to deal with such an attraction. Relena seemed not to possess any of Quatre's hesitation. When she met someone she liked, she would never hold back her showing of her love and appreciation for them.
It was like looking at a mirror. Many times, back in his desert home, Quatre was subjected to many lectures from his father that often left him scathed in bruised pride. Being royalty meant a constant act, a show where the actors are always wearing their costumes and masks and always playing a single constant part. To abandon the show and forsake the playing part meant disaster, those were his father's words. He hated this way of life, and did not believe in it. And for a moment, he did forsake his part and Duo's current coldness was the result. The Princess was very much like him, and it was discomforting, but he was drawn to her for that very fact. It felt when he was with her that for once he was not alone in his 'childish' views and wants.
"Quatre?"
Quatre started and chuckled, "Forgive me, Princess Relena, my mind wandered for a moment."
As they both started to talk, Duo went to stand next to Heero who stood rigidly, his eyes never leaving the two young royal cousins. When the Princess touched Quatre's elbow, Heero flinched and narrowed his eyes. Seeing this, Duo chuckled and nudged the stoic Captain, who turned enraged eyes to him.
"You know, I'm supposed to be the Arabian prince's bodyguard and all, and so far I've been doing a good job, thanks to you. But you never told me how to stop a killing blow from a mere look."
If possible Heero's eyes turned deadlier. "What are you babbling about, priest?"
Duo shrugged innocently. "Oh nothing, just that I'm surprised that you haven't speared Quatre with your sword yet."
"Your talking treason," hissed Heero. "Watch who you're accusing, priest."
Duo gave the other young man a dirty look and said, "Sheesh, you really are dense. I was saying 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. And I do have to say that they'd make a cute couple."
Heero could only stare at the other youth in disbelief.
Duo and Heero were not the only ones watching the foreign prince and the princess of Sank. King Milliardo and Queen Noin watched the two blonds talking and laughing together, and the ease that they seemed to possess when near each other. Usually, the King and Queen did not stay long at Relena's balls, only making a short appearance for Relena's sake who enjoyed seeing the young couple dressed up.
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."
The King looked at his sister and foreign cousin and said, "It would be sad if they didn't."
Noin squeezed his hand gently, "They look adorable together."
Milliardo blinked at his wife, then looked at his sister, then to Heero who seemed about to go for the priest Duo's neck. Clearing his throat, he said, "Um, Noin, you are aware that Heero has set his heart on Relena?"
Noin wrapped her arms around Milliardo's thicker stronger arm, and kissed his silk clad shoulder, her eyes twinkling with a light the young king was not familiar with. "I know that. I also know that Relena's heart is set for Heero's…but I can't help but think that Quatre and Relena seem suited for each other."
Milliardo shook his head, "I don't understand how you women think."
With an unlady-like snort, the young Queen jabbed her husband in the side with a pointy elbow. "Careful, your Majesty. My guard are present and will not take kindly to your words, even if you are the king."
The king laughed and wrapped a possessive arm around his wife's slim waist, whispering into her ear, "Then perhaps we should take my words to the room and see how you handle them without the backup of your all powerful guard."
Not noticing the fact that he and Relena were the subject of many conversations, Quatre let Relena guide him over to the musicians corner. "I heard," she said, "that you can play many instruments. But I know that some of the instruments in Arabia are different then ours. Do you recognize any of these that you know how to play?"
Quatre gave her an alarmed look, "Princess…I hope you don't wish for me to play in front of all your guests."
Relena gave him a long look, and then said soothingly, "If you are not comfortable, then that is fine. I don't want to push you into something you don't want to do."
Sighing in relief, Quatre cast an expert's eye over the musician's instruments. Seeing one he said, "The violin is one of my favorites."
"Would you consider playing for me and a few of my friends on another day? I would love to hear you play."
Blushing, Quatre nodded his head, unable to meet her eyes. "I…I would be honored, Princess Relena."
What she was going to say next was interrupted when an object covered in many shades of green flew by them, knocking the princess into his arms. Quatre's hand instantly went to her shoulders steadying her before she fell. Going completely red in the face and hearing his heart pounding in her eyes, Quatre gently pushed her away and stepped back, stammering an apology. He was shocked to find her laughing, looking affectionately at green clad figure prostrated on the floor at her feet.
"Fool, that was quite evil of you!" She said in mock severity, her face beaming in an amused smile. "You've embarrassed my poor cousin, and Heero looks about to shatter the glasses he is holding for me."
The Court Jester and Fool shot to his feet suddenly, a move so fast it was like the thrusting of a deadly dagger. Quatre blinked to find the Jester's face half covered in a mask, the other half an impassive mask with only a green striking into anyone who dared to meet it. Quatre nearly gasped, recognizing the Fool for who he really was.
But the Jester ignored him, swooping Relena into a short dance, spinning her as she laughed to twirl into Heero's waiting arms; a disgruntled Duo standing to the side holding the two glasses. The young handsome Captain bowed to her, and she curtsied. Then taking her hand, he escorted her to the dancing area, where the two proceeded to dance like they were meant for each other.
Quatre watched this with a slight pain in his chest, but knowing that deep down that even if he grew to love Relena, her heart would always be with Heero. The young Arabian prince started when he found a glass of cider shoved under his nose. Looking to the owner holding it, he blinked at Duo.
"You win some you loose some," said the Death Priest, as Quatre took the glass and took a sip from it. "I'm sure there will be some more pretty fish that will swim by your side of the ocean."
Quatre gaped at Duo's sudden change in attitude. "I thought you'd be laughing in the in some dark corner," he said, unable to hide his bitterness due to the fresh wound weeping inside him.
Duo jugged his glass down in one gulp and placed it on a tray that was being carried by a young page. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he paused to give a dirty look at a young lady who had started twittering to her friends at his uncouth behavior. Nearly snarling, he snatched Quatre's now empty cup and got rid of it like he did his. Leaning toward Quatre, who continued to stare at him, he said, "Look, you just looked like you lost your best friend, so I felt sorry for you, okay. And I was laughing, by the way, at the way Heero was unconsciously planning your early death."
Quatre started, the thought of Heero becoming jealous had not occurred to him at all. He blushed, thinking of the way Relena had stumbled into him, and wondering how Heero had been able to curb his jealousy. He sighed, and asked, "So making you pity my wretchedness was the way to make you forgive me?"
Duo's light brown eyebrows rose at this, and he leaned back. "Forgive maybe, but I'm not forgetting, Highness. You should have told me who you were…"
"I know that!" said Quatre, wanting to leave the ball and get some fresh air, wanting to be alone in his wretchedness for once. "I was wrong, and I can't change what I have done. But Duo, I…"
"Duo!" Quatre nearly bit his tongue as Hilde appeared behind Duo, glomping him and laughing as some of the Queen's Guards hooted loudly in the background. Taking this in stride, Duo wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, spinning around as she clung to his neck laughing. As soon as her feet touched the marble floor, she stepped back and twirled around in to show off the gown she was wearing. "How do I look?" she asked impishly. "Do I look like a Lady?"
Grinning hungrily at her, Duo said, "Nope. You look like my Lady, more stunning to me than all of these other peacocks put together."
Giving him a loving look, Hilde said, "Then when are you going to ask your Lady to dance?"
The young priest looked to Quatre, his purple eyes begging: please let me go, please let me go, this is HILDE! I've gotta dance with Hilde! Letting out a deep breath he forced a smile and said, "Go ahead, I'll be on the balcony."
With the first sincere smile to Quatre since coming to the palace, Duo was swept away with Hilde, disappearing into the growing mass of dancers. Quatre watched for a moment, wondering if there was something in air that was urging couples to dance. His theory strengthening as he spotted the King and Queen making a sneaky exit, their hands in places Quatre did not want to know, but could not help but think about without a blush.
Right. Fresh air. Now.
Turning away from the dancers and musicians, Quatre made his hurried way to one of the balcony doors that gaped open, allowing the cool night air to drift in and cool the occupants within the ballroom. But he stopped when he caught sight of the Jester, juggling eight red and yellow balls as to the delight of his growing audience.
It was Trowa, the King's Man that had saved his life and disappeared as soon as Quatre was safe at the palace. He'd never thanked the young man, and it ate at him that he had been forbidden to see him again. Heero had told him that Trowa had duties to attend to and had sworn to him that he had given his message of gratitude. But words from another's mouth were not good enough. Quatre owed the young man his life, and meant to show his utter sincerity of his gratitude and appreciation for Trowa's expert help.
Waiting till Trowa was finished with his juggling act and moving on, the young Arabian prince called, "Tro…!" and 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 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!"
Quatre's heart nearly stopped at the other's words, staring in horror at Wufei's angry visage. He made a chocking noise as the young Ambassador propelled him outside, never letting go of his painful grip on Quatre's arm.
When the cool air of the night hit Quatre's face, the prince yanked away from Wufei and leaned against the stone railing and muttered, "I think I'm going to be sick."
"You should be after what you nearly did!" snapped Wufei unsympathetically. "You Highness, if you had paused to think before you acted, you would have realized that Trowa…profession is not for the public eye."
Quatre shivered, understanding immediately. Trowa was the King Milliardo's spy, and thinking of the way Trowa had cut through their enemies, it wasn't a mighty guess that assassination was part of Trowa's profession as well. Trying to will his churning stomach to settle, Quatre hissed, "What was I thinking? I should have never begged Father to let me come as a representative. I'm not ready for this alone. I'm not ready!"
Wufei was silent for a long time, looking stars above, before saying gently, "The greatest lessons we learn is when we are faced with an obstacle alone. No teacher's training, or a father's advise can ring so true as when you experience the real thing by yourself for the first time."
"Everything is so different here," said Quatre, managing to stop his shivering and lifting his head. "The customs, the food, the dress…sometimes I feel overwhelmed…and sometimes I feel like I am back home. Wufei, how do you do this?"
"The Arabian Kingdom is more conservative, Quatre," said Wufei, casting away the titles for once. "My Empire is stiff and rigid with rules and protocols, and here they have rules and strict protocols, but they are lax sometimes. It makes the people happy, and a happy nation means a stable nation."
"Is that how you think of it?" asked Quatre, looking at him. "It makes sense. In a way, the way things go here is much more simpler than back home. At least the church has been separated from the monarch, so they lost the awesome power they had over a century ago."
Wufei looked at him and said seriously, "I have heard that your father has been having trouble with some of the strong religious fundamentalists in Arabia."
Quatre clenched his hands at the Chinese boy's words. "I can't stand them, and can't understand how father can tolerate their fanatic oppression. But father is a leaning toward total pacifism. My great grandfather, when he was Malik, was nearly overthrown by these fundamentalists and ordered their slaughter. Father does not believe that putting down the revolt in such ways would work, and I agree with him. But to let them grow stronger…" he trailed off for a moment then said, "Before I left, there was a beggar boy who stole a loaf of bread. I think he was no more than seven, starving, and homeless, living alone in the streets. He was caught, and one of the leaders ordered his hand to be cut off."
"A child!" gasped Wufei.
Quatre turned away, glaring down into the darkness of the night. "The boy died of an infection because hand was not treated after they cut it off. Father was livid. The leader argued that religiously, the punishment for stealing was the cutting of a hand. And it is true, that is the punishment, but that particular punishment is not meant for starving people stealing food, its for the criminals who break into homes and steal jewels and money out of greed. Also there are also other religious laws that state that a child can never be hit until the age of ten, and in God's eyes they are innocent until they reach puberty and all their sins do not count until them. So how could they have punished a child for a crime that God himself would have forgiven?"
"What did your father do?"
"Father tried to strip him of all his power, but the man came from a very powerful tribe who threatened civil war against us. Father did not want a bloodbath, so he demoted the man so that everything he does is under the watchful eye of some of Father's trusted guards. The fundamentalists know that father won't rise against them, and will continue to get bolder." Quatre pushed away from the railing and glared at Wufei, "By bringing me out here did you mean to chastise me, cheer me up, or let me wallow in my own pathetic wretchedness?"
Wufei shrugged, "I just wanted to pick the brain of the future king of Arabia."
Quatre stared at him, then chuckled, shaking his head. Looking back at the ball, he caught sight of Duo cowering behind Hilde with Sally glaring at him. "This place is crazy," he laughed.
"You'll get the hang of it," assured Wufei.
Quatre smirked and asked innocently, "Are you going to help me save Duo from Lady Sally? My bodyguard and I are on speaking terms now, and I'd like to keep him around."
Wufei's face went blank. "That woman is mad," He hissed before stalking away, professionally ducking behind some nobles as he passed by Sally.
Still laughing, Quatre walked back into the ballroom, his heart still heavy, but with a small hope that things would eventually get better. He paused as Sally got hold of Duo's braid, and chuckled to himself.
"I'll get the hang of it. Right."
TO BE CONTINUED…Extra Notes: This has a mix of actual Middle Eastern history that I took a year ago. From the 1800's the rulers of the Middle East have had many troubles that came from religious leaders and their rigid interpretation of their religion (Islam) and the many tribes that refused to be ruled other than by their own tribal laws. So I decided to use that idea with my little Arabian Kingdom for Quatre.
Next time:
"I have to go back…I have to go back home! Please, your Majesty, I have to go back!" King Milliardo frowned down at Quatre's distraught words. "Calm down, Quatre. Think first, the last thing your Father needs is for you to come gallivanting back and getting yourself killed!" Quatre whirled around, facing his older cousin and waved his arm angrily, "My father will do nothing! He'll be trying to talk things through even when they storm the palace! My sister's will be left in the hands of these men with no way to protect themselves! Please, let me go!" King Milliardo's eyes became two icy glaciers as he looked down at his younger cousin, and when he spoke, his voice was steel: "I forbid it."
"Trowa…" Trowa brought a finger to his lips, silencing Catharine's frightened words as the two siblings watched the wooden door warily. Reaching in the darkness, the young man took his sister's hand and pulled her close whispering into her ear, "Cathy, bolt the door and no matter what you hear, don't open it unless its either Heero or myself."
Duo swung his scythe at his assailant, cursing as the young green-eyed man flipped completely over his head, landing lightly on his feet. "An acrobat?" taunted Duo, turning around, and clenching the wooden staff of Deathscythe. "Well whatever you are, I'm not going to let you pass. I got a job, see, and I ain't one to fail."