AN:I hate typing. I have to do this during my lunch hour at my school. The computer keys stick and the programs are crap. Is this Satan's idea of a sick joke? Probably. Oh well on with the next chapter.
Spoils of War Ch: 4
The sound of voices woke Trowa and he momentarily wondered why he wasn't with the other soldiers. Then he remembered being captured and presented to Quatre as a gift. Slipping out of bed Trowa pushed aside the curtain and stepped out. Spotting Quatre talking to what Trowa presumed was another servant. Walking up behind the girl that was speaking with the prince, Trowa could make out the conversation.
"Your Highness, Lord Duo wishes to meet with you in the courtyard as soon as possible."
"Thank you Sylvia." Quatre replied softly, looking up he spotted Trowa and smiled. Puzzled Sylvia turned around and nearly dropped the tray she was carrying.
Trowa could see she was about Quatre's height, had black hair, and pale pink skin.
"Oh, Sylvia I'm sure you've heard about Trowa." Quatre gestured to his silent slave before taking the tray and placing it on a table near the couch.
"I'd heard…Your Majesty, but I don't usually listen to gossip." She stuttered, staring at a half-naked Trowa. Slowly her gaze shifted from surprise to curious. Trowa stood silently as her gaze drifted over his body. Quatre cleared his throat and Sylvia dropped her gaze, blushing bright red.
"I'll go tell Lord Duo." She murmured before bowing and slipping out the door, throwing one last look at Trowa before closing it. After she'd left Trowa tried to ignore the amused look Quatre was sending his way. The blonde had an eyebrow up and a faintly smug smirk crossed the pale pink lips.
"Why Trowa," Quatre's voice was thick with suppressed laughter. "Does this happen often?"
"Too often." Trowa grimaced. Laughing out loud Quatre sat down on the couch.
"Oh Trowa it can't be that bad." Quatre chuckled lifting a teacup to his lips.
"I'd like to see you deal with it." Trowa replied languidly.
"Oh you will. Since we won the war several countries are no doubt going to want to ally themselves with us. Which means your first formal court appearance."
Trowa nodded; as soon as that happened Trowa would be so well known as Quatre's slave there would be no chance of escape.
"How long?" The quiet question caught the prince unaware. He thought for a moment.
"One, maybe two weeks if we're lucky." Quatre shrugged.
"No, not before the court appearance. How long am I, by law, your slave?"
Quatre grew quiet, never had he heard of a slave asking when he'd be released.
"I can not release you for a minimum of ten years." Quatre sighed.
"…Ten years…" Trowa repeated absently, gazing out the window almost longingly. Silent a moment, he quickly turned, walking back to his curtained room. Quatre slumped down in his chair; he didn't want Trowa to hate him, quite the opposite in fact. He hoped to make friends with the tall boy. Trowa emerged a moment later in the same green outfit he'd had on the day before when Quatre had come in. They ate the meal that had been brought in silence. Quatre stood and moved to a large wardrobe. Opening it he extracted a mantle. It looked white at first, but as Trowa studied it further he could see a pale yellow hue. It matched the long-sleeved shirt Quatre wore. The petite blonde stood patiently at the door looking at Trowa.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Let's go."
Shrugging Trowa stood and followed the blonde out. They walked down the wide, lavishly decorated main hall, toward the courtyard. As they rounded a corner Trowa spotted a figure in black talking to what looked like another slave who was blue and silver.
"Duo!" Quatre called, halting the two before they exited.
"Oh, there you are." Duo grinned.
"Sorry am I late?" Quatre asked worriedly.
"Not at all, Your Highness." Duo teased.
"Oh, stop it. No one's around." Quatre grumbled.
"But sire, the slaves!" Duo cried in mock surprise.
"Oh, please Duo." Quatre rolled his eyes. "Trowa doesn't care. And you must be Heero." Quatre smiled at the boy in blue. He nodded curtly in response.
"Pleased to meet you. And Duo this is Trowa." The blonde motioned to his silent green-eyed companion.
"Hey Tro, glad you could join us." Duo greeted jovially. Trowa lifted an eyebrow in amusement.
"This is the royal advisor?" Trowa answered flatly, "God save us."
"HEY!" Duo exclaimed indignantly while Quatre laughed out loud. "You need to teach him some manners. Humph!"
"Well I don't think so. But let's get serious Duo. Is there something you wanted to tell me?" Quatre's inquiry was hushed.
"Yes," Duo's expression sobered. "I've been hearing some rumors and they aren't good."
"Who is it this time?"
"It seems that Walker is trafficking them out this time."
"NO! Not Walker, oh I trusted him." Quatre growled.
"Quatre don't blame yourself. It's hard with the Romafeller's out there." Duo soothed reassuringly. "The only real choice we have is-"
AN: Sorry it's so short but it is the writer's choice where to cut a chapter.