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Part 6 – All Fun and Games

As times went by, things started slowly to return to their normal routine at the royal palace.

As soon as Heero wounds were healed he was back on his feet, and continued his Wushu lessons with Wufei. During weapons training, however Heero could only battle against Captain Treize, because Milliardo simply refused to raise a weapon against him even while practicing. As spring lingered on the crown prince finally started to trust himself again. When summer came, he and Heero were once again inseparable.  And by the time the harvest stated people seemed to have all but forgotten about the terrible things that had happened…

***

For days the royal palace resembled a giant anthill.  First it was servants and slaves that filled the halls, cleaning and tidying; preparing every room for the upcoming event of Princess Relena's birthday. Now those same halls were filled with guests; nobles from all over the Sanc Kingdom. Anybody who was anyone had been invited. For the main festivity, a tournament of skill and strength, more than 30 knights and warriors were expected to compete against each other.

It had come as somewhat of a surprise that Relena had chosen no other than Lord Yuy to wear her colors and represent her in the tournament. Even thought the young lord was known as an excellent fighter, he was also the youngest and least experienced of the knights in the tournament. Nevertheless, the princess had made it clear that she had great trust in his skills. And the fact that he was still in the tournament after three rounds, when other far more experienced knights had been long eliminated, silenced even the last know-it-all.
After Princess Relena had made her choice Dorothy Catalonia had quickly chosen Milliardo as "her knight", before any of the other attending ladies could stick claim on the young prince.

Milliardo, who couldn't stand the girl, told his sister that he was considering losing in the first round just to spite Dorothy, but of course he was too much of a man of honor to go through with that.

While the remaining eight fighters prepared themselves for the next round, the crowd was watching a group of traveling entertainers performing some acrobatic acts.
Since Prince Milliardo and Prince Heero were competing, and their two seats in the royal box were left empty, the king had allowed Relena to invite Dorothy to join them. The king had also ordered for Wufei to remain close by, as much for the boy's protection as for his own. The exotic-looking teen had been attracting quite a few looks from some of the guests. Treize was grateful about the king's consideration.  Some people might consider Wufei free game since he was only a slave, although the captain was certain that the young wizard was quite capable of protecting himself.

"I'm surprised you are interested in watching the tournament, Relena," Dorothy said. "I was under the impression that you despise all kinds of fighting and weapons."

"It's war and killings I do not like," Relena corrected her. "If weapons would be used only for bloodless competition of skills, I would have no problem with that at all."

"Is it true that Princess Lucrezia Noin and her father were invited to come?" Dorothy turned her head and looked at Relena.

The princess nodded. "They respectfully declined to come; stating that it is quite a distance to travel between their kingdom and the royal palace. I suspect that to be an excuse though. Relations between our countries are still shaky, and they might consider it a little too premature for such a gesture of good faith."

"It's a pity, though," the other girl said. "I've heard that Princess Lucrezia (1) is quite a warrior and has been competing in various tournaments in her kingdom. I would have loved to see her compete here or even have a chance to duel her myself. It's a shame that this kind of courage is not seen more often."

Wufei, who was standing a little in the back, between Relena and her father couldn't help but overhear the girl's conversation. He snorted at the comment. Dorothy turned, one of her unusual shaped eyebrows raised in surprise. "I take it you don't agree with me, wizard?"
"With all due respect, my Lady, but women should not be fighting," the boy answered.
"Why would that be?" Dorothy asked challenging. "You have some kind of problem with women?"
"Not at all, my Lady," Wufei replied calmly. "It's just that I believe that things like fighting should be left to those who are strong."
The blond-haired girl crossed her arms in front of her chest in a defensive manner. "So, you think we are weak? What makes you such an expert on women? How many of them have you fought against in your life?"
"I do not fight woman, it would not be honorable."
"Well, perhaps you should give it a try some day. You might be in for a surprise. I bet I could teach you a thing or two."

"I seriously doubt that, my Lady," Wufei answered, trying his hardest to remain polite.
"Careful, Wufei," Relena warned with a smile. "Don't dig yourself into a hole you might not be able to get out. You have never seen Dorothy handle a rapier."

Luckily at the same moment a herald announced the match-up for the next battle, and everybody's attention was diverted.

***

Before Heero changed back into his battle garb he walked to the stable to make sure that his mount had been properly prepared for the jousting event. The white Destrier (2) stallion impatiently pawed the ground, as one of the stable-hands finished adjusting the black and gold bard (3) around the animal's breast and flanks. As the boy noticed that his work was being checked by the young knight, he stopped and looking up, hoping to find approval in those scrutinizing eyes.
Heero could find no reason to complain. The sun reflected on the stallion's shiny coat; mane and tail were long and silky. The stable boy had done an impeccable job cleaning the horse. After he made sure that Relena's black and pink ribbon was properly tied to the stallion's headgear, the young knight nodded in satisfaction.
"Well, done. You may saddle him now."
"Yes, my Lord," the boy's face beamed at the praise, as he went to fetch the high backed tournament saddle.
Suddenly a hand was put on Heero's shoulder. "Don't bother getting all fancy, you won't be riding him for long enough to enjoy it." The low voice next to his ear sent an unexpected shiver down his spine. Heero turned, and gave Milliardo a questioning look.

The prince chuckled. "I just found out that the two of us will be battling each other, and I have all intentions of making you eat dirt."

"Hn," Heero snorted. "You are welcome to try."
"You are challenging me?" Milliardo gave his friend a little smirk, as they walked together to their tent to put on their battle garb.
The armor had been cleaned and polished since their last battle. Their chain mail hauberks and coifs (4) were made by the most skillful weapons smith in all of Sanc; their plate armor forged from the finest metal. Heero's chest-plate was almost identical to the one the crown prince wore. Both of them bore the crest of the royal family. The rest of their armor however, differed. Heero had been always one to choose efficiency over beauty. His helmet and gauntlets lacked any kind of décor. Milliardo on the other hand liked things a little more flamboyant.

***

Less than an hour later Heero stormed into the white canvas tent that he and Milliardo were sharing. His helmet flew in one corner, a gauntlet in the other, followed by another one. He was furious not because he had lost, but because of the way it had happened. He had actually managed to knock Milliardo off his mount with a clean hit, but during the sword fight that followed the prince had gotten the upper hand. While his attention was directed fully at his opponent's weapon, Heero had not noticed that he soil beneath his feet was wet and slippery. As he tried to dodge one of Milliardo's assaults he had tripped and fallen into the mud.

He felt like he had not only lost the battle, but also embarrassed himself and Relena in front of everybody.

Heero cursed as he tried to untie the straps of his chest-armor.
"Let me help you with that," a voice offered.

The boy nearly jumped. For the second time today Milliardo had managed sneaked up on him without effort.

"Thank you," he mumbled.
Nimble fingers started to undo the leather straps, and for a moment Milliardo's left hand, seemingly unintentionally, rested on Heero's lower back.

The young knight almost gasped at that touch.

What the hell was that? Milliardo and I have touched each other before, why did this feel so different?
The prince straightened up and watched as his friend removed the chest-plate and put it aside. He could tell that Heero was still angry.

"If it means anything to you, Heero, I'm sorry that you lost."

The boy glared at him, eyes narrowed. "You have nothing to be sorry about. You won fair and square."

"That's not completely true. If you hadn't slipped, things might have ended differently." Looking down at the other boy the prince suddenly chuckled. "Do you know that you have mud in your hair?"

Heero shot him an angry glare and he sighed. "I'm sorry. You'll have to wash that out, but the bathing rooms are probably filled right now.  Come to think of it, I could use a hot bath myself. Why don't you join me?"

Heero hesitated a moment before he nodded. Milliardo seemed almost relieved that he accepted the offer.

***

Duo should have been suspicious when Trowa voluntarily accompanied his uncle to Whitewater castle, for the king's annual hunting party. After all it was no secret that the prince disliked hunting. And Duo knew that he liked the people his uncle associated with even less.

And if that wasn't suspicious enough, Duo should have definitely been alarmed when Trowa declared right after dinner that he was going to turn in early and didn't want anybody to disturb him till morning.

But perhaps it never crossed Duo's mind that his friend would deceive him. Never had the two of them had kept any secrets from each other. So, it came as a total surprise when Duo went to check on Trowa and found his bed and room empty; the window cracked open just far enough to allow him to return unnoticed later on.

For God sake, Trowa, are you out of your mind? What do you think you are doing? The braided boy thought. There was not the slightest doubt in his mind to where Trowa had gone. The cave where he and Trowa had met that strange blond boy was probably no more than six miles away, but unfortunately so was the border to the Sanc Kingdom. Duo could hardly believe that his friend acted so carelessly. If somebody was going to catch the prince of Crownwood in enemy territory, he would be in great danger.
A furious Duo headed to the stable and saddled his own horse as well as Trowa's stallion. When he told the guards at the drawbridge that he was exercising the horses at Trowa's order they looked at him strangely, but knew better than to question the crown prince's bidding.

***

By the time Heero had fetched a fresh change of clothes and gone back to the prince's quarters, Milliardo was already sitting in the large pool-like tub, in his private bathing room. He looked relaxed with his eyes closed, his head resting against the rim, long, pale-blond hair floating in the water around him. As Heero stripped out of his clothes his eyes kept wandering over his friend's flawless body.
"Are you coming in, or are you just going to stand there?" Milliardo finally asked. He opened his eyes lazily. "The water is perfect."
Heero stepped into the tub, settled down into the warm water, and reached for the soap. He dowsed his hair, washed it thoroughly, then slipped under the surface to rinse off the suds and dirt. When he came back up, and opened his eyes he caught Milliardo watching him. But before he could think anything of it, the prince had already averted his gaze. A few moments later he stood up and climbed out of the pool. With his back turned toward Heero, he started to dry himself off.

The brown-haired boy couldn't help but notice how well built the prince's body was. Muscles shifted beneath flawless cream-colored skin with every move the young man made.
Heero felt a strange warm feeling spreading throughout his body and settling in his loins. He quickly aimed his eyes at the bar of soap in his hand and concentrated hard on the task of washing himself. Once he was done he climbed out of the water, toweled himself off and started to get dressed. Milliardo was still drying his long pale-blond hair.

Heero found himself once again staring at his friend's well proportioned backside.

For God sake, what's wrong with me? It's not like I have never seen Milliardo in the nude. Paigan used to stick us in the same tub all the time when we were children. But perhaps that's just it, back then we were children. We have not taken a bath together for a long time. There is certainly nothing childlike about this body anymore.

"Got a good look?" Milliardo suddenly asked in an amused tone of voice.

Heero instantly lowered his eyes, and his face turned bright red in embarrassment. The prince chortled. It was a soft and pleasant sound. He dropped his towel to the floor and put on a pair of brown leather pants. "Heero, there is no reason to be ashamed. I just hope you like what you see. To tell the truth, I have been looking for an excuse to get you in here for quite a while. Gods, Heero, do you have any idea how attractive you are?"
Heero swallowed. He wasn't sure if he should be relieved or even more embarrassed.

Milliardo, still shirtless, threw his hair over his shoulder and walked over to his friend. He gently put two fingers under Heero's chin, lifting it up slightly so that their eyes met. He raised his other hand and softly caressed the younger boy's cheek. Heero tensed a little under that touch but didn't flinch away. He and Milliardo had played, fought and roughhoused together ever since they were small, but never had his friend touched him in such a gentle way. The young knight was amazed and shocked at the same time, as he felt his body respond to that gentleness. His pants started to become a little tight. He swallowed nervously and hoped that Milliardo wouldn't notice.

"Heero…I…" Suddenly the young prince dipped his head. His lips touched Heero's, cautiously at first but when the younger teen didn't resist he kissed him harder. "Heero, I wanted to do this for so long now. In fact there are a lot of other things I would like to do with you. I never dared to ask because I was afraid of how you might react."

As Heero realized what Milliardo was suggesting, he felt his cheeks burning once again. When he looked down he noticed the bulge in his friend's pants was just as large as his own.

"I think… I'm fine with whatever it is you would like to do," he answered, surprised how hoarse his voice was.

Milliardo looked into his face, scrutinizing, studying it. "Heero, I wouldn't want to do this unless I'm certain that is something that you want too."
Heero smirked a little. "Make no mistake; I would never agree to anything I didn't want to do."
Milliardo smiled. It was all the reassurance he needed.
"Then let's go into the bedroom," he suggested, as he stole another kiss. He didn't even bother putting on his tunic, considering that he probably wasn't going to wear it long enough to warrant the effort.

***

Milliardo could sense his friend's insecurity as they walked together into the prince's bedchamber. When the young prince moved toward Heero to embrace him he noticed a faint blush on the boy's cheeks, and for just a moment he wondered if he was doing the right thing. He reminded himself that the boy was a few years younger than he was and probably far less experienced. But although he was younger, Heero was unbelievably attractive. For quite a while now Milliardo had found himself fantasizing about taking their friendship to a new level. He captured the boy's mouth with his own. His tongue traced the curves of those sensuous lips until they parted slightly. As he slipped his tongue into the hot cavern, he moaned softly as he felt Heero responding to his kiss. He could feel his breath quicken and he tightened his embrace, bringing their bodies even closer.

Heero felt like he was drowning in a sea of previously unknown sensations as one of Milliardo's hands slipped down his back, came to a hold on his buttock, and started gently stroking and kneading the firm flesh.

When their lips finally parted Heero pulled back slightly, just enough to make Milliardo concerned. "Are you alright? You didn't like that?

"No, I mean yes, I did like it, but…I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do, Milliardo," Heero confessed. "I've never… umm…never done this before."

Assuming that his friend meant that he had never lain with another man, the prince smiled reassuringly at him.
"Don't worry, Heero. It will be fine. Just let me take control and I'll show you that it can be as pleasant and enjoyable as being with a woman."

"I've never done this with a woman either," the young knight answered.
Milliardo smirked. "Come on, Heero. I know it's not honorable to kiss and tell, but it's me you are talking to." He had seen those looks Heero got from the girls in the palace. And he knew from experience how eager to please some of the female servants were. "With all those pretty skirts around here you can't tell me…"
But then he noticed the color creeping up into the boy's cheeks again. By god, he is serious. He has never lain with anybody. "Forgive me, Heero. It was not my intention to embarrass you."
"Is this…a problem?" Heero asked hesitant.

Milliardo gave him another reassuring smile and shook his head. "It will make it all the more precious. I promise, we will not do anything you do not like. I'll show you how beautiful it can be. Trust me! "
The knowledge that his friend was going to be in control and all he had to do was to trust Milliardo, made Heero feel a little more comfortable. He was anxious and excited at the same time.

Heero allowed the young prince to lift him up and place him onto the wide, four-posted bed. The prince leaned over him and started to nipple at the soft skin at the nape of Heero's neck. The young knight closed his eyes and moaned softly. He felt soft hands slip beneath his tunic and gently caress his torso. When Milliardo's hands started to push the fabric up he lifted his arms so that the young man could pull the garment over his head. Once the boy's torso was bare Milliardo pushed himself up. Kneeling over his friend he smiled softly as he inspected every inch of that well- muscles body. When his gaze fell on a large scar at the Heero's abdomen his eyes darkened.

As he noticed the pain in those ice blue eyes, Heero reached up, took the prince's face into both hands and lifted it gentle. He shook his head slightly he told the young man: "Please don't. It wasn't you. Don't think about it. Not now."

Milliardo gave the boy a ghost of a smile then started to place soft butterfly kisses all over Heero's abdomen. Feeling those hot lips on his bare skin made the boy shiver. He could feel himself becoming even more aroused. Milliardo worked his way up to his chest and started to tease one of Heero's nipples with his tongue.

The boy gasped. "Milliardo!"

The prince let out a low laugh, then turned his head to torment the other nub. His effort was rewarded with a soft moan. Heero wrapped his arms around the young man's body and let his fingertips wander slowly down Milliardo's back. He could feel his friend shiver in response. His fingers slipped beneath the waistband of Milliardo's pants and started caressing the firm flesh that he found there.
The prince, still working on Heero's nipple, moaned against his skin.

Heero felt his senses going into overdrive. His body was screaming for more of this delightful torture, but there was something inside him that told him otherwise. "We shouldn't…" he panted.
"Huh?" Milliardo asked, without stopping his assault.
"…Shouldn't do this now. This is Relena's special day." Heero said. "We should be with her at the feast. I let her down already once today; I don't want to do it again."

Reluctantly the prince pulled away from the boy's chest and sighed. He breathed deeply, trying to calm his racing heart …and raging hormones. Not an easy task, but he managed. "You are right, I suppose," he agreed.

"Besides, you wouldn't want to deprive Lady Dorothy of her right to sit next to you at the supper table, would you?"
Milliardo gave a low growl. "Did I ever tell you that you have an evil streak in you?"

Heero gave the prince one of his rare smirks, which made Milliardo almost forget everything about Relena's birthday and the feast. With another sigh he forced himself to get off the bed. Before he reached for his tunic he declared with a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. "But this doesn't mean we can't finish what we started later on tonight."

Heero shrugged. "By then we might have forgotten where we left of and we will have to start over from the beginning."

***

Quatre couldn't wait for the castle to quiet down for the night. Once it was dark enough, and most people had gone to sleep, he slipped past the guards and headed off into the woods.

His heart was beating wildly but nor just because he was running. Last night Quatre had dreamed, and in his dream the strange boy from the cave had come to see him. He had thought about that boy many times, but never before had Quatre dreamed about him. He had not been sure if it meant anything until earlier today, when he had felt something strange deep within him. This feeling combined with his dream seemed like a message to him; a message that he just couldn't ignore.
He hurried through the woods, climbed up the hill and entered the cave, only to find it empty. There was no sign that anybody had been here since his last visit. For just a moment Quatre felt disappointed. But when he heard a noise behind him, he smiled softly. He knew before he even turned that it was him.

The tall, brunette boy was leaning at the wall next to the entrance, arms crossed in front him. Quatre recognized him instantly.

"I hope you haven't been waiting for long?" he asked in a soft voice as he stepped closer. "I had to wait for everybody to go to sleep before I could leave the castle."

"How did you know I was here?"

Quatre smiled mysteriously. "I just knew."

"What's your name?" the other boy asked, looking directly at him.

For the first time Quatre was able to see his eyes. They were of a most stunning emerald green color and somewhat cryptic. "My name is Quatre."
"Quatre," the boy echoed. He let the name roll slowly from his tongue. "What a beautiful name. I have been sitting outside watching the stars while I was waiting for you."
Quatre smiled softly. "I love the night sky."

"Let's watch it together, shall we," the other boy suggested.

Quatre nodded and followed him outside. They settled down on a fallen log and for a while they stared silently into the dark.

"You haven't told me your name yet." Quatre said after a while.
"You can call me Trowa."

"Trowa, why did you come here tonight?"

The boy looked at him, somewhat surprised about the question, the shrugged. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "I have been thinking about you, a lot."

Quatre nodded understandingly. He too had found it impossible too to get the strange boy out of his mind.

"And then…" Trowa continued.  "I never had a chance to thank you for what you did. You probably saved my life."
Quatre smiled modestly. "It was really nothing special."

As Trowa turned toward him his eyes fell upon the color around Quatre's neck.
"You are a slave."
"So what? I have been a slave for most of my life." Quatre answered. His eyes narrowed and his voice became rather defensive. "Does it make a difference?"

"No," Trowa shook his head. "It doesn't make any difference to me."

When he gazed at the blond boy he could see that he was shivering.

 "You are cold?" It was more of a statement than a question.
 Quatre blushed slightly. "I'm fine," he insisted.

Before he could protest Trowa had taken off his jerkin and slipped it around Quatre's shoulders. The boy gave him a grateful smile.

 "Quatre, come with me. I can keep you safe. You would have to be no longer a slave."

Quatre shook his head. "I can't" he answered, his eyes filled with sadness. "Duke Dermail told me that if I ever was to run away again the other slaves would have to pay for it. I can't do that. I can't let him hurt them because of me."

Trowa's eyes narrowed in anger. "How can your king allow this kind of cruelty?"
Quatre sighed. "I don't think he knows what is really going on. It's a long way to the royal palace. The king doesn't visit Oakwood County very often. And if he does my master makes sure that everything seems in order until he is gone. But let's not talk about me anymore. You have not told me anything about yourself yet. Your garments are too fine to be those of a simple commoner." The boy carefully touched the soft leather of the jerkin around his shoulders. "I know most of the nobles that live in Oakwood. You are not from around here, are you?"

Trowa gave him the ghost of a smile. "Not from this side of the border, no."
"You are from Crownwood?" Quatre eyes widened slightly. As looked up at him Trowa couldn't help but notice how beautiful those turquoise blue eyes were.

"Does it make a difference?" Trowa asked.

Suddenly Quatre picked up a noise. Somebody was approaching. He put his finger over his lips and mouthed. "Somebody is coming."

Trowa nodded as he rose. He had heard it too. He was unarmed, because it was impossible to carry a weapon when he was in his feline form. For a moment he considered shifting, but then he recognized the figure that was sneaking toward the cave.

"Duo?!"

The boy jerked around. "Trowa! What in god's name are you trying to do? Get yourself killed?"

"Duo, what are you doing here?" Trowa asked irritated.
"I came to take you home, your Highness." the braided boy answered. "I brought horses."
"I'll go home when I'm ready." Trowa retorted angrily. "Go and wait by the horses. I'll be there soon."

Duo opened his mouth for a reply something, but stopped himself when his friend's eyes narrowed. The look on Trowa's face made it clear that he was in no mood for arguments.

As Duo turned and walked away Quatre started at the green-eyed boy in surprise as well as shock.

"Your Highness?" he asked, repeating what the braided boy had called Trowa. "You are the heir to the Crownwood Kingdom?"
Trowa nodded. "Prince Triton IV, the one and only. But most people call me Trowa."
That other boy is right, he shouldn't even be here. It's not safe. Why would he put himself in danger like this?

Quatre slipped the jerkin from his shoulder and held it out to Trowa. He tried to avoid looking at the other boy as he said. "I'd better go now."

The prince nodded. "I need to go too. Can I see you again, Quatre? Don't worry about Duo, he is all bark and no bite. He can't stop me from coming back."

"I'm sorry, but I won't be coming back."
"But why?" the prince asked in surprise.

"You are a prince, I'm only a slave."

Trowa shrugged. "I told you already; that makes no difference to me. I like you. I like being with you."

"I'm sorry, your Highness, but if you are looking for a plaything to spice up your otherwise boring life I'm not the right person."

 Trowa's eyes widened. He felt like he had been slapped in the face. His mouth opened for a response but he was too hurt to find the right words.

Quatre turned quickly and walked away, making sure the young prince didn't see the tears that started to fill his eyes.

I know you probably hate me now, but it's only for the best. I don't want to put yourself in danger every time you come here. I couldn't stand the thought of you getting hurt because of met.
He started running and when he was sure nobody was following him Quatre didn't fight the tears back any longer, letting them run freely down his cheeks. Please forgive me, Trowa!

***

When Wufei entered the quarter that he and his master shared, he found the captain lying sprawled out on the bed dressed in only his breeches and the white shirt he usually wore beneath his blue uniform jacket.

At the sound of the door opening Treize propped himself up on one elbow. The young wizard noticed that he looked worn out.

"Hard day?" he asked sympathetically.

"You can say that again." The captain sighed. "Some of the guests I don't trust further than I can see them, and if it was up to me they wouldn't be allowed within a 100 mile distance to the palace. – How was your day?"

"Boring," Wufei stated. It pretty much wrapped it up. "I couldn't go ten feet without having people approach me and ask me to show them some Magic, as though it is some kind of entertainment."
"At least you had company. If I remember right somebody was supposed to join me for supper." Treize complained.

Gulp! Wufei felt instantly a wave of guilt wash over him and he lowered his eyes. With everything going on during the day he had totally forgotten about it

"Bad slave." Treize scolded teasingly.

"Yes I am," the boy nodded in agreement, as he gave him a mischievous look. "You might have to punish me."
"I'm afraid I will," the captain confirmed with as much seriousness as he could master. Then he added thoughtfully. "What am I going to do to teach my disobedient slave some responsibility?"
"I could come up with quite a few ideas, Master." Wufei answered with a grin. He enjoyed their little games as much as his master did.

"Hush," the captain told him. "First I think I'll need to get you out of these clothes." He rose, picked the boy up with ease, and placed him gently onto the bed. Then he started to undress Wufei, by slipping the sleeveless top over his head.

He looked down at the smooth golden skin of the boy's slightly muscular torso Treize smiled evilly as he began his "torture". Aware that Wufei was delightfully ticklish, he was planning to fully exploit that fact. He ran his fingertips over those sensitive spots at the boy's waist and smiled as Wufei tried to squirm away. The captain leaned forward and covered Wufei's lips with his own. Keeping him pinned down like that he continued tickling him, ignoring the muffled pleads to stop. The boy tried to get a hold of his lover's hands. Treize just chuckled and seized Wufei's wrists. He pinned them down in one hand while he continued his assault with the other.

"The palace is full of people. Somebody might hear us," Wufei panted, as Treize took a break to mercifully allow the boy to catch his breath.

"It should be of nobody's concern what I do with my slave behind closed doors."

The way the captain whispered these words into his ear sent little shivers of pleasure down Wufei's spine. He was very eager to find out what else his lover had planned for him. But for now Treize went back to tormenting him by running his soft fingers over his skin, tickling here and teasing there. Wufei writhed and wriggled but couldn't get away from his lover's teasing fingertips.

"Stop it! Stop!" he demanded.

Treize raised one eyebrow in playful surprise. "Since when do you think you can tell me what to do? I'm afraid you haven't learned your lesson yet."
"Stop or I'm going to turn your hair blue," Wufei warned. "Let's see how you would like that."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Just try me." Wufei retorted.
"Hmm…" Treize huffed. "I suppose I'll have to make sure I keep this pretty little mouth of yours occupied with other things than magic spells." The captain dipped his head, and covered the boy's mouth in another kiss. His tongue traced those full lips gentle, begging for entrance. When Wufei parted his lips slightly in compliance, his tongue slipped into the hot cavern and plundered it. He groaned at the sweet taste. Wufei shuddered at the sensation; his own tongue started to spar with the intruder.

When their lips finally broke Treize pulled back. The boy moaned in disappointment. But moments later that sound was replaced by purrs of pure enjoyment, as his lover moved down to his feet, slipped off his footwear and started to place a trail of soft butterfly kisses all the way up his leg.

Treize gave special attention to the sensitive skin at the boy's inner thigh and was rewarded for his effort with a couple of soft moans.

The captain's hands untied the sash that held Wufei's white pants in place, and continued to undress the boy. Once the last garment was gone, Treize pushed himself up and took a step back to admire the delightful sight of the beautiful body spread out on the bed totally exposed. He felt a prickling heat spreading in his groin. He wanted to taste every inch of that lovely body; wanted to make the boy mad with desire. He wanted to hear Wufei scream out his name in ecstasy.

Wufei smiled up at him eyes slightly clouded with passion and desire.

"I think you are enjoying this way too much for a punishment." Treize growled.

Wufei let out a low chuckle.

As the captain climbed back onto the bed and leaned over the boy, he was suddenly assaulted, flipped onto his back and pinned down. Once again Treize realized that Wufei was a lot stronger than he looked.

"Payback time," Wufei announced with a low growl, as he started to untie the laces that held his lover's shirt together. He peeled the shirt away to exposed flawless cream-colored skin.

Treize struggled, just enough to pretend he didn't like the position he was in. However, his struggles ceased immediately when Wufei lowered his head onto his chest and began to toy with one of his nipples.

Swirling his tongue around the hardening nub Wufei smiled at the soft whimpering he managed to coax out of the captain, with each flick of his tongue.

The two lovers had been playing this game for long enough to know the most sensitive spots on each other's body. Now alternating between both nipples he continued to suck softly on the sweet buds, while his fingertips, barely touching the soft skin, moved slowly down the man's magnificently shaped body.

When those slender fingers reached his groin, Treize shivered and let out a muffled sigh of pleasure. The boy could feel his heart beating even faster. The pressure in his own groin increased at the sweet sounds escaping his lover's mouth.

Suddenly and unexpectedly Treize flipped the boy over and positioned himself on top again as he had intended it in the first place. Wufei let out a low growl of frustration.

Treize's eyes sparkled playfully. "Foolish little slave. You should have known better," he scoffed. "Now I'll have to punish you even more."

"Is that a promise?" Wufei asked with a naughty smile.

Instead of an answer, Treize captured the boy's mouth in a passionate kiss. Hungrily he sucked on Wufei's lower lip then moved down to the nape of the neck. The boy's hands came up and started to move over the his chest.
"You are wearing way too many clothes," Wufei complained. His voice was heavy with desire.
"Hmm…I think you might be right. We can't have that now, can we?"
Treize rose quickly and began to shed his own clothes, while he let his eyes wander over Wufei's body. It was a sight he could never get enough of. The raven-black hair in sharp contrast to the pristine white sheets, those obsidian eyes sparkling with passion and lust, those beautiful lips swollen from the kisses they had exchanged, golden-colored, flawless skin, body and limbs muscular and in perfect proportion, legs bent and slightly parted in an unspoken invitation. It was a picture of eroticism in the flesh. The sight made his blood boil and his already hardened member throb.

"Better now?" Treize whispered low, as he climbed back into bed.

"Much better." The boy nodded, flung his arms around his lover's neck and pulling him down to kiss him hungrily. As Wufei began to ravish his lover's neck and chest with his mouth, his hands moved down his back, stopping only when they reached the older man's buttocks. Soft fingertips traced the cleft between those two firm curves.
Treize moaned and tightened his own hold on the boy and brought their bodies even closer; hips grinding, stiff erections brushing against each other. The throbbing in his manhood and the growing urge to take the boy became hard to ignore. The captain sighed when he remembered something and tried to free himself carefully out of Wufei's embrace. The boy's eyes flew open and he gave a low growl as he felt the pressure against his body lessening.
"I need to get something," Treize whispered, and placed a kiss on the boy's forehead.
Wufei, unwilling to loose the contact with his lover's warm body, just raised one arm lazily. His mouth formed a few words, too low for Treize to understand, and across the room a small trunk opened with a low squeaking sound. The young wizard frowned in concentration as he rummaged through the chest with his mind's eye. He smiled when he found the item he was looking for and made an upward motion with his hand. A small vial rose from within the trunk and slowly began to float toward the bed.
Treize snatched the little bottle out of the air.

I suppose having your personal wizard does have its advantages… sometimes.
"Thank you, dear."
"My pleasure."
"It will be," the captain assured him with a low chuckle.
.

***

"Trowa, say something," Duo pleaded. "I know that you are angry at me. So yell at me or do something. But don't just ignore me. Talk to me, please!"

The prince had not spoken a single word since they had mounted their horses. They had been riding quietly ever since. Trowa wasn't much of a talker by nature, but this was different, the braided boy could tell.

"Haven't you been talking enough for the two of us?" Trowa answered tersely.

"Or just insult me; of course that's an option too," Duo pouted.

Trowa signed and slowed down his steed till he was riding next to his friend. "Forgive me, Duo. I didn't mean that. I know you are just concerned about my safety…"
"Sure as hell I am. Since you don't seem to care about what happens to you, somebody has to watch out for you," the braided boy retorted.

"But I don't need a nursemaid anymore, Duo. I need a friend; a friend who understands that I can take care of myself and who trusts my judgement."

Duo was quiet for a long time, longer than Trowa could ever remember, as he reflected on what the prince had said. Then he just smiled wryly. "I'm sorry Trowa. I'll try to remember that. – And if I don't…" His smile grew cheerful. "…you got permission to kick my behind."

Only a short time later they crossed the drawbridge and rode into the castle yard. Duo frowned as he recognized the black stallion that was tethered outside one of the stables, and the man who was standing beside it.

"It's him." The braided boy let out a low growl. "Do you think it would be considered a terrible crime if I would kill him right now?"

"His name is Ysard Catorce." Trowa spoke as he glared at the man. "My uncle invited him for the hunting party."
"Catorce?" Duo echoed. "Isn't that the name of Emperor Tubarov's sorceress?"

"I believe he is her brother."
"Lovely family," Duo smiled sarcastically, as the two boys stopped their horses by the stable and dismounted. Just then the hunter noticed them, and walked closer. He smiled thinly as he gave Trowa a curt nod.

"Your Highness, what a pleasure to meet you." And in Duo's direction he said. "So we meet again. Do you still have that crossbow you took from me?"

"I left it in the forest. I didn't think you'd need it for the kind of prey you were hunting." Duo replied. He made no effort to keep his antipathy for the man out of his voice. "I'm sure it takes a special sort of man to chase down defenseless young boys."

The hunter looked at the braided boy, the expression in his black eyes never changing. "I assure you that boy was not as defenseless as he looked. Things are not always as they seem, my dear friend. But I'm sure you know that all too well."

Trowa gestured for Duo to take their horses away before his friend could say anything they might regret later on.

"Your Highness, will you join the hunting party tomorrow?" Ysard asked the prince.

"No."

"What a pity. I would have loved to find out if your squire is as good of a shot as he pretends to be."
"Unlike you, I do not take pleasure in taking the life of another creature, human or beast, Lord Catorce." Trowa replied calmly. And with a dangerous sparkle in his green eyes he added. "But make no mistake, my Lord, I will kill if I feel threatened."
"I'll make sure to keep that in mind, your Highness." With another curt nod the man turned and left.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

T.B.C.

Author's notes:
(1) Since in real live as well as in literature royalty is usually known by their first name (i.e. King Arthur, Queen Elisabeth, Prince Edward etc) and simply because Princess Noin sounds kind of strange, I'm going to refer to her as Princess Lucrezia throughout the story.

(2) Destrier - also known as war-horse are heavy breed stallions which were specially trained for the use in battles or tournaments. Destriers could easily carry a knight in full battle garb and then some. Their size and weight (up to 2x heavier than the average horse) gave the knight a large advantage over opponents on normal riding horses. Sometimes they were outfitted with spike studded armor to take down any foot-soldier in their path. Even during the medieval times Destriers were rare and very expensive. The disadvantage of a Destrier is his heavy gait which would have made long rides rather uncomfortable. Therefore most knights used smaller horses with gentler gaits outside of battle and tournament.

(3) Bard - the ornamental, ribbon-like fabric around the horse's neck, breast or flanks. Bards served not only the purpose of decoration, but were sometimes stuffed with straw or other padding material to provide some protection for the horse (I guess you could think of it as something like a bumper)

(4) Chain mail hauberks and coifs (shirts and hoods) – were usually worn as additional protection beneath other armor made from plate metal or leather.

What's to come: Part 7 - When Nightmares become Reality
Lady Catorce employs her brother to capture Heero Yuy. Prince Milliardo, Lord Yuy and his guards are attacked.

Feedback is greatly appreciated, constructive criticism is welcome :-)