Notes: This one switches between note and fleshed out format
Summary: Beast Boy may have been adopted into a noble family who owned slaves, but he planned to use his status as the heir to rid the kingdom of slavery and animal cruelty. He planned to succeed…until he himself is sold into slavery to the emperor himself.
Emperor and Concubine
Each family from any rank must offer some form of patronage to the emperor's wealth to show loyalty.
The nobility compete with each other to try and give the most stunning gift to the emperor.
But recently there has been a drought and the nobles who gained most of their wealth from farmers find that they can't resort to an elaborate feast. So they offer some of their labour and riches.
Several nobles resort to offering more than one slave or concubine. Since many nobles can't offer food or tools, they compete in the same style.
The Doom Patrol Family find they have to do the same – there simply isn't enough material goods to flaunt their wealth without any real sacrifice.
Especially since there had been a recent Rebellion/Coup against the Emperor, the contest to prove loyalty is more important than usual. The Rebel Leaders had either been killed or escaped, and their followers executed in public, but there was always a chance the Rebellion had stragglers who would try to revive the movement.
Steve, the Head of the Doom Patrol Family, decides that one of their own would make for a significant contribution AND cement their loyalty to the Emperor. He announces this at a Family Dinner while sitting at the head of the long table.
To his left is Rita and to his right is Garfield, affectionally known as Beast Boy due to his love for animals and his childhood tendency to mimic any animals he had seen. (Saw a noble with a panther and pretended to be one as he leapt out of a tree to pounce on Rita. She caught him. Was scared half outta her mind and he got the scolding of a LIFETIME but it was AWESOME and no one was hurt, so)
The Family Members argue. Being offered to the Emperor WAS considered an honor, but a servant was still a servant, no matter the status. None of them want to lose their position of authority in order to strengthen the bond with the Emperor.
After Steve shatters the wine glass in his fist and commands "sit DOWN" so silence falls, an elderly man on the other side of the table speaks.
"The best candidate to truly show his Majesty our loyalty is a clear sacrifice on our part."
Just as another uproar begins, the elder lifts a hand. The members quiet.
"Someone who is close to the highest ranking member of our family. Someone who has status to show we will give anything to the Emperor, but in reality does not have much authority in our family as of yet."
Beast Boy's skin crawls as the elder turns to him. The other family members follow.
"This member is young and capable of hard work. He would make an EXCELLENT offering."
"And who EXACTLY, are you suggesting?" Steve all but growls.
"The Family Head's Son."
Murmurs of agreement and relief ripple through the crowd.
"He's next in line!" Steve protests.
"Which is PRECISELY why he should be offered. How many other Nobles can say they would give ANYTHING to please the Majesty?" The elder counters.
BB looks desperately at his surrogate father and then, once seeing the considering expression on the man's face and not liking it at ALL, he turns to his surrogate mother. Her expression is heartbroken but she does not disagree. It's clear she agrees.
He swallows back bile and stands from the chair. "Excuse me, I'll be in my room."
All eyes watch him as he leaves.
~oOo~
BB screams and cries in his room. He doesn't want to be a slave (because that's ALL he'd be in the palace, he knows that. They ALL know that. Servant was just a dressed up word to hide that it just meant a noble was a lowly SLAVE)
He knows he'll be trapped in the palace until he grows old and dies. He knows he'll have no chance to fight for Slave and Animal Rights like he would have been able to if he still held his position as Heir to the Noble Family.
Instead of being able to help those who lack the authority or power to help themselves, he has been ripped of his OWN power. Now no one will help HIM gain back his rights. Especially since he was GREEN.
Now without his status protecting him, he would surely be ridiculed and demeaned at the LEAST for his skin color. Or beat in secret at the worst. No one would dare blatantly kill a slave or servant of the Emperor's. Such an act would be considered TREASON.
He sniffled. Great. No one would kill him because he was considered property now. His stomach churned. Not if they made it look like an accident….
The door opens and Rita walks in. He curls his lip and turns away, hiding his tear stained face from the only one he trusted.
She tried to comfort him. Soothe him that "everything will be alright. This is an HONOR. I'll write you. You'll be safe. It's okay, it's okay…."
But when he continued to stare blankly out the window, she sighed and left with a parting, "I'll let you be… A maid will be here tomorrow morning to help you pack"
He softens at the words. Only Rita followed his line of thinking that slaves were people. She and he were the only ones who called the slaves in their household as 'butler' or 'maid' but…
He exhales. He'd have to learn to accept being considered as nothing more than property now. No one would call him him a butler. He'd be lucky if any members of the palace thought to even ask his NAME.
So he changes clothes and clambers into bed, unhappy that he didn't even get a say.
~oOo~
The horse-drawn carriage stops in front of the palace and Rita helps him out. They share a tearful farewell and promises to write each other before he's swept away by the guards and dragged to a ballroom where the rest of the offered slaves were gathered.
He's pushed into line and his cheeks burn at the stares. He knows they're studying his skin color despite their bowed heads. Wondering why he was so different. Wondering why he was a freak.
More slaves are shoved into line and minutes pass before the the giant doors behind them shut. A commanding voice reverberates across the massive room. The Emperor had arrived. They straighten their posture and bow their heads further. He mimics their poses and folds his hands atop his stomach.
Footsteps, confident and slow, tap against the marble tiles. The man strides in front of the first row of offered slaves. BB's near the back row so the man can't see him. He half hopes the man WON'T see him or know he was former nobility, just out of spite towards his own family. They can't gloat about a sacrifice if the Emperor didn't even know there had BEEN a sacrifice.
The taps continue. There's too many offerings for the man to inspect all of them. From food to materials to tools to gifts and slaves, BB doesn't expect the Emperor to walk through all the rows of humans and look at them all.
So when the footsteps don't stop and an hour or two passes and his posture hurts from standing stiff so long, he's starting to think that the man might actually, in fact, be checking each damn row and probably alternating between looking at people to looking at the food or materials or something. Whatever the reason was, could the damn man HURRY UP? Even the GUARDS were probably bored, judging by the occasional clinking of metal.
He withholds a sigh and lifts his head slightly, but with the sheer amount of people in front of him, he can't see anything. So he drops his head and waits.
His mind wanders as he stares at the tiles, tracing imaginary pictures made from stray lines in the marbles when the feet in front of him move out of sight. He blinks, confused because did something happen? Were they supposed to go somewhere?
The distinctive tapping that had been background noise had halted. Confused, he lifts his head and freezes. The Emperor, standing in front of a half-empty row, meets his eyes with a raised brow and BB stifles a curse and drops his head. Crap crap crap crap.
The taps continue on and he breathes a sigh, relieved that the Emperor had no interest in him.
BB goes back to studying the tile but his mind is whirring, hoping the man would forget he had LOOKED IN HIS EYE. Not even NOBLES were allowed to meet the Emperor's eyes.
The tapping returns and he swallows. He lifts his head just enough to see the Emperor's hands as they gesture to a corner of the room. He nods and moves past, muscles tense, and lifts his head more to see where the man had pointed.
His brow furrows as he registers a small gathering of women and men in decorative clothing. Were they nobles turned slaves too? They weren't just slaves judging by their clothing, but…
His stomach churns. Something didn't feel right. Was it their clothes or their posture? They held themselves high, but…
Still, he shuffles over and a man and woman step forwards, lips curling as they scan his form. He swallows. The pair glance behind him and purse their lips. The woman grabs his bicep and drags him out of the room. The guards pay the woman no mind until they notice BB.
Once they pass through the doors and enter another room, the woman speaks. "His Majesty must be going senile young since he chose you."
BB swallows. "Pardon?"
She backhands him. "Do NOT speak without permission, Concubinus–"
BB's brain stuttered to a stop. Concubinus? His cheek stung.
"–been chosen but you are of the lowest rank."
With his held still turned, he slowly rightens himself and interrupts. "I think there's been a–"
She scowls and rears a palm but the man from before enters the room. "Noble Consort Beverly, explain."
The woman lowers her hand but acknowledges the man with a nod. "Noble Consort Mathew, this freak doesn't know his place."
The man turned his focus onto BB and scrunches his expression. "Still, you know harming the Majesty's property can be considered a crime."
His stomach churns. He really was property now.
Mathew turns to look at him. "Concubinus, you have permission to speak."
BB swallows back bile. "I think there's been a mistake. I'm not a concubine, I'm a servant."
The woman recoils. "You insult the Majesty with those words! He does not make mistakes."
Mathew frowns. "So you were former nobility… What family did you come from?"
BB tells him.
"The Doom Patrol…" he murmurs. "A prestigious family. Surprising that they sent one of their own rather than an ordinary slave but it doesn't matter now."
"Right, well," BB continues on. "I was sent on the agreement I'd be a servant, not a concubine."
Mathew snorts. "A concubine can be a servant. The Majesty chose you specifically to be one of his concubines. To refuse him is an act of treason."
BB stiffens. Shit. He scrambles for a defense: anything to wiggle out of being a sex slave. "But I don't know how it all works!"
The woman informs him of the ranks. The lowest rank was a concubine, which BB was now a part of, and the Emperor could have as many of them as he chose. The second lowest was addressed with the title of Consort and only 4 of them were allowed at that rank. There were 2 Noble Consorts, already filled with herself and Mathew. Finally, there was the Imperial Noble Consort which was currently empty but, as Beverly assured, was soon to be filled by HER.
Mathew adds that it was possible to rise in the ranks, but the chances were incredibly low since the positions were already filled. Beverly tacks on that the chances of rising straight to Imperial Noble Consort were even lower. She has the best chance since she's the rank below Imperial Noble Consort.
Still, BB tries to protest. "How can I please him if I don't even know what he WANTS?"
Beverly smiles. "Don't worry, Concubinus, he won't want you." She leans in close to his ear. "Because you're a freak."
Mathew strides to the other side of the room and lifts open a window, poking his head out to check the sun. "Beverly, it's time to leave."
She hikes up her skirt and heads for the door with a parting wave. BB watches them leave, dumbstruck and hurt. Only after they were out of sight did he realize…
Where was he supposed to go?
His heart quickens speed as an idea creeps into his mind. No one was watching him. He turns to the window. The open window. Quietly, he shut the door and hurried to the glass. He peered out and a giddy feeling bubbled inside of him.
All the guards were inside the ballroom and none of them were watching out for any slaves who would try to escape. No one would dare escape the palace, so why would there be guards to watch out for that?
He wasn't even high off the ground! All he had to do was hop out the window, run to the vine covered gate and scale it! He'd be out of the palace and he could run and go anywhere he wanted. His palms started to sweat. He could go anywhere. He could meet so many people! He could meet so many animals!
Without his family bossing him around and without the palace watching him, he could do anything he wanted. Suddenly he could call the shots of his own life without asking for permission. But…what if someone noticed he was missing? Would he be hunted down and dragged back? Killed even? He bit his lip.
But, what were the chances of the Emperor wasting resources to search for one slave?
He grinned.
~oOo~
His heart hammers against his chest as he flees from the palace. A guard had almost seen him but for once he was thankful for his green skin – he blended right in with the bush he had chosen to hide in.
So far, no one had chased him. He could still see the palace but he had gained quite a bit of distance. Even if someone DID notice he had left, on the off chance they wanted to pursue him then they would take forever to catch up.
Still, it was best to stay hidden. Just in case.
As he ducked behind a building to catch his breath, he heard horses neighing. Curious, he peered around the brick wall.
Huh. Only nobles had horses. Why would the rich be in the poor area of the empire? Regardless, he wanted to see the horses. He shuffled until he was near the front of the building, but still hugged the wall. When he spotted the back of the elaborately decorated carriage, he scowled. Damnit. The horses were on the other side.
He curved around the building and, on the other side, finally had a clear view of the horses. They were beautiful and healthy creatures: strong and young. The were a stunning shade of white–a rare color to see on a horse so they must've been imported. But who could've afforded them? How could he get closer without being seen?
He slid his gaze around, absently noticing the crowd forming around the carriage, and was just beginning to debate sliding between them when he registered the insignia painted on the door of the carriage.
The Royal Family.
Shit.
He stumbled back, panic hitting him hard. Were they seriously looking for him? Shit shit shit. Impossible! Impossible! They couldn't be looking for him, they just couldn't be. He was just a slave! Nothing of value!
Still, his heart wouldn't slow down and his instincts were screaming to run run run but when his heel knocked against a metal trash can and a guard standing by the horses snagged his eye, he froze.
The guard shouted, pointing at him and the world moved. Faces turned towards him but he whirled on his heel. Voices rang behind him, pursuing him, as he ran between buildings. He turned a corner and burst out into a moving crowd.
BB slammed into people, sending them tumbling and angry, but he would pick himself up and run run run run.
Horses neighed and he turned his head and blanched as people scrambled out of the way of the incoming carriage. He threw himself out of the way and the horses skidded to a halt beside him. He jerked his gaze up at the rearing animals and then at the coachman before the door opened.
He scrambled to his feet, about to bolt but guards had caught up to him and metal chinked. He froze as a cold blade slid in front of his face while other glints of silver were aimed towards him.
"Stand down, men." The Emperor commanded.
The swords vanished but there was no sound of sheathing. He swallowed. This…wasn't part of the plan. But if he was going to die then he was going to die proud. He met the Emperor's gaze with a frown. The man cocked a brow, expression unreadable.
"Get in the carriage."
BB blinked and stood still. What was the man playing at?
The Emperor jerked his head and the flat side of a blade pressed against his back. He glared but moved as he was 'guided' up the steps. The blade pulled away and the Emperor entered after him, shutting the door. Suddenly BB was aware of the heavy curtains blocking them from outside sight and sound and how close the man sitting across from him was. So the Emperor was going to kill him personally? What exactly was going on? The carriage moved.
"Explain why you fled, Concubinus." The man commanded.
"Not my name." He scowled. "And why? You're just gonna kill me anyway."
A hand thudded onto his thigh and he froze as it climbed up his pants. "If you won't voluntarily explain then it seems I'll have to force it out of you."
"N–no!" He jolted, slapping the hand and moving away. "I'll explain, I'll explain!"
The Emperor pulled away, watching him with a carefully neutral expression.
He exhaled a shaky breath and shared his thoughts and reasons. Although he floundered for words, BB thought the Emperor understood…until he spoke.
"Must be a shame, though," the Emperor began, indifferent. "All that work only to end right back where you belong."
BB's hackles rose. "What?"
The man continued, tone casual. "By all rights I should execute you for treason, but you haven't been properly trained so how could you have even known it was treason to run?"
BB bared his teeth. "Excuse me?"
The Emperor stared him down. "You are my property now and you will act as such."
"No I will not." BB snapped. "I'm a human being. I have thoughts! I have feelings!" He slammed his fist against the seat cushion. "I am a person! All slaves are! You're horrible if you honestly believe that a human being is the same as an object!"
The man leaned back and stretched his arms atop the seat with a lazy smile. "Oh? Though aren't you aware the majority of slaves deserve their status? They were either enemies who questioned my rule or rivals. They were conquered in a fair battle. Besides, with such a massive amount of land we own, a workforce is required for upkeep."
BB scoffed. "No one deserves to be treated like an animal. In fact, animals don't deserve to be treated like animals! So many people are starved or beat and then still expected to work hard and if they aren't," his voice went falsetto, "good enough, then they're killed!"
"They were enemies." The man dismissed. "Not a loss."
Rage bubbled to the surface. "Not a loss? We're talking about a life. No one has the right to decide if someone should be allowed to live or die!" His gaze darkened. "Not even you."
The Emperor snorted. "I'm the Emperor."
"You're an idiot."
When silence fell, it took BB a moment to register what he said. And what exactly was happening. His eyes shot wide. Well…if there had been a chance he was going to live before then he had definitely ruined that chance.
Slowly, the Emperor's lips curled upwards. BB's stomach churned. He didn't like that smile.
"You have a lot of gall." He waved a hand before letting it drop back atop the seat, eyes on the insignia inscribed on the door. "I'm surprised, really. Especially since you hail from a Noble Family."
BB shifted, uncomfortable. What did he mean? Where was he going with this?
The Emperor faced him. "I could easily claim you are part of the Rebellion. Possibly working as a spy and have you killed. But no spy would run before gaining information and it's too early for you to have even possibly gained anything vital."
BB frowned. He'd make for a terrible spy. Too loyal to people once he became fond of them. But the Emperor didn't need to know that.
The man braced his elbows atop his thighs and placed his chin atop folded hands. "Yet no Noble Family would send one of their members with the knowledge that the member would run. You could be considered a fugitive now and be killed on sight. You have tarnished your Family Name and they would want you killed to regain their honor and my favor."
BB winced. Hadn't thought about that.
"So." The Emperor leaned forwards. "What's the real reason why you ran?"
He foundered. He couldn't tell the man he ran cause he didn't want to be a concubine. That would just sound pathetic or something.
"You don't know?" He shot back instead, voice shaky. "I thought you were the all-knowing Majesty."
The man cracked a smirk. "Knowledge is power and there is never enough knowledge to know. Now tell me your reason."
When BB didn't reply and instead glared at the curtains, the Emperor's smirk darkened into a frown. "Although your impudence amuses me, it's not wise to disobey a direct order."
BB scrunched his face. "Or you'll what? Kill me? You're gonna do that anyway so why should I tell you?"
The man cocked a brow. "You're not afraid of death?"
"No, I am." BB shook his head. "But since it's inevitable then I can say whatever I want."
"Is that so? I could have you tortured for blasphemy."
"And break Law 58?" BB retorted. "No wonder people rebelled. What good is an Emperor if he can't even follow the laws that protect his own citizens against torture?"
"Then perhaps I need someone to rule by my side. Ensure no valuable laws are broken."
"Yeah, you do." BB smirked. "Have fun searching."
"Ah, but I have already chosen someone and have a plan of action." The man hummed. "We should visit different parts of our empire and honor them with our presence to improve morale. Perhaps it'd even be good to offer a feast for the commoners as a reward for their loyalty."
It took him awhile, but BB finally registered something strange. "We?" His thoughts derailed. "Our empire?"
The Emperor leaned in close. "You and I are going to rule this land."
He spluttered. "What? What? You don't even know my name! You were about to have me killed! Are you insane?"
"Garfield Mark Logan." The man recited. "Surrogate son to Steve Dayton and Rita Dayton and the only green skinned member of the Doom Patrol Family."
BB swallowed.
"You should be honored." The Emperor smirked. "Instead of death you will become my spouse."
No…no no no no! This was exactly what he wanted to avoid. Well, not quite but still. He wanted to be free! He wanted to explore and meet new animals and meet new people and run around and be free! But if he were to stay then he'd be trapped and if they were married then the man would expect…
"Not happening!" He shrieked. "Not happening!"
His gaze flicked to the door and he lunged. Just as his hand wrapped around the knob, a limb shot out and grasped his bicep, bruising skin, and hauled him back into his seat. A body shoved itself into his lap and weighed him down, keeping him pinned.
He yelled, angry and scared, and slammed his fists against the man's chest. "Let me go let me go let me go!"
The man grunted before succeeding in snatching his wrists and pinning them above his head and against the wall. His heart hammered but he bared his teeth and glared at the Emperor.
"I won't." BB said, tone breathless but final. "I won't be your spouse."
The Emperor grinned. "You don't have a choice."
"There's always a choice." BB spat, arms burning as the man tugged them higher.
"What a shame, then." The man switched to a indifferent tone and BB's skin crawled. "But then again, blackmail is always an enjoyable option."
BB stiffened, expression melting into shock. "You wouldn't… You're ordering me to marry you! You don't even know if I'm trustworthy! And If you blackmail me then I definitely won't be!"
"It's rare to find honesty as raw and authenticity as rich as yours." The man's quiet tone made him fall silent. "Throughout our exchange you have not attacked me with the intent to kill. You have not lied to me. And you have not pandered me to gain my favor."
"Right," BB warily agreed. "I'm a decent human being so what's your point?"
"In the realm of the elite, you are a treasure." The man leaned close and BB shied away but he had nowhere to hide. "And I plan to keep you for a long, long time."
Lips covered his own and he gasped. A tongue dominated him and he jerked his head but the Emperor's free hand grabbed his hair and kept him locked in place. His screams were muffled by the man's own. He frantically tried to meet the man's eyes, to plead without words to let him go.
But the Emperor's eyes were closed and the carriage had rocked to a stop. The Emperor pulled away with a smirk.
"Run all you want, Empress Garfield. But do so and your family will die. One. By. One."
The Emperor left the carriage, leaving behind a shellshocked young man.
~oOo~
"Unbelievable." Beverly placed a hand above her heart while her nails on BBs already bruised bicep dug into his skin. She lowered her voice as her loud tone echoed in the hall, drawing stares. "His Majesty wants him for tonight? The green freak? The little runaway? He's just a concubine! And a filthy one at that. What would the Majesty want with him?"
BB scowled, readying a acerbic retort.
"To bed him, probably." The messenger shrugged. "That's what concubines are for."
Ice clawed his spine and silenced him. Mentally he noted to himself, if he ever successfully escaped then he would put an emphasis on protecting the rights of sex slaves.
Beverly pursed her lips. "But why him? There's plenty of consorts available who are by far more worthy of the Majesty's time!"
"I'm not here to question orders." The messenger lifted the flap of her satchel and pulled out a wax sealed letter. "Deliver this to the guards in front of the master bedroom and they will allow him entry."
Beverly's jaw dropped, appalled. "Did I hear that right? Are you aware that no one other than the Emperor is allowed in there?"
"Well aware, Noble Consort Beverly." She droned. "Which is why the letter is needed."
The woman huffed but snatched the parchment and stuffed it into the pocket of her jacket. She bid farewell and ushered BB into the bathroom.
"We can't have you meeting with His Majesty looking like a filthy street rat." She turned the faucet knobs of the bathtub. "Clean yourself while I get you some…presentable clothing."
BB frowned as Beverly shut the door. Despite his misgivings, he did feel filthy so he flicked a hand through the stream. Freezing cold, yikes. He adjusted the knobs then stripped and stepped into the tub. It was only once he had finished soaping himself up did he realize he hadn't locked the door.
Beverly barged in and he flailed, frantically swiping away his bubble beard and gathering the soap bubbles to hide his privates. She took one look at him and balked.
"You really are green all over."
His cheeks darkened and he stumbled to recover from embarrassment. "Where's my clothes?"
"So ungrateful!" She let the bundle in her arms drop. "I expect you to be dressed in five minutes! It's uncouth to make the Emperor wait."
He thinned his lips but once she left, he lifted the drain and rinsed what he could. Though his hair still had soap suds, he stepped out of the tub and tried not to drip onto the clothes. Not that it would matter much since they were already damp because of his previous splashing.
He grabbed a towel and dried himself, the occasional "hurry up!" assaulting his ears. Still, he dressed and glanced at the mirror only to cringe. The bright red horribly clashed with his skin color and the size was two times too big and hung off his body and because of the wet spots the color was mismatched here and there. Still, maybe Beverly's slights would work in his favor. If the Emperor thought he was hideous, then the man would want nothing to do with him, right? Right.
He opened the door only to be greeted by a scowl. Beverly waved a hand at a slave, dismissing the stranger. "Something has come up that I must attend to. It's not my job to babysit you. Surely you're smart enough to find your own way there?"
With that, she bustled away, the slave keeping pace but significantly more subdued. BB blinked for a moment before he turned his gaze down the other end of the hallway. Other than the slaves cleaning the marble floors and walls, along with the occasional vase or picture frame, there were no guards.
No one watching him.
He bit his lip, debating. He could make a break for it, but… No, no, he couldn't run. Not with the Emperor's last threat still possible. He couldn't risk his freedom at the cost of his family's lives, even if they were the one's who put him in the situation in the first place.
He exhaled and shuffled to the nearest maid. Though the chances of finding the room were slim in a palace as massive as the one he was in, he still had to at least pretend to care. Then at least he can say he tried.
"Excuse me," he murmured. "Miss?"
When the maid scrubbing the floor didn't respond, he knelt and tapped her shoulder. She flinched so he withdrew his touch, concerned. Still, she stopped scrubbing and turned towards him, but kept her head bowed. He frowned.
"I won't hurt you…and…uh…can you look at me? I feel awkward talking to your hair and not your eyes."
Silence descended and BB's ears pricked. No one was moving. He shifted, self-conscious. Just because he wasn't home didn't mean he had to start treating enslaved humans like they were inferior. Was it really that strange of a concept? Did the slaves even think they were inferior? He bit his lip. Was the girl even breathing?
"Well if you don't want to look at me, that's okay too. It's your choice and all, so. I just…I mean…uh…this is awkward." He offered a nervous laugh. "I think I'll let you be now? Didn't mean to bother you. Just wanted to know where the master bedroom was."
He started to stand but a soft and shaky voice spoke. "Permission for this slave to speak?"
BB winced. They even called themselves slaves? His stomach churned. "Uh, sure?"
Though the girl didn't lift her head, she listed directions and he brightened. "Thank you so much!" He stood. "Oh! By the way, my name's Garfield. What's yours?"
She hesitated. "Slaves don't have names."
Uh oh. He squirmed. "You don't?" His voice cracked like his heart and hopes. How could someone not have a name? "No one gave you one?"
She shrank away from him but showed her wrist. "This slave is addressed by the number and mark on this arm."
He recoiled as he recognized the symbol for expendability next to the number. He had heard in passing that slaves had the insignia of their owners family branded to their arm, but a expendability symbol? So if something happened to her then no one would help because she was thought to be expendable?
He hadn't realized he'd been growling in the back of his throat until he registered soft apologies. He whiplashed into apologetic himself.
"No, no, no, I'm not mad at you at all. No need to apologize, I'm just–that mark on your arm! It's not okay! No human life is expendable. Slaves are people! You're a person. Why does no one realize that?" He started to work himself into a rant before she murmured.
"Thank you."
He blinked, absently registering the tear stained face looking at his own and he softened. He gathered her into a hug, rubbing soothing circles on her back and murmured in her ear as she sobbed.
When the crying subsided and the shoulder of his shirt soaked, the girl pulled away and he smiled.
"Let's give you a name. What would you like to be called?" He swept his gaze across the silent room. "Actually, how about we all get names? And you each can pick your own! That way you definitely get the kinda name you want."
Heads started to lift before everyone dropped into a low bow, facing something behind him. He paused, tilting his head, before slowly turning. He paled.
When had the Emperor and his bodyguards arrived?
The man shifted cold eyes across the room. "So this is where you were–gallivanting with the inferior. Rather unfit choice for company, wouldn't you think?"
BB gritted his teeth. "I was giving them names, actually, since they're people after all. Not that you'd understand that. It's too much of a humane concept for you. Little advanced, I know, but maybe you'll get there."
Scandalized gasps rose from slaves and guards alike. The Emperor merely cocked a brow.
A guard stepped forwards. "Insolent–"
The Emperor lifted a palm. "Must be as challenging as following simple instructions like finding a single room."
BB thinned his lips. "Really? Cause apparently that room has a set of guards and requires a letter to get in. Sounds paranoid and extreme. But I guess you have to be if everyone hates you."
The gasps from the soldiers turned to outrage. Swords unsheathed and he tensed, eyeing their weapons and stances.
"Halt." The Emperor barked. "I did not order you to attack."
"Your Majesty!" One guard protested, affronted but bowing. "In all due respect, this…" the man glanced at BBs clothing. "Sex slave speaks blasphemy!"
The other guard added. "This slave does not know its place and should be punished. Let its suffering be an example to other disobedient slaves."
BB snarled. "How 'bout I kick your–"
A small hand touched his ankle and a timid voice spoke behind him. "He meant no harm Your Majesty."
The first guard dropped his jaw. "It's causing a revolt! Your Majesty, for your protection all slaves present need to be eradicated or else this disease could spread."
BB shot his eyes wide and lifted his palms. "Whoa, wait, that's–"
The second guard cheered an agreement and advanced on BB and the girl kneeling beside him.
BB stood his ground in front of the girl and readied his fists. If he was going down, he was going down fighting.
And then metal flashed and crimson rained. The heads of the guards rolled off their necks and squelched against the tiles. Blood splattered against his shirt and shoes, darkening but blending with the bright red fabric all the same. BB stared, color draining from his skin and bile rose in his throat. The headless bodies toppled to the ground and he skittered back, shoving the girl away from the body in the process.
The Emperor straightened, blood drenching the sword in his grip, and studied the corpses with a stone face.
"What a waste. Had they obeyed me then death wouldn't have been necessary."
BB staggered a few steps away and collapsed to his knees and hurled. When he had nothing left to vomit, the Emperor grasped the back of his shirt collar and hauled him to his feet.
"Slaves," The man commanded, a limp BB in his hold. "Clean up this mess and do not speak of what transpired or it will be your head I remove."
The Emperor sheathed his bloody sword and swept the younger man into his arms, bridal-style. BB kept his mouth shut, afraid to be the involuntary cause of someone else's death.
The man carried him down the hall and through the palace, catching several odd looks before each observer bowed their head. BB stared blankly at his lap until a massive door swung open and he was abruptly airborne.
He gasped but before he could flail, his back bounced against a soft but solid surface. Silk brushed against his skin and he realized he was laying on a bed. Alarms rang and he jolted upright, scrambling backwards.
The man was going to fuck him right after murdering human lives? BB wanted to hurl again but there was nothing left.
A cold voice made him tremble. "I suggest you spread your legs if you don't want to watch someone else die."
BB struggled to breathe. "You just…" he wheezed. "You just killed them."
The Emperor prowled closer. "They acted on my behalf without my command." He climbed onto of the hyperventilating young man. "They intended to harm royalty." He cupped Beast Boy's chin. "Namely my spouse."
Lips silenced his own. He didn't resist the invasion though his heart pounded against his ribs and sweat coated his forehead. The man continued the conquest over him and Beast Boy couldn't muster the will to protest.
~oOo~
By the time it was all over, Beast Boy had passed out only to wake that morning in the arms of his rapist. His lower back ached and he couldn't stifle a groan as he shifted to roll away, skin sticky from sweat and things he'd rather not think about.
"Good morning, love." The man murmured, pulling his torso taut against a broad chest. "Last night was a delight."
Beast Boy averted his gaze and didn't reply, opting instead to fall limp and hope the man would let him go sooner if he didn't struggle.
"Don't be like that." Air huffed against his ear. "Look at me with those gems of yours."
The Emperor grasped his chin and tugged. Beast Boy followed the movement and reluctantly met the creep's gaze with dull eyes. The Emperor clicked his tongue.
"Many would consider sleeping with the Royal Ruler desirable." Fingers combed through the younger man's hair. "Some can only dream of rising in the ranks through this honor. So," a thumb found it's way behind his ear and he instinctively relaxed. "Why resist?"
Beast Boy blinked fast, trying to clear the fog of content and blind safety, but the gentle and rhythmic pressure was hard to block out. He pulled away from the dangerous hands and managed to croak.
"I had my own dreams."
"Oh?" The Emperor pulled him back. "And?"
"Doesn't matter now." He dismissed, listless. "I can't make them real."
"I'm the ruler of this land." The thumb glided to his ear and he softened despite a half-hearted attempt to retreat. "Anything you want, I can give."
A flash of agitation gave him the strength to fight the warmth and snap. "You won't. You never will. You're obsession with me will fade and you'll prove to be just a liar."
The Emperor growled and dug his fingers into the younger man's scalp. "Watch your tongue."
Beast Boy wriggled, making the strands of his hair tear more. "Or you'll what? It's the truth, isn't it?"
"You know very well what I can do."
Memories whirred through his mind. The blood, the heads, the sex, the fear. He froze and couldn't stop a whimper. The hands holding him loosened, but not enough to allow him room to flee.
"Now tell me," The man murmured into his ear. "What are your dreams?"
Without a way out, Beast Boy told him. He told him of how he wanted to fight for Animal and Slave Rights. How he wanted to use his money and rank as a starting point to convincing others to treat animals kindly and end slavery. How he wanted to change the world for the better, no matter how small or how slow.
Throughout it all, the Emperor remained silent and unreadable. And when he finished, the man only offered a condescending smile. "That's adorable but even you know that's impossible."
Beast Boy flushed. "No, it's not! I'll end slavery, I'll end animal cruelty, I'll make it real."
The Emperor snorted and let him go. The man rolled out from under the covers and headed for the bathroom with the parting words. "Delusional fool."
Beast Boy gritted his teeth and grabbed a fistful of the sheets as he muttered. "I'll make it happen. Even if I have to start with you."
He tugged the silk sheets out from under the covers and wrapped them around his torso. The Emperor had trashed his clothes into scraps last night, leaving him nothing to wear. And as embarrassing as it was to walk around the palace with nothing but a thin and stained sheet on, he'd rather take the humiliation than the suffocating presence of the Emperor.
"And where might you be going?"
The younger man grumbled but faced the creep. "To my room, where else?"
The man snorted. "This is your room. Come here."
Beast Boy tensed. "What?"
"Come here."
"Not that." He gritted his teeth. "This isn't my room. My clothes are in," he scrunched his face, "the Concubines Chamber."
The man strode close and waved a hand. "Empresses sleep in the Master Bedroom and do not wear scanty rags."
"Would you stop that?" Beast Boy spat until he had to backpedal. "I'm not your wife!"
"But you will be." The man pinned him against a wall. "And as my spouse you are to address me by name, Grant Wilson."
The younger man swallowed. "N-no, I'm not…"
A hand yanked on the sheets clutched against his chest and hauled him forwards. He stumbled into the Emperor's chest right before the man swept him into his arms.
Only the partner to the ruler could address the man by his name alone rather than with a title. And the Emperor sounded serious. But he couldn't be. He just couldn't be. No royal would marry someone of lower rank, noble or not!
The man toted him into the bathroom and ripped off the protective fabric before dunking him into the massive bathtub. Soon after locking the door, the Emperor entered the tub and set to cleaning them both despite the younger man's protests.
When they finished, Beast Boy was quick to flee with a towel but still couldn't get far. Within moments of exiting the bathroom, the Emperor had boxed him against a wall and soon dragged him to a large closet. The men lifted a shirt and matching pants off a hanger, followed by–
"A dress?" Beast Boy struggled in the grip. "I am not wearing that!"
"Empresses wear dresses." The man shoved him and the dress into his arms into the closet and closed the door, quickly leaning against them to keep the younger man locked inside. "And you are my fiancé."
He slammed his fists against the wood, shouting. "Let me out! I'd rather wear a towel than this!"
A low growl made him pause. "That body is for mine alone to see."
He swallowed. That sounded…awfully possessive. Unnerved, he quieted and retreated from the exit. With an exhale, he let the towel drop and tugged on the dress like a shirt only to find it wouldn't slide over his head. He tugged off the fabric.
"Doesn't fit." He held the clothing over his chest as the doors opened and the Emperor entered.
"Unzip it first." The man advanced and Beast Boy backpedaled.
"Okay, okay!"
But the man didn't listen. Instead, he looped an arm behind the younger male's bare back and tugged him close. He plucked the fabric from green hands and unzipped the back before stuffing the smaller man into the dress.
Beast Boy grumbled in protest but slipped his arms through the sleeves and the Emperor zipped up the back. "Can't I at least have some underwear?"
"Not until you earn it." A palm groped his rear and he yelped.
The man tugged him out of the closet and led the way to the doors. "W-wait," Beast Boy floundered. "You can't seriously expect me to go out there in this."
~oOo~
Notes:
Might wind up reworking this plot into a different story idea.