Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ A Matter of Good Sense -- Revised ❯ Hidden Beauty ( Chapter 3 )

by Michalyn

Chapter Three

"Easy, boy," Trey tugged on Porphyro's reins and the stallion shied, stirring up little whirls of dust. Trey clicked his heels, trying to move the stallion forward. It snorted, and tossed its head, prancing skittishly.

Heero, Rossetti's young head of security appeared at Trey's side. Grim-faced, Heero reined in his own horse, "Is something amiss?"

Trey shook his head, "Not exactly-- He's a little skittish. It's just this place," He indicated the Eirean towers in the distance, "Don't you feel it too? The magic in the air...?"

Heero frowned. His hand went to his sword, "No."

"Not at all?"

"I don't feel anything and neither do the men."

Trey turned around and sure enough, his men , though tired from the great distance they had covered, were for the most part relaxed. They rode in small groups chatting among themselves, their horses going at a slow, easy pace. It was most puzzling to Trey. These were his best soldiers and he trusted their instincts as much as his own. If Heero sensed nothing, and they were obviously not perturbed, why the devil couldn't he shake the feeling that something within Eires' walls was calling out to him? Trey frowned.

"Strange ... I could have sworn...."

Heero sniffed delicately at the air, "I don't like this. I can sense nothing out of the ordinary, but if you think something is afoot ...." He surveyed the grassy plain separating them from Eires' gates, "We are vulnerable in this place, and we know so little about these Eireans...."

"No, it's not that," Trey squinted at the vague outlines of buildings in the distance. He shook his head again, "It's not sinister, merely odd."

Heero snorted, "Odd or sinister, I don't like it. We are not too far across the plain. It may be best to turn around and wait out the night in the wood. It is not much of a cover, but it is sheltered, should we need to defend ourselves. If nothing is amiss, we can continue in the morning."

"No, let us move forward. It is a risk, but surely King Zechs...." Trey paused, unable to finish the thought. In truth, he did not know why the king had so readily accepted his proposal. Eires was renowned for its flourishing trade and powerful military, so it was only logical that any city aligned with it was at a great advantage. Recently there had been a number of skirmishes between Trey's men and King Mueller's forces on Rossetti's northern borders and despite its growing industry and the strong alliances Rossetti had formed with most of its neighbors, Rossetti was still in its infancy. While it benefited from the hospitality of its allies, neither Rossetti nor the peaceful, surrounding cities had the resources for defense against a major attack. As it now stood, should Mueller intensify the assaults, Rossetti would surely lose to the powerful northern kingdom. Further, who knew what would happen when word traveled that Trey had left, taking many of his best men with him? Still, he was not such a fool as to venture to Eires unguarded, with no means to protect either himself or his betrothed.Trey frowned. It was a risk, but he desperately needed the strength an Eirean alliance would give. For him, the choice was clear. The question was, what could Eires possibly gain by aligning itself with the fledgling Rossetti?

Trey saw Heero's hardened expression as he surveyed the land around him. Eires two, pale suns burned overhead and Trey stared for a moment, transfixed. The Kingdom of Light....

Goddess help him, but he had to believe it was not a trap. Trey spurred Porphyro forward, "Come on, let's go."

**

Quatre watched as his father glanced at the doors *yet again*. They were awaiting Rossetti's arrival, but King Zechs was clearly more concerned that Wufei hadn't made his appearance than the fact that the young emperor was to arrive soon. He turned to Quatre with a grimace, "Are you sure he is coming?"

"Yes, Papa. When I left Trowa, he said Wufei had just returned from his bath."

"Humph ... but...."

"He will be fine, Papa."

"By Airiah I pray we are doing the right thing. You know how stubborn your brother can be. What if--"

"Wufei is strong; he will not succumb so easily to despair."

His father frowned, "He is strong, but not so much as he thinks ... and this ...," King Zechs' expression was pained, "I fear he will never forgive me for it."

Quatre hurried to kneel at his father's side, "No, you must not think that way. This is no little thing we are asking of him. We simply must give him time to come to terms with it. Wufei does not hate you. He will come around, you will see." Quatre smiled, "He is just his father's son: more sensitive than he would ever admit to -- and much too thickheaded for his own good," Quatre's smile widened to a grin when his words teased an involuntary laugh from his father.

"So you're saying I'm being a mule-headed old fool?" King Zechs' eyes were twinkling.

"Quite."

"Brat," King Zechs ruffled Quatre's hair and he visibly relaxed, "Thank you, son. I needed that."

Quatre nodded; he looked at his hands, "Besides, this morning, I ... I cast the stones again."

King Zechs tensed, "and what do you think?"

"They confirmed my vision. Fear not, Papa, he is the one."

King Zechs sighed, "Then I place my faith in your gift." His father seemed comforted and for a moment they fell into silence. Abruptly, King Zechs leaned forward, "By the goddess, where is your brother?" he demanded irritably. "This damn waiting is wearing my nerves thin!"

"Really," Quatre chuckled, "If a man didn't know better, he just might think there was truth to the rumor that the king plays favorites."

" To hell with men and their rumors. I don't play favorites. What it is, is ...." the king frowned.

Amused, Quatre raised an eyebrow. His lips twitched, "Yes, what is it, Papa?"

"Don't look at me like that. You know I worry about both of you boys. It's just that with you, I feel more secure. No matter what happens, I know you will pull through--" King Zechs gave Quatre's hand a fierce squeeze, "that is what makes a king."

Quatre smiled, "And Wufei?"

His father sighed, "Wufei ... is different. I always feel like I've failed him in some way. Maybe it's because of your mother's death--" King Zechs rubbed at his eyes. He peered at Quatre, "You cannot tell me that he does not concern you as well, or else, why all this? He is too withdrawn, and his ideas--" his father shook his head, "If this union is not successful, I fear for him."

Quatre was troubled, "I too worry about him. He has suppressed his gifts and it will only make this more difficult, but--" Quatre took a deep breath, "Forgive me for saying this, Father, but you underestimate him; you have always underestimated him. You try so hard to protect Wufei, that you've never truly put your faith in what he can do. You love him, but do you believe in him?"

King Zechs frowned, "I...."

"Forgive me for interrupting, milords," Jehr, the young messenger appeared at the doors. He scampered to King Zechs' side and bowed, "Milord, Emperor Trey of Rossetti has arrived."

Kings Zechs' lips tightened. He shot Quatre an anxious look, before schooling his expression into the serene mask he was known for, "Thank you, lad. Kindly show the emperor in."

"Yes, milord. Will do, milord," the messenger bowed again, hastily. Quatre watched as he hurried out of the throne room, no doubt eager to have the task done with so he could report to those in the kitchen that the 'mystery man' had arrived.

King Zechs calmly arranged his robes. He turned to Quatre, who had already taken the seat next to him. "Very well," he said softly, "let's get this over with."

**

Trey, with Heero close at his side followed the Eirean messenger to the throne room. They pushed past the ornate doors to the interior and were bathed in a patchwork of multi-hued splendor. Above them, sunlight filtered through a dome of painted glass, and blues, pinks and yellows swirled in shifting patterns on the walls and marble floor. It created a mosaic-like effect that hovered somewhere between the playful and the mystical.

At the very center of all this beauty, sat the Eirean ruler himself.

"King Zechs and Prince Quatre, may I present the Emperor of Rossetti," the messenger introduced them with a flourish.

Moving forward to the thrones, Trey bowed, "It is an honor to be received in the kingdom of Eires."

Large and powerfully built, never did another man so aptly epitomize power as King Zechs. His strong jaw, high cheekbones and thin, dignified nose bespoke noble bloodlines and an unflinching nature. His black robes contrasted stikingly with the paleness of his hair and of his eyes, and when he turned to Trey his gaze was shrewd and assessing.

"Welcome to Eires, Emperor Rossetti. We are pleased to have such an esteemed guest."

Next to the king sat Prince Quatre, heir to the throne. He was a pale slip of a youth with short, gently curling hair much the same color as King Zechs'. With his porcelain skin and delicate features, Trey thought him an enchanting, otherworldly beauty. He smiled to himself. If Quatre were any example, then he had much to look forward to in his own mate.

Prince Quatre stood. He smiled at Trey, "Welcome, Trey of Rossetti. We have heard much about your thriving capital. Eires is pleased to have such a resourceful ally."

Immediately, Trey liked the soft-spoken prince. A quiet power seemed to resonate from Quatre, touching Trey with an air of enchantment. His kindness and warm, easy manner were equally irresistible and Trey had no difficulty imagining the kind of king he would make. His gaze travelled from Quatre's aqua robes to the golden bands of his sandalled feet and he couldn't help the smile of appreciation that touched his lips. So lovely as well.... He bowed,"You flatter me, Prince Quatre, the pleasure is mine."

It was when the prince moved to re-take his seat that Trey noticed the ancient, powerful kymera subtly interwoven into Quatre's flowing robes. Trey raised an eyebrow: A seer who would be king. How ... unexpected. Surely the goddesses were at work here. He had wondered why his proposal had been accepted. Now, observing the powerful aura of mysticism surrounding King Zechs and his heir, Trey began to understand that these men's motivations had little to do with the ordinary desires of men -- and Trey was not sure whether to be wary of, or comforted by that knowledge.

Next to him, Heero appeared to have just noticed the same thing. Practical to the extreme, Heero had little patience for that which could not be explained. He hung back now, his gaze hard and suspicious as it fell on the two Eirean men.

King Zechs turned to the messenger, who had retreated to the rear of the room, "Thank you Jehr, would you please ask page Arnelius to summon Prince Wufei?"

"Of course, milord."

Anticipation rose within him and Trey tried to quiet the agitation those words inspired. His blood thrummed in his veins and his heart throbbed an excited tattoo. As much as he appreciated the men's hospitality, he had come here for one thing: to meet his prince. The strange yearning he had felt earlier had intensified tenfold as he entered the castle, like a power singing in his veins and Trey struggled to retain his composure. What the devil was this place?

When the messenger left, King Zechs shifted in his throne. He pierced Trey with a stern look, "Let me be frank. I have reason to believe in you, but I am only supportive of this union so long as my son is happy." He leaned forward, bracing his powerful arms on his thighs, "Harm him in any way and you will rue the day you were born. Do you understand me?"

Quatre shook his head, "Now, Father, we don't want to give Emperor Rossetti the wrong impression." When the king grunted, he smiled at Trey, "As you can tell, Father is somehwat protective of his sons. However, your reputation precedes, you, Trey of Rossetti. We trust that as a man of honor you will be true to this bond with my brother. "

"No need to explain, Prince Quatre, I understand the king's position, perfectly." In fact, Trey rather liked this blunt, fiercely protective king. It meant that protectiveness would now also be extended to Rossetti.

Quatre, laughed, the sound soft and musical, "Then, we are grateful." He looked over Trey's shoulder. "Ah, we have neglected your man," He beckoned to Heero, "Will you join us? Excellent...."

Heero came forward, his expression a mixture of wariness and defiance. He dropped reluctantly to one knee before the prince, "Heero Yuy, Head Guard of Rossetti," Heero did not lower his head.

Trey tensed. Was Heero trying to get them killed? He was used to his guard's brusqueness but many a nobleman mistook it for insubordination. Trey froze, carefully watching Quatre for his reaction. Damn it, Heero, he could not afford to lose this alliance.

Quatre merely laughed, "Welcome, Heero Yuy." In an unexpected move, he rose and touched a palm to Heero's cheek. Heero froze and Trey could see the clench of his fingers as he willed himself not to fling the pale hand away. Trey started forward, every limb tense, fearing the violence that would explode at any second....

It did not happen. Quatre's eyes closed and Heero abruptly shuddered and went still.

"Such power...," Quatre's lashes fluttered and he met Heero's own blue gaze, "Try to enjoy yourself in our kingdom, won't you, my doubting one? Sometimes what cannot be apprehended is most powerful of all...."

He dropped his hand and returned to his throne. Trey watched, the blood pounding in his veins as amazingly, Heero nodded and retreated to his former position.

Trey stared, turning from Heero to Quatre, "What the devil--"

"My Lords, may I present, his highness, Prince Wufei."

Trey whirled towards the doors. He strained to see beyond the dim passageway.

Finally, the moment had arrived.

A tall figure stepped forward and walked to the center of the room. Lean of build and broad of shoulder, every roll of the man's lean hips spoke of power tightly coiled. His thick, auburn hair, loose over his shoulders, was parted so that it concealed one eye. He surveyed the room with equanimity, green gaze moving from one man to the other.

Trey felt a surge of disappointment. Was this his prince? He appeared slightly older than rumored: closer to Prince Quatre's age than Trey had imagined. Then again, looks could be decieving, Trey temporized, and if it were true anywhere, it was more than so in Eires. His gaze returned to the newcomer. This man was surely the exemplification of grace and raw intensity ... and yet....

"Mi-mi-milord Trowa!" the messenger squeaked, "I was not aware--" He bowed repeatedly at King Zechs' disapproving frown, "Forgive me."

The newcomer nodded. His quiet voice rippled across the room, "It is I who am at fault. I should have told you I was replacing Page Arnelius."

So this was not the prince? Trey breathed a sigh of relief. He could not explain it, but the thought of a union with this man had just not seemed right. His instinct was further confirmed as he observed the secret look exchanged between Lord Trowa and Prince Quatre. Though their gazes only held for a second, when Quatre looked away, his heightened color revealed much more than friendship.

All right, if this was not his prince then where was he?

"May I present Prince Wufei," Trowa bowed to Trey and took his place at Quatre's side.

There was a rustling of robes as a diminutive youth emerged from the shadows. Imperiously ignoring Trey and Heero, he went to the dais, his head held high and his eyes fixed ahead of him. He bent, white robes pooling around him and braid sliding forward as he bowed to King Zechs and Prince Quatre.

"Father," Prince Wufei inclined his head, "Brother."

The husky tenor sent a delicious tingling along Trey's nerves, resonating with something deep within him. From the corner of his eye he could see Heero's narrowed eyes at the prince's dismissal, but Trey did not care. He focused on that narrow back, his fists clenching as he willed Prince Wufei to face him -- the need to see his face so powerful that it almost overwhelmed him. By the goddess, why wouldn't he turn around?

Quatre nodded, "Welcome, brother. A new cycle is begun this day in Eires. I give both you, and Emperor Rossetti my deepest blessings. May Aidah shine on this union and bring you lasting happiness."

King Zechs stood, "Rise, my son and meet your mate."

Trey's heart thudded in his chest. Prince Wufei remained kneeling and for a moment it seemed he would not comply. He rose, slowly however (to Trey's agitated senses, excruciatingly so) pivoting on quiet feet to meet Trey.

The soft profile turned towards him and Trey gasped. He had heard Prince Wufei was different, that he little resembled his kin, but rumor did not even begin to hint at reality. Night and Day: there was no other way to describe the contrast between the pale men before him and this dark, exotic creature. Trey knew enough of Eirean culture to understand the impossibility of conception within a broken life-bond, but it seemed unthinkable that these three men should be related. On closer inspection, however, he discovered certain resemblances in Prince Wufei: the same regal bearing of Prince Quatre and the unmistakable strength of the king ... but that was where they ended.

Directly opposing the loftiness of his father and brother, Prince Wufei was small and slender. If not for his leanly muscled frame, he would have been dainty. Yet, he was not particularly attractive, Trey thought with equanimity as Wufei approached. Having none of the pale, prettiness of his brother, there was not very much remarkable about Wufei except his skin, which was a warm, earthly hue and smooth as any woman's. His black hair was pulled tightly back and a thick braid plummeted to his waist. The style sharpened his features, lending them an almost ascetic severity. Behind the thin frames of his glasses, Wufei's eyes were dark and serious.

When Wufei bowed, Trey found himself intrigued by the fine, curling strands that had rebelled against the strict confinement of his ponytail. His gaze remained there, drawn to the curve of that graceful neck and Trey had the sudden urge to kiss the nape of the tender column.

"It is an honor to meet you, Lord Rossetti," Prince Wufei's voice was clipped, his lip curling slightly as he issued the greeting.

Trey quelled a surge of irritation. Rossetti needed this union too badly for him to be bested by a haughty little brat. Bowing deeply, he flashed Wufei his most charming grin. His bethrothed raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

Trey squelched the acrid retort rising to his lips. Smile never faltering, he reached for the prince's hand and took it in his own, "I am but your faithful servant."

Wufei froze.

His eyes were wide and for the first time Trey noticed their long, exotic tilt and the heavy fringe of Wufei's lashes hidden behind the unflattering spectacles. Turning the small hand over in his palm, Trey was surprised to find that Wufei's fingers were trembling. A wave of compassion went through him. He rubbed the soft fingers, warming them with his own, "You have bestowed on me the greatest honor a man can give another. Thank you."

Trey had intended the speech to sound silken and self-assured. Instead, he found a surprising vein of intensity coloring his words. Wufei must have noticed as well, because he seemed taken aback. He tried to snatch his hand away, but Trey would not release it. Wufei's lips parted and to his surprise, Trey discovered that their uncompromising tightness was not natural, but imposed. He glimpsed the true fulness of that small, sensuous mouth before Wufei swiftly controlled his reaction and pressed his lips together again.

Fascinated, Trey raised an eyebrow. What did he have here?

Trey studied Wufei, now seeing what he had missed at first glance: the smooth forehead, the graceful cheekbones, the sweet, oval face.... His blood stirred. Oh, this was too delicious: Wufei was an exquisite beauty, carefully and delibarately hidden. A thousand questions ran through Trey's head: Why had he gone to such lengths to suppress his beauty? It was obvious Wufei was reserved, but in what manner? Trey studied the serious, upturned face. Which was his betrothed: truly prudish or defensively shy?

A spark of anger flashed in Wufei's eyes at his unabashed scrutiny. Trey saw it and almost purred. He quickly chose the latter. He did not know what had caused Wufei's insecurity, but he could not wait to lure him out of his shell -- and draw him out he would. Gods, Trey loved a challenge and this sulky beauty was now all his.

Delighted, Trey took in Wufei's white robes. Though made of silk, the cut did little to complement Wufei's figure. Trey found the style unflattering and priestly. He smiled. Now, he'd love to see that lovely, golden skin in a brilliant emerald silk, or crimson velvet -- something that would bring a little color to Wufei's cheeks and capture some of that snapdragon temper Trey had glimpsed earlier.

"Come sweet, shall we take a walk to get to know each other better?" In a bold move, Trey caressed Wufei's palm before linking his arm with Wufei's. He smiled winningly despite Wufei's glare and the sudden tension that radiated through the slim body pressed against his. Heedless of Wufei's struggles, Trey led them towards the king, knowing the prince would have to follow him, or else risk creating a scene; instinctively, Trey knew Wufei hated drawing attention to himself above all else.

Unwillng to release his prize at any cost, Trey bent in a little half-bow to King Zechs, keeping Wufei's arm firmly in his grasp. Beside him, Wufei tried to discreetly extricate his arm, but Trey held fast, ignoring the faint hiss it earned as he addressed the king, "We ask your permission to take our leave, milord. I am eager to speak with my mate--" Trey smiled, "and I am sure there is much Prince Wufei would like to question me about as well."

If Trey did not know better he would say that that was amusement he saw glowing in King Zechs' eyes. He looked to Wufei, "Is this so my son?

Wufei's glare promised retribution as soon as they were out of sight. His jaw ticked, "Yes ... father." the words were ground out from between clenched teeth.

"How wonderful," Quatre beamed, "Do let them go, Father,"

King Zechs nodded, "Then by all means, go if you must. Just remember the welcome feast begins at the waning of Ix."

Trey did not hesitate, "Thank you, your majesty." He turned, steering them towards the doors.

This was going to be fun.