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Author's note: This is a completely new chapter that I added (although not a very long one, I admit). Somehow I always felt like there was too big of a jump between chapter 4 and the original chapter 5. This will hopefully fill the gap, and tell a little more about Milliardo slowly warming up to his new master and his new life.

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A Small Piece of Heaven

Part 5

"Martin," The duke called out to his stable master. "Have you seen Milliardo? Evans told me that he went to the stables."
The tall man nodded. "Yes, your Excellency. He was here earlier. He took Allegro out for a ride."

"I ran into him at the jumping range about fifteen minutes ago," a worker, who was drying off his mount outside the stable, said. "I could go and fetch him for you, if you wish."
"Thank you, but won't be necessary. I was planning on riding out to the range anyway." Treize turned toward Martin. "Please, have somebody prepare Napoleon for me."
The stable master nodded "Right away, Sir."
A few minutes later the stallion was saddled, and stomped his hoofs impatiently as he waited for his rider. The ex-colonel smiled and patted the horse's neck as he mounted him. "Easy now; you will get a chance to run soon enough."
The jumping range was located about half a mile to the south; just far enough to warm up the horses, but not tire them out before they got there.
Treize saw Milliardo and Allegro, a six year old grey gelding, when he approached the range. The blond slave didn't seem to notice him, so the ex-colonel brought his mount to a halt and watched for a while.
Milliardo was an excellent horseman, but - according to himself- he had never had any jumping lessons. Nor had he mentioned that he was interested in learning it. But he had talent, no doubt about it. He took most of the obstacles like a pro; until he became too ambitious for his own good.
The duke frowned as he watched Milliardo heading for one of the larger walls. This was not a beginner's obstacle. The young man suddenly seemed to realize that as well and he hesitated only yards in front of the wall. Sensing his rider's insecurity, the gelding refused the jump. The change from gallop to a sudden stop thrust Milliardo forward and out of the saddle. The young man was thrown headfirst over the wall.
Treize gasped in shock and spurred his mount. Napoleon cleared the hedge that surrounded the training ground with ease.
Milliardo was already on his knees when the duke reached him. He was wiping his face and spitting out sand. Treize let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding. And when he realized that the young slave was alright, he just couldn't help but laugh. "You realize that the purpose of the exercise if for horse and rider to clear the obstacle together, don't you?" he teased.
Milliardo grinned sheepishly as he rose to his feet and cleaned the dirt of his clothes. "That's what I was trying to achieve. It looks so easy when you do it, Master."

Treize smiled. "But I have also been practicing for a lot longer than you have. And…" he patted Napoleon's neck. "I have been working with Napoleon for long enough that I'm well aware what he can do and what he can't. He trusts me to never push him to do something he can't handle. You haven't developed such kind of a bound yet with your horse. It will take some time and a lot of practice."

The younger man looked up at the ex-colonel. "Does this mean you will teach me, Master?" he asked hopefully.
The duke nodded. "Yes, but under one condition. I expect you to be more careful from now on. I don't want you to get hurt, Milliardo."
The young slave nodded. "I understand, Master. I'm sorry."
Treize smiled softly. "It's alright. Now, I need to practice with Napoleon for a while. He hasn't gotten a good workout in days. What are you going to do?"
"I would like to stay and watch if I may."

*****

About an hour later the two riders returned to the stables.
"I have to talk to Martin about the upcoming horseshow. This might take a while, so if you want to go home already that's fine with me." Treize told Milliardo as they dismounted and handed their horses off to some stable hands.
"If you don't mind, I'll wait for you, Master."

The duke nodded. "Very well."
As he walked away to speak with the stable master Milliardo went to see Iberia and her foal. Visiting them had become something like a daily routine to him. Noble - his full name was Noble Blood, but nobody called him that - had grown quite a bit in those past four weeks.
Four weeks? It seemed hard to believe that it had only been four weeks since the day the foal was born; since he, Milliardo, had come to live here. It was amazing how much his life had changed since. Sometimes he still wondered if he was only dreaming. He could barely remember the last time when he had been treated so well or when he had so much freedom. Being allowed to leave his room and even the house as he pleased was a very new concept to him. Of course he had to stay on the grounds of his master's estate; but it wasn't that he wanted to go anywhere else anyway. As far as he was concerned, this place was heaven.

Iberia raised her head as Milliardo approached her stall. She came to the gate, knowing that the young man always carried some treats in his pockets, and nudged him. Milliardo laughed. As he gave the mare a few pieces of carrot Nobel joined them as well. He was still too young to eat solid food, but curious enough to check out what his mother was doing. He touched Milliardo's face with his soft, velvet-like nose. It tickled. The young man smiled as he petted the black colt.

"There you are. I should have know that I would I find you here."
Milliardo turned his head at the sound of his master's voice. The duke walked over to him and embraced him loosely from behind. "You really like the little guy, don't you?"
The young slave smiled softly as he relaxed against his master's chest. He felt comfortable enough to do so now. "Yes, it is amazing really to watch him grow and become stronger every day."
"Then I'm sure you will be pleased that I have decided I'm going to keep Nobel." Treize breathed into his ear.
Milliardo shivered a little, as he turned his head and gave the ex-colonel a surprised look. "I thought you already had found a buyer for him."
"In fact," Treize said. "I got several offers, but I haven't made a deal with anyone yet. When I thought about it I came up with quite a few good reasons why I should keep him." At Milliardo's questioning look he added. "For one, I think he would make a much better stud then Napoleon. They have the same noble bloodline; but Napoleon has always had somewhat of a temper and can be rather aggressive at times. Secondly, I'm convinced that in a few years Nobel will give his brother a run for his money in the show ring. Thus, by selling him I would be creating my own competition. And last but not least…" The duke raised one hand and gently caressed Milliardo's face. "If you are serious about jumping you will eventually need your own horse. As they say; the best rider is only as good as his mount. And I think the two of you would make a great team."

Milliardo's mouth went dry as he realized the meaning behind those words.
It was going o take a couple of years before the colt was ready to be trained. Could he really dare to hope that his new master was planning on keeping him for this long? Could he in fact be that lucky?

"Thank you, Master."

***

Treize smiled. "You are welcome."
Milliardo's face was still turned toward him. Treize gently brushed his knuckles over the young man's cheek. He could feel the blond lean instinctively into his touch. They looked at each other and their eyes locked. As the duke gazed into those ice-blue depths he felt the urge to kiss the young man. He slowly dipped his head, and for a moment their lips almost touched. But then, remembering Milliardo's reaction to his kiss during the picnic, Treize stopped himself and pulled away.
Milliardo turned his head away, and it almost seemed like he was disappointed.

The ex-colonel frowned in slight confusion. Did he want for me to kiss him?

There was a drawn out pause before Treize asked: "Have you ever been in Barcelona?"
Milliardo shook his head. "No, Master."
"I'll be attending a horseshow there, next weekend. And you are going to accompany me." Treize tightened his embrace a little, pulling the young man closer against his chest. "I thought that we should stay for a few days after the show and enjoy ourselves. The weather there is simply beautiful at this time of the year. I want to show you some of my favorite places."
"I'm looking forward to it, Master."

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T.B.C.

Author's Note:

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