Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Bound Bonded and Betrayed ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 9 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Disclaimer: I don't own the G'boys, I just borrow them from time to time to play with and return them a whole lot happier, ne?
Rating: NC 17
Warnings: Sap, angst, bondage, slavery, Yaoi, Lemon, lime, het, violence, dark, fluff, AU, OOC.
Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 1xR, 2xR
Archive: http://gundam-wing-diaries.150m.com
Summary: Heero is the eldest son of the King of Colonia. His 21st birthday is approaching and as tradition dictates his betrothed is soon to arrive. However he is also bound by tradition to select his own personal slave. The events that unfold lead him down a path that not only tests his sanity but his humanity and love as well.
Author's Note: This fic was started back in 2004 and has languished on my hard drive ever since, only sporadically being added to when I have the time (and the muse the inclination) . Updates will be far between, but rest assured, it will be finished. Feed back is most welcome as are honest critiques. Flames will be dealt with as I deal with all flames - with sarcasm.
Commenced July 2004 - published January 2008
"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"
January. 2008 ShenLong
Chapter 8
Heero knocked on the door to his father's study and waited to be granted entry. Once inside he sat in the large chair opposite the king.
"How is your new slave, Heero?" asked the king.
"He is coming along nicely, father. Quatre has been a great help with him."
"Good." King Treize had yet to meet Heero's slave but he'd heard all about the new arrival and the circumstances surrounding his purchase. It infuriated the king that there were still masters out there that would treat a slave so cruelly. Treize was a fair man and a fair ruler, his subjects and staff respected and loved him. While Treize would not tolerate disobedience or insolence he wasn't cruel in his reprimands either. "Your bride, as you are aware, will be arriving at the end of the following week. I will speak with the castle staff and have the chambers next to yours prepared for her residence prior to your marriage."
Heero nodded.
"Once you are wed you may choose to stay in your current chambers, Heero, or you may move into larger quarters if you wish. There are three other, larger chambers along the hall from yours and I would like for you to inspect them and then inform me of your decision so I can make the appropriate arrangements for your future marital quarters.
"Yes, father." Heero was quite happy to stay where he was but he did realize that once he was married his chambers may not be large enough for two of them, especially as he had no idea of what his future bride would be bringing with her by way of clothing or anything else.
As if reading his thoughts, the king continued to speak. "The princess will be bringing her maid with her so I have arranged for her to stay with Dorothy and Hilde in their quarters until after you are married. Depending on which chambers you choose to live in after your marriage your bride may wish to have her maid move into quarters closer to you both."
The king's words suddenly hit Heero's mind. He hadn't thought about that. "Does my bride know that I also have my own personal slave?" he questioned. For some inexplicable reason, Heero suddenly felt very protective of Duo and it was important to him that his future wife and queen was aware of his slave and that Heero had no intention of giving him up.
"I assume she does, most nobles have slaves to care and look after them. I'm sure she would be aware that you have your own slave, just as she has hers."
"Good." Heero made a mental note to make sure that whatever chambers he chose for himself and his bride that there would also be a room close by for Duo as well.
"Is that all, father?"
"For now it is. Oh, one more thing. I wish for yourself and your slave to join your mother and I for dinner this evening. We would like to meet this new slave of yours and discuss some more of the preliminary wedding plans."
"As you wish, father." Heero stood up and bowed respectively before the king.
"I will expect you in the main dining chamber shortly after sunset, Heero."
"Yes, father." Heero left the king's study and returned to his chambers; he had a lot on his mind and much to do before dinner. Opening the door to his chambers a smile found its way to his lips as he observed Duo, humming softly to himself as he tidied up. Heero stepped into the room and closed the door.
Duo whirled around as the door closed. Immediately he dropped to his knees, head bowed as he realized that his master was back. "Master," he said softly in greeting.
"Duo. Have you nearly finished your tasks?"
"Yes, master. I have only to replace the books upon the shelf and then all is done."
"Good. Please, finish your work then go to the kitchen and inform the cook I will take my lunch now in my rooms."
Duo couldn't help but notice his master seemed a little, irritated? On edge? He raised himself from his kneeling position and swiftly dealt with the books, keeping one eye on his master who was now leafing through some papers on his desk. "I'm finished, master. I'll go and get your lunch now."
Heero looked up from his absent thumbing of the papers. "Thank you, Duo."
With a respectful bow, Duo exited the chambers and went to fetch his master's lunch, his mind still trying to work out what could possibly be causing his master's distraction.
"Ah, Duo."
Duo smiled at the cook. "Prince Heero wishes to have his lunch now please, Miss Noin."
The cook smiled back at Duo. She had a soft spot for the young slave. "Won't be moment, Duo. Take a seat and try one of these while I put everything on the tray for you.
Duo did as requested, Noin placing a small pastry in front of him. Duo picked it up and studied it. The golden pastry gleamed back at him, a shiny glaze on top with strands of thick icing drizzled over it. He popped it into his mouth and chewed slowly, the sweetness dancing over his tongue. "Delicious," he stated as he licked his lips.
Noin laughed. "It's a new thing I've been experimenting with for the coming wedding."
Duo felt a strange and unfamiliar sensation rise in his chest at the mention of the wedding. While he was fully aware that the Prince's future bride would be arriving soon he couldn't help but wonder how it would affect his life with his new master. He had a lot of questions, questions such as would he be required to serve the new princess? Would his duties change once the prince was married and if so how? They were questions he wanted answers to, but was afraid to ask. His trust in his master was slowly beginning to develop but was still in its fledgling stages and could easily be destroyed.
"The tray is ready, Duo." Noin's voice brought him back from his thoughts and with a smile he picked up the tray, thanked the cook and departed back to his master's chambers.
Arriving back at the heavy paneled door, Duo managed to balance the tray and knock. Once the command for him to enter had been given, he opened the door, walked inside and placed the tray down on the table before returning to close the door. Picking up the tray again, he was about to take it over to the desk when his master's voice stopped him.
"Leave it on the table by the fire, Duo."
"Yes, master." Duo moved back to the small table between the large, comfortable chairs and set the tray down.
Heero got up from his desk and walked over, sitting down in one of the comfortable chairs. Immediately Duo knelt at his side. Heero allowed his hand to drop and caress the soft crown of Duo's head for a moment before turning to the lunch tray.
The meal was eaten in silence, Heero feeding his slave but saying nothing. Duo gladly accepted the food but couldn't help the knot of fear in his stomach. Something was clearly bothering his master and Duo wanted to find out what it was. Once the meal was finished, Heero sat back in the chair, eyes closed as his mind raced around in circles. His eyes however, opened quickly when he felt his slave's hands upon his shoulders.
Seeing the stressed lines upon his master's face Duo rose silently, hoping he wasn't overstepping the mark and moved behind his master, placing his hands on Prince Heero's shoulders and attempting to massage away some of the tension there. "Is this acceptable, master?" Duo asked as his hands stilled momentarily.
"Yes, Duo, It's acceptable." Actually it was damn nice!
"Master?" Duo's curiosity had gotten the better of him and he decided to ask his master what was troubling him.
"Yes?"
"May I ask you something?"
"You may ask, but I may not necessarily answer."
Duo took the plunge. "You are distracted, master. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Prince Heero sighed. "That evident is it?"
Duo nodded, not game to push his luck any further and settled to his knees once more beside the chair.
"My father wishes for me to select a room to inhabit with my bride once we are married."
"Surely that cannot be the entire problem, master?"
"No, Duo, it isn't. My bride will also be bringing her own maid with her and will probably want her servant to have quarters close to our marital rooms."
Duo was a little unsure as to where all of this was going but held his tongue.
"I am not aware if she knows that I also have my own personal slave..."
Duo's mind began to whirl, thoughts passing a mile a minute through his head. Once his master married he wouldn't need him anymore. If the new princess was bringing her own maid then Duo's services would no longer be required, one maid would be enough to look after both the prince and the princess. What was to become of him now? The small flame of hope that he'd foolishly allowed to grow began to falter and diminish. His misery must have shown itself on his face for the next thing he knew, his master's hand was cupping his chin and forcing him to look at his master.
"Duo? What is wrong?"
Duo didn't want to answer and tried to look away.
"Duo!" Heero's voice rose a little. "I asked you what was wrong. I expect an answer. Look at me."
Reluctantly, Duo returned his gaze to his master.
"What is troubling you, Duo?"
Taking a deep breath and knowing he was probably going to be punished for his words, Duo spoke softly. "When the princess arrives and you are wed, master, you will no longer have need of my services, the princess' maid will be enough to look after you both. I would..." Duo's voice faltered, hitched and a tear escaped his eye. "I would rather you end my life for me now than sell me back into my previous life of slavery."
Heero's heart gave a lurch as he listened to Duo's words. The slave thought he would sell him?
Duo knew in his heart that he couldn't go back to the life of slavery he'd led prior to being purchased and brought to Heero's home. He would rather be dead than subjected to the torture and beatings again. He only hoped his master would be kind enough to grant him this one thing and put him to the sword; if he didn't then Duo would be forced to take his own life and he wasn't sure if he could do that.
"No, Duo. It would be criminal for me to end your life and I won't do it. Sad violet eyes looked up at him and Heero continued. "Nor would I sell you, and certainly not back into such a life. I gave you my word that you would not be beaten here and to sell you back into such a life would be the same as breaking my word. Besides, regardless of the princess' maid, I will still require your services. Duo, you will remain my personal slave, wedded or single, I will not have you leave me. My troubles are how to inform my bride of your presence and that I intend to have you remain with me and assist me after we are wed."
Duo's eyes widened. // His master still wanted him?! He wasn't to be sold or passed on? // Duo's heart leapt with joy and the flame inside burned with renewed vigor. "Thank you, master."
Heero was a little hurt to think that the slave thought him callous enough to simply toss him aside once he took a bride. But then on the other hand, given what he'd learned of Duo's past he couldn't blame the slave for thinking that way either. Somehow Heero needed to let the slave know he was very much wanted and needed. Dropping his hand back to the chestnut head, he gently caressed the soft locks. "I wish for you to accompany me to the chambers I am to select from."
"Yes, master."
"Leave the luncheon dishes for the moment. You can take them back to the kitchen later."
"Yes, master."
"Come, Duo. Let us have a look at the chambers on offer and make a choice. Heero rose from his chair and crossed the room. Duo followed, two steps behind with his head bowed.
* * *
They walked down the passage way, past Prince Trowa's rooms and further along. Two more doors went by before Heero stopped at the third and opened the door. Duo followed his master inside, glancing around from underneath his bangs at the opulence of the chambers.
"There are three chambers on this floor that I think may be suitable. This is the first."
Duo allowed himself to take in the surroundings.
They were currently standing in what Duo termed the 'sitting room'. A huge fireplace dominated one wall, bright rugs were scattered about the floor, two large armchairs and a larger, three seater couch were arranged around the fireplace. There was a small door leading off to one side and a set of double doors on the other.
Heero walked over and opened the smaller door, Duo followed, his curiosity aroused. The door led them into a smaller room, obviously a study. Bookshelves adorned the walls, huge drapes covered the window while a desk and a chair were centrally placed.
"Hmmm." Heero frowned and backed out of the small room. He headed for the double doors next. The doors swung open to reveal the bedchamber, similar in layout to the prince's current bedchamber. Two smaller doors faced each other on opposite walls.
Prince Heero looked around and then went to one door and then the other. The first door opened to reveal the passage way to the bathing chamber; the second opened into a small room, obviously for a maid or a slave. Shutting the door, Heero turned on his heel and left, Duo trotting along behind.
"Master?"
Knowing what the slave was going to ask, Heero replied before the question could be spoken. "Not suitable. The study is too small and I wish to have two slave chambers attached, one for my bride's maid as no doubt she will want the maid close by, and another for you, Duo."
Duo's body warmed with the prince's words, his brain was a few seconds behind. "You want me to have a room attached to yours, master? No longer share with Quatre?"
"That's what I said, is it not?" Heero's tone was a little sharper than he'd intended but his mood was still dark and he took it out on the person closest to him - Duo.
Duo flinched at the words, annoyed at himself for speaking out of turn. Biting his lip, he waited for the reprimand. Instead of being reprimanded though, his master chose to ignore him, something Duo discovered he disliked more than being verbally or physically punished. At least when he was punished by words or actions the pain didn't last too long. Being ignored though; well, that pain stabbed at his heart and the ache stayed. Now Duo began to understand a little of what his master meant when he said there were other ways to punish him that didn't involve beatings. He was brought from his mind's wanderings when Prince Heero stopped outside another set of double doors and then opened them. Obediently, Duo followed his master inside.
The sitting room contained the usual features, large, soft armchairs, open fireplace, small table and rugs scattered about the floor. A study, larger than the previous one was through a door to the left and a tastefully decorated bed chamber was through a door to the right. Prince Heero walked silently into the study, gazed around, eyes noting everything before he walked out and through to the bed chamber.
Duo followed along behind and quickly stuck his head into the study for a brief look around then back tracked to keep up with his master who was disappearing into the bed chamber.
The large, four poster bed formed the centerpiece. A rich burgundy canopy and matching drapes gave the room a regal air. The dark, polished wood of the dressers and other furniture added to the richness of the room.
Prince Heero moved towards one of the three doors that lined one side of the room and opened it, Duo following behind. Heero looked briefly inside before turning to the second door and then the third, leaving Duo to catch him up.
The first door opened into a simple, parlor type room, single bed, dresser, chair and a desk were the only contents. The second door opened into the passage that led to the bathing chamber while the third opened into another small room, similar in size and content to the first room. So intent on looking into the rooms, Duo didn't realize his master had moved on. Duo turned around to find Prince Heero no longer in the bed chamber and hastened to find his master lest he end up in more trouble. He found him back in the study, a thoughtful look on his handsome face. "Master?"
Prince Heero turned to look at the slave. "I think these chambers will suit. They appear to have all that I require." The prince looked around again. "Yes, these chambers should suit my purpose and my bride. With those words, Prince Heero left the rooms, Duo following faithfully behind.
* * *
Upon returning to the prince's chambers, Heero sat by the fire, deep in thought. Duo knelt at his side after placing more logs on the coals of the fire and building it back up again. After several minutes of silence, Heero spoke.
"Duo, please take the dishes back to the kitchen and inform Dorothy that I wish to speak with her. Have her come to my chambers as soon as possible."
"Yes, master." Duo began to rise and then paused as his master spoke again.
"Tonight I will be dining with my parents. I will require your attendance as well. Have Quatre show you what attire from your wardrobe will be suitable and return to assist me to dress shortly before sundown."
Duo's heart skipped a beat. // He was to meet the king and queen? // "As you wish, master."
"That will be all, Duo. You may go now. I will see you before sundown."
"Thank you, master." Duo bowed and went to fetch the luncheon dishes, carrying the tray and exiting the room as quietly as he could, leaving his master alone with his thoughts. Duo's mind was whirling with his own thoughts, so many of them were swirling around that it was like a dog chasing its tail. Arriving at the kitchen he took the tray in and set it down upon the table.
Noin smiled at the slave. "Did Prince Heero enjoy his lunch?"
"Yes, thank you, Miss Noin," replied Duo as he took the dishes from the tray and stacked them by the sink. "Master Heero wishes to see Miss Dorothy in his chambers as soon as possible," he said, keeping his head bowed.
"She should be back soon," replied Noin as she continued to prepare the vegetables that were for the evening meal. "I'll let her know and send her up as soon as she gets back."
"Thank you," said Duo and turned to leave.
Noin watched him go, a small frown on her face. The young slave seemed a little, distracted?
Duo went back to the room he shared with Quatre. The blonde slave wasn't there so Duo flopped down on his bed, staring at the ceiling and mulling over the past few hours. The emotions bubbled away inside him as he thought long and hard. The morning had started out well enough and he flushed as he recalled 'servicing' his master for the first time. He had enjoyed *that*. But then it seemed that things had gone rapidly down hill. While he was happy in the knowledge that his master still wanted him, required his services enough to have him relocated to a room adjoining his married chambers, Duo couldn't help but feel that the prince was not entirely happy with his approaching marriage. But being nothing more than a slave, it wasn't his place to question his master either.
Sighing, Duo put his hands behind his head and pondered some more; this time his mind wandered to his master's betrothed. What was she like? Duo knew she was pretty, he'd already learned that from the other slaves and servants. She was also supposed to be quite intelligent and of good breeding. Somehow the talk reminded Duo of how one would discuss a piece of horseflesh. He snickered at his musings.
"Something funny?"
Duo started and sat up, immediately going into a submissive pose.
Quatre smiled at him. "It's okay, Duo." Quatre watched as the other slave visibly relaxed. "What were you snickering at?"
Flushing, Duo wasn't sure if he should repeat his thoughts to Quatre.
The blonde slave moved across the room and stood before Duo. "Something made you smile, going to tell me what it was? Or am I going to have to tickle it out of you?" the young slave teased.
"Well," began Duo. "You promise you won't say anything to anyone?"
"You have my promise."
"I was thinking about the master's bride to be and the way everyone keeps describing and discussing her; as if she were some kind of prize horse or animal." Duo peered through his bangs at the blonde slave to see what reaction his words brought. He needn't have worried.
The boyish features lit up and Quatre laughed. "Yes, I suppose it would seem like that when you think about it," he giggled and sat on the bed next to Duo. "There's something else though, isn't there?" stated Quatre.
Duo looked up sharply. "How can you tell?" he asked.
"I'm not really sure," replied Quatre and began to fiddle with one of his wrist amulets. "Ever since I can remember I've been able to sort of sense people's feelings. It's really hard to describe but I can tell when they're happy or sad, frustrated, annoyed, upset; that kind of thing." The blonde looked at Duo.
"You can read thoughts?" Duo asked.
Quatre laughed. "No, Duo. I can't read minds so you're safe."
The long haired slave gave a sheepish grin.
"I can only sort of sense the inner feelings of someone. Comes in handy sometimes, which is why I'm usually the one to work with the new slaves when they arrive, such as in your case. I can sense some unease in you though. Want to share?"
Duo chewed on his bottom lip for a moment and then sighed. "Okay." He thought carefully for a little while longer, attempting to locate the words he wanted to best describe what was going through his mind. "The master, when his bride arrives..." Duo trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
Quatre guessed what was going through the other slave's mind. "When Prince Heero gets married you're unsure of what your role will be. Am I correct?"
Duo nodded. "I accompanied him today to select the chambers he's to occupy once he's wed."
"And?" coaxed Quatre.
"He said he wanted chambers that had adjoining rooms, one for the new bride's maid and one for me."
"Then at least you know your master will still be wanting you as his slave. Duo, It's not unusual for a prince or a king to have many personal slaves as well as his queen."
"I know that, Quatre. But... Will I be expected to serve my master's bride as well as the master? What I mean is..." Duo began to blush.
"Ahh." Quatre had a glimmer of understanding. "That I cannot say, Duo. That is up to Prince Heero to decide. I'm sure he will inform you of what will be expected once he's married."
"I guess you're right. I suppose I'm feeling a little lost, I mean, my master finally had me service him today, and," Duo paused, embarrassment clearly showing in both his voice and his face. "I don't know if... Once he's married will he...? Damn! He hasn't made a move or shown any..." Duo was becoming more tongue tied by the minute.
Quatre took pity on him. "Prince Heero had you service him? That's good, Duo. Tell me, did you enjoy it?" The blonde sidled a little closer, a sly look in his eyes.
"Yeah, I did," replied Duo, getting a little hotter. "He's, well, you know."
"Nicely proportioned?"
"Um, yeah."
Quatre dissolved into a fit of giggles. Duo flushed even more.
"You're wondering if he's still going to want you in that way once he's married and has his bride in his bed, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Oh, Duo." Quatre wrapped his arms around the new slave. "I can't answer that question for you, that will be up to Prince Heero, but don't worry, if he doesn't require your services in a sexual way any longer I'll be happy to help you relieve any tension." While he was trying to be serious, Quatre couldn't help but snicker. Duo on the other hand, nearly choked.
"I'm only joking, Duo." Quatre ran a soothing hand along the other slave's back. "If you wish I will speak with my master, Prince Trowa and see if he knows anything. Other than that you will just have to wait and see or ask Prince Heero yourself."
Duo paled a little and shook his head. "No, I couldn't ask him. I guess I will just have to wait and be grateful that he still wants me as a slave at all."
"Oh, Duo. Of course Prince Heero will still want you," Quatre soothed. "Why on earth wouldn't he?"
There were several answers Duo could have given to Quatre's 'question', but he declined to voice them, for to do so would only upset the gentle slave and result in further discussion and Duo was becoming tired of the topic. Instead he chose to change tactics. "I am to accompany my master to dinner with the king and queen tonight. Master said to ask you to help me with my choice of clothing."
"Ah," replied Quatre. "You're finally going to be introduced to the king."
"Yes."
"Don't worry, Duo. King Treize and Queen Une are both good people. You have no need to fear them."
"But what if I make a mistake? I don't want to embarrass my master or cause him to think badly of me."
"You won't, Duo. Just be yourself and remember your place. Your training will see you through. Now, let's sort out something for you to wear." The smaller slave stood up and moved to the chest at the bottom of Duo's bed that contained the long haired slave's clothing.
~ * ~
tbc...