Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Legend of Knights of Destiny ❯ Destiny Beckons ( Chapter 9 )

Part 8 - Destiny Beckons

Quatre run his fingers through his blond hair, to tame the wild locks somewhat, as he joined the other slaves and servants who had lined up in the inner ward.

The other day Duke Dermail had ordered that all slaves in the castle received a whole set of new clothes. Quatre had been somewhat surprised, because this usually only happened for special occasions. But then he had learned that the king himself was passing through on his way to Ravenhearst. Mary, a kitchen maid who always found a way to sneak some food to the stable slaves, had heard the Duke talk about it, when he came down to the kitchen to instruct the staff on what he expected to be served at the feast. A royal visit was indeed as a very special occasion.

Quatre raised his head as the fanfares announced the king's arrival. When the large caravan of men and horses passed through the inner gate the blond boy could make out Princess Relena on her white mare. The young heiress had visited Oakwood Castle a few times in the past. Quatre had found her to be very kind, friendly and caring. To Relena's left rode her father, the king. He was a man in his mid 40th with the demeanor of somebody very much in control of everything around him. The boy with the unruly brown hair on the princess's right had to be Lord Yuy, the king's ward and perhaps even the future ruler of the Sanc Kingdom. Behind them rode a tall man in the white and blue uniform of the royal guard and another boy that caught Quatre's attention. His skin had a golden tan to it and his black hair was pulled back in a ponytail. His facial features clearly identified him as somebody of eastern origin. As the procession came closer Quatre went down on one knee and kept his gaze respectfully on the ground. Behind him he could hear quiet whispers from some of the maids.
"He's got to be the king's wizard. You think they all are as good looking where he comes from?"
"I wonder if he is a powerful as they say?"
"Why did the king bring him? Does he think he needs this kind of protection here?"
"I'm sure after what happened to Prince Milliardo, he would be a fool not to be careful."
A Wizard? Quatre thought. But he looks barely older than I am.

Wen he carefully lifted his head, to sneak another look at the dark-haired youth, he was surprised to find the other boy's eyes trained on him. Quickly he converted his gaze back toward the ground.
When the king and his men stopped inside the courtyard Quatre quickly was at their side to take care of the horses. Lord Yuy dismounted first, then he went on to aid the young princess. Relena gave him grateful smile.
"I'm exhausted, Heero," she sighed. "I would have never thought that two days in the saddle could be this tough."
"Hn." The brown-haired boy grunted. "Your father and I both told you that it would be easier for you to travel by carriage as usually."
Her smile turned a little sheepish. "That you did," she agreed. "I suppose I was too foolish to listen."
"Perhaps not foolish, just stubborn," her father remarked with a smirk. "Stubbornness has always been a trademark of the Peacecraft family."
The conversation ended when Duke Dermail and his niece approached to greet their guests.
"Your Highness," The duke bowed deeply. "You honor me with your present in my humble home."
The king nodded curtly. "We thank you for your hospitality."
Princess Relena smiled courteously, while Lord Yuy just stood there, his face an unreadable mask. But when Quatre was about to lead away the lord's mount, their hands touched unintentionally when he reached for the reins. For a moment a feeling of aversion and distrust directed against the Duke overwhelmed the young slave. Lord Yuy was obviously not an admirer of Dermail, and somehow Quatre found that very interesting. He lead away the white stallion, unaware that Heero's gaze was following him.
"I suppose that you want to fresh up and rest after your long trip." The duke continued. "Let me show you to the quarters that I've had prepared for you."

***

King Stephán felt exhausted, emotionally as well as physically, but not from the long trip. It had been Relena who had talked him into going on this journey. This was the first time that he and his daughter had left the Royal Palace since that fateful day, more than three months ago, when Milliardo had disappeared. Although the search for the prince had been in vain, the king found it still hard to accept that his son was dead. But he also knew he couldn't afford to loose himself in sorrow. As difficult as it seemed at times, life had to go on and decisions had to be made; decisions that impacted not only him and his family but also the entire kingdom. From the day Milliardo was born he had been groomed to become the future ruler of the Sanc Kingdom. But with him gone and Relena the only heir, the throne and all power that came with it would go to her future husband. This of course meant that Relena had to marry a man worthy and fit to be king. The most rational choice seemed to be Heero Yuy. He wasn't a Peacecraft by blood but yet considered part of the family. He was also well liked by the people, who considered him one of them, since he had been born a commoner. Heero had the spirit of a warrior while Relena had always shown to be a great diplomat. Together they should be able to rule the kingdom.
The king had spoken to Relena and Heero about the arrangement. He knew that they both understood that this wasn't something he chose to do, but something he had to do. The Peacecraft family had always been willing to make sacrifices, even personal sacrifices for the future of the kingdom. Yet he couldn't help but feel guilty. An arrange marriage wasn't what he had planned for either of them, but than it wasn't exactly like things were going as they had been planned.
Before they had left for their trip to Ravenhearst, the king had officially announced the upcoming betrothal of Princess Relena to Lord Yuy. A feast fitting for the event was planned for late spring.
A knock at the door ripped the king from his thoughts.
"Come in."
Treize stepped into the room. "Your Highness, Wufei finished putting up protection spells for all the royal quarters."
"Thanks you, Treize. Tell him I'm pleased, as always."
"Umm…"
"Yes, Captain? Is there anything else?" the king gave him a questioning look.
"I was just wondering if you will be needing Wufei's or my services this afternoon?"

The king thought about it for a moment then shook his head. "I don't think I will. Relena is socializing with Dorothy, and Heero was with them last time I saw them. I'll probably be resting for a while. So if you are planning on taking some time to yourselves, by all means do so. God knows you deserve it."
Treize gave a quick nod. "Thank you, your Highness."

***

After freshening up and changing from her travel outfit into a silk-laced dress, Relena had met with Dorothy in the library. Heero was sitting silently over a chessboard, while the girls talked. After a long while the princess turned toward him.
"Heero, Dorothy and I will take a walk in the garden. It is just too beautiful of a day to see sit inside."
The young lord just nodded, rose from his chair and followed them without a word. Looking at him from over her shoulder, Dorothy put on a scoffing smile.
"You trained him well, Princess Relena. Does he fetch and sit on command too?" And then directed at Heero she continued. "I assure you, my Lord, that my uncle's guards are more than qualified to provide efficient security for Princess Relena."
Heero gave her a cold glare, but before he could say anything Relena spoke up.
"I think Dorothy is just trying to say that we would like to spend some time alone. We will be only in the garden, so there is no reason for you to worry about my safety."
"Very well," Heero answered. "I wanted to go check on my mount anyway. It seemed like he was starting to limp when he got here. You will find me at the stable when you need me."

"Ask for Quatre," Dorothy suggested. "He knows more about horses than anybody you will ever find. He will be able to help you."

"Princess, my Lady." He nodded curtly before he left.

"You;ve got to forgive, him." Relena told the other girl. "Ever since Milliardo's …disappearance, Heero is a little overly protective of me."
The two girls walked out into the garden. Once they were out of earshot of any servants or guards Dorothy said:
"So, your father really is going to make you marry Lord Yuy, isn't he?"
Relena shrugged. "It is for the best."
"The best for who?"
"The best for the kingdom." The princess replied. "Besides, it could be much worst, you know."
"Yeah, I suppose you could be forced to wed somebody who actually is human." Dorothy scoffed.
Relena's eyes narrowed as she turned toward her friend. "Please don't talk like this. If you ever would take the time to get to know Heero, you would realize that he is actually very caring. Just because he doesn't show his emotions as much as other people doesn't mean he doesn't have any."
"By the way you defend him one could almost think you really are in love with him." Dorothy almost smirked, but Relena didn't make any reply. After a while they settled down on a bench.
"I'm surprised that your father has not taken any actions against the Romefeller Empire after what happened." Dorothy said.
"There is not even real proof that Tubarov was behind the attack on Milliardo." Relena answered.
The other girl snorted. "Princess Relena, are you too naïve or too blind to see that only the Emperor had a reason to kill your brother. The Sanc Kingdom and the Welshyre Kingdom are the only remaining threats to the Romefeller Empire."
"We have never been a threat to anybody. Sanc has not attacked another land for more than 300 years."
"Maybe there has never been an enemy as powerful and dangerous as Tubarov in the last 300 years." Dorothy retorted. "Your father should attack him before he becomes even more powerful."
"Leading the country into a full-blown war with the Romefeller Empire will only end costing hundreds if not thousands of lives. Not one person, not even my brother, is worth that kind of sacrifice. - Now, please let's not talk about this any further."

"As you wish, Princess Relena."
For a while they sat just quietly, then Dorothy turned her face toward the princess. Slowly she raised her hand, twisting a lock of Relena's long blond hair around a finger.
"You did something to your hair, didn't you? It looks different."
Relena smiled ever so slightly. "You noticed."
"I like it."
"I hoped you would." Relena almost blushed.

***

Heero walked toward the stables and stopped one of the boys working there. "I'm looking for somebody called Quatre. Can you tell me where to find him?"
Before he got an answer from the stable hand, another boy, about Heero's age, with golden blond hair turned toward him. Heero remembered noticing the boy earlier in the yard.
"I'm Quatre. How may I help you, my Lord?"
"It's about my mount." Heero explained. "He seemed to have injured himself on the trip here."
The blond boy nodded. "I've noticed that, my Lord. I checked it out and it seems to be a relatively minor wound. He probably cut himself on a sharp rock or a thorny bush."
"I'm surprised he let you touch him. He usually doesn't like strangers."
Quatre's lips curled into a wry grin. "Yes, I've noticed that he has a bit of a temper."
One of the other stable boys gave an amused sound. "A bit of a temper? He sent you flying half way through the stable, Quatre."
Heero looked at the blond boy. "He kicked you? You weren't hurt, I hope." Although there was concern in the young lord's voice, neither his facial expression nor his eyes showed any indication of it.
Quatre's grin grew sheepish. "Only in my pride, my Lord."
Heero seemed satisfied with that answer. "So you think the injury is not serious?" he asked the other boy.
Quatre shook his head. "If the wound is kept clean it should heal up within a few days. I also mixed up a little ointment." He picked up a wooden bowl with a brownish, paste-like substance.
"What is it?" Heero asked curiously.
"It's mixture of ground up roots and herbs. It will prevent an infection. I'll clean the wound then cover it with the paste…once I can convince your Stallion to cooperate."
"It might be easier if I assist you." Heero said.
"Are you sure, my Lord?" The stable boy, surprise in his emerald blue eyes, asked. "You might get yourself dirty."
There was a hint of an amused smile on the young lord's face. "And that would be a problem, why? I suppose you do have water around here?"
Quatre returned the smile. He felt suddenly much more at ease. He led the way, and Heero followed him to the stable where his mount and the rest of the royal horses were kept. To Quatre's relieve the white stallion was a lot calmer with his owner around.
Heero hold up on the stallion's left hind leg. He watched the other boy intensively, as he cleaned the wound, then coated it generously with the root paste.
"Lady Dorothy mentioned that you are the best stable hand around. How long have you been working with horses?" Heero asked.
"I was eight summers old when I was sold to his Lordship the Duke," the blond boy answered. "I suppose I was lucky to be put to work in the stables."
"The Duke treats you well?" Heero had no idea why he was asking a question like that. He wasn't sure why he cared. He didn't even know the boy.
"As well as a slave can expect to be treated, I suppose." Quatre answered evasively. He finished his work by bandaging the stallion's leg. "There are some buckets of water where you can clean up, my Lord." Quatre gestured to the back of the stable. "I'll go and get you something to dry off with."

Heero nodded and walked to the back. He crouched down next to the water bucket, as he washed his hands. A moment later he could hear Quatre talk to somebody; a man as he could tell from the voice. Heero didn't pay any attention to their conversation until there was the unmistakable noise of flesh hitting flesh and then a thump. Heero rose to see Quatre on the ground, a tall man towering over him, ready to strike the boy again.
His eyes narrowed in anger. "What's the meaning of this?"
The man turned toward him. "Nothing you should concern yourself with, Lord Yuy. I'm only teaching this contumacious slave a lesson."
"With your fist?" Heero growled angrily.
"Believe me, it's the only language this whelp understands."
"I beg to differ. I'll not stand by and let you harm an unarmed boy."
"He deserves a good beating. He told him to groom and saddle my mount. Instead he has been loafing around again."
"I assure you, that Quatre was not loafing around. He was helping me taking care of my horse." Heero explained, as he put himself between the man and the boy. "I suggest you leave him be."
The man growled something inaudible, gave Quatre an angry look and left. Heero reached out to offer the boy assistance. Quatre took the hand, blinking in surprise. He wasn't used to people helping him.

"Thank you, my Lord."
"Who was that man?" Heero asked.
"Sir Alex, Duke Dermail's 1st Knight."
"A knight?" the young lord snorted in disgust. His eyes narrowed. Then he focused on an already darkening bruise in the other boy's face. "He hit you hard. You should have somebody look at that bruise."

Quatre almost laughed at that comment. Does he really think the healer will waste her time on a slave? But he nodded anyway, knowing better than to argue. "Yes, my Lord."
"I believe the Duke should hear about this."
"It would do no good." Quatre answered, a sad tinge in his voice.
"If you're afraid he will not believe you I'll gladly speak for you." Heero offered, but the other boy just shook his head.
"That's very kind of you, but it is best left alone, my Lord. You should not concern yourself."
"As you wish." Heero nodded. He told the other boy that he would be back later to check up on his stallion, then walked out of the stable, leaving behind a baffled Quatre.

The brown-haired boy confused Quatre. He didn't know what to make of him. On the outside Heero seemed cold and uncaring, but his actions told otherwise. Quatre knew that many people envied the young lord for his life appeared to be a dream come true. He was born a peasant, raised amongst royalty, destined to marry a princess and most likely to become king some day. Could one wish for more? He should be very happy, shouldn't he? Yet as they touched earlier, when Heero helped him to his feet, Quatre had felt little happiness within the other boy.

Quatre couldn't know that Heero was just as confused about him. To his own surprise he had taken an instant liking to the boy. Strangely enough he felt the same kind of connection to him that he had felt toward Wufei, when they had met for the first time. And then there was something else. Every time the other boy touched him he felt so utterly exposed, as if the blond was able to look straight into his soul. He didn't like it. He didn't want anybody breaking through the wall he was hiding his emotions behind. He decided to talk to Wufei about it but learned that the Wizard and Treize had left the castle.

***

Wufei had given Treize a look that indicated he seriously doubted his master's sanity when the man suggested a ride through the country site. After spending the past two days on horseback, why would anybody in his right mind want to go on a ride just for fun? Besides, he had been planning on a long meditation session, something he had not found time for in a while. But in the end both of them had compromised and agreed on a walk.
Just east of Oakwood Castle was a small lake where they had stopped to take a rest. The afternoon sun made the water surface sparkle like diamonds. The air was impregnated with the sweet smell of spring flowers and sounds of birds. Treize had taken off his uniform top and was lying on his back in the grass, eyes closed, soaking up the warmth of the sun's rays. He could hear Wufei next to him stir and then a shadow cast over him. Lazily the captain opened one eye to see the young wizard propped up on one elbow watching him.
"I thought you were going to meditate," he said.
"I just thought of something better," Wufei answered, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. Leaning forward he captured the captain's lips in a passionate kiss. Treize brought his arms up, embracing the boy tenderly, as he returned the kiss. He closed his eyes and moaned softly at his lover's sweet taste. His lips parted, allowing Wufei's tongue to enter his mouth. When they finally broke their kiss both of them panted breathlessly.

"I like your way of thinking," Treize whispered as be begun to nibble on Wufei's earlobe.
The young wizard gave a low chuckle. "Somehow I knew you would." Feeling his lover's hot breath on his neck sent shivers of pleasure down his spine. Wufei moaned at the sensation, as Treize placed a trail of soft butterfly kisses down his throat.
"So delightfully delicious," the ginger-blond man whispered. "Makes me want to find out how the rest of you tastes."
"What is stopping you?" Wufei asked innocently, his slender fingers started to search for the drawstring on the captain's pants. He groaned frustrated when Treize gently batted those fingers away.

"I don't think this is the right place, love."

Wufei pouted. It looked so sweet and had the desired effect.

Treize sighed. "Tonight, Dear, I promise," he vowed, as he nuzzled the nap of the boy's neck. "I'll find a reason to leave the feast early."

***

When Heero went back to the stables to check on his stallion, as he had said he would, he couldn't see the blond slave anywhere. Once again he asked on of the other stable hands where he could find Quatre. The boy almost winced at that question.
"Quatre doesn't feel well. Perhaps I can help you, my Lord."
"He seemed fine a while ago." Heero frowned, remembering that his stallion had kicked the boy earlier that day, and decided to make sure he wasn't seriously injured. "Where can I find him?"
The boy seemed to think for a moment then sighed. "This way, my Lord."
The slave led him into the back of the barn. For a moment Heero wondered why Quatre if he was sick wasn't in his sleeping quarter. He was about to asked the other boy about it when he noticed in the far back a number of blankets on the straw covered ground and he realized that this was where the stable slaves slept.

Heero stepped closer, and crouched down next to the boy. Quatre was covered with torn blankets. The blond boy seemed to be unconscious, and his breathing was shallow and labored. His face was a swollen mess of scrapes and bruises. There was no question that he had been beaten. Heero was shocked, but after a moment his shock turned into fury. "Who did this?"
The boy who had let him into the barn cringed at the angry tone of voice, but seemed reluctant to answer.
"Tell me!" the young lord demanded.
"Sir Alex. He was displeased about something Quatre did earlier and punished him…"
Heero turned, stormed out of the barn and went looking for the knight. He found the man in one of the castle's halls talking to some acquaintances. Heero confronted him furiously and demanded an explanation for his action.
"Get a hold of yourself, Lord Yuy," Alex answered exasperated. "It's not like we are talking about a person here. He is a slave. A disobedient and indolent slave, if I might add. He deserved every bit of that beating he got. That's what you do with slaves if they are disobedient, you discipline them."

"They are still human beings and deserve to be treated that way," Heero growled. "Disciplining them is one thing, beating them close to death another. How can you find pleasure in hurting somebody that can't defend himself, and still call yourself a knight? You are disgrace to the very essence of knighthood."
Alex's face turned crimson red at the insult. "Unlike others here, at least I come from a long line of knights and nobility, Lord Yuy," the man spit.

Heero grunted and retorted. "Yet, your family seemed to have failed to teach you proper manners and the code of honor."

"I'm not going to take this kind of insults from you. You will apologize or I'll teach you a lesson in swordplay that you will not like."
"Apologize for speaking the truth?" Heero snorted. "I think not. If you want to fight me, so be it. We will see who will be teaching whom a lesson. "
"You are very confident of yourself, Lord Yuy, aren't you?" Alex growled, as he unsheathed his sword and thrust forward. Heero brought up his own weapon in defense. The other people in the hall scrambled to get out of the way of the fight. The older man thrust forward again aiming high and again his strike was blocked. Heero retreated as his opponent attacked again and again, and the man grinned viciously. "Maybe you are a little too confident."
The young lord snorted and jumped over the blade as the next strike was aimed for his legs. At the same time he brought up his own sword, striking from above. Alex, unable to get his weapon up fast enough, could only jump back. The next attack caught him still off balance. Their weapons locked. Heero managed to trap his opponent sword and at a twist of his wrist the man lost his grip on the weapon. The sword hit the ground, and Alex's eyes widened as the blade Heero's sword was pressed against his throat. The young lord glared at him for a moment then pulled back his weapon tossing it aside.
"Let's see how good you are with your fists against somebody who actually knows how to defend himself."

***

Treize and Wufei had just returned to Oakwood Castle when they learned that Lord Yuy was dueling with one of Duke Dermail's knights. But by the time the captain stormed into the hall the men were locked in a fistfight instead of a sword duel. A small crowd of people had gathered around them.
What has gotten into Heero, Treize wondered? I have never seen him like this. It's just not like him to loose his temper.
Treize knew the king well enough to know that he was not going to be happy about this incident. The captain stepped in to break up the fight.
"Lord Yuy, stop this foolishness at once," he demanded sternly. "Heero, listen to me…now…"
Treize was determined to get a hold of the boy and restrain him, if necessary by force. But suddenly an elbow connected with his chin. The impact was powerful enough to make him see stars. He stumbled a few steps backward before bumping into something semi-soft, which turned out to be Wufei's body.
"Are you hurt?" the black-haired boy asked. The fact that someone, no matter who, dared to strike his master/lover didn't settle very well with the young wizard.
Treize rubbed his sore jaw and shook his head. "I'm fine," he assured Wufei. "Help me stop these two, would you?"
"That will be my pleasure," Wufei answered.
The trace of anger present in the wizard's voice concerned Treize somewhat, but before he could stop him, the boy's obsidian eyes turned even darker. The captain had come to recognize this as a sign that he was summoning his powers to perform a spell.

"Easy, Wufei," he warned, but it was already too late.

With one swift motion of his right hand Wufei hurled a bolt of sparkling blue energy toward the two men fighting.

Heero paid little attention to Treize when the captain tried to stop him. He was too concentrated on the fight and his opponent to notice anything around him, including Wufei. He didn't even see the crackling wave of energy the wizard discharged until he was struck. A collective gasp went through the hall as both Heero and Alex were thrown back by the impact. Another charge, even more powerful than the first, followed almost instantly. Heero was struck in the chest. The result was "stunning", literally. It was like a bolt of lightning hit his nervous system. Instantly his muscles went limb, but he didn't even feel any pain when he hit the floor. He felt like somebody had turned off his entire body, leaving only his brain to work. He tried to move his arms and legs but found that he couldn't. His muscles didn't obey him and neither did his voice. He almost wished that he would loose consciousness. Being awake but unable to do anything with his own body was the worst feeling he had ever experienced.

For a long moment there was absolute silence in the hall. Everybody's eyes were fixed on Wufei. Treize let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding, as he glanced at the two prone figures on the ground with concern. Then he turned toward the wizard. "What did you do to them?"
"There is no reason to worry," Wufei answered calmly. "I did not harm them. They are just unable to move for a while."
"For how long?"
Wufei shrugged. "The spell should wear off before nightfall or the moment I reverse it."
"Reverse it now." Treize commanded.
The young wizard frowned. It was obvious that he did not agree with the captain, but he nodded anyway.

"As you wish."

***

Heero was still feeling the aftermath of the wizard's spell in his sore muscles, when King Stephán asked to see him. Somehow he wasn't surprised to find Treize and Wufei in the king's chambers as well. All three of them listened silently as the young lord apologized for his actions, and explained to them what had led to the fight between him and Sir Alex.
"Makes me almost wish we hadn't interfered or at least given that arrogant bastard what he deserves." Wufei growled, once Heero was finished, and earned himself a disapproving glare from the king.
There was a noticeable trace of displeasure in his voice, when Stephán addresses Heero.
"Although, I do understand your anger ands motivation to confront Sir Alex, I can not condone your action, Heero. I'm somewhat disappointed, because I would have thought you more intelligent than that. I wish you would have simple brought the matter to my attention and let me deal with it."
"My apologies Sire. I stand corrected," the young lord answered quietly.
The king sighed. "What's done is done. But Heero, I do expect you to keep away from Sir Alex for the rest of our stay here. Let me take care of the situation."
"Yes, your Highness."
"Then go and get changed. Let's try not to insult our host any further by being late for the feast, shall we?" the king ordered with a dismissive motion.

***

Quatre woke up feeling warm and comfortable. The surface beneath him was unusually soft and the smell was different from what he was used to. It didn't smell like horses and straw, but rather fresh and clean. The blanket he was covered with was thick and soft. It felt almost like he was lying in a real bed. But that was impossible. Gods, he couldn't even recall the last time he slept in a real bed.
The last thing he remembered was another one of Sir Alex's angry outbursts and the beating he had received. He must have lost consciousness because he couldn't recall what happened when the beating stopped.
Or maybe I died and this is heaven? Am I dead? Quatre stirred and moaned as he felt pain in his rips and jaw. Not as much as was to expect after the blows he had received, but it still hurt. No, I don't think I'm dead. Maybe this is a dream. He sighed, buried his head deeper in the soft pillow and pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders.
"Are you awake?" a voice asked.

The sudden question startled Quatre. Somehow he had assumed that he was alone. Curiously he opened first one eye, then both, unable to see much in the dark. He sat up, his hands roaming over the soft surface he was lying on; shocked to discover that indeed it was a bed, a very large, very comfortable and very clean bed, in a dark and unfamiliar room.
"So, you are awake," the same voice said. "How are you feeling?"
Suddenly the room was brightened by the light of a dozen or so candles flickering to life at once.
Quatre let out a surprised gasp, his head jerked around to where the voice had come from. Across the room he could see a boy… young man… sitting in a chair.

So, it's true what they say. He really is a wizard.

"Are you alright?" the black-haired youth asked.

Quatre blinked, finally overcame his shock, and nodded. "I…I'm sorry, Sir. I'm fine, thank you. I don't seem to recall how I got here though, or even where here is."
"That's not surprising, considering you were unconscious when you got here," the wizard answered.

"May I asked where I am, my Lord?" the blond boy asked timidly.
"In my quarters," the other boy explained. "Do not fear. You are save here; Quatre…the name is Quatre isn't it?"

He nodded. "Yes, my Lord."
The wizard smirked. "My Lord! I like the sound of that. - However, I am not deserving of that title, Quatre. I'm no Lord, or noble; just a slave like you."
Quatre's eyes grew wide. "A Slave? But aren't you a wizard?"
"One doesn't exclude the other." There was a trace of bitterness in the wizard's voice. "By the way, my name is Wufei. His Highness wanted to make sure you are well enough to travel, so I did a healing spell on you…"
"…travel where?" Quatre interrupted surprised.
"Right," Wufei said, lifting a hand to scratch his head. "Nobody has told you yet."
"Told me what?" the blond boy asked fearfully.
"His Majesty the King purchased you. You will be leaving with us tomorrow."
Quatre's jaw dropped, and once he was able to speak again he murmured. "But…How can it be? So many other nobles tried to buy me and the Duke always declined. He said he would never sell me." Though he had a hard time believing what he was told, there was a dim spark of hope within him, hope that the young wizard spoke the truth and he was going to leave this place.
Wufei snorted sarcastically. "Do you think the king is a man who takes no for an answer."
"No, I suppose he wouldn't." The blond smiled a little as the spark of hope grew. He laid back into the pillows, enjoying the softness and fresh smell.
"You had some very nasty bruises and cuts. Healing spells are not my strength. I'm sure you can do better healing yourself."
Quatre's face grew pale. "How did you know…?" he asked; his voice barely above a whisper. He never had anybody told about his abilities. He had never even dared to heal himself in the past out of fear somebody would discover his powers. Now that somebody knew, what would happen?
"I'm a wizard, remember," Wufei reminded him. "I can sense magic in others. I can tell most of your power comes from your mind, but you also can work with the basic elements, the very basic ones. You have never been trained to use those powers, have you?"
Quatre shook his head. "Only for a very short time as a child. I discovered most of what I can do quite by accident."

Wufei nodded as if that confirmed what he had thought.

There was a quiet knock, then the door opened and a tall, slender man in royal guard uniform walked in.

"Treize, what are you doing here?" Wufei asked.
"Checking up on my favorite slave," the man replied softly as he the distance between the door and Wufei in two large steps. He embraced the boy and kissed him. Wufei didn't return the kiss, but instead freed himself from Treize's arms and took a step back.

"The boy…Quatre…he woke up."

"Oh," the captain exclaimed, as he straightened up. He tucked on his uniform in a gesture of slight embarrassment, before directing his gaze toward the bed.

Quatre lowered his eyes and blushed, as he felt like he had been intruding on what was meant to be a private moment.

"Quatre," Wufei interrupted the silence. "This is Captain Treize, chief of his Majesty's personal security, and my…um…Master."
The man nodded curtly in his direction and Quatre stammered a polite: "I'm pleased to meet you, Sir."
"How was the feast?" the wizard asked.
"Boring as usually," Treize sighed. "I think the most entertaining part was watching Heero and Sir Alex glare daggers at each other from opposite sides of the table. I believe some people might even have placed bets on how long it might take till the two jumped on each others throats again."
"At least there was food, I suppose?"
The captain raised one eyebrow. "You didn't have supper yet? Oh, how thoughtless of me. I should have make sure of that earlier."
"Don't worry about it. Just see if you can get us something. I'm sure Quatre is hungry too."
Treize nodded. "I'll be back shortly."
Once the door closed behind him a soft chuckling noise came from Quatre's direction. Wufei gave the other boy a surprised look.

"Let me see if I understand this right. He is your master? You are his slave? And you just send him to fetch us supper?" More to himself Quatre continued. "Maybe I did die and go to heaven."

***

"For god sake, why couldn't you keep your temper under control for as long as the king is around?" Duke Dermail chided his 1st knight.
"I don't have a temper," Alex replied. "Besides, since when has the king become concerned with what his nobles do with their private property? And it should definitely not be of any concern to that peasant whelp. Who does this little bastard think he is anyway? Somebody should put him in his place."
"Careful with your choice of words, Alex," Dermail warned smoothly. "This little peasant whelp might be our future ruler and he could make you eat those words."

"Don't remind me," the other man growled. "Maybe somebody needs to make sure that he doesn't become king. If you asked me, some change is needed in the kingdom. With a strong ruler and a good army Sanc could become as strong, if not even stronger than the Romefeller Empire."
"This is not the time, Alex. If we are patient and a little lucky somebody else might take care of our problem for us."
"Is that so?" the knight gave the older man a questioning look.
"Word has it that whoever killed the crown prince was also after Lord Yuy," the Duke answered.
"You think they'll try again?"
"We can hope, can't we?"

Alex ginned evilly. "And I suppose if hoping alone doesn't work we can always help out a little."

***

Treize watched, as Quatre's eyes became big as dinner plates at the sight of the Royal Palace ahead of them. He laughed softly, still remembering the same expression of awe on Wufei's face when he had seen the white castle for the first time. "It's quite magnificent, isn't it?"
The blond youth nodded and gave the captain a shy smile.
Not much later they rode into the castle yard. Quatre was glad that the trip was over. After leaving Oakwood they had traveled to Ravenhearst where the king had some state affairs to tend to. They had stayed there for a period of four days. Then they had headed back to the Royal Palace. Not used to travel such long distances on horseback, Quatre felt sore and stiff. The mount he had been riding had been rather large and his legs ached from spanning the steed's broad back.

For a while the youth just stood there, feeling kind of awkward, since everybody but him seemed to know what they were doing and where they were going. Suddenly Treize put his hand on his shoulder and directed him toward one of the large stables. "Let's find Orin. He can show you around and get you settled in."
Orin turned out to be a gray-haired man in his early 50th and he was, as Quatre later learned, the royal stable master.
"Orin, this is Quatre. He just got here. His Highness though you can use some help with the court horses." Treize introduced him.
"Oh, he did, didn't he? I have only been asking for help for the last two years or so," the old man grumbled.
"You just didn't complain loud enough," the captain laughed.
Orin turned to the boy and looked him over critically. "You know anything about horses, boy?" he asked surly.
"I sure do, Sir." Quatre sounded almost offended. "I have been working with horses all my life."
"All your life, huh?" the old man said. "Must have been an awful long time considering how old you are." He started to walk away, stopped after a few steps and turned to Quatre. "Are you going to come, or are you just going to stand there."
The blond boy looked up at Treize, but the captain just laughed, and gave him a reassuring pat on the back.
"Don't worry Quatre. He only growls, he never bites."
"I've heard that, Captain." Orin snarled. "Now get out of my stable and let us do our work."
With a last encouraging smile in Quatre's direction Treize left. The boy sighed as he followed the old man.

Orin told him that the troop stables were on the other side of the palace. The soldiers were taking care of their own horses. The mounts for the royal guards were housed separately and they had their own stable hands. And then of course there were the royal stables. Quatre noticed that all of the court horses were white. Well, not all of them were totally white yet, since most white horses are born with a dark gray or brownish coat and only turned white as they matured. Each of them had their own tracks and trappings. Quatre couldn't help but smile to himself, wondering if a royal mount would find it offending to wear gear that was previously used by another horse. As he followed the old man around he soon realizing that Treize had been right. Behind Orin's grumbling and grumpy attitude the boy could feel a caring and friendly soul. After they had toured the entire stable the old man showed the boy his sleeping quarter, which he was sharing with three other stable boys. Then he took Quatre to the kitchen and introduced him to his wife Molly, who happened also to be the head cook. The corpulent woman with dark brown hair and warm green eyes took one look at the boy then shock her head in dismay. "Look at you, you poor thing. Didn't they feed you anything where you came from?"

She ushered Quatre across the room to a long table and pushed him gentle down into a chair. "Don't worry we will have some meat on those rips in no time." She announced cheerfully, as she disappeared into the cooking section, where she filled a large plate with all kinds of meats and vegetables. She set the dish in front of Quatre. "Eat up, kid."
Orin winked at him. "You better do as she says when you are down here. Everybody in the castle does, including his Highness."

"Oh, you better believe it." She nodded, hands on her hips. "He might be the king out there. But in the kitchen I rule."

Quatre couldn't help but smile. He was feeling more contented than he had in a very long time.

***

Heero knocked on the door to Relena's chambers and waited for her invitation to enter before he stepped in.
Dressed up for their engagement party, he was wearing white pants with a black sash, a white shirt and short white top with black and gold trimmings. He looked absolutely stunning. Relena's dress was red with black velvet trimmings. Her hair was braided and pulled together in the back and held by a black velvet bow. The only jewelry she was wearing was a ring Milliardo had given her on her 12th birthday, and around her neck the diamond-studded choker her mother had worn at her wedding.

"You look beautiful."
"Well, thank you." She smiled. Knowing that Heero didn't make compliments easily, it meant even more to her.
"The guests are assembled. Your father sent me to see if you are ready?"
"As ready as I ever will be." Relena looked at her soon to be betrothed. "What about you?"
"I beg your pardon?" Heero asked surprised.
"Are you sure you want to get through with this?"
His eyes narrowed. "Of course I am going through with it." What kind of a question was this anyway? The king had talked to them about it in length. It was important for the future of the kingdom and had to be done no question about it.

So, why didn't it feel right?

It wasn't supposed to be this way. Milliardo was supposed to be the future king and I was supposed to protect him. But I failed before I even had a chance to do so.

When he looked at himself in the mirror he could still see the scar across his chest, a constant reminder of his failure. The crown prince, his friend, had been killed because of him. I wish I had died instead. But maybe having to live with that knowledge was my punishment for my failure. I can't think of any other reason why I'd deserve to be alive.
Only when he heard Relena gasp, he realized that he had spoken those words out aloud. She turned toward him, took his shoulders and shook him.

"Heero, don't ever say something like this," she told him. "You need to stop blaming yourself for something you had no control over. Father has told you that before, and so have I. Stop torturing yourself. Milliardo wouldn't want that."
"We shouldn't let the guests wait," Heero answered evasively.

Relena signed. "You are right, I suppose." She took the arm he was offering her and gave him a soft smile. "The people expect to see a happy couple, Heero. Let's give them what they want, shall we?"

***

Quatre was preparing the horses for the royal carriage that would take Princess Relena and Lord Yuy through town. He had chosen a team of six snow-white stallions. After he brushed the animals, he then polished them with a bid of soft cloth till there wasn't as much as a single dust mote on the horses' hides. The king's trappings looked particularly well on them; blue cheek-pieces, blue bards and wide blue breastplates with the emblem of the royal house embroidered on them in gold. He even had braided blue bows into the horse's tails and manes.
The blond youth still was amazed how much his life had changed over the past few weeks. It seemed almost too good to be true and at first he had almost feared that it was all but a dream he would wake up from any moment just to find himself back with the Duke. But now it seemed more as though the time that he spent at Oakwood castle had been a long nightmare he had finally woken up from.
Quatre was spending most of his free time with Wufei. Somehow he could relate to the young wizard and felt most comfortable around him. Wufei had started teaching him to control his powers. It took hard work and a lot of practice, but he could tell that he was making progress. To his own surprise he soon found out that he seemed to have a special connection to Lord Yuy. Soon he didn't even have to touch the youth to perceive his emotions. He could feel Heero approach even before he could see him. On the other hand Wufei was like a looked door to Quatre. He couldn't read his feeling at all. He just assumed that it had to do with the fact that the boy was a wizard.

Quatre started to hitch the mounts to the wagon; the carriage being open of course as the whole point of the tour through the town was for the subject to see the newly betrothed couple.
They appeared in the early afternoon, after a ritual greeting of the guests in the main hall. Relena looked gorgeous and though her smile was very formal it seemed genuine. In her usual friendly way, she thanked Quatre for the lovely job he did. When Heero helped her into the carriage she squeezed his hand to get his attention.

"Smile," she whispered. "You are getting betrothed not executed."

***

Heero had walked Relena to her chambers after the feast, then headed to the training room. He felt a little lightheaded from the wine he had been drinking during night, and he knew that physical activity was a good way to get the alcohol out of his system.

When Wufei walked into the training room before sunrise he was surprised to find Heero there. The young lord was dressed only in his white pants. The rest of his clothing, including his boots was lying on a pile near the door. His bare chest was covered in sweat. Damp brown bangs were stuck to his forehead; telltale signs that he had been exercising for some time.

"Heero, what are you doing here?" Wufei asked.

"I could ask you the same," the other youth answered. "I'm amazed that Treize let you out of bed so early in the morning."
The wizard gave a low growl. "Are you trying to mock me, my Lord?"
"Are you just going to stay there and let me, or are you going to do something about it?" Heero asked, a ghost of a smirk on his face.

At the next moment he had to jump back quickly, as Wufei's foot missed him by mere inches. His own attack was blocked by the other boy with ease.
"You still haven't answered my question." The brown-haired youth panted, as he sidestepped to avoid another on of Wufei's flying kicks.

"I'm expecting Quatre. I have been teaching him too."
"Teaching him to fight? He hardly strikes me as a warrior." Heero seemed surprised.
"Looks can be deceiving," the other youth answered. He attempted a roundhouse kick, only to have his foot caught in mid air by his opponent. Only his quick reflexes saved him from landing on his back. "Besides, Wushu is not… only an art of fighting… but also used for self defense."
"I wanted to talk to you about Quatre." Heero said, blocking a set of fast punches with his arms.
"How so?"
"I have a strange feeling around him. It's like…"
"…like he can read your inner thoughts?" Wufei finished. "He can, in a way."

"What?" Heero's arms dropped and he paid instantly for letting down his guard. Wufei's next kick connected with his jaw. The force of the impact would have knocked down any other man. Heero just swayed and shook his head. "What are you saying, Wufei?"

"He has special mental abilities… His mind is untrained though … can do little more than sense your emotions… have been trying to help him to get more control over his ability… but I do know little about them," the young wizard panted. It wasn't easy to fight and keep up a conversation at the same time. "My own powers are more physically than mentally as you know."
"Does his Highness know about this?"
Wufei gave the other youth an almost offended look. "You think I would keep something like that from the king?"

Moment's later the door to the training room opened again. Quatre stopped in his track as he saw that Wufei wasn't the only person in the room.
"Should I come back later?" he asked.
Heero shook his head. "Wufei and I were just finished. I would like to watch though, if you two don't mind."
"That's fine with me." Wufei shrugged.

Quatre didn't say anything, because he was staring with wide eyes at the mark on Heero's right arm.