|
"A Hidden Heart "Written By: Hemlock Inyx Disclaimer: This chick does not own any of the
Gundam Wing characters because they belong to Bandai and Sunrise.
I am borrowing them for this fict and will return them in good (if
somewhat sticky) condition.This fict is written out of love and not
for profit, don't sue. Thanks and enjoy! Rating: NC 17 Warnings: yaoi, lemon, midieval alternate universe,
some angst, violence Pairings: 5x2, 4xH, 13xS Summary: They called him Milliardo's Dragon. A warrior bold as the Chinese legend, his temper as fiery; Lord Chang Wufei was the prince's right hand. Men of power quaked at word of his arrival, for he was the sword to carry out Milliardo's judgement. 'Twas rumored he'd do any deed at the prince's bidding, avenge any slight to his master's name. Only Milliardo had the might to direct the Dragon's fury, to shape thr form of his vengeance. Or so the prince believed. But shrouded deep beneath that scaly hide, the dragon's true nature slumbered. Obscured by fire. Hidden from harm. Burried beyond reach of pain. Until he met him. The boy with the power to free the heart of the Dragon.
"A Hidden Heart "
Cursing himself for a fool, Wufei took Duo from Treize's hold and, keeping one hand over his mouth, pushed him down into a chair. "If you promise to be quiet, I'll take away my hand." Duo’s eyes flashed angrily, but he nodded. Placing his hands on the arms of the chair, Wufei loomed over him. "I will not allow you to sacrifice yourself for me. Do you understand?" "But you're doing the same for me." He glared at Duo. "No, I am not. It is my choice to marry you. No one is forcing me to. You gave me your solemn oath you would marry me, Duo. Will you deny me, and be forsworn?" Although Duo glared at him still, he shook his head. Wufei stepped back from the chair, but stood close, lest he take it into his head to run. "Then come with me now. We can be away from here before they've made it to the gates, if we hurry. Believe me. I'll keep you safe." Sally rushed into the room and thrust a cloth sack into his hands. "It’s all I could gather so quickly, but it should see you to Maxwell Abby." A servant brought in Wufei's saddlebags and weapons. He accepted them gratefully; buckling on his sword belt and carrying Trowa's scabbarded sword. Sally embraced Duo. "Don't worry, cousin. It will be all right." Wufei leaned down and kissed his sister's cheek, then grabbed Duo by the hand. "I'll send word," he called as they hurried from the room after Treize. He led them into the master's chamber. He dragged a curtain aside, the rings clattering on the rod, to expose a garderobe. Wufei helped him lift out an armload of clothes from the hooks on the walls. Duo looked at Treize as though he were daft. "We're not going down the privy shaft--" "No," Treize said, laughing. "There's another opening in the wall, parallel to the waste shaft. You will slide down that into a tunnel beneath the moat. Wufei knows the way from there." "It’s a pity we won't have the horses," Wufei said, frowning. "The journey to Maxwell Abby will take forever on foot." Treize smiled. "There are mounts waiting for you. Once you reach the forest, go to the manor farm--you know the place." Wufei nodded. He'd been there before. "Tell Alfric you're ready to leave. He knows which mounts will serve you best. It’s already arranged." // Trust Khushrenada to think of a way out, in case they needed it. // Wufei reached out and clasped Treize's hand. "Thank you." He could see that the other man knew exactly what he was thanking him for. "You'd have done the same," he said. Treize turned to Duo and kissed his cheek. "Take care of him. And give Hilde a kiss for me. Go with God," he told them, tugging a board from the wall and exposing the passageway door. Wufei went first. The copper-lined passage sloped downward gradually, allowing him to control his descent. So long as he kept the swords tight against his side, he had no difficulty. He landed on his feet in a dark, damp pit, their bags sliding down the chute behind him. He'd no sooner moved out of the way than Duo popped out after him. "Are you all right?" Wufei asked as he felt for his hand. "Yes," he said, sounding breathless. Duo pressed a candle and flint into his hands. "Treize said to give you this." The candlelight illuminated a narrow corridor, not quite high enough for him to stand upright. Their clothing brushed against the damp stone walls. Wufei felt like a packhorse with his saddlebags and the sack of food slung over his shoulders. He carded the candle and crept forward, Duo clinging to his belt like a leech. "I hate these dark, close places." His voice was faint and quivered slightly. "I've spent a lot of time in them since I met you. They must be part of the Dragon's lair," Duo said, giggling. He had to be terrified, Wufei thought with concern. Duo didn't seem the type to giggle. He picked up the pace, moving as swiftly as possible. He'd be glad to get out of here, as well. Wufei felt like a crab scuttling along. Finally they came to a metal-banded wooden door, laying on a slant above them. He snuffed the candle, reached back and pried Duo's fingers from his belt and handed the stub to him. "Keep this," he said. Then, throwing his weight into it, Wufei pushed on the door until it gave, swinging upward with a faint squeal of the hinges. Light poured into the tunnel, temporarily blinding him. "Not too bad for a bolt hole. But I hope there's no one waiting out there for us. I cannot see a thing." He blinked until his eyes could focus again. Praise Nataku, they were alone. Wufei levered himself out of the hole, then reached down and hauled Duo up beside him. He framed Duo’s face with his hands. "I may need to order you about quickly, if there's danger. Promise me you'll do whatever I tell you." He pressed a kiss into Wufei’s palm. "I promise," he said, his eyes solemn. "And I'm sorry for what I did back there. It’s just..." "I understand." He did. He'd have done the same for Duo. Wufei smoothed back the strands of hair escaping Duo’s braid. But he also knew he could not permit him to fall into Milliardo’s grasp again. He adjusted the packs and took Duo's hand. "Come on. It's a bit of a walk to the farm." He cast a measuring look at the sky. "We'd best be going." They left the farm at nightfall. Wufei took only one horse. Duo had done well with Mouse on the journey to Ashby, but he truly believed it was only because the stallion had taken a liking to him. The mount he had chosen now looked to have the stamina they'd need, but it was clear he also had a nasty disposition. And the terrain was difficult in many places, far worse than the route they'd traveled to Ashby. He didn't doubt Duo's courage, but his lack of skill could have dangerous consequences. Better to have to rest more often than to worry that Duo's horse might run off with him, or harm him in some way. Besides, on this leg of their journey, endurance was more important than speed. Especially since he intended a detour on the way to Maxwell Abby. There was a small, out-of-the-way village he knew of, a village whose priest owed the Dragon an enormous debt. Before they finished the journey to Maxwell Abby, he intended to collect. ~~~ (***) ~~~ Toad took up his usual position in the wall near Milliardo's chamber, his body fairly quivering with excitement. He'd learned that some of Milliardo's men had returned to the castle, and the Samurai's name had been mentioned. Now, perhaps, he'd be able to discover where Yuy had taken Duo. He'd overheard little of importance the past few days--save that the Dragon evidently hadn't gone to Lady Relena’s keep, as he'd been ordered to by the prince himself. The question was, where had he gone instead? Toad eased his aching shoulder against the wall. All this skulking about in the passageways took its toll on his poor, broken body. He'd wondered, as he lay near death with his limbs twisted all awry, if it would be worth it to survive. He had been a handsome man once; his body strong and well formed, in the full flower of his manly vigor. It had never been difficult for him to find willing vessels for his passion; women and men had always fallen into his grasp with a gratifying willingness, eager to satisfy his needs. All except one. That woman he had wanted with a desire that far outstripped the puling lust he felt for the others. She could have given him power, lands, and a connection to the English king--as well as strengthening his ties with his kinsman, Milliardo. The fact that she was related to him, as well, added a delicious twist to an already perfect situation. Now the only outlet for his lust was vengeance. He savored his desire for revenge with every bit as much enjoyment as he'd ever found within another’s body. The men who had done this to him would pay indirectly for their crimes, once he regained the power and position he had lost. Soon, he told himself, his crooked face twisted into a smile. Soon Duo would be his, and his life would begin anew. He pressed his ear to the wall as the level of noise in the room beyond increased. "Sit down and stop babbling,'' he muttered. He could hear the sound of a deep voice—Yuy’s, he hoped—but he couldn't understand the words. Then, suddenly, the volume increased. Tamping down his excitement, Toad pressed his ear to the wall and settled down to listen. ~~~ (***) ~~~ Milliardo stood before the fire in his chamber, a goblet of wine in his hand, and surveyed the motley band he'd sent out in search of the Dragon. They hadn't brought him back with them; that much was obvious. But he wasn't surprised. Few men had the courage to stand up to Lord Chang. However, that did not mean their journey had been a complete loss. Perhaps they knew where he'd gone. Their leader, Otto, stood tall and met his master's questioning gaze. "No, milord. We didn't see a sign of the Dragon anywhere. We ran across the Samurai, though, a day's ride from here." "Did he have the girl with him?" Milliardo asked. "No, milord. Must have handed her over already. You'll not be troubled with her now," Otto added with a dismissive shrug. "But here's what we did to try to find the Dragon .... " Milliardo listened as the man outlined in boring detail every place he'd searched for Wufei. "We even went to his sister's keep at Ashby, milord," Otto said. "They hadn't seen him there." "And how do you know that?" Milliardo asked. "Did they allow you inside, give you an opportunity to ask questions, search for information?" "Nay, milord. It’s a German keep. Lord Khushrenada spoke with us at the gate, but he wouldn't let us in. But he said that he hadn't seen his brother-by-marriage in months, that the Lady Sally was ready to slay her brother for ignoring her for so long." "That I could believe," another man put in. "The bitch would do it, too, given half a chance." Milliardo crossed the room in two strides and knocked the man to the floor. "Lady Sally is my cousin, and a noble lady. Watch how you speak of your betters." // Fools! // He returned to his chair and flung himself into it. "Take your friend out of here before I decide to do worse to him," he told Otto. "I’ll speak with you later." He drank deeply of his wine as the men hurried from the room. Milliardo slammed the goblet onto the table in frustration. // Where is Wufei? And why hasn't Yuy returned? // He had hoped the message he'd received from Saint Winifred's was a mistake, that the Samurai and the messenger from Sister Maud had simply missed each other. Now, however, Yuy's absence took on a more ominous tone. After all the time the Samurai had spent at Sank, waiting for a decision regarding those damned trade negotiations, he should have returned to the keep by now. Unless he lay dead somewhere. Given the man's skill and strength that seemed unlikely. Had the bastard reneged on their bargain, perhaps traded Duo to someone? The Japanese were known for trafficking in boys, and Duo was a beauty. Or had he sold him to the Dragon? // By Christ, I can't trust anyone. Not even the Dragon. // Wufei had spoiled him. The Dragon had been the most dependable man ever to serve him. At least until Duo arrived at the castle. Milliardo poured more wine. He would never have guessed that a boy would prove to be Wufei's downfall. But sooner or later, his men would run the Dragon to ground. And when they did, Milliardo would show him who was master. ~~~ (***) ~~~ Toad bit at his hand to keep from screaming his rage. He still didn't know where the boy was! Evidently Yuy had not returned. But Otto might know where the Samurai had been taking Duo. Damnation, why couldn't Milliardo keep his temper long enough so that he could learn what he needed to know? He could go to Otto and ask, but that would likely solve nothing. The days when Milliardo's men-at-arms had given Toad what he sought were long past. Otto would probably kick him down the stairs or knock him across the room for dating to approach him. Everyone else did. His only options seemed to be more eavesdropping outside Milliardo's chamber or finding the Samurai and following him about in the hope that he'd lead him to the boy. Or perhaps he should head for Maxwell Abby. He had the feeling that the Dragon--and Duo would find their way to Hilde's keep eventually. He'd do it, Toad decided. What did he have to lose? ~~~ (***) ~~~ It took a day's hard riding to reach the village of Landhill. Duo remained virtually silent on this leg of the journey. Wufei welcomed it, for he wasn't in the mood to discuss his plans---despite the fact that they involved the boy. The less he knew at this point, the better; Wufei was already amazed that his acquiescence had lasted this long. Wufei had plenty of opportunity to ponder the course he would take. He'd never thought to marry, but for some reason, the thought of marrying Duo did not bother him much. His reservations all centered around the feeling that he was about to do Duo an enormous disservice. He would gain a lover, a mate, while he stood to lose what he had so recently gained--his freedom. Wufei only hoped Duo did not come to regret his decision. But he didn't seem hesitant, just quiet. Since it served his purpose, Wufei let him be. They didn't arrive in Landhill until well after dark. Wufei tethered the horse in the trees a distance from the tiny church and led Duo by the hand through the shadowy town. They entered the church and crossed the room to a door beyond the altar. Wufei tapped upon the panels, then waited impatiently until he heard the sound of shuffling feet. The door opened a crack. "Who is there?" "Take a look, old man," Wufei said, pushing the door open wide. The short, scrawny priest hitched up his robes and snatched a candle from the wall pricket. Holding it high, he stepped from the room. "Good eventide to you, Father," Wufei said, his voice polite. He smiled, the Dragon's smile, all teeth and vengeance. He could tell the exact moment when recognition dawned. The priest made the sign of the cross, his eyes wide. "Lord Chang." He bobbed his head and, reaching behind him, tugged the door closed. "Why are you here, milord? The prince hasn't..." He shook his head. It was more of a twitch really. "No, he couldn't know about that." He looked up at Wufei, eyes pleading. "Could he?" Wufei snorted; he actually wanted to laugh, but that was hardly likely to further their ends. He would rely on intimidation alone to get what he wanted. No sense in frightening the worm to death, at least not till he'd done the deed. "No, Father. He doesn't know." He took a step toward the door. "However, that could change--very quickly, as I'm sure you know." The priest bobbed his head again. "Thank you, milord, thank you. What brings you to Landhill, then, if not the prince's business?" Wufei drew Duo forward. "Marry us." "Now, milord? In the middle of the night?" "I know of no better time to make her my bride," he said, allowing his gaze to travel in a slow, purely sensual foray over Duo’s body. "Indeed." The priest stared at Duo more closely, until he caught sight of Wufei's glare. "I understand, milord." Wufei ignored the frowning look Duo sent his way and drew him toward the crude altar. "A true wedding, Father, binding before your God and man." "Yes." The priest bustled about behind the altar. "We'll need a witness, milord," he added nervously. "Perhaps it would be best to wait till morning." "I'm certain whomever you have warming your bed will do nicely," Wufei remarked, grinning when Duo gave a shocked gasp. The old man hurried into his chamber, emerging a few moments later with a young woman of incredible endowment. She finished tugging her gown up over her breasts, then looked at them and smiled. "Is it your wish to wed this man?" the priest asked Duo. He nodded. "He isn't forcing you?" he added sternly, surprising Wufei. He hadn't thought the licentious fool would care. "No, Father," Duo replied, sounding shocked. "Of course not." "Then let's get on with it," he said, moving behind the altar. In a matter of moments, the ceremony was over. They were wed, Duo thought, shoving aside a feeling of disappointment over the circumstances. What difference did it make that they'd been married in a tumbledown church by a lecherous old priest who evidently owed Wufei a favor? He certainly didn't expect romance. Until yesterday afternoon, he'd never expected to marry at all. The deed was done. He'd bound himself to the Dragon, casting aside all his dreams of freedom in a moment. But Duo couldn't find it within himself to mourn their loss. "Thank you, Father." Wufei took the piece of parchment containing their marriage lines, then placed something in the priest's hand--surprising him, to judge by his startled look. The old man smiled and moved his hand, making the coins jingle merrily. Wufei took Duo by the hand. "Come along, wife. Time to go." He let Wufei lead him through the town in silence, but when they reached the trees, he jerked his hand free. "I don't suppose you'd care to tell me what that was about back there?" He untied the horse and turned to lift Duo into the saddle. "No." "No, what?" Duo took a step back, intent on eluding his grasp until he got an answer. "No, I'm not going to tell you," he replied in an even voice. "It’s old business, and nothing to do with you. Wife." He backed Duo toward a tree. Duo spun away, careful of his footing in the faint moonlight. But Wufei caught him anyway, and held him close. "If I promise to tell you, will you get on the horse?" he asked, his voice husky with laughter. Duo nodded and allowed Wufei to assist him into the saddle. Once they picked up the trail again, however, he nudged him with his elbow. "What?" Wufei twitched away from Duo’s arm, but he knew he hadn't hurt him. "You promised you would explain," he reminded him. Another thought occurred to Duo. "And why were you laughing back there?" Wufei grinned and shook his head. "It seemed ironic. Newly wed, and already making demands." "I wasn't...," Duo thought back over what he'd said--and how he'd said it. "I was," he admitted. "But you tell me next to nothing. I've never liked to be ordered about and expected to blindly obey." Wufei nodded. "And I'm not used to explaining myself to anyone. Not even to Milliardo himself." The Dragon was a true storyteller, reminding Duo of a bard he'd heard once at the church. He found his grasp of human nature remarkable. Wufei kept him entertained with a variety of tales as they traveled through the night. For the first time, the darkness didn't seem like Duo’s enemy, but rather like a comforting cloak, binding them together alone. Perhaps their marriage would work out better than he'd thought. Wufei seemed at ease in his company, far more than he had ever noticed before. In truth, they scarcely knew each other. Although there had been times when Duo felt he'd always known him. "I know so little of the world, Wufei. Will you answer my questions, even if they seem foolish?" he asked. "I won't expect you to tell me things all the time." He sighed. "I will try, Duo. It could take some time for me to grow accustomed to not being alone any longer. But I will try." It was more than he'd expected. Duo vowed he would take what Wufei offered, and not press for more. He tried not to notice the way the greedy little voice inside his head laughed.
~ * ~ |
