|
"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 "
Chapter 24 "Please, Quatre, tell him he's mad to even consider returning to Sank. Why can't he see how dangerous it is?" Duo pleaded with his brother-by-marriage, although he feared it would serve no purpose. He seemed as enamored of the idea as Wufei. Perhaps they saw the situation differently, being warriors. He did not know. But he had to do something. He looked across the chamber to his sister, who was sitting by the fire, sewing, as usual. "Hilde---can you not reason with him?" Hilde shook her head. "I agree with you that it's probably foolish to put himself into Milliardo's hands. We've all seen he cannot be trusted," she added bitterly. "But I know Wufei, and he will not rest until this situation is resolved." Her expression sympathetic, Hilde shook her head. "I'm sorry, Duo, but there is nothing we can do to stop him." "Thank you for your faith in my abilities, cousin," Wufei said dryly. He leaned back against the mantel and watched Duo. He refused to look at him, but he could feel the power of his gaze. "It's a pity my spouse doesn't feel the same." Duo fought back tears. They had been through this argument over and over. Wufei refused to listen to anything he said. It felt as though he were mocking his concerns, and that hurt him, deeply. They had just begun their life together, and what he wanted to do could bring it all--including Wufei's very existence--crashing to an end. "Don't you understand? I want us to have a future together." Duo jumped to his feet and took a turn about the room. He wanted to scream, Wufei infuriated him so! "I don't care where we live, or how, so long as we're together." "And don't you understand me?" Wufei asked, low-voiced. "I have devoted myself to Milliardo's cause for many years. It's as much a part of me as my hands, my eyes. He has to realize that will not change. He can trust me in this, at least. And if he needs me badly enough, perhaps he'll be willing to bargain." Duo glanced at him, making no effort to stem the tears streaming down his cheeks. "And if he's not? What do you think will happen to you then? Or to me, not that that matters?" Wufei crossed the room and knelt by his side. "Nothing will happen to you. Quatre won't allow it, will you?" he asked, glancing Quatre's way. "Of course not," Quatre said. "You mustn't worry, Duo. You are family. I protect what is mine." // Are all warriors so dense? // Duo reached out and framed Wufei's face in his hands. "But how will I survive if something happens to you? Please, Wufei." He pressed a kiss in his palm, then gently pushed his hands away. "No. I'm sorry, lovely." He stood. "I cannot do as you wish. Quatre, may I speak with you outside?" Duo watched them go, then buried his face in his hands as soon as the door closed behind the men. Hilde came to him and held him, smoothing away his tears. "You cannot push him to it, Duo," she chided. "It will simply make him more stubborn." "I truly don't understand him. Isn't it better to be alive somewhere else, even if it means changing your dreams, than to have done the honorable thing and be dead because of it? Perhaps it would make more sense to me if I'd grown up around men. I really haven't had much contact with them." Hilde laughed, startling Duo. "It wouldn't make a whit of difference, believe me. I spent the first twelve years of my life almost exclusively with men, and while I might know how they think, I don't understand it, either. And I never learned to think like them. Thank goodness," she added with a rueful chuckle. Duo scrubbed the trailing end of his sleeve over his eyes and stood. "What should I do, Hilde?" His sister put her arm about Duo's shoulders. "Kiss him goodbye with all the love in your heart, and smile as he rides off, in case he looks back. You're not going to change his mind, Duo, whether you rage and plead or weep and moan. At least let him remember you smiling, so that he's not distracted with worry while he's away." She kissed his cheek and stepped away. "Savor my pearls of wisdom, brother, for you won't hear many from me. But this I know to be true. If you love him, let him go with your smile in his heart, and pray for his safe return." ~~~ (***) ~~~ Duo thought about Hilde's words as he went about the tasks his sister had set for him. There was nothing he could do to help Wufei prepare for his journey---except pray, as Hilde had suggested. But as the time approached for Wufei's departure, his heart grew so heavy, he didn't know if he could bear to watch him ride away. Duo feared what Milliardo would do to him, even if he did not. Duo took refuge in their chamber when he felt as though he could no longer hold back his tears. He sprawled across the bed, his hair lying about him in complete disarray. Duo was so engrossed in his own thoughts that he didn't realize Wufei had entered the room until he felt his fingers brush aside his hair, exposing the back of his neck. Wufei’s touch sent shivers down his spine. Duo tried to roll over to face him, but he prevented him. "No, just lie here, lovely, and let me hold you." He wrapped his arms about him and cuddled him into his body spoon-fashion, nuzzling his nape with his lips. Duo smiled to himself when he realized he was not the only one affected by this play; he could feel Wufei’s manhood pressing firmly against his buttocks. But still Wufei refused to permit him to turn and face him. Instead, he slipped his hand inside Duo’s hose, his fingers skimming over his sensitive flesh until Duo felt a rush of warmth to his core. "Wufei," he moaned, trying to squirm around. He managed to move his hand behind him and reach Wufei. Duo teased Wufei’s shaft through his clothes, and Wufei’s sighs of pleasure were soon rising to join his. Finally, his hands frantic, Wufei pushed at the hem of Duo’s hose and shoved it down low enough to reach beneath to Duo’s puckered entrance. Duo didn't understand Wufei’s intentions when he raised one of his legs and slipped between his thighs, but when Wufei slipped his shaft into his waiting flesh, all thought fled. Afterward, they lay nestled together in the center of the bed. Content, Duo drifted off to sleep in Wufei's arms. When Duo awoke, he was alone. He could tell from the fading light that the day was nearly done. It felt as though his heart leaped into his throat as he crawled off the bed and straightened his twisted garments. He couldn't have left him without saying goodbye. // Could he? // He tugged the door open and ran out into the corridor. "Wufei? Hilde? Is anyone here?" The sound of feet mounting the stairs caught his attention, and he raced to the stairwell. "Wufei?" Heero caught him about the waist before he could run down the stairs. "He's already gone, Duo," he said, swinging him around and settling him gently on a stool. "There's no need to hurry." "He left without saying goodbye?" "Hai." Duo fought back tears, unsuccessfully. "He didn't want you to cry," he said, his voice kind. "And I think he didn't want to let you go. It was easier for him this way. Don't blame him." Heero stood patiently, waiting while Duo tried to collect himself. When the tears had finally ceased, he said, "I have just the thing to make you smile. Come with me. Lady Hilde has brought Catherine outside to see a new litter of pups. I promise she'll make you laugh." Duo took the hand he held out to him, and allowed Heero to lead him outside. But as kind as Heero was, he knew he could not forget Wufei, not for a moment. And though his tears had dried for now, he knew that even if Wufei survived, he would make him weep again. ~~~ (***) ~~~ The road to Sank seemed far longer upon Wufei's return than it had when he left. Despite taking a much more direct route, he found the journey dull and slow without Duo by his side to brighten his way. Quatre and a full troop of forty of his men accompanied him, well-trained soldiers he trusted with his life. This journey back might very well be a matter of life or death, for unless he could somehow make his peace with Milliardo, he had no life to offer Duo. His pride would allow nothing else. They carried Dermail's body with them, preserved for the trip in a barrel of brine. Duo had been horrified at the thought, but Wufei wanted Milliardo to see just what Dermail had become. Perhaps he'd find some lesson in that. He and Heero had argued mightily over whether Yuy ought to come with him. But Wufei had won the day in that battle of wits. Considering that he didn't know what his reception would he when he arrived at Sank, Wufei didn't want Heero to he tarred with the same brush as he. Chances were strong that Milliardo didn't know Heero had joined forces with the Dragon. It would he best if it stayed that way. Quatre had come to lend his support when Wufei presented his bargain to the prince. The Arabian had always gotten along well with Milliardo; perhaps his presence would serve to keep the prince's temper under control. When Wufei arrived at the Sank castle, it was sheer luck that the guard at the gates was a man whose loyalty was more to the Dragon than to Milliardo. Thus, Wufei was able to bring Quatre's troops in with him, though whether that would prove beneficial or not, he could not have said. However, he was glad of their company. The guards permitted him to make use of his chamber before they took him to see Milliardo. He used the opportunity to wash and to garb himself in his finest clothes. Most of the time, what he wore made no difference to him, so long as the clothing was adequate for his needs. However, today he wanted every advantage he could find. He was Lord Chang Wufei of Raven’s Crest, the Dragon, cousin to Sank royalty. He refused to be cowed by anyone. Not even Milliardo himself. ~~~ (***) ~~~ Duo bounced along in the saddle, trying not to moan, despite the cramps in his legs. It had taken him so long to convince Heero he must bring him to Sank, they'd had to travel at a headlong pace to make up for lost time. He only hoped that once they arrived, he'd be capable of movement. Although, if he was desperate enough, Heero could always carry him in. // What an entrance that would be! // Duo found a certain irony in the fact that today he was permitted to ride straight through the gates. But, like the last time he'd come to the Sank castle, he was taken into custody immediately. He hoped his guard would be stupid enough to put him in the same room he'd occupied so briefly. Not that he wished to leave the keep at the moment, having come here of his own free will, but who could say when he might need an escape route? Unfortunately, they brought him to a chamber near the prince's. There was a constant parade of people in and out of Milliardo's meeting room, as well as a bevy of others lounging about in the corridor outside. Duo scarcely had a chance to change into the garments Hilde had sent with him----clothing much finer than anything he'd ever worn---before a servant came to take him to meet with Milliardo. His reception--and accommodations--certainly were very different from his previous stay here. But those things didn't matter. Saving Wufei did. Heero stood outside his door with a guard of his own. "The Dragon will skin me alive when he sees you here," he said, low-voiced, glaring at a pair of men trying to listen to their conversation. "He didn't even want me to come here, or be associated with him in any way. What will he think when he discovers you're here?" "He'll think that you're a fool where I am concerned," he whispered. "There are worse things." "Do you think I should have stayed outside the castle walls?" he asked. He poked him in the arm. "Yes. But I told you that before you so stupidly rode in here anyway, if you recall. Don't blame me if you're sorry now." Despite his harsh words, Duo was concerned about Heero. He'd grown fond of the stoic Samurai, and he wished him no harm. However, he very much feared that his fate would not be any better than Wufei's, simply, because of his involvement with him. A servant motioned them forward and held the door for them. Heero went in first, with Duo right behind him. Then, side by side, they stood before Milliardo. The prince sat in state in a huge chair at one end of the room, surrounded by people. The babble of voices died down to a whisper as all eyes focused on them. Milliardo motioned them forward. Duo took a deep breath and forced steel into his backbone. He'd gain nothing if he behaved like a weakling. He was the Dragon's mate. He'd prove to these men that he was worthy of that honor. Head held high, taking his time, as though he, and not Milliardo, controlled this meeting, Duo glided across the room. Upon reaching the prince, he sank into a deep bow. "Cousin," he said clearly, inclining his head in a regal gesture he'd copied from the abbess. "I thank you for allowing me to join you." "Milord," Milliardo murmured, with a nod of his own. "Please, be seated here, near me." He gestured toward a bench along the wall. Duo took the place he indicated and settled to watch and wait. Heero made a bow to Milliardo, as well, receiving only an absentminded nod in acknowledgment. His shoulders dipping into a shrug, he came to stand near Duo. Another murmur of voices forced Duo’s attention to the door. Wufei and Quatre stood there, scanning the room. Duo knew the instant his husband saw him. His face, already set in harsh lines, seemed to tighten into an expressionless mask. And the look in his eyes would have frightened him, had he not been so frightened for him. "Winner," Milliardo called. "Welcome to Sank. Come and tell me why you're here." Quatre and Wufei went to stand directly before the prince. Milliardo did not acknowledge Wufei in any way. Quatre bowed. "I have come to you, Milliardo, on behalf of my brother-by-marriage, Lord Chang Wufei of Raven’s Crest." "That honor is his no longer," Milliardo snarled. He rose from his chair. "And what do you mean, brother-by-marriage? You wed his cousin, not his sister." "Yes, sir, that is true." Quatre came to Duo and, taking his hand, helped him to rise from his seat. "But he is wed to my wife's brother." He presented Duo to Milliardo with a flourish. "Lord Duo of Maxwell Abby." A loud hum of conversation rose from the crowd around them, and Duo felt himself to be under scrutiny from a hundred pairs of eyes. Although he knew that was an exaggeration, he didn't like the sensation. And evidently Milliardo didn't care to have all these people know his business. "Clear this hall!" he cried, then remained silent until all the hangers-on had left. "You have wed the Dragon, boy?" "Yes, milord." Duo turned to the side, just far enough to see Wufei's face. "We are most assuredly married." Milliardo's eyes narrowed. "Is it not true, Dragon, that you married this boy simply to spite me, to destroy my plans for him?" "No, milord, that is not true. I wed him because he is courageous and beautiful, with a kind heart." Wufei met Duo’s gaze, and he smiled at the emotion darkening his eyes. "I married him because I love him. If that upsets your plans, milord, then be damned to you." "Your tone is not what I would expect from a man who has been branded outlaw and traitor." "Outlaw I may be, but I am no traitor!" A flush suffused Wufei's face, and his voice shook. "I will kill any man who calls me thus." Milliardo could have chosen no worse term to label Wufei; despite all that had happened of late, his loyalty to Sank was above reproach. Milliardo laughed, startling them all. "I have no doubt but that you've killed him already, the jealous bastard. Otto was the first to go after you once I declared you outlaw." "Yes, he's dead, and many others with him," Wufei said. "Do you have so many men to spare, that you send them to their deaths to punish one man? It makes no sense, milord. You need them for Sank, not for vengeance." Quatre stepped into the conversation. "We have come here, sir, to make you a proposition. In return for Wufei's help in the negotiations currently under way in London, he will regain everything you have declared forfeit. In addition, you will swear you have no further plans for Duo." Milliardo stared at Duo for a long while. "Do you realize what you set in motion, boy, because you refused to stay where you belonged? You have been nothing but trouble from the moment you arrived here." "Then you should have no objections to transferring possession of me to Wufei, if he still wants me. And I am willing to stay here, or at another keep of your choosing, as surety for Wufei's return." "Duo," Wufei growled. His gaze promised retribution. Duo could hardly wait. But he returned his attention to Milliardo. "If I agree to this, what benefit do I gain?" he asked--needlessly, Duo thought. If the prince didn't know that, he didn't deserve to rule. Wufei stared him straight in the eyes. "You gain my goodwill and loyalty, milord, despite my opinion of your actions with regard to my mate. And you retain my ability as the enforcer of your justice." His smirk would have done Heero proud. "Instead of as your enemy." "And you're willing to travel to London to represent our interests in the matter of this charter?" Milliardo asked. Wufei nodded. "Then sit yourself down, Dragon. I've important work for you."
~ * ~ |
