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"In My Lover's Arms "Written By: Jewel of Hell Disclaimer: Don't own nothin' but these words Rating: NC 17 Warnings: Yaoi, lemon, violence, slavery, language, war, torture, fear of the unknown, AU/Fantasy/Drama Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, other Summary: New part, new warnings, new dedications, new threats, new dangers. IF YOU HAVE NOT READ "In My Master's Arms", DO SO BEFORE READING THIS STORY! This one will not make much sense otherwise. Also, this one picks up pretty much exactly where its prequel leaves off, so I will NOT recap. I hate recap. Blegh.
"In My Lover's Arms "
March on Dobraia "Won't it provoke the Tower into a swift and violent response, executing two sorcerers?" the chamberlain asked. Heero looked up from his parchment, idly dragging the quill over his lips. "I suppose it will. Duo?" His lover gave him a sweet smile. "Of course it will. I thought you were counting on that?" A hint teasing. Heero looked back to the chamberlain. "You aren't worried about it, are you?" The slightest hint of a threat. The chamberlain didn't even look ruffled. "Not in the least. I ask because I have a suggestion. I've spoken with the Blue, Salyn. He has some good ideas, that one. He gave me the names of two lords in Dobraia and several scattered throughout Syhnvar, Lark, and Valdrid who have purchased sorcerers he believes will be perfectly happy to join your sorcerer army." Heero blinked. After ten years this man still never failed to surprise him. And please him. "Dobraia, hn? Those sorcerers will be easy to collect. Which lords?" "Lord Cerval and Lord Greye." A cold smile curved up Heero's lips. "Cerval. What a fortunate turn of events that it is his province my Imperial Army is currently subduing. Chamberlain, go find Barton and tell him I have need of his services. Duo and I are taking a trip to Dobraia." The chamberlain rose and bowed deeply. "At once, Majesty." He hurried out. Duo, who'd been sitting quietly reading, set down his book and moved to Heero's side. "What will we do in Dobraia?" "First we will remind them why they fear me in the first place. Then we will pay a visit to Cerval and Greye and make offers to their sorcerers I doubt they will refuse." The smile Duo gave him told the Black King just how much his sorcerer loved him just then. The boy leaned over and rested his head on Heero's shoulder. Heero reached up and threaded fingers through his bangs, brushing the luxurious strands back. "We will also be paying a visit to the king soon," Heero went on. "I would like to have Cerval and Greye's sorcerers by the end of the week. I expect the Tower to respond quickly to my executing their lapdogs. While we are away from Cera, we are vulnerable." Duo just nodded, sighing softly. Soon the chamberlain returned with Trowa in tow. "Is there anything else you would like me to do, Majesty, before I see to the queen's domestic affairs?" Heero caught the edge of Duo's blush and smiled. "Just one thing, Chamberlain. It should be announced to the royal court that there will be an execution tomorrow at dawn. Have my advisory council convene in the Council Hall in ten minutes, I will let them know first and then you may announce it." "Yes, Majesty," the chamberlain said, bowing. He looked at Duo. "My queen, when you have a moment this evening, I have gathered some fabrics and materials I believe will meet with your approval." Duo nodded. "Just after dinner, then?" "As you desire, my queen." He bowed low and took his leave. Trowa sat opposite the pair, a faint smile on his face. "Most of Cera now calls you that, Duo. I hope it doesn't offend you." Duo shook his head. "No. I know why they do." Heero turned slightly to kiss Duo's forehead. "Two things, Barton. First, I need you to get in touch with Chang and let him know that tomorrow I will be joining up with my army again. This time to lead them into battle in the province of Lord Cerval. I have business with him. Second, you will act as my liaison to the king when we march onto the capital." "Of course," Trowa said. "When shall I tell Wufei to expect us?" "Morning, but not very early. Not until after the execution. Cerval purchased a sorcerer some years ago, and I intend to have this sorcerer in my army by the end of the week." A look of savage pleasure crossed over Trowa's normally reticent face. "Yes, Your Majesty. Wufei told me last night that the Lord General already conquered the province of Lord Vaga, and that the Dobraians are beginning to lose their nerve." Heero smirked. What had begun as a battle to end the border skirmishes had escalated into the hostile takeover of Dobraia. "And I only mobilized a fraction of my army. Let Chang know, and then you and Winner come join me and Duo in the Council Room. I would like to apprise my Advisors of the execution of the sorcerers, as well as give them the chance to voice any concerns or suggestions." Trowa bowed and left. Heero stood up, offering a hand to Duo. His beloved accepted, letting his hand rest on Heero's arm. They were halfway there when the Blue sorcerer Salyn appeared. "I just found out from the chamberlain you're going to Dobraia tomorrow," he said in a rush. "Please let me go with you, Duo. I can protect you." Heero raised an eyebrow. "Think you he'll be going alone into a den of lions? There is no one on Harboura more capable of protecting him than me." Salyn flinched back as though expecting a physical reprisal, but he didn't give in. "If the Tower finds out you're there, far from here, it's likely they'll send a team to subdue you and bring you back. I may not be as powerful as a Red, but I'm more powerful than any of the others." Duo gently squeezed Heero's arm. "Salyn, please don't feel you owe me –" "On the contrary," Heero interrupted. "I agree with you, Salyn. You will accompany us and protect Duo with your life. That is your task. You will ensure no harm comes to him. Am I perfectly clear?" "Yes, Majesty," Salyn said, bowing. "Good. Do you know many offensive spells?" Salyn nodded. "Yes. Using magic for destructive purposes is easy. It was the first thing my former ma – captor had me learn." "Then go. Make sure you're ready for our departure tomorrow morning. I dislike being made to wait." Salyn sketched a hasty bow and raced off down the corridor. Heero looked down to find his lover giving him a feisty glare. "I'm trying to discourage this notion that he owes me anything," Duo growled, "and you just told him that he does." Heero lifted Duo's hand to his lips. "I won't apologize. You're everything to me, Duo. I would have every willing person in this world protect you from any danger." Duo looked down, apparently disarmed. "How am I supposed to stay mad at you when you say sweet things like that?" Heero chuckled. "If you are no longer upset with me, then the words served their purpose admirably." He leaned down and stole a deep, lingering kiss. The way Duo melted against him made Heero want to abandon his advisors and carry his love back to bed. Reigning in his libido, he released Duo. Those pale cheeks were dusted with pink as he looked up at Heero. "Business before pleasure, I suppose," Heero muttered. Duo giggled. o0o 0o0 Quatre followed Trowa into the Council room to find everyone else there already. Duo smiled at him, and Quatre took his seat to Duo's right. Trowa settled to Heero's left. "The chamberlain made you all aware of why we're here?" Heero began. "He most certainly did, Your Majesty," Evram Selsdor said at once. "I'm sure Lord Duo told you what we discussed at our last meeting. Allow me to be the first to offer to interrogate the sorcerers for what they know." "You may if you wish," Heero agreed, waving a negligent hand. "The fine pair in our dungeons are probably just lackeys, I doubt they know anything." Judging by the look on Selsdor's face, the man didn't care a whit. "The chamberlain told us you plan to have them executed?" High Duchess Rysale said. "Yes," Heero said. Then he looked at the six Advisors. "Not for being sorcerers. Is that perfectly clear?" Quatre saw each of them swallow almost at the same time, followed by a round of "Yes, Majesty." "If I may, why are they being executed?" Duchess Rysale asked. Heero gave her a somewhat chilly smile. "For speaking disrespectfully to Duo even after I warned them to stop, and for treason. Coming into my kingdom and demanding I submit to slavery is a treasonous act. Wouldn't you agree?" Most of the world would probably consider it an act of justice, Quatre thought venomously. "The scum get what they deserve!" Selsdor said, thumping his fist on the table. "Worthless dogs. They will be hung, yes?" "Of course," Heero said mildly. "That isn't the only reason we called you here," Duo said, glancing at Heero when the Black King took his hand and laced their fingers together. It was the most tender gesture Quatre had ever seen from the man. "Duo and I are leaving for Dobraia shortly after the execution," the Black King told them. "We will most likely be returning with two more sorcerers, and Dobraia will be part of Corai by the end of the month. I will be negotiating Dobraia's surrender or total defeat." The three male Advisors looked like they'd been handed all the jewels of Tempria. "Quatre will be remaining behind to take care of things in our absence," Duo said. "He is the new Regent." Though this was the first he'd heard of it, Quatre managed to conceal his shock and pleasure. He wondered how much of that was Duo's choice, and how much Heero's. Not that it mattered. It just showed they trusted him to act in their best interest. "We are counting on the six of you," Duo continued, "to provide him with counsel. We also want you to begin spreading the word about Heero's march on Dobraia. Their defeat is inevitable." "I will be mobilizing another three factions of my army," Heero picked up. "Once Dobraia is secure under Corai's rule I will bring Penniar under as well." Selsdor snorted. "Those weak and soft fools will collapse and expose their throats without a fight." "Perhaps," Quatre interjected gently, "while you are subduing Dobraia, I and the Advisors could draft a formal demand for Penniar's surrender. They've already been beaten on many different occasions. It would save you time, Your Majesty, and then we'd have a larger front in our defense against the northern kingdoms. Should there be any who wish to oppose you." Heero sent him an approving look. "Excellent idea." He rose, bringing Duo with him. The other lords and ladies quickly rose, too. "I have other matters to see to at the moment. You may convene at your leisure. I want the formal demand completed by the time I leave for Dobraia on the morrow. When you're ready, Quatre, have Duo and my chamberlain look it over and stamp it with my seal. It may be sent immediately on its completion. Barton." Quatre didn't miss the slight flush of pleasure that stole quickly over Duo's countenance. Trowa offered a very slight bow to the Advisors and followed the king and future queen out. Leaning back in his chair, Quatre smiled faintly. "Well, what do you feel our letter should say?" Selsdor immediately thumped his fist on the table. "Something that leaves no room for doubt," he said. "They'll either surrender completely and without a fight, or we'll overrun the cowards." "Something perhaps a touch more diplomatic than that?" the duchess Rysale added, smiling. She had a dimple on her left cheek. "Though I agree it should still be firm," Lady Tomshjon piped up. "It's not as though we need to send a multiple-choice letter." Selsdor, Earl Graboran, and Lord Schavone all snorted laughter. Quatre smiled. "Indeed, my lady." He rose and rummaged in the cupboards along the far wall for a parchment, ink, and a quill, then retook his seat. "I have some experience in matters such as these, so might I suggest we address it directly to the king. If it feels more like a personal threat, the people of the kingdom will pressure him to give in so they don't suffer." Lady Staffire grinned. "You do have some experience." Quatre just smiled at her and began writing. "Make it clear that the only other option is seige, and those weaklings won't last a day against the Black King's Imperial Army." "Not to mention our future queen, the sorcerer," Duchess Rysale said with an even deeper smile. "Not to mention the Black King himself!" Selsdor added, sounding vaguely affronted. "Indeed," Lady Staffire said with something like a giggle. "We never would have considered what an appropriate title that would be for our prince when we began calling him that, did we?" Quatre couldn't help chuckle with them. "It has only become more apropos with time," he agreed. "But does it really surprise any of you? That the first sorcerer king in history is our king? The first monarch in history to become so renowned they fear him all the way to the farthest north of Jangra?" "Not at all!" Selsdor practically crowed. "Add something about they should desire to avoid the Black King's wrath at all costs." "Diplomatically, of course," Duchess Rysale said in a demure tone. Selsdor snorted. "Oh yes. We definitely want to present our king as a thoughtful, tactful man." Though he knew Heero wasn't the beast he'd put forth all those years, Quatre still felt a little twinge of anxiety. As if speaking of the Black Prince - now King - would somehow invoke him and incite his fury. Really, he wasn't a child any the longer. And it amused him to note the six Advisors had hints of the same anxiety in their expressions. "What about a military draft?" Lady Tomshjon asked. "I believe it is something of a tradition in a formal call for surrender?" Graboran nodded. "It is. Good point. Yes, I believe the number is twenty percent of the male population under the age of forty, excluding officers. You may want to confer with the Lord General, Quatre?" Quatre nodded, the quill scratching over the parchment. "Not that the Penniar cowards would be any asset to the Imperial Army," Selsdor scoffed. "Still," Lady Tomshjon said with a little frown, "traditions must be observed." "Indeed," Quatre said with a grin. "No need to be boorish. That, however, would be better served as part of the surrender conditions than the actual demand for surrender." After perhaps fifteen minutes they had a letter drafted. Quatre sprinkled it with fine white sand. "Thank you all for your help. I will be relying on you while our sovereigns are away. If you'll excuse me." Inclining his head, he rolled up the parchment and took his leave. Quatre padded down the halls, heading for the large room Heero was having the chamberlain convert to a private study for Duo. The door was open but he could hear their voices, so he lifted a hand to knock out of politeness and respect. However, he paused when he heard Heero's tone of voice. It momentarily mesmerized him. ". . . you know. Are you trying to drive me crazy?" The tone was low, almost husky, lace with such human things. Desire. Lust. Love. It sent a bolt of warmth straight through Quatre, and he shivered. If Trowa spoke to me in that tone, I'd be on my knees begging. He hesitated, not sure he wanted to interrupt a tender interaction. Then he knocked; it was still early in the day. Heero didn't jump away from Duo like a guilty boy. He merely looked up at Quatre, lowering the hand cupping Duo's chin. For his part, Duo looked a little flushed. It was attractive. "What is it?" Heero said. He didn't sound pleased. Quatre laid the rolled-up parchment on the nearby table. The room still looked a little bare, but it was getting there. "We're done already." Something flickered through those cobalt eyes. "Very well." He stepped way from Duo and headed for the door. "I'll see you in awhile, Duo." He paused in the doorway. "In the future, Winner, if you see you're intruding into a private moment, find a more appropriate time to present your business." He stalked away, leaving an arctic chill in the air. I wonder if he'll ever thaw toward me. "Yes, Majesty," he murmured. Duo made a discontented sound. "Ignore him, Quatre. You didn't interrupt anything. The chamberlain will be back any moment." He gestured around the room. "What do you think so far?" Quatre nodded. "It's getting there. Still too bare, though." "Yes, but I love the desk." He ran his fingers over the dark oak surface. "The chamberlain said he was having one special made, but he found this one. He knows I love dark, colored wood." "Nothing less for you, my queen," the chamberlain himself said, striding into the room with purpose. "I have located several beautiful tapestries that will lighten the walls in here, all to your particular tastes. They will be arriving at the castle tomorrow." "Thank you," Duo said, giving the man a sweet smile. Quatre handed Duo the parchment. "For your approval, my queen." He winked. Duo flushed again, but only a little. "Thanks." He read it quickly, then nodded. "It's forceful but not tasteless. Chamberlain, will you please affix Heero's seal and see it is sent immediately? I still have to see to the travel provisions, so come find me if you need anything else." Both of them bowed. Quatre moved to go, but the chamberlain stopped him with a hand on his elbow. "A moment, Lord Winner?" "Of course," Quatre said. "It isn't my place to question Duo's judgment," the chamberlain began, looking a bit troubled, "but I confess I have some misgivings about the young man he freed." Quatre blinked. "Salyn?" "Yes. I cannot say I believe he intends our queen harm, it's just . . ." He trailed off, looking more uncertain. "You don't trust him?" "I do not." "Is it because you don't like having freed sorcerers wandering around the capital?" "Not in the slightest," the chamberlain said, not sounding flustered one bit. "It's merely, we don't know this boy at all. And suddenly he is deeply in Duo's confidence. Could he be a plant?" "By the Tower?" Quatre said, shocked. That had never even occurred to him. "Yes." Disconcerted, Quatre looked down for a moment. "I suppose it's possible. From what I know, Duo never made a secret of the fact that he hated being enslaved. It would be a natural conclusion to assume he'd be willing to free any and all who expressed the same attitude." The chamberlain nodded. "Exactly. I don't want to believe the worst of someone upon meeting them, but . . ." Quatre smiled. "This is Duo we're talking about." The normally-serious chamberlain broke into a smile. "Exactly. He's special. Is there anything you can do? Perhaps . . . talk to the boy, watch him for any signs of duplicitous behavior." "I will," Quatre promised. "In fact, I'll go find him right now. Show him around. See if he needs help preparing for the trip." The chamberlain frowned. "He's accompanying them?" "Yes," Quatre replied. "Heero charged Salyn with protecting Duo." The words obviously made the chamberlain unhappy. "Perhaps I will speak with our king. Voice my concerns to him." Quatre blinked. You're a fair bit braver than I am. "Is that wise?" he suggested. The chamberlain gave him a funny little smile. "He trusts my judgment. And I his." He bowed. "By your leave, my lord." o0o 0o0 Trowa smiled a little when Quatre strode into their room, looking flustered. It was a good look on him. Made Trowa want to pounce on him and hold him down and . . . do other things. Inappropriate things. Wicked things. Quatre blushed. "Could you wait until after we've talked?" "Certainly," Trowa agreed, closing the large leather case that contained his travel necessities. "What's on your mind, angel?" "Duo and Salyn," his love replied at once, moving to his side and sitting on the edge of the bed. "Have you met Salyn?" "No. I've passed him once or twice in the halls, but that is all." "The chamberlain and I just had a discussion about him," Quatre began, raking fingers through his soft golden hair. "The more I think about it, the more it bothers me. Sorcerers can use magic to detect the thoughts and feelings of others, rather like we can, correct?" "Of course," Trowa said with a frown, unsure where this was leading. "Then why did they bring with them a relatively powerful sorcerer, a Blue, on their first trip to Corai? Surely they would have expected Heero and Duo to have some defenses, so why did they send so few?" Trowa blinked. A chillingly relevant observation. "They weren't expecting Heero to be so strong," he offered. Quatre shook his head. "They knew how powerful Duo is. He's a Black. Would they really send only one Red and a Blue with questionable loyalty?" "Are you saying Salyn is actually loyal to the Tower?" "I don't know," Quatre said, obviously distressed. "I don't have the time to talk to him and find out. But you will. You're traveling with them to Dobraia. Will you keep an eye on him? Try to find the opportunity to speak with him in private?" "Of course I will, angel," Trowa murmured soothingly, leaning forward and kissing his love's forehead. "I won't let anything happen to Duo." Quatre fell against him with a soft smile. "Thank you." o0o 0o0 Heero blinked, annoyed, when someone knocked on his study door. Only one person was welcome to interrupt him here, and that was Duo. And Duo wouldn't knock. "Come," he snapped. To his surprise, his chamberlain hustled inside. He dropped a rolled parchment on Heero's desk - the surrender demand, no doubt. "I already told you Duo could approve - " "This is not why I'm here, Your Majesty," the man interrupted. It was almost enough to make Heero smile. Almost. No one in the castle was as bold as this man. Except Duo, of course. "Then pray tell me. Why are you here disturbing me? Make it quick." "I'm concerned for Duo." Well, that was quick. And it effectively wiped away Heero's irritation. He rose, stalking toward the chamberlain. "Have you discovered some threat against him?" The chamberlain looked down, seeming troubled. "I can't say for certain. But I admit I'm worried about this Blue, Durash. I trust Duo's judgment, but he is very young, Your Majesty. It wouldn't be so surprising for his judgment to be clouded by compassion." Heero relaxed a little, pleased by the man's concern. "No, indeed." "I'm certain Duo wishes to believe the best of people. After all, he fell in love with you, Majesty." That incredibly bold comment made Heero smile a bit. It helped that only Duo actually saw the best in him. "Yes, no small feat." He knew no insult was intended. "You have nothing to worry about from Salyn." Just like that, the worry vanished from the chamberlain's countenance. "Then you have ascertained his loyalty?" "Not at all," Heero admitted easily. "In fact, his mind is so carefully shrouded I knew in an instant he was suspect. What I meant was, I'm keeping an eye on him. Both eyes. That's why I allowed him to come. Be at ease, Chamberlain. I will not allow anything to happen to Duo." The chamberlain drew a deep breath, and all his tension seemed to drain away when he expelled it. "Yes, Your Majesty. Then it seems I have simply wasted your time." Heero shook his head. "No. Never apologize for trying to protect Duo. I appreciate your concern." He picked up the document and tapped it against the man's chest. "See that this is sent out at once." The man lowered himself in a deep bow. "Immediately, Majesty." Heero smiled as he watched him leave. Seems I'm no longer the only one who loves my future bride. Suddenly not caring anymore about the busy tasks, he strode out of his study and headed out to look for his love. All he had to do was stretch out his senses a little to find him in their bedchambers, no doubt preparing for their trip. Making sure to mask his presence and move quietly, he stole up behind Duo and enfolded him in a tight embrace. Duo let out a little yelp. "Heero!" he snapped. "Don't scare me half to death!" Chuckling, Heero nuzzled the side of his neck. "It's cute when you get mad." Duo tugged (ineffectually) at Heero's arms, growling. "I'm busy." Heero spun him around and planted a devouring kiss on those oh-so-accessible lips. "Is there any chance you'll become un-busy?" Panting, Duo stared up at him with slightly glazed eyes. "N-not probably." This time the kiss was slower and deeper. He sucked Duo's tongue into his mouth and nibbled gently. When he finally released him, an enticing blush covered Duo's cheeks. "What about now?" Slim arms wrapped around his neck. "Did I unwittingly create a monster when I said you didn't have to wait?" he murmured, eyes glittering. Heero scattered kisses over his cheeks, forehead, and across the bridge of his nose. "It seems so," he agreed, once more kissing his love. The more he tasted, the more he wanted. You are fully the reason I'm not lost or insane or completely evil. I love you. I'll never let anything happen to you. Duo whimpered into the kiss, the sweet sound turning into a delicious moan when Heero slid a knee between his thighs. Duo wrenched away. "Stop," he gasped, trying to catch his breath. "It's the middle of the day." "So?" Heero inquired, nibbling and sucking down the side of Duo's neck and throat. "I-I have work to do!" "Delegate it to someone else. That's what servants and attendants are for." "Heero . . ." Both a warning and a plea. Heero ignored the warning and heeded the plea. All it took was a little push to topple them down onto the huge bed. "Mm," he purred, biting over Duo's collar bone, "you're delicious." Blink. Heero looked up at Duo in surprise, wondering how his love had managed to flip them over and pin him down. His indigo eyes gleamed with danger. "I may not be as strong, physically," the beautiful boy said with a hint of a smirk, "but I'm every bit as strong in other ways." Heero didn't sulk. He really didn't. The Black King did not sulk. Then he decided to try another tack. "I won't be able to touch you for probably a week. We have to get up early, and I'm sure you'll want to feel energized and refreshed. Not exhausted from my love-making." With a smirk of his own. Duo scowled at him. "Think you can use logic to get your way?" Stretching up, Heero stole a quick kiss. "Yes." For a moment his love resisted. Then, with a little grumble of something incoherent, Duo let up. "Fine, but in the future, control your raging libido." Heero nodded. He had no intention of doing any such thing. As clothing fell away to the floor and naked skin aligned with naked skin and slender bodies slid together with growing ease and Heero plunged into the place he was sure was better than heaven, he resolved to make Duo just as crazy as he was. The way Duo writhed under him, the way his skin flushed and gleamed with perspiration, the way his body tensed with each slow grind forward and clenched with each slow drag backward. It was intoxicating and enticing and enchanting and utterly, utterly addicting. He didn't know what the future held for them. The kingdoms,
the Tower, the world, any of it. He only knew one thing with absolute
certainty. I will treasure you forever.
tbc |
