|
"In My Master's Arms "Written By: Jewel of Hell Disclaimer: Don't own nothin' but these words Rating: NC 17 Warnings: Yaoi, lemon, violence, slavery, cruelty, possible OOCness, AU/Fantasy/Drama Pairings: 1x2 Summary: In a society where sorcerers are feared
and hated, Duo is given as a slave to a powerful warrior in order
to keep his tremendous power under control. All he wants is freedom
from his cruel master, but nothing is as it seems . . . "In My Master's Arms "
The Power of Nirande "Quatre Winner, Voice of Nirande, has the ability to sense lies through his Goddess's power. Duo, you will swear to him, in front of this court, that you had nothing to do with the assassination." Duo's eyes rose from the floor to meet hers. There was, Heero noted with a tiny smile, not a shred of fear in them. In fact, he saw a hint of challenge. "Fine," he said in an even tone. "I will." Political intrigue, Quatre thought with an internal smile, was an incredibly dangerous game. At times it felt like walking along a tightrope with the ground below covered in sharp, jagged rocks that would impale anyone who fell upon them. And playing both ends against the middle, while not without benefit, was even worse. The rest of the Council, with the exception of Wufei and Trowa of course, had no idea the three men actually spoke with their corresponding gods and goddess. Relena was lying, or rather, she thought she was. It was quite a merry tangle. She had no idea Quatre actually could sense lies. Walking through the parted crowd of people, Quatre moved to stand with quiet dignity over Duo. The boy-sorcerer looked up at him with a bit of fire in his eyes, and Quatre could easily see what the boy was thinking. If you claim I'm guilty, I won't accept it. Neither, Quatre knew, would Heero. The icy-eyed prince wouldn't allow Relena to dispose of his new weapon, no matter what the Council said here. That would only back the young man into a corner and force him to do something rash. Perhaps even challenge Relena into some sort of combat, as was his right. "Duo al'Yuy," he said in a clear, ringing voice, "you have been accused of the treasonous crime of plotting your lord and master's demise. The accuser has spoken, now it is time to hear the accused. Before all gathered here and before me, Voice of Nirande, you may defend yourself." The look Duo gave him spoke volumes of the boy's seething anger. "I haven't heard anything but speculation," he said coolly, "as my master said. If I had taken him somewhere to kill him, why in Cestera's name is he still here, alive and well? Completely unharmed? What kind of mastermind would that make me?" To Quatre's surprise, he heard some of the royal court chuckle quietly at the words. He allowed his lips to quirk in a hint of a smile. "A fair question. And we all here know the collar would not allow you to spell your master into believing a falsehood. Kneel before me, Duo, and swear to me that you had nothing to do with the attempt on your master's life. If I sense no duplicity, these accusations will be dropped and the matter explored no further." "I swear I had nothing to do with the attack on my master, nor did I mastermind anything behind it." Relena, Quatre knew, would want him to tell the court Duo was lying. But the result of those words could not be predicted. Would Heero blithely go along with it? Extremely doubtful. A truly wrathful Heero, one who felt backed into a corner, might lash out in unexpected ways. And for his own purposes, he could not alienate Heero to that degree. He had to somehow show the prince he was his ally, not his enemy. And somehow show his young slave, as well. This would be a good way to start. Relena, he could deal with later. "I accept your words," he said at length, nodding. "There is no lie in them. You are cleared of any guilt." Bowing to the prince, he turned and glided from the hall. Relena couldn't do a thing. Unless she wanted to rescind her own words and thereby hurt her credibility, she had to stand by his decision. Nothing like neatly tying her hands behind her back, Quatre thought with an inward smirk. He knew she would follow him, and she did. As soon as they reached the Council chambers, she closed the door and slammed the bar down. "What was that?" she snapped, advancing on him. Sinking down into his traditional Seat, Quatre looked up at her. "To which part do you refer?" Shoving the chair around, she slapped both hands on the table on either side of him, effectively hemming him in. "What in the name of all things holy possessed you to acquit him? We had a rare opportunity to get rid of a dangerous component, and you announced his innocence!" Not allowing his amusement to show, Quatre leaned back the slightest bit. "Relena, I understand your desire for him gone. But can't you see Heero would never allow his slave to be executed? He is violent and unpredictable. I cannot guess what he would do when backed into a corner, and that makes it too dangerous an avenue to explore. I could not allow him to turn his wrath on you. He might decide to kill you, and we would be powerless to stop it." For long moments she stayed still, fuming, breathing just a bit too hard. Then she closed her eyes and sighed. "Perhaps you are right." She straightened. "Forgive my . . . zeal." He smiled. It didn't reach his eyes. "There is nothing to forgive, dear friend." She smiled, as well. "Of all the Council members, Quatre, you are the one I find most beautiful. You are the only one I cannot read." She cupped his cheek in a cold hand. "I know traditionally the Voices of Gridanja and Cestera rule the Council, but I could change that. Greatly elevate Nirande's standing. You and I could be magnificent together. I have no doubt we would topple the Yuy reign without a struggle. Will you not reconsider my offer?" Leaning down, she kissed him. Quatre made sure he neither recoiled nor responded. Her lips were soft and moist, her tongue insistent, trying to probe past his lips and into his mouth. Eventually he allowed it, and instantly her tongue clashed with his. It was strange, he thought, that she always tasted of wintergreen. Trowa always tasted like warm spice. Her small white teeth closed around his lower lip, tugging gently and sucking. He resisted the urge to moan and bit her tongue. She pulled back, pupils dilated, and licked her lips. Even though he loved Trowa, Quatre had to admit she was a talented kisser. He smiled coyly. "I'm afraid I cannot," he replied. "At least, not now. Not yet." She blinked, placing the flat of her palm on his chest and stroking. "You have never said that before. Then you will accept my offer . . . at some later date?" "Yes, Relena," Quatre answered, allowing the promise to simmer in his eyes. A pity such beauty is wasted on a blackened heart. She is right. We would be magnificent together. Her hand strayed lower, settling on his abdomen just above his groin. "I'll wait for that time. The moment you swear you're mine, Quatre, I'll remove my favor from Beria. She's a pale replacement for you. And you'll remove your favor from Trowa, yes? He is nothing compared to you." "Of course I will," Quatre said, lightly gripping her wrist and removing her hand. He slowly stood, giving her time to back up. "I think you should go find Heero, assure him our intentions were to protect him, nothing more." She nodded and smiled. "We'll speak of this again. Soon." And she was gone. "Quatre." Trying not to sigh, Quatre turned and faced Trowa. "Yes?" "You tell me this is necessary, but I cannot see how." Moving to stand in front of the taller man, Quatre smoothed his hands up Trowa's chest. "You aren't worried, are you? I love you, Trowa. I could never love her. And I'd do anything to bring her down. You know that, and you agreed when I said this must be done." Green eyes burned with quiet furor. "I will not share you with her. She looked at you as though she might look at a decadent treat. Something she wished nothing more than to devour." Quatre laughed softly. "It is true I'm younger than her and perhaps in some ways less experienced. But I'm not a little boy, Trowa. She can't hurt me, and I'll never let her touch me. I belong to you, and you alone." The difference between Relena and Trowa was that Trowa could actually sense Quatre's words were the truth. He seemed reassured, and he wrapped his arms around Quatre to drag him close and kiss him. Another difference, Quatre thought distantly. Relena's kiss was cold and sharp and devouring. Trowa's was warm and passionate and consuming. Both wished to dominate him, but while one tried, the other yielded. Which was just one reason Quatre could never, ever love her. He was not to be owned. Not by anyone. o0o o0o Wufei ghosted through the halls of the castle until he reached the Black Prince's bedchambers. He hesitated a moment before knocking on the solid wood door. This was a place he'd never come, and he took a moment to gather his thoughts and decide what to say. His mind was still reeling from Relena's absurd ploy. Was she desperate or foolish? Or was it a part of something much larger? Knowing the answers wouldn't appear from thin air, he dismissed it from his mind and knocked. It took some time before Duo answered. The boy looked pale and tired. And none too happy to see his visitor. "The prince isn't here," he said flatly, beginning to shut the door. Wufei grabbed it and pushed it open. "It is fortunate, then, that I came to see you." Duo blinked. "Why?" Smiling, Wufei strode forward, forcing him to step back. "You said you would meet me this morning and you did not." A little sneer curled up Duo's lip. "I had little say in the matter. Heero chose this morning to return. I can't exactly tell him what to do, can I?" "Relena believes firmly you were plotting foul play," Wufei said, "but I'm not as certain. Will you tell me where you and Heero were? And what was so important he felt the need for such secrecy?" The boy's amazing indigo eyes flashed in the light of the candles and lamps. "I won't." "Won't, or can't?" Duo's lips twisted, and Wufei decided can't. He nodded absently. "No matter, boy. Would you believe I came looking for the two of you out of concern alone?" Duo's eyes narrowed. "No one does anything for unselfish reasons." That cynical attitude might have been surprising in one so young were he anything but a sorcerer. Wufei felt a pang of deep regret at this poor child's fate. Reaching out, he touched Duo's face. "It's a great pity your master is so cold-hearted. I would have treated you more kindly." Duo jerked back. "I don't believe you. Please leave." Whirling, he stalked to the bedchamber and closed the door behind him-only a bit too hard. Wufei sighed and looked around the sitting room. Duo, it seemed, had already shut down emotionally. Heero had never been receptive. Was there any way to reach the young man? Wufei was no longer sure he could get through to Heero via Duo. He also wasn't sure if it was safe to let Heero know not all of the Council were his enemies. The youth was too unpredictable. He may not even care. Retreating, he quietly closed the door behind him.
After some deliberation, Heero decided to leave Duo behind when he went to meet with his officers the next afternoon. Any chance he could get to minimize his cruel treatment of the boy he would take. He'd simply dismissed the Council's attempts to weasel out of him where he'd been if not injured, and now it was time to let it work its way to the masses where he'd been and put an end to their idiotic fussing and panicking. His officers consisted of two regional generals and six division commanders. He had more of both, but these eight men were the closest to Cera. They'd also traveled with him to Navrane. Among them was Zechs Marquise, the banner bearer and Lord General of the entire army. He answered only to Heero. The men bowed low when he strode into the courtyard. Heero, who always knew when he was being watched by her, could sense Relena somewhere in one of the towers overlooking the courtyard. He resisted the urge to look for her. "Gentlemen," Heero greeted them. "I know this seems like an odd place to meet, so shall we reconvene in the war council room?" The implications of meeting there could not be lost on them. And they would all be wondering why Heero had requested they meet here, first. Well, the answer to that was simple. Heero wanted them to gather in a place where all could see him and wonder why he was meeting his officers. Specifically, he wanted the Council of Nine to be wondering these things. "It would be more comfortable," Zechs agreed at once. "Shall I arrange for a servant to bring us refreshment?" "Why ever would you waste time doing that?" Heero laughed. "Are we all ladies who need to moisten our parched throats before we begin gossiping?" His officers laughed as well, but Heero could sense their disappointment. Fine. Sometimes they wondered, he knew, if he was cruel to them on purpose because it amused him to see them suffer, and he was fine with letting them. They filed back into the castle, and when they were seated in the war council room, Heero closed the door and slammed the bar home. Otherwise, Relena would intrude with refreshment, claiming thoughtfulness. Heero took his place at the head of the table. "Despite the fool rumors that I was shot down, I left some days ago with my sorcerer on a mission of some importance. I believe it is time I shared the reason with you, since my army will play a pivotal role in all this." He smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Your Highness?" one of his two regional generals said, leaning forward with an eager expression. "Are you implying what I think you are?" Heero turned his cold smile on the man. "That depends, General Afthron. What do you think I'm implying?" Pleasant. The man flushed and shifted. "I apologize, my prince. Please continue." Heero snorted. "Thank you for your generous permission. I've grown weary of the border skirmishes with Dobraia. I plan to launch an attack that will show them once and for all what happens when fools decide to match swords with the Black Prince." Eight of them started murmuring excitedly. The ninth, Zechs, looked less sure. Heero met his stormy gaze. "There was an attempt on my life," he said. "Unlike Relena idiotically believes, I feel Dobraia was behind it. They have a vested interest in my demise." He smirked. "Brilliant, my prince," General Regathon blustered. "We will bear your banner into battle against those Dobraian dogs, slaughter every last one if that is your wish!" Heero turned his cold smile on him. "Hn, what a thought. I would wage war with the entire world if I could, Regathon. But I am one man, and our resources are limited. So I have another task for you. I want you two to gather each of your division commanders. Between the seven divisions of central Corai, I want three divisions to march into Penniar and drive out the peasants. I don't care who you kill. There should be enough to gather provisions for months of campaign if I decide to declare all-out war with Dobraia." His lips turned up into an even colder smile. "Spread the word. The Black Prince's Imperial Army marches north in ten days' time." The two generals and six commanders exclaimed as though he'd told them every day was a holiday for the rest of their lives. They scattered to do his bidding, leaving only Zechs. One of the most unusual men under Heero's command. Unlike most people, the Lord General didn't irritate Heero to the point where he contemplated killing them out of sheer spite. In fact, were the circumstances normal, Heero suspected he would even like the man. Who right now was looking at him with an unreadable expression. "What, Lord General?" Heero prompted after a moment. "Do you disapprove?" "I would never dream of going against your wishes, my prince," Zechs said without hesitation, but he said it slowly. "However . . . I am a bit curious. If I may, what is your goal, attacking the villages of Penniar? Last time the rewards reaped amounted to little." Heero drummed his fingers on the tabletop. A strangely compassionate man in this country of murderers and warmongers. A true pity he couldn't let Zechs see his real self. "Why should I not? It boosts morale and the people of Penniar lead such a pitiful existence." He bit out a smile. "I'm putting them out of their misery. And eventually I should like to expand Corai's borders to include both Penniar and Dobraia. By attacking them now I will show them that resisting is not in their best interest." The look in Zechs' eye was inscrutable, but Heero could detect a subtle undercurrent of disapproval. "Yes, my prince. Your foresight is commendable." "Indeed," Heero agreed, waving a hand in dismissal. "You may go. You will, of course, lead the attack on Dobraia. The attack on Penniar is little more than an expedition to gather supplies. That is beneath you, so you may instead plan and prepare for the battle with Dobraia. That is all." Zechs rose and bowed low. "As you command, my prince." Heero watched him leave. I can't show you the compassionate
man you wish I were. But I can at least grant you this boon. He
also knew that spreading the word of his army's march into Penniar
would have the peasants scattering. No one would be killed because
no one would resist. He'd already shown them the pointlessness of
that.
tbc |
