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"The King and the Shaman "Written By: Jewel of Hell Disclaimer: Don't own nothin' but these words Rating: NC 17 Warnings: AU, Fantasy/Drama/Romance, Yaoi, lemon, language (the usual), peril, violence, animal shamans, neko Duo, king Heero, impending war, sentient-formless evil Pairings: 1x2, others Summary: Heero is the young king of a country
he wants to expand into an Empire. One day he is approached by a woman
who claims she is an animal Shaman, creatures of legend and myth.
She makes an offer Heero cannot refuse. " The King and the Shaman "
Relena wished she could slap her brother. Zechs was doing his best impression of a covey of agitated doves as he fluttered around the palace. He couldn't hold still, he couldn't focus, and he ranted to her at random intervals. He'd forbade everyone in the palace from his presence but her, claiming he didn't need the added stress of entertaining people. So instead he drove her nuts. "Zechs," she finally said, "you've known this was coming for two years. Why does it come as such a hideous shock now?" He rounded on her, face an ugly shade of red. "Damn it, Relena. This is a summons from Heero! He's going to dethrone me. This little upstart is going to dethrone me! Our family has been ruling this kingdom for thirteen generations. What makes him think he can just . . . get rid of me on a whim? Damn him!" "You couldn't possibly triumph against him if you went to war now," Relena said quietly. "He's already got five of the nine kingdoms behind him, and the three remaining besides us are too afraid to challenge him." "I know that," Zechs snapped. "Word is he's already chosen his Lords of the Land who will govern his new provinces. It's a good bet I'm not among them. Damn it. He knows I dare not refuse his gracious 'invitation' to join him in his royal palace. Relena, I'm going to have you winter in Cairon. If he refuses, I'll tell him you're too weak to travel there and back again, that you've been sick. I want you to do whatever it takes. I want him to take you as his queen!" Relena looked at her brother. Looked at him hard. "And what if he doesn't? Then what, Zechs?" She didn't like that look in his eye when he turned away without a response. She didn't like it at all. o8o o8o The heat waves of summer were relenting, making way for the first chilly bite of early fall when the Peacecraft siblings left Sanc for Cairon. Zechs had let it slip out into the rumor mill that Relena had caught some illness or another and was still suffering from side-effects in the hopes that King Heero would allow her to winter at Cairon. Relena thought it was an ill-conceived plot, and she resented being used. She would, however, go with what her brother wanted. What else could she do? She was a woman in an extremely chauvinistic world. Her brother was responsible for her. And frankly she would rather marry Heero than some middle-aged earl or duke out in the country, isolated from everyone she knew. She didn't know the young king of Cairon very well, but he seemed kind and very courteous. If that darling boy-cat of his was anything to go by, Heero was kind. She couldn't wait to see Duo. It had been several months. He would probably be taller now, a little more filled out. Would spending time in the sun have made his skin darker? His hair, would it be even longer? Such beautiful hair. It would probably be streaked with gold by now, too. She couldn't wait to see that smile again, watch it brighten his eyes. It took the better part of four weeks to reach Cairon. Relena, who had never liked traveling, felt worn out by the end. Exhausted. She hoped for selfish reasons Heero allowed her to stay the winter. An impressive royal guard greeted them when they entered the capital city. An extremely tall man bowed to them. "Welcome to Cairon. Please, if you will follow me I will escort you to the royal palace. His Majesty King Heero is waiting for you." The herald announced them and Zechs swept into the audience chamber, reminding Relena sharply of this time many months ago when they'd first met with Heero. It was practically the same this time, too, except there were chairs to the right and left of Heero's impressive throne. Chairs filled by men and women Relena didn't know. And to her disappointment, she didn't see Duo anywhere. "Your Majesty," Zechs said, bowing lower than the first time. "Thank you for the gracious welcome." "It was no trouble," Heero said, his incredibly blue eyes focusing on Relena, "but I'd heard your sister was feeling poorly?" Zechs adopted a concerned expression as he looked at his younger sister. "Yes. She caught a fever this summer. Nasty business." "You look weary, Princess," Heero said, something entering his eyes. A . . . sparkle. "Would you like to retire? Sally, would you escort the princess to the royal guest suites set aside for them?" Sally, hmm? So Heero had found a new chamberlain. She already liked this one much better than the mousy, round little man from before. The woman, about a hand taller than Relena herself, smiled and placed a warm hand on Relena's arm. "This way, Princess." In the halls, Relena smiled at her. "Thank you, Sally. May I call you Sally?" "Of course, Princess. May I call you Relena?" "Please do." "I have a background in herbs and medicine," Sally told her. "If you like, I will brew you some tea that will help with exhaustion." Relena blinked. "I would appreciate that. I've never been a hardy traveler." "It's because you're too thin," came a voice from behind her. Starting slightly, Relena turned to face the young man approaching. He was slightly shorter than her, but only barely. He looked to be two years - perhaps three - younger than her. And he was stunningly beautiful. She blinked. "Duo?" A bright smile broke over his pale face. "Welcome back to Cairon, Relena," he murmured. She closed the distance between them to fold him into a hug. The soft ears and tail were gone. His skin was still ivory pale, and his hair was a little darker - though it was streaked with sun-gold as she'd suspected. And his beautiful eyes were darker now, too. No longer lavender-violet but rather indigo-violet. Pushing him back, she held him at arm's length. "You've grown. Lovelier than ever, Duo." Duo's return smile was cheekier, now. More like the kittenish one to which she was accustomed. "More talented, now, too. Heero was right. I can control the weather at will. There are other things I can do, too." She blinked. "You can control the weather?" Here Sally jumped in. "He's an animal Shaman," she explained. "Here are your rooms, Relena. If you like, I can join you and tell you what I know about them." "May I join you, too?" Duo asked. Relena smiled. "Of course, Duo. You're always welcome with me." Sally saw Relena comfortably settled in. "The Shamans are straight out of legend," she said. "Little is known about them except they are magical beings who can transform at will into an animal form. Duo was literally born a kitten." "You can transform into an animal form?" Relena asked, looking at Duo. He smiled. "Yes. I'm a leopard. Would you like to see?" Excited, feeling like a young girl again, Relena smiled and nodded. "I would love to." Duo was only wearing a dark red robe of silk. He untied the cord and let it fall off his slim, lithe body, unashamed of his nakedness - as well he should be. His skin was flawless, unmarked ivory. He was just stunning. He unbound his hair, shaking the silken waves free and kneeling. After a slight shimmer, Duo abruptly changed shape. One moment he was a human youth, next he was sitting back on his haunches as a lean leopard. His coat was a dark shining auburn, covered generously with ebony spots. The center of the spots were a softer red-gold. He was gorgeous. And his eyes were still that wonderful indigo-violet. Relena shook her head. "I'm afraid I'm envious, Duo. Even as a wildcat you're prettier than me." Duo opened his jaws, revealing gleaming white fangs, and she got the distinct impression he was laughing at her. Rising from his position he padded across to her, rubbing his face against her knee until she pet him. At her touch he started purring, a deep rumbling in his chest that reverberated through her skin. "Duo, we've discovered, is a Storm Shaman," Sally said. "He can control all aspects of the weather. Wind, rain, lightning, thunder. And we thought Shamans could only have one talent, but Duo seems to have many. He can also make earthquakes and split the ground open to summon lava. That's an ability unique to Earth Shamans." Relena could think of many practical and violent applications for those powers. Heero could conquer the whole world without the help of an army, because she knew Duo would do whatever Heero wished. He'd already made that clear. I sincerely hope Heero has no intention to use this wonderful creature's powers in that way, she thought, gazing into those beautiful eyes. Duo gazed back at her for a moment, then abruptly transformed. "What, Relena?" he murmured. "You suddenly smell . . . afraid, almost." Smiling a bit wistfully, Relena reached out and stroked his smooth cheek. "It's nothing. I'm just glad to see you, Duo. How have you and Heero been?" That bright smile came back and Duo rose, slipping back into his crimson robe. As he did, someone knocked on the door. She and Sally both started, but Duo did not. She wondered if he still had the highly-sensitive hearing of a cat. Most likely. And he was smiling. "That's Heero," he informed the two women. "May I let him in, Relena?" "Of course," Relena said, surprised. What a shock. Heero had abandoned her brother already? When Duo pulled the door open he gave his guardian - companion? - a hug. All liquid grace now rather than manic energy. The difference was appealing, though Relena did miss that youthful vigor somewhat. Heero kissed Duo's temple, then entered the chamber. "Princess," he said, inclining his head. "I wanted to personally inquire after your condition." "I thank you, Majesty," Relena said, rising and curtsying. "I'm afraid I don't travel well. It has quite exhausted me, and you may rest assured that is not an attempt by my brother to garner your undivided attention on my behalf." She smiled ruefully. "Though it was originally intended to be such on his part." Heero snorted. "I spoke with him briefly in private before turning him over to my new Lords of the Land - or Governors, if you prefer. He requested that you spend the winter with me. I will only grant his request if it is your genuine desire to winter here rather than home." Relena was surprised. "Thank you, Majesty," she murmured. "I would actually enjoy the chance to spend time with you and Duo." Duo rewarded her with that heart-melting smile of his. "We have to get to know each other again, don't we?" he said. Returning his smile, Relena nodded. "Quite true. I am perfectly honest in saying, Majesty, that I missed your kitten companion. No longer a kitten, though, is he?" The look Heero turned on Duo was a curious mix of emotions. Fondness and affection, certainly. A level of pride. And something troubled, too. It surprised and . . . disturbed Relena. Something was bothering the young king, something that he obviously wasn't sure he could fix. But what? Something that concerned Duo. That frightened her. A lot. "Not at all," he agreed. "Relena, would you like to take a private dinner tonight with me and Duo? I will throw a fantastic feast and invite the whole Imperial Court to satisfy your brother, but I thought you might enjoy the chance to rest a little before then." Smiling, Relena nodded. "I would appreciate that." "How was the weather for your journey?" Duo asked abruptly. Relena blinked. "Actually it was quite fair. I was a little surprised. Early autumn usually brings rain to Sanc." Then she blinked again, realizing the reason he must have asked. "Was that your doing?" Duo smiled, ducking his head modestly. "Yes. I only asked because I wasn't sure I could affect the weather that far. And you wouldn't believe the storms occurring father south because of it. To tell you the truth it's a lot of work to modify the weather." "I would think so," Relena murmured. "Thank you, Duo. That was incredibly sweet and thoughtful of you." The angel-faced boy just smiled. o8o o8o Late night brought Heero some reprieve. He had six reigning monarchs in Cairon right now, because in a few days he was going to give them the option of surrendering their kingdoms to his rule peacefully. It was exhausting to deal with so many pompous, arrogant men and women at once. He knew why Zechs was here. He'd once more asked for a betrothal between his sister and Heero. It was important for a king to have a queen. A queen would strengthen his rule and garner sympathy from the people. For some reason, the common populace seemed to have an easier time relating to a queen than a king. It would be doubly important for Heero, because he would be the emperor of a huge empire. Ten times larger than any of the kingdoms. Or any kingdom in the history of this world. He would just as soon take a bride that he liked. He didn't think he would ever find a woman he could actually love. The reason was simple. He was already in love. "Heero?" the soft voice murmured. Duo was concerned. If he was still an adolescent, his ears would be back. Flat against his skull. Now it shone from his eyes, muted and harder to detect, but still there. Of course, Heero knew him better than anyone. "Heero." A little more determined now. Heero pressed his forehead against the cold glass of the window in his bedroom chamber. It overlooked the foothills behind the royal palace. He'd always liked the comfortable seat. It was a nice place to reflect on things. Like how complicated life could be. "Heero, please." Next thing he knew his arms were full of his darling kitten. Not a kitten anymore. Duo was slim and small enough that he managed to insinuate himself between Heero and the glass, pushing Heero's face back so that he could look into his eyes. "What?" he whispered. "Please tell me what's wrong, Heero. I can smell it. Are you . . . bothered? About me?" Heero felt a peculiar tightening in his chest. He crushed Duo close. "God no," he breathed. Duo buried his face in Heero's neck, like he had ever done as a kitten. Heero simply held him for a long time, trying to put everything together in his mind. He would have to get married some time. But even thinking about that felt like a betrayal to Duo. And if that wasn't enough, Kal'an had told him more than two years ago that she and the Shamans would eventually return for Duo. What if Duo wanted to go with them? What if they took him? What would he do then? He couldn't bear the thought of Duo not being in his life. I love him. I don't even know how it happened. No, I've always loved him. I just didn't expect to actually fall in love with him. "Are you upset with Zechs?" Duo insisted after a time. "Yes," Heero answered truthfully. "He's good at complicating things." Duo made a soft, snuffling little laugh. "I'd noticed." Sighing deeply, Heero resolved to put it all out of his mind for now. He couldn't take a queen anyway until his empire was built and stable. That would take a year or two yet. Perhaps by then he would have the answer. Deep down, he doubted it.
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