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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 "
And She Fell in Love; It Wasn't Supposed to Happen Like This "Well?" "Well, what?" Relena almost snapped. Her brother gave her a sour look. "You know very well what. Have you convinced Heero to marry you, yet?" It took an extreme exercise of will not to roll her eyes. "Zechs, we've been here for two days. If you're looking for good news, I think my private dinner with him and his companion Duo went well. I believe he likes me. But it's a bit premature to be hoping for a marriage proposal at this early date." "Relena, I don't think you understand the gravity of this situation," her brother began in a patronizing tone. "I am king. If you do not marry Heero, who knows what will become of us? We will lose our status as royalty. Become nobility. Or worse—" he shuddered—"commoners. Do you really want that?" "Of course not," Relena said quietly, and that was true. She didn't want to go from a comfortable life of luxury to work and hardship. She wasn't built for it. "Then I think it's time you try harder," her brother reprimanded. "You are the only one in the entire royal circle of this world who is close enough to his age to be eligible. Heero knows that. Everyone knows that. Hell, it's practically expected you two will marry. You are the only one who needs to get on the bandwagon, Relena." Dragging in a long, slow breath, Relena merely nodded. A long time from now she would look back and recognize her brother's pushiness was his own way of looking out for her. But for now it irritated and hurt. Dropping him a graceful curtsy, she left him and retreated to her private chambers. Once there she rummaged in her wardrobe for awhile, looking for just the right gown. She eventually settled on a lovely piece of deep bronzed gold and a wonderful earthy red-brown. It suited fall. The neckline encircled her throat, but a long oval had been scooped out of the bosom, adding interest to an otherwise harsh cut. The tailoring of the rest was relatively simple, relying on the shimmering fabric rather than design. There was a belt of matching material around the waist, and the long sleeves ended in a 'v' over the back of her hands. Heero was in his study. She was a little surprised to find him with just one individual, a tall man with brown hair falling in a shock over one eye. His visible eye was startlingly green. Both men rose when she knocked and entered, and she gave them a low curtsy. "My lords," she murmured. "I am sorry to disturb . . ." "Not at all," Heero said at once. "Relena, this is Lord Trowa Barton, one of my future governors. Trowa, this is Princess Relena of Sanc, sister to King Zechs." Trowa bowed. He was quite an attractive man. "Pleased to meet you, Princess. Heero, I will continue this at a later, more convenient date. If you will excuse me." He gave Relena a departing bow. Heero smiled at her, leaning against his desk. "What can I do for you, Princess?" Unable to help herself, feeling comfortable around him enough to try, Relena grinned slightly. "I wish you would make up your mind to consistently call me Relena. I really do prefer it. It makes me feel less . . ." "Stuffy?" Heero supplied, smile turning to a grin. "Very well, Relena. I'll remember." Relena sighed softly. "I confess I am here out of boredom, Heero. I cannot find your darling Shaman, and you are the next best choice." The words actually startled a laugh out of Heero. "I'll take being second best to him," he said with a snort. "Duo is . . . meditating. You will have to ask him for the particulars tomorrow, because he actually doesn't tell me what he's doing when he goes away like this. I believe it has to do with depleting his energies, so he feels the need to restore them." "Oh," Relena said. "I didn't know he had to do that." "I don't think he does," Heero said agreeably. "He just fusses. Since it falls to me to alleviate your boredom, may I suggest a pleasant way to pass the time? Something I find enjoyable and relaxing?" Well. Heero was asking to spend time alone with her. Relena hoped this qualified as 'trying harder' in Zechs' book. "I would appreciate it," she said, smiling. "Good. Then put on your riding boots." o8o o8o Heero rode his black mare Dreamer out into the open meadow behind the palace. The woods provided cover and privacy, and no one ever came out here. Relena he'd ensconced on a blood-bay mare called Brighteye, and no one could tell him how that name had come about. Still, in her lovely gown, Relena and Brighteye cut a striking pair. He slid from Dreamer's saddle and held up his arms for Relena, gently lowering her to the soft green grass not yet crackling with autumn's cold. "Now keep an open mind, Relena. I know you're a princess, but that's not an excuse for not enjoying activities like these." His eyes sparkled. She merely raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue. Sitting on a stump, he pulled off his boots. Dreamer watched him with what he swore was open disdain. Resisting the urge to chuckle, he stood. Now Relena reacted. "What are you doing?" she asked. There wasn't scorn or shock in her voice. Something more like simple curiosity. As though she couldn't fathom a reason why he should want to remove his boots. That struck him as amusing. "Watch," he replied, walking across the soft grass and stepping into the small stream cutting through the meadow. Icy cool water flowed over his feet. It was true this particular pastime was more pleasant in the summer when the water was warmer. But it still felt nice. Relena did watch him, and her head canted to the side. "Isn't that cold?" she inquired. Sensibly, really. He smiled. "Quite. Come on in, Relena. Or shall I start calling you Princess again?" She obviously understood the gentle taunt. And she took the bait. Raising an eyebrow, she sat on the stump he'd vacated and removed her riding boots. Amazingly, they matched her gown almost perfectly. Speaking of her gown, he absently wondered if she would mind it getting wet. But Relena was way ahead of him. She removed the belt around her waist and carefully gathered the skirt of her gown, folding it up so it went to her knee instead of ankle, then tied off the belt around her waist again. She had attractive legs. In years past Heero might have felt obliged to look and appreciate. But he'd seen Duo naked, and Duo was perfect. Relena did, however, had a freckle right above her knee. It was cute, for some reason. She saw him looking and followed his gaze, breaking into a smile. "Would you believe it? That's the only freckle on my whole body." Heero snorted. "Come in, Relena. The water's fine." She gave a dry smile. "I can hardly wait," and she stepped into the stream with him. Time had smoothed the rocks, wearing away the rough edges and points, making them quite comfortable to walk on. Also quite slippery. "Watch your step," Heero warned. "It's a little slick." "I love these mountains behind your kingdom," Relena said, ignoring his warning as she kicked up the water. It burst free of the stream, briefly filling the air around her in points of glittering light. "It's called the Dragon's Spine," Heero supplied. "I don't think anyone knows how it even got that name." Relena paused for a moment, her eyes tracking west to the mountains. "I like it, though," she said. "There aren't any mountains in Sanc. Plenty of coastline, but no mountains." Heero looked at her. Really looked at her. Could he possibly fall in love with her? He liked her. That was saying a lot. He generally didn't get along well with women. At least, the women in his court. Every time he tried to imagine spending his life with her, however, the images were supplanted by memories of Duo. His smile. His eyes. His bright laugh. He closed his eyes. God, I love him so much. How could I even think about anyone else? He's all I want, really. He's everything I've ever wanted in a companion. "I believe the sun is laughing at you," Relena said abruptly. Water showered him. Startling out of his daze, he sent her a chilly glare. That was his intent, at least, but she merely laughed at him. He couldn't even summon token ire. "You know," he said after a moment, "you fit in out here. Almost in the same way Duo does." She lowered her eyes, smiling. She had long lashes. "I'll take being compared to him in any way. In any capacity." Heero chuckled. "He has that affect on many." Relena shrugged. "He's lovely." She abruptly held out her hands. "Will you dance with me, Heero? The water is slowly turning my feet blue, and I would like a way to warm them up." Now her eyes were sparkling. Grinning, liking that she seemed quite comfortable around him, he took her hands and the pair spun around in the water. Quite dangerous antics, given the footing. But even if they fell the stream hardly had a current rapid enough to sweep them away. The worst they could hope for were some interesting bruises and wet clothes. I like you, Relena, Heero found himself thinking. Quite a bit, considering. But I don't love you. Nor do I think I could. She was laughing. She was lovely when she laughed. Her whole face brightened like a summer daisy, a soft golden glow. It made her eyes dance with light and vigor. It was a sweet, infectious sound that Heero felt no compulsion to deny. So he joined her, rather grateful for the chance to caper like a young boy again. It didn't even make him feel foolish. "I like your laugh," Relena said around her own mirth. "Now you're laughing at the sun!" It was such an innocent thing to say. It reminded him again of Duo. o8o o8o Relena found herself watching Heero. It was easy to do. He was one of the most beautiful men she'd ever met. And unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, his attractive personality made his face all the more pleasing. She suspected she could have been perfectly happy with him if he were homely and plain. But he was not. He was stunning, a beauty all masculine. There was nothing effeminate about Heero. This was the kind of man with whom she could easily fall in love. Relena lost her center, her eyes widening as the slick surface on which they danced finally threw her off. What kind of thought was that . . . ? She might have fallen, too, had Heero's strong arms not suddenly enfolded her in quiet strength and steadied her. Bringing them eye-to-eye. She was drowning. Drowning in endless cobalt blue. That gentle expression on his face suited him as easily as the ice-cold mask he donned when dealing with her brother. His arm encircled her waist, bringing her back into balance, restoring her equilibrium. To her dismay, she found herself wishing he would not let go of her when his arm dropped. He smiled a little. No uncertainty at all. "All right now?" She knew she was blushing. "Yes," she murmured. "Thank you." "You're welcome, Relena." She couldn't help the slight shiver when he spoke her name. o8o o8o Duo watched with anxious eyes as Heero and Relena finally came riding back to the palace. It was nearly dark. He might have gotten up and run down to them if he weren't so tired. While he certainly appreciated that Heero gave him his space when he needed, that didn't mean he spent the time away from his guardian and companion not missing him. Heero entered the room a few minutes later, his eyes searching for and locating Duo. The smile that instantly lit up his face made Duo's heart sing. Heero never looked at anyone like that except him. He would never tell Heero that sometimes he could smell the human's desire for him. That, that was an incredibly heady knowledge. Although it did make his own desire harder to control. He had to know how Heero felt about him before he was willing to make any move. He couldn't bear it if Heero turned him away. As soon as Heero was close enough to him he held out his arms, asking to be held. Heero had never once turned down such a request, and he didn't now. He did, however, lift Duo right off the window and into his arms. That he hadn't done in quite awhile. Duo wrapped his legs around Heero's waist and nuzzled his neck. "Did you enjoy Relena's company?" he murmured, sighing faintly. "Yes," Heero said softly, cupping the back of Duo's head. "I missed yours, though." Duo started up a soft purr as Heero began stroking his hair. He loved it when Heero touched him, and part of him missed being an adolescent. Heero had seemed less reluctant to hold and pet him then. Maybe Heero really did think of him as a kitten. Turning his head, he pressed his lips against the bare skin of Heero's neck. It was hardly a kiss. Just contact. But a barely-discernible shiver tracked up Heero's spine. He gently pushed Duo back. "I'm going to bathe," he said, "then we can go to bed. All right?" He didn't wait for Duo to say yes or no. He just disentangled himself and went to the bathing room. Duo watched him with a peculiar tightness in his chest. He knew Heero was attracted to him. So why was he acting like this? It was confusing, and it hurt. When the next day Heero arranged for him to have his
own bed, Duo decided it was time to take this matter into his own
hands.
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