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Bound, Bonded and Betrayed	By : Deb Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 13362 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing/AC, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 23
- 24
- 25
"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"
Chapter 23
“Are you sure this will work? That it could be so simple, Dorothy?” Relena asked, her eyes wide.
Dorothy gave her a malicious grin. “I'm positive this will work, mistress. From what I've been told, Duo was abused before he came to the castle and although he's been here for a while, Duo is terrified of being beaten or sold. If a slave makes a mistake, doesn't do as he's asked or shows any sort of defiance or disrespect, the master is well within his rights to punish that slave. All it will take is for Duo to make mistakes, defy the Prince or the like and he will be punished. Sooner or later Prince Heero will get fed up of that slave and his incompetence, leaving him with no choice but to discipline him constantly and eventually sell him.”
“Hmm, I really think you could be onto something here, Dorothy.”
“Duo will look even more incompetent if both you and I are there to right the wrongs and show the Prince that we can look after him far better and that he doesn't need that slave.”
“Okay, Dorothy, we will go ahead with your suggestions, but from what I've seen, Duo doesn't make any mistakes. He seems to be very well trained and particular about what he does for Heero. How can we possibly right any wrongs if Duo doesn't make any errors?” Relena asked.
Dorothy held onto the sigh of exasperation. Sometimes her mistress could be quite dense. “We will make sure he does make mistakes.”
Relena frowned. “How?”
“Ah, you leave that side of things to me. I'm sure I can set up a few things to make him look incompetent.”
Relena tossed that around for a moment before looking her maid in the eye. “In that case we will need to be very careful that no one else finds out or even suspects that we have anything at all to do with Duo getting into trouble,” Relena stated.
“Of course, mistress. You leave it all to me. I'll start putting this plan into action as of now.” Dorothy rubbed her hands together. She was looking forward to making that other slave suffer.
* * *
Duo was dozing lightly on a pillow beside his master. Heero was diligently working away and had been since early morning. They'd stopped by Prince Trowa's chambers for Heero to catch up on what work Trowa had done in his absence and learn what was new and what still awaited his attention. With Heero brought up to speed, the prince moved on to his study and stepped inside his old chambers.
Although he'd only left them a matter of three days ago, it felt like he'd been gone forever. Duo moved across to the large desk and knelt beside it, waiting on his master's orders. He carefully watched the prince as Heero walked slowly through the sitting area and into the bed chamber. The rooms had been thoroughly cleaned whilst he was away on his honeymoon and now looked empty despite being filled with furniture.
With a soft sigh to himself and making a mental note to get Duo to make up the bed, Heero returned to the sitting room and his study area that sat in an alcove to the back of the room. He glanced at his desk, noting the papers were all tidied up, his writing implements set neatly to one side and the ink well covered. “I guess I should get to work,” he muttered.
Duo rose from his kneeling position and pulled the chair out for his master. Once Heero was seated he dropped back to his knees and got comfortable.
“Duo?”
The calling of his name brought Duo from his light doze and he replied softly, “Master?”
“It is getting cool in here, would you fetch some wood and light the fire, please?”
“Yes, master.” Duo rose and padded to the fireplace where he began to set the fire. There were several logs in the basket beside the grate and some smaller pieces of kindling amongst them. Carefully laying them out, Duo coaxed the fire into life and carefully added a couple of logs, tending the fire until the logs were well ablaze. Satisfied, he set the poker back down and checked the state of the firewood. The basket was getting low and making his way back to his place beside the desk, he thought it best to let his master know so he could fetch more.
“Master?”
“Yes, Duo?”
“I will need more wood for the fire, shall I fetch some now?”
Heero put down the paper he was currently reading and stretched. “I think we shall partake of some lunch first. Fetch a tray from the kitchens and you may stock the firewood after lunch.”
“As you wish, master.” Bowing to the prince, Duo left the chambers to get their lunch.
*
Noin smiled as Duo entered the kitchens. “Have you come for Prince Heero and the Princess Relena's lunch?” she asked.
Duo faltered for a moment, Noin noticing but declining to comment. “I have come for my master's lunch, Miss Noin. He didn't say anything about getting the Princess' lunch.”
“I'd be surprised if her ladyship would be eating so soon anyway, especially after such a late breakfast,” Noin muttered to herself. Turning back to the slave, she spoke again. “No problem, Duo. If you wait for a moment I'll have the tray for you.” Noin bustled off to fill the tray with steaming dishes.
Duo's sharp hearing had picked up on the cook's words and once he'd gotten over his shock of the cook speaking so freely about one of the royal family, he wondered what she could have meant by them. He knew better than to ask though.
“Here you are, Duo.” Noin set a laden tray down on the table by Duo.
“Thank you, Miss Noin,” Duo replied and picked up the tray.
“You're very welcome, Duo.” The cook gave him a kindly smile, a smile that had Duo blushing slightly.
Heading back to his master's chambers with their lunch, Duo was unfortunate enough to run into Dorothy in the hall.
“Where have you been?' she sneered at the slave who seemed to cower at her words.
“I'm looking after my master,” Duo replied and did his best to inch past the maid.
“Not so fast.” Dorothy grabbed hold of Duo's braid, giving it a sharp tug. Duo bit his lip to hold the yelp of pain in his scalp and barely managed to hang onto the tray. “My mistress wants to know where her husband is and you're going to tell me.”
“My master is in his study, working,” Duo managed to get out, the throbbing of his scalp taking most of his attention.
“Thank you,” Dorothy sneered and then leaned in close to whisper in the slave's ear. “Your master doesn't need you any more, he has my mistress and me to take care of him now, he no longer needs a whore like you.”
Duo bit his lip. “No,” he whispered back. “My master does have need of me.”
“Keep thinking that, you useless piece of trash. Oh, and should you speak a word of our discussion I'll be sure to make life very difficult for you, not that anyone would believe a gutter slave like you over a maid of my standing,” she hissed. “Watch your back, your days are numbered.” With another hard yank of the braid of hair, Dorothy disappeared down the hall.
The tears welled in Duo's eyes, not just from the stinging in his scalp, but the harsh words. Setting the tray down for a moment, He scrubbed at his eyes and rubbed his sore head. His heart felt heavy in his chest, his mind awash with thoughts and discord. What was he to do now? His master had promised him he wouldn't sell him, that he still needed him, but that vile maid had insinuated otherwise. Duo didn't dare speak to his master either, the threat Dorothy had made he held no doubt in his mind that she would carry through. With a feeling of lead in his chest, Duo picked up the tray and carried it to his master's chambers.
*
Heero took a break from his work to sit by the fire and eat his lunch, Duo knelt beside him and he passed food over to the slave from time to time. He couldn't help but notice that Duo seemed a little more subdued. “Duo?”
“Yes, master?”
“Are you alright? Are you unwell?”
“No, master, I feel fine.”
“You're very quiet.”
“I am only trying to please you by being good, master,” Duo replied, keeping his head bowed.
The prince had a strong feeling that all wasn't well, but he couldn't fault Duo's answer or force the slave to admit to something if there wasn't anything wrong; he would just have to take Duo's word for it. They continued to eat in silence.
The pair had almost finished their meal when a knock came at the door. Heero nodded to Duo to open it and the slave rose gracefully from the floor to pad across and open the door. As soon as he registered who was on the other side, he instantly dropped to his knees. “Mistress,” he whispered and kept his head bowed.
Relena gave the slave a glance before walking straight past him and aiming for Heero, Dorothy behind her. The prince had turned in his seat to see who was at the door and as the princess swept into the room he raised himself to his feet to greet her.
“Relena,” he said and took her hand to kiss the back of it. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I woke up this morning and you were gone. I breakfasted by myself and had no idea where you were or if you were returning to our chambers. I sent Dorothy to try and find you. Fortunately for me, she ran into that slave of yours and learned where you were. I thought I would come and spend some time with my husband,” Relena informed and sat herself down in one of the chairs, Dorothy taking up residence beside the chair in a half kneeling, half sitting position and keeping her head lowered from the prince.
Doing his best to keep the scowl from his face, Heero returned to his own seat, Duo having closed the door and moving back to kneel beside his master. Heero's hand automatically dropped to the side, seeking out the chestnut head and gently running his fingers through the soft bangs.
That gesture didn't go unnoticed by Relena either and she bit her lip as her anger rose in her chest.
Unaware of his wife's building internal hostility towards his slave for the affection he was showing Duo, Heero spoke softly but strongly. “Relena, you know I have my work to do, the kingdom doesn't run itself and it is my job as crown prince to assist my father in the running of the castle and the kingdom. My brother also has his share of the work and as we were away for a couple of days there is a bit to catch up on. Trowa did all he could whilst we were gone, but there is still a lot to do before I'm back up to my normal work load. Now that you are the crown princess there are several tasks you can take over too and assist in the running of things.” Seeing the look on his wife's face when he suggested she also work, Heero continued before she could protest.
“One day I will ascend the throne and become king and you will be my queen. Don't you agree that it would be far better to have a king and queen that know what they are doing, how the kingdom runs in order to keep the people happy and ensure that the kingdom flourishes?”
“I suppose you're right,” Relena grumbled, “But I don't see what I can do.”
“My mother, the queen, oversees most of what happens here in the day to day running of the castle and once we ascend the throne that job will be yours. I'm sure my mother will be more than happy to have your assistance and input in regards to that and you can benefit from her experience. That way, when you are in charge you will know exactly what the routine of things is. The family also hosts banquets and balls from time to time here in the castle along with festivals and the like in the many villages within the kingdom. My mother usually arranges the castle affairs and upon request of the people she attends the other functions. I think you would enjoy helping her with that side of things.”
Chewing on that information, Relena did have to admit that it was tempting. Her mind began to work overtime. If she assisted the queen with those tasks she would be able to soon sort out the mess of the castle servants and slaves and have the place running the way she wanted it. It would also give her a better chance to get rid of Duo too.
Putting on her best, charming smile, Relena reached out and touched Heero's hand. “I think that is a wonderful idea. I didn't get much of an opportunity to do such things back in Sanq and I do love banquets and balls and things like that. Yes, I think I would like that very much.”
Giving a soft sigh of relief, Heero smiled at his wife. “I will arrange for you to have an audience with my mother and explain my suggestions and reasons why to her. I'm sure she will be more than happy to talk to you about things.”
One of the first things I'd do is to sort out that insolent cook, Relena thought to herself. “Thank you, Heero. That would be most kind.”
“My pleasure,” Heero replied. “Now, if there is nothing more, I really need to get back to work. I still have the ledgers to go over and check that everything balances out.”
Rising to her feet, Relena stepped forward. Heero also rose and drew his wife into a warm embrace, kissing her softly.
“Will I see you for dinner?” she asked.
“Of course,” Heero replied, releasing the woman. “I've invited my brother to join us for dinner this evening in our chambers. Do you have any objection?”
“That will be fine. I think I will take a walk in the gardens this afternoon. It's quite pleasant out. I will bathe and be ready for dinner when you return.” Words said, Relena turned and motioning for Dorothy to follow, she headed for the door.
Duo quickly scrambled to his feet and opened the door for them, keeping his head bowed. He'd not been at all comfortable in the presence of the princess, and even less so with that maid. Frankly he was glad to see them both leave. Closing the door behind them he moved back across the room to kneel beside his master who had once again taken up residence behind his desk.
* * *
Out in the gardens, Relena found a bench in a warm spot to sit. Dorothy sat beside her and the pair admired the manicured lawns and abundant flowers in the garden beds for a few minutes. As she studied the gardens, Relena's mind traveled back over the conversation she'd had with Heero. “Dorothy?”
“Yes, mistress?”
“This suggestion the prince made for me to help out with the running of the castle, I think it's a very good idea.”
“I agree with you, mistress. It will be the perfect opportunity for you to start to change things to run much more efficiently.”
“That it will, Dorothy; although I'll have to be careful to start with. I don't know how much longer the king intends to rule before stepping down and allowing Heero to take over so I'll have to be subtle in the changes I make for now. Once Heero ascends the throne then I can implement all the changes I want.”
“Yes, mistress, I can see your point. It wouldn't do to upset the queen but it will most certainly be the perfect stepping stone to that authority. Besides, it will give you the chance to see where things will need to be changed and what those changes will entail.”
“Exactly, Dorothy.” Relena rubbed her hands together in glee. “I think this is the perfect place to start.”
The pair sat for a little while longer before getting up and strolling further around the castle grounds. As they were making their way back towards the castle building, Dorothy spied the figure of Duo crossing the court yard and disappearing into one of the out buildings. Her curiosity getting the better of her, she decided to try and sneak a little closer to the building and see what the slave was up to.
Steering her mistress towards the gardens on their right and not the castle entrance as they had planned, Dorothy did manage to get close enough to the out building that when Duo came out she could clearly see what he'd been there for.
The long haired slave carried a large basket filled with firewood and obviously hadn't seen them. Dorothy smiled to herself. That firewood would be going to either their chambers, the master's chambers or both. She waited until Duo had completely disappeared back into the castle before suggesting they both return to their chambers for the princess to start getting ready for dinner. Relena agreed and the pair aimed for the stone steps.
*
Once they were back inside the castle, the pair walked quietly back to their chambers. Relena stepped through into the bed chamber to go through her wardrobe and select something suitable to wear for dinner. Dorothy took the chance to check out the box of firewood beside the empty fireplace.
It was full.
Now Dorothy knew for sure that Duo must have refilled the box ready for the evening when they would need a fire to keep the chill of the air away. She gave an evil smile to herself as her mind went into overdrive. Hearing her mistress calling for her, Dorothy left the fireplace and went to assist her mistress.
Having sorted out the clothing she would wear, Relena decided to take a long soak in the bath and pamper herself a little. Dorothy filled the tub and checked the temperature. Assisting her mistress to undress, Dorothy fetched several jars and set them ready for Relena.
“I will need to wash my hair, Dorothy,” Relena informed as she lay back and absorbed the heat of the water.
“Yes, mistress.” Dorothy worked the gel substance through her mistress' hair, lathering it up and then rinsing it away. A repeat of the gel and Dorothy reached for the conditioner to put through the honey locks.
Eyes slipped half shut as Relena enjoyed the attentions to her hair and scalp.
“That should stay in for a few minutes, mistress. While it does, I'll just pop back to the chambers and set out your clothing properly. I won't be long.”
“Okay, Dorothy,” Relena replied.
Slipping from the bathing chamber, Dorothy made a beeline for the chambers and grabbed the basket of firewood. She'd deliberately given Relena a scalp massage, knowing it would soothe the princess and put her in a state of almost sleep, a state that would mean Relena wouldn't take too much notice of how long Dorothy was gone for.
The maid slipped through the hallways and outside without being seen. Moments later she was inside the building that Duo had come from earlier. Tipping the basket, she tossed the firewood back into the pile and scanned the rest of the wood in the room. “Perfect,” she muttered when she spotted the pile to the back that had only been cut and stored in the last few days. Hastily she began to fill the basket with the green wood.
With the basket now full again, Dorothy shoved a few 'drier' logs on the top and hightailed it back into the castle and her mistress' chambers. Setting the basket back beside the fireplace, no one would know anything at all about the switch of wood.
Satisfied with herself, Dorothy grabbed a couple of items and headed back to the bathing chamber and her mistress.
* * *
Trowa had joined Heero and Relena for dinner in their chambers as pre arranged. Quatre also came along much to Duo's relief and the two slaves, along with Dorothy, fetched the trays from the kitchens for their respective masters and mistress. Duo was a little disappointed to discover he had his own bowl of food to eat and wouldn't be fed by his master's hand that evening. He glanced across at Quatre from time to time and did his best to keep his jealousy at bay as he watched Prince Trowa feeding the blonde.
During the meal the trio discussed the latest gossip going around the kingdom, most of it pertained to Heero's marriage and the new princess.
“I think it would be beneficial if the princess were to take a ride out amongst some of the closer villages soon. The people are clearly smitten with her and it could only strengthen the relationship between ourselves and our people if the princess were to be seen to be taking an interest in the people and their lives,” Trowa suggested and placed his cleaned plate back on the tray. His hand drifted to Quatre's blonde head and caressed the slave.
The princess couldn't help but notice the gesture and compared it to her husband and his caressing of Duo's head. It seemed that both the princes held an unhealthy obsession with their slaves; although in Prince Trowa's case, he wasn't married – yet.
“That sounds like a very good proposition, brother,” Heero replied after a little thought. Turning to his wife, he addressed the princess. “What do you think, Relena?”
“I guess it couldn't do any harm,” she replied.
“If I recall correctly, the lower village of Ellewon will be holding its harvest festival in a week or so, maybe that would be a place to visit. I'm sure the villagers would be overjoyed to have the new princess visit and take an interest in their celebration,” Heero said. “Duo? Would you please light the fire? It's getting a little cool in here.”
Duo rose from his place beside his master and approached the fireplace where he began to set the fire in the grate.
“Would you be able to accompany me?” Relena asked, a little unsure of traveling alone to somewhere she wasn't familiar with.
“I don't think I will be able to get away,” Heero replied.
“I know I'm a poor substitute for my brother, but I might be able to accompany you, princess, that's if you have no objection?” Trowa offered.
“Thank you, that is most kind of you, Trowa.” Relena smiled at the prince. Just as she was about to speak again, Relena began to cough. Moments later, Heero, Trowa, Dorothy and Quatre all started to cough as well.
Wisps of smoke began to drift through the room sending everyone into coughing fits.
“Duo!?” Heero barked and managed to rise from his seat and cross to the fire place where Duo, who was also coughing, was doing his best to stop the wood from smoking.
“I'm sorry, master. I don't know what's wrong,” Duo managed to get out between coughs.
Trowa rose and with Quatre they opened several windows and doors in an attempt to clear the smoke. Heero looked at the smoking wood on the fire and then switched to the basket of wood beside the fire place. He picked up a piece and through watering eyes he studied it intently before turning back to the slave.
“Duo, who replenished the wood in the basket earlier?”
“I did, master,” Duo managed to cough out.
“I would have thought you'd be able to tell the difference between dry firewood and green firewood. No wonder it won't burn properly and is just smoking. What on earth are you trying to do?!” Heero did his best to smother the fire and stop the smoke.
Duo did his best to assist his master in dousing the fire. “I could have sworn I fetched the wood from the right pile,” Duo replied miserably.
Heero gave the slave a stern look and turned back to the still smoking fire. Beside her mistress, Dorothy gave a smirk, but no one saw it as she was currently holding a handkerchief over her mouth and nose.
~ * ~
tbc
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Bound, Bonded and Betrayed