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Bound, Bonded and Betrayed	By : Deb Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 13359 -:- 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
- 24
- 25
- 26
"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"

Chapter 24

Between Heero, Trowa, Quatre and Duo the fire was eventually extinguished. Quatre was sent to fetch more wood – the dry wood – whilst Heero and Trowa did their best to rid the chambers of the smoke. Relena and Dorothy left to go and sit in one of the parlors and clear their lungs while the men dealt with the issue at hand.

With the firewood replenished and a new fire burning in the grate minus the smoke, Heero turned to address his miserable slave. “Duo?”

“Yes, master?” Duo whispered from where he was kneeling at his master's feet.

“You said you fetched more firewood earlier, did you not?”

“Yes, master. I fetched a basket full and topped up the wood in your study and brought the rest here.”

“Do you not know how to tell the difference between dry firewood and green?”

“I do master and I could have sworn I gathered the wood from the pile of dry. The green wood is normally kept at the back of the wood shed and I took this wood from near the front.”

“Heero?” Trowa interrupted. “It could be possible that some of the wood may have been mixed up in the shed. A few green logs could have been dropped when the woodcutters were stacking it away.”

Frowning, Heero chewed on that for the moment. “You could be right,” he replied and turned back to his trembling slave. “As my brother said, there is a chance that some green wood was mixed up with the dry which would explain why you picked it up. I will give you the benefit of the doubt for now, Duo, but I will still have to punish you for your mistake. However, in future I suggest you double check the wood before you bring it into the chambers.”

“Yes, master.” Duo gave a soft exhalation of air knowing his master really didn't have any choice but to punish him.

“Quatre?”

The blonde turned to his master. “Yes, master?”

“Would you let the princess know that the chambers have been aired out and she may return at her earliest convenience?”

“Yes, master.” The blonde departed on his errand, leaving a subdued Duo alone with the two princes.

Relena returned to the chambers but refused to sleep there that night as the smell of smoke still lingered in the air, instead she returned to her premarital chambers and spent the night there with Dorothy for company. Heero also didn't fancy the lingering scent of smoke and decided he would retire to his old chambers that evening. Duo was sent back to the slave quarters to sleep there, his punishment would be to thoroughly clean the prince's marital chambers the following day and remove all remaining traces of smoke.

Settling down to sleep that evening, the smirk on Dorothy's face was wide. “That is only the beginning. I have lots more in store for you, little mouse. By the time I'm finished with you, you will be begging the prince to sell you or put you out of your misery,” she whispered to the walls.

* * *

Heero arranged a meeting between his mother and his wife, having let his mother know that Relena was keen to learn the ways of running the castle and the other duties associated with being the queen of a large kingdom. Queen Une was delighted to have her daughter-in-law taking an interest in things and patiently showed her the way things were done in the kingdom of Colonia.

Knowing that one day she would be the one to rule over the castle and the inhabitants made Relena feel a lot more important. She listened carefully to the queen and devoted a lot of her time to understanding just how things were being done. There were a few things that Relena didn't agree with and she chatted to Dorothy about them, both women coming up with their own ideas for changes once Heero ascended the throne.

For the moment, Relena would need to be patient and content in her role of princess, continuing to learn and lay her plans for change once the time was right.

Although she wasn't too keen on going out into the kingdom without her husband, she'd made a promise to him that she would attend the harvest festival at Ellwon. Prince Trowa had offered to accompany her which made it a little more acceptable. Once she arrived in the village she was quite taken aback by the atmosphere and the obvious effort the locals had put in to welcome her.

She spent the day walking around the festival, Prince Trowa at her side and being the perfect gentleman. Several bodyguards accompanied them, but they really weren't necessary as the residents of Ellwon outdid themselves in welcoming their new princess.

Relena stepped about the various stalls, partook of several of the local dishes on offer and even joined in on some of the games being played. It was a light hearted atmosphere and Relena certainly knew how to play to a crowd. Within seconds of arriving at the township, she had the locals eating out of her hand.

A smile in this direction, gentle laughter in another and the locals were all falling over themselves to show their support for their new princess.

It was a long day and Relena was more than happy to be back in the carriage and heading for the castle. She gave a soft sigh as the horses picked up their pace. She was looking forward to a nice, hot bath, a decent meal and spending some time with her husband.

Reclining opposite her, Trowa took a moment to study the princess and order his thoughts before speaking. He wasn't one to use much in the way of words, preferring to remain silent and observe most of the time. It served him well as many people underestimated him, taking his usual silence as a lack of intelligence. Nothing could be further from the truth. “You certainly were a hit with the people,” Trowa remarked. “They all adore you; that is good.”

Relena blushed a little “Thank you, I enjoyed myself and it was nice to get out of the castle for a while and see some of the kingdom.”

Trowa nodded. “It isn't wise to remain ensconced in the castle all the time.”

“I agree. If I am to one day be their queen then it is only fair that I get to see the kingdom and meet the people I will be ruling over.” Relena paused for a moment to stare out the window. Open meadows rolled by interspersed with fields that sprouted many different crops. “Does the kingdom rely solely on the people to supply the food for the castle?”

Trowa raised an eyebrow. “I didn't think you would be interested in the running of the kingdom other than the castle and staff.”

“If I am to be an able queen to my people and of help to my husband, it would be to my advantage to learn all there is about the running of the kingdom, don't you agree?” Relena replied, feeling quite smug with herself. The more I know, the less Heero will need that slave for, she thought to herself.

The young prince glanced at the princess before turning his attention to the window of the carriage and the rolling landscape, completely unaware of Relena's ulterior motives. “The castle takes a portion of each farms' produce for use by the castle itself. The farmers retain enough of their produce to sustain themselves and the surplus is sent to the royal holding yards. The royal treasury purchases much of the surplus from the farmers and then it is traded with other kingdoms for either items we don't produce or gold sovereigns. The people who do not farm are able to purchase either from the farmers direct or the royal treasury as well to feed themselves, or they may purchase with the intent to process the produce further, making items such as clothing, shoes, preserves and the like to be sold; thus the shops and markets flourish and the economy is kept strong”

“I see.” Relena chewed on that for a moment. She understood there must be more to it than the brief outline that Trowa had given her, but she appreciated the simple approach. “I take it that this is why Heero is so busy at times?”

“Yes, princess. My brother is responsible for checking the ledgers, making sure that the treasury isn't cheating the people and likewise, the people aren't cheating the treasury. Sometimes there are discrepancies, minor ones and these need to be sorted out. They usually entail a meeting between the parties to discuss the matters at hand. On occasion we have issues raised by the farmers and once a week my father holds court when any of our people with a grievance can attend and have a fair and just ruling made.”

“It sounds like everyone has an important role to play,” Relena mused. “What about you?”

“It's my job to oversee the treasury, make sure that we are trading in the things we require and need. I also keep an eye on what is sold to the people, make sure that we have enough to keep our own fed and looked after first and foremost.”

“I feel quite useless,” Relena sighed.

“On the contrary, princess. It will be your job, eventually, to oversee the running of the castle. In the meantime, what you are doing now, going out and about to the various villages, meeting the people and attending functions is a very important role. It will continue to cement the relationship between the people and the royal family.”

“Thank you, Trowa, you are most kind.”

“My pleasure, princess.”

* * *

“Did you enjoy your day, mistress?” Dorothy asked when Relena returned to the castle.

“Actually, I did,” Relena replied, “but I'm really looking forward to a hot bath and some food. Is my husband back in our chambers yet?”

“Not that I am aware of, mistress.”

“That's fine. Dorothy, please draw me a bath. I'll be along shortly.”

“As you wish, mistress.” Dorothy left to fill the bath for her mistress, Relena decided to find her husband before taking her bath and headed for Heero's old chambers..

* * *

The soft knock at the door had Duo scrambling to his feet. Opening the door he lowered his head. “Mistress,” he said softly.

“Is my husband here?” Relena questioned, her tone short and clipped.

“He is in the study, mistress.”

With a nod of her head, Relena marched through the sitting area and into the study where Heero remained seated behind his large desk, books and papers strewn around. He looked up when he caught movement from the corner of his eye. “Relena,” he said and rose, coming around his desk to take his wife in his arms and kiss her.

Duo had followed the princess into the study, dropping to his knees just inside the doorway. He couldn't help the ache in his chest when he observed his master's tender ministrations from under his bangs.

“Did you have a good day?” Heero asked politely.

“Actually, I had a very nice day. The people of Ellwon were charming and made me most welcome. Prince Trowa was a gracious escort, but I would have much preferred to have had you by my side.”

“I'm sorry I couldn't attend with you.”

“That's quite alright, I do understand that you have your work here to do.” Seeing the confused frown appearing on her husband's face, Relena elaborated a touch. “Prince Trowa gave me a little insight into the workings of the castle, the people and how it all comes together.”

“Ah.”

Not giving her husband any time to dwell on her words, Relena changed the subject. “It will soon be time for dinner. Are we dining with your parents tonight or will it be just ourselves?”

“I thought it would be nice to have dinner by ourselves tonight,” Heero replied. “I was going to have Duo prepare the table in our chambers, if you have no objection.”

“I would enjoy that, Heero. I can tell you all about my day and you must tell me about yours. I will leave you to finish off your work and take my bath. I will see you shortly.” Pressing a kiss to her prince's lips, Relena turned and swept out of the room.

Duo barely had time to get to his feet before the princess was half way to the door. Gracefully moving with as much speed as he could muster without breaking into a flat out run, Duo made it to the door a couple of seconds behind the princess. Relena frowned at him as she waited impatiently for him to open it for her. Once he had, she stuck her nose in the air and walked haughtily past him. With a relieved sigh, Duo closed the door and returned to his place beside his master.

A hand dropped to his head and began to caress gently, Duo leaning into the touch and almost purring. After sitting for a few moments, Heero removed his hand and began to shuffle the papers around on his desk.

“Duo?”

“Yes, master?”

“Go to my chambers and prepare the table for dinner for my wife and myself. Once you have done that, return here. I will finish off this last bit of work and then I will require you to bathe me.”

“Yes, master.” Duo rose and left the chambers to do as his master had requested.

* * *

Princess Relena was absent from the chambers as Duo worked to set the table ready for dinner, something he was relieved about. By the time he'd finished, the princess had still to return and not wishing to be in her presence if he could help it without his master there, Duo headed back to the prince's old chambers.

“The table is all set, master,” Duo informed when he sank to his knees beside his master's chair once more.

“Thank you, Duo.” Heero stretched and wriggled his fingers, easing the cramped muscles. “I think I will take my bath now.” Closing the ledger, Heero set it to the side and pushed his chair back. “Come, Duo.”

The slave rose to his feet and dutifully followed the prince back to the marital chambers. Relena had returned in Duo's absence and was sitting at the vanity table, Dorothy behind her and brushing her mistress' blonde locks.

Whilst Duo scurried about the room fetching his master's clothing, Heero informed his wife of his intent to bathe and then left for the bathing chamber, Duo right behind him.

Once in the sanctuary of the bathing chamber, Duo quickly set the tub to fill, fetched his master's jars and placed them on the edge. With the tub filling rapidly, Duo turned to his master and began to remove the prince's clothing. Once naked, Heero stepped into the steaming water whilst Duo shut off the stream.

“Join me, Duo, I have need of you,” Heero commanded.

Quickly, Duo stripped himself off and climbed into the tub. Picking up a washing cloth, Duo reached for the soap and lathered up the cloth. Setting the soap back down on the stone edge, he began the task of cleaning his master's body.

Heero lay back and absorbed the warmth of the water, the heat and Duo's gentle cleansing of his body doing wonders to relax him. He felt the stress of the day leaving and closed his eyes, savoring the calm ministrations of his slave.

Once the prince was clean, Duo set the cloth aside and waited for further orders. The prince continued to lie back in the water for a while before deciding he really should move.

“Fetch me a drying cloth, Duo,” Heero ordered and began to stand.

Stepping out of the water, Duo reached for one of the cloths and held it out for his master. Picking up a second cloth, Duo assisted his master to dry himself off.

“Thank you, Duo. You may dress me now.”

Once the prince was dressed, Duo dried himself off, put his clothes back on, emptied the tub and tidied up the bathing chamber. His master left, telling Duo to follow once he'd finished.

*

Dorothy and Duo fetched the trays from the kitchen that Noin had prepared, Duo doing his best to ignore the other slave. He made a point of evading Dorothy's company whenever possible, much preferring to stay around his master. With laden trays, the pair went back to the chambers.

The food was placed upon the table, Heero placing small portions from each dish into a bowl and then passing the bowl to Duo who knelt beside him. With his slave now fed, Heero began to enjoy his own dinner. Across from him, Relena had also placed food into a bowl for Dorothy, the maid sitting on a cushion on the floor beside her mistress and not looking at all happy.

Duo sneaked a few glances at the maid through his bangs, noting the annoyed expression on her face. Idly he wondered why she was so sullen. Above his head the conversation between his master and mistress went on, the princess telling her husband all about her day out at Ellwon and the festival.

The princess appeared to have a lot to say and dominated the entire conversation. So much for her wanting to know about my master's day, Duo thought to himself. He honestly didn't know how the woman could talk so much and felt sorry for his master for having to listen to her droning on and on. It was enough to put Duo to sleep! Taking a chance, Duo glanced up through his bangs at his master and barely held the smile. The prince, for all intents and purposes, appeared to be listening intently to his wife, but Duo knew better. He could tell by his master's body language that it was all a front. In reality, the prince had switched off.

Whilst Duo was busy trying to stay awake and admire his master for his restraint, Dorothy was seething. She didn't like having to sit on the floor and eat her meal from a bowl. She much preferred to be seated with her mistress, but given the prince was in attendance, and that it was unheard of for a slave to sit at the same table as their master, that wasn't about to happen and Dorothy didn't fancy another reprimand from the prince. Letting her anger settle a touch, she turned it towards the slave sitting opposite her and began to think of more things she could do to cause him to get into trouble.

Switching the firewood had been a good start, although the punishment the slave had gotten wasn't enough in her book. Cleaning out the chambers and ridding them of the smoke hadn't quite been what she'd expected as a form of punishment. Dorothy had fully expected the prince to at least give the slave a beating for his error. It would seem she needed to up the stakes a little.

The meal eventually came to a close, Heero managing to get a word in when Relena paused for breath to insist they vacate the table and sit in the more comfortable chairs by the fire. Relena agreed and the couple moved from the table, Dorothy and Duo both rising from the floor to assist their master and mistress. Once his wife was seated and comfortable, Heero took his own place and turned to Duo.

“Please clear away the dishes and return them to the kitchens. Once that's done, return here.”

“Yes, master.” Duo got up from where he was kneeling to attend to his master's orders.

“Dorothy, please assist in the clean up,” Relena ordered.

“As you wish, mistress,” Dorothy said, her tone a little short. She gave a sweet smile when she noted the prince glaring in her direction and turned to assist the other slave.

Duo did his best to keep his distance from the maid, picking up the used dishes and utensils and stacking them on the tray ready to take back to the kitchens. Dorothy mimicked his actions, only she made sure to stack only a few dishes on her tray, leaving Duo with the bulk of the items to put on his. Noting what the maid was up to, Duo frowned, but held his tongue; it wouldn't do for him to be voicing any concerns and causing his master unnecessary grief for his insolence.

With the tray quite full it was also heavy and Duo carefully picked it up and balanced it in his hands. Dorothy picked hers up and made her way to the door where she placed the tray to the side and opened the door. Picking up the tray again, she pushed the door a little wider with her foot and paused. A glint came into her eye as she watched Duo carefully balancing the heavy tray and heading towards the door.

Concentrating hard on balancing the tray, Duo did note the maid had already opened the door and as he approached he slowed a little.

Dorothy nodded towards the opening, indicating for Duo to go ahead and exit the chambers whilst she kept the door from closing on them.

Still wary, Duo began to walk forth and out into the hallway. As he passed through the doorway his foot caught on something and he started to fall. Doing his best to get his feet back under him, Duo didn't stand a chance. The tray in his hands went crashing to the floor, Duo following in its wake as he failed to regain his balance.

“What on earth?!” Relena all but yelled as the sounds of the fall and breaking dishes hit her ears.

Heero's head swiveled around and his eyes narrowed as he took in the scene. In moments he was on his feet and striding to the doorway where Duo was sprawled, broken dishes strewn about him.

With the master approaching, Dorothy stepped back and made a show of putting her own tray down and going to assist the fallen slave. Her face showed concern, but inside she was sneering.

“Duo! What do you think you're doing?!” Heero demanded, taking in the mess.

Managing to drag himself up to his knees, Duo surveyed the carnage around him in horror, his master's angry voice caused him to cower. “I'm sorry, master. I caught my foot on something and lost my balance,” he explained. “I'm so sorry, I'll clean it all up.” Duo was almost in tears, his body trembling as he started to reach out and pick up the broken dishes to put back on the tray.

“Clumsy idiot,” Relena spat as she appeared beside Heero to see what the damage was.

“Relena,” Heero's voice was low. “Return to the fire, I will deal with this.”

The princess gave a snort but did as Heero asked, turning and with a swish of her skirts she returned to her seat, but made sure to get a parting shot in as she did so. “Useless slave, can't even walk without tripping over his own feet,” she muttered.

Duo heard the words and flinched but continued to pick up the broken items.

“Clean up the mess and let Noin know what has happened. Once you have done that return to my old quarters, I will address your punishment there,” Heero said. Turning, Heero almost walked into Dorothy who was still there, a couple of pieces of broken crockery in her hands. He gave the maid a dark look. “Leave it and take your tray back to the kitchens,” he snapped.

“Yes, sire,” Dorothy replied and dropped the broken items to Duo's tray to pick up her own and scurry off.

Heero returned to his seat by the fire, his mind doing its best to sort out what had happened. Duo wasn't normally clumsy, in fact, the slave was very graceful. Frowning to himself, Heero thought he'd be better to wait until Duo had finished cleaning up and met him in his old quarters as requested; maybe then he'd learn what had happened.

“I hope you're going to punish him for that,” Relena snipped. “There is no excuse for clumsiness. Those dishes might not have been expensive but they still cost money and to have him break them - “

“Relena, that is enough,” Heero growled, interrupting the woman. “I will deal with Duo and his punishment once he's finished cleaning up the mess.”

Seeing the look in her husband's eye, Relena decided against pushing the issue any further. “As you wish.”

Picking up the last of the broken items, Duo couldn't help the tears that escaped and rolled down his face.

~ * ~

tbc...
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Bound, Bonded and Betrayed