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Bound, Bonded and Betrayed	By : Deb Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 13360 -:- 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
- 29
- 30
- 31
"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"

Chapter 29

Of all the things Heero thought could possibly be wrong with his wife, pregnancy was not one of them. In fact, that thought had never entered his head; and so the news came as rather a shock to him. The color drained from his face, his breathing stuttered for a moment and his skin became clammy.

“Heero?” Relena prompted, a touch of concern in her voice as she observed the pale complexion of her husband.

Heero just continued to stare, his eyes blank as his brain fumbled to process the information.

“Heero? Are you okay?”

In the bed chamber Duo was busy hunting for his master's boots and wasn't privy to the conversation going on in the sitting room. He did, however, hear the rising voice of the mistress along with the concern it held and he hesitated for a moment. When he heard the princess ask if Heero was okay, that made his mind up for him and Duo ceased looking for the boots and stepped out into the sitting area. One glance at his master's pale skin and Duo was immediately across the room and kneeling at the prince's side.

“Master?” he asked quietly. “Are you alright?”

Pregnant? His wife was pregnant? Expecting a child? His child? Heero swallowed and forced his eyes to focus. “Did I hear you correctly?”

Relena nodded.

“You are with child? My child?”

“Yes, Heero. We're going to be parents.” Relena positively beamed.

Beside the chair Duo felt as if all the air had been sucked from the room. The words hit him like a freight train. Pregnant, the mistress was pregnant with his master's child.

Unaware of the turmoil passing through his slave's mind, Heero managed to recover his composure. With a smile on his face he stood up and crossed the room to where his wife sat. Reaching for her he pulled her up and into his arms, holding her close and pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I'm going to be a father?” he asked, still unable to fully accept the truth.

“Yes, Heero, You're going to be a father,” Relena chuckled.

“That is... That is the most wonderful news I could hope for,” Heero breathed. “We have to tell my parents, they are going to be over the moon,” he finished excitedly.

“Now you know why I arranged to have dinner with your parents tonight, Heero. No one other than the healer and us knows and I'm not sure of the protocol regarding a royal pregnancy and the announcement. I was...” Relena looked down for a moment before shyly returning her gaze to Heero's intense, blue eyes. “I was hoping your parents would be able to guide me, especially your mother.”

Oh, well done, mistress, Dorothy thought to herself from where she stood to the side watching the drama unfold before her.

“I'm sure my mother will be overjoyed and more than happy to help you and guide you through the pregnancy,” Heero replied. “Speaking of which, we'd better hurry up, I don't wish to keep them waiting.” Turning back to where Duo was still kneeling beside his now vacant chair, Heero addressed the slave. “Duo? Where are my boots?” he demanded.

“Sorry, master. I will fetch them now,” Duo murmured and scurried off back into the bed chamber.

“Dorothy, go and help him find the prince's boots otherwise we will be here all night,” Relena ordered.

“Yes, mistress.” Dorothy spun on her heel and disappeared into the bed chamber. Spotting Duo frantically searching through the prince's closet, Dorothy couldn't help the sneer on her face.

Hearing someone enter the bed chamber, Duo peeked from under his bangs to see who it was and shuddered when he spotted those icy blue eyes.

Keeping the sneer on her face, Dorothy approached the other slave, stopping just before him and looking down her nose at him. “Did you hear the good news, scum? My mistress is expecting a baby, the future heir to the throne. Now that there is a baby on the way your master will have even less use for you. It won't be much longer and you'll be gone from here, gutter rat,” she stated hatefully.

Duo's eyes widened as he took in the words. Regardless of the fact he'd been thinking along similar lines, he wouldn't allow the maid the satisfaction of seeing him upset. “My master still has need of me,” he replied, grateful that his voice didn't waver.

“Need of you?” Dorothy snorted. “For what?”

“To take care of him,” Duo replied.

“Take care of him? You can't even find his boots!”

Duo decided to ignore the woman and turned away to continue his hunt for the missing boots. He didn't want to admit to himself, but it wasn't looking good. He couldn't find them anywhere.

“Is this what you're looking for?” Dorothy sniffed and held out the pair of missing boots... the now, dirty, missing boots.

Duo's jaw dropped. I cleaned those, I know I did! he thought. Before he had a chance to take them from Dorothy, the maid stepped back, holding the boots just out of reach and taunting the slave.

“I don't think your master is going to be pleased with you at all when he sees these,” she goaded.

“Give them to me,” Duo demanded. If he was lucky he might just be able to spruce them up a bit before taking them out to his master.

“No, I don't think so. I'll take them to the prince, maybe when he sees the state of these he'll know for sure what a lazy, no good slave you really are.” With the words said, Dorothy turned and walked rapidly from the bed chamber.

Duo went chalk white.

“I believe these are the boots you are looking for, master?” Dorothy said and placed the boots before Heero, moving to drop to her knees beside her mistress seconds after.

Heero frowned with the maid's words, confused as to why Duo hadn't brought his boots to him. Looking down his frown deepened when he saw the state of the boots. “Duo?” he called, his voice a little harsh.

In the bed chamber Duo swallowed hard. Lowering his head, he knew he had to face his master. With leaden steps he walked back out into the sitting area and dropped to his knees. “Master?” he said in a whisper, trembling slightly.

“Did I ask you to clean my boots today?”

“Yes, master.”

“Then why are they still dirty?”

Duo could see the evil smirk on the maid's face as he struggled to answer. “Master, I did clean them. I swear I cleaned them this morning,” he replied miserably.

Heero's frown deepened further. He'd never known Duo to lie to him before, but the evidence was clearly before him. Noting his wife's impatient look, he decided to sort this problem out later. They were already late for dinner with his parents and Heero didn't want to extend that tardiness any further. “Give them another quick wipe over now, we're already running late.”

“Yes, master.”

“I will deal with you later over this.”

“Yes, master.” Duo picked up the boots and retreated to his chambers off the main bed chamber. Grabbing a cloth from the wash bowl on the small table, he quickly cleaned off the dirt and mud that had somehow found its way back onto the boots. He was done within a couple of minutes and soon returned the boots to his master who quickly pulled them on.

Giving Duo a dark look, Heero turned to his wife and offered his arm. “Let us go,” he said with a smile.

Relena took his arm and beaming at her husband, they left their chambers, Duo and Dorothy fell into step behind them.

Walking along the castle halls, Duo shot the odd glance at the maid, knowing she was somehow responsible for the state of his master's boots, but unable to confirm or prove it. He knew he'd cleaned them earlier and left them in his master's old chambers and then they'd disappeared. As much as he didn't want to admit it to himself, he couldn't help the thought that the maid was trying to get him into trouble – it was why she would do such a thing that had him foxed. Before he could think any further on it they reached the small dining room and entered.

“Ah, Heero, and Relena,” the King said as the pair entered, putting down his glass of wine to shake his son's hand and press a kiss to the cheek of his daughter-in-law.

“Heero, my son,” the Queen said and stepped forward to embrace the prince. “Relena, you're looking lovely,” she continued and kissed the princess' cheek.

“I'm sorry we're late,” Heero apologized.

“It's fine,” Queen Une said and waved off the apology. “We were just enjoying a glass of wine before dinner. Would you care for one?”

“No, thank you,” Relena replied with a small smile, her eyes twinkling.

“Thank you, I think I will,” Heero said.

Hearing his cue, Duo stepped around his master and located the wine decanter and glasses, pouring one for his master and returning with it in hand.

“Thank you, Duo,” Heero murmured.

Duo slipped back behind his master and sank to his knees.

“Come, let us be seated and eat, there is much to talk about and catch up on,” the King said and moved to the head of the table.

Once the royals were all seated, Duo and Dorothy sank to the cushions beside their master and mistress' chairs.

Noin and Hilde appeared to serve the meal to the royals and once done with the main table, they passed a bowl of food to each of the slaves.

“Thank you, Noin,” Duo whispered as he took his bowl and settled on his cushion more comfortably.

“You're welcome, Duo,” the cook whispered back and gave the shy slave a warm smile.

The meal began and during the course of eating, the King discussed Heero's recent travels out with his brother to visit the various farms and check on the harvests. Heero reported back that all farms they had visited thus far had recorded bumper crops and that if the remainder of the kingdom continued along that vein then it would be a very prosperous year for the kingdom overall.

The King was pleased with the news, the royal granary was going to be well stocked and there would be plentiful left over for good trade with their neighbors.

“The many villages are looking at holding harvest festivals at the end of the harvest season,” Heero reported, “And they have extended invitations to all the royal family to attend if we wish.”

“That is very kind of them,” the Queen said.

“If this season is as bountiful as you say it will be, Heero, I would suggest that the castle holds a festival for all the subjects,” the King said, his face turned thoughtful.

“I agree,” said Queen Une. “We can have minstrels, food and a large bonfire.”

“I'm sure the people would appreciate and enjoy that,” Heero said with an agreeable nod.

“And what about you, my dear?” the Queen asked, turning her attention to Relena who had remained quiet throughout the conversation. “Would you care to help with the arrangements for a festival?”

Relena gave the Queen a soft smile. “Actually, I think I would enjoy that, but-” Relena looked at her husband in askance.

With a soft look at his wife, Heero took her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of her knuckles before turning to his parents who were watching the scene unfold with open curiosity. “Mother, Father,” Heero began, “The festival sounds like a wonderful idea, however...” he paused to order his thoughts. “However, I think we should make it more than just a harvest festival, it should be a celebration.”

“Heero?” the Queen questioned. “You're not making a whole lot of sense here.”

Looking from his father to his mother, Heero held their gazes and announced, “Relena has informed me today that we are to become parents. My wife is expecting a child.” Having delivered the words, Heero sat back in his chair and watched his parents closely.

“Wha- I mean, did you just say you are expecting a child?” King Treize managed to get out.

“You're pregnant, my dear?” the Queen asked, her eyes wide and mouth twitching.

Relena looked demurely from the King to the Queen. “Yes, Heero and I are expecting a baby. I found out this morning when the healer attended me and confirmed the pregnancy.”

“Well, that is great news! Congratulations to you both,” the King said with a smile. “Heero, you have done your family proud.”

Heero blushed a little with the words from his father.

“Oh my goodness. A baby on the way,” the Queen beamed. “That is wonderful. Of course we will have to make a royal announcement, let all the subjects know.” Turning back to Heero she continued, “So that is why you suggested a celebration?”

“Yes, mother,” Heero smirked.

“I think that would be perfect. We can make the announcement of your pregnancy my dear and hold the celebration a couple of weeks later for both the good news and the harvest. What do you think?” the Queen asked, turning to her husband.

“It sounds fine to me,” King Treize replied with a wink at his son. “Would you like to arrange the celebration or would you prefer it if I had the staff make the arrangements?”

“I think Relena and myself will be able to make the arrangements, don't you, dear?”

Relena nodded. “I'd like that.”

“Then it's settled. Tomorrow we will meet after breakfast and start our planning.” The Queen took a sip of her wine and ignoring the two men at the table, began to talk to her daughter-in-law in relation to her pregnancy.

On the cushion beside her mistress, Dorothy gave a satisfied smile.

Sitting beside his master away from Dorothy, Duo's heart felt like it had sunk through the floor and into the castle foundations.

* * *

“Are you going to be long?” Relena asked, sitting herself down in the chair by the fire.

“Not too long. I need to speak with Trowa in regard to the farms we are to visit tomorrow,” Heero replied.

Frowning, the princess looked up. “Surely you aren't thinking of continuing with these forays out into the Kingdom?”

“Relena, it is my duty to oversee the farms. I have to go,” Heero replied, feeling his annoyance beginning to rise.

“Surely someone else could go in your stead? I need you here with me.”

“There is no reason for me to pass this duty on to someone else when I am perfectly capable of doing the job myself. Besides, you will be busy with my mother and the arrangements for the celebration. I can see no reason why I should remain here.”

Relena's face darkened. “And my carrying your child isn't a reason for you to stay?” she growled.

Sighing, Heero gave his wife his patient look. “Relena, you are only in the early stages of pregnancy. You have your maid and the healer to look after you, you do not need me as well. I have duties to undertake and I fully intend to complete them.”

“You don't care about me,” Relena sniffed, trying a different tack.

“I do care for you, but right now we are in one of the busiest parts of the season. This will all be finished in a few more weeks and then I will be able to spend a little more time with you. Now, we will say no more on the subject.” Heero gave the princess a small smile. “I will return soon.” Not giving the princess a chance to say anything further, Heero spun on his heel and strode for the door. “Duo! You will come with me,” he ordered.

Scrambling to his feet, Duo quickly caught up to his master and fell into step just behind him.

*

Heero strode through the castle halls muttering under his breath to himself about his stubborn wife. Duo trotted along behind him, careful to be on his best behavior. “Why does she have to try and make things difficult?” Heero growled and looked at his slave.

Duo pulled up short when he heard the words and felt his master's eyes on him. Knowing the prince was asking him a question, Duo swallowed hard and thought how best to answer. “I don't know, master. I guess it is a part of the mystery that is a female?” he offered.

Heero grunted but declined to make any comment. They had arrived at his brother's chambers and Heero knocked on the door.

The door opened to a blonde head. “Prince Heero, please, come in,” Quatre said as he dropped to his knees.

Heero swept into the room and spotted his brother in the chair by the fire. Walking across the room he sank into the other chair just to the side of Trowa.

Once the prince had entered, Duo followed behind. Quatre stood back up and closed the door, the two slaves crossing the room to kneel beside their respective masters.

“Heero,” Trowa greeted. “I thought you'd be with your wife.” Trowa dropped his hand to caress the top of his blonde slave's head.

“I need a break,” Heero muttered. “Duo, fetch me a drink.”

“Yes, master.” Duo rose and went to the small cabinet, pouring his master a generous glass of brandy. Returning to his master's side, he handed over the glass before sinking to his knees again.

Trowa waited patiently. Something was going on with his brother and Trowa knew from experience that the best way to find out what was up was to remain silent and let his brother tell him when he'd managed to order his thoughts.

“Relena is pregnant.”

The twitching of an eyebrow was Trowa's reaction to the news. Quatre almost fell over, his teal eyes widening and looking to Duo for confirmation of the fact. Duo nodded in reply.

“Congratulations, Heero,” Trowa replied and went silent again. There was more to this, he knew and so he waited once more for his brother to elaborate.

“Thank you.” Heero fidgeted with his glass for a moment before draining it. “She doesn't want me to go on any more trips out to the farms.”

Ah, now they were getting to the bottom of things. “Why not?”

“Given that she is carrying my child she feels I should remain here at the castle for the term of her pregnancy. Of course that is out of the question, and I told her so.” Heero explained a little more, Trowa nodding in the right places but remaining silent and letting his brother get it all off his chest.

“I see,” Trowa said slowly when Heero had finished. “Despite her being with child, you are still needed to attend the various farms with me, I can't do it all by myself.”

“I know that and you know that. I've tried to explain to her that it will only be for a couple more weeks, but she's intent on making this difficult,” Heero sighed.

“Did you tell her that tomorrow's farms are out towards the borders and that we will be away overnight?”

“Ah, no, not yet.”

“I suggest you do tell her, she won't be happy by the sound of things, but at least you will have Duo with you to help out a bit,” Trowa said and looked at his brother.

Duo looked up at that bit of information, he had no idea that his master had been planning on taking him with him and his heart warmed at the thought of escaping the castle, princess and snooty maid for a while.

Heero switched his gaze to stare into the fire. “Duo won't be coming with me,” Heero said softly.

The long haired slave's shoulders slumped and his heart plummeted once more.

“Heero? You distinctly said today that you would be bringing Duo along for this next trip. Why change your mind?”

“Duo is to be punished and his punishment will be to remain here at the castle whilst I'm away for the next couple of days,” Heero replied.

Duo couldn't help the heavy feeling in his chest, the thought of having to spend more time alone – especially overnight – without his master distressed him deeply.

“Punished? Why? What has he done to deserve such punishment?” Trowa questioned. He wasn't aware of Duo having done anything wrong and from what Quatre had told him, Duo had been absent for most of the day, presumably attending to the chores Heero had left for him to do.

“I asked him to clean my boots amongst other things. When I was dressing for dinner I asked Duo to fetch my boots.” Heero frowned. “Relena's maid brought them out to me and they were still dirty.”

Hearing the words, Quatre frowned as a bell tinkled in the back of his mind.

“I see,” Trowa replied.

“I can't have a disobedient slave as you well know,” Heero stated, looking to his brother.

Quatre chased his thoughts in his mind until that tinkling bell became a loud clang. He turned his head towards Duo and gave him a questioning look. Duo shrugged his shoulders in reply. Unable to sit back and see his fellow slave punished for something Quatre knew he'd not done, he decided to risk punishment of his own and speak up.

“Master,” he said softly. When Trowa's emerald eyes turned to him he continued. “Permission to speak freely, master?”

“Permission granted,” Trowa replied, curious to know what his slave was up to.

“Master Heero, Duo did clean your boots. I ran into him in the castle hall to ask if he was going to the kitchens for lunch and if so would he join me. Duo was on his way back to your old chambers and I can clearly remember he had your cleaned boots in his hand. He said he would join me for lunch once he'd put your boots away.” Finished with his information, Quatre lowered his head.

“Duo?” Heero questioned. “Is what Quatre says, true?”

“Yes, master,” Duo replied.

“Tell me what happened.” With the new information, Heero knew there was more to it and fully intended to get to the bottom of it all.

“The mistress asked me to take the soiled clothing to the laundry and I took your boots with me. After I dropped the laundry off I went through and cleaned the boots. After I'd finished cleaning them I was going to your old chambers to tidy up. I ran into Quatre who asked me to join him for lunch in the kitchens. I said I would after I'd replaced your boots.” Duo paused for a moment, hesitant about saying too much more as the threat from the princess still hung over his head.

“What happened then?” Heero asked.

Biting his lip, Duo continued. “I set your boots down by your desk and was about to leave when the mistress' maid came in and requested that I fetch lunch for the mistress. I did and when I returned to your chambers to finish tidying up and return your boots to your marital chambers I couldn't find them,” Duo said miserably.

“What do you mean, you couldn't find them?” Heero demanded.

“They weren't where I'd left them. I searched everywhere in the chambers but they had gone. I thought that maybe I had returned them to your marital chambers and forgotten about it.”

“Then why did the maid bring them to me and still dirty?”

“I – I don't know, master.”

Heero's mind began to tick over. Something niggled at the back of his mind, but he wasn't sure he liked the thought, besides, he couldn't make an accusation without proof. “Alright, Duo. I believe you. I won't punish you for something that clearly isn't your fault, however, I suggest that in the future you take more care.”

“Yes, master.” Duo felt the relief wash over him and glanced across to Quatre, giving the blonde a grateful smile. Quatre smiled back, happy that he'd been able to see justice prevail.

“You will accompany me tomorrow when we ride out to the border farms.” Heero dropped his hand to caress the top of that chestnut head.

“Thank you, master.” Duo leaned into the touch, his heart lighter than it had been for days.

~ * ~

tbc...
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Bound, Bonded and Betrayed