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A Matter of Good Sense	By : Michalyn Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 4848 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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
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This story is
dedicated to Lili for her kindness and her wonderful support. Thanks so much,
my dear!

I make no claim
to any of the Gundam Wing characters. This story is written for my, and hopefully
others' enjoyment and not for monetary profit. A huge thanks to Diane and
Anasazi for the beta.

A Matter of Good Sense

by Michalyn

Chapter Three

"Easy, boy," Trey tugged on Porphyro's reins and the stallion shied,
stirring up little whirls of dust. Trey clicked his heels, trying to move the
stallion forward. It snorted, and tossed its head, prancing skittishly.

Heero, Rossetti's young head
of security appeared at Trey's side. Grim-faced, Heero reined in his own horse,
"Is something amiss?"

Trey shook his head, "Not
exactly-- He's a little skittish. It's just this place," He indicated the
Eirean towers in the distance, "Don't you feel it too? The magic in the
air...?"

Heero frowned. His hand went
to his sword, "No."

"Not at all?"

"I don't feel anything
and neither do the men."

Trey turned around and sure
enough, his men , though tired from the great distance they had covered, were
for the most part relaxed. They rode in small groups chatting among themselves,
their horses going at a slow, easy pace. It was most puzzling to Trey. These
were his best soldiers and he trusted their instincts as much as his own. If
Heero sensed nothing, and they were obviously not perturbed, why the devil couldn't
he shake the feeling that something within Eires' walls was calling out to him?
Trey frowned.

"Strange ... I could
have sworn...."

Heero sniffed delicately
at the air, "I don't like this. I can sense nothing out of the ordinary,
but if you think something is afoot ...." He surveyed the grassy plain
separating them from Eires' gates, "We are vulnerable in this place, and
we know so little about these Eireans...."

"No, it's not that,"
Trey squinted at the vague outlines of buildings in the distance. He shook his
head again, "It's not sinister, merely odd."

Heero snorted, "Odd
or sinister, I don't like it. We are not too far across the plain. It may be
best to turn around and wait out the night in the wood. It is not much of a
cover, but it is sheltered, should we need to defend ourselves. If nothing is
amiss, we can continue in the morning."

"No, let us move forward.
It is a risk, but surely King Zechs...." Trey paused, unable to finish
the thought. In truth, he did not know why the king had so readily accepted
his proposal. Eires was renowned for its flourishing trade and powerful military,
so it was only logical that any city aligned with it was at a great advantage.
Recently there had been a number of skirmishes between Trey's men and King Mueller's
forces on Rossetti's northern borders and despite its growing industry and the
strong alliances Rossetti had formed with most of its neighbors, Rossetti was
still in its infancy. While it benefited from the hospitality of its allies,
neither Rossetti nor the peaceful, surrounding cities had the resources for
defense against a major attack. As it now stood, should Mueller intensify the
assaults, Rossetti would surely lose to the powerful northern kingdom. Further,
who knew what would happen when word traveled that Trey had left, taking many
of his best men with him? Still, he was not such a fool as to venture to Eires
unguarded, with no means to protect either himself or his betrothed.Trey frowned.
It was a risk, but he desperately needed the strength an Eirean alliance would
give. For him, the choice was clear. The question was, what could Eires possibly
gain by aligning itself with the fledgling Rossetti?

Trey saw Heero's hardened
expression as he surveyed the land around him. Eires two, pale suns burned overhead
and Trey stared for a moment, transfixed. The Kingdom of Light....

Goddess help him, but he
had to believe it was not a trap. Trey spurred Porphyro forward, "Come
on, let's go."

----------------------------------------------------------------

Quatre watched as his father glanced at the doors *yet again*. They were awaiting
Rossetti's arrival, but King Zechs was clearly more concerned that Wufei hadn't
made his appearance than the fact that the young emperor was to arrive soon.
He turned to Quatre with a grimace, "Are you sure he is coming?"

"Yes, Papa. When I left
Trowa, he said Wufei had just returned from his bath."

"Humph ... but...."

"He will be fine, Papa."

"By Airiah I pray we
are doing the right thing. You know how stubborn your brother can be. What if--"

"Wufei is strong; he
will not succumb so easily to despair."

His father frowned, "He
is strong, but not so much as he thinks ... and this ...," King Zechs'
expression was pained, "I fear he will never forgive me for it."

Quatre hurried to kneel at
his father's side, "No, you must not think that way. This is no little
thing we are asking of him. We simply must give him time to come to terms with
it. Wufei does not hate you. He will come around, you will see." Quatre
smiled, "He is just his father's son: more sensitive than he would ever
admit to -- and much too thickheaded for his own good," Quatre's smile
widened to a grin when his words teased an involuntary laugh from his father.

"So you're saying I'm
being a mule-headed old fool?" King Zechs' eyes were twinkling.

"Quite."

"Brat," King Zechs
ruffled Quatre's hair and he visibly relaxed, "Thank you, son. I needed
that."

Quatre nodded; he looked
at his hands, "Besides, this morning, I ... I cast the stones again."

King Zechs tensed, "and
what do you think?"

"They confirmed my vision.
Fear not, Papa, he is the one."

King Zechs sighed, "Then
I place my faith in your gift." His father seemed comforted and for a moment
they fell into silence. Abruptly, King Zechs leaned forward, "By the goddess,
where is your brother?" he demanded irritably. "This damn waiting
is wearing my nerves thin!"

"Really," Quatre
chuckled, "If a man didn't know better, he just might think there was truth
to the rumor that the king plays favorites."

" To hell with men and
their rumors. I don't play favorites. What it is, is ...." the king frowned.

Amused, Quatre raised an
eyebrow. His lips twitched, "Yes, what is it, Papa?"

"Don't look at me like
that. You know I worry about both of you boys. It's just that with you, I feel
more secure. No matter what happens, I know you will pull through--" King
Zechs gave Quatre's hand a fierce squeeze, "that is what makes a king."

Quatre smiled, "And
Wufei?"

His father sighed, "Wufei
... is different. I always feel like I've failed him in some way. Maybe it's
because of your mother's death--" King Zechs rubbed at his eyes. He peered
at Quatre, "You cannot tell me that he does not concern you as well, or
else, why all this? He is too withdrawn, and his ideas--" his father shook
his head, "If this union is not successful, I fear for him."

Quatre was troubled, "I
too worry about him. He has suppressed his gifts and it will only make this
more difficult, but--" Quatre took a deep breath, "Forgive me for
saying this, Father, but you underestimate him; you have always underestimated
him. You try so hard to protect Wufei, that you've never truly put your faith
in what he can do. You love him, but do you believe in him?"

King Zechs frowned, "I...."

"Forgive me for interrupting,
milords," Jehr, the young messenger appeared at the doors. He scampered
to King Zechs' side and bowed, "Milord, Emperor Trey of Rossetti has arrived."

Kings Zechs' lips tightened.
He shot Quatre an anxious look, before schooling his expression into the serene
mask he was known for, "Thank you, lad. Kindly show the emperor in."

"Yes, milord. Will do,
milord," the messenger bowed again, hastily. Quatre watched as he hurried
out of the throne room, no doubt eager to have the task done with so he could
report to those in the kitchen that the 'mystery man' had arrived.

King Zechs calmly arranged
his robes. He turned to Quatre, who had already taken the seat next to him.
"Very well," he said softly, "let's get this over with."

------------------------------------------------

Trey, with Heero close at
his side followed the Eirean messenger to the throne room. They pushed past
the ornate doors to the interior and were bathed in a patchwork of multi-hued
splendor. Above them, sunlight filtered through a dome of painted glass, and
blues, pinks and yellows swirled in shifting patterns on the walls and marble
floor. It created a mosaic-like effect that hovered somewhere between the playful
and the mystical.

At the very center of all
this beauty, sat the Eirean ruler himself.

"King Zechs and Prince
Quatre, may I present the Emperor of Rossetti," the messenger introduced
them with a flourish.

Moving forward to the thrones,
Trey bowed, "It is an honor to be received in the kingdom of Eires."

Large and powerfully built,
never did another man so aptly epitomize power as King Zechs. His strong jaw,
high cheekbones and thin, dignified nose bespoke noble bloodlines and an unflinching
nature. His black robes contrasted stikingly with the paleness of his hair and
of his eyes, and when he turned to Trey his gaze was shrewd and assessing.

"Welcome to Eires,
Emperor Rossetti. We are pleased to have such an esteemed guest."

Next to the king sat Prince
Quatre, heir to the throne. He was a pale slip of a youth with short, gently
curling hair much the same color as King Zechs'. With his porcelain skin and
delicate features, Trey thought him an enchanting, otherworldly beauty. He smiled
to himself. If Quatre were any example, then he had much to look forward to
in his own mate.

Prince Quatre stood. He smiled
at Trey, "Welcome, Trey of Rossetti. We have heard much about your thriving
capital. Eires is pleased to have such a resourceful ally."

Immediately, Trey liked the
soft-spoken prince. A quiet power seemed to resonate from Quatre, touching Trey
with an air of enchantment. His kindness and warm, easy manner were equally
irresistible and Trey had no difficulty imagining the kind of king he would
make. His gaze travelled from Quatre's aqua robes to the golden bands of his
sandalled feet and he couldn't help the smile of appreciation that touched his
lips. So lovely as well.... He bowed,"You flatter me, Prince Quatre, the
pleasure is mine."

It was when the prince moved
to re-take his seat that Trey noticed the ancient, powerful kymera subtly interwoven
into Quatre's flowing robes. Trey raised an eyebrow: A seer who would be king.
How ... unexpected. Surely the goddesses were at work here. He had wondered
why his proposal had been accepted. Now, observing the powerful aura of mysticism
surrounding King Zechs and his heir, Trey began to understand that these men's
motivations had little to do with the ordinary desires of men -- and Trey was
not sure whether to be wary of, or comforted by that knowledge.

Next to him, Heero appeared
to have just noticed the same thing. Practical to the extreme, Heero had little
patience for that which could not be explained. He hung back now, his gaze hard
and suspicious as it fell on the two Eirean men.

King Zechs turned to the
messenger, who had retreated to the rear of the room, "Thank you Jehr,
would you please ask page Arnelius to summon Prince Wufei?"

"Of course, milord."

Anticipation rose within
him and Trey tried to quiet the agitation those words inspired. His blood thrummed
in his veins and his heart throbbed an excited tattoo. As much as he appreciated
the men's hospitality, he had come here for one thing: to meet his prince. The
strange yearning he had felt earlier had intensified tenfold as he entered the
castle, like a power singing in his veins and Trey struggled to retain his composure.
What the devil was this place?

When the messenger left,
King Zechs shifted in his throne. He pierced Trey with a stern look, "Let
me be frank. I have reason to believe in you, but I am only supportive of this
union so long as my son is happy." He leaned forward, bracing his powerful
arms on his thighs, "Harm him in any way and you will rue the day you were
born. Do you understand me?"

Quatre shook his head, "Now,
Father, we don't want to give Emperor Rossetti the wrong impression." When
the king grunted, he smiled at Trey, "As you can tell, Father is somehwat
protective of his sons. However, your reputation precedes, you, Trey of Rossetti.
We trust that as a man of honor you will be true to this bond with my brother.
"

"No need to explain,
Prince Quatre, I understand the king's position, perfectly." In fact, Trey
rather liked this blunt, fiercely protective king. It meant that protectiveness
would now also be extended to Rossetti.

Quatre, laughed, the sound
soft and musical, "Then, we are grateful." He looked over Trey's shoulder.
"Ah, we have neglected your man," He beckoned to Heero, "Will
you join us? Excellent...."

Heero came forward, his expression
a mixture of wariness and defiance. He dropped reluctantly to one knee before
the prince, "Heero Yuy, Head Guard of Rossetti," Heero did not lower
his head.

Trey tensed. Was Heero trying
to get them killed? He was used to his guard's brusqueness but many a nobleman
mistook it for insubordination. Trey froze, carefully watching Quatre for his
reaction. Damn it, Heero, he could not afford to lose this alliance.

Quatre merely laughed, "Welcome,
Heero Yuy." In an unexpected move, he rose and touched a palm to Heero's
cheek. Heero froze and Trey could see the clench of his fingers as he willed
himself not to fling the pale hand away. Trey started forward, every limb tense,
fearing the violence that would explode at any second....

It did not happen. Quatre's
eyes closed and Heero abruptly shuddered and went still.

"Such power...,"
Quatre's lashes fluttered and he met Heero's own blue gaze, "Try to enjoy
yourself in our kingdom, won't you, my doubting one? Sometimes what cannot be
apprehended is most powerful of all...."

He dropped his hand and returned
to his throne. Trey watched, the blood pounding in his veins as amazingly, Heero
nodded and retreated to his former position.

Trey stared, turning from
Heero to Quatre, "What the devil--"

"My Lords, may I present,
his highness, Prince Wufei."

Trey whirled towards the
doors. He strained to see beyond the dim passageway.

Finally, the moment had arrived.

A tall figure stepped forward
and walked to the center of the room. Lean of build and broad of shoulder, every
roll of the man's lean hips spoke of power tightly coiled. His thick, auburn
hair, loose over his shoulders, was parted so that it concealed one eye. He
surveyed the room with equanimity, green gaze moving from one man to the other.

Trey felt a surge of disappointment.
Was this his prince? He appeared slightly older than rumored: closer to Prince
Quatre's age than Trey had imagined. Then again, looks could be decieving, Trey
temporized, and if it were true anywhere, it was more than so in Eires. His
gaze returned to the newcomer. This man was surely the exemplification of grace
and raw intensity ... and yet....

"Mi-mi-milord Trowa!"
the messenger squeaked, "I was not aware--" He bowed repeatedly at
King Zechs' disapproving frown, "Forgive me."

The newcomer nodded. His
quiet voice rippled across the room, "It is I who am at fault. I should
have told you I was replacing Page Arnelius."

So this was not the prince?
Trey breathed a sigh of relief. He could not explain it, but the thought of
a union with this man had just not seemed right. His instinct was further
confirmed as he observed the secret look exchanged between Lord Trowa and Prince
Quatre. Though their gazes only held for a second, when Quatre looked away,
his heightened color revealed much more than friendship.

All right, if this was not
his prince then where was he?

"May I present
Prince Wufei," Trowa bowed to Trey and took his place at Quatre's side.

There was a rustling of robes
as a diminutive youth emerged from the shadows. Imperiously ignoring Trey and
Heero, he went to the dais, his head held high and his eyes fixed ahead of him.
He bent, white robes pooling around him and braid sliding forward as he bowed
to King Zechs and Prince Quatre.

"Father," Prince
Wufei inclined his head, "Brother."

The husky tenor sent a delicious
tingling along Trey's nerves, resonating with something deep within him. From
the corner of his eye he could see Heero's narrowed eyes at the prince's dismissal,
but Trey did not care. He focused on that narrow back, his fists clenching as
he willed Prince Wufei to face him -- the need to see his face so powerful that
it almost overwhelmed him. By the goddess, why wouldn't he turn around?

Quatre nodded, "Welcome,
brother. A new cycle is begun this day in Eires. I give both you, and Emperor
Rossetti my deepest blessings. May Aidah shine on this union and bring you lasting
happiness."

King Zechs stood, "Rise,
my son and meet your mate."

Trey's heart thudded in his
chest. Prince Wufei remained kneeling and for a moment it seemed he would not
comply. He rose, slowly however (to Trey's agitated senses, excruciatingly so)
pivoting on quiet feet to meet Trey.

The soft profile turned towards
him and Trey gasped. He had heard Prince Wufei was different, that he little
resembled his kin, but rumor did not even begin to hint at reality. Night
and Day: there was no other way to describe the contrast between the pale men
before him and this dark, exotic creature. Trey knew enough of Eirean culture
to understand the impossibility of conception within a broken life-bond, but
it seemed unthinkable that these three men should be related. On closer inspection,
however, he discovered certain resemblances in Prince Wufei: the same regal
bearing of Prince Quatre and the unmistakable strength of the king ... but that
was where they ended.

Directly opposing the loftiness
of his father and brother, Prince Wufei was small and slender. If not for his
leanly muscled frame, he would have been dainty. Yet, he was not particularly
attractive, Trey thought with equanimity as Wufei approached. Having none of
the pale, prettiness of his brother, there was not very much remarkable about
Wufei except his skin, which was a warm, earthly hue and smooth as any woman's.
His black hair was pulled tightly back and a thick braid plummeted to his waist.
The style sharpened his features, lending them an almost ascetic severity. Behind
the thin frames of his glasses, Wufei's eyes were dark and serious.

When Wufei bowed, Trey found
himself intrigued by the fine, curling strands that had rebelled against the
strict confinement of his ponytail. His gaze remained there, drawn to the curve
of that graceful neck and Trey had the sudden urge to kiss the nape of the tender
column.

"It is an honor to meet
you, Lord Rossetti," Prince Wufei's voice was clipped, his lip curling
slightly as he issued the greeting.

Trey quelled a surge of irritation.
Rossetti needed this union too badly for him to be bested by a haughty little
brat. Bowing deeply, he flashed Wufei his most charming grin. His bethrothed
raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

Trey squelched the acrid
retort rising to his lips. Smile never faltering, he reached for the prince's
hand and took it in his own, "I am but your faithful servant."

Wufei froze.

His eyes were wide and for
the first time Trey noticed their long, exotic tilt and the heavy fringe of
Wufei's lashes hidden behind the unflattering spectacles. Turning the small
hand over in his palm, Trey was surprised to find that Wufei's fingers were
trembling. A wave of compassion went through him. He rubbed the soft fingers,
warming them with his own, "You have bestowed on me the greatest honor
a man can give another. Thank you."

Trey had intended the speech
to sound silken and self-assured. Instead, he found a surprising vein of intensity
coloring his words. Wufei must have noticed as well, because he seemed taken
aback. He tried to snatch his hand away, but Trey would not release it. Wufei's
lips parted and to his surprise, Trey discovered that their uncompromising tightness
was not natural, but imposed. He glimpsed the true fulness of that small, sensuous
mouth before Wufei swiftly controlled his reaction and pressed his lips together
again.

Fascinated, Trey raised an
eyebrow. What did he have here?

Trey studied Wufei, now seeing
what he had missed at first glance: the smooth forehead, the graceful cheekbones,
the sweet, oval face.... His blood stirred. Oh, this was too delicious: Wufei
was an exquisite beauty, carefully and delibarately hidden. A thousand questions
ran through Trey's head: Why had he gone to such lengths to suppress his beauty?
It was obvious Wufei was reserved, but in what manner? Trey studied the serious,
upturned face. Which was his betrothed: truly prudish or defensively shy?

A spark of anger flashed
in Wufei's eyes at his unabashed scrutiny. Trey saw it and almost purred. He
quickly chose the latter. He did not know what had caused Wufei's insecurity,
but he could not wait to lure him out of his shell -- and draw him out he would.
Gods, Trey loved a challenge and this sulky beauty was now all his.

Delighted, Trey took in Wufei's white robes. Though made of silk, the cut did
little to complement Wufei's figure. Trey found the style unflattering and priestly.
He smiled. Now, he'd love to see that lovely, golden skin in a brilliant emerald
silk, or crimson velvet -- something that would bring a little color to Wufei's
cheeks and capture some of that snapdragon temper Trey had glimpsed earlier.

"Come sweet, shall we
take a walk to get to know each other better?" In a bold move, Trey caressed
Wufei's palm before linking his arm with Wufei's. He smiled winningly despite
Wufei's glare and the sudden tension that radiated through the slim body pressed
against his. Heedless of Wufei's struggles, Trey led them towards the king,
knowing the prince would have to follow him, or else risk creating a scene;
instinctively, Trey knew Wufei hated drawing attention to himself above all
else.

Unwillng to release his prize
at any cost, Trey bent in a little half-bow to King Zechs, keeping Wufei's arm
firmly in his grasp. Beside him, Wufei tried to discreetly extricate his arm,
but Trey held fast, ignoring the faint hiss it earned as he addressed the king,
"We ask your permission to take our leave, milord. I am eager to speak
with my mate--" Trey smiled, "and I am sure there is much Prince Wufei
would like to question me about as well."

If Trey did not know better
he would say that that was amusement he saw glowing in King Zechs' eyes. He
looked to Wufei, "Is this so my son?

Wufei's glare promised retribution
as soon as they were out of sight. His jaw ticked, "Yes ... father."
the words were ground out from between clenched teeth.

"How wonderful,"
Quatre beamed, "Do let them go, Father,"

King Zechs nodded, "Then
by all means, go if you must. Just remember the welcome feast begins at the
waning of Ix."

Trey did not hesitate, "Thank
you, your majesty." He turned, steering them towards the doors.

This was going to be fun.
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A Matter of Good Sense