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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
- 42
- 43
- 44
"Bound, Bonded and Betrayed"

Chapter 42

The following morning saw Duo standing on the castle steps doing his best to keep his sadness at bay as he waved his master off. Beside him, Quatre watched as the two princes and their guard rode out of the courtyard and onto the road that would take them out into the kingdom.
Once the tails of the horses had disappeared, Duo gave a soft sigh and turned to look at Quatre. The blonde rested a hand on his shoulder in comfort.
“Don't worry, Duo. Our masters will be back tomorrow eve or the day after depending on how quickly they manage to get through the holdings.”
“I know,” Duo sighed again. “I can't help but miss him.” Duo gave a soft shudder as thoughts of the princess and her maid flashed through his mind.
Having some idea of what was going through his fellow slave's mind – especially when Prince Heero had told Duo to heed the princess' orders and take care of the marital chambers to free up the maid to help the princess – Quatre felt nothing but pity for his friend. He made a promise to himself to help Duo all he could whilst their masters were away and keep the other slave from being overworked by the princess. Having gotten some information from Duo in regards to his treatment by the princess and making his own observations, Quatre could clearly see for himself that the princess was simply being vindictive towards Duo. Add to that the little information he'd overheard in the library and he was even more convinced that the princess wanted nothing more than to get rid of Duo. Unfortunately, he was a slave and regardless of what he knew or had heard, it would be fruitless to say something to either his master or Prince Heero. No one would take his word against that of the princess. The only way Quatre knew to help Duo and prevent anything bad from happening to his friend would be to stay as close to Duo as possible.
Turning to re-enter the castle, Quatre noticed Wufei standing off to one side with a wistful look on his face. He frowned a little, unsure of why the head of the palace guard hadn't ridden out with the two princes. His curiosity was soon answered though when he spotted Wufei pull a large handkerchief from his pocket and blow his nose. It looked like the head of the guard wasn't too well. When Sally the healer appeared moments later to chastise the young man and drag him off, Quatre's assumption was more than confirmed.
“Come, Duo. Let us go back inside and start cleaning up our masters' chambers. I'll help you with your chores if you don't mind helping me with mine. That way we can get through things quicker and enjoy some time together.”
Duo frowned a little. “But what of the mistress? My master did say I was to look after the marital chambers too.”
“I very much doubt that the princess will be up and about yet,” Quatre snorted. “I don't know about you, but I'd prefer to wait until she's up, bathed and dressed before attempting to clean the marital chambers.”
Another shudder passed through Duo. “You have a valid point.”
“Come on then, let's start with my master's chambers and then move to Prince Heero's. It will be more fun to work together.”
Unable to disagree with that logic, Duo followed his fellow slave inside to start their chores. Quatre was right, it would be more fun to do things together and at least if Quatre were with him he shouldn't suffer too much at the mistress' hand.
* * *
“Good morn, mistress,” Dorothy greeted as she entered the bed chamber and opened the large drapes.
“Good morn, Dorothy,” Relena replied as she started to push herself up on the bed.
“Here, let me help you, mistress,” Dorothy said and moved swiftly to the side of the bed to assist Relena to sit up. Pulling the pillows around and fluffing them up, she re-positioned them behind Relena's shoulders. “Comfortable?”
“Yes, thank you,” Relena said and smoothed the covers across her swelling abdomen.
“I brought a breakfast tray for you if you're ready to eat?” Dorothy moved back out into the sitting area to fetch the tray, returning moments later.
“I am feeling quite peckish this morn,” Relena said with a smile. “Mmm, that smells good.”
Dorothy carefully positioned the tray on the bed and climbed up to join the princess. Removing a couple of the covers, the smell of eggs, cheese and ham grew stronger. “I asked the cook to make omelets for us. There's warm bread and some fruit too. I have a pot sitting on the heart by the fire with tea steeping in it for when you're ready, mistress.”
“Thank you, Dorothy, this looks wonderful.”
Dorothy just smirked. The cook hadn't been all that happy with Dorothy when she'd demanded certain foods for her mistress, but Dorothy had simply narrowed her eyes and threatened the cook with her mistress' wrath if she refused to make what the princess wanted to eat.
Noin hadn't liked it at all, and disliked the snooty maid even more. She dared not refuse though, having no doubt in her mind that the vile maid would certainly make trouble for her. So Noin had bitten her tongue and prepared the meals the maid had demanded for the princess, vowing that one day she would put that maid in her place.
The two women reclined on the bed and enjoyed their breakfast, Relena eating healthily which pleased Dorothy.
“The prince has already left?” Relena asked as she picked up a slice of melon to nibble at.
“Yes, mistress. I believe he left just after sun up.”
Relena's eyes narrowed a touch. “Did he take the gutter snipe with him? He promised me he would leave him behind to help out here.”
“As far as I know the rat is still here, he didn't accompany the prince,” Dorothy replied. “Would you like me to fetch him?”
“No, not yet. I wish to enjoy the rest of my breakfast in peace without that creature fouling the air. Once we have finished you can find him, he can run a bath for us both. While we are bathing he can clean these rooms up, make the bed and take the laundry to be washed.”
“As you wish, mistress.” Dorothy got up to fetch the tea. Handing her mistress a cup, she rejoined the princess, sitting on the edge of the bed this time and sipping at her tea.
“The prince will be gone tonight and possibly tomorrow eve as well,” Relena mused as she sipped her tea.
“Does this mean...”
“Yes, Dorothy. We will put our plan into action this afternoon. By the time Heero returns that slave will be dead.”
* * *
Quatre and Duo spent a fair amount of time in Prince Trowa's chambers, tidying up, changing the sheets and running the laundry down to the wash rooms in the lower reaches of the castle. Once the chambers were clean and tidy, the pair made their way along the hall to Prince Heero's chambers. There wasn't quite as much to do in Prince Heero's chambers as there had been in Prince Trowa's given that Heero spent a fair amount of time in his marital chambers, but the pair chattered to each other as they worked.
Duo found himself relaxing, doing the chores with Quatre was a lot more fun than doing them by himself.
“Once we're done here I think we should take the horses out for a bit of a ride. You could do with another lesson, Duo,” Quatre stated as he slipped some books back into the bookshelf.
“I'd like that,” Duo replied from where he was tidying up his master's desk.
“If we ask Noin really nicely, she might pack us a picnic lunch to take,” Quatre suggested.
“I'm sure she would,” Duo said, straightening up the quills. A soft frown graced his features.
“What's wrong?” Quatre asked when he spotted the frown.
“What about the mistress? I'm supposed to heed her orders and look after the marital chambers too.”
“Knowing her she's probably still lounging in that bed. If she hasn't sent for you by the time we're finished here I'd suggest we stop by the marital chambers and take a peek, see if she's up yet or not. If there's no sign of her or the maid then we're free to do what we want.”
“I guess so,” Duo replied slowly.
“Duo, I know your master said you are to look after the chambers to free up that maid, but you can't exactly go in there if the princess isn't dressed.”
Duo shuddered. He knew the rules; he could only be in the princess' presence when she was in bed or dressing if the Prince was there too and had ordered his presence. If he were to be there without permission... That was an offense that could be punished by a flogging or even death.
“Come on, let's go by the marital chambers and tidy up your room, that will give us the chance to see if the princess is up and about.”
With nothing left to do in Heero's chambers, Duo reluctantly allowed himself to be tugged along by the blonde.
*
“Where have you been?” Dorothy snapped when she saw Duo coming along the passage with Quatre.
“I have been tidying my master's chambers,” Duo replied timidly.
Completely ignoring the blonde slave, Dorothy snorted. “The mistress wishes to take her bath. You are to go to the bathing chamber and prepare it for her. Whilst the mistress is taking her bath you can clean up the chambers, take the dishes back to the kitchen and the laundry to the wash rooms.” When Duo didn't move immediately, she snarled at him. “Get moving, now! It doesn't pay to keep my mistress waiting; unless you want a flogging.”
Heart beating wildly in his chest, Duo shook his head and keeping his eyes lowered, scuttled past the maid and down the hall, leaving a bewildered Quatre in his wake.
“What are you staring at?” Dorothy sneered at the blonde. “Don't you have something to be doing?”
Dragging his eyes back from Duo's retreating form, Quatre couldn't help the knot of fear that settled in his own gut with the maid's words and the look she gave him. No wonder Duo was scared of her, she was evil. Giving the maid what he hoped was a condescending look, Quatre turned and headed back the way they'd come, refusing to answer the snooty creature. He could feel nothing but hate and anger radiating off the woman and wanted to be out of her presence as quickly as possible.
Returning to his own room, Quatre sat on the bed and brooded over the situation. He knew Duo was bound to serve the princess, but to him it seemed that Duo was doing everything and the maid, nothing. He'd promised Duo he would stay with him and help him too, now it would appear, he'd broken that promise. Quatre shook his head. He was in a proper pickle, didn't know what to do.
He really wanted to be with Duo, help the other slave and make sure he wasn't taken advantage of, but that maid... Quatre shuddered. She was pure evil and Quatre didn't want to tangle with her if he could help it. But on the other hand, he didn't want to leave Duo in her clutches either. He couldn't exactly barge into the marital chambers and simply start helping Duo, that could see him in all sorts of trouble.
What to do? Quatre thought to himself.
After a few minutes pondering over the situation, Quatre decided to take a walk through the halls. He could hang around the hall where the marital chambers were and hope to catch Duo when he either went in or out of the rooms and try to help him in some way. If that maid or the princess came through he'd simply say he was on his way to the library or his master's chambers.
Mind made up, Quatre exited his room and began the trek back towards the marital chambers.
* * *
Duo hadn't hung around after Dorothy's words, he'd hurried away, making his way to the royal bathing chambers as quickly as he could. He knocked and waited, just in case someone else was using the chambers. When there was no reply to his knock, Duo knocked again and carefully opened the door.
The chamber was empty.
Not sure of how long he had before the mistress would arrive, Duo quickly sealed the hole and let the water in. With the tub filling, he rummaged around the shelves until he located the bathing products the princess used and set them to the side of the tub. Drying cloths came next, Duo making certain he put out several for the princess. With everything set, he checked the water temperature and deemed it hot enough. The tub was almost full, Duo tapping his foot impatiently as he waited for it to finish filling. Finally it was full and he shut the water off.
Looking around and double checking everything was ready, he wondered what he should do next. Did he go to the marital chambers and let the princess know her bath was ready? Or should he wait here? The problem was solved for him.
“Is the bath ready yet?”
Duo spun around so fast he nearly lost his footing. He kept his head bowed, unwilling to look the maid in the eye. “Everything is ready,” he whispered.
Dorothy arched an eyebrow and took a good look around. Satisfied, she turned her eyes back to the shaking slave. “You'd better get out, the princess will be here in a moment and she doesn't want your presence fouling up the air. Go clean the chambers, change the sheets, and take the laundry to the wash rooms. The dishes need to be taken back to the kitchens too.” Dorothy ordered.
“As you wish,” Duo murmured and keeping his eyes lowered, he left the bathing chamber.
Returning to the marital chambers, Duo was relieved to find the princess had left for her bath. He gave a loud sigh and looked around. The sitting room wasn't too bad and shouldn't take long to tidy up at all. Stepping through to the bed chamber, Duo stopped dead in his tracks and groaned.
This was going to take a while.
The bed was in complete disarray, sheets and bedding tangled up together. Clothes lay scattered about along with shoes. That would make sorting out the laundry from the clean clothes a little more difficult. Knowing he had no other choice but to do the chores, Duo started by stripping the bed and sorting through the scattered clothes.
Satisfied he'd managed to get all the laundry together, Duo dragged the pile out into the sitting area where he placed everything on one of the sheets. Just like he'd done before, Duo pulled the corners of the sheets together, making a neat bundle of all the soiled items. He headed for the door, intending to take the laundry to the wash rooms first. As he stepped out he was greeted by Quatre.
“Duo, is the princess or maid around?”
“No, they're both in the bathing chamber and will be there for a little while yet,” Duo replied, well aware of how long the princess liked to soak in the tub.
“Good.” Quatre eyed the large 'sack'. “What the heck have you got there?” he asked, puzzling over the large bundle.
“Laundry,” Duo stated. “I'm taking it down to the wash rooms now.”
“Give it to me, I'll take it,” Quatre said and stepped forward to take the bundle from Duo.
“Quatre, I can't,” Duo hissed.
“Why not?”
“Because...”
“Duo, listen to me. I'll take the laundry to the wash rooms, you take the dishes back to the kitchens if you haven't already. I'll come back and help you tidy up.”
“I don't know, Quatre. What if the mistress or her maid comes back and catches us? We could both be in a lot of trouble.” Duo's eyes were darting around the room as if he expected the maid to appear out of thin air.
“My master didn't say I couldn't help you,” Quatre replied. “If what you said about the princess not being back for a little while yet, then we have time to get everything finished before they return and then you can come out after lunch and still have a riding lesson.”
Duo bit his lip. He was very tempted to take Quatre up on his offer. “Okay,” he agreed. “I'll start tidying up first though, that way if the princess does come back I can grab the dishes and head to the kitchens and warn you.”
“Okay.” Quatre's face lit up into a beaming smile. Grabbing the 'sack' of laundry, he hefted it over his shoulder and left for the wash rooms. Duo went back inside the marital chambers to tidy up.
Quatre had returned quickly and given Duo a hand to remake the bed with fresh linens and finish putting the princess' clothes away. Knowing the two women wouldn't be too far off returning, Quatre slipped out and left Duo to finish up and take the dishes to the kitchens.
The door to the chambers opened just as Duo was placing the last of the dishes onto the tray. He immediately dropped to his knees and kept his head bowed.
“Haven't you finished yet?” the princess sneered as she walked past.
“I only have the dishes to take back to the kitchens, mistress. I was about to do that when you returned,” Duo replied softly.
“Then hurry up and do it. Once you've finished with the dishes the bathing chamber needs cleaning up and then I will require my lunch. You will fetch it,” Relena snapped and with a whirl of her skirts, she flounced into the bed chamber.
Duo didn't hang around, as soon as the princess had left the sitting area, he picked up the tray and hightailed it down to the kitchens.
*
“Duo!” Quatre beamed, looking up from his lunch when Duo entered the kitchens.
Duo had a quick word with Noin before sitting opposite Quatre. “I'm afraid I won't have time for that riding lesson,” he said.
“Why not?” Quatre asked.
“I've got to go and clean up the bathing chamber and I have to take the mistress' lunch to her and will probably have to wait for the dishes. She will most likely find something else for me to do too,” Duo sighed
“What about your lunch?”
“I'll get something later.”
“But, Duo,” Quatre began to protest.
“Quatre, just leave it alone, please?”
The sad and pleading look in Duo's eyes convinced Quatre to let it go – for now. “Okay. I'll be in our old quarters after I've finished here. If you manage to get away, come find me and we will take a ride if we have the time.”
“Okay. Thank you, Quatre.”
Quatre placed his hand on Duo's arm. “Just don't let them get to you, Duo.”
Spotting the lunch tray sitting on the bench, Duo nodded and stood up. Moments later he was gone, leaving an angry and frustrated Quatre behind.
* * *
“Are you sure you know exactly what to do, Dorothy?”
“Yes, mistress.” Dorothy's eyes gleamed.
“Remember, we will only get one chance at this and I don't intend to have it messed up,” Relena warned.
Dorothy felt both hurt and angry that her mistress would suggest she might mess this up. “Don't worry about me, I'll do my part,” she snapped. “I hope you can do yours.”
Relena's eyes narrowed. “Dorothy, we might be good friends, but you're still my maid and servant. It might pay you to remember that.”
Lowering her eyes, Dorothy managed to put on an expression of remorse whilst inside she was seething. “I apologize, mistress. I know exactly what to do and will be ready when it's time.”
“Good. If all goes to plan that slave will be gone for good.” Relena gave a satisfied smirk. “Speaking of which, where is that gutter snipe with our lunch?”
“I'll go check if you wish?”
“Thank you.”
Dorothy stood up and opened the sitting room doors. Just as she stepped out into the hallway she spotted Duo coming round the end of the passage, tray in hands. “About time,” she snapped.
The sudden, unexpected harsh words almost caused Duo to drop the tray. He quickly got over his fright and steadied the tray. “I had to wait for the cook,” he explained.
“I don't want to hear excuses. Get inside with the mistress' lunch now and pray she has mercy on your sorry ass,” Dorothy snarled.
Doing his best not to tremble lest he spill something on the tray, Duo hastened forward and into the marital chambers. He set the tray down on the table and dropped to his knees.
“What took you so long?” the princess snapped.
“I had to wait for cook to set the tray,” Duo whispered.
“I can see I will have to speak with that woman,” Relena growled. “Get up and serve lunch; don't forget Dorothy either,” she ordered.
Slowly rising to his feet, Duo noted the maid sitting in his master's chair, legs crossed and a smirk on her face. His heart lay heavy in his chest as he lifted the covers off the dishes on the tray and began to set the plates for the princess and the maid. Once done he handed the plates over and returned to the tray, dropping again to his knees.
“Have you cleaned the bathing chamber?” Relena's tone was short.
“Not yet, mistress.”
“Then go and do it now. I do not wish to eat in your filthy presence.”
“As you wish.” Duo stood and left the sitting area, relieved to be able to escape for a little while. He hurried to the bathing chamber and sighed when he saw the mess. He knew there would be a lot to clean up after the women had taken their bath, but he hadn't expected this much disarray. The water was still in the tub, or some of it, the rest was over the floor. Jars lay open and scattered around along with drying cloths dropped to the floor or thrown over a chair. Clothing also lay about, some wet from sitting in puddles. Wearily rubbing the back of his neck, Duo set to work.
*
With the bathing chamber finally restored to order, Duo reluctantly decided he'd better return to the mistress. They should be finished eating by now and he would have to take the dishes back to the kitchens and hopefully grab something to eat himself.
Knocking softly on the door to the marital chambers, he waited for permission to enter, wishing fervently that the mistress might have decided to take a walk in the gardens or something and leave him alone for a while.
He was out of luck.
“Took you long enough,” the princess snapped. “I was about to send Dorothy to look for you.”
“I'm sorry, mistress. It took a little longer than I thought to clean the chambers,” Duo replied.
“I'd suggest you move faster in future, unless you want a whipping.” Relena gave a satisfied smile when she noted the tremble of fear pass through the slave. Turning to her maid, she addressed the other woman. “Dorothy, could you please go and find someone of authority in the royal guard, I need to visit a couple of places within the kingdom in a day or so to purchase more items for the baby and I need to talk to him in regard to arranging a guard to escort me.”
“Certainly, mistress. I will fetch an officer immediately.” Dorothy rose and gave the princess a smile. “I won't be long,” she said and with a sneer at the kneeling slave, she left to find an officer.
Duo remained kneeling on the floor, unsure of what to do. After several minutes of silence, he decided to risk the princess' wrath and spoke. “Mistress? Do you wish for me to take the dishes back to the kitchens?”
“No. They can wait a while. I believe that you are capable of giving a very good shoulder and back massage. At least that is what my husband has said. Is this true?”
“I have given my master a back and shoulder massage on occasion, but I don't know if I am that good at it,” Duo replied.
“We shall see. Come, I want a back and shoulder massage,” Relena ordered and stood up, walking towards the bed chamber.
“Mistress?” Duo managed to get out, his shock evident in his voice.
“Are you deaf as well as stupid?”
“But, mistress...” Duo began to protest.
“Do you dare to disobey me?” Relena snarled, a dangerous edge to her voice.
“No, mistress,” Duo whispered out.
“Then get in here and put those hands to use in easing the ache in my shoulders and back from carrying this baby around. NOW!”
Swallowing hard, Duo rose to his feet and followed the mistress into the bed chamber.
* * *
Reaching the barracks, Dorothy aimed for the section allocated to the officers and knocked at the door. She was a little surprised to see Wufei, the captain of the guard open the door. She immediately curtseyed. “Captain Chang, my mistress wishes to speak with an officer of the guard to arrange a guard to accompany her when she goes shopping for the royal heir to be in a day or so,” she announced in her most charming voice.
Wufei grunted, sneezed and blew his nose. “I see.” Being as it was the princess herself that requested an audience, Wufei thought he'd better go himself. “Give me one moment and I will accompany you to the princess' quarters.”
“As you wish, Captain Chang.” Dorothy's face remained impassive whilst inside she was cheering. Oh mistress, what a stroke of luck. The captain of the guard himself is coming. This couldn't have worked better.
“Let's go.” Wufei stepped out of the officers quarters, settled his sword at his side and followed the maid back to the castle.
As they walked, Dorothy tried to engage the captain in idle chatter, but Wufei wasn't one to talk much. He simply offered grunts here and there.
Entering the hall that would lead them to the marital chambers, the volume of Dorothy's voice rose a little; by the time they reached the door to the chambers she was talking very loudly and Wufei wished she would shut up.
Just as Dorothy was about to open the door there came a loud scream from within. Dorothy looked at Wufei in alarm, the captain equally as stunned by the scream. Wrenching the door from Dorothy, Wufei pushed inside and looked around.
“Get away from me! You animal!” The words and following scream sent both Wufei and Dorothy scrambling into action.
Wufei burst through the door to the bed chamber to be confronted by a sight he'd never seen before. The princess was huddled on the bed, right up against the headboard and clutching her torn clothing to her body. Across the room, Duo was huddled in the corner, his pants also torn and he was shaking.
Seeing the two people rush in, Relena screamed again and raised a hand. Pointing an accusing finger at Duo cowering in the corner, she yelled, “He tried to rape me!”
~ * ~
tbc...
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Bound, Bonded and Betrayed