~ * ~

Heero sat on a small stool in the bathing chamber and waited as Duo wrapped a towel around his shoulders. He got the scissors from their sheath in the cabinet along with a comb. Duo combed Heero’s hair and fussed around with it a bit. It wouldn’t stay combed no matter how he tried.

"Well, this is just wonderful. You’ve got the most unruly hair I’ve ever seen."

Heero squirmed and grumbled, "Just hack off whatever hangs down in my eyes."

Duo combed around at it again. "Fiddle. All right." Duo trimmed Heero’s bangs and the really scraggly locks on the back of his neck. Duo couldn’t help it, he kissed the nape of Heero’s neck. Heero turned around and hugged him. "Thanks. That’s much better, at least it’s not flopping in my eyes."

Duo laid his head on Heero’s shoulder and sighed. "You’re welcome. What do you have to do today? Could you come ride with me? I’d really like to show you all that Black can do. It makes me feel so good. I know I had something to do with horses. Maybe I was a trainer? No, that doesn’t feel right. Why would a trainer have warriors’ skills? Heero, I hate this. I need to remember. And my hair. It’s not . . . right? Something. I think I’ll go see Wufei today. Will you come with me? Please?"

Heero listened to the babble with his nose buried in Duo’s hair. It was now long enough that Duo kept it pulled back into a tail and he’d trimmed the front into a poof of bangs. It looked good on him. Heero wondered idly which of the many shampoos on the shelf he was using.

"Yes, I’ll come ride with you. And I’ll go see Wufei with you. I don’t think you were a horse trainer. You’re an Anchorite or I miss my guess. But . . . Duo, I’m afraid to get in contact with them."

"Why? Do you think I did something . . . bad? Is that why I am being punished?"

Heero shook his head, rolling his forehead back and forth on the top of Duo’s head. "No, I don’t think you were bad. I’m not sure what happened. But . . . what if they want you back? I couldn’t bear it. Or what if you . . . weren’t bad, but broke some rule or other and they . . . I’m not sure exactly. Or worse yet, what if someone wants you gone and won’t like it if you come back. I don’t want to take a chance of them taking you away or something happening to you."

Duo shuddered. "I don’t want to be taken away either . . . what if we . . . " Duo stopped speaking because Heero put his hand over Duo’s mouth.

"Ssshhh! We’ll figure it out. I promise. Why don’t we wait until you remember more? I’m sure you’ll remember as time goes by. Until then, let’s just enjoy. What do you think?"

"I think you’re right. I just don’t feel like I could have done anything really bad, or broken a rule important enough to get made a slave. I just don’t."

Heero wadded up the towel and dropped it into the basket. "Come on. I’m hungry. Let’s go persuade Cook to give us something good."

Duo grinned at Heero and pulled him out the door. "Let’s. She’s probably got hand pies. If we’re really lucky, they’ll be apple and nut. She uses the best spices."

Heero grinned at Duo, who danced ahead of him walking half way backwards and chattering about the things Cook made for him.

Cook smacked Heero’s hand before she knew who it was reaching around her to snitch a bit of dried peach. When she realized who it was she turned pale as her apron.

"Oh, goddess, my lord Heero, I didn’t realize it was you. I’m so sorry. Here, have all you want. Please don’t . . . "

Heero reached up and touched her lips with one finger. "The kitchen is your kingdom, you rule here. I’m not mad. In fact, it was rather nice." Cook blushed with pleasure at the wink he gave here. "Are there any hand pies?" he gave her a hopeful look. "I’m starving where I stand."

Cook swatted Duo, who was reaching around her other side to imitate Heero.

"You get out too." Duo gave Cook a pitiful face.

"Please. I’m only a poor mistreated slave boy. I never . . . ep!" Cook laughed at the startled squawk Duo gave, Heero had grabbed him and was kissing him thoroughly.

"You were saying?" Heero smirked at Duo.

"Um. . . I forgot." Duo took the plate of small cakes Cook handed him. Setting it on the table he continued. "You’re in a good mood."

Heero shrugged. "They’re bringing my nephew to me in a few days. I want to enjoy the time between. Don’t talk about him." It wasn’t a request, it was a command. Duo worried, he hadn’t seen Heero this upset before. It was trouble, he just knew it was.

Cook poured mugs of hot tea and clunked them on the table. Heero decided that he was glad Duo had talked him into eating breakfast in the kitchen when they could. Despite the bustle around them he felt peaceful.

Duo gobbled up his share of the breakfast and chugged his tea. Heero wanted to take a little more time but he knew Duo wanted to catch Wufei before he went into town. Wufei was taking care of several pregnant females, human and otherwise, and it was wearing on him. He was misogynistic to an extent that it was difficult for him to deal with them at their best. Pregnant and cranky got on his nerves quickly.

---

Wufei wended his way through the tables in his laboratory grumbling at the interruption. He was brewing potions and making pills. Both tedious procedures which required his complete attention. Luckily he was at a point in his labors where he could stop without spoiling his work.

"What?"

Heero growled. "Grumpy dragon."

Wufei snorted and motioned them in with a sweep of his arm. "Come in, I’ll make tea. What do you want?"

Duo blinked. "What makes you think we want something?"

"No one comes here unless they want something. So what?"

Duo hung his head, he felt bad now. It was true that he’d never come here unless he wanted something. New lessons, pills for his headache, or tea for the same, a potion for Heero, never just to visit. Guilt bit at him.

"I’m sorry. I’m ashamed of myself. Please, forgive me?" Duo bowed slightly.

Wufei gave him a startled look, then smiled gently. "You’re forgiven. But you do want something. What is it?"

Heero efficiently brewed tea, careful to use leaves from canisters he knew were safe. "Lord Chang , I’m sorry I don’t act more grateful. You know that I am. Now I need your help for Duo."

Wufei bowed gracefully. "I am always happy to help you. I am in your debt after all. Now, what can I do?"

Duo tugged at his hair, which was just long enough to make a decent tail. "Make it grow. There’s a spell or lotion or potion for everything. Please, Master Wufei."

Wufei nodded, he’d been expecting this. "I have what you need. It’s a lotion. You rub it into your scalp twice a day. It’ll make your hair grow several times faster than normal. You’ll need a special diet as well. I have it all written out. Here." Wufei handed Duo a bottle and a scroll. Duo accepted them with profuse thanks.

Heero settled down for tea and some conversation. Wufei was a repository of law and common sense. Heero was in severe need of some of both. Duo settled in as well. He wanted to know what had Heero so upset.

Heero had calmed down in the last two weeks but now he was at a level of tension that Duo had never seen before. Duo wanted to know why.

But Heero wasn’t cooperating, he didn’t want Duo involved in this. "Duo could you go to the stables and have my horse and yours saddled? I’ll be along in a few minutes, I just need to speak to Master Wufei for a moment."

Duo started to argue, but Heero glared him into compliance. He left, stiff backed and sulking.

Heero tucked Duo’s lotion and scroll into a basket and caught one of the maids just outside the door. He gave her careful instructions about the basket then returned to Wufei.

When he left the converted stables he looked like a thunder cloud that had eaten something sour.

---

Duo entered the stables, gave orders for the horses to be saddled and threw himself onto the hay. He was angry that Heero had dismissed him so easily. He’d thought Heero trusted him, it seemed he didn’t.

When Heero entered a few minutes later, the first thing he saw was Duo. He flopped down beside Duo and sighed.

"What put that expression on your face?"

Duo rolled his head to look at Heero. "You don’t trust me. I thought we were past that."

"I do trust you. I just . . . it’s very unpleasant . . . I don’t want to think about it just yet. Please?"

Duo was startled, Heero had a sad look in his eyes and the pleading in Heero’s voice went straight to his tender heart.

"I’m sorry. I just. . . I’ll leave it alone, for now. But you have to tell me about it soon. Agreed?"

Heero grumbled something about pushy people but agreed. Duo settled back to contemplate the heavy beam above his head.

"I keep remembering stuff . . . but it’s all jumbled. Little flashes of things. Someone . . . I . . . I think I liked them . . . but every time I remember them I get the most horrible headache. Like . . . Heero, do you think someone I trusted could have hit me from behind or . . . I don’t know." Duo rubbed at his forehead irritably.

Heero took his hand away from his head and patted it. "Stop that. You’ll remember when you remember. Wufei said the harder you try to remember the harder it’ll be." Heero stood and hauled Duo to his feet. "Come on. You’re the one who wanted to go riding. The horses are being walked so we should get on our way."

Duo let Heero pull him to the horses and throw him into the saddle. He watched in delight as Heero indulged in a little showing off. Heero’s over the rump mount was very flashy and very good.

Heero smirked at Duo, gathered his reins and gave his horse the office to walk. Duo allowed Black to move up beside him.

They rode in silence for a while Heero’s horse wanted to lead but Black wouldn’t let him. He kept shoulder to shoulder despite the chestnut’s attempts to lead. Heero finally ticked his tongue and pulled gently on the reins, signaling the horse to steady. He did, but snorted and tossed his head to show his disapproval.

Duo noticed the Black edging closer to Heero’s chestnut.

"Does that beast have a name or do you just call him horse?"

Heero shrugged. "I quit naming horses after I lost three in one battle. You can name him if you like."

Duo blinked for a second. "Well, shit. Name him Lucky."

Heero snorted but leaned down to pat the horse’s neck. "Fine. Lucky, you’d better live up to your name."

Duo smiled at Heero. "That’s nice. Do you think they both have the training?" His tone gave the words more importance that just ‘training’

"Maybe. They both act like it. I know my horse," Duo frowned at Heero. "Lucky has training. He’s been kept up too. I saw to it myself. Black acts like it. Want to test them?"

Duo nodded. "Yes. I need to know if he’s trained completely or only has a bit. He acts like he’s completely trained but it’s broken down. No one has worked with him for a while."

Heero smiled at a sudden thought. "You think we could do a quadrille? Singles are fairly easy."

Duo thought for a moment. "I don’t see why we shouldn’t try it. At a slow collected trot we can’t make too big a disaster."

Heero settled his mount and waited while Duo set up by bringing Black shoulder to shoulder with Lucky. The horses seemed to realize that this wasn’t some contest and settled in ears pricked forward.

They worked until the horses could do the simple form easily, trotting in place, doing a passage, and meeting each other. The horses protested at first nipping at each other at each pass, but they were good horses and soon stopped that.

Duo finally called an end to their exercises. "We better stop. The horses are starting to sweat and they’re slobbering more than I like."

Heero patted Lucky on the shoulder and agreed. "We’ll take them back to the stables. Lucky is really slobbering. He’s got good bit contact and it’s making him slobber."

Duo dismounted to check his girth. "Yes, Black has good contact too, so he’s slobbering also. Not as much as Lucky, but still." Duo pulled up a handful of grass and wiped Black’s muzzle with it. Black wanted to eat it so Duo laughed and let him.

Heero started to dismount but Duo stopped him. "I’m your squire, I’ll do that." Heero stuck out his leg to let Duo check his girth. Duo checked then grunted ‘good’ and pulled up another handful of grass to wipe Lucky’s muzzle with. Lucky refused the grass so Duo dropped it on the ground.

After Duo remounted Black, they headed back for the stables.

---

Heero watched as the stable hands swarmed the horses. The riders were carefully helped to dismount then ignored. The horses were petted and praised. One man led both horses back and forth to allow them to cool off slowly. Another brought buckets of water.

Duo led Heero off just then as he could see that they were making the people nervous.

"Come on. Let’s go back to the keep. I want to show you the prophecy I translated. It’s kind of weird. All about a God of Death in human form. I can’t figure out what it’s about. I managed to translate it word for word but it doesn’t make sense. And . . ." Duo trailed off, Heero had stopped dead still in the middle of the path, the look of fury on his face scared Duo.

"Duo. Go to our quarters. Draw me a bath then put out my most formal audience robes." Duo started to object but Heero snarled. "Go . . . now." So he hurried off to do as he was bid.

Heero glared at the riders making their way up the path to the keep. He knew that glowing blond hair any where. And the rider next to him was familiar too. In any other circumstances he would have been delighted to see both of the men, but as it was, he’d rather they’d stayed in the capital.

He also saw his nephew, seated in the straw filled wagon. He hoped the feeling of chain didn’t get familiar too soon.

Heero jogged to the courtyard and greeted his friends.

"Quatre, welcome. Trowa. How was the trip? I’d say I’m glad to see you but obviously I’m not."

Quatre and Trowa dismounted and Quatre bowed to Heero. Trowa bowed as well but also offered a hand to shake.

"The trip was good. Or as good as could be expected. No one tried anything." Trowa was looking around at the keep. "Good looking walls."

Heero smiled, trust Trowa to check out the battlements before anything else.

"Yes. But you should see the old wing. My slave fell right through the floor."

Quatre’s eyes got big, he mouthed ‘slave’ then shook himself. This was not the time to worry about a slave, they had bigger things to worry about.

Trowa gave sharp orders to the soldiers accompanying them. The men dragged Heero’s nephew out of the cart and dumped him on the ground at Heero’s feet. Quatre pursed his lips but didn’t say anything. Trowa moved to stand near Heero.

"Well, Julian. I’ll deal with you in a few moments." Heero turned to Trowa. "Take him into the audience chamber. Quatre, you have reports for me?"

Trowa nodded, as did Quatre. Heero sighed, told them he was going to ‘get the stink of horse off’ and left to take his bath.

---

Duo hurried to run Heero’s bath. The look on his face had worried Duo a lot. He couldn’t help but be a little scared still. He was sure Heero wouldn’t hurt him but still . . .

As the water ran from the cold tap, Duo filled the brass cans and set them near the fire in the hearth to heat. He turned off the taps, it wouldn’t do to empty the water tank, he was sure to need more water before Heero was done and Duo didn’t want to have to ask someone to haul water for him. He hadn’t had to do that since he’d gotten his strength back.

As the water heated Duo set out towels, Heero’s favorite soap, and the requested robes. He also set out Heero’s mail, a short sword or long dagger, and clothing for himself.

Heero slammed into the room banging the door against the wall. "Duo! Is my bath ready?"

"Yes. And I put out the robes you asked for. Better check to see that everything is as you want before you get in the bath. Don’t . . ." Duo clenched his teeth at the yelp. Heero hadn’t waited to listen to Duo so he’d stepped into a cold tub.

"Duo, this water is freezing."

Duo stuck his head in the door, giving Heero a reproachful look. "You didn’t give me time to tell you I hadn’t added the hot water yet. Nor did you check the robes like I asked."

Heero snarled. "Duo not now. I . . . get things organized, now. Hurry up. I want to get this over with as soon as possible."

Duo flinched, Heero was in such a bad mood. Duo had never seen him like this. He wasn’t sure what to do. He was really prepared to dislike whoever it was had upset Heero so much.

The tap at the door came just as Heero shouted at Duo to come add the hot water before he turned blue. Duo dithered for a second he couldn’t decide whether to answer the door or go to Heero.

His mind was made up for him as a very blond head poked in the door.

"Hello. I’m Quatre. I really need to see Heero. Is he in here?"

Duo nodded. "Yes, he’s in the tub. I better get in there. He’s not in a good mood and the hot water is still on the hob."

They both flinched at the bellowed "Duo, the water. What the hell is the hold up?"

Duo scurried in to add the hot water and Quatre followed after him, holding a scroll in his hand.

Duo went straight to the cans, running his hand over one to see I it was hot enough. It was, so he started dumping the water into the tub.

Heero objected rather loudly. "Dammit, Duo. Be careful. You almost scalded me. What’s wrong with you?"

Quatre sighed softly. Heero was in a temper, he felt like turning around and running. He didn’t want to deal with Heero’s temper along with everything else. And his news was sure to spark an explosion.

"Heero, would you rather I wait until you’re done with your bath? I could take this to your office. Your man servant could show me."

Heero put out an impatient hand. "I’ll read now. Duo, wash my back. Quatre. Sit. I’ll have some questions for you in a moment."

Duo blinked, Heero had never ordered him around like this. He was sure Quatre and he weren’t going to get along. Especially if this was how Heero acted around him.

Quatre gave Duo a somewhat tremulous smile. He’d worked hard writing that report explaining his actions and he wasn’t looking forward to. . .

"Goddess damn him to hell! That stupid, stubborn, ignorant, born on the wrong side of the blanket and . . . Quatre!"

"Yes, your majesty?"

"Where are the rest of the traitors?"

"Awaiting trial in the capitol. If you condemn Prince Julian, you effectively condemn them too."

Heero raked his fingers through his hair, making it stick up every which way. "Don’t you think I know that? I don’t want to do this. Duo, stop standing there with your mouth open. Fetch my robes. Now. Quatre, I’ll be with you in a moment."

Quatre followed Duo into the outer room.

"What is your name?"

Duo gathered the robes in his arms. "Duo, my lord."

"Is that all? What is your family?"

"I don’t know, my lord. I’m just a slave. Please. I better get these robes to . . . he’s in such a temper. I’ve never seen him like this."

Quatre blinked, this was Heero’s slave? All Quatre could do was stare. Duo was beautiful, his wide, expressive, violet eyes and cinnamon colored hair made him look ethereal.

"He’s going to be in even worse temper shortly. This rebellion is just . . . foolish. There’s no reason for it other than greed. Are those the only robes Heero has?"

Duo nodded biting at his lip. "Yes. He . . . I don’t know what to do. I think he wants robes that he didn’t bring with him. I’ll just have to show him these and hope they’ll please him."

Heero bellowed again. Duo jumped. Quatre sighed.

---

Heero knew that he was letting his temper get the better of him but he couldn’t help it. This was the part of being king that always put him in a bad mood. He had seen the panicked look in Duo’s eyes but he couldn’t seem to calm down.

"Duo, are those the only robes you could find?" Heero eyed the robes in disgust.

"Yes. These are the only formal robes I could find. If there are any others I don’t know where they are. I’m sorry. I’ll . . ."

Heero waved his hand, irritation plane on his face. "Never mind. Those will do. Help me dress."

Duo scurried to do as he was told. Heero continued to read the scroll frowning and even snarling from time to time. He held out his arms, raised his feet and moved how ever Duo asked as Duo got him dressed.

Finally, Duo was done. "All done. Do you want anything else?" Heero shook his head, rolled the scroll up and stuck it into his sleeve.

"Where’s Quatre?"

Quatre spoke up from the chair by the fire place that he’d settled into as Heero dressed.

"Here, my lord. Are you ready for the audience? Do you have any questions that my report didn’t answer?"

Heero sighed. "No, it was complete. As to ready, not really, but we better go anyway. Soonest done, soonest mended."

Duo had scrambled into his clothing, having managed to sponge himself off while Heero was preoccupied with the scroll.

Quatre remained silent through all this, studying Duo, Heero and their interaction. He was worried, Heero could be so abrupt after something like this. And it was twice as bad in this case as the prime culprit was his much despised nephew.

Heero finished reading the scroll and tossed it to Duo. "Roll that. Don’t read it. And get my . . . no, never mind, that’s in the capitol. Quatre, you didn’t happen to bring my crown, did you?"

Quatre smiled at Heero. "No, we came directly from the capture point to here. I didn’t even bring formal robes for myself or Trowa. I’m going to wear my armor and so is Trowa. I just hope the squires have it cleaned. And speaking of clean. I’d really like a bath before the trial. I’m sure Trowa has arranged it. If you don’t mind."

Heero grunted. He’d sat down while Quatre was speaking, now he raised his head nodded shortly and dropped his cheek on his fist. With his elbow on the chair arm, head on fist, sour expression plastered on his face, he was the very picture of dejection. Duo bit his lip, then went to find a tea.

Heero brooded until Duo came back with tea. He accepted the cup with a frown. Duo quaked in his shoes. He wasn’t sure whether Heero was mad at him, didn’t like the herbs he’d chosen, or was just mad in general.

"Master?"

Heero focused on Duo. "Duo? What is wrong?"

"Did I do something? If I did just tell me. I’ll never do it again. Please. I’m sorry."

Heero set his cup aside, pulled Duo into his arms and sighed. "I’m sorry. I’m in a foul mood. Really foul. I don’t want to deal with this. I really don’t. But I have to. Just stay here. Don’t come down to court. It won’t be pretty and you don’t need to be there."

"I . . . I’ll come if you like. I got all dressed up and everything."

Heero stroked Duo’s bangs away from his face. "No. You don’t need to be there. I don’t want you touched by this. Just be good. Will you?"

Duo sighed. "I’ll stay here. Should I do anything for you while I’m here? Or can I read a book or work on my translation?"

"Any thing you like except come into the audience chamber."

Duo pouted a little but, realizing that Heero’s temper was bound by a wish, agreed to stay in chambers.

---

Heero sent a page to see if Quatre and Trowa were ready for the trial. He didn’t bother to check if Julian was, he didn’t care. His orders to the footman were sharp and sent him scurrying to obey.

The page rushed into the audience chamber with the report that Quatre and Trowa were coming down in moments. The footman returned to Heero only a few seconds later frowning.

"What?"

"Some of the men don’t understand that His Highness is under suspicion of committing treason. There’s already trouble."

Heero’s notorious temper snapped. "You go back to the barracks and tell them that the next person who sympathizes with Julian will be whipped at the post. Go!"

The footman paled and left.

Heero settled in his throne and gnawed at his knuckles.

The rattling of chains heralded the entrance of Heero’s nephew, heir and attempted usurper His Royal Highness Crown Prince Julian Andrew Chnezy. Heero sneered at him.

"Well, Julian, you have finally done it. Between your excesses, your inept management of your estates and what the hell else I don’t want to know, you’ve managed to commit every crime in the book. Including treason."

Julian tried to look dignified but failed. He was dressed in the remains of heavy brocade robes, chained hand and foot with straw in his hair and an unshaven face. He stank.

"Heero, you’re a fool. You coddle the peasants and the merchants. They should bow to me and give me what I want. You’re not fit to be king. You’re too soft. You should bleed the gold out of them and use it for your purposes."

Heero snorted. "You’re a disgrace. You’d tax the populace into starvation, for what? Toys, women, drink? What good are you? You only managed to get your entire circle of friends arrested as traitors to the throne. You could have had it all, and you threw it away like a petulant child. Do you have any sort of reasonable excuse?"

Julian snorted indignantly. "I don’t have to explain myself to you. I’m older than you. I should have been king. That old fool wouldn’t give me the crown, said you were better suited. Better suited my foot. You just buttered the right side of your bread while I was out of the city."

Heero interrupted Julian. "Out of the city debauching yourself. Father set the crown on my head and the Council of Nobles ratified it. There’s no recourse for either of us. Beside the fact that you were never in line for the throne anyway. You’re a bastard, for one; and you would never have been in succession if you weren’t a bastard. You may be older than me but I’m the only son of the king. You’re the eldest son of . . . where was your father, third son or fourth."

Julian ignored the question. "No recourse except to tell them all that you’re a lover of men. How you’re going to provide an heir of your own I couldn’t say. And that’s where you’re going to fall. No heir of your body."

Heero grinned at his nephew without amusement. "No heir? Her Majesty Relena Peacecraft has sent to me. There are ways. Drugs. Magic. I will have an heir and so will she. You’re not getting away with this. We will start now."

Trowa was called from where he stood by the door. He gave his testimony without expression, but it was damning. He’d been very careful and thorough. His evidence was backed up by statements from others involved in the crime, they all said the same thing, Julian was the mastermind behind several assassination attempts on Heero, Quatre and several other highly placed people.

Heero paced back and forth, he bit his lip and grumbled. Finally he turned to a footman.

"Summon Master Chang to me. Tell him it is of the utmost importance." The footman bowed and hurried out.

It didn’t take Wufei long to appear, he took one look at Julian and sighed.

"I am here."

Heero gave Wufei a quick outline ending. "He was born on the wrong side of the blanket but he’s the next in line to the throne until I have an heir. This rebellion isn’t the first trouble he’s caused. So, the laws state I must have an heir. But I can’t trust him as far as I can throw this keep."

Wufei eyed Julian who sneered back. Wufei looked at Quatre then Trowa.

"How well do you trust that one?" Wufei pointed to Quatre.

"He’s as close to a brother as any man could be. He’s the one who did most of the investigations. Trowa did the rest." Trowa gave Wufei a slight bow. Wufei nodded back. "I trust both of them implicitly."

"Then you have your heir. Designate one of them the heir; the other, next in line. Execute that fool and move on."

Heero studied Quatre, Trowa and Wufei. It didn’t take him long to make his decision.

"Let it be so. I have spoken."

Julian screamed and wet himself, falling to his knees he babbled begging for mercy. Heero ordered him dragged from the room and locked into a dungeon cell. Julian dug his heels into the floor and had one last thing to say,

"You’ll regret that. When Shinigami comes you’ll be sorry. You’ll see. That boy lover won’t have sons either."

Heero snorted. "I’m not afraid of Shinigami, whoever he is. And Quatre has thirty sisters. I’ll adopt one of their sons. Or Queen Relena and I might manage somehow. But you’ll never know." Heero swept his hand in the direction of the door. "No one is to offer him comfort. Not so much as a sip of water. On pain of flogging. Is that understood?" Vigorous nods from everyone in the chamber was answer enough.

Quatre shuddered, he didn’t want to be heir to the throne. Trowa put one arm around him and hugged him gently.

Heero drew the sword from his side and motioned for Trowa and Quatre to kneel in front of him. They did and Heero tapped Quatre on the shoulder as if he was knighting him.

"I designate thee, Quatre Raberba Winner my heir, blood of my blood crown prince of the land. Rise and be seen." Quatre stood and bowed to Heero then turned to nod his head to the crowded room. There was a short cheer.

Heero waited while the cheer died down then turned to Trowa. He tapped Trowa and announced.

"Trowa Barton, I designate thee second in line for the throne after Crown Prince Winner. Rise and be seen." Trowa stood calmly. His slight smile the only sign of his pleasure at Heero’s trust. The cheer was short but heart felt.

Heero ordered the room cleared and invited Quatre and Trowa into the library for tea and snacks. He sent for Duo to wait on them. He wanted them to get to know Duo.

Duo was glad to be summoned so he hurried to the kitchen to get the tray he knew Cook had made up. When he tapped on the door with his toe, Trowa opened it for him. He smiled at Trowa and nodded to Quatre. He set the tray on the center table and moved to stand by Heero.

Heero smiled up at him and sighed. He was still in a black mood and needed to calm down.

"Duo, would you get me some fresh well water? I’m parched and this tea won’t do it."

"Sure. I’ll go draw it myself. I’ll be right back."

Duo picked up a pitcher and headed out the door. He went directly to the well and pulled up the bucket. He noticed the man crouched by the nearby dungeon door, he looked miserable, tear stained and scared. Duo’s soft heart went out to him.

"Hello, would you like a drink?"

Julian had no idea who this pretty boy was, but misery loves company. "Yes, please"

Duo tipped the cup to Julian’s lips and gave him a drink. Hard hands grabbed him.

"Fool. You’re in for it now. Who are you?"

Duo cringed away from the guardsman. "I’m Duo. What did I do? I didn’t do anything!"

"You gave that traitor comfort. His Majesty ordered that no one was to give him anything, not so much as a sip of water. You’re in for a flogging now."

Duo whimpered softly. He was scared now. If Heero had ordered it, there was no escape.

"I didn’t know. No one told me. Please. Can’t . . ." Duo pulled himself up short. He was a man, not a slave, no matter what anyone thought. "No, never mind."

The guardsman eyed Duo for a moment. This delicate boy was as good as dead. He felt sorry for him. All he’d done was offer water to a fellow man. ‘Sometimes I really hate my job’

---

"Heero, I only have twenty-nine sisters. But I’m sure one of them will offer to allow you to adopt a minor son. Iria has offered me one of her sons as heir to me. We’ll have to see what can be done soon. And . . ."

They all turned at the sharp knock on the door. Quatre ground his teeth, he’d almost had Heero talked into a better mood but this couldn’t be good.

The captain of Trowa’s guard dragged Duo in the door.

"One of my men caught this one giving the traitor water."

Quatre nearly wept. Trowa clenched his hands into fists at his sides. Heero turned paled and exploded.

"Duo, how could you. Dammit, of all the people to turn on me, you’re the last one I’d have suspected. What . . . you . . . take him out."

Duo just hung his head and submitted. He started to speak once but Heero just turned his shoulder and snarled, "Out." Duo let the guard take him out.

The captain pulled Duo down the hall and into the back stair case, down the stairs and into the dungeon. He opened the door to the front cell and pushed Duo in.

"I’m going to leave you here. I’ll try to talk His Majesty into being lenient but don’t get your hopes up. He’s in a real temper."

Duo nodded and settled into the clean straw on the floor. "Thank you."
~ * ~

Quatre reasoned, pleaded and nearly begged. Trowa only remarked that it didn’t seem fair or just to punish Duo for disobeying a command he knew nothing about. Heero responded with, "Ignorance of the law is no excuse."

Trowa’s last words were, "Then be lenient. He’s tender. You’ll kill him."

"ENOUGH! SILENCE!" Heero slammed the door behind him as he charged to his chambers where he demolished everything in the room that wasn’t nailed to the walls or too heavy for him to lift. That excluded the desk, the armoire and his bed. Every other thing in the room suffered for his wrath.

When he was done, he didn’t feel any better at all. He wanted Duo, he couldn’t have Duo. Duo was a traitor, he couldn’t believe Duo meant to disobey him. But he’d given a command, that meant that it was law. His every command became a law, which was why he was usually careful when he gave commands.

Heero yelled, "Enter." when the insistent knocking on the door began to annoy him.

Trowa stuck his head in the door. "Can I talk to you without being imprisoned?"

Heero ran one hand through his hair. "Always."

"You need to calm down and think. You go off so quickly that you don’t think. That poor boy only did what anyone would do. He was confined to quarters until the end of the trial, then he went directly to the kitchens, from there to the library. How was he to know? I doubt he even knew what the trial was about. You keep your hand close to your chest too much. Think."

Heero didn’t want to think, if he did, he knew he wouldn’t like his thoughts.

"Well, what do you suggest? I gave a command. He disobeyed. The punishment was clearly stated. Even if I am wrong, how do I get around such clear orders."

Trowa thought carefully. "You ordered a whipping, or flogging at the post. You never said what with or how many lashes. Give yourself time to calm down and think. I’m leaving now. Quatre is extremely upset. He needs me and I need him. Good night."

Heero snarled, "What’s good about it?"

Trowa just gave him a level stare then left.

---

Duo nestled in the pile of straw and cried. Heero was angry with him, he was in for a flogging and he wasn’t even sure why. He wanted Heero to forgive him but he was also angry. Heero hadn’t even told him what was going on, but he expected him to obey an order he didn’t know anything about. It was all starting again.

Heero spent an unhappy night as well. His rooms were a mess, the footman that had cleaned up didn’t know where anything belonged. Duo’s papers were the only thing that he hadn’t thrown, or smashed. He spent an anxious few minutes checking.

Morning broke and the entire keep was in a buzz. Everybody knew what had happened and had their own opinion. The guards from the Capitol were unhappy because they had heard that Duo was barely more than a boy. The keep was well aware that Duo was the light of Heero’s life and couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t just change his orders. Quatre and Trowa knew that Heero was between a rock and a hard place and felt sorry for both Heero and Duo. Duo was just scared. Heero was disappointed and angry, and confused. All in all, no one was happy. Especially Julian. His head and body parted ways at dawn. Heero refused to even witness it.

Duo woke when the guard stuck the key in the lock. He stood up and tried to be brave, but he couldn’t suppress a shudder.

"Come along. I don’t want to have to wrestle you or anything. Please? Just, let’s get this over with."

Duo held out his hands to be bound. The guard tied them with a piece of leather lacing, making sure the knots were firm but not tight.

He took Duo by the arm and led him out of the cell. Duo noticed that the man didn’t drag him or jerk him around. He tried to calm himself, succeeding slightly.

---

Heero stood in the courtyard, scowling at everyone. He wasn’t pleased. He hated this with his whole heart but he couldn’t figure out how to stop it. He couldn’t be seen as soft, but he didn’t want Duo hurt.

Duo was led into the courtyard, his surprise at seeing so many people gathered was increased when he saw how many of them were either in tears or giving Heero heated glares.

The guard led Duo to the whipping post and started to untie him. Duo handed him the cord. When the man reached to pull Duo’s shirt off Duo stepped back.

"Please don’t wrestle me. I’ll do it myself."

Duo pulled his shirt off over his head, handed it to someone and ran his hands through his hair. He squared his shoulders and walked to the post, reaching up he clasped the ring with both hands. The guard wrapped the cord around his wrists and then looped it into the ring. He whispered, "It’s just for looks and so you won’t fall." His hand was warm on Duo’s bare shoulder.

Heero gulped and shuddered, the scars on Duo’s back were white in the early morning light.

"I don’t need to tell anyone what this is all about. I’m sure the gossip mills have been grinding all night. So let’s get this over with." Heero looked around, no one met his eyes. "Trowa, if you would please begin."

Trowa jerked in surprise. He didn’t want this, but his king commanded and he would obey.

"Yes, your majesty. As you command."

Heero nodded. "The punishment is to be at your discretion. Begin."

Trowa nodded. He went to Duo and examined him carefully. Duo shuddered as Trowa’s calloused fingertips traced a scar.

Then he took off his belt and began. He gave Duo ten lashes with the belt, being careful to spread them out so that none of them overlapped. He was also very careful not to cut Duo.

When he was done, he put his belt back on, gave Heero a steaming look and walked away. Quatre sighed bowed to Heero and followed Trowa. The muttering from the gathered locals made the Capitol guards nervous until they realized that no one was going to do more than that.

One of them went to Duo and untied his hands. He took Duo by the upper arm and held him until he was sure Duo wasn’t going to fall down. Duo turned around, gave Heero a look that could have frozen Quatre’s desert home and walked steadily across the courtyard. He stopped in front of Wufei.

"Master Chang, I need your attentions. If you will, and Master allows."

Wufei nodded. "His Majesty doesn’t order me. Come along."

Wufei carefully took Duo by one arm and started for his quarters. Heero put out his hand then dropped it.