Bound Part 4
All the staff was a twitter the next day. Their lord hadn't been seen at all the previous day except a brief glimpse of him bringing the new slave to the bathing room a second time. Hilde had also run several errands that none of the staff knew the reasons for.
When the lord of the manor emerged... he was followed by a violet-clad vision. It took a moment, but they recognized the vision as the slave that Heero had brought into the house a few weeks ago. The one that rumor said had tried to escape twice. It looked as if escape was the furthest thought from his mind as he followed Heero like a proper slave should.
Hilde grinned. She knew the only reason Duo was following Heero was because he didn't know his way about. It wouldn't be long before he ran before Heero to turn and look at him while walking backwards. She couldn't complain. Duo was starting to become like a brother to her, and she adored him. She nodded as the pair passed and returned Duo's cheeky smile.
Heero chuckled and shook his head. "Now here's something you might object to. When we have company, you can't sit at the table when we eat. There will be a cushion beside my chair for you to kneel on. It is customary for pleasure slaves to be fed from their master's plate."
Duo tilted his head and grinned at a mental image. "You'll feed me, Master?" He had learned not to call Heero by his name unless they were alone... the exception being Hilde, or in an emergency.
Heero wondered why Duo was grinning like that. "Yes... why?"
Duo bounced a little. "Does that mean I get to lick your fingers clean? That was kinda nice yesterday while we were eating lunch! And I wouldn't mind kneeling beside you anyway as long as you ruffle my bangs once in a while, Master."
Heero smiled... glad that Duo was finding things about his new position that he enjoyed. "Rest your head on my leg so I don't have to stretch while eating, and you've got yourself a deal."
Duo gave into the impulse and hugged Heero, glad when Heero hugged him back. "Deal! So... we going to eat breakfast so you can tell me when I get outta line? I'd hate to mess up while you had company. I don't want you to lose face in front of your peers, Master."
Heero stroaked Duo's braid and smiled. He knew that his kind treatment of Duo regardless of how disobedient the slave had been was the key factor in the sweet and obedient person he was now. Although... Duo had mentioned that the sex wasn't anything to scoff at. "Yes... we are going to eat breakfast. And you don't have to call me Master after you finish speaking... although you should use it after every sentence when I have company."
Duo blushed and ducked his head. "But... you ARE my master. My first true master."
Heero tilted his head and glanced at Duo when he heard the tone of voice Duo was using. "What EXACTLY does that mean?"
Duo looked up and smiled shyly. "That you are the master of my heart. I want to please you. No one has ever been kind to me before you took me in... and you treat me like an equal even though I am beneath you in status. I like you, Master, and I think I'm falling in love with you."
"Duo..." Heero was beyond touched as he pulled Duo closer and let Duo rest his head on Heero's shoulder. "That is the dream of every man... to be loved by someone special." He pressed a kiss to Duo's forehead. "I would love to go back to our room and talk about this for a while, but we have to get to breakfast... and I probably have a ton of work waiting for me."
Duo smiled happily. Heero wasn't pushing him away! "May I stay with you while you work? I get terribly lonesome, and I don't want to get into trouble."
Heero thought for a moment and nodded. "Yes... I would like that very much." With that, he led Duo into his personal dining room. It was much smaller than the normal dining chamber... just perfect for maybe four people. He nodded to the servant who would be serving him his meal and gently directed Duo to the cushion on the floor. "When you kneel... do it gracefully. You're showing off for me to see. Any others in the room will not matter. You are mine, and no one else's. Let them see what they're missing out on."
Duo smiled and sank to his knees in one fluid motion.
Heero groaned and ran his fingers through Duo's bangs before sitting in his own chair and ringing the bell. When Duo rested his head against Heero's thigh, Heero used his free hand to caress Duo's face while he waited for breakfast to be served.
Duo, for his part, enjoyed the attention Heero was giving him. He'd always wanted to be pampered... and here he was. True he was a slave with no rights except those that Heero gave him, but he was being treated better than he had been at the Orphanage. He nuzzled his face against Heero's leg as the servant placed a plate down for Heero. He took a breath. Heero had informed him that while he was still in training, he could ask questions. "Master?"
Heero tilted his head. "Yes, Duo?" He ate a piece of sausage and then gave a piece to Duo... groaning when Duo actually DID lick the grease off of his fingers.
"Will there be times when I will have to eat from a platter or bowl on the floor? If so... how would I do that correctly so I don't hurt myself?"
Heero frowned in thought. "Duo... I doubt the event will occur that you will have to eat off the floor as if you were an animal." He saw that Duo was about to speak and shook his head. "Should the event occur... keep your knees on the cushion and place your hands on a smooth surface."
Duo blushed and ducked his head. "I... I'd like to try it, Master. Maybe with some milk?"
Heero nodded. He HAD said that if Duo wanted to try something, all he had to do was ask. He motioned to the servant. "Please bring some milk in a bowl for Duo." He refrained from calling Duo by anything other than his name. There would be time enough later for the different titles. Although 'pet' came to mind when he imagined Duo drinking from a bowl like a kitten. He patted Duo's head as a bowl was brought in and then stopped eating as he watched Duo drinking the milk just as imagined. The actual thing was much more arousing than the mental image. "Duo... keep that up and I'll take you here on the table."
Duo grinned and turned to Heero. "Is that a threat... or a promise, Master?"
With a groan, Heero signaled for the table to be cleared. As soon as they were alone, Heero yanked Duo up and made him face the table. "It was a promise... my beautiful kitten!"
Hilde stopped outside the private dining chamber when she heard a startled yelp from the interior... followed by several low moans. She blushed and continued on her way... not knowing whether or not to envy the servants outside the door.
*****
Heero was smiling over at Duo... who was blushing prettily. "What is troubling you, kitten?"
"I'll never be able to look at butter in quite the same way again, Master." Duo had been looking around the study with the curiosity of his nickname. "You have so many books! May I read one?"
Heero nodded. "Of course you may, Duo." He smiled as Duo picked out a book and sank to the large cushion on the floor. When there was a knock at the door, Heero turned his attention away from Duo. "Enter."
Duo jumped to close the book, but Heero smiled and stopped him. Not having to worry about Heero's visitor seeing him with a book, Duo tensed a little just in case the person was an enemy.
Heero chuckled at Duo's posture. He was touched that Duo thought to protect him if the need arose, but he doubted he unarmed and half-dressed slave would be much more than a delay. He reached out and put a calming hand onto Duo's shoulder as his clerk entered. "Noin... have a seat. Duo, Noin is my house treasurer."
Lucrezia Noin, Noin to most of the staff, gave Duo a small smile before turning to Heero. "My Lord... you have to inspect your land starting tomorrow. It really can not be put off any longer."
Heero nodded. "How is everything here?"
"Everything is in order and accounted for, My lord, down to the last copper piece. Is there anything you require of me?"
Heero shook his head. "No, Noin. Thank you. You may leave."
"Thank you, My lord." Noin bowed and gave Duo one last friendly smile before leaving.
As soon as the door closed, Heero sighed. When Duo had heard the word 'inspect', the youth had brightened. Perhaps at the prospect of going outside. "I'm sorry, Duo, but I can't take you with me this time." He felt his heart twinge as Duo sank to his pillow in dejection. Wanting nothing more than to make Duo understand, Heero knelt down and pulled Duo into his arms. "Please understand. I am supposed to be punishing you for trying to escape. When I return, we will go on a picnic... just the two of us with one guard to protect us."
Duo smiled at Heero's understanding and hugged him back. "I'm sorry for being so difficult, Master. I just want to feel the wind in my face again. It feels like years since I stood in the sunlight."
"I understand." He smiled and pulled Duo to his feet. "Come... I can do my work in the garden. You shouldn't be cooped up inside." He laughed as Duo hugged him enthusiastically and wrapped a hand around Duo's braid as he hugged back.
*****
"Duo... I'll be gone for about five days. You have the run of my chambers... there's a bathing area attached. You may also go onto the balcony." Heero pulled Duo into a firm hug. He would miss his kitten.
"Take care of yourself, Master. Five days, right?"
Heero nodded and caressed Duo's face. "Five days... no more." He kissed Duo's cheek before turning him around and gently pushing him into his bedchamber, chuckling when Duo gave him a wink. With that, he turned away.
The commander of his house guard approached. "Will he stay in there, My lord?"
Heero glanced back and nodded. "I'm sure of it. He's nothing if not honest... and he's never hidden any of his feelings from me, even when he hated me. I knew when he was going to escape the first time... and I knew that he was going to try again. He's content, and he'll stay in my chambers. This is why I'm not leaving any special instructions."
The guard bowed. "I'll make sure none of the guards take advantage of your absence then. Should one try, I shall see to it they are dealt with."
Heero smiled. "Thank you, Trowa. I'm counting on you."
Trowa nodded and turned to walk back into the house.
*****
Two days after Heero had left, Duo was sitting on the balcony, brushing his hair. Although he missed his master a great deal, he found things to occupy his time. Just yesterday, he'd indulged in a nice long soak in the tub, straightened out Heero's private library, weeded out the floweboxes on the balcony, and just lazed about. He hadn't had that luxury in such a long time.
Now, he was giving in to the delight of brushing his hair for the sheer enjoyment of it. He opened his eyes and caught a hint of movement on the edge of the estate. For a moment, he was torn. Then he decided to call for a guard. There was always one nearby to make sure his needs were tended to. As he had yesterday, and earlier on this day, he opened the door a bit and peeked out. "Guard?" He waited a moment. "Guard?" He frowned when no sounds of approach were forthcoming. He was going to report this to Heero... he knew that much. He could have been in trouble. Well... it looked as if someone WAS in trouble, so he added a touch of urgency in his voice. "GUARD!" He groaned as he opened the door some more. He didn't want to be accused of trying to escape again. He peeked his head out. "GUARD... Where ARE you?" He heard a chuckling and turned... seeing a new face. "THERE you are. Listen... there's someone at the edge of the estate and it looks like he or she might be in trouble." He took a step back into the room.
"Lemme see... get outta my way!"
Duo gasped in alarm as he was grasped and shoved out of his door.
A second voice sounded behind him. "Trying to escape again, slave?"
Duo spun around. "No! I called for one of you four times and..."
"Stop 'im!"
"What? What are you talking about? You're the one who shoved me out the door!" Duo was confused and more than a little frightened. He cried out in pain as he was backhanded.
"You've been given WAY too much leeway for a worthless slave! His lordship is too good for the likes of you! He shoulda beat you bloody when ya tried to escape the first time."
Duo would have cried for help, except one of them tied a gag around him. When his wrists were tied, he had practically no way to fight back. He screamed in pain and fear as the two guards started pummeling him.
"WHAT IS GOING ON!?!?!"
Duo recognized that voice. It belonged to the commander. He forced himself to remain awake as Trowa approached.
"He was trying to escape again."
Trowa didn't buy that for a minute. The main reason being only ONE guard was assigned to Duo and that guard had orders to report to him should Duo attempt to escape. Duo had stayed in the room the whole time the previous day... peeking out only to ask for meals. He walked over to Duo and removed the gag. "What happened?"
Duo whimpered, but managed to speak. "Someone... in trouble." He pointed to the balcony.
Trowa nodded and ran to the balcony. Sure enough... his keen eyesight found something that didn't belong there. He spun and ran down the hallway... thinking the two guards would settle Duo in and see to his well being.
"What should we do with 'im?"
The first guard snorted. "We'll bring 'im to the dungeon! The commander didn't tell us what to do with 'im."
Duo didn't hear anything after that. He just closed his eyes and let darkness claim him.
*****
Heero smiled as he returned home. He had a surprise for his kitten and wanted to see him as soon as possible. Noin met him at the entrance.
"How were your inspections, my lord?"
Heero smiled as Noin walked beside him. "Everyone was happy with the weather being so good lately." Heero let Noin fill him in on everything as he approached the door to his bedchamber. "A moment." He opened the doors with a smile. "Duo?" He frowned when no answer was forthcoming. With a puzzled frown, he searched the four rooms and the bathing area. Duo was nowhere to be seen. "Noin... get Trowa." He sat down with a worried frown. Had Duo been kidnapped? That was the only option open to his mind since he refused to think that Duo had run off. He looked up when Trowa entered, followed by a petite blonde. "Trowa... I have two questions for you."
Trowa glanced around. 'Duo shouldn't be out of bed.' He held up a finger. "Forgive me... but where is Duo? Is he soaking in the bath?"
Heero went pale. "That's one of the questions I was going to ask. He isn't here! Who's that?"
Trowa smiled a little. "This, my lord, is Quatre. Duo spotted him on the edge of the estate a few days ago... it got him into a little trouble though..." He paled. "They DIDN'T!" He turned and tapped the guard at the door on the shoulder. "Where are Alex and Mueller?"
The guard saluted. "In the dungeon, sir!"
Heero frowned. "What happened?"
Trowa looked ill. "My lord... I SWEAR I didn't know." He started down the hall with Heero close behind him. "Duo had spotted Quatre and apparently stepped out of the room to call his guard. Alex and Mueller took it as an escape attempt. I had given the guard assigned to the room specific orders to report to me should Duo try and escape. Alex and Mueller took matters into their own hands." He threw the door to the dungeon open and stormed down the stairs with Heero close behind.
Heero felt ill as he heard a whip crack followed by an anguished sob. He had hoped to never hear that sound again. He tried to run to his sweet kitten, but Trowa stopped him.
Trowa managed to curb his urge to vomit. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE!"
Heero ran forward as soon as Trowa let him. "Duo!" He sobbed as he cupped Duo's face in his hand. "Please... PLEASE open your eyes!" He wanted to pull Duo close, but knew that he'd only injure the youth. He glared at the two men responsible. "Who do you think you are? To punish or not to punish is MY choice, and Duo had good reason to leave our chambers. You had NO right to do this!"
"Mas... ter?"
Heero sobbed at how weak Duo sounded. "Hang in there... please! Relena should have regained her strength." He kissed Duo's forehead and turned to Trowa. "Get Relena down here now!"
"I am already here, My Lord. Apparently, our little visitor is an empath and a fortune teller." She glared at the two guards before smiling at Duo. "It's all right, Duo." She looked at Heero. "I'm not strong enough to do a complete healing, but I'll do what I can to make sure he will live long enough for your herbalist to help. When I'm strong enough, I'll remove any scars he might have."
Duo sighed as he felt the worst of his pain slip away. He still felt dizzy, but didn't think too much on it. Heero was back... that's all that mattered to him. As soon as his hands were loose, he weakly hugged Heero, needing the gentle touch again. He couldn't hear anything besides Heero telling him that everything was going to be all right.
TBC...
Back to Tenshi-chan's Fanfictions Page