It took Wufei two days to reach the Village of Long. He arrived within the village limits close to sunset on the second day, dirty, tired, and hungry. The sights and smells of home saturated his exhausted senses, tears brimming over his eyes, overwhelmed. His legs gave out and he dropped to his knees, nearly weeping in relief. He was dizzy, dehydrated, the edges of his vision blackening. He dropped face-first into the dirt, now that it was safe to do so. He was safe now. Safe...and home. And he allowed himself to be lifted up into the arms of his people as they gathered around him, murmuring in concern.
One of the men of the village scooped him up, muttering about filthy Ghalians, and carried him to his cabin. He kept his eyes closed, knowing he was home when he heard the sound of Duo's voice, shrill with panic, weeping with joy. He rested his head on his husband's shoulder as he was transferred into the familiar arms of his love. Duo's hands patted him down, checking for injuries and Wufei slurred through dry, cracked lips.
"I'm okay, love. I'm alright."
Duo wept into his hair, rocking him back and forth. "I thought I'd lost you. I thought you were gone. Oh, God, but you came back to me. You came back!"
Wufei lifted an arm, weakened, but determined to comfort him. He cupped his love's cheek and tried for a smile. It was laden with fatigue, but he managed it. "I'll always come back to you."
Duo smiled through his tears. "You stupid bastard. We've all been worried sick about you. A messenger from the castle arrived a few days ago and told us you'd been captured by the Ghalian army. They said...they said you were plotting to kill their King."
Wufei tsked. "I know. They told us all about our nefarious plans."
Duo laughed and hugged him closer. "I was so afraid I'd never see you again. They said they were going to execute you and Hee -" He paused as his breath hitched. "Where is Heero?"
He snorted, shaking his head. "It's a long story."
"Is he okay? What happened?"
"He's fine as far as I know. I'll tell you all about it, but I need some water...maybe some -"
"Oh God! Yes, of course, love. Here, let me get you something to eat and drink. I'll run you a bath so you can clean up. You must be starved! You traveled all this way from Ghali on foot?"
"Yes, believe it, or not." Wufei sat up, taking a proffered cup of water and guzzling it down. Oh, but it tasted so good. He looked up as his father entered the hut and Wufei gave him a respectful nod. His father observed him in silence for a moment, finger absently stroking his mustache. Wufei didn't miss the twinkle in his eye.
"Just when I thought we'd finally gotten rid of you." His mouth curled up.
Duo scoffed, but Wufei threw his head back, laughing heartily. "Good to see you, too, Father. Nice to know how much you missed me."
The old man's face sobered, his eyes solemn as they looked him over, noting the bruised welt on his cheek. "Did they injure you?"
Wufei shrugged. "A little. Nothing permanent."
"What happened, son?"
Wufei gratefully accepted a plate of curry and tucked in, scarfing down the food like it was his last meal. He grinned at his husband as he shoveled the food in, manners momentarily forgotten. "I didn't think I'd ever get another change to eat you're delicious cooking. You have no idea how much I missed this." Duo sat down beside him and rested his head on his shoulder, humming contentedly.
"Tell us," his father pressed.
Wufei sighed though his nose, swallowing down a mouthful of curry. "Well, it seems you know about as much as I do, up until a certain point. Heero wanted to hunt the Silver Ducks -"
"Those damned Silver Ducks," Duo muttered. "That's what started all of this?"
"Yes. I was hesitant about going because as we all know, it's not a safe area, but Heero was determined and I didn't want him to go alone -"
Duo growled, "I'm going to kill that reckless bastard."
Wufei smiled and pressed a kiss on his husband's head. "I knew you would say that. We were spotted by the soldiers who must have been out scouting, or something. I don't really know. We tried to hide in the brush, but their dogs sniffed us out. We did the only thing we could do. We ran, but they caught up to us and arrested us. You know what's worse than walking for two days through mountainous terrain?" Duo shook his head. "Riding through mountainous terrain slung over the back of a horse." He paused as Duo chuckled. He set the plate aside and wrapped his arms around his husband. He felt much better now and he sighed in contentment at the incredible feeling of his love in his arms. He'd missed him so much. Missed his smile, his voice, his laugh, his scent.
"The guards beat us. Interrogation, I suppose, though I couldn't figure out what for. We kept telling them we were only hunting in the neutral zone, but it didn't matter. They were dead set on the idea that we were in Ghalian territory and then their General concocted this ridiculous story that were were planning on infiltrating the castle to assassinate the King. We were taken to the Court Marshal where justice was not done. Apparently since we couldn't prove we weren't doing what they said we were, we were guilty."
"How can you prove something you weren't doing?"
"Exactly! That's what I said. So they convicted us and sentenced us to death by hanging." Duo's arms snaked around his waist, his face buried in his chest. Wufei heard a sniffle and he stroked his husband's braid, hoping to soothe.
"But the funniest thing happened. After the trial, we were being taken back to the dungeons to spend our 'last' night. I was...angry. Outraged and I let them know it. They started hitting me with a staff. Next thing I know, the Ghalian Prince is running over to us and he's shouting at the guards to stop. You wouldn't believe. He's the tiniest little thing and here he was scolding them all like an angry father, including the General, right in front of us."
Duo's head lifted and he stared at Wufei in surprise. "The Prince did this?" Wufei nodded. "So what happened?"
He lifted his shoulders in a shrug and leaned back. "They stopped beating me and led us back to the dungeon. We go to sleep, thinking it's all over. We're going to die in the morning and I wake up in the middle of the night and the Prince is down there, telling us he's going to let us go." Duo's eyes were huge, his mouth hanging open. Wufei chuckled at his expression. It was probably how he looked when he'd spotted the Prince of Ghali looking at him through the cell bars. "I know! It was unbelievable. But there he was. Even more strange, he told us he had to get married."
"Married?"
"Well, he said he was going to let us go regardless, but...he was in a bad situation. He was betrothed to the General against his will."
Duo was confused. "But, he's the Prince!"
"Apparently that didn't matter. The King had all but given his son to the General. He had no choice. And...if you know the General...which I do unfortunately, you'd know how bad it must have been for Quatre."
Duo gave him an odd look. "You're calling the Prince by his given name?"
Wufei shrugged. "That's what he told us to call him. Anyway, this General really is an evil man. He's vicious, heartless. He was forcefully trying to bed the Prince, even succeeded the morning of our escape -"
"Oh, God. How awful for him."
"I know we don't think very highly of Ghalians, but Quatre is different. The solution he came up with, which it sounds preposterous and it is until you think about it." He glanced at Duo uncertainly, knowing he was going to drop some news that would change everything. He sighed and went for broke. "To put it bluntly, Heero is now a Prince." He watched his husband, waited for his reaction. Duo stared at him dumbly, not comprehending. Then, he started laughing. Hysterically. He doubled over, shoulders shaking in mirth. He wiped tears from his eyes and straightened back up, ready to tell Wufei it was funny, but not to joke of such things. He paused when Wufei's somber expression did not change, his own grin dropping like a lead weight.
"Wait...you're serious?!"
Wufei nodded.
"But...why - how?"
"He and the Prince got married."
"No...no, he wouldn't do that -"
"He did, love. I was there. We escaped to the Mosque where the Imam is a good friend of the Prince. He agreed to do the ceremony. And Heero agreed to marry him."
Duo's brows drew down. He breathed hard through his nose, anger setting in. "Why in the Hell would he do that?"
"He saw it as the most viable way to protect Sai from Ghali's forces -"
"The Hell it is!"
"No, just hear me out. Please." He looked up at his father who gave him the nod to go on. "I thought it was ridiculous, too. At first. But...if Quatre married the General, he truly believes that the General would kill the King after he married him and seize the throne. If that happened, Sai would never see peace."
Duo sputtered, outraged. "But, he'd be the King!"
Wufei shook his head. "The General has the army. He'd take it by force and subject Quatre to slavery. He'd subject all of Ghali, Sai, probably Borsten, Emali, and every other nearby kingdom to his will."
"But who's to say the Prince won't do that when he and Heero take the throne?"
"I don't think he will. You'd understand if you ever meet him. It's always a possibility, but with the General at the helm, it's a certainty."
Duo was understandably unconvinced. "You really don't think the Prince would do that?"
"No, I don't. Quatre is not like that. He's one of the most caring, compassionate people I've ever met."
"But, what about Heero? He's surrounded by those...those horrible Ghalians!"
"Heero is royalty now. He's protected by Ghalian law."
"Since when do Ghalians respect the law?"
"From what Quatre says, his father does respect the laws of the monarchy. Apparently there's nothing worse than killing royalty. Quatre was convinced that Heero would be fine, and I -" He hated to say it, but..."I believe him."
Duo shook his head, looking unnerved. Wufei didn't blame him. "I don't know, Fei..."
"Look, do you trust me?"
Duo turned incredulous eyes on him. "Of course I do!"
"Then trust me when I say that I wouldn't normally trust a Ghalian as far as I could throw one, but...I do trust Quatre. And I have a lot of faith in Heero. He knows how to take care of himself. And, if this all works out, then Sai will be protected. With the two of them ruling Ghali, the invasions would end. I'm sure of it."
"But what about the King and the General?"
"I honestly don't know. But I have to believe in Heero and even Quatre. They are going to do what it takes to protect Sai." He turned pleading eyes on his husband. "Please don't be too hard on Heero. He only did this because he wanted to protect us. He saw it as the most efficient way."
Duo still looked uneasy, but he sighed and nodded. "Okay. I trust you. But if anything happens to Heero, I want Ghalian blood."
"That's what I told the Prince. He knows I - we would seek retribution if Heero is harmed."
"Good. He can tell that to his fellow Ghalians."
"I'll likely have to see, or at least send a message out to the Queen. She needs to know what happened."
"She probably already does."
"Possibly. But I don't anticipate it being news the Ghalians would be happy to share. And you musn't think badly of Quatre. He didn't force Heero into this. Heero chose."
"You said he was going to let you go either way?"
He nodded. "Yes. And if it wasn't for him, I'd already be dead."
Duo's eyes closed. It was painful to hear. "Then he has my utmost, eternal gratitude. But I'll have no qualms about killing him if something happens to Heero."
Wufei smiled and caressed Duo's cheek. "I know you won't. But, for now, I believe you promised me a bath."
Duo rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes. I'll get that going for you." He stood up and left the room. Wufei glanced up at his father. The man's eyes were sober, but hopeful.
"I hope you're right about this."
Wufei let out a breath. "Me, too."
***
The bath was the best thing in the world. Finally being truly clean. He felt cleansed of the past week, cleansed of Ghalian filth, and Wufei sung his husband's praises as he tipped his head back and allowed Duo to massage soap into his hair. "You really have the magic touch."
Duo smirked. "Wait till later." Wufei reached behind his husband's head and pulled it down for a kiss. Their lips met, tongues sliding together. It was a promise of wonderful things to come and he groaned appreciatively. God, he'd missed this!
His bed was equally luxurious and he uttered a long, low moan as he stretched out on the familiar mattress and pressed his face into the pillows, inhaling the Heavenly scent of his husband. "I feel like a Prince myself. You really can't appreciate it until you're forced to sleep on a dirty, cold, stone floor, or a lumpy, pine cone littered forest."
Duo crawled in next to him and took him into his arms. "It didn't feel right. Laying here at night with you out there." He gazed at Wufei, tears sparkling in the firelight. Wufei cupped his cheek.
"No more sadness, now. I'm home. And I'm not going anywhere."
"Do you really think Heero will be alright?"
"I hope so. Of course, I can't be completely certain, but yes. I do believe he will."
"And do you believe this really will protect Sai?"
"How can it not? Heero is going to be co-ruler of Ghali and I firmly believe Quatre wants peace."
"You're sure about this Prince?"
"Yes. I think I'm a pretty good judge of character." He smiled and brushed Duo's bangs off his forehead. "He's good people. Nothing like his father."
Duo snuggled into his chest and Wufei's arms closed around him. "I guess we'll have to make a trip to the capitol."
Wufei groaned. "Don't remind me. I've about had my fill of traveling lately."
Duo snickered. "Well, if it's any consolation, we'll have horses."
"Yes, that does help. Makes it quicker anyway." He stretched, savoring the feel of the soft mattress beneath his back and the warmth of the fire on his bare feet. "I never thought I'd be warm again. Spending a week in that freezing dungeon and then two nights out in the forest, I think there was a permanent chill in my bones."
Duo's brows furrowed in concern and Wufei fell in love all over again. His beautiful husband was always making sure everyone around him was comfortable, happy. "Do you need more blankets? I can go get -" He rolled over to get up, but Wufei pulled him back into his arms.
"No. No, I'm fine now. Nice and warm. I've got all the warmth I need right here." He stroked his hand up his husband's back, reveling in the comforting depths of Duo's gaze. He lifted a hand and touched his lovely face, treasuring the smooth skin. He gazed into sparkling violet eyes. "I love you so much."
"I love you," Duo moaned, rolling over on top of him. Wufei wrapped his arms around the narrow waist as Duo captured his lips in a fevered kiss, savoring in the sweet taste of love, of second chances. He opened his legs, inviting his husband in between, sighing in pleasure as Duo's mouth traced over his jaw, nipping here and there. He buried his face in Wufei's neck and kissed his pulse points, sucking marks into the skin.
They stripped quickly and used a few drops of olive oil from a small bottle beside the bed and Wufei keened, tipping his head back as his husband pressed inside him, touching his most intimate places, unraveling his secrets. He wrapped his legs around Duo's waist, his body rocking from the vigorous thrusts, riding the exquisite waves of passion. They came together, coasting along the nearly painful high and Wufei squeezed his husband between his thighs, determined to never let him go. Duo wept into his shoulder as he reoriented himself, his softened cock slipping free. Wufei kissed his lips, his cheeks, his nose, his hair, everything he could reach, whispering, "I love you, I love you..."
Duo quickly fell asleep in his arms, but Wufei had some difficulty. He laid awake, cherishing the chance to hold his husband again. He felt so blessed. Given another chance at life after it was almost taken away. He only hoped Heero would be okay. He hoped it was the right choice. If it was, then Sai would finally be left alone. No more invasions, no more raids, no more conquering, no more violence.
He gazed up at the ceiling as he stroked his husband's hair, whispering in the darkness. "Be safe, my friend. And make us proud. I'm already proud and honored to call you my friend."
He pressed his face into Duo's hair and closed his eyes, feeling like the luckiest man alive. He'd almost lost this. Almost left his husband alone in the world. He was never going to allow that to happen again.
***
In the morning, Wufei, Duo, and Wufei's father mounted their horses and left for the capitol. The Queen was intrigued, but troubled by the turn of events, having not yet been notified of the marriage between Heero and Prince Quatre. She touched her fingers to her lips and leaned forward in her seat, eyes wide with fascination as Wufei retold the events of their capture and release.
"Heero saw it as an opportunity for the freedom and protection of Sai."
"I see." She sat back and steepled her fingers. "Well, this is quite an interesting spin. We were in the negotiating stages for your exoneration and release." Her mouth curled up. "It was not going well."
Wufei chuckled, able to find humor in the situation now that it was over. "We were scheduled to be executed two days ago."
"Yes, I know. I was prepared to engage in more...aggressive...measures of intervention." She brought a goblet of water to her lips and took a dainty sip.
"Prince Quatre is to thank for that."
"But you say your friend was not forced into this arrangement."
"No, Your Highness. Prince Quatre was prepared to let us both go, even if Heero had chosen not to marry him."
Une's fingers drummed on the arm of her chair. "I've heard the tales about him, but I've never had the privilege of meeting him. It seems he is nothing like his father."
Wufei shook his head. "He is not. He does not believe in the conquering of Sai, or any of the other surrounding kingdoms. He wants peace between the nations."
"Unfortunately, he is not in power yet."
"No. And I fear getting there will be extremely difficult."
"For sure. The King and his men are not going to give up their positions without a fight. I fear for the safety of your friend, though I commend him for his bravery and his sacrifice. I am not pleased with the arrangement. A Saian and a Ghalian...it's unheard of. Though, it was a wise preemptive measure. When the Prince becomes King as well as your friend, I hope we can anticipate the joining of our kingdoms. Ghali would make an exceptional ally."
"They are a powerful nation."
"Thanks in part to the Emalians they took for their army. Has Quatre mentioned the releasing of the recruited Emalians?"
"No. We did not have time to discuss that, but I couldn't imagine him forcing them to stay, though many have already been indoctrinated to believe in the Ghalian way."
"No doubt." She sighed and gazed out the window. "I am glad you have returned to us safely. I realize Long and Syun are not happy with the state of affairs, especially in terms of sealing off our border." Wufei shook his head. "But I will do what it takes to ensure the safety of our nation. With any luck, when there's a transfer of power, it will no longer be necessary, but in the meantime, Sai must be protected."
"I understand. My father and the other elders are not happy -"
"None of us are, but what must be done will be done."
"Yes, of course. I have spoken to him about it."
"Then you will inform him that I have decided to send my men out there to patrol the border." Wufei nodded solemnly. He'd figured as much. "I must warn you, things may get bloody. The Ghalians are pushing. When we push back, they will only push harder."
"Understood. We are prepared to fight to defend our villages."
"Good. Keep me informed, if and when you are in contact with your friend. I must leave for the regional Summit. I will speak with King Zayeed as he will be there as well."
"If it's not too much trouble, could you possibly keep me informed of -"
"If it's of the utmost importance, I will send a messenger out to let you know what is going on."
"I would appreciate that. Thank you, Your Highness."
The Queen stood and rounded the table, laying an elegant hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad you are alright. I only hope this arrangement will work in our favor."
"So do I, Your Highness. And thank you again."