Dominions

Title: Seimaden AU - Dominions
Author: Kalika
Summary: Tetius, a servant in Lord Marion’s palace, is ordered to wait on Lord Zadei during his visit.
Warning Codes: Yaoi, Abuse, AU, H/C, N/C,
Pairings: Zadei/Tetius Various/Tetius
Disclaimer: Characters owned by You Higuri. I wrote this simply for my own entertainment.

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Chapter 4

Tetius had barely even completed his first knock when he was told to enter. He slipped inside to find Lord Zadei waiting for him seated at the desk.

After a moments hesitation, he allowed his eyes to rise and meet the golden orbs of the man before him.

“Good morning, my Lord. You’re up early.”

He watched as Lord Zadei broke into a rather feral looking grin. It unnerved him slightly and he allowed his eyes to sink back down until his gaze was once again focused on the ground. Thankfully, the lord didn’t seem too upset by this.

“I am glad to see you, Tetius. How are you today?”

“Well, my lord. Thank you for asking.”

Tetius moved forward and placed the breakfast tray on the desk before Lord Zadei. He risked another quick glance up to meet the other man’s eyes. The lord was still watching him with that strange grin.

Tetius bowed quickly and retreated to his usual seat. Folding his hands in his lap, Tetius focused his gaze on the strong back before him. His body is so much more developed than my Emperor’s. Why can I not look away? I do not know why he interests me so much.

Tetius was so lost in his thoughts that it took him a few moments to realize that Lord Zadei had finished his meal and was now watching him closely.

Suddenly nervous, Tetius hurried to avert the blush he knew was creeping up his neck. “You said you wished to discuss our realms policies. Where would you like to start?”

“I think I’d rather see more of the palace. Why don’t you show me around some more?”

“As you wish, my Lord. Where would you have me take you?”

He watched a Zadei thought for a moment before replying. “Why don’t you show me something you like? Where do you want to go?”

Tetius coughed into his hand, trying to dispel the embarrassment that he felt at being flattered, thusly. He was a mere servant. No one had ever asked him what he wanted to do before.

Well, Lord Marion had, but choosing the sexual positions for an evening wasn’t exactly the same thing.

Lord Zadei actually wanted to learn about Tetius. Still blushing slightly, Tetius cleared his throat and answered softly. “I… I like the library. It’s quiet and cool.”

“All right then. The library it is. Lead on.”

xxx

“This is the central library of our realm. We have every kind of document imaginable. Our historical records are second to none in the Dominion alliance. If you are interested in any of our old battle records, please help yourself.

“I personally enjoy the novels. Very few libraries carry fictional work, but we have a rather large selection. I could make a couple of recommendations if you like. Though, perhaps you would prefer something on battle tactics?”

Zadei nodded absently. He hadn’t been listening, so much as just watching Tetius speak. Every movement was graceful and enthralling. He watched as Tetius gave a small smile and disappeared among the shelves.

Zadei was almost worried that he may have been too obvious in his attentions, until he realized that his earlier nod had probably been taken in reply to some sort of question.

Tetius reappeared carrying a rather worn tome. He place it on the table before Zadei and gave him a shy smile. “Why don’t you try this one? I think you would find it entertaining.”

Zadei took the book with a thank you and began to flip through it. Reading wasn’t exactly his style, but he didn’t want Tetius to think that he wasn’t enjoying himself.

He was about a quarter of the way through the large book when he suddenly felt uncomfortable. He let his gaze wander upwards and almost jerked in shook when he saw that Tetius was staring straight at him. Had Tetius actually been watching him read?

He watched as Tetius’ cheeks coloured in embarrassment. Zadei grinned at him and stifled a chuckle as the blush deepened and the pale man turned away to hide his face. He is so cute when he blushes. I want to be alone with him.

“Let’s go back to my room.” Zadei kept his voice as steady as he could while he stood.

Tetius nodded and bowed slightly, motioning for Zadei to lead the way. “Would you like to stop for lunch in the dining hall?”

“Yeah, why not?” After all, he had no need to hurry. Tetius was his personal servant after all. They had all day.

xxx

Tetius opened the door to Lord Zadei’s chamber and allowed the man to pass him as he bent into a bow. He caught a faint whiff of the Lord’s scent as he passed.

That clean, slightly musky scent threatened to reawaken the blush that he had been desperately trying to keep at bay all day long.

It was difficult. This exciting warmth that had been growing in his chest confused him. It wasn’t unpleasant, but the more time he spent with Lord Zadei the more it began to grow.

He entered the chamber and found himself staring directly into the lord’s eyes. He closed the door with a gentle tug, unwilling to break their locked gazes. Zadei was standing so close that Tetius could nearly feel the heat radiating from his body.

“You’re still meeting my eyes.”

Tetius watched as those lips twitched into a small smirk. Perhaps it was due to their proximity, but Tetius now noticed that Zadei’s canines were rather pronounced, giving him a slightly predatory look.

He shuddered slightly, though the action had nothing to do with fear.

“That’s good.”

Tetius gave a nervous smile, not trusting his voice to remain steady. He took a deep breath when he felt Lord Zadei take hold of his hand and give it a tug. He allowed himself to be led across the room towards the bed.

Tetius felt a sudden rush of fear, but hid it quickly a he was guided to sit. Lord Zadei dropped down beside him, not letting go of his hand.

Tetius turned to face the man beside him, only to realize that Lord Zadei was not looking at him. He waited patiently for the Lord to speak.

“Thank you for today, Teti. I… enjoyed it.”

Tetius froze at those words. He continued to stare straight at Lord Zadei, but his eyes were not focused on the image before him.

l l l l

“Teti, mother and father are dead. You have to protect Maifey!”

“Raynus, please…”

“Now, Teti! Take Maifey and hide in the cellar. Hurry!”

“Raynus. Look out!”

“Teti, I’m scared.”

“Maifey!”

l l l l

xxx

Zadei squeezed the hand in his own lightly. He was quite embarrassed by what he was about to say and he didn’t want to humiliate himself.

“Thank you for today, Teti. I… enjoyed it.”

When he received no reply, he raised his eyes to meet Tetius’ own and was shocked to find tear’s trailing down those pale cheeks. He was confused, he hadn’t wanted to upset him.

For some reason he felt ill at the sight of those tears. “Teti, what’s the matter?”

He received no reply. The blank look in those pale green eyes, worried him. He took hold of the slender shoulders and shook that delicate frame sharply.

“Tetius!”

A shuddering gasp and Tetius was blinking owlishly at Zadei. More tears slipped free of his eyes as he took a deep steadying breath. His cheeks were paler than normal and his voice trembled when he spoke.

“Lord Zadei…?”

Zadei felt uncomfortable. This wasn’t a situation that he was used to dealing with. Emotional displays made him thoroughly uncomfortable. His usual method of dealing with them would be to leave, not wanting or caring, to give assistance.

But this was different. The idea of leaving Tetius in this state made him feel badly. Not exactly certain what to do, he pulled Tetius forward’s into his arms and held him gently.

“You surprised me, Teti. What’s the matter?”

He felt Tetius shudder and tightened his grip slightly. The soft words were muffled against his chest, but still audible. “Bad memories.” He felt the young man take a shaky breath. “I haven’t been called Teti in a very long time. It just overwhelmed me.”

Zadei sighed unhappily. “I’m… sorry, Tetius. I wont call you that again.”

Damn. He hadn’t intended to upset the winged man.

“No, please.” Zadei allowed Tetius to pull back so that they were staring into each other’s eyes again. “Please…”

The voice was low and pleading. “It’s been so long since anyone’s called me that. It’s nice to hear it again.”

Zadei smiled in, what he hoped, was a supportive manner. “All right. I’ll call you Teti. But you have to call me Zadei from now on.”

Tetius jerked back horrified. “No! I could never…”

“Not in public of course. Just… when we’re alone. All right?”

Zadei was almost knocked flat on his back as Tetius threw himself against his chest.

“Yes. I would like that.”

Zadei gave a happy laugh. “Come here.”

He let himself fall flat on the bed and pulled Tetius down so that he was trapped against the wall. He stroked at the soft wing that was draped across his body as Tetius tried to pull away. Zadei stilled him with his strong arms. “Just relax. You deserve some rest.”

Zadei relaxed his hold as he felt Tetius lean close against him. A hand was placed gently against his shoulder, and Zadei took that as a sign that it was all right for him to drape his own arm across the slender hips pressed against his own. He carded his other hand in the soft silver locks.

Not much later, he felt Tetius drift of into sleep. With a contented sigh, Zadei began to consider his options. He wanted Tetius to be his, but not just while he was here in the Water Realm’s palace.

No, he wanted Tetius forever. Maybe he could convince Marion to sell, or possibly trade, for the pale young man. One servant shouldn’t be that hard to obtain.

Yes, that is what he would do. He felt himself break into a happy grin as Tetius snuggled closer in his sleep.

xxx

Tetius woke feeling warm and safe. He snuggle closer to his pillow preparing to let himself drift off to sleep once more. He couldn’t remember the last time that he had felt so comfortable. He turned his head slightly to glance out he window and gauge the time, but he couldn’t find it.

It was then that he realized that he was not in Lord Marion’s bedroom. That thought broke through his sleepy calm and he jerked up in fright.

“What is it?”

Tetius glance down to stare into Zadei’s eyes. The man was watching him with a rather satisfied smile on his face, and he didn’t look the least bit sleepy.

The arm wrapped around Tetius’ waist shifted to stroke his side gently. Tetius blushed furiously as he realized that he had just mistaken that strong chest for a pillow.

Never had Lord Marion’s body, or touch, made him feel this way. Like everything was just as it was meant to be. It frightened him. This was not something he had ever experienced before, not since he had begun his life in the castle.

“Tetius?”

The concerned voice, coupled with the soft fingers that were now stroking along the upper edge of his right wing, broke through his thoughts. Careful not to rest any of his weight on Zadei, Tetius climbed over the larger man so that he could move towards the door. He glanced out the window at the now dark sky.

“I apologize. I should have brought you your dinner hours ago.”

He was just reaching for the door knob when he felt Zadei directly behind him and froze. He shivered with pleasure as those strong hands skimmed lightly across the rims of his wings, before resting on his shoulders.

“It’s fine, Teti. I would have woken you if it mattered. I was happy just the way we were.”

Tetius flushed so deeply he was sure that Zadei could feel it through his robes. Why was Zadei affecting him this way?

“Oh. All right. Can I… get it for you now Lo… Zadei?”

“Don’t worry about it.” The hands on his shoulders began to rub slowly. “Why don’t you get something for yourself? I’ll see you in the morning.”

Tetius reached up to rest his hand against one of Zadei’s. “Thank you, Zadei.” He turned and flashed a small smile. “Have a good night.”

He found himself pulled into a quick hug before he was allowed to slip out into the corridor.

xxx

TBC