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 5

“Good morning, Zadei”

Tetius smiled brightly as he placed the tray on the desk and turned to find Zadei closing the door for him.

“How did you sleep?”

A quick movement and Tetius found himself once again bound in Zadei’s embrace. Feeling bold, he slipped his own arms loosely around the taller man

“I slept wonderfully, Teti. I dreamt of you all might long.”

Tetius buried his face against that strong chest to hide his embarrassment. He had dreamt of Zadei that night before as well. He couldn’t remember exactly what the dream had been about, but he distinctly remembered Lord Marion waking him.

When he has asked why, his master had told him that he had thought Tetius was ill because of his moaning. He didn’t remember what explanation he had given, but it had apparently been enough to appease the Emperor.

Zadei pulled back suddenly, and thankfully he misinterpreted the blush. “Don’t worry Teti. My dreams were completely innocent, I promise.”

Tetius let his hands slip free as Zadei moved away to begin his breakfast. There had been an idea floating around in his mind since he had left this chamber the night before.

Taking a deep breath, he decided to plunge ahead. “Za… Zadei?”

He watched as the Emperor turned from his meal to look Tetius in the eye. “Yes?”

Wringing his hands nervously, Tetius swallowed deeply before continuing. “I… would like… to take you somewhere.” He took a shaky breath before quickly adding. “If that is all right with you, of course.”

Zadei gave him a slightly surprised look before nodding once. “All right.”

xxx

“This is beautiful.”

Zadei looked around in awe. Tetius had led him into one of the castle’s island courtyards. He briefly recalled Tetius pointing it out on their first tour of the palace, but he hadn’t paid it much mind.

He wasn’t the type of person to spend his time admiring scenery, but even he could appreciate the simple elegance of this place. There were willowy trees covered in delicate blooms and colourful flowers peppering the ground.

In the center of the clearing he could see a rock face waterfall. It was obvious that this place was completely natural. No engineer, despite their brilliance, would be able to create a man made waterfall like that.

“This is my favourite garden.”

Zadei returned his attention to his companion. Tetius led the way through the plants, turning frequently to make sure that Zadei was still following. The sunlight glistening off of his pale hair and skin gave him an ethereal glow.

His wings sparkled like freshly fallen snow. Zadei would have said that the sight made his feel homesick, but he refused to acknowledge the fact that he had such weak feelings.

“Do you like it?”

Zadei shook off his thoughts and flashed Tetius a grin. “Yes, very much.” He watched as Tetius blushed happily.

“Come on,” The excited smile on Tetius’ face was enough to keep Zadei happy. He followed silently as Tetius led the way deeper into the courtyard.

They made their way down to the edge of the small pond at the base of the waterfall. Tetius pointed down at the water and Zadei slid, silently, to his knees to see what Tetius was indicating.

It took a moment before he found what he was looking for. Fish. Tiny, little, rainbow coloured fish darting back and forth beneath the water’s surface. Zadei couldn’t help smiling as he watched them. Is this what Teti does with his free time? He turned to address the man in question and froze, shocked.

Tetius was watching him closely. The soft look in his eyes threw Zadei for a moment. Tetius’ teeth worried his lower lip nervously. After a moment he seemed to come to a decision and held out his hand to Zadei.

“Come with me. I want to show you something special.”

Zadei reached up and clasped that outstretched hand. He resisted the urge to pull Tetius down into his lap and rose. Another small smile and Tetius was leading him around the back of the rock face. Zadei noted to himself that it seemed to connect directly into the castle, the water feeding across the top of the palace walls.

He was surprised when Tetius stopped abruptly and crouched down.

“It’s rather cramped. Watch your head.”

A few branches were moved out of the way, and then Tetius was gone.

Zadei bent down and moved the branches aside to reveal a small cave opening at an angle into the rock wall. It certainly was a tight fit, but he wasn’t about to be left behind.

He crawled quickly through the cave, breathing a silent sigh of relief when the space began to widen. How Tetius made it through with those wings, he didn’t know.

He could just make out a glow of light before himself when he heard Tetius’ voice float back towards him, “Close your eyes.”

He did so without hesitation and continued to move forward. He felt Tetius reach out and guide him on. The tunnel widened suddenly, and Zadei reasoned that he must have entered a cave.

He could hear the faint rush of water and wondered briefly if they were now behind the waterfall.

“Keep your eyes closed.”

Zadei nodded as he was helped to his feet. He followed Tetius’ guiding. It’s strange, he though to himself, I have no problem following him like this. I don’t think I would allow any other person to see me so vulnerable.

“All right.”

Zadei stopped when indicated, keeping his eyes closed. He felt Tetius’ presence move to his side, but still he waited.

“Open your eyes.”

Zadei did so, taking in a deep breath at the sight. They were indeed in a cave behind the waterfall. The light was casting sparkling rainbows across the walls and floor.

He felt a gentle hand touch his arm and turned to find Tetius watching his reactions closely, rainbows playing lightly across his hair.

“Do you like it?”

Reaching out, Zadei lay his hand against Tetius’ cheek and smiled. “I like it.”

“I’m glad.”

Tetius placed his hand over Zadei’s and led him back towards the center of the cave. He lowered himself down to sit on the ground and Zadei followed suit.

“I found this place back when I first came here. I liked to hide here in my spare time so that I could be alone. I haven’t been here in a very long time.”

The sadness in Tetius' voice nearly convinced Zadei not to ask, but he felt he had to. “Teti?”

“Hmm?”

“How long have you been here? You aren’t from this country… are you?”

Dropping Zadei’s hand, Tetius turned his face away. Zadei was about to apologize when Tetius began to speak. “I’ve been in this country since I was fourteen, six years now. I’m not really sure where my people came from. My family lived in a small village in the north of the realm where the water is sparser.

“No matter how often we asked, the only thing the adults would ever tell us was that the village was our home, and we were free there. We lived there for as long as I can remember. It was a pleasant life. I lived with my parents, my older brother Raynus, and my little sister Maifey. My father was a hunter, and my mother was a weaver. Raynus took care of our gardens and I was left in charge of caring for Maifey. She was only four years old.

“One day our village was attacked. They were strange creatures, like nothing we had ever seen. They reminded me of the stories that my mother would tell me when I had done something bad.

“My father’s hunting party was out at the time. They were killed first. One of the men managed to make it back to the village to warn us. He died of blood loss soon after. We hid in the house. Mother was outside guarding our home when they got her. We could hear her screaming.

“Raynus told me to take Maifey and hide in the cellar. There was a secret path that led out into the forest in case we needed it. I’ve always wondered if our parents had expected something like that to happen. Why else would they have built that tunnel in the first place?

“Raynus went outside to help keep the monsters at bay. They were… overwhelmed. Even underground we could hear the horrible growling. I didn’t know what to do, so I took Maifey and led the way out into the forest. We walked for days with no food or rest. We were on the outskirts of a small farming village when one of the creatures caught up to us.

“I was holding Maifey so tightly, but… I was too weak. It tore her out of my arms. I tried to grab her back, but the monster knocked me to the ground. I…hit my head on something, but I swear I could still hear her screaming as I passed out.”

Tetius was weeping outright by this point. His face was turned away from Zadei, and his entire frame shook. Quietly, Zadei moved closer and wrapped his arms around him.

He stroked Tetius’ hair as the young man cried into his chest. Zadei had never comforted anyone before. He didn’t know what to say. Sighing in frustration, he settled for simply holding the winged figure until the tears slowed.

Tetius’ words were muffled as he continued. “When I woke, I was here in the palace. Lord Marion told me that the farmers had saved me, but when the farmers saw my wings they were frightened and contacted the palace.

“I was unconscious for a very long time. Search parties had been sent out and had discovered our village, they figured it must have been hidden by magic or something. There was no one left. It was decided that because no other villages had been attacked, the creatures must have been targeting us specifically.

“When their job was done, they left. The one that had followed Maifey and I was killed by the farmers. Supposedly, it was a lucky shot that managed to weaken it enough for them to kill it. In the end Lord Marion said that I could remain here, seeing as I had nowhere else to go.”

Tetius began to cry again as Zadei held him tightly. “My poor Teti. Cry as much as you want. I’ll be right here.”

Zadei began to stroke Tetius’ hair slowly. This was not what he had expected. Such a kind and innocent person didn’t deserve to suffer like Tetius had.

Zadei had never been overly close to… well anyone actually, but he could imagine how painful it would be to lose them all so violently. What if something like that happened to Tetius?

Zadei shuddered at the thought and pushed it from his mind. He would make sure that never happened. He would protect this delicate angel in his arms.

It wasn’t long before Tetius had cried himself to sleep. Zadei smiled sadly and lay back on the cave floor, pulling Tetius tight against him.

xxx

Tetius woke slowly. His cheek was pressed against something damp and it was very difficult to move. He opened his eyes slightly and glanced around.

Zadei lay beside him, fast asleep, and Tetius felt himself smile at the sight. The man looked so peaceful when he was asleep.

Tetius lay his hand gently on Zadei’s chest and realized that the shirt under his finger tips was soaked. It had to be uncomfortable for Zadei. Even the warms arms that encircled Tetius’ body did little to stave off the chill of the cave.

Glancing towards the waterfall, Tetius realized why. The sun was no longer angled to shine through the waterfall. In fact, considering how dim the light was it must be mid afternoon by now. Turning back, Tetius shook Zadei slightly.

“Wha…?” Zadei groaned, and opened his eyes slowly.

Tetius smiled shyly as those golden orbs focused on his face. “Wake up Zadei. It’s getting cold in here. Perhaps we should head back to your room.” He watched Zadei nod and took his hand. “I’ll lead the way back.”

xxx

They hadn’t spoken the entire way back to Zadei’s room and Tetius was becoming nervous. It had felt good to finally tell someone his story, but perhaps it had made Zadei uncomfortable.

As soon as the door was closed behind him, Tetius spoke. “Thank you. Thank you for listening to my story. I’ve never told anyone the entire thing.”

He fell eagerly into the gentle embrace that Zadei offered.

“I’m glad you told me.”

That wonderfully warm feeling was back and Tetius suddenly felt the need to share it. “Zadei, I feel so warm when I’m around you. I don’t really understand it, but seeing you, and being here with you makes me so happy.”

He leaned farther into Zadei’s embrace and sighed softly. “Maybe that’s just silly.”

Zadei pulled back so suddenly that Tetius thought he had offended him. But the smile he saw when he looked up banished that fear.

“It’s not silly.” Zadei spoke so confidently that Tetius just had to smile. There was a brief hesitation before Zadei spoke again. “Teti… may I kiss you?”₁

Tetius blushed furiously, and whispered softly, “You don’t have to ask, Zadei.”

“I know, but I am asking. May I kiss you?”

Tetius watched Zadei closely. He had to admit that he was flattered. Zadei didn’t really seem like the type to ask for what he wanted.

Tetius smiled shyly. Perhaps it was their recent conversation that had caused Zadei to act with such consideration. Tetius didn’t have to think long on his answer. “Yes.”

The first kiss was quick and soft, just the barest brushing of lips. Their eyes met, and suddenly he was crushed against Zadei’s chest, their lips tightly locked. He allowed his eyes to slide closed as he clutched at Zadei’s arms. He pressed his own lips back against the taller man’s.

Tetius felt Zadei’s tongue swipe against his lower lip and obediently opened his mouth. He welcomed the invading muscle with enthusiasm, swiping his own tongue up to rub against it slickly.

He’d had plenty of practice at this, but never, in the five years that he had been servicing Lord Marion, had he ever felt a kiss like this. His knees felt weak and his entire body trembled with pleasure.

Suddenly, he found himself laying across the bed, wings spread wide. Zadei was kneeling over him. He was surprised, never had he lost his awareness due to pleasure before.

It was inappropriate for a concubine to put their own enjoyment over their master’s. He had heard that from Cheryl many times when Lord Marion had begun to express interest in him.

He tried desperately to rein in his reactions, but abandoned it as a lost cause when Zadei pulled open his robes and began to press kisses along his neck and collar.

Tetius moaned softly as he felt those sharp teeth graze lightly down his chest. Zadei’s hands were stroking heatedly at his sides and abdomen. A soft kiss was pressed against one of his nipples and Tetius gasped sharply, his fingers scrabbling weakly at the sheets.

He gave a sharp cry as Zadei latched his lips firmly against his nipple and began to suck. A gentle nibble followed that left Tetius nearly sobbing out loud.

This was so new and exciting. Lord Marion never took the time to arouse him before relieving himself. Tetius felt the lips locked on his chest twitch into a smile and blushed furiously.

The next thing he knew Zadei was pressing gentle kisses against his lips. He then pulled back to look deeply into Tetius’ eyes.

“Stop thinking so much.” Another soft kiss, with a gentle graze of teeth against his lower lip. “Just enjoy this.”

Tetius gazed deeply into those golden eyes. He could see the lust in them and nodded. He wanted this. Zadei flashed him a toothy grin and favoured him with another heated kiss before moving back down to his nipples.

Tetius gasped and writhed in pleasure. Eventually he felt Zadei begin to move farther down his body. The man’s tongue roved across his stomach, delving quickly into his navel. Tetius arched his back as Zadei’s tongue continued to slide down his abdomen.

A sudden, sharp knock on the door ground their activities to a halt.

“Who is it?” Zadei’s voice was an angry bark.

“I apologize for disturbing you Lord Zadei, but Lord Marion requires Tetius’ presence.”

Tetius felt, more than heard, Zadei’s growl. Sitting up angrily he spoke again. “He’ll be right there.”

“Yes Lord Zadei.”

Tetius moved to get up but Zadei pressed him back onto the bed and leaned over him. He stared into Tetius’ eyes for a moment before speaking. “Teti… you liked that, right?”

Tetius felt confused. Has his reactions not indicated his enjoyment. “Yes. Zadei, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He found himself pulled up into another passionate kiss.

“I’m glad that you were.” Zadei grinned suddenly and pulled Tetius into his arms. “If you are free later, and want to come back… I’ll be waiting.”

Tetius tried to hide his excited smile as he separated himself from Zadei’s embrace. He stood slowly and began to straighten his clothes and hair.

“I would like that, but if I am unable, I will see you in the morning. And I’ll have someone come by with your dinner.” Gathering his courage, he leaned down to press a quick kiss against Zadei’s lips.

xxx

Zadei grabbed Tetius’ shoulders and held him in place for one more passionate embrace. He trailed his tongue over the contours of Tetius’ sweet mouth.

He let go reluctantly, and watched with satisfaction as Tetius straightened up, flushed and panting slightly for breath.

“You’d better go, Teti.”

Zadei watched as Tetius nodded breathlessly and let himself out. He laughed happily and threw himself back onto the bed grinning like a fool. His body is absolutely perfect. Pale and soft. And his scent is so clean and arousing.

Rolling onto his side, Zadei waited for his dinner, while imagining just what he was going to do to Tetius when he got back.

xxx

TBC