The Royal Slave

Lighter Than Air- part of the Royal Slave series
By Shara
Pairing: Kagetsuya/Chihaya
Rating: There is no lemon in this story but it still deals with slavery so please do not read on if that offends you.

Disclaimer: Earthian is owned by Yun Kouga, no copy right infringement is intended in the posting of this fan fiction.

Here is the long awaited next part in the Royal Slave Series. I finally finished it! Yeah!!!! Sorry there isn't any lemon in this one. But I hope you will enjoy it anyway. Take out your tooth brushes kiddos, this one has rather high sugar levels. /\_/\ Questions and comments are welcome!!

Lighter Than Air

The royal seal of Eden was pressed into the sealing wax with a gesture of finality from the crown prince. Blowing gently on the wax to help it cool quickly, Kagetsuya wiped the wax off the seal before it could harden. Setting the seal aside the regale blond collected the missives he had just sealed and set the letters in a neat pile on the dark surface of his ornate hand carved desk.

Fingering the small carvings of birds in flight that ran along the edge of the desk he marveled at the craftsmanship that had gone into its making. Even as lifelike as the bird appeared, it was only wood. Never would the delicate curves of this bird's wings grace the. It. It was sad that the beautiful birds were still, forever imprisoned in their sky of wood. Glancing up at the window that flooded the royal chambers with light and warmth, Kagetsuya could see the slender silhouette of his body slave framed by sunbeams.

As the figure in the window turned a face as delicately carved as the wooden bird towards Kagetsuya's jaw tightened. The ethereal man looking at him with dark fathomless violet eyes was just like the birds carved around the desk. Chihaya fulfilled his role as royal slave with a quite grace, uncomplaining of all those things he lacked as if he didn't fully realize that he had needs other than those his master wished to fill. But a bird should fly. The wistful sadness that painted the lilac gems a darker color was a blow straight to the heart each time Kagetsuya saw it surface.

No one could ever make the carvings on the desk take flight. However, the dark haired angel that bowed reverently to his master would not need to suffer the same fate. The prince vowed silently to himself that he would make certain that Chihaya was given the chance to fly.

Kagetsuya's face relaxed into an admiring glance as he gazed at the light shrouded figure. The pale blue silk tunic that rustled softly at the slave's movements drew his eyes down the tapered chest to the shapely legs revealed at mid calf. The new garment was lovely. The sweeping neck and curving lines of the tunic accentuated Chihaya's refined beauty while at the same time making it possible for the prince to concentrate on something other than his slave's body.

"It's a lovely day, I feel like going outside. Would you like to come with me, Chihaya?"

"Yes, master," Chihaya's eyes lit up the room with happiness. The royal gardens were one of the most spectacular treasures of Eden. "What a wonderful day for a walk in the garden."

"You misunderstand. We aren't going to the gardens." Kagetsuya explained watching Chihaya carefully for any reaction he might give.

"We aren't going to the gardens?" Chihaya repeated tilting his head in confusion.

"No, we aren't. Today we are going outside the palace."

"Outside the palace." Chihaya numbly parroted his master's response once more as panic seized him. Going outside the palace wall had been one of Chihaya's dearest dreams. Now that it looked like his dream would come true, he was paralyzed with fear. The world suddenly seemed so vast and imposing. He dearly wanted to go but his heart trembled in his chest at the very thought of leaving all he had ever known behind.

Crossing the room in three quick strides the prince wrapped his arms around Chihaya's waist as he smileasseassuringly into his slave's frightened eyes. "Don't be afraid Chihaya. I will be with you."

Taking a deep breath Chihaya lifted his head and gazed into Kagetsuya's deep blue ey"I w"I will try to be brave for you, master."

"There's no trying, Chihaya. You are brave." The prince's long tapered fingers brushed gently against the silky smooth skin of Chihaya's cheek.

Closing his eyes Chihaya leaned into the touch. He was still afraid. But his master believed in him. Smiling he opened his eyes resting his hand on thek ofk of the one that still cupped his face.

The prince dropped his hand as his fingers twined with his slave's. Giving Chihaya's hand a squeeze he led the royal slave out into the hall.

As they walked the marble corridors Chihaya tried to ignore the windows they passed keeping a tight grip on the prince's hand. If he gave in to the desire to look out those beautiful windows he might not have the courage to leave the confines of the palace.

Stopping on one of the take off platforms Kagetsuya let go of Chihaya's hand and turned to his slave. "Wrap your arms around my neck." The prince commanded in a quiet voice as snow-white wings unfurled from his back.

Twining his arms around Kagetsuya's neck, Chihaya clung tightly to his master as the great white wings propelled them upwards. The sky was a brilliant blue that seemed to stretch out forever. Clouds that looked like soft quilt batting spread out beneath them as they climbed high into the cool clear air. It was frightening and exciting all at once and the little slave's violet eyes were bright as stars as he exhilarated in the sensation of being airborne. Chancing to glance upon the prince's smiling face, Chihaya bowed his head reverently. "I am a very lucky slave, with a very good master. I have done nothing to merit such a generous gift, but I am very grateful. Thank you for taking me flying, master. I didn't ever think I would get the chance to touch the sky." Chihaya whispered in a voice raw with emotion.

The wonder and awe in that fragile voice sluiced over the prince like the icy waters of a mountain stream. This child of the sky who should have been one with the heavens like all of his kind was groveling in gratitude because he had simply been lifted up? Intellectually he understood that it was necessary to keep salves ground bound but he had never really thought about the consequences of doing so.

All the inhabitance of Eden had been gifted with the will and ability to fly. The desire to fly was a strong one. It was no wonder so many of the slaves seemed sad and pathetiagedaged like songbirds, they were kept from fulfilling an important part of who they were. Kagetsuya couldn't stand the idea that the beautiful loving young man in his arms might never reach his full potential," Little one, I am going to do more than just lift you up. Open your wings, Chihaya.

Astonished amethysts fastened onto clear sapphires as the petite brunette trembled within the prince's gentle embrace. Attempting to fly went against the all training Chihaya had been given growing up as a royal slave. It was wrong for a slave to fly. Slaves were not worthy to even be in the sky. He was not worthy.

Unable to continue staring into the prince's steady regard Chihaya let his eyes drop. The castle was out of sight. The ground below them stretched into a colorful patchwork quilt made of a hundred different hues of green and tan that spread out far as the eye could see. It was beautiful and Chihaya let his gaze linger over the soft rolling hills as he committed the vision to memory. He didn't know if he would ever get this chance again.

Kagetsuya knew he was asking a great deal of Chihaya. But he also knew what his little lover's response would eventually be. Chihaya was a royal slave after all, trained to be supremely loyal to his master. The irony of the situation was not lost on the prince. It was because Chihaya was such a good slave that Kagetsuya would be able to get him to disobey one of a slaves cardinal rules. Kagetsuya could see the hope that was slowly stealing over his slave's delicate features despite the midnight bangs that hung over the violet eyes like a veil. "You were born to fly, Chihaya. All the people of Eden were, that is why we were given wings. Slaves are not allowed to fly because their masters are afraid they will fly if if they were able."

Cupping Chihaya's delicate chin with a fine boned hand Kagetsuya stroked the soft dusky skin of his slave's cheek. "Can I trust you, Chihaya?"

Chihaya's back stiffened at the prince's words. It was difficult to speak around the hard pain that tightened his chest constricting his lungs. "I would never betray you, my master." The fact that the prince should feel the need to question his loyalty hurt more than he was willing to admit.

"Of course you wouldn't, "Kagetsuya agreed trying to smooth away the pained expression from his little lover with gentle fingers. "So why shouldn't I teach you to fly?"

Resting his cheek against the Prince's hand, Chihaya inhaled as he let his body relax into his master's embrace. He breathed in the fresh pine sent that always surrounded the prince, finding the familiar sent calming. His master did trust him. What Kagetsuya had said made a lot of sense. Still, it was a little frightening to consider going against a rule that had been so completely drummed into him. But if it was what his master wanted how could he object? The need to comply with the master's wishes was greater than the discomfort that came from the thought of disobeying the rules. Covering the prince's hand with his own Chihaya unfurled his wings. The deep black and indigo feathers were lined with an iridescent sheen. They rustled softly in the wind he spread his wings out in the wind.

Clasping Chihaya's hand Kagetsuya let go of his slave's slender waist. Letting the smaller man slowly drifted backwards in the wind. "I have you, there's nothing to fear. I just need you to turn so that you are aside of me." The prince explained gently to his fretful slave as Chihaya's grip tightened painfully around his master's hand.

Chihaya let his let himself relax as the air current tugged at him turning himund und to face in the same direction as his master. Fear was forgotten as the wind danced along his feathers cool and invigorating. Instinctively he shifted his wings to keep himself from slipping out of the air current as it moved beneath him. He felt more alive than he ever had before. The sun was eclipsed by the radiant smile that Chihaya bestowed upon his master as he glanced over his shoulder. "Is this really happening? Or am I dreaming?"

All Kagetsuya could do was stare at the heavenly vision gliding by his side. "So beautiful."

"Master?"

Realizing that he was staring, Kagetsuya squeezed Chihaya's hand in apology giving his little lover a reassuring smile. "Your not dreaming, Chihaya. Would you like to try using your wings?"

"Can I?" Chihaya asked in a rush, his voice both fearful and excited at the same time.

"Go ahead." Kagetsuya nodded as amusement twinkled in the blue depths of his eyes.

A little clumsily at first, Chihaya slowly beat his wings. Feeling his body lifting and drifting forward, he looked over at his master for reassurance.

"Don't be afraid. That's what is supposed to happen."

Taking a deepath ath Chihaya faced hiars ars lifting his face into the wind he straightened himself out and found his balance. He was so delighted he didn't even notice when Kagetsuya let go of his hand.

Cradled gently in the breeze Chihaya laughed as the wind brushed cool fingers against his face and tugged playfully at his body. His long silky black hair fluttered around his head as if it had suddenly come to life. For the first time in his life he felt truly alive. Kagetsuya had been right. He was born for this. Stretching out his wings Chihaya danced on air.

The prince smiled as he followed his slave matching the black angel's joyous flight. The beatific expression on Chihaya's lovely face was like an elixir for happiness. Knowing he had made one of the little angel's dreams come true filled Kagetsuya's heart with gladness in turn.

Kagetsuya interceded with a great pump of his wings as the wind started to turn leaving the newly flighted angel faltering.

"Master!" Chihaya called out afraid when he realized he was alone

Catching Chihaya around the waist Kagetsuya hugged the smaller man to his side. "I think that's enough flying for today."

Kagetsuya smiled feeling Chihaya's sigh as the black angel's chest rose and fell beneath his hands. "I am sorry Chihaya," the prince apologized nuzzling his cheek against his lover's dark hair, "but you aren't used to flying yet. You haven't ever flown before so your wing muscles aren't very well developed. You're probably going to have a sore back tomorrow as it is. It takes time to get muscles into shape and I don't want you to over do it on your first flight."

"You mean, we'll be able to do this again?" Chihaya asked tilting his head to look at his master with hopeful eyes shining.

"Yes, we most certainly will do this again. But right now I need you to fold your wings in so we can land."

Chihaya's face was gleeful as the long black feathers drew inward and were hidden once more. Chihaya shifted within his master's arms so that he was facing the prince as Kagetsuya angled downwards to land. "I am so happy to have you as my master." The wide violet eyes shimmered with tears of elation as Chihaya leaned in to place a tender kiss on the prince's soft lips. "Thank you for all the wonderful things you have done for me."

Blushing under the praise Kagetsuya shook his head causing his long blond tresses to flowund und him like a golden halo, "There is so much more I want to give you, Chihaya. I haven't given you anywhere near what you deserve. But I am glad you are pleased."

"I am more than pleased. I am amazed. I flew. All by myself." The smile that spread across Chihaya's face threatened to split it in two.

"Next time we go you'you'll be able to fly even longer." Kagetsuya furled his wings giving Chihaya's shoulders a squeeze as their feet met the beautiful tiles of the landing platform.

Wrapping his arm around Kagetsuya's waist, Chihaya leaned his head contentedly against his master's muscular chest as he was directed into the palace.

Neither master nor slave noticed the still figure standing alone in the shadows. The royal attendant ground his teeth in disgust as he watched the loving display. It was obvious that the prince had fallen for the whiles of the young slave that hung draped on his arm like a gaudy robe. To think of the beautiful heir wasted on such filth turned Adam's stomach. Adam sniffed in derision crossing his arms in annoyance.

The prince couldn't have been ready to deal with his first encounter with the slavers. The Kagetsuya was so innocent of the world of slavery that the slave driver and slave must have easily controlled him. That had to be what happened. Why else would the prince have chosen a male slave? The idea of the prince with anyone much less another man was disturbing.

'Why does this bother me so much?' a quiet corner of his mind asked. It wasn't that unusual for a price to have a body slave. It wasn't even unheard of for a man to take a male slave; through it was looked down upon. Adam ruthlessly ignored the question, shoving the thought aside. He was oconcconcerned for the prince's reputation. That was all there was too it. It had nothing to do with anything improper.

Silence answered the royal servant's thoughts as he continued stare down the now empty hallway. Clenching his fists he turned to leave in the opposite direction knowing that he was lying to himself.

The End