RPS Fic: Spoil Of War [Adam/Tommy] 3/14

[toobusy2write]

[Part 2]
[Master Post]

Part 3

Tommy scooped up cow dung off the stable floor and hauled it over to a barrel that was almost full of the stuff. A couple more shovels full and he was ready to haul it to the manure pile out behind the stables. The job was disgusting, but he'd been told he'd get used to the smell by a very amused stable slave when on the first day Tommy had almost thrown up halfway through cleaning out a stall. A week later and Tommy was still just as disgusted by the smell as he had been that first day.

He hauled the barrel back into the stable after he dumped the manure and set it down, stretching his back and arms quickly before picking up the shovel again. His muscles were sore from the strenuous work. He was just thankful for the strength and endurance he'd built up over the years wielding a sword and wearing armor or he would have been done for the first day in the stables.

Tommy got back to work, his thoughts drifting back to Jeffery. He hoped the boy was doing alright. He'd told Jeffery to keep his mouth shut, but he'd seen him walking into the hall after Tommy's sentencing. He'd been sure Jeffery was going to spill everything and get punished, too, but then an unexpected thing had happened.

As Tommy was being escorted out of the castle, he saw Prince Adam get up and intercept Jeffery. Tommy wasn't at all sure it had anything to do with anything, but given what he knew of Jeffery, he doubted the boy would have kept his mouth shut merely on Tommy's order, considering Tommy had no authority over him.

The only conclusion that left, then, was that Prince Adam had somehow figured out the real story and for whatever reason had sought to keep Jeffery out of trouble. If that was the case, Tommy half wanted to thank Prince Adam, and half wanted to hit him. It was going to make it that much harder for Tommy to carry out his plan and kill the prince when the time came if it turned out Prince Adam wasn't just as evil as his uncle.

Speaking of plans, Tommy was pretty sure his and Monte's was in ruins unless he could find some way to get himself back into the castle. He'd tried to figure out a way he could get in after dark so he'd be ready when Monte got word to him, but so far he hadn't come up with anything. Plus, he was still being shackled at night, just in a different set of slave quarters that was as hot and stifling as the last.

Tommy was so deep in thought about how to still carry out his plan that he didn't see anyone in front of him until he literally ran into them on the way back to the wheelbarrow. Tommy bounced off the solid body and his eyes opened wide as he saw who it was and just what his dirty clothing had done to the man's royal robes.

"Adam," Tommy mumbled, then remembered himself, his eyes opening wider. He couldn't even fathom why he'd addressed the prince so informally. He made a point of not even thinking of him as just Adam in the hopes of avoiding a slip up. "Um, I'm sorry. I mean, I'm sorry, My Lord. I-I didn't see you there."

Tommy was relieved to see the prince's lips curve up into a slight smile instead of turn down in anger.

Looking down at himself with a slight grimace in spite of the smile, Prince Adam said dryly, "That's obvious."

Tommy winced. "I could clean them for you…"

"I have a servant for that," Prince Adam said quickly, giving Tommy the once over. "In your current state, you'd most likely get them dirtier."

Tommy's cheeks heated, even though it seemed like the prince was more pointing out a fact than trying to humiliate him.

"Yes, My Lord."

Silence fell between them for a minute, and then Prince Adam grabbed Tommy's arm and pulled him off to the side, away from prying eyes and curious ears. "Jeffery's doing well. I thought you'd like to know. And he's under orders not to say a word about why you stole that bread."

Tommy exhaled. "Thank you." In his relief, he forgot to address Prince Adam properly, but it didn't seem to trouble the prince, so Tommy didn't bother to correct himself again.

Prince Adam looked at him curiously. "You must have known what the king would do if you were caught. You seem intelligent enough to have figured out he's amused by his power over you."

Tommy's lips pressed together and he nodded his head. "Yes. I assumed that was why he gave me kitchen duties to start out, so there'd be something to 'lower' me to, as it were, when I invariably screwed up."

Prince Adam nodded. "And you gave him just the reason. Why?"

Tommy shrugged. "I couldn't watch Jeffery starve. He's skin and bones as it is." Tommy shot Prince Adam a surreptitious look. They hadn't once discussed what had gone on during the food tastings, but it didn't mean Tommy wasn't completely aware of the fact that Adam had given him larger portions than normal-and extra ones-or why. "Surely you can understand."

Prince Adam's eyes widened briefly, before he glanced away and cleared his throat. "Yes, I suppose I can."

Now that it had been mentioned in a round about way, Tommy felt he should thank Prince Adam properly. "Thank you for that, by the way."

Prince Adam's jaw tightened. "I have no idea what you mean."

Tommy caught the look in Prince Adam's eyes and nodded. "Of course not, My Lord."

Prince Adam stared at him for a long moment, then shook his head, letting go of Tommy's arm. "I don't understand it."

Tommy tilted his head in curiosity. "Understand what?"

"Why anything to do with you should matter to me," Prince Adam said, sounding beyond irritated with the fact.

As quickly as the admission came, Prince Adam turned and walked off, leaving Tommy to stare after him, bemused.



Prince Adam's parting words were still with Tommy days later as he again cleaned the stables. He didn't know what to make of them, or what to make of the prince. All he knew was that Prince Adam was a complication he didn't need or want.

Tommy had just finished with his usual stables when Richard, the freedman in charge of the stable slaves, called him over.

Guiding the wheelbarrow and shovel over, Tommy asked, "Yes, sir?"

"Chadwick's been injured and cannot take care of his share of the stables. I'm dividing his duties up and your share is the royal stables. See to them now."

Tommy silently cursed his workload being added to, but outwardly, he simply nodded and altered his course, heading to the royal stables.

As soon as Tommy stepped inside, he saw him. Wild. His warhorse. Tommy's gut clenched at the sight of the beautiful white horse. He'd assumed Wild had run off in the chaos of the battle. He'd never imagined he'd find him in the royal stables. Glancing around and seeing that he was alone for the moment, Tommy couldn't help but go to him.

Dropping the handles of the wheelbarrow, Tommy crossed to Wild's stall, calling softly to him to alert him he was there. With as steady a hand as he could manage, Tommy reached out and touched the spot in the middle of Wild's forehead that always seemed to calm him. The horse blew out and lowered his head, signaling his recognition.

Tommy smiled, choked up. "I never thought I'd see you again."

Tommy petted down between Wild's eyes to his nose and held his palm out. Wild sniffed at it expectantly.

Tommy chuckled quietly. "Sorry, boy. I don't have any sugar cubes."

Wild blew out again and licked his lips. Tommy swallowed hard and looked him over, running his hands over his neck and back as he walked around him.

"It looks like they're treating you well, at least," Tommy said as he came back around to Wild's head, fighting back a wave of emotion over yet another thing he'd lost.

"Of course we are. He's a beauty."

Tommy jumped nearly a mile in the air as he whipped around to find Prince Adam standing nearby, watching him. Immediately, Wild reacted to Tommy's nervousness and reared back, whinnying. Tommy turned back around, careful to stay out of Wild's way while making sure not to back up, knowing that would give the horse the impression Tommy wasn't in control. In a soothing voice, he talked Wild down, ignoring Prince Adam for the time being until Wild was back under control, head lowered, allowing Tommy to pet his neck.

Carefully, Tommy turned back around and started to ask, "How long…"

"Long enough," Prince Adam said when Tommy trailed off. He nodded toward the horse. "He was yours."

Tommy cleared his throat and took a deep breath, mortified to be caught out in a sentimental moment with his former horse. "He was, yes."

Prince Adam was silent for a moment, then said, "Even if you hadn't admitted it, I would have known."

Tommy frowned. "How so? Did you see me riding him on the battlefield?"

Prince Adam shook his head and motioned to the side with one hand. "Step away from him."

Tommy's stomach sank. "But-"

"Do it," Prince Adam ordered.

Left with no other option other than to obey or face a lashing, Tommy clenched his jaw and forced himself to turn and walk over to the other side of the stable, where Prince Adam had indicated.

As soon as Tommy stopped, well out of Wild's line of sight, Prince Adam started for the horse. He didn't even manage to get within ten feet before Wild started whining loudly in distress. Automatically Tommy stepped forward, but Prince Adam stopped him with a look.

"Stay there."

Tommy's eyes narrowed and his fists clenched, but he did as he was told.

Prince Adam moved a foot closer and Wild shifted to the side as much as he could in his stall, clearly agitated. Another foot closer and Wild neighed and reared up. Prince Adam stopped advancing and looked over at Tommy.

"That is why. He won't let anyone near him. I almost shouted for you to get back for your own safety when I saw you standing next to him. That is, until I heard you speaking to him."

Tommy's vision blurred and he blinked the moisture away, partly ecstatic over Wild's behavior, and partly terrified. If Wild couldn't be gentled, there would be no use for him.

Tommy cleared his throat, remembering the order to remain where he was, even though everything inside him was screaming at him to walk over and calm Wild down. "What will happen if he continues this way?"

Prince Adam stepped back far enough that Wild stopped rearing and neighing and said, "What do you think, Thomas?"

Tommy closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then opened them and met Prince Adam's gaze. "Please. I'll do anything. Just … just don't put him down."

Prince Adam's blue eyes were penetrating as he stared Tommy down. "Anything?"

Tommy's breath caught in his chest. He knew of Prince Adam's preference for men. He'd been told often enough by gossiping slaves. And in the same breath he'd been told he was of the same build as many of Prince Adam's past lovers. While Tommy himself had never had any inclinations toward the male sex, he thought maybe he could manage it with Prince Adam if need be. Faced with what he assumed was a proposition, he found that the idea was somewhat … intriguing, to be honest. Never having been one to limit himself, and having earned a reputation for being willing to try anything once back in his rebellious days, Tommy acknowledged that he'd always meant to try sex with a man, just as soon as he found a man he was attracted to.

"Anything," Tommy said sincerely.

Prince Adam nodded. "Very well. I want you to keep the horse calm while he gets used to my touch and my voice. If I can ride him, my uncle won't have a reason to put him down. I want you to help him accept me as his master."

Sure Prince Adam had been about to demand sex in return for leniency with Wild, it took Tommy a moment to comprehend what the prince actually wanted from him. When he did catch on, his embarrassment over the misunderstanding quickly faded in the face of what the prince was suggesting.

Excitedly, Tommy asked, "Really? You would take the time to do that?"

Prince Adam smiled. "It's not like it would be a hardship. He's a beautiful horse. Strong, too."

It wasn't as good as keeping Wild himself, but it was better than the alternative, and besides, Tommy realized, given how Prince Adam had treated Jeffery, he was probably the only person in Vox Tommy would trust with Wild, as bemusing as the thought was.

Tommy nodded eagerly. "He is. Once he trusts you, you'll find he's an excellent ride and his skills in battle are second to none. He takes cues expertly."

Prince Adam laughed good-naturedly. "Spoken like a proud owner."

The smile that had been forming on Tommy's lips at Prince Adam's laughter dropped from Tommy's face as pain stabbed through his heart. "Except I'm not his owner anymore."

Prince Adam sobered. "No. You're not. But if this works, I will see to it that his care is left to you."

Tommy felt gratitude overwhelm him, followed quickly by questions. "How is he being cared for now, then?"

"By Richard's latest reports, it seems it takes six stable hands and lots of rope and even then there are injuries."

"Chadwick?" Tommy asked, making the connection.

Prince Adam nodded. "He's the latest, yes. I was called down here by Richard because of it, to make the decision to put him down. I came in here for one last look at him before giving the word."

Tommy gasped at how close he'd come to losing Wild. "But you won't now, right?"

"Not if this works, no," Prince Adam conceded.

Tommy nodded, then motioned toward Wild. "May I?"

Prince Adam raised his eyebrows. "What?"

"You said I couldn't move, My Lord," Tommy reminded him.

Prince Adam smiled lightly. "So I did. Yes, you may."

Tommy immediately approached Wild again, talking to him as he ran his hands over his neck and rubbed his forehead until Wild was once again calm and submissive.

To Prince Adam, he said, "If you bring sugar cubes when you come, you'll win him over in no time."

Prince Adam nodded. "I'll bring some tomorrow." After a moment, Prince Adam asked, "Is it safe?"

"Only one way to find out, My Lord," Tommy said.

"I'd rather not pick your broken body up off the floor if he rears," Prince Adam said, eyeing Wild skeptically.

Tommy looked over at him. "I know how to get out of the way quickly enough if it comes to it. I caught him in the wild and it took a long time for him to trust me, too."

Prince Adam studied him for a moment and must have decided he believed him, because he started forward, taking it slowly.

Tommy turned back to Wild and said, "That's it, boy. You can trust him. Just be good for him, all right?"

Prince Adam continued to approach and while Wild shuffled and stepped to the side a few times, he didn't neigh or rear up.

When Prince Adam was close enough, Tommy said, "Rub in circles on his forehead. He likes that."

"Giving me orders, Thomas?" Prince Adam asked mildly.

Tommy forced himself not to tense for fear of scaring Wild and said calmly, "I'm sorry, My Lord."

"I'm only joking, Thomas. While we're doing this, you are free to talk to me as an equal, including addressing me informally as long as we're alone. It would be very trying indeed if everything you say to me has to be presented as a request or followed up by a 'My Lord', I should think."

Tommy exhaled. "Thank you." He hesitated, then found himself saying, "You can call me Tommy, if you like."

Adam smiled at him. "Tommy. It suits you better."

Tommy's stomach did a curious flip as he smiled back.

Adam reached out, but as soon as his fingers touched Wild's head, Wild reared. Tommy stepped out of the way quickly, deftly avoiding Wild's hooves, then glanced over, glad to see Adam had managed to get away free of injury also. He was fairly sure Adam would change his mind about the endeavor if Wild were to hurt him.

"You're all right," Adam said, sounding impressed.

Tommy smiled. "I'm not in the habit of lying about my abilities, just so you know."

Adam pointed toward Wild, who had quieted back down. "Should we try again?"

Tommy nodded. "Yes. I think he's okay now."

Again Tommy stepped up next to Wild and talked to him, petting him as Adam approached. This time, though, instead of telling the prince to try touching him, Tommy reached out, mindless of his slave rank, and grabbed Adam's hand. Tommy felt a jolt of … something at the touch but ignored it, focusing his attention on Wild so as not to end up trampled if Wild got nervous again.

With Adam's hand gripped in his, Tommy lifted both their hands together and touched the spot on Wild's forehead he'd indicated to Adam, his palm pressed to the back of Adam's hand, their interlocked fingers petting Wild together. Slowly, Tommy slid his fingers from between Adam's and let his hand fall away, and then it was only Adam touching Wild.

"His name's Wild," Tommy said softly.

"You named your horse?" Adam asked, sounding surprised.

Tommy looked over at the prince and asked, equally surprised, "Don't you?"

Adam shook his head slowly, obviously trying not to spook the horse. "No. It's not something that's done here in Vox." Turning to the horse, Adam said, "Hi, Wild."

The horse blew out and lowered his head.

Adam grinned. "By the gods, it's working."

Tommy grinned at Adam in return. "It is. Should I step away?"

Adam shook his head, dropping his hand and stepping away himself. "No. I'd rather take it slow than chance messing it up." He leaned his shoulder against a support post and continued, "I'll return in the morning with sugar cubes. We'll get him out of his stall and try that way, when he's not feeling trapped."

Tommy nodded and walked away from Wild also. Assuming their time as equals was over, he said, "As you wish, My Lord."

Adam studied Tommy for a moment, then said, "You forget yourself half the time with me, yet not with others."

Tommy blinked. "I guess I do. I'm sorry, My Lord."

Adam shrugged. "My question is, why don't you with others, too? I'm assuming you haven't had any occasion to be subservient before."

Tommy shrugged. "It's not so hard, really. I thought it would be, but it's just … not." Tommy hesitated, then with a glance toward Adam from under his fringe of hair, admitted, "I tell myself I'm playing a role."

"A role you forget you're in around me?" Adam asked.

It was Tommy's turn to study Adam, not having considered that before. "Yes. I suppose I do, although I do not know why."

Just then, the stable doors creaked open and Richard walked in. He took one look at the empty wheelbarrow on the other side of the stable and his eyes landed on Tommy.

"You have not even started?" he asked. "What have you been doing?"

Adam stepped forward, out of the shadow of the support post he'd been leaning against. "That is my fault, Richard. I made a discovery and commandeered your stable hand to test a theory."

"Oh," Richard said, looking bemused. "What kind of discovery?"

Tommy watched the interaction, intrigued. Richard seemed properly respectful of Adam, but not nervous around him. And the fact that he seemed comfortable enough to inquire anything of Adam so informally led to the impression that the two men knew each other fairly well.

Adam nodded. "It appears that the white warhorse we were about to put down responds rather favorably to Thomas, here, and furthermore, when Thomas is near him, the horse allows me near him as well."

Richard's eyes widened, flying from Adam, to Tommy, to Wild. "Is that so? By the gods, it's a miracle, then. I thought the horse was a lost cause."

At Richard's reaction to the news, Tommy felt his spirits lift further than they already had upon Wild letting Adam touch him. It appeared Richard hadn't been any more happy about the idea of putting Wild down than Adam had. Right then Tommy decided Richard was someone he liked.

Adam clasped his hands together behind his back and said, "In light of these discoveries, I have decided that care of the horse should be given to Thomas. Further, I will be showing up daily to work with Thomas and the horse in a bid to get the horse to trust me enough to let me ride him. I expect you to free up Thomas' schedule to make this possible."

Richard nodded. "As you wish, My Lord."

After Adam left, Richard walked over to where Tommy was once again scooping up horse dung and said, "Show me how well the horse gentles for you."

Tommy hesitated, unsure what Richard was angling at, but in the end, it wasn't as if he had a choice. Richard could order him to stand on his head and recite the knight's creed backwards and he'd have to do so or face a lashing.

Setting down his shovel, Tommy walked over and began talking to and petting Wild. Richard walked over, but when Wild showed signs of agitation, he backed off again.

"Remarkable," Richard said. "No one, and I mean no one, has been able to get anywhere near him without armor and a healthy dose of daring."

Tommy chuckled. "So Prince Adam said."

Richard shot Tommy a knowing look. "How long was he yours?"

Tommy tensed. "Sir?"

Richard waved a hand dismissively. "None of that. I'm not stupid. You don't have to worry, though. If the prince has no intention of announcing you're the horse's former owner, I wouldn't dream of it."

Tommy relaxed. "He was mine for three years, ever since I caught and tamed him."

Richard nodded, looking impressed that Tommy had managed that. "He's a fine horse. I'm glad the prince's discovery was made in time."

Tommy smiled. "I am too."



The next morning, Richard sent for Tommy bright and early, just after the morning meal. Tommy hurried to the royal stables, wondering if he'd get to ride Wild today. He assumed it had been a while since Wild had been properly exercised and he was looking forward to it. Still, even if he wasn't allowed to ride just yet, he was being allowed to care for him and that was more than he'd had to look forward to since supposedly surrendering his crown.

Tommy stepped inside the stable, only to hear Adam talking with Lord Randal.

"Why hasn't he been put down yet?"

Tommy tensed and stepped behind a beam before he was seen.

"I found someone who can handle him," Adam said, voice flat. "He's going to help me gentle him."

"So I suppose that means you think he should be yours, then? Nevermind I already laid claim to him and Gregory didn't object?"

"Yes. And I wonder how much time spent on your knees it cost you," Adam retorted.

"Watch your mouth," Lord Randal said, voice hard and cold.

"Or what? You'll run and tell Uncle Gregory I slandered you with the truth? Because that is the only way he would have given you a prime piece of warhorse flesh and we both know it. You've never been near a battlefield in your life." The utter lack of respect Adam felt for Lord Randal was clear in his voice.

"I have the king's ear and we both know it. Don't push me or you'll regret it," Lord Randal warned.

He turned and started toward the door at the other end of the stable and Tommy peeked at him from around the side of the beam, heart hammering in his chest. Adam had to do something. Slave or not, there was no way Tommy was going to allow Lord Randal anywhere near his horse.

Just when Tommy was giving up hope, Adam's voice rang out in the stable, stopping Lord Randal in his tracks. "I wonder how long that will last, Randal."

Lord Randal stopped and turned back. "How long what will last?"

Tommy watched as Adam walked over, eyes flashing with anger and intent. "You, having the king's ear. Once I tell him of your dalliances with Simon, that is."

Lord Randal's face reddened in rage. "How did you…" Lord Randal's mouth snapped shut and it was clear from his expression he realized he'd just given himself away. "You wouldn't."

Adam's smile was cold. "I would."

Lord Randal glared at Adam for several seconds before turning and marching out without another word.

Tommy watched from his vantage point as Adam took a deep breath and exhaled, then looked over and said, "You can come out now."

Cheeks heating in embarrassment at being caught eavesdropping, Tommy stepped out from behind the beam and explained, "I didn't think my presence would help much."

Adam nodded. "You were right."

Tommy glanced at the door Lord Randal had disappeared through, then back at Adam and said, "Thank you, My Lord. I don't know what I'd do if he got his hands on Wild."

"I won't let that happen. That man is the last person that should be allowed anywhere near a horse as fine as Wild," Adam said, looking disgusted at the thought.

Tommy started toward Wild. "That is one thing I do not miss about being royalty."

"What?" Adam asked.

Tommy nodded toward the door. "Dealing with men like him."

Adam chuckled lightly, then sobered, studying Tommy curiously. "I don't know that I'd be so accepting in your position."

Tommy shrugged as he reached out and petted Wild's neck. "What was my other choice? Daily whippings? The dungeon? Death?"

"Death," Adam said grimly. "The last king demoted to slave by my uncle lasted little more than a week before Uncle Gregory grew weary of his refusal to obey orders and had him beheaded."

Tommy blew out a breath. "See? Not so hard to accept my lot in life when that's the alternative."

"I suppose not," Adam conceded.

Changing the subject, Tommy asked, "Ready for me to take him out of his stall?"

Adam nodded and stood off to the side where Wild would be able to see him. "Go ahead."

Tommy walked Wild out to the middle of the room. "Did you bring the sugar cubes?"

"Yes," Adam said, pulling some from a satchel at his waist.

Tommy nodded. "Good. Don't give him any until he gentles for you."

Adam chuckled. "And you're back to orders."

Tommy met Adam's gaze with arched eyebrows. "You did give me leave yesterday, did you not?"

Adam smiled. "Yes, you impertinent imp, I did."

Tommy smiled back, enjoying Adam's joking demeanor and his smile. He decided he could get used to it.

For the next while they worked together with Wild, getting the horse used to Adam's voice and his touch, until finally, when it was nearing the midday meal, Wild allowed Adam to pet him with Tommy all the way across the room.

"He really makes you work for it, doesn't he?" Adam asked, tone admiring.

Tommy smiled proudly, even as pain twisted his gut at the reminder that Wild was no longer his. He just had to keep reminding himself it was only temporary. Once Monte contacted him and Tommy did what he had to do to free his kingdom, Wild would be his once again.

"He does," Tommy said, trying not to think about what he'd be forced to do to Adam in order to reclaim his kingdom. "It's well worth it once you earn his trust, though, and you're on your way."

Adam looked over at Tommy. "This is hard for you, isn't it?"

Tommy swallowed and looked away. "I'd rather not talk about it if it's all the same to you."

"All right," Adam said. After another few minutes of petting, he stepped away from Wild and crossed to Tommy, stopping a few feet away. "I'll expect you to exercise him daily as part of your duties, understand?"

Getting that they were back in prince/slave roles and that Adam was doing everything he could to give Tommy time with Wild, Tommy nodded and said, "Yes, My Lord. It will be my first priority."

Adam looked around the stable and sighed. "You'll have to keep at least some of the cleaning duties, though. There's no way around it since it was the king's orders. It's too bad, really, because you're obviously good with horses. It's a shame I can't just put you in charge of all the ones in this stable."

Tommy looked around, feeling a pain of regret at that. "I would have liked that, yes."



The next week flew by in a blur of time spent taking care of Wild, getting Wild to trust Adam, and cleaning duties. Tommy fell into bed exhausted at night, and dragged himself out of it sore and nowhere near rested enough in the morning.

All of that disappeared, though, whenever he climbed onto Wild's back and took up the reins. When Tommy was riding Wild, the world-his aches and pains, his worry for his kingdom and his family-fell away and all Tommy thought about was the sun kissing his skin and the wind in his face as he worked Wild up to a gallop around the field near the stables.

He was just finishing one last lap when he spotted Adam trotting across the field on his own horse. Tommy smiled and slowed Wild to a fast walk, waiting for Adam to catch up. It was becoming routine, Adam riding with him, although today he hadn't shown up on time. Tommy had wanted to wait, but knew he couldn't, considering all the other chores he had to attend to before he ate.

When Adam's horse fell into step with Wild, Tommy teased, "You're late."

"And you're not even going to attempt to remember our roles today, I see," Adam teased back.

Tommy chuckled. "There's no one else to hear, and if you were going to take me to task for it in private, you would have long before now, I'm thinking."

Adam sighed dramatically. "And here I thought men feared me."

Tommy glanced over at him and joked, "They do. I'm not most men, though."

Adam's blue gaze was surprisingly intent as he replied, "No, Tommy, you're definitely not."

Uncomfortable with the sudden scrutiny, Tommy looked out over the field instead. "It's a beautiful day."

Adam took the hint and glanced up at the sky. "Yes, but there are clouds in the distance. I'm guessing we'll be seeing rain by nightfall."

Tommy nodded. "It's just as well. I heard talk it's been dry this summer so far, and the crops aren't faring as well as past years."

Adam looked over at Tommy. "Do you have any idea how much you sounded like a king worrying for his kingdom just then?"

Tommy blinked. "Did I? I was only making conversation."

"Hmm," Adam responded. "But yes, you are right. There's been some concern. Hopefully the rain will make it here and put it to rest."

Tommy nodded and changed the subject. "You missed Wild's run."

"It was unavoidable. The king insisted on my presence at a meeting with the lady in charge of one of our nearby holdings. I believe you know her. Lady Camila?"

Hearing her name brought back with jarring clarity the battle, his father's death, and their subsequent defeat.

In a cooler voice than he'd intended, Tommy asked, "Lady Camila? I'd just assumed you enslaved her and all in her manor."

Adam shook his head. "My uncle was never after her. It was just a ruse to get to you and your father."

Tommy tensed at hearing Adam speak so matter-of-factly about it, and then the wording Adam had used registered.

Looking over at him, Tommy said, "Your uncle? What about you? You led the attack."

Adam frowned and stopped his horse, grabbing Wild's reins when Tommy showed no sign of stopping on his own.

Tensely, Tommy said, "I have to keep walking him to cool him down. Stopping now isn't good for him."

Adam ignored Tommy's statement and stared hard at him. "You blame me for your father's death, then?"

Tommy held Adam's gaze for a long moment before finally dropping his own. He stared at the reins Adam was holding in his hand and admitted, "No. I blame the king." Tommy lifted his eyes and met Adam's again. "Talking about it just brings back memories I'd sooner forget."

Adam released Wild's reins and Tommy started off again, expecting Adam to fall back into step, which he did.

"I understand. It's probably a subject we should avoid."

"Probably," Tommy agreed, hating the sudden chill between them.

For a few moments they rode in silence, and then Adam said, "I saw Jeffery today."

Tommy perked up at that, looking over at Adam. "How is he?"

"He's fine. He misses you. I was thinking about bringing him around, maybe tomorrow."

"Why's that?" Tommy asked, trying not to sound too excited at the prospect. He had a giant soft spot for Jeffery.

"I want to see if Wild warms to him, and if he does, maybe you could train Jeffery in how to care for him, for the times you can't, like if you fall ill or if you were to get injured or something. We really need a fallback person so the issue of putting Wild down doesn't come up again and I just have this feeling Jeffery would be the perfect candidate."

Tommy considered that and nodded. "I think that would be a good idea."

Adam smiled. "It's settled then." He paused, then added, "He asked after you, by the way. You've made quite an impression on him. I think he considers you a hero."

Tommy snorted. "Some hero. I almost got myself whipped and tossed in the dungeon."

"Exactly. Not many slaves would have put themselves on the line like that for another."

Tommy shifted in his saddle. "Yes, well, I was only a week out from being king at the time. I didn't think much on the fact that I'm no longer allowed to defend myself or others. It's a hard mindset to adjust to."

"And now?" Adam asked.

Tommy frowned. "Now what?"

"If you happened across that same situation with another nobleman and a slave you barely know, would you turn and walk away? Or handle it the exact same way?"

Tommy bit his bottom lip, then sighed, shoulders slumping slightly. "I'd handle it the same way."

Adam chuckled and shook his head a little. "Thomas Joseph Ratliff. What am I going to do with you?"

Tommy ignored the way his stomach fluttered at Adam using his full name with such exasperated affection in his voice, and grinned at him. "You're going to race me to the other end of the exercise yard and I'm going to beat you because Wild's far superior to your horse."

Adam grinned in return. "You're on."

They made it to the other end of the yard in record time, Tommy winning just like he'd predicted. They laughed and ribbed each other good-naturedly all the way back to the stables. When they came upon Richard checking over one of the other horses just outside of it, Richard gave Tommy a strange look.

Tommy dismounted and bid goodbye to Adam, who turned his horse around and galloped back out to the exercise yard. As Tommy led Wild past Richard, Richard's voice stopped him cold.

"It looks like you're striking up quite the friendship with the prince."

Tommy turned and looked over at Richard, trying to figure out what he was getting at. "I'm a slave; he's royalty. We're not friends, no. We can't be."

Richard studied him for a moment before saying, "Yes, but not all that long ago you would have been his equal. His better, even."

Tommy stared at Richard. "Is there something you're trying to say, sir?"

Richard tilted his head to the side slightly and asked in return, "Are you even aware you addressed him informally right in front of me? And ribbed him about the quality of his horse versus yours? Need I remind you that according to the laws of the realm, the horse isn't yours because you're a slave and own nothing, not even yourself?"

Tommy's gut clenched and he was pretty sure his face drained of color. "I … did?"

Richard nodded. "Don't misunderstand me. I've known Prince Adam since he was a child and I have deep affection and respect for him. If he has no problem with how you address him or with you thinking of the horse as yours still, neither do I. There are others, though, who would not see it that way."

Tommy bit his bottom lip. "You mean like the rest of the royal family and the king's husband."

Richard shook his head. "I know Prince Neil nearly as well as Prince Adam and I doubt very much he'd care if Prince Adam doesn't, but the king and his husband are another matter, along with a fair portion of the nobility around here, some of whom use this stable also."

Tommy exhaled slowly, knowing he'd been careless. Extremely so. "You're right. I'll watch myself better in the future, sir."

Richard nodded. "See that you do." He paused, then added gruffly, "There isn't anyone else who can handle that horse and I'd rather not have to put it down. It's much too fine an animal for that."

Tommy offered Richard a small smile. "Thank you."

Richard smiled back. "You're welcome. Now get going. The stables aren't going to clean themselves."



The next day, Adam showed up with Jeffery as planned, and just as Adam had suspected, Wild took fairly well to Jeffery. Much faster than he'd taken to Adam, in fact.

Adam laughed as Jeffery got Wild to come to him in the middle of the stable without much effort. "I think we've found a helper for you, Tommy. He's a natural."

Tommy grinned. "I agree. I'll need to teach him the basics, of course, and how to ride."

Adam nodded, then turned to Jeffery. "Would you like that? Or would you prefer to stay in the kitchens?"

Tommy's eyes widened a little and Jeffery blinked at Adam in shock. "You're … giving me a choice, My Lord?"

Tommy understood Jeffery's surprise. Giving a slave a choice in his duties just wasn't done. Even as comfortable and informal as he'd become with Adam, it still surprised Tommy to a degree.

Adam nodded. "I need to trust those in charge of my newest horse, and assigning someone the task who doesn't want the duty would be foolish at best."

Jeffery relaxed at that, accepting the explanation. Tommy, however suspected there was more to it, like the fact that the more he got to know Adam, the more he was finding he was a good, caring, kind person. Tommy looked away, busying himself as he tried not to think about what he was honor bound to do once Monte got word to him.

"I would like very much to help out with your horse, My Lord," Jeffery answered.

Adam grinned at both of them. "It's settled, then."

Tommy forced himself to return the grin, not wanting Adam to pick up on his sudden mood shift and question him. "Thank you, My Lord. I'll be glad for the help."



The next couple of weeks passed quickly with Tommy teaching Jeffery to ride on another horse-they hadn't attempted it on Wild yet-and taking care of Wild, along with getting Wild to accept both him and Adam. Currently, Jeffery was off on an errand for Richard, who had taken to the boy as if he was a son, another thing that endeared Richard to Tommy.

"I think it's time," Tommy said, somewhat reluctantly.

Adam blinked. "Time?"

"For you to try to ride Wild," Tommy explained.

Adam studied Tommy for a long moment. "Are you sure?"

Tommy bit his bottom lip. On the one hand, he was sure. Wild willingly went to Adam now when Adam called him, and didn't shy away when Adam touched him. In fact, Adam seemed to be able to calm him almost as well as Tommy could.

On the other hand, the minute Adam climbed in the saddle and Wild didn't throw him, was the minute Tommy's morning sessions with Adam ended. Adam wouldn't need his help with Wild anymore. True, Tommy would still be taking care of the horse and exercising him when Adam couldn't, but they wouldn't need to meet every morning like they had been.

That was a good thing, Tommy tried to tell himself. He'd allowed himself to become much too relaxed and comfortable around Adam. At some point he'd started to see Adam as a person, not just an obstacle. He needed to get some perspective back, needed to remember that he and Adam weren't friends, they were enemies. He'd surrendered to the man. How he'd gotten to the point of looking forward to conversations and horseback rides with him, Tommy would never know. He just knew it needed to stop if he had any hope of fulfilling his mission when the time came.

"I'm sure," Tommy said finally. "It's time."

Adam nodded, looking over at Wild. "All right, then."

Once Wild was saddled and ready to go, Tommy guided him over to the gate leading to the yard and stopped, holding the reins out to Adam. When Adam took them, Tommy stepped back and watched, his heart breaking a little as it drove home the point that Wild was no longer his, he was Adam's now and Tommy was only allowed to care for him as long as it suited Adam.

Adam glanced at Tommy briefly, then grabbed hold of the saddle, put his foot in the stirrup, and mounted Wild. For several seconds it was as if time stood still. Tommy held his breath as he and Adam waited for Wild's reaction. Wild shied to the side and whinnied a little, but Adam just reached out to pet his neck, talking to him in a low, soothing voice. After a minute, Wild settled and dropped his head, blowing out.

Adam looked over at Tommy, a huge smile on his face. "It worked. He's accepting me."

Tommy swallowed and nodded. "I think he's ready for a ride, My Lord."

Adam shot him a look, clearly wondering at the formal address considering no one else was within earshot, but he didn't comment on it, just nodded, smiled at Tommy again, then turned Wild and started out toward the yard.

Tommy watched him for several minutes before it hurt too much and he had to walk back inside the stable and start attending his other duties.



Ever since his ride on Wild that morning, Adam had been in an amazing mood. The horse was nothing short of perfection. The only dark spot had been the fact that Tommy hadn't been anywhere to be found when Adam got back to the stable with Wild. Adam understood, though. He'd seen the pain in Tommy's eyes when he'd handed over the reins. It had been almost enough to make Adam back down and not try to ride the horse. The only problem with that was that it was a very real possibility that at some point Gregory might come around, inquiring after the horse, and if he found out it wasn't being put to use, he might very likely decide it was a waste of feed and labor and order the horse put down. As hard as it had to be for Tommy to watch someone else take complete possession of the horse he loved, Adam knew it would be much worse for him to watch the horse be put down.

The fact that Tommy's emotions mattered so much to Adam was … a little alarming, to say the least. The circumstances hadn't changed. Politics with the king were tricky at best and Adam needed to stay on top of that. This thing with Tommy and the horse was a distraction Adam couldn't afford. He knew that, and even if he hadn't, Neil had no qualms about pointing it out to him. More than once.

So why couldn't Adam leave well enough alone? Why did he involve himself with the whole mess? The answer was simple. More and more he was finding himself smitten with Tommy. The time they'd spent together getting Wild used to Adam had only served to reinforce Adam's interest.

Simply put, Tommy fascinated Adam. He was a mix of contradictions that should have put Adam off, but instead, it somehow all worked together and made Tommy who he was. On the one hand, Tommy had eased into slavery without too many bumps along the way, but on the other hand, when Tommy was handling Wild and teaching Adam how to approach the horse, there was no doubt Tommy was in total control. It was easy to see he'd been groomed for leadership. It sat surprisingly well on his shoulders.

Another, more frustrating contradiction was the information Neil had gathered for Adam, that Tommy had never, to anyone's knowledge, had sex with a man, implying his interests lay solely with females. Yet, whenever he spotted Adam, Adam would swear his face lit up. And when they were dealing with the horse, Tommy would stand just a little closer than strictly necessary. Unless Adam had lost his ability to read people, there were even times when they were teasing each other that Tommy was-for lack of a better description-flirting with him.

It was disconcerting because Adam couldn't figure out where the line was with Tommy, and therefore found himself regularly having to resist the impulse to pull Tommy to him and kiss him … among other things. There were times Adam would swear Tommy wanted it too, but then other times it appeared Tommy was completely oblivious to his affect on Adam or the undercurrent flowing between them.

"Adam," Neil said firmly.

Adam blinked, shrugging off his musings about Tommy to focus on Neil as they sat and waited for the rest of the family to sit down at the table for their evening meal.

"Sorry. My mind drifted."

Neil stared at him for a long moment before saying, "Why don't you just bed him and be done with it? All this doe-eyed business is distracting you from matters that need your attention."

Adam sighed, not even bothering to pretend he didn't know who Neil was talking about. "I would if I knew he'd be receptive. I can't figure him out, Neil."

Neil frowned. "Is he playing games with you?"

Adam shook his head. "I don't think so. Not intentionally, anyway. He's just … very hard to read, and for me, that's saying something."

Neil nodded his agreement. "As someone who could never trick you into anything, I can attest to that. It's a very well-developed trait of yours, and incredibly annoying."

Adam chuckled. "It's not my fault you're so transparent. I don't need well-developed anything to read you like a book, brother."

Neil humphed just as his wife, Jeni, crossed to the table and took a seat next to him.

"Are you boys getting along?" she teased.

Neil rolled his eyes at her. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call us that?"

Jeni arched an eyebrow. "You can tell me until you're blue in the face, my love, but considering you're not in charge of me, you can be sure I will continue to do so as long as it amuses me."

"Adam," Neil said in a put upon voice, "when you take over as king, I fully expect you to hand down a ruling that does, in fact, put me in charge of her."

Adam laughed. "Why would I do that when this is so much more amusing?"

Jeni beamed at him. "And this is why you're my favorite brother-in-law."

That was a running joke between them, as was Adam's response. "I'm your only brother-in-law."

Jeni laughed and gave the expected retort. "Exactly."

They talked and jested with each other until Gregory showed up with Randal and a decided chill fell over the table, as it always did. Minutes later, the bowls and platters of food were brought to the table, and everyone started to reach for something, until Gregory's voice gave them all pause.

"Stop."

Adam frowned. "What is it, Uncle?"

"We are waiting on someone," was all Gregory would say.

A moment later, blond hair caught Adam's eye and Adam looked over toward the entrance to the great hall that led out to the courtyard. There, wedged between two guards who had their hands on his arms in what looked like bruising grips, was Tommy, looking pissed off.

Adam had to fight not to tense up. He wasn't sure what was going on, but whatever it was, Adam knew that showing his uncle that Tommy was someone who mattered to him would be a big mistake.

The guards didn't stop until they were next to the table, standing between Adam and his uncle. They carelessly shoved Tommy to his knees and bowed to the king.

"Here he is, Your Highness, as ordered."

Gregory looked down at Tommy with a superior expression on his face, then over at the guards. "Very well. You may wait nearby to take him back to his duties once I'm done with him."

The guards walked off and Adam could see Tommy was itching to say something, but being a slave, he didn't dare speak until spoke to unless he wanted to be lashed.

In his own good time, Gregory looked over at Adam and said, "He is to resume tasting duties, and you are to resume feeding him."

Adam's eyebrows shot up. "Has there been a threat I should be made aware of, Uncle?"

Gregory shrugged. "Nothing specific. I just found I rather liked the extra security of someone testing the food first."

Adam looked down at Tommy when Gregory looked away. He tried to convey with his expression that he hadn't known anything about this, but he wasn't sure if the message got through. Tommy looked like he was about to explode. He was very nearly vibrating with it. Adam didn't think he'd ever seen him this angry, except maybe on the battlefield.

He wondered at it. That is, until Lady Camila and her entourage were escorted over, being given the honor of dining with the royal family for the evening. As soon as she was announced and had taken her seat, Tommy's shoulders slumped and his gaze dropped to the floor, his face turning red. In that moment, Adam detested his uncle more than ever. He'd done this purposely to humiliate Tommy, and from the looks of it, it had worked.

Adam glanced over at Camila and noted that she looked miserable too, and was looking everywhere but at Tommy. From the look on her face and Tommy's reaction to being forced to do this in front of her, Adam figured out quickly enough that there had been more of a relationship between Tommy and Camila than prince and subject. At the very least, they had been friends, and at the most … Adam shied away from the idea, finding he didn't much care for the thought of them as lovers: one time, occasional, or otherwise.

"Well?" Gregory inquired of Adam impatiently.

Adam blinked, realizing everyone was waiting on him to begin the testing. Picking up a small spoonful of some nameless dish Adam knew Tommy didn't care much for, he fed him under the watchful gaze of his uncle. When after a few bites, Gregory got bored and turned to Randal to discuss something or other, Adam quickly reached for the chive potatoes he knew from experience Tommy loved so much, and scooped up a heaping spoonful.

Their eyes met as Tommy opened his mouth, and suddenly Tommy was blushing again, although Adam wasn't completely sure it was from the humiliation of being made to kneel and be fed food in front of Camila. If Adam didn't know better, he'd think Tommy was actually flustered at being fed by him.

Considering Tommy had never reacted that way before, Adam wasn't sure what to make of it, until he put himself in Tommy's place and realized it was different now. They knew each other a lot better than they had the last time they'd been in this position. That fact alone had to make this harder on Tommy. That in mind, Adam tried to move quickly so Tommy would be allowed to leave.

Not soon enough it was over and Gregory motioned the guards over to take Tommy back to his duties in the stables. Adam watched him go, wishing he could go after him. That would lead to too many questions, though, so he stayed where he was, glancing over at Camila, who was staring after Tommy's retreating back with moist eyes. Whatever their relationship, it was obvious she cared for him a great deal. Adam didn't even try to sort out the conflicting emotions that thought caused.



After the evening meal, Adam was standing on the balcony off the upper level of the great hall, staring out at the night sky, when Neil walked up beside him.

"You're a fool."

Adam glanced over at Neil. "Thanks. I think highly of you, too."

Neil snorted. "No. I mean it. If you can't read the look in Thomas's eyes when he looks at you, you're a fool."

Adam frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Neil sighed in exasperation. "Thomas is interested, Adam. Very interested. Whether he's acknowledged that to himself or not is another matter."

Adam shook his head. "You don't know what you're talking about."

Neil shrugged. "Take it or leave it, but I think you're just too close to the situation to see it for yourself. Ask Jeni. She saw it too. She's already scheming up ways to get the two of you together.

Adam tensed. "Get the two of us… Tommy is a slave, Neil. We can't get together beyond a tryst here and there."

"Tommy, hmm? Who's idea was it for you to call him that?"

"His," Adam admitted grudgingly.

Neil looked over at Adam and asked, "And what does he call you? Because knowing you, I somehow doubt it's Prince Adam or My Lord."

Adam scowled, not liking how easily Neil was reading the situation. "When we're alone, I … gave him leave to call me Adam."

Neil chuckled. "And you truly do not see what's going on here?" Neil turned and rested a hand on Adam's shoulder. "You're courting him, dear brother. Slave or not."

Adam shook his head. "You're insane. I'm doing no such thing. And even if I was-which I'm not-it would be pointless. He's not just a typical slave I could free on a whim. He's a spoil of war. Only a king can free him from that, and we both know about how likely that is to happen."

"There are ways for the two of you to be together, other than stolen trysts," Neil ventured. "Him becoming your pleasure slave comes to mind."

Adam tensed and jerked away from Neil's hand, which had still been on his shoulder. "You know very well I don't keep my own slaves, Neil."

Neil stared at Adam. "Not even one who's willing? Just as a cover if nothing else?"

"He's a slave. By definition, he has no will."

Neil rolled his eyes. "Yes, but you've already admitted he calls you Adam. I'm assuming it doesn't stop there, does it? I'm sure you went to great lengths to make sure he feels comfortable speaking freely to you, didn't you?"

"Yes," Adam bit out.

"So it would follow that you could trust him to answer honestly if you asked him, instead of him saying whatever he thought he had to say to stay out of trouble."

Adam stared at Neil, wondering why that hadn't occurred to him before. Neil was right. Tommy did feel free to say whatever was on his mind around him. He could trust Tommy to tell him the truth. That is, provided Neil and Jeni were right about the rest of it. Adam wasn't sure he was willing to take that chance. If he made the proposal to Tommy and Tommy turned him down, he would risk losing the easy conversations they were able to have now.

"I'll … think about it," Adam finally responded.

"Don't take too long," Neil said, pushing away from the low wall of the balcony that he'd been leaning against. "You need to resolve this one way or the other so you can get back to the matter at hand, keeping one step ahead of our dear uncle."

Adam ran a hand over his face. "I know. I know. I'll make a decision soon."

[Part 4]