These intermezzi are also to provide a relatively stress free enviroment for Trey and Ivan to play around in (because I know the main stories can get a little overbearing at times). Its also a good place for me to make them have interesting sex scenes (because hey those are the best parts of the story!) *laughs manically and notices Trey trying to escape. Pounces on him, ties him up, and throws him back to the tsars* Bad key! Go to Ivan's room!

Trey sat silently on the hard wooden chair, trying to blend in with the wall as best as he could. A sea of people moved about him, slowly disassembling his world. He watched as the table where he and Ivan sat for dinner, the chest that contained items he didn’t wish to think about, and any other simple objects that he had come to take for granted were lifted up and taken away.

It was strange and wondrous at the same time to watch the small room he had been forced to occupy be violated by so many people. He observed as their hands touched everything, leaving it destroyed in their wake. The fire beside him burned brightly as it was fed object after object and he watched as all the traces of things he had once feared and drawn his blood was burned away.

Even the bed where he and the tsar had spent most of their time was quickly becoming nothing more than a heap of wood and metal.

A hand touched his shoulder and he jumped, cringing back from the touch. The brown haired guard stared at him impassively before gesturing and slipping through the open doorway. Glancing about once more Trey stood and burned the image of the tattered room into his mind before following the silent guard out into the hall.

The palace was abuzz with activity. Servants, slaves, and everyone else who did not think themselves above cleaning were everywhere working on airing out the palace and cleaning away the dirt and dust of winter. They chattered amongst themselves as they swept, dusted, and redecorated whatever rooms they had been assigned to clean. More than once Trey had to pause to allow a laughing child or overladened servant to pass by without getting knocked over. Each time the grey-eyed guard paused to allow him to catch up before continuing on.

Trey did his best to keep up with the man. Byely was not a man Trey wished to anger, though he wasn’t sure the guard ever got angry. Indeed he knew very little about the man other than the fact that Ivan trusted him implicitly. He didn’t know what the relationship between the two was or how long they had known each other but the guard had been at Ivan’s side from the moment of his ascension. All Trey knew was that Byely had come to the palace shortly before Vislav’s death, helping Ivan during his final moments before his father’s outrage and that the two had built a trust before Ivan had even left Dedumil’s tutelage.

Trey also suspected that Byely didn’t approve of him much.

Whether he truly did or not Trey couldn’t be sure but the man never acted as though he meant anything more to him than a responsibility Ivan occasionally trusted him with. The man never made any move to speak to him unless it was to relay one of Ivan’s wishes or to fetch him. To be fair, Trey mused, it was more than what others got from him. He’d once seen a servant try to draw him into a conversion. Byely had stared over the woman’s head as though she hadn’t existed until she had finally wilted and slipped away. He had felt sorry for the woman and angry with the man until he had realized that the guard treated everyone that way. If Ivan didn’t require his attention to be focused on someone and they didn’t appear to be an immediate threat to the tsar they didn’t exist in the guard’s world.

Byely opened the heavy wooden door and stepped aside. Trey walked past him, ignoring the man as the bright sunlight and cool spring breeze caught his attention. Tilting his head back he smiled slightly, enjoying the feel of the sun’s kisses on his cheeks and the caress of chill wind against his arms. A shadow passed over him and he sighed, opening his eyes to see Byely’s broad back moving steadily down the cobbled path to the broad road that swept across the front of the palace before circling around to meet up with itself and flow back through the city below. With a sigh he shook out the light coat he carried and pulled it on as he followed the guard.

The sound of voices drifted towards him as he neared the road and he slowed his pace, watching the horde of people gathered about. A few servants labored under the weight of various satchels and chests as a crowd of nobles stood clumped together dressed in a variety of “work clothes” that Trey knew hadn’t ever seen a day of true work.

His eyes immediately located the one man he was concerned about. Ivan stood a few inches taller than those around him and his long black hair shimmered in the sunlight. He had pulled it back so that it tumbled down from the top of his head to just past the middle of his back. Even from where he stood Trey could see the irritation that was evident in the angled face as he surveyed the gathering.

With another sigh Trey resigned himself to spending the day trapped in a curtained carriage. He had hoped to be allowed to ride most of the way but with the large turnout of nobles who had apparently chosen to accompany their tsar part of the way to his eastern estate Trey doubted he would get the chance. Silently he cursed the gathering.

“Come.” Byely murmured, capturing his arm in a tight grip and pulling him around the crowd. Trey flushed slightly at the snickers of those that they passed and pulled ineffectively at his trapped arm.

“I can walk on my own.” He hissed, digging his feet into the ground stubbornly.

The guard paused long enough to glare at him before giving him a bone-jarring tug. Trey gritted his teeth as he was nearly yanked off of his feet. There was another ripple of laughter and he snarled silently, allowing the guard to drag him along. Byely found a relatively secluded corner flanked by one of the house guards and shoved him into it, giving him a warning look before slipping away.

Folding his arms Trey ignored the curious glances of the guards, glaring in irritation at the world around him. A wonderful spring day with all its new life and here he was forced to stand in a shadowed corner and apart from it. He could feel the elation at watching his hated prison torn apart and the short holiday to Ivan’s other estate rapidly dissolving into anger.

After a few moments an order rang out and he straightened as the crowd began to form some semblance of order and drifted towards the waiting coaches and horses. He saw a thin form darting through the waiting nobles and relaxed slightly when he recognized Aubrey, the servant Ivan had assigned to him coming closer with a bright grin.

“The Tsar says that you should wait here. There are a few things that require his attention but he’ll send for you when the coach is ready.”

Trey nodded his understanding and the young boy disappeared again in the crowd. After awhile the boy reappeared and gestured him to follow. He tracked behind the boy to the carriage in the front of the cavalcade. It bore none of the engravings and extravagance of many of the carriages that followed it. He knew that Ivan owned a second carriage that was every bit as opulent as a Tsar’s carriage should be but Ivan only used it to attend various entertainments in the city. If something called him outside of the city he used this carriage, which was far less likely to draw the attention of any thieves that occasionally threatened the open roads. Trey also knew better than to underestimate the less decorate carriage. While it may have lacked the gold and workmanship on the outside it lacked for none of the comforts on the inside.

A doorman frowned slightly at him but opened the door without a comment. Trey ignored him as he ignored all of the servants that looked down upon him. He took a certain amount of dark satisfaction in the knowledge that the servant that sniffed at him one day would not likely make it through the year in the palace’s service while he remained forever. The competition for palace work was fierce and a servant that failed to do his duty perfectly was quickly replaced. A firebird, Trey mused sardonically, was not so easily replaced.

Aubrey handed a basket up to him and he took it gratefully. With another easy smile the boy disappeared and the door was closed firmly. Trey set the basket beside him before peering inside and was surprised to see a second portion of food added to his. He had assumed Ivan would ride the day with the nobles. With a shrug he closed the basket and leaned back closing his eyes.

It was perhaps another hour before he heard a communal shout and the sound of hooves moving past. A few moments later the carriage lurched forward and Trey had to steady the basket against the sudden movement. He checked to make sure none of the corked bottles had been jarred open and was glad to see that Aubrey had remembered to pack the small bottles that contained a concoction designed to help him with nausea.

He’d never had trouble traveling before but the movement of the coach without being able to see the landscape moving by had provided him with more than a few uncomfortable experiences. Ivan had been hesitant in allowing him to take anything for it but after he had thrown up on the tsar on the way back from their first trip to Tsar Afron’s kingdom Ivan had relented.

Trey chuckled slightly at that memory. He’d felt awful the entire trip up and after he had thrown up three times on the way back, ruining three of Ivan’s favorite traveling robes in the process, Ivan had finally banned him from the carriage. He’d been fine riding up with the driver or even on one of the spare horses and the rest of the trip back had been exhilarating.

He’d rather hoped that Ivan would continue allowing him to ride in the open but he had known privately that there wasn’t much chance of that happening. True enough he had been given a set of vials the next time he had gone on an extended trip. The concoction had succeeded in curing him of his discomfort but it also succeeded in robbing him of his consciousness. It left him irritable and lethargic for a day or two afterwards but it was better than feeling every lurch of the carriage was about to make him lose his lunch.

With a slight yawn he stretched his legs out before him and allowed the swaying of the carriage to lull him off into a dream like state. He wondered what the room would look like after it was redone. Ivan hadn’t told him, only expressed his distaste with it as it was. His own personal rooms were still being rebuilt so he had decided that the two of them should retire for a few days at one of his other estates while they were both room less. Personally Trey wished he could be room less for the rest of his life.

He hadn’t realized he had fallen asleep until a cold hand touching his cheek jarred him awake. Ivan laughed softly and brushed his lips across his forehead before pulling away and seating himself on the opposite set of seats. Trey blinked sleepily and noticed the sound of horses stomping impatiently. He could clearly see sunlight trying to penetrate the curtains that hung over the windows.

“Why have we stopped?” He asked, pushing himself upright in his seat to give the taller man more room.

“To allow the ladies who had decided to ride the entire way in skirts to rethink their decisions.” Ivan replied dryly.

“Are they all coming to the estate?”

Ivan shook his head. “No. I have invited nobody to stay there and been rather blunt in my desire to keep them off of its grounds.”

“Then why are they with us?” Trey demanded, winced slightly at the childish anger in his voice.

Ivan smiled gently. “Would you like the real answer or the theoretical answer?”

Trey stared at him in confusion.

The dark haired man shrugged. “In theory they are with us because it is safer for us all to travel in a group and they have also decided to return home since I have suspended court for two weeks.”

“And in reality?” Trey asked.

Ivan laughed. “In reality they are hoping to be extended an invitation to stay at my estate.”

Trey made a face. “I certainly hope you won’t be given any.”

“No, I don’t believe I shall.”

The carriage lurched suddenly and both men had to catch themselves as the cavalcade began to continue their journey. Ivan clucked in annoyance and took off his jacket, draping it over the back of the seat. Trey settled back in his seat once more, folding his hands across his stomach.

“How much longer will we travel today? Or shall we travel through the night?” He asked.

“I had planned on traveling through the night but I fear that will be impossible with our current entourage. I believe Petya plans on calling a halt in Yemolay. There are a few large inns there that should be able to take us all in. I saw him send a rider ahead of us a few hours ago.”

Trey blinked in surprise. “Has it been that long?”

“Yes. Those of us who did not have such luxury are quite aware of that.” He teased.

“Well I’ll be more than willing to trade if you insist.”

Ivan smirked. “I’m sure you would.”

Trey indulged in a yawn. Stripping off his own jacket he stretched his arms over his head, suddenly aware of the stiffness that had set in during his nap. Ivan watched him languidly through slitted eyes and Trey couldn’t resist teasing him a bit by extending the stretch. The muscles of his right arm twitched and he grunted, relaxing his muscles and reaching over to rub the irritation.

Ivan frowned and leaned forward, catching his wrist and pulling his arm out so that he could push the cloth up, baring the pale skin. Trey winced slightly when his long fingers pushed gently at the area he had just touched.

“What happened to your arm?”

Trey flushed. He knew better than to try to brush it off. Ivan would hound him over it until he told him and no matter how stupid he felt over admitting what had happened it couldn’t compare with how much he didn’t want Ivan angry with him. “Byely was . . . less than gentle herding me. Although, ” he forced himself to add, “I was less than cooperative with his method of herding.”

Ivan sighed and sat back, releasing him. “I will speak with him.”

Trey shifted uncomfortably, accidentally bumping the forgotten basket. Seeing it reminded his body of hunger and he removed the lid. “Are you hungry?” He asked as he rifled through its contents.

Ivan made an affirmative sound and leaned forward to take the packages Trey handed to him. Setting them aside he retrieved the thin flat board that could be slid into grooves in the walls of the carriage and used as a table if the road was smooth enough. He carefully set a glass on the board and gestured for Trey to fill it from the bottle of wine Aubrey had packed. Satisfied that the glass wouldn’t tip and spill Ivan produced a second glass that Trey filled half way for himself. He truly had no tolerance for alcohol and he had no wish to spend the trip throwing up as a drunken fool rather than as a motion sick passenger. At least as a motion sick passenger he’d get some sympathy.

He and Ivan ate in relative silence. Occasionally a shout or a bout of laughter would drift in from those that were contented, or forced, to ride the rest of the day. Ivan seemed occupied with his own thoughts and Trey had become used to the extended silences that the tsar tended to indulge in so he didn’t feel the need to fill the quiet.

When he had eaten all that he dared at this early stage of the journey he carefully packed away what was left. He considered dosing himself with the concoction but thought better of it. So far he had felt only a bit of light-headedness that he expected to actually be from the wine and not from the carriage itself. He would wait until he needed it before he passed out on Ivan. Besides, he would never live it down if he had to be helped from the carriage to the room in the inn.

Glancing over to make sure Ivan was still staring off into the distance and preoccupied with his own thoughts he resigned himself to a quiet few hours. He had just settled back and begun to drift off to sleep when he heard movement from across from him. Slitting one eye open he watched the black haired man pack away the rest of his own meal and disassembled the makeshift table before pouring another glass of wine and relaxing back among the scarlet cushions.

“You are not going to be able to sleep tonight if you go back to sleep now.” Ivan admonished, fixing him with an amused look.

He snorted, closing his eyes firmly. “You don’t let me do much sleeping during the night anyway. I have to catch up on those lost hours somehow you know.”

Ivan laughed gaily and Trey opened his eyes in surprise. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the man before him. The laugh dissolved into something akin to giggles and a pale hand came up to cover the smile before Ivan lifted his glass to his lips once more.

“You’re drunk!” Trey accused incredulously.

His accusation was met with another short laugh. “I never get drunk,” Ivan corrected primly, “but I am a bit tipsy, yes. An unfortunate side effect of traveling with a group of men who see this as a merry holiday.”

Trey smirked, sitting up straight. “And here I thought you just wanted to spend time with me when really you just didn’t want to embarrass yourself. I’m hurt.”

Ivan gave him a measuring look. “Who is to say I can’t do both?”

Trey felt his cheeks redden at the look and he cursed his pale skin, knowing the flush would be visible. “Drink your wine.” He grumbled.

Ivan’s emerald eyes glittered merrily as he held out his hand. Trey hesitated stubbornly for a moment but gave in when he saw Ivan’s smile tighten slightly. He found himself being drawn onto the man’s lap and he balanced himself on his arms on either side of Ivan to keep from crushing him. Fingers brushed his hair back away from his face and he closed his eyes, shivering slightly as the motion made his scalp tingle.

Lips touched his softly and he relaxed, letting the man beneath him kiss him. Ivan’s tongue teased his languidly and he could taste the wine and vodka on his lover’s breath. When he pulled back Ivan stared up at him sleepily.

“Just a little tipsy?” Trey asked teasingly.

“Are you questioning me, slave?” Ivan demanded with faked indignation.

Trey took the glass from his hand and held it to his own lips, finishing the wine before setting the glass in the basket. “I wouldn’t dare.” He whispered against his master’s mouth.

A hand caught the back of his head and crushed him against the man underneath him. He groaned as Ivan ravaged his mouth, struggling desperately not to lose his balance as he felt a rush of warmth that was equal parts alcohol and arousal. The carriage swayed slightly and he cursed as his hand slipped off of the bench and he was nearly knocked off of his perch.

Ivan giggled slightly. “Now who is tipsy?” He teased.

“We’re going to make a fine pair trying to get to our room for the night.”

“You’re sleeping in the stables if you don’t shut up and get back up here.” Ivan threatened, tugging on his vest.

“Then maybe I’ll finally get a decent night’s sleep.” He managed to retort before he was crushed back against the taller man.

He hissed as Ivan tugged his tunic free of his pants and ran his hands over his stomach. Ivan stilled, pulling away from him slightly. “What’s wrong now?” He demanded.

“Your hands are freezing!” Trey complained.

Ivan slid his hands upwards, making his slave yelp as they brushed over his nipples. Trey found himself the recipient of a positively evil grin as the black haired tsar leaned up to whisper in his ear. “Well we’ll just have to warm them up now won’t we?”

Ivan’s words sent a shudder through his body.

“Must you do it on my body?” Trey asked, sitting up slightly.

Green eyes glittered mischievously. “How else would you suggest warming them?”

Trey grinned, deciding to let Ivan have his way. “Let me show you.” He murmured, sliding back along the bench. Ivan struggled to sit up but Trey pushed him down until he was propped up against the door, settling between the tsar’s long legs. He ran his hands over the front of his master’s pelvis, smirking when Ivan arched up against his touch.

“Like that?” He teased.

Ivan growled, reaching up to bury his fingers in his slave’s curls. “You are talking entirely too much.”

Trey laughed and allowed his head to be pulled down against the soft cloth of Ivan’s pants. He rubbed his cheek against the growing hardness, watching his master’s face closely. The hands in his hair urged him to repeat the motion and he did, turning his face to press a kiss to the cloth covered head.

Ivan’s breath escaped him with a hiss as his hands tightened, holding the other man in place. Trey struggled to pull back a bit as his hands fumbled with the intricate knot holding the pants closed. Finally it loosened and he was able to pull the string through the holes. The cloth fell away and he heard Ivan sigh before the hands in his hair tightened again, urging him downwards.

He reached up, tugging on his master’s thin wrists. Ivan glared up at him but relented, allowing him pull free. Smiling gently he leaned forward, brushing their lips together. “Don’t rush me.” He pleaded.

Ivan sighed and complied. Pleased, Trey sank back to his knees. Once again fingers buried themselves in his hair but they neither pushed nor pulled. He took the pale flesh in his hand, giving it a few rough strokes until it was firm against his palm. He ran his fingers over the weeping head and traced the thick vein down the length of Ivan’s shaft. The fingers in his hair tightened, pulling him unconsciously forward.

Smiling he gave into the urging and closed his mouth about the head. Ivan thrust up and Trey had to catch himself against the bench as the sudden movement forced the member down his throat and threatened to choke him. His master murmured something he didn’t catch before lowering his hips.

Determined not to get choked again Trey shifted his hands to Ivan’s thin hips, holding them down firmly as he bobbed his head. He felt muscles tense under his hands but he kept his hold on the trembling tsar. After a few passes he pulled back fully, breathing in deeply as he pressed kisses to the hot shaft.

Once he had caught his breath he took the cock again, eagerly. Soft cries escaped the man beneath him and he sped up. Ivan’s hands hooked into claws in his hair and he winced but all thoughts of pain were driven from his mind when Ivan’s body shuddered under his hands. A rare curse slipped from the tsar’s mouth as he came.

Smirking to himself Trey pulled away, gently stroking the quickly softening flesh as the tremors through his master’s body subsided. When they had completely stopped he rose up on his knees and peered down. Black lashes rested peacefully on Ivan’s flushed cheeks. Dipping down he met the partially parted lips. When he received no response he pulled back in surprise, staring at the man beneath him in disbelief.

Ivan was fast asleep.