Ivan sighed, enjoying the lazy moments between sleep and wake. He knew that they had neared the town for the sudden change from hard earth to cracked stone had been what had drawn him from true sleep. He figured that he had a few more minutes in which to relax before he would be called upon. It would take some time for the inns to figure out how to house all the horses and carriages, not to mention the lost minutes as the nobility themselves figured out who got to house with whom.

He was more than willing to allow the participants to figure out their own arrangements. All he wanted was a quiet night with the new book he had acquired from Afron and the warm body of a certain red haired man. He wondered absently if it would be possible to sneak in through the back door to avoid the mass of flirting women and boisterous men.

He heard the man next to him shift and curse as he upset something. Unable to resist his curiosity he cracked open his eyes and peered down where Trey was gathering an empty bottle and glass. Golden eyes met his and glared at him angrily before he sniffed and turned away. Ivan sighed, used to his slave’s sudden change of moods from playful to sulky. Choosing to ignore it he swung his legs off the bench, wincing slightly at the stiffness in his knees.

When he began fastidiously straightening his clothes he caught another searing glare from the red head. He shook his head in growing irritation.

“Well? Out with it!” He snapped.

Trey’s eyes turned guarded. “Out with what, master?”

Ivan sighed. “You’re angry with me, why?”

“It is not for me to be angry . . .”

Ivan interrupted the reply with a snarl. “Trey!”

His firebird’s mouth snapped shut and the man turned to stare at the curtained window in silence. Ivan folded his arms across his chest, waiting. After a few moments Trey’s shoulders slumped.

“You fell asleep.”

Ivan waited for more information but none was forthcoming. “Yes,” he replied slowly, “I was tired.”

Golden eyes glared at him and his frown deepened. “I don’t . . .” His gaze drifted down the muscled body and he stopped, feeling a slight flush of embarrassment coarse through him as he remembered. “Forgive me.” He murmured, reaching out.

Trey sniffed and folded his arms, turning slightly as though he were observing the scenery beyond the curtained window. Ivan allowed his hand to fall away. To his annoyance the warmth in his face wouldn’t recede and he sat back, closing his eyes as the carriage lurched wildly and threatened to upset his stomach. It had been foolish of him to drink so heavily on an empty stomach. With a sigh he forced his eyes open and stared down at the blacks and blues of his robe.

“What shall I do?”

Trey blinked and turned to look at him in confusion.

He spread his hands out. “Tell me what I should do to make this . . . oversight . . . right.”

His firebird hesitated, staring at him as though he had just announced something ridiculous. “Truly?”

He nodded.

White teeth captured the ever-beleaguered bottom lip and he waited patiently as the man considered his words. “The city.” He finally replied.

“The city?” Ivan asked.

Trey’s head bobbed firmly. “I want to spend a day in the city.”

Ivan frowned. “No.” He said, equally as firm.

Golden eyes hardened. “You promised!”

“No,” He replied, “I said tell me what I should do, not what you should do.”

“Then you should let me spend a day in the city!”

Ivan shook his head. “Its too dangerous. Choose something else.”

Trey exhaled in exasperation. “Free reign of the estate, then.”

Again Ivan shook his head.

“I will be fine!” Trey insisted, sitting forward, “The estate will practically be empty. No lords, no emissaries, no messengers, no irate merchants. Nothing will happen. This is supposed to be a chance for you to relax and get away from your daily routine for a while. Why should this not be a holiday for me as well?”

Ivan sat back, considering the other man’s words. “I do not like it.”

Trey smiled humorlessly. “No more than I liked your impromptu nap.”

His reply was cut off by the sudden halt of the carriage and a sharp knock at the door. “I will think about it.” He said, reaching out to unlatch the door.

Trey snorted, sliding across the bench to follow the tall man. He was surprised to see that night had already fallen and he peered up at the sky, trying to find familiar patterns between the stars high above him. Slightly raised voices caught his attention and he turned to watch as Ivan argued with a dark haired guard. The man turned to Byely pleadingly but whatever the warrior said didn’t seen to satisfy him. He turned back to Ivan but the Tsar had whirled on his heel and begun stalking towards the welcoming light streaming from the open doorway of a nearby tavern.

Trey hurried to catch up to him, falling in step slightly behind as Ivan’s long stride ate away the distance. “Is something wrong?” He asked quietly acutely aware of anyone who might over hear him.

Ivan snorted. “If there is it is none of my concern.”

“Then what is Petya so frantic about?”

“He made plans for me to stay at Grimevold’s.”

Trey made a disapproving sound at the mention of the Lord’s name that caused Ivan to smirk.

“My thoughts as well.”

“I take it we’re staying here then?” Trey asked, peering up at the carefully crafted sign. “It is definitely one of the nicer inns. I don’t think I’ve staid at one like this. Too pricey for normal folk.” His mouth snapped shut as his words brought back memories he didn’t wish to be reminded of.

Once again Ivan’s reply was cut off as Byely overtook them and pushed through the door first. Ivan brushed his hand against Trey’s arm but that was all the contact allowed to them in such a public situation. The Tsar had managed to surprise his entourage by his sudden departure but Trey was painfully aware of the increasing number of people drifting their way. He resisted the urge to press up against the man before him, knowing it would do more harm then good. Slaves didn’t cower under the Tsar’s robe, even if the Tsar in question probably wouldn’t mind.

Ivan said something at Byely who made his way to the counter where an older man was eyeing them nervously. As soon as the grey haired guard was gone Ivan was beset by two of the visiting boyars from the south. Trey didn’t understand why they were traveling with them northward but he figured they had some excuse. He tried his best to blend into the background without actually slipping away but he was uncomfortably conscious of the one’s blue-eyed stare. It made him feel as though something cold and oily had been smeared onto his skin and it took all of his strength to keep from shuddering and rubbing the goose bumps that crawled up his arms.

His fear intensified when he realized that the man crept towards him slightly every time his friend had caught Ivan’s attention. Finally his slow advance was halted when Ivan gestured extravagantly at something, causing him to suddenly sway between them. Trey recognized the ploy for what it was and relaxed, grateful that he hadn’t been as ignored as he had feared. Left with nowhere to go and suddenly perilously close to the Tsar, the boyar had quickly drifted back to his previous position.

After what seemed like an eternity Byely returned with a key. Ivan gave his parting words and followed the guard up the stairs. A quick gesture brought the ever-attentive Aubrey who neatly cut off any attempt at following them with his burden. Fearful that the boy would tumble down the stairs with the weight of their bags Trey relieved him of half the weight. Aubrey looked as though he wished to protest but Trey didn’t give him the chance. He was surprised to discover that the hallway they entered only contained four doors, two on either side. Therefore he was somewhat prepared to find a room far larger than his old chambers upon slipping past the silent guard who held the door open for him.

Depositing the bags in a corner he amused himself by peering at his new surroundings while Ivan set about directing the small amount of unpacking needed for the night. Intrigued by a door set off to the side he pulled it open, only to come face to face with a young woman who yelped in surprise and dropped the bucket of water in her hands. He stumbled back with a curse as hot water drenched the front of his clothes.

“Oh! I’m sorry! I didn’t realize that you had arrived yet!” The woman exclaimed, pulling a length of cloth from the counter and pressing it to his chest.

He took it from her, suddenly aware of a person behind him. She quickly recovered the spilled bucket, murmured another apology, and fled the room. Ivan smiled softly, taking the towel from him and giving him a nudge towards the filled tub. He hesitated, glancing up at the black haired man.

Ivan shook his head. “I’m practically covered in mud. You might as well use the clean water first or else you’ll come out dirtier than when you went in. Besides,” he smirked, running a hand along the cloth that was stuck to every swell of muscle on his slave’s chest, “you’ve just had half your bath already.”

Trey shivered, hoping the guard and servant would take it as the chill of the air against damp skin and not a reaction to Ivan’s touch. He slipped into the small room, closing the door behind him. Quickly he peeled the sopping clothes from his skin and climbed into the tub, glad for its size so that he could stretch out his legs. Closing his eyes he let the warmth seep into his muscles, relaxing him into a limp semiconscious state.

Cool air blew over him and he opened his eyes, looking towards the door. Ivan stood there, watching him with emerald eyes gone dark with promise. He sat up, shuddering as a long strand of water-laden hair slithered down his chest. Ivan’s look turned predatory and he stalked forward. Trey’s mouth went dry as the lithe over-tunic flared, drawing his attention to the long legs and the apex of pants that sinfully heightened his awareness of the sharp planes of Ivan’s lower body.

Desperately Trey tore his eyes away from the approaching figure. He gathered his legs underneath him and began to rise but a hand on his shoulder pushed him back down. He glanced up and flushed brightly when Ivan dragged a chair over to the end of the tub, where he could see everything.

He started to sink lower in the water but stopped when he realized that it wouldn’t help. There was no soap and the water was as clear as it had been when he had gotten in. Ivan, meanwhile, had seated himself and was staring at him with a measured look. Unable to keep that searching gaze Trey sank under the water, running his fingers vigorously through his hair. Surfacing he busied himself with trying to untangle the mass of curls.

“Do you still want it?”

Trey froze, peering up through the dark red hair. “Want what?”

“Free reign of the estate. Even after what happened downstairs? He would have taken you if I had not been there. You know that.”

He leaned forward, careful not to slosh water onto the floor as he moved closer to the black haired man. “I still want it. He won’t be there. None of them will. Besides, they think I am some creature to be used and then tossed away until they decide to drag me out again. I am not! I play the game when I have to but, like you, I can’t play it forever. I won’t let them frighten me into living the way they think I should. A lot has happened in the last eight years,” he laughed softy, “a lot has happened in the last year. I know I’ll never be able to fully regain what I’ve lost but . . . I must try to regain something. Haven’t you told me this?”

Ivan looked away from him, angry at having his own words used against him. “I agree that you need to regain some of your confidence but I’m not willing to sacrifice you to get it back.”

“Which is why this is so perfect!” Trey insisted, “Who will be there to bother me? You told me the estate is on the northern border where information is sparse and often wrong. Who there will know who I am? Who there would think that the Tsar’s slave is allowed to wander the halls?” He laughed softly, pushing himself up so he could ghost a kiss across Ivan’s pursed lips, “Who would think that your catamite looks as I ?”

His master smiled at that, dipping his head to deepen the kiss. “I do believe you are getting a vain streak, my firebird.”

Trey sniffed, turning up his nose as he lowered himself back into the welcoming warmth of the bath. “I am not as vain as some.” He teased.

He gasped as Ivan’s heavy tunic fell to the floor, revealing the black silk of his half open shirt. His mouth went dry again as the black haired man slowly removed the rest of his clothes and came closer. Bracing himself on either side of the tub Ivan leaned over, putting their faces close together.

Trey shuddered. “I don’t think we’re both going to fit.” He murmured, trying not to stare at the body over him.

Ivan smirked. “Oh I think we might.”

“Not unless you want to sit on my lap.” Trey replied, reaching up to cup the pointed face and steal a kiss. “Though that might be a nice change . . .” He hinted with a smirk of his own.

Ivan snorted and pulled back. “Get out of my bath.”

Trey laughed softly and stood, careful to keep from slipping on the wood floor. He poked his head out the door to see if anyone was about. Satisfied that everyone had gone downstairs in search of food he ventured out into the open room. Their bags had been stacked next to the door as well as the two trunks that it took to store Ivan’s clothes. He chuckled softly, amused by Ivan’s extravagance. As sensitive as he was of his own appearance it surprised Trey that Ivan took so much care in finding just the right cut of cloth or colors to highlight it. He had to admit that Ivan had his passion down to an art. In more things than one, he admitted as he sorted through his own section of one of the trunks and noticed some new additions to his wardrobe that he was truly hesitant to call clothes since they were little more than creatively sewn strips of cloth.

Trying to clear his thoughts of just where a few of the straps most likely went he located his current favorite pair of pants. They were a green that changed shade depending on how the light struck the cloth and they reminded him of Ivan’s eyes. Not that he had ever mentioned that to him. Ivan didn’t need reminding that he occupied practically every one of Trey’s thoughts. He was smug enough over their relationship.

He dug through his bags until he located a matching shirt, a small container of cream and a brush. It took him a few minutes to situate the long strands of hair that were already beginning to tighten into curls as they dried. Taking small amount of cream he brushed it into his hair until the threatening ringlets had been weighted down so that they were only a tamable mass of waves that came over his shoulders. He still wasn’t quite so sure why his hair was growing as fast as it was but he suspected it had something to do with the magic that flowed through his veins. He only hoped Ivan let him cut it soon or else it would be longer than his in less then a year.

He was puzzling over a set of wrapped packages in the trunk that were too thick to be his normal garb and wondering over what they contained when he heard Ivan moving around behind him. He turned and held up one of the packages questioningly. In response Ivan just smiled secretly and took it from his hands, putting it back with the others.

“Patience.” Ivan chided, “You’ll find out . . . eventually.”

He growled something incomprehensible and moved out of the way while Ivan settled on his garb for the night.

“Byely should be outside the door. Have him send Aubrey up with the food.” Ivan told him as he tried to settle on a shirt for the pants he had chosen.

Trey shook his head in amusement and opened the door. Sure enough the ever-present guard was there, sparing him a bland look as he relayed the message. Turning back to the room he found Ivan meticulously tying his hair back. It highlighted his high cheekbones and made his face all angles. His eyes appeared even more slanted and the midnight lashes hooded them, heightening their depths and making them look even more unfathomable. Ivan looked older, wilder, masculine. Trey shuddered and desperately looked about for something, anything to clear his head before he embarrassed himself.

Ivan walked to the bed and sat down, stretching his legs out and settling a thick book on his lap. Realizing that the black haired tsar planned on spending a quiet night helped to settle Trey’s sudden surge of desire and he relaxed. There was a soft knock at the door and at Ivan’s absent wave he answered it. He took the tray from Aubrey and after a quick glance behind him sent the boy off for the night. Byely promised to send off anyone who decided to test Ivan’s wish for privacy. Satisfied he closed the door and moved to set the tray on a small side table.

“Bring it here.”

He paused, glancing over his shoulder. Ivan had set the book aside and gestured to him. With a minute shrug he complied, handing it over and climbing into the bed at Ivan’s insistence. Ivan set the tray on his lap and pulled off the cover. Trey felt his stomach flutter at the realization that there was only one plate of food. He flushed and looked up to find Ivan watching him from the corner of his eye.

“Hungry?” Ivan asked, his voice a soft purr that sent Trey’s nerves singing.

“And if I said no?” He asked casually, crossing his arms over his chest.

Ivan turned fully towards him, laying his hand on Trey’s thigh with a dark smile. “You’d be lying.” He replied, squeezing slightly.

Trey trembled and licked his lips nervously, eliciting a growl from his master. The tremble turned into an all out shudder as Ivan leaned forward, careful to keep the tray balanced and pulled him into a possessive kiss. He found himself kissed like Ivan was trying to devour him and despite his halfhearted attempt at trying to suppress it he found himself growing hard and needy.

Ivan pulled away from him. “Well?”

Trey sighed in pleasurable defeat. “Yes.”

His lover smiled and turned to the tray. Trey waited as Ivan reduced a piece of meat into a selection of bite-sized pieces. When he was offered one he forced down the mortification at being fed and submitted to eating off of Ivan’s fork. When Ivan tired of feeding him meat and vegetables he removed two covered bowls and set the tray on the floor next to the bed. Trey reclined on his side, watching curiously as Ivan set the bowls between them. He then reached behind him and retrieved a long length of cloth from the side table. He unfolded it and Trey began to protest, knowing exactly what the cloth was for.

Ivan silenced him with a kiss, thrusting his tongue between pale lips as he wrapped the cloth over Trey’s eyes and knotted it. Completely blind Trey clung to him when he broke the kiss and urged him to lie back. Fingers brushed over his lips and they parted. Something wet yet firm was pressed to his mouth and he took it in, murmuring in surprise when it brushed against his tongue, proving to be sweet. He swallowed the bit of fruit and licked at the traces of sugar left behind. Another piece was offered and he took that as well but this time it was Ivan who removed the sugar from his lips with his own.

They playfully fought over the leavings of the fruit until Trey was laughing despite the loss of his sight. The laugh turned to a gasp, however, when Ivan unbuttoned his shirt and drizzled something over his bared chest. When his lover began to clean up the spill with strong sure licks he thought he was going to drown in sensation.

Sharp teeth teased a nipple and he cried out hoarsely, catching fistfuls of covers to keep from thrashing. Ivan alternated between teasing him with slow forceful licks and quick sharp nips that sent sparks of painful pleasure through him. He sobbed when the sensation of Ivan’s hot mouth left his skin and cried out again when it returned to tease his other nipple. Ivan relented and began to move downwards. He was gasping for breath, trying to fill lungs trapped within a painfully tight chest.

A hand cupped his arousal and he hissed, arching backwards to solidify the touch. Ivan’s dry laugh came from above him and he shivered trying to figure out what sensation was to come next. He found himself massaged firmly but without the speed his body craved. He licked his lips and found another piece of fruit offered. He took it and captured the offering fingers in his mouth as well, licking the sugar from them and gaining a groan from the unseen man.

He heard the sound of something being placed on the floor next to the bed and felt Ivan shift next to him. Hands tugged at his pants and he obligingly lifted his hips. The air was cool along his flushed skin and he groaned, wanting heat from the body next to him. He heard the sounds of clothing being removed from beside him and he reached out, trying to connect with his lover.

Hands captured his wrists and he yelped in surprise as he pulled up into a sitting position and his arms forced behind his back. A leather rope was wrapped about his wrists and he shivered as a knot tightened it, trapping him. Memories and old fears assaulted him and he trembled.

“Ivan . . .”

A kiss was pressed to his forehead and hands caressed his face. “Shhh, love. Its alright.”

“I . . . I don’t think I can do this.” He whispered, trying to calm the panic rising within him.

Ivan brushed his hair back away from his face gently. “It will be alright. Trust me, I won’t hurt you. I want you to just feel. Can you do that?”

He swallowed. “I’ll try.”

Ivan kissed him and he forced himself to relax into the hold. The hand in his hair moved and he sighed as it drifted down his back to brush against his lower back. Lips moved from his to kiss his jaw and then teeth nipped at his ear. He shuddered as Ivan blew lightly in his ear.

“Lean forward a bit.” Ivan urged and he complied.

Something cool and wet touched his back and he shivered as the oil ran down into the valley between his muscles where it was smeared across his entrance. He rested his chin on Ivan’s shoulder as a finger scratched lightly the opening teasing tense muscles into relaxing. He groaned, turning his head to suck at Ivan’s neck as he was stretched. When a second finger slid in he couldn’t resist the urge to spread his legs farther apart and rock his hips. Ivan chuckled and thrust into him harder. He writhed in pleasure.

“We need to move.” Ivan whispered in his ear and he nodded his understanding.

He felt Ivan lay back and he found himself resting on the soft stomach, his master’s cock pressing against his lower back. Smiling to himself he sat back, rubbing against the hot member. Ivan stiffened underneath him and hands caught his hips, holding him still long enough for Ivan to position himself. Trey threw back his head as Ivan entered him. The strange angle and his blindness caused all sorts of new sensations to course through his body.

“Gods, Ivan!” He hissed, fearing his knees would give out.

His master growled something under his breath and thrust up. Trey cried out and would have fallen forward if Ivan’s hands hadn't held him upright. Not to be outdone Trey struggled to find the rhythm in this new position. When he did he found himself rather enjoying it. He met his master’s strong thrusts with equally aggressive down thrusts that soon had both of them tense and hanging on by a thin thread.

Ivan’s hands left his hips and he thrashed slightly as they bunched in his shirt and yanked him down against his master’s chest. He arched at the introduction of friction against his cock as he was thrust up and back against Ivan’s body. Pressing his cheek against Ivan’s chest he cried out with abandon as a particularly harsh thrust struck his prostate and he came. A few frantic thrusts later Ivan followed and he shivered, feeling his master’s seen pour inside of him.

Panting for breath he blinked in the sudden light as Ivan untied the blindfold and pulled it away. He shifted uncomfortably until the leather thong that had once tied Ivan’s long black hair back was removed from his wrists. Forcing his shoulders to move he wrapped his arms under Ivan’s and buried his face in the crook of his master’s neck where he could feel the rapid heartbeat.

After a few moments he became aware of Ivan shifting underneath him and he looked up concerned.

“Am I crushing you?” He asked, wondering if he was too heavy for Ivan’s slightly smaller form.

Ivan smiled softly and shook his head. “No.”

“Then what’s wrong?” Trey asked.

“I think I missed some of the honey.”

“Why do you say that?”

Ivan looked slightly abashed. “Because you’re sticking to me.”

Trey followed Ivan’s eyes to their chests where he could definitely feel flesh sticking to flesh. He groaned and reburied his face in Ivan’s hair.

It was going to be a long night.