Trey awoke to a brilliant flash of lightening followed immediately by a crash of thunder that shook the entire building. His heart hammered in his chest as he tried to recover from the shock. Another peel of thunder sounded, causing the man pressed next to him to murmur and shift in his sleep. Ivan's head rested on his back and he shivered as black hair slithered across his naked skin. A long arm held him firmly in place about his waist just as effectively as the bared leg that wrapped about his own.

He wondered at the time. There was enough light to illuminate the room but it was barely more then a faint glow. He shrugged mentally and closed his eyes. Nudging backwards in Ivan's grasp he tried to find some relief from the cold air that crept over his skin. A bit of cloth slipped over his hip and he grabbed for it, pulling the coverlet up over their entwined forms.

Wind took hold of the shutters on the window and Trey nearly jumped out of his skin as they slammed repeatedly against the glass. Ivan woke with a start and they lay in silence as the storm raged against the building. Trey turned when his master cursed under his breath and slipped from the bed. He watched as his lover hunted down a robe and moved to the window, throwing back the thin curtains to stare out at the sky.

Lightening turned his face into a plane of shadows and light but even they couldn't hide the annoyance that tightened the corner of Ivan's narrowed eyes and pinched his mouth into a thin line. With a barely disguised snarl he flung the curtains back in place.

"Come back to bed." Trey urged, reaching out to brush his fingers along Ivan's wrist. "Let the others decide what to do. You don't need to oversee this."

Ivan jerked away from him, a scowl crossing his face. Trey sighed and let his hand drop back to the bed. He watched as Ivan dressed, the glower never leaving his face. Once properly groomed the tsar strode from the rooms, a storm in his own right. Trey sighed and sat up, flinging the covers off as he stood.

The water in the tub from the night before was cold and he was forced to grit his teeth and bare it. Shivering but clean he dug through his clothes, looking for a particular set. He finally found it folded at the bottom of the trunk. He had to do a fair bit of manipulating to get the heavy leather pants on over his still damp skin but the rest of ensemble went on easily enough.

He found himself missing the mirror that Ivan had had installed in his rooms as he struggled to make sure that the soft black linen shirt was straight. He left the ties undone so it fell open at the neck and slipped the crisp vest overtop of it.

It was one of Ivan's favorite "public" outfits. Oh there were other outfits Ivan liked better but they were for private uses only. Trey only hoped it would help to lighten his master's mood. The storm was going to slow them down and make the entire day's journey miserable. If Ivan was going to start the trip angry Trey didn't relish spending the night with the temper Ivan was going finish the trip with.

He wondered if Ivan really would sentence him to sleeping in the stables . . .

Two hours and a sizably smaller caravan later Trey was huddled in the carriage wet, cold, miserable, and more than a little bit irritated himself. He'd been splashed with water by one boyar who had just happened to send his horse through a puddle right next to him. The parts of him that had been saved from the spray of water had been covered when he'd accidentally bumped into a second boyar and been shoved to the ground. The man had actually raised a hand to him but Byely had appeared and the boyar had backed down.

He growled and folded his arms across his chest, trying to build up some body heat. His hair was dripping cold rain down his back, his clothes were soaked, and he was tired of being everyone's meat. He was sick of this land of eternal rain and snow. He longed for his home where people didn't have to worry about freezing to death all year round.

The door opened and he shuddered, huddling away from the cold wind that swept in. Ivan climbed in next to him and pulled the door firmly closed. Emerald eyes took in his state and with a sigh Ivan dug about in the cabinets beneath their seats, pulling a carefully wrapped package from underneath.

"Out of those clothes." He snapped.

Peeling the vest off he watched a talented hands made short work of the twine. His view was blocked as he pulled the shirt over his head. As dry clothes were freed from the brown wrapping he undid his boots and struggled out of his pants. One by one new articles of clothing were handed to him until he was fully dressed, grateful for the warmth of the dry clothes.

The carriage started while they tried to situate themselves and he sat down quickly, brushing his hair back out of his face. When the carriage went about a turn and the wheels slid on the sick road Trey felt his stomach drop and he closed his eyes tightly, groaning. Closing his eyes proved to be a mistake for when he did a bout of dizziness struck him.

A cool hand settled on his forehead, helping to chase away the worst of the nausea as it drew him back against Ivan's body. He relaxed alongside his master's chest as Ivan's fingertips ghosted across his cheek. A glass bottle touched his lips and he opened his eyes to peer up at his master. Ivan nodded slightly and he opened his mouth, letting the thick liquid pour down his throat. He gagged at the bitter taste. When the gagging subsided he slide down on the seat until he could lie down, his head cradled in Ivan's lap.

Ivan smiled gently as his slave's breath evened out and he fell into a deep sleep. He stroked the bright red hair, working the tangles from it. Trey's skin was soft under his gloved fingers though their passing left a trail of raised bumps in its wake. Trey shivered in his sleep. Careful not to upset his charge, Ivan retrieved a blanket from under the seat. He unfolded the heavy fabric and draped it across his slave. He laughed softly when Trey nuzzled the fur lining, burying his face in the warm soft substance.

With a sigh he sat back, one hand brushing absently through Trey's hair and stared at the curtain windows, willing their journey over and done with. He dozed off and on during the day, refusing to stop for lunch. He picked at the water laden food as the carriage slogged on through the continual downpour.

Night fell and he refused Petya's request that they stop for the night. They did stop for an hour to change horses and grab what little food they could find before starting out again. Trey stirred briefly for a few minutes but he was less than coherent and quickly succumbed to the drug's sleep.

He let the man sleep, knowing come the morning there would be more than enough time to entertain themselves.

Trey was in heaven. He opened every door he could get his hands on and peered out every window. The building was old and had nooks and crannies everywhere. It was cradled between a cirque of low mountains. There was a large spanse of gardens at the front that stretched out towards the upscale city that sprawled out along the river below them. There was even an extensive maze made up of hedges and walls with small private corners sprinkled throughout in the back, nestled among more gardens and fields fit for riding and impromptu picnics.

He wondered if Ivan was awake yet so he could go exploring then shook it off. He didn't Ivan escorting him everywhere. This was his holiday too! He climbed over the balcony and dropped the few feet to the ground. The grass was damp under his boots but the early afternoon sun was warm and working on drying up the left over puddles. They had gotten in early that morning after traveling all night so Trey found himself the only person in the entire estate awake.

Ivan had been so deep in sleep that he hadn't even stirred as he slipped from the bed. The guard at the door had stared at him curiously but made no move to stop him from leaving the room. There had been a few servants he had never seen before as he explored the halls and he suspected they were part of the estate's permanent staff.

The sound of horses drew him to the paddock where he climbed up onto the fence. He coaxed a chestnut gelding to him and he laughed as it nudged him, searching for food.

"Would you like to ride him, my lord?"

Trey stiffened, turning to stare at the man walking towards him. The horse responded to his tenseness by prancing back. The middle aged man stared at him patiently, nothing in his expression to show that he thought of Trey as anything other than a member of Ivan's entourage. It helped put him at ease.

He considered the offer for a moment before nodding. The man whistled to the horse and it followed it dutifully to the small stables. Trey trailed them, watching silently as the man saddled the creature. He offered a hand but Trey declined, pulling himself up onto the horse's back.

"Well, Sage," he read off the metal plate, "would you like to show me your favorite places?"

The horse's ears perked back at him and he nudged the gelding into a walk. The horse master told him of a few places that would be too mired from the rains to ride through and pointed him towards safer ground.

Trey dutifully listened to him and set about exploring the higher grounds. He was glad to find that the gelding didn't seem to notice his inferior riding skills nor did it seem interested in frisking about at a pace that he was uncomfortable with. Birds called out overhead and peered up into the blue sky, watching their flight.

When he returned his attention back to the earth he was surprised to see that the horse had found its way to a main road and was happily trotting towards signs of civilization. Trey hesitated, turning to peer back at the estate. He dearly wanted to go a bit farther, to find out what those crops were that already threatening to spill from their beds and see what other homes the area supported but . . .

But Ivan would angry.

Then again, he mused, Ivan probably wouldn't wake up until well after lunch.

With a self-satisfied grin he turned his back on the estate.

He'd only go just a bit farther down the road.

A song from long ago, one that he and his brother used to sing and would get them both a severe dressing down from their mother for its vulgarity crossed his mind. He smirked and hummed the tune under his breath. The horse's ears flicked back as he hummed but after a moment it resumed ignoring him.

There was a stifled laugh from slightly behind him and he glanced over his shoulder curiously. A pair of ladies stood watching him, one openly laughing while the other managed to keep her composure. From their dress he suspected lady and maid though in truth he knew little of the social distinctions in this land.

Smiling slyly he turned back to the statue. "How wonderful!" He exclaimed, loud enough for them to have heard.

The lady moved a few steps closer to him, amusement still in her eyes. "You must be kind," she replied, "but even kindness has its limits and calling that," her chin tilted towards the statue, "wonderful borders on blatant lying. . . unless your tastes are truly bizarre."

Trey shook his head, pleased when she came a bit closer. "Ah, but it is wonderful, my lady, for surely anyone venturing forth in these streets must see it and not fail to have it bring a smile to their face. If not from the sheer pomp surely from its absurdity."

This revelation succeeding in bringing a soft laugh and for the first time in forever Trey felt his spirits lift as they had once done when all the world had laid open for him. He felt his smile turn melancholic and he look away before it could spoil the lady's fun.

The maid called a warning on the time and Trey heard the lady sigh heavily. The restrictions on his own time suddenly weighed heavily on him and he glanced back the way he came. With a shared smile they parted, the lady back to her maid and he back to the horse.

Neither Byely nor Petya had yet woken and despite the shiver of fear that the almost unnaturally quiet halls caused him he did not yet feel the need to wake them. He reminded himself of the promise given just two nights before as well as the fact that his slave was well versed in surviving on his own.

Neither did much to soothe his nerves.

The sound of hoof beats and laughter drew him out of his dark thoughts and he followed them out into the back garden. His wayward slave was laughing at the playful chestnut he rode who was busily trying to snap at a swarm of butterflies around its hooves. It snorted and kicked up its heels into a trot. Ivan pursed his lips and whistled shrilly, drawing the horse around and back towards him.

Trey peered at him through narrowed eyes as his mount ignored his orders and moved towards the man that had called it. "Traitor." He hissed as it dropped its head against Ivan's hand.

"What are you doing?"

Trey shrugged and slid off the horse's back, resigning himself to an end to his ride. "Exploring."

Ivan made a displeased sound as one of the house servants appeared to take the horse from the Tsar. Trey waited until they were once again alone before wrapping his arms about the thin waist and brushing a kiss across his master's forehead.

"Did you sleep well?" He inquired, purposely ignoring Ivan's obviously annoyance with his bit of freedom.

There was a moment when he feared Ivan wouldn't allow him to change the subject but the moment passed and the taller man shrugged. "Well enough." He murmured.

Trey followed him back inside, grateful for the small victory. "It is very nearly evening. Will there be anything you need to do tonight?"

Ivan shook his head. "No. Dinner will be informal and taken whenever one feels like finding the dining room."

He nodded. "That's good."

They discovered a small playing board and Trey let Ivan slaughter his wooden army for a few games before he gave up and refused to play anymore. He dozed next to the warm fire, watching idly as Ivan moved the pieces about the board, apparently trying out half formed plans for future game campaigns.

He closed his eyes, the occasional clink of wood on wood lulling him into a half sleep as he shamelessly stretched out across the overstuffed couch. It was the smell of food that brought him back to reality and he watched as servants placed covered dishes on the table before quietly disappearing at Ivan's off handed wave.

Hungry from his ride Trey stood and drifted towards the table, gingerly lifting lids to inspect the fare. Slices of lamb made his mouth water and he happily transferred a few of them to an empty plate. Potatoes and fat green beans joined them. Pulling out a chair he sank down into it and began devouring the dinner.

Ivan eventually rose to join him and he met the disgusted snort directed at his eating style with a grin and another heaping spoonful shoveled into his mouth. His master sighed and shook his head, delicately taking small portions of food.

"Did no one ever teach you how to eat properly?" Ivan chided.

Trey shrugged. "We were taught to fill up whenever food was available because you never knew when your next meal might arrive."

Ivan hesitated, obviously thinking over the foreign concept. Trey smiled slightly as he watched the thought register, after all, what would a tsar's son know of starvation or being homeless?

A minute shrug signaled the conclusion of Ivan's pondering and they went back to eating in silence. Pleasantly full Trey nosed about the other covered dishes while Ivan finished. He discovered a carafe of brandy and offered it. The offer was accepted and he smiled happily as it burned in his stomach, making him feel sleepy yet strangely awake at the same time.

It had been a long time since he'd had alcohol of any type and even in his carefree days he had not been a heavy drinker. He was privately grateful when Ivan capped the bottle firmly long before he passed beyond relaxed into foolish. He returned to the warm couch by the fire and sank down into it. With a yawn he closed his eyes and went back to dozing. A hand touching his cheek brought him out of the light sleep, as it always did. Long fingers brushed over his lips and he caught one of them between his teeth, nipping it lightly. Ivan scowled.

"Not nice." He admonished.

Trey grinned and shrugged.

The black haired man bent down and murmured, their lips a mere breathe apart. "You need to learn some manners."

Trey's breath hitched as Ivan's long fingers slipped under the ruby color he wore and fisted, forcing him to arch up to relieve the pressure on the back of his neck. Ivan's eyes were hard and Trey shuddered at the dark promise he saw there. He lowered his gaze, unconsciously falling back into the mannerisms that had been beaten into him.

"Look at me!" Ivan snapped.

He was given a sharp shake and he obediently looked up into his master's bright emerald eyes. Fingers brushed over his cheek, lingering for a long moment on the prominent scar that ran across his eye. The light touch made him shiver and it was a fight to keep his gaze steady. Gently his master bent to brush his lips over the mark. With a shuddering sigh Trey let his eyes close at the kiss.

A tongue flickered over the sensitive shell of his ear and he squirmed, receiving a sharp bite as a reprimand. Chewing at his lower lip he forced himself to still. A soft laugh escaped his tormentor as Ivan sat back up.

"Don't do that." Ivan murmured, tapping his lower lip.

Trey flushed slightly, embarrassed at the nervous habit. The kiss he suddenly received, however, chased all such thoughts out of his mind. He murmured appreciatively as Ivan sucked and nipped at his lips. After a moment Ivan pulled away. Trey found his hips straddled as the thinner man climbed up onto the couch.

"Lesson number one," he said, green eyes suddenly amused, "its good manners to open your mouth."

Before Trey could retort Ivan was upon him. He stubbornly refused to comply to the insistent tongue teasing the seam of his lips, privately enjoying the power play. Suddenly sharp nails racked over a sensitive nipple beneath his shirt and he yelped in surprise. He realized the ploy too late as his mouth was assaulted by his master's tongue. He melted into the defeat, reaching up to bury his hand in Ivan's long back hair.

When Ivan pulled back he gently untangled his slave's fingers. "Lesson number two," he said, releasing his hold on the collar and letting his hands run over the pale throat and down onto the broad shoulders, "it is impolite to keep others from enjoying the entire feast."

As his shirt was opened Trey lifted himself to allow Ivan to pull it off of him. He groaned as fingers teased over his skin, threatening to make him burst out in giggles at the same time as threatening to make him choke on his own moans. Fingers began picking at the ties of his pants when the damning click of the door opening caught their attention.

Both tsar and slave growled as Aubrey stepped through. He shrank back slightly at the annoyed glare of his master but remained in the doorway.

"What is it?" Ivan snapped when it became evident that the servant wasn't going to leave.

The boy bowed his head but his voice was steady and clear. "Visitors have arrived from the city. They wish to meet with you."

For a moment Trey thought Ivan would refuse, and a part of him wished dearly for just such a decision but after a moment his lover climbed down. "I will come." He growled.

Trey laughed softly at the irritation evident in the normally unshakable man. "No rest for the wicked" He teased. It earned him a scowl that he answered with a languid stretch and a wiggle to burrow himself deeper in the soft couch. Ivan couldn't keep the amusement out of the heavy sigh he gave. Grinning broadly he watched as his lover brushed the wrinkles out of his clothes and drifted away.

A yawn took him and he closed his eyes, content to doze before the dying fire until the wicked returned.