Here I am, my second Meine Liebe fic. Quite a bit darker and more mature than my first one, likely because of the influences that things in my life had in this story. No, nothing serious. Just things like books and music and pondering. More NC-17, I guess? Nothing is too graphic but yes, it is dark. -cues Versailles music- If it's higher than T, should I rate it M though nothing's entirely too bad? I don't know. Advice, please. :S

I have never had to do so much research for a fanfiction before. But I really wanted this one to be just right. There will be plotholes and other illogicals and such, but please know I've tried to get this as accurate as I possibly could, artistic license allowing.

Okay, enough of preamble. Please enjoy.

Prologue

He emerged from the shop into the bright light of early afternoon. His eyes squinted against the sudden change, and he raised an arm over his face to shield his sight until it adjusted. However, he smiled as he did so - to Orpherus Fürst von Marmelade Nahe Görz, it was a wonderful day.

As his eyes finally became used to the sunlight of the outdoors, Orpherus began his way down the cobbled street, blue eyes taking in the sights. As a student at the prestigious Rosenstoltz Academy, it wasn't often he was able to come into town, and as a nobleman, he very rarely was able to see the life of the lower-class. The energetic bustling activity of the scenery always brought a smile to his lips. When he saw things like this, it allowed his mind a bit of a break from the constant worrying his life position brought to him.

He couldn't complain. He loved his life; there was so much he was blessed with that he was entirely grateful for. But sometimes the stress of studies, of managing, of worrying about the security of the kingdom, proved to be almost too much. It was those times he offered himself escape by walking among the common people. It was for their sake he was studying law and politics, and being with them and feeling their joys and pains eased him.

Orpherus stopped for a moment outside a familiar café and glanced around. Seeing no one he knew, he chose his own seat and rested himself. Within a few moments, a waitress stopped by.

"Lord Orpherus, it's good to see you again."

"Same to you." He smiled brilliantly at her. "Have you seen Isaac today?"

"Not today. I suppose he's probably out on business."

That would be likely. With the state of the nation and those countries surrounding it, Isaac would be busy, even more so as an outsider. "I see."

"Can I get you something?"

"Just a cup of tea, please." He still had a bit of time. "Two sugars."

"Sure thing. Please wait just a few minutes."

He opened his newly-bought book as she hurried away, blew some of his rumpled blonde bangs out of his eyes, and began reading. It was one he had ordered awhile ago that had finally come, and as he got a few pages into it he was relieved to see that it had been worth the wait. He sipped lightly at his tea as it arrived, immersed in his reading.

"Sir?"

He raised his head at the inquiry. Before him stood a ruffled, homely man. He closed his book.

"Is there something I can do for you?"

"You're a student at the Academy, right?"

His accent was a bit strange, but if it weren't for the fact he spoke the language fluently Orpherus might have said he was a foreigner. Perhaps just someone from another area? That thought excited him. He'd only ever had interaction with the people in his home territory and those in this town, along with a few others from Ludwig's and Camus's home areas. Conversing with someone from another area could be very educational.

"That's correct. I am a Strahl Candidate at Rosenstoltz."

"Can I ask for your assistance with something?"

"Of course."

Orpherus stood, leaving a coin on the table. He was about to leave when a loud, "Orphe!" reached his ears. Turning, he saw his best friend Eduard approaching quickly.

"Ed, what is it?"

The auburn-haired marquis-to-be stopped nearby, green eyes glinting. "Don't give me that. It's almost curfew. If we hadn't violated so many rules already, I wouldn't be here, but you know you will get in trouble if you cross even another line. Let's go."

Orpherus hesitated, but Eduard glared, and the blonde sighed. "Right." He turned back to the man. "I'm sorry, but I must return to school immediately."

"No."

That was surprising. His sapphire eyes blinked. "I'm sorry?"

"You will come with me."

The man grabbed his arm and yanked him along – losing his balance, Orpherus had to follow. He heard Eduard's yell behind him. He tried to pull free, tried to resist, but the man was strong. As he was dragged down an alleyway, he heard Eduard behind him.

"Stop!" was Eduard's yell that sounded almost on his heels.

The man turned - there was a metallic flash and a loud gunshot. Orpherus jumped, eyes flashing wide open. He had been shot before... his mind counted out the seconds it had taken for his body to react to the pain. He felt nothing, though... but then his frightened mind registered Eduard's strangled yelp. He whirled to see his best friend hit his knees, clutching his shoulder.

"Ed!"

He tried to rush forward to help, but a strong hand roughly caught him and twisted his arm behind his back. A cold barrel pressed into the side of his head.

"Not so fast."

His body froze up in response. His eyes remained fastened on Eduard, who was now struggling to get back up. He saw his friend's malachite eyes raise to him. Rich crimson was pouring readily out of his injured shoulder, staining his navy uniform.

"Orphe -"

"Move and he's dead." The gun pressed deeper into his temple. Orpherus winced, and the hand twisting his arms behind his back yanked on him. "He's coming with us."

"Damn you!" Eduard yelled. He did, however, remain in place, eying the gun wearily, angrily.

"Ed -"

"Quiet. Come quietly, and we won't hurt your friend any more."

"Why are you doing this?" Orpherus asked chokingly, trying to fight back the pain the gun was digging into him. "What do you want?"

"Come quietly. Otherwise..."

He heard another gun cocked, and he looked hard out of the very side of his eye to see it pointed straight at Eduard. Two more men had appeared at the mouth of the alley, guns held close to their side as they looked out into the busier street. If he made much more noise, they would be likely to shoot innocent passersby that might come to look.

"I got it," he said faintly. "I understand."

"Good boy."

"Orphe!"

Eduard sounded completely strangled. Orpherus shook his head as the gun was moved from his temple, and the last thing he saw was Eduard staring, eyes panicked, before sharp pain cracked through his head, dropping a curtain of black over his mind.