PROLOGUE

"Yuuri!" Wolfram opened the doors to his bedroom, looking for his fiancée. Once he entered, he found her frantically drying her long, black hair in front of her vanity table with a brush. "Yuuri, we are about to leave. Why are you still drying your hair?" He sighed, walking over to the table and taking the damp towel. He covers her head with it and starts ruffling it around in an attempt to speed up the process.

Yuuri looked away, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "I'm sorry. Greta and I were playing around in the bath and we lost track of time," she answered. "She's probably either drying her hair or packing as we speak." He extended his hand in front of her, indicating to the brush she was still holding. She handed it to him and he started brushing her hair - something he has happily gotten used to doing.

Five minutes later, Greta walks into the room, her hair wet like Yuuri's. She was holding a little bag containing a stuffed animal, a book, and some clothes for the journey. Holding her hand was Doria, one of the maids. On her other hand, was Greta's trunk. "Your Majesty; Your Highness," she bowed. "I will be taking the princess to the carriage where the others are already waiting." She let the princess wave goodbye to her mother and her fiancé before closing the door.

Wolfram puts down the brush on the vanity table and kisses the top of her head. He then picks up Yuuri's trunk at the foot of their bed. "You're going to have to dry your hair in the carriage. We can't let them wait for us any longer; mother will probably throw a fit! Ever since this trip was planned, she has been excited to see Raven! Not only that, but I would rather get this trip over with than prolong the agony of seeing my uncle."

"Agreed," Yuuri replied. She quickly braided her hair into a fishtail and neatened her clothing to look presentable. Once finished, she kissed Wolfram's cheek and took his free hand. Together, they walked down to the courtyard where the rest of their party was waiting.

"Well it's about time, you love birds!" Yozak laughed, opening the door once he spotted the royal couple. "What kept you two busy, eh?" He winked, laughing even harder, earning himself an elbow to the side from his captain.

"Yozak…" Conrart groaned, rubbing his forehead. It had only been a month since Yuuri and Wolfram had formalised their engagement. The idea of his goddaughter and little brother together is secretly something he is still getting used to. He would also rather not hear any improper jokes about the two of them, as much as possible.

Wolfram handed Yuuri's trunk to a soldier before turning to Yozak. "You're just jealous because I have someone to keep me busy," he smirked.

Yuuri rolled her eyes as one of the soldiers brought Ao, her horse, to her. Wolfram helped her up on her horse before getting on his own. Yuuri took a glance at him. Since the time she arrived, which was over a year ago, Wolfram had gotten taller and more muscular. In a few years, Wolfram probably won't look as feminine as he currently does, which comforts her. It made her insecure sometimes to think her fiancé would appear more feminine than her. It's not that she doesn't want him to be more feminine or even as feminine than her, it was just something that made her conscious about herself.

She arranged her position on her horse and caressed him lovingly. When she had first started riding, it had been uncomfortable for her bottom. Now that she's used to it, she tries to ride him every available chance she gets! Unfortunately for her, Gwendal and Conrart allow her to ride on Ao until a certain area. Once there, she must transfer to the uncomfortable safety of the carriage.

"Are we finally ready to go?" Gwendal called out, already in a bad mood. He glanced around to see the status for himself. He saw his mother, His Eminence, Anissina, and Greta inside the carriage. Her Majesty, his brothers, Gunter, and Yozak were on their horses. Their accompanying soldiers were also ready on their respective horses.

"Yes, brother. We are." Conrart replied.

Gwendal nodded in acknowledgement. "We're off!"

The trip to the Spitzweg lands was, fortunately, not that long. The Spitzweg territory was not that far to begin with, which was a relief to Yuuri. She had lost count of the amount of times she shifted in her seat once her bottom started aching.

They had stopped at least twice during the journey to let the horses rest and to have some lunch and snacks. The time they spent on their rests was a major relief to Yuuri, for she was able to stretch. It also enabled her to spend some time reading to her adopted daughter, Greta. The moment they would stop for a break, Yuuri would find a tree for the both of them to sit under to read.

Wolfram was busy helping out with the horses when he heard two familiar giggles. He turned towards the two girls hiding from the glares of the sun under the shade of a tree. Seeing Greta and Wolfram with a book in-between him warmed his heart and brought a smile to his face. Whenever Yuuri would read to Greta, Wolfram would think of every excuse in the world to skip his duties to watch them. He loved seeing the wonder in Greta's eyes whenever she would read, or when someone would tell her a story. He also especially loved how happy it made Yuuri to bring out that wonder in Greta. When he would watch mother and daughter laugh or cry, it made him wonder just what he did to deserve this happiness.

"Cherish it."

He stared at his older brother, who had suddenly appeared at his side. "Huh?"

"You were wondering about what you did to deserve them, weren't you?" His oldest brother had joined Conrart in confusing him.

"What do you mean?" He turned away from him and crossed his arms with a "hmph!". He didn't want to let them know their guess was right. It was bad enough that Yuuri had hurt his pride when she made him fall for her, but now his brothers too? Shinou help him.

"You have this look that you make. It usually indicates that you are thinking about Yuuri," Conrart smiled. All three of them were staring at the young woman in question now, thinking about how she changed their lives for the better.

Wolfram sighed. "When an amazing girl such as her tells you she loves you, you would understand just why I'm so baffled." He continued to gaze at her, thinking about just what happened to make her change her mind about his feelings for him.

To the delight of everyone, Yuuri had finally figured out how to travel between worlds. Even without The Sage's help, she is still able to land on her destination. It took her a few travels to get it right, but practicing wouldn't have done a thing. Ever since her powers returned, she seemed to have grown stronger. She seemed to have even better control of her Maryoku as well. It was certainly something to be proud of.

It has been a few weeks since the whole fiasco with Sara and Alazon. A messenger pigeon arrived a few days ago from Sara. It brought two letters: the first was a thank you letter from himself and his people. The second, no one knows. It indicated that it was for Yuuri's eyes only, and she has refused to speak about it. Wolfram has tried looking for it, but to no success. He has concluded that she either burned it, or hid it well. He and the others also tried asking The Sage about it, and even he wouldn't utter a single word. 'He obviously knows' , Wolfram thought. The maids have seen them having constant solemn discussions ever since the letter arrived. These "discussions" almost always ends up with Murata annoyed with Yuuri.

Yuuri has also been acting weirdly around Wolfram, lately. She has suddenly stopped speaking to him. Nods of greetings and one-word answers are all he gets from her now. It was strange. She seemed almost normal with everyone else, but the moment Wolfram steps into the room, her attitude changes. She suddenly becomes demure and silent, her head bowed down, and her cheeks flushed. Sometimes, she even excuses herself to go out of the room - even finishing her dinner quickly and excusing herself from the table right away. What was even more curious was how The Sage would react every time this happened. He would either sigh or groan in frustration, yet he would refuse to say why… until today.

It was dinner time in Blood Pledge Castle. What once was a joyous and happy time of the day ever since Queen Yuuri arrived is now a somber occasion. The only sounds heard in the dining room were the clangs of silver hitting china. A certain set of silver and china, however, was faster than the rest. The occupants of the dining table peeked at the young queen, who was subtly rushing to finish her meal. She tried to hide it, but her shaky hands and stiff posture betrayed her.

When she finished, she wiped her mouth with her napkin and excused herself. She gave her goodnights and kissed Greta on the forehead, telling her she would go to her room later in the evening to tuck her in. After that, she left.

Not a moment after the door slammed, an utter of "coward" was heard. Everyone turned to the Great Sage who had a frown on his face.

"Your Eminence?" Gunter, who was right beside him, asked.

Murata glanced at everyone at the table, his eyes landing at the eight-year-old girl. He saw she was done with her food, but she hasn't had dessert yet. Thankfully, dessert hasn't been served.

"Greta," he called.

The child stared at him, her brown eyes wide. "Hm?"

"Why don't you go to the kitchen and help Effe out with the dessert?" Murata asked. His eyes lingered on the maid, begging her to keep her there until the adults have finished.

Effe, understanding the message, walked over to where the princess was seated and pulled out her chair. "Come now, princess! We can have your favourite!"

Greta gasped. "Lemon and chocolate custard?" She grinned. Effe nodded excitedly at her. Greta jumped out of her seat. She grabbed Effe's hand, and together they left for the kitchen.

"All right, Your Eminence," Gwendal leaned back, his arms crossed over his chest. "Are you finally going to tell us about Her Majesty's strange behavior?"

Murata rolled his eyes. "As strange as she's acting, it's all for a very annoying reason. She could have handled this a lot differently, but this is one thing that has not changed," he grumbled. He took a long sip from his wine before continuing. "I take it, I can assume everyone sees she acts differently only when Wolfram is around?" Everyone at the table nodded. "Well, you see, even when we were in elementary school together," He started. "Whenever Yuuri would realize she has fallen for someone, she starts acting the way she does now."

Everyone stared at him, confused.

"I'm sorry, I beg your pardon?" Conrart replied.

Murata sighed. "Whenever Yuuri had a crush on someone, she would act all awkward and silent around him. She thinks she's not obvious at all, when she-"

"-blatantly is…" Gunter stared at Wolfram, who was stone-faced. The rest of the table followed suit, waiting for a reaction.

'It was all so stupid and small', is what Gwendal was thinking. 'And yet, quite adorable…'

Murata, tired of Yuuri and (apparently) Wolfram's game of cat and mouse, decided to make a suggestion. "Yuuri has always been shy with the opposite gender. It might be one of the reasons why she was a bit uncomfortable around you all at first - according to the stories I heard," He explained. This time, he took a gulp from his wine before continuing. "Not only that, but even when she was in a relationship with someone back in junior high, she would still tend to be quite awkward."

This explanation was making sense to everyone at the table. Well, everyone but Wolfram.

"When the both of you are finally an official couple, you are going to have to learn to make her comfortable," Murata continued. "You cannot just go around calling her a wimp and a cheater whilst throwing fireballs at her. You have to treat her with a little tenderness, do you understand?"

Still, no reaction from Wolfram.

Murata stands and walks to where Wolfram is seated. He hits him up side the head and asks again, "Do you understand?" He yelled.

Wolfram, rubbing his head, groaning, "Yes."

"Then what the hell are you still sitting here for? Go! God damn it, go talk to her right now, you fool!" Murata pulls Wolfram up and literally kicks him out of the dining room. "YOU ARE NOT TO TALK TO ANYONE UNTIL YOU TALK TO YUURI FIRST, NOW GO FOR FUCK'S SAKE!"

Murata's outburst and the new knowledge shared with them left them speechless. Yuuri had finally realized her feelings for Wolfram - something every single one of them had already known. It was obvious she returned Wolfram's feelings - she was just too dense to realize it.

Murata let out a breath, calming his nerves. He returned to the table and finished the last of his wine. He looked around to see everyone still gaping. Even Lady Celi couldn't say anything.

"Well... that was something I didn't expect." Anissina managed to say. She was still trying to comprehend why Yuuri has been acting so strangely for the past few weeks. She turned to The Sage. "Why did you only tell us now?"

Murata shrugged. "Yuuri had to find it in herself to talk to Wolfram, yet I had forgotten just how stubborn she is," he sighed. "Well, it might be nice for Wolfram to humble down at least this once... Or perhaps they both could bring each other's pride down."

Everyone nodded in agreement. They have all seen how Yuuri and Wolfram interact with each other. It's obvious to anyone that they care deeply for each other; they might as well take a chance on what could be an epic romance.

Wolfram entered their shared bedroom. Despite Yuuri's behavior the past few weeks, they still shared a room together. Every day he would try to speak to her, but by the time he woke up, she was gone. Then when he was ready to go to bed, she was already asleep.

This time though, he was back earlier than usual (thanks to a certain double black) and he returned to find her just about to go to the baths.

"You're back early..." She uttered. She was standing in front of the dresser, carrying her pajamas and basket of toiletries. "I... I'll be going to the baths now." She headed towards the door, almost walking right past Wolfram until he grabbed her arm.

"We need to talk." Wolfram was staring at the floor. His bangs were covering his eyes. He was thankful for that because at least she wouldn't see the tears forming in his eyes.

Yuuri nodded solemnly. She cleared her throat and put her stuff down before moving to the love seat. Wolfram followed and sat beside her. They both couldn't look at each other, much less sit beside each other.

Wolfram took in a deep breath. "His Eminence told me why you've been treating me differently these past few weeks..."

Yuuri nearly fell off her chair. For the first time in weeks, she finally looked at him. "He did?" Yuuri couldn't help but feel a little bit betrayed. She told Murata she wanted to be the one to tell Wolfram once she was ready, and then he goes and does this.

She sighed, slumping backwards in her seat. She was about to say something but he beat her to it.

"I love you."He gazed at her, tentatively taking her hand. "You know that, right?"

"Do you, Wolfram?" She pulled her had away gently and looked straight into his eyes. "Do you really? Or is it the idea of being engaged to the queen that you love?"

That made Wolfram think. It was sudden, yes, how he started telling her he loved her and fighting for their engagement. When they first met, they did nothing but yell and bicker with each other - which they actually still do.

He thought for a while until he finally found an answer to her question.

"Do you remember our first adventure together?" He asked.

She furrowed her brows at him. "When we followed Conrart and Gwendal to help out with that burning human village?"

"That's the one."

"What about it?"

"You stood up to Gwendal; You stood up to a mob of people, thirsty for blood because you wanted to save the man who led the attack on their village; You cried for the young boy who risked his life to save yours..." Silence followed as he looked away from her. Yuuri could only stare at him, wishing for him to continue, wanting to hear what he has to say. "You have a heart, Yuuri. A heart too rare and pure to find in the chaos we live in. I think I fell in love with you because I wanted - want to protect you and that loving heart of yours... If I remember correctly, when we were down in that cellar with the bear bee cocoons, you said something about how you wanted to give all your love to the people around you-"

"You called me a wimp and a cheater for saying that." Wolfram didn't have to look at her to see the slight curve of her lips or the twinkle in her eyes.

He chuckled. "I apologize for that. I realize now that it is something I admire about you."He tentatively took her hand in his. It was only when she laced her fingers with his that he squeezed her hand, not wanting to let go.

Yuuri moved closer to Wolfram as he brought her hand up to his lips. "So it's true?"

"What is?"

"What His Eminence said about you acting strangely because you are secretly in love with me."

She took a deep breath as he waited for her to explain herself.

"First of all, I want to apologize for my behavior these past few weeks. It was unfair to everyone and especially you. And… yes. It is true. I've finally realized it for myself."

"Why didn't you just tell me?"

"I wasn't sure if you really did love me. I mean, you've always told me about how you do, and that you would do anything for me as my fiancé, but I was just… scared. I didn't want to go through rejection. I didn't want to make things awkward between us. If whatever we have between us doesn't work out-"

"Hey, stop that." He took her face in his hands and rested his forehead against hers. "We can always try, Yuuri. Besides, I love you too much to ever let you go." He kissed her forehead and he lingered there for a moment until Yuuri looked him in the eye and said, "I love you."

Wolfram smiled. He gave her a questioning look. When Yuuri nodded at him, he leaned in and kissed her.

The next morning, the castle inhabitants were wonfering where Wolfram and Yuuri were. Lately, Yuuri had been up really early and so Conrart didn't see the need to go to her room and wake her up anymore. Today was different though. It was way past the time Yuuri and Wolfram were supposed to be out and about. Even Greta was happily having breakfast with them.

"Conrart," The brunette turned to his brother, who was continuously eating his food. "Go check on Her Majesty. It's unusual for her to be asleep this late."

Conrart agreed and excused himself from the table. He went to Yuuri's room and knocked on the door. When he received no reply, he opened the door and found two sleeping forms wrapped around each other on the bed. He walked over to his brother's side and lifted the blanket just a little bit. When he saw his brother's body covered in blue pajamas, he exhaled a sigh and left the room.

When he went back to the dining room, he was smiling slightly and didn't say a word until he was asked about the queen and her fiancé. He took a seat and continued eating his food.

"Well?" Gwendal asked, finishing up the last of his plate. "Will Yuuri and Wolfram be joining us for breakfast?"

Conrart shook his head. "Probably not. I did not want to wake them up."

That sparked Lady Celi's interests. "Oh? Why not?"

"Would you wake up two people who are happily wrapped in each other's embrace unless there was something urgent to be attended to?"

Different reactions happened around the table. Greta laughed and clapped, Lady Celi squealed, Anissina muttered something about how it was about time, Gwendal dropped his utensils on his plate, and Gunter cried in agony as his nose bled.

"Are they really?" Lady Celi squealed as she stood up from her seat. "Does that mean that whatever happened between them last night ended well?"

Conrart nodded. "Most likely. Besides, I didn't hear any screaming or fireballs or water dragons, so it must've ended well."

Everyone sighed and happily finished the rest of their breakfast. As they were finishing, the doors opened to show them Wolfram and Yuuri entering the room, hand-in-hand and laughing and smiling at each other.

"Good morning," Yuuri greeted. Wolfram pulled the seat open for Yuuri and helping her before seating himself next to her. "Ooh, what's on the menu today…" Yuuri trailed off as she noticed the way everyone was looking at her and Wolfram. She gave Wolfram a look and he gave one back, their expressions the same. "Umm… what's everyone looking at?"

"So, you're officially a couple?" Lady Celi smirked.

Yuuri blushed as Wolfram laughed and took her hand, kissing her knuckles. "Yeah, we are." Yuuri replied. Wolfram couldn't help but continue gazing at Yuuri, still not believing this is real.

"Yuuri?"

"Hm?"

"You started acting weirdly when that letter from Saralegui came. Why is that?" Gwendal asked.

The rest of the table nodded, wondering that as well.

Yuuri sighed. She called one of the maids over and she whispered some instructions. The maid left the room and returned shortly after. She was holding what seemed to be a letter. She handed it to Yuuri and returned to her post with the other maids.

"That's the letter from Saralegui, isn't it?" Wolfram asked. Yuuri nodded and handed it to him, letting him read it out loud.

My Dearest Friend, Yuuri,

It has been a while, hasn't it? I wanted to thank you again for all you've done for me and my people. Without you, I do not know where we would possibly be.

Anyway, that is not why I am writing this letter. I admit, I did make some advances to you for your affection, despite your engagement to Lord von Bielefeld. I apologize for that, but I think you owe a certain someone an apology as well.

When are you going to open your eyes and realize your feelings for him? You obviously return his affections, but you don't realize it. I hope you come to admit this to yourself soon, otherwise you might leave a trail of hopeful and/or heartbroken men running after you. I'm sure that will cause a lot more problems for you.

It is time to stop being blind and open your eyes. I hope you take my advice, and that the next time I see you, you and Lord von Bielefeld must have at least a little bit of progress in your engagement. Again, I wish you luck and luck with your future endeavors.

PS

Hopefully we get to see each other again soon. If I am not mistaken, there were still some things you were not able to show me during my visit. I pray this time I can relax and be a tourist. Do not worry. I'll leave the sword here in Small Cimaron under lock and key so as to not be a bother.

Your Dear Friend,
King Saralegui

Everyone was speechless. Yuuri's feelings were so obvious to everyone but her that King Saralegui even realized it.

They all looked to Yuuri who was sinking in her seat.

"It took a letter from Saralegui to make you realize you were in love with me?" Wolfram could only stare at Yuuri. All this time, he was jealous of the young king when all along (at least not during the time he admitted to have made advances towards Yuuri) he wanted Yuuri and Wolfram to get together.

Yuuri blushed. "Well, it's not like anyone else told me outright that I had feelings for you! You all were practically walking on eggshells around me instead of just telling me."

Around the table, head banging on the table, groans, and palms to the forehead were happening. Even Greta had her head in her hands.

Wolfram smiled at the memory. Ever since then, his and Yuuri's relationship has been stronger than ever. It was also just about a week ago when Yuuri allowed Wolfram to take her virginity. They were nervous, of course. It wasn't Wolfram's first time. He used to make a few visits to the brothel a few times a month until before Yuuri arrived, but this was his first time with someone he actually loved. To his surprise (and pleasure), Yuuri was a vixen in the bedroom. She could have him writhing under her or yelling her name with little to no effort. 'Perhaps doing it with someone you love is a lot different than sharing your bed with a whore…'

"Wolfram!" He snapped out of his thoughts as he and his brothers turned to the little girl and her mother under the tree. Greta was standing in front of Yuuri who was still lounging under the shade of the tree. "Come over here and join us!"

"Go!" Gwendal pushed Wolfram forward, causing him to stumble and nearly fall. Wolfram's spectacle left Yuuri, and the others laughing.

Wolfram jogged to the tree where the girls were. He carried Greta and twirled her around a few times before sitting down against the trunk of the tree beside Yuuri and having Greta rest on his lap. "What are we reading today?" He stretched his neck a bit, trying to find the title of the book that was resting on Yuuri's lap.

"The Magician's Nephew," Yuuri replied. Judging by the appearance of the book, it seems to be a book she brought back from Earth.

"A ma-ma…?"

"A magician, Papa Wolfram."

"What's so special about a magician?"

Yuuri smirked. "Stick around and maybe you'll find out."

"Ooh! Can we start from the beginning so that Papa Wolfram can understand the story, mama?"

Yuuri chuckled. She moved the little strands of hair covering Greta's eyes and kissed her on the head. "Of course we can."

Yuuri read aloud to her fiancé and daughter, not knowing the rest of their party, even the soldiers, were listening. Time stood still for them as they listened to her soothing voice read about Digory and Polly and their adventure in Narnia. As she read, Conrart handed her, Wolfram, and Greta a sandwich and water bottle each. She continued reading whilst Murata ate, and when he was done, he took over reading.

Gunter found it astonishing how Yuuri and Murata are able to mentally read the Earth text but speak it in Demon language so fluently and flowingly.

After about an hour and a few chapters, Gwendal stood up and declared it was time to start moving again. Wolfram carried Greta on his back to the carriage with Yuuri trailing along behind them. He opened the door for them, but he didn't let Yuuri go in without at least getting a kiss on the cheek from her, which she gladly gave.

At that, the group traveled through the last stretch of the journey to the Spitzweg lands, where the ten nobles were awaiting their arrival.

Author's Note

Hi, guys! I'm so thankful that you're reading this story, and for those of you who have been here since the original version, thank you so much for sticking around.

I promise you, I am going to be a little more consistent when I update. My goal is to update every Friday (Philippine time).

I would love to hear feedback and suggestions from you guys! Leave them in the comments below, or you can PM me!

Thanks, guys!