Chapter two! Boo yah! Thanks to those who are showing support! I greatly appreciate it! Please enjoy this next installment~
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or Servant of Evil
Warnings: Spamano
Chapter Two
Caged
Feliciano continued playing football with the children and kicked it to a boy before waving to me once more, insisting that I play. I declined again and simply watched them. Even though the hood of Feliciano's cloak had flown back, the villagers failed to realize their prince amongst them, thinking we were two men passing through their home. I, however, kept my face hidden and glanced at my brother knowingly.
He seemed to read the message and flipped the hood back over his head, never stopping in the game while doing so and ran to catch up with the other children.
I was suddenly grabbed roughly by a strong hand and attempted to pull it away but to no avail.
"Let go of me!" I growled but stopped short when I recognized the standard uniform of the royal guards and ceased to struggle.
"Hey! Release him! Now!" Feliciano ordered, tossing the ball to the ground.
"And just who do you think you are, filthy village rat?" a guard asked with a chortle.
"I believe I am your prince!" Feliciano tore the hood from his head and glared at the men.
Surprised murmurs rose in waves before dwindling in volume as those around bowed respectively, including the soldiers forcibly pushing me down and they followed suit.
"Prince Feliciano, you must return to the castle immediately," the soldier holding me reported. "Her Majesty commands it."
"Get your hands off of him," Feliciano's voice became dangerously low when he ripped the man's hand away and said man lowered his head apologetically.
"P-Prince Feliciano?" a child tugged on my brother's leg and I could hear his mother's words of protest.
"Yes?" Feliciano's gaze instantly melted into golden honey.
"Will you come and play with us again?" the boy wondered and in turn, a chorus of pleas for my brother to agree sprang up.
"Children! Children! Do not bother the prince with such insignificant requests," an elderly woman chastised. "He is far too busy to play games."
Feliciano smiled, "Nonsense, it would be my pleasure. I will come back as soon as I possibly can and we can finish our game."
The guards then escorted us back to the castle as cheers erupted from the group of children.
A maid that was waiting for us at the entrance gate entered and exited the throne room after leading us there, cringing from the sheer wrath radiating off the queen. Two guards stood at attention on either side of the door, remaining expressionless as we stood in the center of the room.
The queen spun on her heel and stormed towards us. A loud smack echoed throughout the room and Feliciano's cheek became a bright shade of red.
"You insolent, stupid boy!" she yelled. "How dare you run away? Do you realize the danger you put yourself in?"
"You can't keep me caged in here forever! We left the castle all the time when-" Feliciano retorted but was interrupted.
"And do you remember the consequences of that? Feliciano, you're my only son-"
"I'm seventeen years old! I'm not a child anymore!"
"Don't you take that tone with me! As long as I am queen, you are not to leave the castle grounds by any means!" her eyes blazed. "There are those out there who seek the throne and will do anything to get it! Even if that means killing you!"
"Well they can have it!" Feliciano charged out of the room and down the hall.
"And you," she turned her glare towards me and immediately struck my face. "You are supposed to protect the prince and yet you do nothing to stop him when he tries to leave!"
"With all due respect, Your Highness," I added a drop of venom to my words, "I am to do nothing but obey my prince and remain a shadow at his side. Is that not what you had them teach me?"
This earned me another slap on the same cheek and it was one I'll admit I deserved.
But I felt nothing.
"Get out of my sight," she headed to her seat at the throne.
I bowed and left.
Knocking twice on the door, I waited patiently and received an answer I expected.
"Go away!"
"My lord, I apologize for disturbing you," I said and the door immediately opened to show my flustered younger brother, his cheek still stained a brilliant red.
"No, it's fine. And remember, it's Feliciano," he sighed with a smile.
I nodded, ignoring the burning on my cheek. And, of course, Feliciano noticed.
"She hit you, too?"
"I deserved it."
"I somehow doubt that," he allowed me into his room. "I'm sorry about this. It's my fault. We never should've left in the first place."
"No. This was of my own doing. I freely went with you."
With a sigh, Feliciano returned to the window. His yearn to escape shone so brightly in his eyes it was almost palpable.
"I'm going for a walk. You are more than welcome to join me," Feliciano said, not tearing his gaze from the window.
I didn't speak.
"If you're too busy, then that's fine. I mean, I'll probably be all right on my own wandering the castle grounds… alone," he pouted a bit.
Here we go again with the guilt trips.
He sighed pretentiously, "It's just never the same without my brother-"
"Older brother," I interjected and his brow twitched in annoyance.
"You're only older by five minutes!"
"But older all the same."
Feliciano puffed his cheeks out in dissatisfaction and I openly laughed, something I hadn't done in what felt like years. He was so childish sometimes.
"I find nothing amusing! Forget it, I'm going for that walk and you can't come!" he stormed past me, taking a prideful stride out the door.
I lingered in the room, waiting for the prince to return as he always did when we had these playful banters every once in a blue moon.
3… 2… 1…
"Um, on second thought," Feliciano smiled sheepishly as he poked his head around the doorframe, "you can come. I hate being alone."
"You haven't changed," I smiled, following him out.
The trees whispered our childhood to us as we sat underneath the towering oak, enjoying one another's company. The sea of grass tickled our legs as the wind blew gently across the land.
"I miss these times," Feliciano sighed as he folded his hands behind his head and fell back into the grass. "We used to be able to come out here all the time. You'd think Mother would've been more protective of us when we were children instead of now."
"Times were simpler back then, my lord," I answered, forgetting to drop the formalities. "There weren't those out there trying to kill you."
Feliciano suddenly stared at me, his eyes scrutinizing my every move.
"What is it?" I was almost hesitant to ask.
"Are you happy, Lovino?" he wondered as his gaze intensified.
Lying would probably suit best-
"Answer me honestly because I know you won't," he added. "Are you truly happy?"
He wanted… the truth. And that alone was never easy.
"Yes," I answered after a few moments. "Yes, I am happy."
"But how?" he sat up, obviously exasperated with my response. "How can you be happy? You're a servant when you're meant to be a prince! You've been robbed of your title- of your rightful place in life and in our family! How can you say that you are happy?"
"I'm here with my little brother. I ask for nothing more. No matter what position I hold- whether it be prince or servant- I don't want to leave again. Ten years was far too long," I replied and Feliciano went quiet save for that small, sad smile on his face.
"I see… I remember…" he nodded slowly.
"Mother, who are these people?" Feliciano asked as we approached a group of men who towered over us, eyeing me curiously and intently.
I narrowed my eyes at them and hid myself behind our mother, sticking out my tongue.
"Such an insolent little boy, isn't he? Unfitting for a prince," one commented, raising an eyebrow.
"He's a piece of work. You'll have your hands full," Mother brought me around to face them.
"We've handled stubborn ones before. This one will be no different," the same one's face was like chiseled stone: expressionless and unmoving. He nodded towards me and the man flanking his right clasped onto my wrist.
"You are to be a servant for the young prince and a fine servant you will be," the man who I assumed was their leader sneered at me.
"I'm a prince, too!" I shot back, still trying to release myself.
"Far from it."
"Let me go!" I cried, trying to wriggle free from the man's strong grip as he pulled me away from my family. "Mother! Make him let me go!"
But my mother did nothing. She simply stood there, her face blank and unloving. And her next words were what made me stop fighting altogether.
"You are no longer my son. A son of the Vargas' will not be weak and sickly. You are nothing but a servant and will cease to have familial bonds with us."
"Mother! They're taking Lovino away! Do something!" Feliciano tugged on the hem of Mother's dress but her cold countenance did not waver. She didn't even spare him a glance.
"Do not worry, my son. Lovino will be back," she replied.
We were five years old the last time we saw each other. Far too young for any boy to understand what was truly happening. Our mother had disowned me and the entire time I was there the only thing that kept me going was my little brother and the chance that I was going to see him again.
Ten years later, their intentions were not for us to be brothers but master and servant- nothing more. However, we never saw each other that way.
Even now, we still don't.
"Worst ten years of my life. And when you came back… you were so different," the smile on Feliciano's face didn't vacillate though his true emotions were screaming in his eyes.
The scars on my back burned with the memories.
He was right.
I had changed.
Each time I felt my old self beginning to fill the empty shell that was me, the scars were there to remind me of who I had become. An effective if not traumatic tactic to keep a stubborn boy such as myself from speaking out of term.
"I was always too afraid to ask you, but… what did they do to you over there? If you don't mind my asking, of course," Feliciano watched me.
I shuddered at the thought, "I'd… rather not say, my lord. Forgive me."
"It's fine. I understand. Learning to become a prince wasn't exactly charming either," he said with a small laugh. "It was so tedious! All those lessons were ridiculous! And it's Feliciano! I'm getting tired of reminding you!"
The light danced in his eyes as he laughed and I couldn't help but smile as I gazed up into the leaves as they danced on their perches. A comfortable silence had settled upon us again and this time, neither of us intended to break it.
The soft padding of urgent footsteps and crunching grass could be heard in the distance and Feliciano groaned, and was sure that we were going to get into trouble for sneaking off again.
"M-My lord! You must return to the castle at once!"
We turned and saw one of the maids rushing towards us, her face ashen and perturbed as she stopped feet in front of us.
"Whatever is the matter?" Feliciano asked.
"The queen requires your immediate presence. She says it's very important and would not tell me," she panted, placing her hands on her knees to catch her breath.
"Is everything all right?" Feliciano questioned.
"I cannot say, my lord," the maid replied.
"What's going on?" Feliciano questioned as soon as we entered the throne room, catching the attention of everyone.
"Feliciano, there you are. Sorry for calling you so suddenly," the queen rose from her seat, ignoring me.
My brother was quiet, waiting for her explanation with bated breath.
"I'm stepping down from the throne which means you will rise as the new king," she said simply, nonchalantly.
The world seemed to have fallen from beneath my brother's feet, "Y-You said… what? You're giving up, too? How can you do that? I don't want to be king!"
"You should be honored, my son. Many of your cousins would kill for this position," she sighed.
"Then save them the bloodshed and give it to them! What part of 'no' do you not seem to grasp? I do not wish to be king! I've been saying that for years now! There's no need to look surprised!" Feliciano retorted.
I could see that he wasn't able to think straight.
"We understand that but you must understand that if you don't become king, this land will fall into chaos! You are the only suitable heir!" our uncle, Cristiano, slammed his hands on the table.
"Send a letter to my father or something! I'm sure he'll be more than happy to rise to the throne again! And what about you, Uncle? Are you not eligible to become king?" Feliciano was desperate for an alternative- for anything to save him from becoming king.
"Feliciano! You have no choice! The decision was been made by your father and the council at the time of your birth and is official! You are king!"
Feliciano looked lost, "I'm not even eighteen yet…"
"It is time for you to grow up and assume your responsibilities, nephew," Cristiano sighed, placing his hand on Feliciano's shoulder. "I know it's hard but in times like these, we have no choice but to push through. You are no longer a child."
"Enough of this mindless chatter. Listen, Feliciano, I'll give you three weeks' time to gather your thoughts and enjoy what you love most because as king, your leisure time is cut into less than half," the queen raised an eyebrow in a frustrated manner.
Feliciano could only nod.
"And another thing, the annual festival will be held as a prior celebration of you becoming king. You will dance with the women we believe are suitable enough to be your bride," Annalisa added. "You don't have a problem with this, do you?"
"What does it matter? Even if I do, you'll ignore it and do as you please," Feliciano had a blank countenance.
"Glad you're beginning to see it our way. This is for the best. You're dismissed."
My brother left in haste and I followed in the same manner.
Feliciano fell into a seat in the drawing room and ran his hands in through his hair, "What am I to do…? I can't be king… Lovino, I'm not suited for this job… do you think I can do this?"
"I will remain by your side, Your Highness; until the very end. I do not doubt your abilities in the slightest," I bowed to the new king of Cuore e L'anima.
Feliciano and I managed to find a day to ourselves, free from the tasks of a king and his servant. We travelled to the neighboring country of Terra di Dio, a mirthful country that knew nothing of the dangers lurking beyond its borders. Mother originally sent us to become allies with that country's king so he would assist us in the upcoming war with an English kingdom.
However, I have a feeling that won't happen.
Knowing Feliciano, he'll more than likely spend this trip doing as he pleases.
"You do realize that she will be expecting a report from this land's king, do you not?" I asked as we neared the gates and my horse slowed down to a walk.
"You worry too much. If it brings you comfort, I will go to the king before spending the time freely," Feliciano smiled.
The two guards at the gate instantly drew their weapons, demanding who we were.
"I am Feliciano, prince of Cuore e L'anima and this is my brother Lovino," Feliciano replied and the guards lowered their weapons.
"Ah, yes, we have been expecting you, my lord. Forgive us for the rude introduction but we have been ordered to strengthen our security due to the English kingdom's advancements. But, if I may ask, my lord, what are you doing without your royal guards?" one soldier explained. "It isn't safe."
"Oh, I'll be fine. Lovino's here," Feliciano smiled and the guards looked skeptical.
"If you say so, my lord. Welcome to Terra di Dio," they then opened the gates and our horses trotted past them and into the busy town.
Excited whispers from the villagers filled the air and women giggled and blushed as we passed by. Feliciano smiled and waved as we neared the king's castle, confident. But he had always been one for crowds and hardly ever had stranger anxiety.
The giggles erupting from the groups of women caused my face to heat up significantly.
"That's Prince Feliciano!"
"He's come a long way!"
"He's so handsome!"
"And so is his servant! You mustn't forget him!"
I, for one, wasn't. I preferred to disappear into the back like a phantom, refraining from drawing attention to myself. This upcoming festival would be the absolute death of me…
"Lovino, why don't you go and explore for a bit? I can go on my own from here. I'll take your horse as well," Feliciano suggested, stopping just feet in front of me.
"Are you sure, my lord?" I blinked a few times in confusion as I dismounted.
"Of course. I'll be fine on my own from here. Go and have some fun," Feliciano then left, continuing his way towards the castle.
I sighed and began in the other direction, turning onto another road. Passing through what I assumed was the business district, the sound of music and laughter soon met my ears and being the curious creature I was, I followed it.
There I saw a man with brunette curls of hair and exuberant emerald eyes dancing in the center of the circle the crowd had formed, keeping rhythm as he moved gracefully and naturally. As the song finished, the man gave a bow, earning cheers and claps from those surrounding him.
Then, like a trickle of water overflowing to a spill, the group dispersed leaving the man to chat with the musicians. His eyes were suddenly on mine and I caught myself staring and I was positive my face was painted an embarrassing crimson.
"Hey there!" he waved, running up to me with the brightest smile I think I have ever seen. "I've never seen you around here before. Did you just move here?"
"N-No," I mentally smacked myself for stuttering. I wasn't some girl that was about to be courted by the man she loved. But why wouldn't my heart stop pounding? "I'm here with my prince who's seeking to become allies with the king here."
"Oh, yes, Feliciano, right?"
I nodded.
"Well, welcome to Terra di Dio!" he laughed.
His accent was not one from here. I assumed he was… Spanish?
"I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself. My name is Antonio Fernandez Carriedo," he continued to grin and I was positive his face was hurting from continuing this. He held his hand for me to shake it.
I shook it, "Lovino Vargas."
"That's a nice name! It's nice to meet you, Lovino," Antonio somehow made my face darken to an impossible shade of red. "Would you like a tour of the town? I'll be more than happy to show you around!"
I didn't have to answer as I fell into stride beside the Spaniard with my heart thundering in my chest excitedly. And with each step I took, my tension eased and I even found myself laughing with him.
His laugh, his smile, his eyes… I adored everything about him.
I couldn't believe it…
I had fallen in love with this man.
Thanks for reading! Had a bit of Spamano in there that will escalate in further chapters :D
Feedback is much appreciated and does not go unnoticed~
This is NightSociety signing out!
