On to the next chapter! Hope you guys enjoy it! :D

Apparently, based on my old roleplay which I just decided to read through again for reference, I totally screwed up the thrown room scene. lD" oops… oh well, I'll do minor changes in this chapter to make it better.

Chapter 2: Trial and Error

"Fuck. No."

"B-but, Lord Ivan demands that you wear this to dinner, he will accept no less," the young servant explained.

"What the hell do I care about what he wants? I'm not dressing up in a stupid, frilly dress just because that bastard said I had to!" Alfred huffed.

The girl looked down nervously at the dress that was laid out on Alfred's bed. He took one look at her expression and sighed.

"Who gets in trouble if I refuse to wear it?" he asked quietly. Her silence and refusal to meet his gaze was enough of an answer. "Alright, fine. But I'm gonna give that asshole a peace of my mind!"

"Thank you, your majesty!" she said happily, bow in gratitude, before running around gathering all the clothing to go along with the dress.

Alfred looked at it in disgust, all the pinks and lace and ruffles. What made it worse was when the servant girl came back with stocking and frilly undergarments, along with accessories. He felt like he was gonna hurl.

"Can't I just wear my jeans under the dress? It's not like he'd really notice," he mumbled.

She hesitated for a second before reply, "Well, I can't force you into wearing the clothes, but he would be upset if he did notice…"

Alfred sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes underneath his glasses. "Fine, let's just get this over with."

The girl nodded and respectfully turned her back as Alfred undressed and changed into the traditional undergarments. When he finished she helped him with the corset, which he demanded be tied loosely because he wasn't suicidal. Next came the dress that she tied up in the back for him. He slipped the stockings on and let the girl put on the remaining jewelry before he looked at himself in the mirror.

"I look like drag queen little bow peep," he grumbled.

"Like what?" the servant asked, confused.

"Doesn't matter…"

She looked the outfit over in the mirror and smiled softly. "You look lovely, your majesty. Lord Ivan will be pleased."

Alfred sighed yet again as he slipped the shoes on. "Not that I really care about pleasing him."

The girl said nothing in response and led him out of the room when he was ready. As they walked down to the dinning hall, Alfred took the time to observe the castle in the area. The halls were gloomy like the rest, even more so now that he could see the sun beginning to set. If the lighting was better it probably wouldn't have been as creepy, but it wasn't, and Alfred found himself nervously glancing around darker hallways when they passed them.

When they reached the dinning hall the servant bowed and motioned for Alfred to walk in. There were various sculptures around the room, large windows covering one side with the heavy curtain drawn back to let in the dwindling light, and a large, beautiful chandelier above the large table in the center. Only two places had plates and silverware, the end table and the one directly to its right.

"The king always sits at the end with the Queen to his right. When the king enters, you stand until he sits down. Lord Ivan should be here shortly," she explained before excusing herself.

Alfred sighed and in his chair to wait for Ivan. He heard the guards greet him and instantly he felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. Ivan walked in and Alfred refused to stand and greet him, the king didn't really seem to notice.

"You look beautiful, my love," Ivan said softly as he passed Alfred's chair. He gently took his hand and kissed the back of it, much to Alfred's horror.

He ripped his hand out of Ivan's grip, trying to keep as much of his dignity in tact. "I do not, I'm wearing a stupid dress! Last time I checked, most guys don't dress like this!" he huffed angrily.

Ivan frowned and took his own seat. "It was a very expensive dress, and you look gorgeous in it, so stop complaining," he replied.

"If it was so expensive, why did you buy it? Jeans and a shirt are just fine and very cheap." Alfred sulked in his chair, glaring at nothing. "And men aren't beautiful!"

"I want you to wear the dresses, I think you are beautiful, so you should be thankful for the compliment," Ivan shot back. He was getting annoyed, Alfred could tell. He would probably behead the next person that crossed him, so Alfred backed down.

Servants soon began pouring out into the room, placing platter of food down on the table and pouring them wine. When they brought the main courses out, the only carrying Alfred's food tripped and almost dropped the food. Ivan scowled and glared harshly, yelling for the guards. Alfred watched in horror as the guards grabbed the man, now panicking, and began dragging him away.

"No, wait!" he yelled, but the guards ignored him.

"Don't mind them, Alfred. Just eat your food and let me handle the servants."

"No! What are you going to do with him?" Alfred demanded. "Behead him? That's not fair, he doesn't deserve it!"

Ivan just glared at Alfred. "Of course I'm going to behead him. And he does deserve it. I have to keep order in my kingdom and the fear of death does that very well."

"All he did was trip! What kind of psycho kills someone for an everyday mistake that I make all the time? And I'm sure you trip sometimes, too!" he yelled and jabbed a finger at Ivan.

Ivan scowled and grabbed his wrist tightly, pulling him closer. "Then it is a good thing the Queen has immunity from persecution. But I am the King in this Kingdom and even when you are queen my power will be supreme. You do not call the shots here, it would be wise for you to learn that. Now eat you dinner," he growled, harshly releasing Alfred's wrist.

He rubbed the sore wrist and looked down at his food. Even with all the servant's struggling, they were just about to drag him from the room. It was his fault for angering Ivan with the dress. Maybe if he hadn't he would have been easier on the poor man. He only had one last chance to save him, and if it didn't work…

"Please don't kill him…"

"Why shouldn't I? He deserves it for almost wasting a whole plate of food," Ivan replied, looking cold and angry with Alfred.

"Because it's too cruel… please don't do it…" he begged softly, looking up at him with pleading eyes. He couldn't be responsible for another person's death, he was going to be sick… "Please, Ivan…"

Ivan's cold front dropped and he looked at Alfred in surprise. To make the marriage and coronation ceremony go smoother he would need to make Alfred fall in love with him as soon as possible. If sparing the servant would make Alfred warm up quicker, than he would do it. Right as they were about to pull the man out of the room, Ivan yelled, "Guards! Release him."

Alfred looked at Ivan in surprise before the relief settled in. He looked down at his plate and sighed softly. "Thank you," he mumbled quietly.

Ivan offered Alfred a smile, which the boy had to force one to return it, and replied, "You're welcome, Alfred."

0000

Alfred changed out of the dress again with the help of the maid and changed into his pajamas. Which, of course, was another dress. Damn that bastard! He didn't pay too much attention to it though as he sat on the ledge by his window. He knew Ivan would never let him leave and he wouldn't be able to leave the castle knowing that Ivan would continue to kill innocent people. He would never see his family again, or at least for a very long time.

He thought of his dad, the man Alfred craved to be exactly like in every way. A just man who stood up for those who couldn't defend themselves, and for freedom and justice. One of the best pilots in the air force. That bomber jacket was they last connection he had to him, so nothing much changed there.

Then he thought of his mother, how distant she was, and her husband that she took after Alfred's father died at war. His brothers that he never got along with… his Dog, Whiskey, that his dad bought him before he died. They were gone from his life now.

He curled up on the seat, leaning against the window for support. The cold glass felt good against his skin, and soon he felt himself drifting off to sleep.

That night he dreamt of a boy around his age, one with a kind smile and sandy brown hair. He stood in the middle of a sunflower field, smiling softly as the sun's rays beat down on him. Alfred couldn't make out too many features on the boy's face, except for the hair and a pair of violet, kind eyes. He looked familiar, but Alfred just couldn't place it. So, he the fearless hero that he was, he approached the boy.

"Hello?" he called out.

The boy turned to look at him, smiling sweetly at him. He opened his mouth to reply when everything started to shake and a noise drowned out the boy's voice. Before Alfred could ask him to repeat what he said, the boy disappeared in a blinding light.

"You are going to be sore from sleeping there all night," someone's voice said.

Alfred crack opened his eyes only to shut them again and groan. "Sleep," he managed o mumble, trying to turn away from the person trying to wake him.

"It is already noon, how can you still be tired?" the voice asked incredulously.

Ah, no he recognized it. "Tired," he mumbled, trying to fall back asleep, but the more Ivan spoke and shook him, the less tired he became.

"Love, you need to get up and eat something," Ivan sighed deciding to just pick Alfred and carry him over to the bed.

Alfred's eyes instantly shot open and he struggled. "H-hey! What the hell are you doing, put me down!" he demanded.

Ivan chuckled and placed him gently on the bed. "Still tired?" he asked in amusement.

Alfred crossed his arms, and glared. "Well, I was until you rudely woke me up!" he huffed.

The king of Wonderland just smiled and walked over to the wardrobe, opening the doors to look at the dresses. "Come pick out something to wear, or I will for you. Keep in mind, it's a bit warmer out today."

Alfred grumbled and got up, begrudgingly looking through the dresses. He didn't want to wear another dress, but he didn't exactly trust Ivan not to pick something skimpy and creepy. "Where's the maid that helped me yesterday?" he asked.

"I gave her something else to do this morning so I could help you instead," Ivan replied as he gather the other clothing for him, just as the maid had the day before.

"Cuz that's not creepy at all," he mumbled as he pulled a dress out that he deemed worthy enough.

Either Ivan didn't hear him or he did acknowledge the comment as he just pulled out the clothing for him. Alfred sighed and started dressing and Ivan laced up the corset. Having Ivan so close made him uncomfortable, but he knew there was no arguing with the guy. He was like a giant spoiled child!

When Ivan finished tying the corset Alfred felt his hand lingering on his shoulders, right before a soft kiss was placed there. Ivan's lips were soft and gentle against his skin, sending a small tingle through his body. What was that all about?

So he jumped in surprise at the small kiss. "H-hey!" he huffed embarrassedly.

Ivan cleared his throat and stepped back with his own blush on his face. Was the creepy guy embarrassed? "Sorry," he mumbled in reply.

"What was that for?" Alfred asked.

"I couldn't help myself, I wanted to kiss the man I love," Ivan replied as if it were obvious.

"Love?! How could you love me? You don't even know me!"

Ivan's eyebrows drew together as he looked at Alfred in confusion. "I have loved you my whole life; I have waited for you for that long. I love even more now that I see how beautiful you are," he replied softly, stroking Alfred's cheek.

Alfred pulled away from the touch by turning his head. "What are you talking about?" He didn't want Ivan to love him, he just wanted to help people and then return home.

Ivan sighed, letting his hand drop back to his side. "The oracle foretold your arrival, that you would be my Queen. I knew that if I actually were to take on a queen, that would mean that I loved that person more than life itself. So, I have loved you, knowing that you would be the only one for me."

"Right…" Alfred mumbled quietly.

He heard Ivan sigh again and the ruffling of clothing. "Come, let's put your dress on."

Alfred complied and allowed Ivan to tie it up and help make sure it was laying correctly on him. He was starting to realize that the dress wasn't so bad because, those clothes underneath? Yeah, they were probably the most ridiculous looking getup he'd ever seen. It was less embarrassing to be seen in the dress.

"You look beautiful," Ivan mumbled ad he took in Alfred's form.

"You sure like throwing that word around, huh?" Alfred sighed and slipped on the shoes.

Ivan chuckled and smiled down at him. "I find it to be a highly accurate description of you."

"Whatever you say, big guy," Alfred mumbled dryly.

Ivan held out his arm to Alfred, and invitation as well as a way to beckon Alfred over. "Come, I plan on showing you your new home today."

Alfred shrugged and laced their arms together, like he knew Ivan expected. He was starting to understand that he needed to play by Ivan's rules or else someone would pay the price. So, he quietly walked out and allowed Ivan to lead him through the building.

Everything looked the same to Alfred, dark and gloomy, but the light coming through the windows was helping. A little. It was like there was a thick haze in the air, one that no one could see, but it made the light struggle to penetrate it. With the way the building was designed, it probably should have looked brighter and more inviting…

After Ivan showed him around the castle they made their way outside, walking through the court yard and enjoying the afternoon. "What is your favorite flower?" Ivan asked, out of the blue.

"Huh? Uh… I dunno… I guess rose are cool," he replied. Roses were the national flowers of America, so they had to be cool!

Ivan smiled softly and nodded in agreement. "I prefer sunflowers, but roses are very beautiful also," he agreed.

Ivan opened up a small gate for Alfred and he walked through into a very large garden. As far as the eye could see were roses, red roses, massive amounts cluttered together in a very tasteful fashion. In the center was a fountain and a small table with two chairs. There was another gate ate the edge of the garden which probably led to another section, but he was too busy be led around by Ivan.

"Do you like it?" he asked softly, smiling at Alfred.

"Uh, yeah, it's really nice in here. It smells good too," he commented, looking around.

"I hope you find this garden to be a satisfying place to relax," Ivan mumbled and he brought Alfred's hand to his lips, ghosting his lips across his knuckles.

Alfred felt a tingle run through his arm and he shuddered. Ivan seemed just as surprised as Alfred was when he didn't tear his hand from the other man's grip. He was just to shocked to move! Yeah, that was it.

They stayed in the garden for a while longer making awkward small talk, before they returned to the castle for lunch. The rest of the day was mostly the same, Ivan showing him around while adding in the occasional affectionate action towards Alfred. By the end of the day he stopped reacting to every little thing, finally getting used to Ivan touching him.

After dinner Ivan walked Alfred to his room, smiling softly to himself. They stopped when he reached his door, Alfred being the only one who apparently felt awkward in the situation. Ivan just kept smiling softly at him.

"Err, well, good night," Alfred mumbled.

"May I have a kiss?" Ivan asked softly.

"What? Why?" He huffed, embarrassed.

"I would just like a kiss goodnight from my beautiful podsolnechnik," he purred.

"Podshol- what?"

Ivan chuckled and stroked Alfred's cheek. "It is Russian for sunflower."

"Russian? Why do you speak Russian in this world if Russia's not a country?"

"Hmm" I don't know. But what about that kiss?" Ivan reminded, completely brushing off Alfred's comment.

Ivan looked down at with such a kind and hopeful look in his eye, like a dog when it's about to get a treat, that he felt himself caving. "Well… maybe just one. But make it quick."

The taller man chuckled and leaned in, kissing Alfred softly, sweetly. He felt a jolt of electricity shoot through him as their lips touched, and Alfred found himself actually responding. It was kind and tender, but just the wonderful feeling that it created made his skin heat up, his blood race. How did Ivan affect him so much?

Much to his disappointment, Ivan pulled away and broke the kiss. "Goodnight, my love," he whispered softly to Alfred.

"Night!" Alfred nearly squeaked in embarrassment, and he fled into his bedroom.

He heard Ivan chuckle before walking away, and Alfred tried to will his heart to stop beating to quickly. What was happening to him?

Sorry for the delay, I've had some killer writer's block. :/ And it's still not any better.

I keep working on this yaoi comic that I'll eventually post online so all my fanfics are just like, blaaaaaaah… :/

I'll try to most more often. ^^;