People bicker because their hurt.
People run because their scared.
But what happens when the law of love burns down leaving the ashes of unmarked territories behind to linger?
Chapter one- Ambition, Lust, Vigor
The night sky looked the same from all the kingdoms. Caliginous, the small balls of lights barely able to show. Every time the sun rose, it felt like yet another war was about to commence. But not just war broke out over the last ten years. Much more time was spent between the kings and queens. Along with new emotions being discovered deep within the four rulers that was both surprising, but comprehensible.
"Alice, night is slipping away, aren't you the slightest bit tired?" A man asked, laying on one side of the queen size bed.
"Yes. But you need to leave first." A woman said, peering out the window that wasn't covered by the heavy green silk current.
"Aw~ It's too early though, why?" The man whined.
The woman suddenly snapped her head towards the man, "Francis, I don't need any rumors about me. There are already copious amount of rumors!"
"Alice, I have no idea what happened ten years ago. What I do know is that it's over!" Francis said, sending a glare, making it known that he was serious. Silence ripped the words just from the air, leaving behind a tense atmosphere to linger. It wouldn't be incredulous to believe that he plants would wilt instantly by the two's compelling anger.
"So~ When did you want me to leave?" Francis asked, a wide grin grew upon his lips, replacing the frown.
"Now would be compromise-able." Alice said sternly. As she began to walk over to the bed, her footsteps echoed off the marble floors, creating it to be louder by the loftily ceiling. Slowly making her way towards the blonde she noticed how the profound grin softened to a simple smile. Francis then got up from the bed. Saying nothing more, he opened the wooden heavy door, and left. The halls were decorated with elegant roses and other greenery. It was still dark out, and without a single string of moonlight in the hallways, it felt less than safe. A vexing erg was eating away at Francis. Should he go back to cheek up on Alice? "No,no." Francis murmured to himself, pushing aside what concern he had at the time. As more time dragged on, the nagging feeling just became more aggravating. And before Francis knew it, he was already outside of the castle and in the garden maze. Now, he had only attempted to exit out the maze a hand full of times. Though that didn't mean his chances would change now, at least, that's what Francis thought. So, he took turn after turn without a second a thought. Until he saw something oddly strange.
"Did I pass this rose before?" Francis asked himself. Standing in front of the rose, he examined it carefully. Not like he would get anywhere though. There were thousands of roses in the kingdom of the East. Needless to say, they all looked alike. Francis sighed dramatically, knowing he wouldn't get out of the maze any time soon.
"Oh grand, je suis pris au piège~" Great. What else could happen?
"Vee~ Big brother!" That happened.
Suddenly Francis had a pair of arms wrapped around his waist. And rather tightly.
"Feli! What are you doing out of the castle walls?!" Francis asked, going hysterical when he saw the small child.
"I could ask you the same thing!" Feli screamed, still clinging to Francis' waist. Francis pondered for a moment, trying to think of an answer that would convince him.
"How about we just go home?" Francis said, throwing aside the excuse he had thought of. Even so, all that would be thrown back at him would be a pair of puppy eyes.
"... Fine." The small boy murmured. Finally letting go of the blonde's waist, he stared down at the ground, almost in shame of his fit.
Francis smiled and took Feli's hand into his own. He sighed and continued to wonder in the puzzling environment of the beautiful maze.
Alice's P.O.V
The minute Francis leaves, an idea strikes my mind. I known he wouldn't run the risk of just simply strolling through the front door of the castle, so the only way of such exit was out the maze of the garden. Francis only came and left with an excuse, like a meeting or an idea of considering a partnership as a way for our kingdoms to grow strength. But I do not have such greed over what little power that could provide. As I quickly peer into the darkness of the hallways, I search of any other life forms that may pester or randomly start interrogating me as of why I am roaming at ungodly hours. Slipping off my saddles, I glide my pale, naked feet along the cold, adamant floors. As silent as a fish from one footfall to another.
The more time that passes, the father I got to my desired detestation.
"Make sure all the weapons are in order! Don't forget to clean, water, and cook for dinner! Now, just don't stand there with dumbfounded looks! Get! Going!"
My heart suddenly beings to pick up miles. I presume that was Matthew prescribing the servants their orders. Oh, has he grown. I would never demur his decisions, nor come close to tamper with his questions soon to come. The memories of him being befuddled with simple riddles and questions always did amuse me. Though now, he has knowledge before judgement. I'm proud, I'll say that much. He is my handy work after-all, commingling both knowledge and manners.
"Sister Alice? What are you doing here skittering around like a mouse?" I look up and my eyes meet with a set too familiar. Matthew was standing in front of me, looking down at me with features twisted between confused and amused.
"I don't know what you are talking about Matthew." I answer back, quickly fixing my posture to what it should hold.
"You don't need, or try, to be modest. You wanted to see me, right?" Matthew asked, sending me a small smile. As I take in his morning figure, I notice how little strings of rusty sunlight perched up in his golden blonde hair. His uniform milky white, sustaining a smooth form without a single waver.
I hesitant a moment. Perhaps this idea isn't of the best timing? But when will another moment come up like this again? Still, an agreement can be arranged if this works. I'll have to buy a new dagger too ...
"Alice? I have much to do, can we make this quick?" Matthew asked again, knocking me out of my train of thought.
"Oh, yes. I have a present for the Kingdom of the West." I said, looking up at him hoping he would understand what my eyes read.
At first, he only stared at me with lips curled up. Then, a frown overtook. I amused he read right. "I suppose I still do not know all of you that has to offer. I will get a few men ready for the delivery. When do you wish for them to leave?" Matthew asked, letting out a slight sigh.
"Night fall would be most uncalled for."
"But most appropriate." Matthew said, giving me a reassuring smile. Another thing I love about Matthew; he always has his priorities straight. Plus, even if he were to disobey me, he would not be able to hind. At least, not for too long. But just enough time for him to take the bait.
"I shall get the perpetuation's together. In the meantime, I suggest you get dressed with suitable cloths for the day." Matthew said, before leaving me to go off with his thoughts and duties.
I look at my clothes and the realization of my actions the night before hits me. If my situation wasn't so dire I would go out to the garden and bake in the fresh morning sun. But without another thought of the outside world , I speed walk to my room. To run would be childish. I must be calm at all times. Nobody needs to understand my voice or to be able to read what I think.
After arriving at my room and getting into my proper suit of cloths, I leave to go see Matthew.
At the Kingdom of North
"Finally! That damn maze was getting tiring and a pain." Francis yelled sternly, too angered to pass it on as just another simple annoyance of the day.
"Big brother~!" Francis looked down at his side to see Feli tugging at his shirt.
"O-oh, Feli, is something the matter?" Francis asked, plastering a smile.
"I'm hungry~!" Feli wailed, rubbing his belly with his left hand while still tugging at the taller man's shirt with the other.
Francis couldn't help but smile at the small boy's puppy dog eyes. "How about you go down to the kitchen. The chiefs will cook you anything you want!"
"Pasta~!"
"Yes, Pasta!" As Feli ran towards the kitchen, Francis went his own way to his room.
Night Fall - kingdom of the West - Louise P.O.V
Dinner had passed and bellies were full. The Queen was talking with her little brother as they sat by the window, gazing up at the night sky.
"Schwester, are the kingdoms at peace?" I look at my brother's hoping expression. I'm not quit sure myself.
"Soon." I simply said, plastering a small smile as his features curl up into a reassured grin.
Gilbert is a very curios boy. How he can enter unmarked territory and come out with the same trumped smile is beyond me. Because of that, I worry about him. Maybe even more than the whole Kingdom. Currently there hasn't been any wars. I'm grateful for that much. What happened ten years ago is still lingering in the back of my mind. Never to drift out of that small little troublesome corner. Every time I try to brush it off, it keeps hitting me back with nightmares. It's like what happened ten years ago was a warning. Or even a phase for something bigger. I'm not willing to show my fear to Gilbert. I can't rick his bravery in a time like this. Not when the battle field is quite. It's most likely the others' are planning. Witch is the more reason to stand guard. Gilbert has stood by me even in war, his fascination for the bloody field has yet to cease even in such a calm time.
"Gilbert, do you like war?" I asked, the words roughly exciting from my mouth reluctantly.
Before I heard any answers from Gilbert, I hear screaming. I quickly stand up, only to see burning flames slowly engulfing the stern wooden door of my brother's room.
"Schwester! I'll break down the door!" Gilbert yelled, running past me and into the door.
"Gilbert! No!" I ran after him frantically. When he faced me with that same smile I felt my body sigh with relief, but at the pit of my stomach a burning desire to punch him and scream how scared I was. To yell how stupid and inappropriate that was.
"A-are you OK?!" I asked, staring at his motionless body on the ground where the door once stood. If there is one thing I know for a fact, it's that humans can't smell fear. But nobody said they couldn't hear it. And I was damn sure I heard the terrifying fear in my voice.
"I'm still good!" His body quickly jumped to its feet, then turning to me to give me yet another smile. I didn't move. My feet didn't want to. "Come on!" Before I knew it, Gilbert was dragging me through the flaming hallways. I remember when those halls were once covered with ornate patterns. As a child it felt so surreal. Perhaps it was because I couldn't believe the fact I was going to become ruler some day.
Suddenly, we came to a stop. "What's wrong?" I asked, my expression was a plain frown of confusion.
"We have to jump." Gilbert told me bluntly.
"What? We're on the fifth floor!" I screamed.
"Don't worry, there's a cart of hay down below. You go first." Gilbert said, pointing down at said cart.
"No. I can't-
But before I could finish my sentence, Gilbert pushed me out of the window with no second thought. The second I landed on the soft, stringy hay, the cart moves and dashes off. My head was spinning from the fall, so I couldn't get my focus on where my brother was. I left like panicking. To just jump off the cart and run back for my brother. But my legs laid dead. I tried forcing them up, but to no avail. I couldn't feel pain. Everything felt numb. My eyes moistened and my heart sank at the possibility of losing my baby brother. But what I couldn't understand was why I felt so much ease. I should've been screaming! Kicking my legs, to show no concern for my well-being, but for my brother's. No matter how much red stained my clothes, no matter how people saw me, either brave or weak. I will always put my brother before me.
But ...
But no matter how much I know that in my heart, why do I feel a sense of hesitation in my promised actions?
Then again ... Can I say it so much that I love Gilbert?
A:N/ How's that for a cliffhanger? Ha! Wait until the next chapters to find out~! Thanks for reading! Reviews are appreciated! :D