The summer sun shone proudly in the sky as Gilbert watched his charge battle valiantly. The two combatants fought in a dirt circle in the middle of the training field, each blow sending up dust and debris.

A long haired blonde rested his elbows on a fence surrounding the field "Little Germany's grown so handsome since the last time I was here, I should introduce myself…" The Frenchman said with a smirk as his friend fumed. "I swear Francis, if you lay a hand on him-"

The blonde gave a melodic laugh, "Fine, I will not touch him if you answer my question. Do you know if the little prince's vital regions are still his to give?" Blue eye twinkled with a mischievous light.

The German's face flushed as he turned away "I know not of such things."

The smile fell from Francis' elegant features, the humor suddenly gone "Mon Cherie, tell me you didn't…" He made the German face him and continued in a grave tone "A mere romp in the hay is not worth your head."

"You wouldn't understand…And you were talking about doing it yourself a moment ago!" Gilbert was offended that his love for Ludwig was accused of being a one night stand.

"You're the one that doesn't understand. If I bed the boy, I am called a dirty old man." The Frenchman jabbed an accusatory finger into his chest. "You, on the other hand, could be burned at the stake! Many men have sent to an early grave for far less than you have done!"

"I love him, Francis. And if that is the price of caring for him I am happy to accept it."

The blonde shook his head "It must be German trait to have a stupid heart…" A screech caught their attention as Germany was knocked into the dirt.

Francis entered the ring to help the child up before his friend could and noted the boy's strong body. An idea began to take shape in his mind "Tell me, Little Prince, have you ever been to Brandenburg?"

Ludwig peeled of his helmet and shook the dust from his clothes "I haven't, why do you ask?"

The Frenchman grinned "Good, we shall make a day of it."

…

Somehow France had convinced Roderich to let them visit the Prussian territory that same day. Ludwig wondered why the journey was so vital, as the two of them rode through he could little there of importance.

Small, stunted trees searched for purchase in the sandy soil and appeared that if a stiff wind blew, they would topple over. Land that wasn't dry enough to be sand was a swamp. But they still pressed on, the lanky blonde had led him to a hill overlooking the area and finally asked "What do you think of this place?"

Ludwig's eyes scanned the plain, squinting to see small villages dotting the distance "It isn't a prosperous territory, farming is impossible here and it has no natural defenses. Unless the mining is good, I cannot see it being very valuable."

The Frenchman laughed again "You are so harsh with your lover's heart! But I must agree, Brandenburg is a bit of a waste of space isn't it?"

Germany cringed from confusion and guilt at insulting his lover "How can that be?" It didn't make much sense, usually their hearts were made from their nation's capital or another powerful city. So why was Prussia's this empty plain?

Taking amusement in the boy's reaction he explained "This is where the man you know began. As a nation with no recourses, he chose to sell his body on the battlefield to survive. Combat became his trade and Gilbert would flutter between alliances like a butterfly among flowers, always choosing the highest bidder."

"But after a time, even mercenaries grow weary of bloodshed and Roderich struck him a deal. If Prussia defends Austrian-owned lands, neither he nor his people will go hungry. If something causes the treaty to break, I'm afraid your white knight will turn back into a pumpkin."

The German knitted his brows in frustration, it wasn't fair for his uncle to own Gilbert in such a manner "Why are you telling me this?" He asked softly.

"I want to you to know that he is willing to throw his life and honor away for you. If your feelings for him are anything less, end it now before something terrible happens."

Ludwig clenched the leather reins in his hands and spoke sternly "I will build an empire and free him from his need. I don't care if it takes me the rest of my life, but it will be done."

"And what then?"

The boy's cheeks tinted pink and it was the first time Francis had seen him act so innocent "I dare to hope that when that day comes, there will be a church to bless our union."

So the little prince wanted marriage? This was getting interesting.

….

As soon as they returned to the castle the small blonde leapt into his lover's arms, making promises of his devotion. The knight glanced at his friend with curiosity, Francis merely shrugged.