:Striped Neko strolls in wearing a t-shirt imprinted with the phrase, "I labored on fanfics this holiday—what did YOU do?": No, seriously, it was a pretty good day and since it is 10pm my time, I have made it under my deadline. Yay! So, here, as promised, and explanation of all of Gunter's gifts, Wolfram's realizations, and the introductions of Gunter's family. So, in reviews, Anne wrote that she felt my characterization of Wolfram to this point was two-dimensional, and I feel she has some evidence to support that claim. I have purposefully, to this point, played on those singular aspects of Wolfram's character, Vanity and Jealousy, but a savvy reader, which Anne clearly is, is right to ask whether or not that was all I had intended for Wolfram. Wolfram is not, in this story, the main antagonist, as he was in Desperate Times. But, like so many of you, Anne seems to have an uncanny sense as to where I'm heading in a fic. So, if you've not abandoned this story, Anne, I'd be interested to know what you think of Wolfram in this chapter. See, for me, it's not so much the petty actions that are Wolfram's issue in this story (though I still think he deserved how Yuuri broke things off with him), but his discovery of who he was always meant to be that's important. But, he's only a side player in this tale, so I'm only willing to give him just so much face time. Ultimately, the central relationship in this story is Gunter/Yuuri, and I hope, though, that I can bring about a fullness to the rest of the characters as well—it will just take some time…and how often have I said THAT in these notes?? And, I certainly hope you all had an awesome holiday and were able to enjoy whatever festivities you had planned. I got called into work for a while, or I would have finished this chap and answered the rest of your reviews earlier. My sincere apologies for that. Thank you, as always, so very much for reading, and I will see you at the bottom of the page…
The Twelfth Treasure of Shin Makoku – A Fairy Tale
For those whom have always been misunderstood, or discounted, there is a special sort of torment. It is like drowning in a pool filled with other swimmers more content to watch your suffering than to provide assistance. For those men not wise enough to perform self-introspection it can become an addictive salve—indulging in self-pity. The jealous prince, however, was motivated by more than just a need to revenge himself upon those he blamed for his misfortunes. He suffered from more than an affront to his dignity—his value had been questioned, his honor and his love. Accountability, however, reconciles her ledgers with a mean hand, and that day of judgment must come to every mazoku.
What rose can compare to the fresh bloom of true love? In the demon-king's eyes there could be no one to rival his beautiful lord, for all that he loved his companions. Feeling whole, finally, surrounded by those who cared for him most, the boy-king began to discover, truly, that treasure has a value of its own—unable to be quantified in terms of currency. To hold the heart of another is to bear the greatest responsibility, and for the Maou who holds the future of a nation in his hand, the duty is a yoke from which only death or deposement can release him. The young ruler looked into the rising sun, smiling…for he refused to die. Not that day.
--O.o.O—
Part Seven: Parents of many children plan it that way—you never know when you'll need an extra pair of hands.
Being pretty on the inside means you don't hit your brother and you eat all your peas. That's what my grandma taught me—Lord Chesterfield
Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring – quite often the hard way—Pamela Dugdale
Having two older brothers is a healthy reminder that you're always closer to the bottom than the top—Andy Roddick
--O.o.O—
After his bath, feeling more at ease at least where Conrad was concerned, Yuuri had returned to the room he'd been assigned to find a large, fluffy black robe waiting on the bed. It looked so comfortable and soft that he didn't even think about getting dressed, just dropped his towel and slipped into the oversized garment. As he was tying it, a small note fluttered from the oversized sleeve. He picked it up from the floor and recognized Gunter's elegant handwriting.
Yuuri,
My sister insisted on making this for you the moment she heard you were here in Heyerdahl. If there is time before dinner, and you would like to talk or rest, I'll be waiting in my room. A map is on the back, in case you don't know which door is mine.
With love,
Gunter
Over the years, Yuuri had received many notes from his adjutant. It had always been Gunter who made out his daily schedule and kept his appointment calendar. Gunter was his teacher, too, so he had written assignments from him. Then, whenever Gunter traveled, he always kept Yuuri informed of his movements by way of pigeon mail. However, in all the years he'd been in Shin Makoku, and all the letters he'd ever received from the older mazoku, none had ever been addressed to him by his name. Yuuri smiled, feeling unaccountably happy, and tucked the note into his pocket after studying the tiny map. He did want to see Gunter, and for more than just the man's searing kisses—though he wanted those, too. Yuuri searched his larger bag until he found the small one that contained the gifts Gunter had given him over the years. Holding the small sack tight, he left his room and negotiated the winding corridors of Gunter's home until he found himself in front of a door he recognized from his dreams.
"Come in, Yuuri," Gunter's voice beckoned him even before he could knock.
Feeling strangely nervous and shy, Yuuri slipped into Gunter's room. It looked the way he remembered it from his dream, with a few slight alterations. The large bed was still the dominant piece of furniture in the room, and the bed coverings still white. But there were also bookshelves lining every wall that he hadn't noticed in his dream, broken only by the large, ornate fireplace. The room's window, that he remembered, was open and a soft breeze wafted the sheers. There was a desk in one corner, piled over with books and papers; a sense of organization was present however. And, finally, there was Gunter, wrapped in a robe similar to his own, only instead of black, Gunter's robe was just as snowy white as his bedspread. The tall man was lounging on a sort of chaise, in front of a low table, a book in his hand. He reminded Yuuri of the pictures he'd seen in his textbooks of Roman emperors—One leg bent at the knee, foot on the cushion of the lounge, the other on the floor, his head supported on his hand, his elbow on the side arm-rest of the chaise. He closed his book around his long index finger, and looked at Yuuri, his violet eyes glowing with happiness in the afternoon sun.
"Forgive me, Yuuri," he said softly. "It is rude of me to comment on it, but I can feel your relief. May I assume you've made peace with Conrad?"
Yuuri nodded and pressed his back against Gunter's door. "We had a good talk, yes. I think everything's going to be ok. And I do feel relieved, I don't want to lose either of you—not ever."
"I have given you my word that I will never leave you. I will keep it. My heart is much lightened by your news."
"You look…" Yuuri swallowed, feeling his cheeks heat with blush. "You look very beautiful, Gunter."
Gunter smiled at him, his eyes deepening in color slightly. A slight blush pinked his pale cheeks, but his expression was content. His adjutant and lover put his book on the table and stood up. Yuuri watched, frozen in his spot, as Gunter came to stand in front of him, bracing himself with one palm against the door, right next to Yuuri's head.
He leaned down and whispered in Yuuri's ear. "If I am beautiful, heika, let it be in your eyes alone. Yours is the only opinion that matters to me."
Yuuri turned, easily finding Gunter's lips and kissed the tall man gently. It was the most achingly sweet touch he'd ever experienced. Different from the kisses he'd shared with his adjutant before—he could barely describe it. There was no devouring need to be consumed, or to explore, just his lips clinging to Gunter's, a feeling of complete trust flowing between them. This kiss, despite its simplicity, spoke volumes about the depth of Gunter's love. Yuuri couldn't help the dampness on his lashes, or the tightness in his throat. It seemed strange, he'd never felt this kind of longing before, this sensation of hope that everything he'd always wanted would finally be his…the feelings were true, but strange as though they weren't…his.
"Gunter?" he whispered, as the tall man pulled back slightly. "Was that…is that how you really feel? That was you, wasn't it?"
"Yes, Yuuri. It is easier for me to show you than tell you, though…I've always told you how I feel."
"For all these years, then…everything you said and not just the tears but your worries and concerns for me…you really have loved me all this time, haven't you?"
"Yes," the beautiful man said, his simple confession warming Yuuri's heart, yet making him sad, too.
"I'm sorry I made you wait so long," Yuuri said, reaching up to stroke Gunter's cheek. His lover canted his head, nuzzling into Yuuri's palm.
"You weren't ready, and it was never definite that you were ever going to be ready. I never really thought I'd be here, right now, with you, as we are. I hoped, of course, and I dreamed—all the time. But I never really believed it."
"Then…what about these gifts?" Yuuri asked, nudging Gunter's stomach with the bag he was holding. "They weren't…courting gifts?"
"Not consciously, but I…admit that I wanted each and every gift I've ever given you to be special."
Gunter took his hand, leading Yuuri from the door to the soft lounge. He leaned back on the small sofa, and pulled the younger man between his legs. Yuuri snuggled back for a moment, then leaned forward and started to take the gifts from the bag, arranging them in a line.
"I've wanted to ask about these from the time I found you again, but so much was happening. I showed you some while we were riding, but, I don't understand everything. What I don't understand most, though, is why you never said anything about them."
"You asked me, in your thank you notes, not to. You said you didn't want to upset Wolfram…didn't you?"
Yuuri shook his head, now very confused. "I had never seen these before, Gunter—any of them, until the night you left. Wolfram had kept them for years, though I don't know why, and Greta found them after you were gone. So, how could I write you any notes, when I didn't know they existed at all?"
Yuuri took a deep breath, smoothing away the confused lines of Gunter's brow and explained all the events that had taken place at Blood Pledge Castle, in order, from the time Gunter left until the time that the search party rode out in search of the missing adjutant.
"I…I hardly know what to say." Gunter replied, his lips quirked in the expression that Yuuri had come to recognize indicated his adjutant's deep thought. "After every gift I left for you—these gifts all being the ones I left for you without handing them to you directly—a note would end up on my desk, written in your hand, heika, of that I am certain. Granted, the first notes seemed a little stilted, not like your normal speech, but over the years—I would never have questioned their authenticity. However, the last gift I made for you—"
"The love-knot?" Yuuri whispered.
"Yes, just so," Gunter replied, nodding. "I waited for you to say something, all arrival day, but…you didn't. Then, when I was coming down the hall and ran into Wolfram, the altercation wasn't much…and I over-reacted, I know, but just seeing him there, so casually dismissing the gifts I'd chosen for you…I could feel the rage building in me, and I knew it was better to leave the castle then, possibly, lose my temper. So, maybe I didn't acknowledge them as such, but maybe, if I'm honest now…I can say that, yes, they were courting gifts all along."
"Courting gifts," Yuuri repeated, thoughtfully. "I really don't understand much about them, or how courting is accomplished. I sort of skipped that step with Wolfram, but…well, you're the one who has always been my teacher, Gunter. I don't suppose…" he broke off and took a deep breath. "I don't suppose you would teach me how to court you?"
"H—Heika…you already have my love, my devotion. You don't need to court me." Gunter stroked his long fingers against Yuuri's neck. "You don't need to win me, Yuuri. I already belong to you."
"I know that," Yuuri whispered, closing his eyes and leaning into his lover's touch. "But, I want to. I want to…do this right. It's important to me. Gunter, I've never given you the respect you deserve, or treated you the way you deserved to be treated—please let me do this, help me do this…I want to show you what you mean to me."
"You're serious, aren't you?"
Yuuri turned, and curled against Gunter's chest. "Very serious."
"I…I don't know what to say." Gunter's voice was thick and Yuuri could see the tears shining in his eyes. He smiled to himself—Gunter would always cry, it seemed, and it no longer bothered Yuuri in the least.
"Then…maybe you should say yes..?"
"Yes, Yuuri." Gunter bent his neck and touched the king's lips again, sealing his answer with another soft kiss. "Yes, you may court me."
"I don't know how to go about it," Yuuri said, when his mouth was no longer occupied.
"Well, it's not a difficult process. There are some traditions involved, of course. I…I could lend you a book, and it should explain it to you. That might be better than my explaining it—less awkward?"
"That would be great," Yuuri replied, relieved. He wanted to be able to surprise Gunter with some things, still, and he wouldn't be able to do that if it was Gunter himself always telling him what to do. "Maybe…maybe you could start though, by telling me about your gifts. I figured out a lot of them, but many still escape me and I haven't sorted out the time-line. I'm sorry about that—I feel guilty about it, still."
"You shouldn't feel badly, my love," Gunter said, his genuine smile in place. "It would be too unfeeling of me to expect you to put everything in context after the fact. Come—show me what you have puzzled out so far, and I'll help you understand the rest."
Gunter stood up, leaning over the table and lifting it easily. He carried it over to the fireplace, and though it was much to mild outdoors to require a fire during the day, it was a larger space, easier to stretch out for both men. When he'd settled the table to his liking, he motioned for Yuuri to come over, then arranged some pillows comfortably on the floor, and guided Yuuri down until the Maou was seated in front of the table, Gunter's body wrapped around him. The tall mazoku held him close to his chest, his legs flanking Yuuri's hips, and his chin resting on Yuuri's shoulder. Some of Gunter's hair settled over Yuuri's chest, and he played with it, twirling it in his fingers.
"I was able to figure out the first one easily, because you signed and dated it. I have read some of the poems, too, and it would have helped me, I think, if I'd had it to consult in the early days. Where did you get it?"
"It was mine, when I was a boy, Heika."
"It was yours?" Yuuri felt his heart expand in his chest, just a little. He knew Gunter's love of books and to think that he'd given something of his own to Yuuri—something so precious, made the boy-king feel very humble.
"The second was the acorn, right? Because of that phrase our two worlds share."
"That's right, Yuuri."
The third and fourth—the painting and the mirror. Yozak said that you painted it. Did you really?"
"I did, yes."
Yuuri felt Gunter's arms tighten around him for a moment then relax.
"I had been very worried when you left for Bandarbia Island, but I knew you would be protected. I just…I wanted to be there, myself, to watch over you. After you returned, I was so proud of you, I just wanted to paint something for you to remember your triumph. It was one of the first of many."
"You always know what to say to make me blush," Yuuri muttered.
"It looks good on you," Gunter whispered next to his ear, nibbling his lobe just a little. Yuuri sighed in happiness.
"What comes next?"
"Ah, that would be the small knife," Gunter replied, reaching over Yuuri and picking up the blade. "I left this for you after the first assassination attempt made in the castle itself. I wanted you to have something small to use for self-defense."
"That seems a little dangerous!" Yuuri exclaimed. "I wasn't very good with a knife then, or now for that matter! What if I'd slipped and hurt someone…like Conrad, or Wolfram—or even you! You've had to wake me up before, and what if I'd cut you?"
"That would never happen." Gunter handed him the blade. "Try it for yourself. Cut me."
"I will not!" Yuuri said sharply, shocked by the suggestion.
"I promise it will be all right, Heika. Cut me."
Gunter's voice definitely had an undercurrent of amusement running through it—just enough to make Yuuri suspicious. He turned the handle in his hand and lightly pricked the very tip against Gunter's forearm. Nothing. Not even a drop of blood. Emboldened by the lack of reaction, he pressed the knife against the man he loved once more, this time laying the edge of the blade against Gunter's perfect, alabaster skin. Nothing. So, finally, he slashed at Gunter's arm, yet nothing happened at all.
"Is it…is it magic?" Yuuri asked.
"The blade itself is not, no. It is just a common knife. However, I have placed a small protection spell on it—it acts only according to your wishes, Heika. This blade will never cut anyone you've designated as an ally, friend…or lover."
"Lover…?" Yuuri repeated, swallowing hard. His blood began to pound in his veins as he felt the heat from Gunter's body seeping into him.
"Yes," Gunter answered, nuzzling his neck. "I would like to tell you I had myself in mind, but…you were still engaged to Wolfram, but you also had been fighting a great deal. Sometimes, even the people we love aren't our friends, so I thought if I included that in my spell, Wolfram would be safe, even in the midst of one of your arguments, or if he woke you abruptly with his flailing."
"Until I learned about everything he'd done—everything he'd hidden from me, I don't think I would ever have counted Wolfram as an enemy. I was angry when I learned about what he did though. I've never been that angry. Conrad had to prevent me from losing myself to the Maou, and I think right at that moment, I might have hurt him. Gwendal was smart and fast—he took Wolfram away before I could hurt him. I didn't see him after that. I wrote to break our engagement and Gwendal acted as go-between for me. Then I left to come find you. Even now, I don't really understand why he acted like he did. But, my temper has calmed down now, I suppose because we're together and ultimately, Wolfram's actions didn't harm us. Still…I wonder how things might have been different if I'd been brave enough, proactive enough to end our engagement when I should have. I treated him poorly, Gunter. I wish things had been different."
"Your heart…your nature has always been to forgive, Yuuri." Gunter snuggled him closer. "Wolfram's actions are understandable, now that I am removed from my own hurt. I am sure he felt threatened by my gifts, and jealous. He has never wanted to lose your affection. Considering how your engagement began, the rather false pretenses under which it was maintained, I am not surprised that he felt challenged by my gifts."
"I should have released him a long time ago. I really didn't want to hurt him, and for a long time, well, I wasn't worried about it because I wasn't about to slap anyone else. I really did think that if he broke things off with me, then we'd be able to stay friends. I don't hate him, Gunter. I really do care about him."
"I know you do, Yuuri. I think the best choice right now is to wait and see what happens."
"I think you're right." Yuuri sighed in contentment. It felt so good to have Gunter back, to be able to have his opinion, his counsel. Next to Conrad, Yuuri had always depended on Gunter's insight. He arranged the gifts on the table in order, adding the knife in fifth place.
Gunter reached out and added the jewel, the pressed flower, and the partially empty bottle of philter to the line.
"When did you give me these?" Yuuri asked. "I know the philter was from when I couldn't get home."
"The jewel is a shade-stone, Heika. You will see that it is a violet color now?"
"Yes, but it wasn't before. Before, when I was first looking at it, it was almost Topaz."
Gunter nodded. "This stone changes color when you are near to your advisors. It was meant to help you find us when you were still getting lost in the castle. Violet for me, Topaz for Conrad, Indigo for Gwendal, Emerald for Wolfram and bright white for Anissina."
"Anissina?" Yuuri asked. "But why Anissina, Gunter…she's wonderful, but she's not my advisor, really."
Gunter's laugh was light, merry. "No, Yuuri-darling…it's so you can run!"
Yuuri laughed in spite of himself. It wasn't often that he fell victim to Anissina's experiments, but still…the memories were not…pleasant.
"The pressed flower is one that I grew while you were away from the castle, during our search for the boxes…to remind you that there is beauty even in times of great sorrow, and the philter, you already know about."
"What would have happened, Gunter, if I'd taken the philter the way you intended?"
"In your dreams, as I mentioned before, you would have seen that which you wanted to most—which at he time was your family, I'm sure. You were so homesick, Yuuri, it broke my heart. I know how much your family means to you, and I understand, maybe even more than you know, because my family is important to me, too."
"But, we wouldn't have been connected—the way we are now?"
"No. This is not a burden I would ever has asked you to bear. It is why we are so careful with the philter in my family. To take on a knowledge of another persons feelings is a great responsibility. And, in this case, it cannot be undone. I really am sorry, Yuuri, because you never had a choice. You didn't understand what would happen, I know that."
"I've told you that I don't regret it," Yuuri replied, taking Gunter's hand and lifting his fingers to his lips. He pressed a small kiss to each one, feeling the slight tingle along his nerves that he now recognized as Gunter's response to his touch.
"Still, it is something we should have discussed, and decision you should have made with a full understanding of what it meant."
"Are you sorry?" he asked.
"No," Gunter whispered. "I want nothing more than to be close to you in every way, Yuuri."
The husky quality of Gunter's voice, the unspoken promise behind the words, made Yuuri's heart beat faster. He wanted to finish with the presents, but he also wanted Gunter's touch and he was torn between going on and just forgetting about his project and melting into Gunter's hands. Aware of his distress, Yuuri was sure, Gunter quickly added the cloth, the ring and the love-knot to the line of gifts.
"The cloth looks familiar," Yuuri said, trying to focus on the gifts.
"It is from the first cape we had made for you when you came to Shin Makoku. You are a grown man now, Heika, and it has been a long time since you wore that garment. I found it while I was taking inventory in the treasure room. Before I gave it to Greta to add to her dress-up collection, I took this piece of cloth to remind you how far you have come—how much you have accomplished."
"Everything you've given me, every present, over the years has always been so thoughtful. I can't believe you remembered that."
"I think of you constantly, Yuuri."
"And, this…?" He pointed to the tenth of his treasures.
"This ring," Gunter said, pressing his lips to the side of Yuuri's neck, "was my father's. It is not the symbol of our family, I wear that one, but it has been worn by the men in our family for centuries. It symbolizes our commitment to serve the Maou. I left this for you on the eve of your last birthday—it has been tradition that each Maou would return the ring when he or she accepted our continued loyalty. You are well of age now, Yuuri, and can decide for yourself if you still want my family's support."
"Which finger?" Yuuri whispered.
"Right hand, third finger,' Gunter whispered back, continuing his line of kisses down Yuuri's shoulder. "While you have always had my love and my loyalty, Heika, let this, then, reconfirm the Von Kleist vow of constancy to you and to Shin Makoku," the older man said, solemnly.
Yuuri reached for the ring, taking it from the table with trembling fingers. He slipped it onto Gunter's finger when the beautiful man held out his hand. "I accept your pledge, Gunter."
Yuuri's lover shifted behind him, pushing off the floor, coming to his feet and drawing Yuuri with him. Yuuri could have cried with relief, the tension that had built between them was wreaking havoc on his senses. He reached up, his hands shaking now, and parted Gunter's robe, exposing the man's strong shoulders and broad chest. Gunter's features were delicate, perfect and while his body was slim and lithe, the power of his form, the sleek movements of his coiled muscles showed very clearly that he was definitely all male. Yuuri leaned closer, pressing his lips to Gunter's skin, just over his beating heart, causing his beloved to suck in a sharp breath. He felt Gunter's hands traveling over him, sliding the robe from his own shoulders and down his arms, until he shrugged and let the fabric slip down to pool around his feet. He felt cold for just a moment while Gunter leaned back and shifted out of his own robe, then he was pressed tightly against Gunter's warm skin as his lover held him close.
His brain felt foggy, almost woozy, as he leaned up for a kiss. He thought he remembered what it was like to be skin to skin with Gunter, but his sensations in their shared dreams must have been diminished, because this was heated, and the friction of their skin, sliding against each other, made his head swim and robbed him of steady breath.
"Heika," Gunter sighed, against his lips, "we have a little time before dinner, not enough, but…a little. Will you…let me hold you, as we once did in our dreams?"
Yuuri nodded, unable to speak, overwhelmed by the hot desire that had pooled in his stomach and was now racing along his limbs. He curled against Gunter when the strong man lifted him from his feet, and carried him to his large bed. It was softer than he remembered, and the cool sheets against Yuuri's overheated skin felt soft and soothing. The brief separation that happened, between Gunter putting him down and then coming to cover him with his own body was too long for Yuuri's comfort, so he arched against his beautiful lover, anxious to put as much of himself in contact with Gunter as possible.
"Gunter," he said, his voice rough with want. "The love-knot, please. When you left, I read about it…did you make it as art, or did you make it because you were…offering me your heart?"
"I told myself I wanted to give you something to symbolize my connection to you—something that would also remind you of your home. The truth is that I have been in love with you for so long, Yuuri, that I poured everything of myself into that one gift, against the foolish hope that you might finally see my passion for you. So, yes, I was offering you my heart and more if you wanted it…if you wanted me."
Yuuri gasped as Gunter's mouth latched onto his shoulder again, licking and kissing his over-sensitive skin. How did he know all those spots that made Yuuri senseless with desire?
"I want you, Gunter…you have to know that."
The passion-haze that had descended over Yuuri's gaze lifted as Gunter pulled away, and gave Yuuri the most beatific smile he'd ever seen. He watched, feeling lazy and thrilled all at once, as Gunter shifted, held out his hand, and manipulated his fingers. Then, Yuuri heard the bolt on Gunter's door shoot home. He huffed out a slight laugh, grinning up at Gunter before tangling his fingers in his lover's long, lavender hair and pulling him back down for another, longer, hotter kiss.
"I promised you locking doors, Yuuri." Gunter said, just before he swooped down and kissed Yuuri, filling him with so much desire that the young king felt like he was drowning—and he never wanted it to end.
--O.o.O—
Standing in Shinou's temple, dripping wet and looking into the mysterious, black eyes of an equally wet Sibuya Shori, Wolfram Von Bielefeld knew he was in over his head. He realized that if he had planned this better, he would have asked Ulrike-sama to help him travel directly to the Von Bielefeld lands. Now, standing in front of the diminutive priestess, he felt his plan to be foolish. How was he going to maintain this charade he'd started, and if Gwendal caught him in his lies…well, Wolfram didn't even want to think about it. He shook his head, shivering from the damp, and unsure how to respond to Ulrike-sama's pleasant, though surprised inquiries concerning the sudden appearance of the Maou's brother.
"I have heard of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the recent severing of my brother's engagement, Ulrike-sama. I have come to lend my support as his elder brother."
"Oh, I see," The priestess replied, her gaze becoming sympathetic. "Yuuri-heika is not at the castle at present, Shori-sama, but he is expected to return within the week—at least that is what we hear from Lord Von Voltaire."
"I see," Shori said. "And is Lord Von Voltaire in residence now?"
"Yes, Shori-sama."
"Then after we are a bit more presentable, I would like to see him."
Wolfram knew he really couldn't speak in front of Ulrike-sama, but he wasn't ready for Shori and Gwendal to have a private meeting, either.
"Von Bielefeld-kyo," Ulrike-sama said, turning to Wolfram. "Your brother has requested you see him the moment you return."
"He knows I went to earth?"
The small priestess nodded. "Anissina-dono informed him, then he came to see me himself."
Wolfram nodded, keeping his expression carefully neutral. If Gwendal knew he'd left, and really, thinking about it, there was no way he wasn't going to find out, then there was no way he would be able to leave the castle grounds without his older brother knowing. Accepting the robe that one of Shinou's temple guards handed him, he decided that his only option was to play the situation by ear and try to make the best out of the situation. It might not work out the way he had envisioned it, but, he had no doubt that Shori would still object to Yuuri's marriage to someone so much older—as Gunter was. He had spent enough time with Yuuri and with Shori to know that the future Maou of earth was jealous of anyone he saw as a rival to his ability to guide and protect the Maou. Gunter's relationship with Yuuri was based, in large part, on his acting as the Maou's adjutant and tutor—roles that Shori would no doubt find objectionable as they would impinge on his own desires to act on Yuuri's behalf.
No, there was nothing to be done except return to the castle and face Gwendal.
The walk to the castle was not far, though if a person were to take their time, the trip could take as much as an hour. After they were dry and comfortable, Shibuya Shori seemed to fall in the latter category, suggesting that Wolfram guide him through the castle grounds on a sort of tour. They had barely cleared the temple gates before Shori turned to him.
"Wolfram, you have gone to a lot of trouble to bring me here. Your relationship with Yu-chan must be very important to you."
"I'm worried about him," Wolfram said, honestly.
"You told me, before, that one of the reasons you love Yu-chan is because he is the Maou. Is that so?"
"Yes, that's true."
"I wonder if it makes sense, then, that you would worry overly much for your king. Has Yu-chan ever given you reason to doubt his loyalty to you?"
"Only every day," Wolfram said harshly, instantly sorry he'd said anything at all, but something about Shori demanded he tell the truth. Even more so than Gwendal, the man walking with him was intimidating—and he wasn't even a full-blooded demon.
"Yu-chan is unfaithful? I find that surprising. He certainly was not raised that way."
"It's not that," Wolfram amended quickly. "It's part of…who he is. People, demons, even dragons are all drawn to Yuuri. You have no idea how many times I've had to intervene when people have tried to woo Yuuri away from me. It is as though I don't even exist sometimes, and Yuuri is too…forgiving to realize all the intrigues that surround him—the people that have designs on him. He just refuses to see it, or doesn't care, I don't know which."
"He's just a boy, Wolfram. He doesn't have experience with any of that."
"But he is the Maou," Wolfram said, stopping to rest his arms against the fence that snaked along the edge of the castle grounds. "He may just be a boy to you, Shori, but he is our king. And he's not a boy anymore, he's a grown man. He has never really wanted to see how our society works though—at least not the royal court. He doesn't see much of it anyway, because here at the castle, he keeps only his closest advisors with him, but as his fiancé, I have been the one to make the requisite appearances at royal gatherings, I have been the one who handles his social appointments when he's off on another one of his adventures. He doesn't understand how hard it is to keep him safe sometimes."
"Are you saying that Yu-chan is in danger?"
Wolfram shook his head quickly, hearing the anger begin to creep into Shori's voice. He knew Yuuri's older brother overreacted when it came to the Maou's physical safety. The earth dweller had never understood that between them all, Yuuri was safer in Shin Makoku than he probably was in Japan. All right, he conceded to himself, that wasn't exactly true, but still, it was almost true.
"I'm not talking about his physical safety…I'm talking about his heart, Shori. You don't know what it's like. Yuuri and I have been engaged for years, and at first, no one took it seriously because the story of how it happened was spread throughout the country. Then, for a while, when Yuuri didn't retract and neither did I, our people accepted the relationship, but the truth is, we've been engaged for so long now, I'm basically the laughingstock of Yuuri's entire extended court…" Wolfram swallowed, then admitted what hurt the most, on a whisper. "People are saying that there's something wrong with me, that I'm…not man enough for the Maou to marry. It…hurts. And now…now there's Gunter trying to take Yuuri away from me and it—"
"Was more than you could take?" Shori's voice was quiet, thoughtful.
"You don't understand what it's like," Wolfram said, quietly.
"Why don't you tell me then? Make me understand."
Wolfram hesitated. How was he supposed to do that, he wondered without sounding like the petulant child—something Gwendal had basically called him when he'd confronted Wolfram about taking Gunter's gifts. How could he make Shibuya Shori understand what it was really like to be the younger brother when the man himself had no experience with it? How was he supposed to explain what it is like to be the one everyone loved but somehow forgot when it came to dividing tasks that required an adult's perspective? Wolfram was over eighty years old, and yet his uncle was still head of the Von Bielefeld family. His mother loved him, he knew that without question, but she treated him more like a doll than a grown mazoku—something she never did to Gwendal, or Conrad. His brothers loved him but they were constantly criticizing him, or giving him smaller, less important tasks to complete—busy work he'd heard Yuuri call it once, when he'd complained to the Maou.
How was he ever supposed to prove his worth if no one gave him the chance?
He took a deep breath. "I don't really expect you to understand, Shori, because I know you have always been the star in your family. Sometimes, though, I think it is the only thing about me that Yuuri ever did understand. I am not as patient or as tactically inclined as Gwendal. I'm not as skilled with a sword as Conrad, even if he has no maryoku. I am…a good soldier, though I am not great—not like my brothers. No one tells stories about me, my deeds have not been written into the history of our country—not like theirs. Conrad's father was a human hero without equal. Gwendal's father was so strong that it is often said that no mazoku will ever compare to his strength and nobility. My own father…was beautiful. He matched my mother and she loved him, in her way, which is…unique. But I have struggled, the whole of my life, which has been a lot longer than yours, to be seen as an equal to my brothers. I have trained hard my entire life. I have worked twice as hard as anyone else just to achieve what I have—but my temperament is…volatile. People think I am vain and spoiled, and I suppose in some ways I am, but I know my faults. I am reckless in battle, probably because I am always trying to prove myself. I am rash when I should be cautious. I am headstrong when I should compromise. Perhaps that is why I am not an excellent soldier, but one thing I am good at—really good—is that I understand our social world. I know the right people, I can tell who will be important one day and who will rise as a star for a short time and then fade away. It may not make me the kind of mazoku that my brothers respect, but it is what I am best at."
"I suppose your engagement to Yu-chan, then, did a lot to further your own ambitions." Shori's voice remained neutral.
"I am ambitious, I won't deny that. When Yuuri first came to Shin Makoku, I was appalled that a mere human child would be our king. He knew nothing of us, and he couldn't even tell who his allies were and who his enemies were. Yes, I was jealous and angry, and I didn't even like him. But, after I knew him…after I began to understand what makes him special—and why everyone loves him, I vowed to protect him even if I didn't agree with him. Mostly, I still disagree with his policies, but, he has been successful and I don't deny that. Being his fiancé also increased my social status, at least for a while, and yes, that is important to me. I am not the statesman that Gwendal is. I will never be the soldier that Conrad is. But, I am better than both of them when it comes to understanding the political intrigues that go on around this place. I just wish they saw that."
"Such understanding and knowledge would probably prove very useful to Yu-chan in his capacity as your Maou, wouldn't it? Considering that your society is based on something completely different than our own. We don't have monarchies such as the kind you have here on earth—not anymore."
"I am useful to Yuuri. I just wish he saw it."
"Are you sure that he doesn't?"
Wolfram laughed and started walking again, toward the castle. "You didn't see him when he threw me out of our room."
"No, I didn't see that, it's true."
"If he doesn't hate me now, he will when he finds out what I've done." Wolfram bit his lip. Why had he said that? What in Shinou's name had possessed him to say that? His heart sank to his toes as Shori asked him the inevitable question.
"And what is it that you have done, Wolfram?"
Sitting down on a bench, within sight of the castle steps, Wolfram ran his hands through his hair. What did it matter if he told Shori now, or Gwendal told him later. He smiled, bitterly, what was it that Yuuri always said…? The truth always comes out. Well, here was his.
"For years now, like I said, I've been beating suitors off Yuuri with the flat of my sword, or it has seemed like it. One of the ways interest in another person is shown—romantic interest—is by the giving of gifts. We've all given gifts to Yuuri, of course, in remembrance of his birthday, or that holiday your kind calls Christmas—things like that. But, for years, Gunter has been giving Yuuri gifts, special gifts, and even if he never said anything, I knew he was courting Yuuri. I knew it, Shori! So…I took the gifts he left in secret, and using one of Anissina's inventions, I forged thank you notes from Yuuri so that Gunter wouldn't ask any questions. Finally, he left something on Arrival Day—the holiday that we've instituted to celebrate Yuuri's first coming to Shin Makoku, and I really don't understand what it meant, but I could tell it was really important and took a long time to make. So, I took it. Then, I arranged to meet Gunter in the hall, and made it look like Yuuri wanted me to throw away all of Gunter's gifts. You don't know Gunter well, but he's emotional, and…devoted to Yuuri. I knew it would drive him crazy—and it did. He left the castle that day. Yuuri found out about it, and lost his temper. He was angrier than I'd ever seen him. Gwendal said that he would have summoned his inner Maou and punished me if he hadn't taken me away. The next day, Yuuri dissolved our engagement. He took Conrad and Yozak and went after Gunter. Then, I decided, because of my wounded pride, that I would come to earth and find you…because I knew if I told you Yuuri was being seduced by a much older man, then you would stop it. I kept thinking I would get Yuuri back, that I would be his fiancé again, but the more I talk to you, the more I realize that I'm…just really tired. I'm tired of all this. I'm tired of lying and I'm tired of chasing someone who really…doesn't want me."
Silence. Wolfram didn't dare look at Shibuya Shori. He waited for the blows to start landing, for the screams and the shouts, but…nothing. Just silence. Finally, when he couldn't bear it anymore, he looked up. The future Maou of earth was resting against a tree, his arms folded over his chest, a knowing look in his wise, black eyes.
"Aren't you going to say something?" He asked. "Aren't you going to scream at me, or threaten to kill me for interfering with your brother's life?"
"What could I say that would make you feel worse than you already do," Shori said, shaking his head. "Your story didn't ring true from the moment you popped up between my legs, interrupting my bath. You asked me what I was doing, with my phone this morning?"
"Y—Yes." Wolfram said, wondering what the other man meant.
"I was exchanging text messages with your Great Sage. I contacted him first when I was dressing and you were in Yu-chan's room, getting dry. He is very busy on earth right now, but he did take a few hours last night while we were sleeping to travel here and discover the truth of what has been going on. When I was texting him this morning, he was merely filling in details. He sent me an email, as well, which is like your pigeon mail only much, much faster."
"You…You already knew?" Wolfram whispered, shocked. "Even before we came here?"
Shori nodded.
"Then…why? Why did you come here with me? Why did you pretend to be so upset? Why did you…just…just…why?"
"I may not be a younger brother, Wolfram, but I am an older brother." Shori crossed the short distance between them and sat down on the bench next to Wolfram. He slid an arm around the slim mazoku's shoulders. "I know what it's like to worry about your little brother. I know what it's like to be the center of his world, the sun in his sky, and then feel the pain and confusion when he grows up and away from you. And I know that sometimes the hardest thing to do is to tell the truth and to face the consequences of what you done. I came with you because I thought it might be easier if you had someone with you…I'm not Yuuri, Wolfram. But, for his sake and for yours…I can be your friend. Make no mistake, I'm not happy you interfered in his life, not at all. But, you are important to him—I've always known that. And because you are important to him, you are important to me."
"I'm not important to Yuuri."
"Just because he is not in love with you doesn't mean that you're not important to him. I have the benefit of having discussed you with him before. I think, now that you're being honest with yourself, Wolfram, that you know you're not in love with him, either. May I give you a word of advice?"
"What?" Wolfram muttered, still shocked and beginning to feel even more a fool than before.
"Don't be so concerned with the opinions of others. You must be at peace with the man you are…inside of yourself. You've been chasing something unattainable for so long, that I think you've forgotten who you are. But, if you remember, you will know where you are meant to be."
"Maybe," Wolfram said, after a long moment. "I still can't believe you knew."
"And don't you feel a little relieved? Now that it's out in the open?"
"I still have to face Gwendal," Wolfram muttered.
"Yes, but not alone. I will be there with you, if you like, Wolfram." Shori smiled, the expression not altogether pleasant. "I don't agree with what you've done, but I never said I approved of Yu-chain's possible relationship with this Gunter-person, either. I have much to discuss with your brother."
"You're not like I expected at all," Wolfram said, staring at the future Maou of earth.
"Is anyone?" The black-eyed man asked, standing and urging Wolfram to his feet. "Come on. Let's go see Lord Von Voltaire."
--O.o.O—
Yozak Gurrier was a worldly man. He had traveled the world to fulfill his duties and for pleasure, but he had never seen anything quite like dinner at Heyerdahl. First, there were the dogs. Gunter-sama's mother bred and raised kotzuinu, the skeleton dogs so popular amongst the nobility. He had seen them before, and knew they were very faithful, but to see what amounted to a herd was still a surprise. They were everywhere, winding in and out and around the table legs, one even decided to nap on his right foot. Then, of course, there were the dishes and bowls, that tended to move on their own—filling his plate with more food every time he finished until he finally had to admit defeat—he couldn't eat another bite.
"If you leave a small portion on your plate, they will leave you alone," Gunter-sama said, laughing at the spy's obvious distress.
Gunter's mother, the Lady Von Kleist, however, was a delight at the table. She kept them all entertained with stories of Gunter's childhood, and the spy learned more about the older mazoku in two hours than he had in all the years he'd known him. The conversation was relaxing, enjoyable, and did much to distract them all from the worries brought on by the wraiths.
It was, however, Gunter's two younger siblings that interested Yozak the most. They were twins, Adalric and Alese. The younger mazoku had Gunter's height, but his features were rounder, less refined. His hair was silver, like his mother's and his eyes were the same shade of blue. He was a trickster, that much was clear, and obviously devoted to his older brother—listening with rapt interest whenever Conrad would share a story of Gunter's prowess, either with a sword or in a diplomatic function. The sister, however, Alese, was smaller than any of them. In fact, she wasn't even as tall as Yuuri-heika. She had the same silvery hair, but her eyes were violet, like Gunter's. She seemed shy, blushing whenever anyone looked her way. When Yuuri thanked her for the robe she had made for him, the spy thought the woman was going to melt into a puddle in her chair. In fact, the only time she seemed to speak at all was when she was fairly sure no one would hear her.
"…so, then, Gunter had to rescue me, again, because I got lost in the castle. So, you see, really, I'm not all that heroic," Yuuri said, finishing a tale about the time he'd gotten locked in the treasure room, then lost inside blood pledge castle after he'd wriggled through a vent window.
"It must be a very large place," Alese ventured, not quite loud enough to be heard over Adalric's laughter.
"Have you never been to the castle, my lady?" Yozak asked, swatting away a serving spoon that threatened to dump more sauce on his plate.
She blushed, the color spreading over her cheeks in the prettiest shade of pink Yozak had ever seen.
"N—No," she replied. "I…I have never ventured too far from home. I have many things to occupy me here."
"What do you like to do?" he asked, even though he was certain she didn't really want to speak. The spy found he liked the sound of her voice.
"I—I…" she glanced at Gunter and Yozak saw her eyes grow a little misty. He felt terrible.
"Alese manages the household," Gunter said, coming to her rescue, covering her hand with his own and squeezing it gently. "Also, she is a powerful magician in her own right, though she is too modest to say."
"And she throws a really nasty waterball," Adalric interrupted. "Once, when we were little, and I frightened her by pretending to be a ghost in the attic, she hit me with a waterball so big that I almost drowned. Papa grounded ME for a week!"
"That was because you were mean to your sister, Adalric," Lady Von Kleist said, smiling at her youngest children. "Alese had only just turned seven—and you always were a little hellion."
"Seven?" Conrad said, turning the table's attention to himself. "Both of my brothers are strong magic users, but they were never able to exhibit such control at so young an age."
"Indeed, maryoku runs very strong in our family, Weller-kyo," Lady Von Kleist said. "Even Gunter was able to cause a small whirlwind when he was an infant in his cradle—not much of course, but enough to stir the mobile he fancied so much."
"Mother! Gunter was never young enough to need a cradle…didn't he spring forth from the rocks outside, as old and boring as he is now?" Adalric's taunt caused Gunter to glare, and Yuuri to laugh. The embarrassing moment passed and Yozak made a promise to himself that he wouldn't put the shy young woman on the spot again.
The rest of the meal passed without incident, and after dessert had been served, and all the stories had been told, the youngest Von Kleist's excused themselves from the table. As Yozak allowed the coffee pot to fill his cup again, lady Von Kleist's brilliant smile disappeared and she turned to her son.
"Gunter, perhaps you are ready now to explain what it is that has brought you, unannounced, to your home? Could it be the shadow-wraiths that are even now circling the borders? It's time for truth telling, my son. What, exactly, has happened?"
"That's my fault," Yuuri said, meeting the older woman's surprised gaze with his own, steady expression. "Gunter and I had a misunderstanding, which caused him to leave the castle, and as I understand it, the protection of the Maou. I don't fully understand this contract between your family and the wraiths, Lady Von Kleist, but I am unwilling to lose Gunter to that…madness. There must be something that can be done about it."
"Ah, such youth and vigor—I should have expected it from a Maou of your reputation, Yuuri-heika," Lady Von Kleist's voice was gentle, but hard. "If you are able to change the pact which has existed between our family and those hounds for all these centuries, then you would be the first to do so. Such a feat was beyond even my own husband, a mazoku of incredible magical power. I've lost my husband and two of my children to those creatures, Heika. And I almost lost Gunter, too. What is it that you intend to do?"
"There must be some way to defeat them, definitively." The king said, looking to Gunter.
"Did you not explain, my son, the way in which the wraiths are twined within the very roots of our family?"
"Yes, I did. I returned home, Mother, to perform the ritual and restore the balance between the wraiths and our family."
"No!" Adalric burst through the door and hurled himself into Gunter's arms. "You can't do that! If you do…you could die! Gunter, no! You promised…remember? You promised when Papa died that you would never let any of us be taken by the wraiths…you promised and that includes you, too!"
"Adalric," Gunter whispered, stroking his younger brother's hair and quieting his tears. "You are too old to be listening at keyholes. Calm down now…I have no intention of dying."
"But you might!" the younger mazoku said, gripping the front of Gunter's jacket so tightly that the fabric tore a little. "I saw…I saw what happened when we were little. I don't ever want to see that again!"
"Gunter is not going to die," Yuuri said, his black eyes flashing.
Yozak felt it then, the tug of the air, then the whipping sounds of fabric as the Maou began to glow blue.
"Heika!" Conrad said, sharply, gaining the demon-king's attention. "We are all here to make sure that nothing happens to Gunter—or any of the Von Kleist family, but now is not the time."
Yozak's heart returned to its normal rhythm as the blue glow ebbed from around the young Maou.
"I had heard the stories," Lady Von Kleist said, staring at Yuuri. "I didn't think I would ever see it for myself though. You really…you really are as powerful as they say."
"I…I don't know about that," the Maou replied, beginning to blush. "But, I do know that I'm not going to let anything happen to this family. Conrad is right, we're going to do something about this. We just need…well, we need to know as much as we can so we know what we're facing."
"Our family history is contained in our library, Heika," Lady Von Kleist said softly. "Perhaps we should begin our research there."
"It's a good idea," Conrad said. "The hour is late, though. Maybe it would be best if we all got a good night's sleep and tackle this problem when we are fresh, in the morning. What do you think, Heika?"
"I think, Nazukeoya, that my name is Yuuri—and you should remember it." Yuuri gave them all an embarrassed smile. "I'm really sorry everyone. I just…well…" He turned to Lady Von Kleist. "Gunter means the world to me."
"I see that," she replied, still awed, Yozak thought, by the slight emergence of the Maou. He shook his head. If the lady thought that was impressive, she hadn't seen anything yet.
It took some time to finish their talk, deciding on the best way to approach the next day. It was agreed that they would breakfast in the library, and spend as much time as possible learning about the Von Kleist family history to seek clues as to how best to handle their current dilemma. The moon had risen and was making her way across the sky by the time Yozak made his way back to his own chamber. He was about to open the door when a slight movement in the shadows drew his attention. The moonlight illuminated something, a small flash of silver, near the end of the corridor.
"Lady Alese, is that you?" he asked.
He knew it was, of course. He only needed a glimpse to recognize the young woman.
"You…you're the king's bodyguard, aren't you?" she asked, taking a few timid steps toward him.
"I am, unless I am away from his side on an assignment," he replied, leaning against his door and trying to appear as non-threatening as possible.
"But you haven't any magic?"
"No, my lady. I am only a half-mazoku. I don't have any maryoku."
"Still, you're very strong…?" She took a few more steps, and was within arm's reach, but he remained motionless.
"I try," he said. "I have sworn my life to the Maou and his service."
"Heika is…very fond of my brother, isn't he?"
Yozak arched a brow. "Yes. Yes, he is. Yuuri-heika loves all the people of Shin Makoku, but he is very attached to Gunter, it's true."
"Then…then you will help keep my brother safe, too, won't you?" Her voice wavered a little, and Yozak thought she might be close to tears. For some reason, his fingers itched to reach for her, to give her some small measure of comfort. She looked so tiny standing there looking up at him, her eyes filled with sadness.
"I will do my best, my lady." He smiled. "But, you must know that your brother is very strong in his own right. He has saved my life, you know—protected me from danger as well."
She nodded, and seemed to be thinking. "I can help. Here."
Yozak took the object she held out to him. It was a small oval piece, covered in stones that winked in the white moonlight.
"It's for your sword. Will you…will you try your best to keep Gunter safe?"
"I promise," Yozak said solemnly. "I will do my best to protect Gunter…and all of you."
She smiled, then and Yozak felt suddenly filled with courage. How strange.
"You're very tall," she said suddenly, and even in the darkness he could tell she was blushing. "I made this for you, too. For your hair."
She reached out again, and he took what she offered. It was a tiny comb, also decorated with small, precious stones.
"It's…It's beautiful, lady Alese. Thank you. I'll treasure it."
She nodded again, then before he could move, she reached up and brushed her fingertips over his cheek. She let out a small squeak, as though she had surprised herself. Without warning, she turned and dashed down the hall. Yozak waited until her footsteps had faded completely before he turned and went into his room. His heart was pounding as though he'd just run for miles. He carefully put the two gifts she'd given him into the desk drawer, where he'd already put his pouch. Standing by the window, watching the moonlight fall over the manicured gardens of Heyerdahl, Yozak Gurrier touched his own fingers to his cheek, modeling the Lady Alese's touch. What did it all mean?
For the first time in many years, Yozak Gurrier found it difficult to fall asleep.
--O.o.O—
While events happening far away were outside of the influence of the demon-king, the young ruler was presently faced with dangers he had not anticipated. The idea of losing his beautiful lord so soon after reuniting with him was unthinkable, and the maou paced his room until he could no longer bear the solitude. Leaving the comfort of his own chamber, he sought the counsel, and the arms, of the one he loved.
The jealous prince, having found within himself the measure of a mazoku, looked toward a different future than the one he had planned, but his trials were only just beginning. To make atonement is no easy task, and sometimes, a sacrifice to honor must be made…
Ok, so, there is Chapter Seven. And, as usual, I ask more questions than I answer. If this turns into a hundred-thousand word fic…I may just have to borrow Gwendal's desk and pound my own head against it. But…I'm determined to give this the attention it deserves, so thanks for hanging with me while we get this story finished. We still have a while to go yet…but, I'm pretty sure the sexual frustration that Gunter and Yuuri are experiencing is about to find some…release. So, citrusy warnings for the beginning of chapter eight, however, I can tell you this…a lil sex ain't gonna make it all sunshine and roses for my favorite Maou and his adjutant. And, btw, that little thing that just happened with Yozak and Alese? I totally didn't plan that. He jacked me. He story-jacked me. He might as well have pulled a gun on me and taken my last three dollars, too. Now I don't know what's gonna happen! So, I'm off to answer reviews now, and I have to say…there are more readers for this story than I ever thought there would be. I'm so amazed, and so grateful. You're all just awesome. Thank you so, so much! I'll try to update by next Thursday, but I have work and an Exam, so it might be Friday, but not beyond that. I'll be seeing you…