Ok, a quick note. No, I haven't died…not at all, however, my computer? It wasn't so lucky. I had a feeling the end was close, but I've been nursing it along for some months now. I was actually planning on buying a new laptop at the conclusion of this story, however, it seems that my computer had other ideas. The good news is that this new machine seems to be shipshape. The bad news is that I've (temporarily I hope) lost all my email. I'm going to try and retrieve it all this afternoon. Now, I don't want to make you read any more notes as it's been so long since my patient readers have had an update. Oh, and finally, be warned…lemon scented chapter 8 goes up tomorrow….I'll see you at the bottom of the page…
Chapter 7: The Maou Takes a Holiday
Preparations.
Wolfram saw evidence of them throughout the castle. The maids were bustling back and forth, speaking in excited whispers as the newly constructed, specially refitted royal carriage rolled into the courtyard. Several soldiers immediately began to polish the brass fittings until they gleamed in the sun. Rumors, wagers, wild suppositions—all of those seemed to be the order of the day, and even his daughter, well…Yuuri's daughter, Greta, had told him over breakfast that she had given his eldest brother her approval for him to be Yuuri's boyfriend. That news snapped the small thread of hope Wolfram carried, the one tied to the idea that this was all a bad dream. He left his mother and Greta at the table to seek the solace of his studio, but the large windows that usually provided both an inspiring view and natural light, had only revealed the worst scene to date: Gwendal and Yuuri seated together on the balcony outside Gwendal's office, chatting, it seemed, easily, over their breakfast.
It was enough to make Wolfram nauseous.
And it got worse.
Whatever invisible signal marked the end of the royal breakfast occurred, because both Gwendal and Yuuri stood. Gwendal didn't move, which was a good sign, but Wolfram's heart sank when Yuuri moved around the table to wind his arms around Gwendal's neck. His brother responded by grazing his fingers against Yuuri's face, then sliding his hand into Yuuri's hair, tipping his chin up. Wolfram could see the hint of the Maou's smile and imagined what they might be saying to one another—because he could see the movement of their mouths.
Then the ultimate betrayal.
Gwendal bent toward Yuuri at the same time the Maou came up onto the tips of his toes. His brother's lips on HIS fiancé's mouth felt like fire branding Wolfram's skin. It was like he had been punched—the air rushing from his lungs as his stomach cramped painfully. Still, he couldn't look away.
Wolfram von Bielefeld was not a raw youth. And he, unlike his fiancé, was not a virgin. He had witnessed more than his fair share of kisses—in pubs, and at gatherings, and had once even walked in on what was meant to be a private tryst between Yozak and some nameless green-haired soldier…but in all that he'd seen or experienced himself, Wolfram hadn't seen anything like this in a very long time. Vaguely, in the back of his mind, he remembered his father…a tall, temperamental, but honorable demon. He remembered that once, when he was very small, and his father had been gone for several days in a row, when he returned, Wolfram's mother had leaned up on her toes to kiss him. Perhaps it was nothing more than a gesture to welcome Wolfram's father home, but, there was something about that kiss—so full of love and relief and something that the young Wolfram didn't understand, but the adult Wolfram certainly did—that had made the young prince just a little embarrassed to see it. He felt the same at this moment. He knew that witnessing this intimacy between his brother and Yuuri was an intrusion on something private, and something…wonderfully rare.
Embarrassment, however, soon gave way to hurt as Wolfram saw his fiancé practically melt into his older brother's embrace. He had known, of course, that Gwendal coveted anything small and cute, and he'd watched his older brother carefully whenever he and Yuuri were together—since Yuuri was the very definition of cute. However, nothing had happened for all these years. Wolfram could have kicked himself for ever letting his guard down. Didn't they care? Didn't they care at all that anyone could watch them—that the castle's maids were all probably hidden on the veranda below him conscientiously timing the length of the embrace and the exact motion of their joined lips? His fingers closed around his paintbrush, squeezing until the handle snapped in two. Yuuri had never looked at him they way he was looking at Gwendal. Yuuri had never brushed his bangs from his eyes with such tenderness, or smiled at him like he was now smiling at Gwendal.
Working himself into a state of self-pitying anger, Wolfram tossed the remnants of his brush across his studio and tore his smock off. He was buckling his sword, his eyes still trained on his brother and Yuuri, about to leave his studio and confront the couple, when Gwendal finally released the Maou. That Yuuri leaned forward, following the tall demon so he could have yet another kiss, was a slice to Wolfram's heart. His pride was already shattered. One final kiss, a squeeze of fingers, and a pat on his eldest brother's shoulder, and Yuuri disappeared through the open balcony door. Wolfram finished buttoning his jacket, seething, then stopped—stunned. Gwendal leaned against the railing, his arms crossed over his chest, and he…smiled. It wasn't the slight twitch of his lips that Wolfram wouldn't have been able to see from his vantage point, but a broad, satisfied, content smile. His taciturn, grim, consistently dour brother was beaming, the happiness pouring from his body language like water from a pitcher. Wolfram froze in his place. He'd never seen Gwendal wear such an expression.
Torn, Wolfram gripped the hilt of his sword, unsure of what to do next. Gwendal shook himself slightly, the smile leaving his face, and walked back inside. Wolfram imagined whatever brief moment of respite his brother had allowed himself was now over and Gwendal would return to his normal, dark self and probably closet himself in his office to finish as much work as possible before he left with Yuuri. Wolfram sighed, his mood flitting between anger and confusion. In frustration, he unsheathed his sword and slashed at the painting he'd been working on, and the easel that had held it—reducing both to nothing more than twigs and scraps of canvass. What the hell was he supposed to do? He loved his brother and wanted him to be happy—and in any other circumstances, he would have been thrilled to see Gwendal so happy. But did it have to be with HIS fiancé? Did he have to take Yuuri?
Wolfram felt dizzy. He leaned against the wall, then slid to the floor, burying his face in his hands and sobbed.
He wasn't sure when he stopped crying, but the tears finally slowed, then stopped. He felt raw, exposed—aching and grieving for the loss of something he counted as essential, but, in his heart he had to admit might never have been real at all. He remained where he was, pressed against the wall, replaying his entire relationship with Yuuri over in his mind. He knew he was torturing himself, but he just felt so tired. Whenever he was angry, or upset, his temper flared to life immediately, with the same speed that he could command fire from his fingertips, but after the storm passed, and he was himself again, he just felt drained…defeated. Like he felt now.
"Wolfram?"
"What do you want?" he snapped, refusing to look up. The last person he wanted to see right now was Yuuri.
"I came to find you," the Maou said, his voice tentative and encouraging. "Greta was worried that she'd upset you this morning, so I came to see what's going on."
Wolfram barked out a harsh laugh. Greta had been upset? Of course. There was no way Yuuri would seek him out because he wanted to see him, or spend time with him, or…be with him. "Everything's fine," he said, finally. "Greta didn't upset me. Now, why don't you go find my brother—I'm surprised you could remove yourself from his mouth long enough to look for me in the first place."
"That's not fair, Wolfram." Yuuri's voice was soft.
"Don't you dare," he spat. "Don't you dare stand there and sound sad. What do you have to be upset about anyway? You have what you want."
"That's not completely true," Yuuri said, stepping into the studio and closing the door. "If I had everything I wanted, then you and I would not be here like this now."
"Sometimes, I really hate you," Wolfram whispered, turning his face to the wall. "You are such a weak man, so caught up in making everything all right, and everyone believes that kind, selfless, Yuuri-act you put on, but they don't know you like I do. You're a selfish bastard, Shibuya Yuuri. And you have no…honor."
"I have no honor?" Yuuri repeated as he crossed the floor and slid down the wall until he was seated next to Wolfram. "The first week I met you, you practically tried to kill me, then you continued on with this entire farce of an engagement even when you knew I didn't want it. You've inserted yourself into every aspect of my life, destroying my relationships with friends, acting on your own jealousy, and basically treating me like your personal punching bag. You sure you want to make this a question of honor…or can we talk about what's really bothering both of us?"
"The only thing that's bothering me is that you're a cheating wimp and you're going to drag my brother down with you."
"After all these years, are we still going to dance this dance, Wolfram?" the Maou asked, his eyes shining with anger. "I have never so much as even kissed you, and we've never made love. I have never cheated on you, as you're so fond of accusing me. Say what you like to me, but leave Gwendal out of it."
"So quick to protect your lover." Wolfram knew he was sneering, but he didn't care.
"He's not my lover, Wolfram, and you know it." Yuuri sighed. "But I won't deny that I care for him. And whether or not you ever believe it, I care about you, too."
"Care all you want. You are, after all, the Maou-heika. But, understand this, Yuuri…I won't give you up. I'm not going to make it easy for you and just disappear into the sunset. You can't just ignore me. You owe me a hell of a lot better than this."
"Wolfram…all this bitterness. It's going to eat you up inside."
"Don't pretend like you're concerned," Wolfram shouted, finally having heard enough. "All you want is for me to bend over, kiss your ass, and tell you to go ahead and have a happy life with my brother—well that's not going to happen. I am STILL your fiancé, and I have some say in what happens around here."
"Why can't you just admit that this is stupid?" Yuuri growled, his voice rising. "You may have convinced yourself that you love me, but you're just feeling sorry for yourself. Really, Wolfram, do you really, really want a marriage like this? Have you set your heart on marrying me?"
"As long as I draw breath, Yuuri, you won't marry anyone else."
"That sounds a lot like a threat," the Maou said, his voice taking on a dangerous edge.
"It's simply a promise," Wolfram said, with bravado he didn't feel.
"So, you would make us all miserable just to serve your own needs?" Yuuri asked, slowly. "What about Gwendal? Do you care about him, and what he wants at all? He's your brother, Wolfram. Maybe you want to make my life a twisted mess, but must you drag him into this too?"
"He didn't have to say yes." Wolfram knew he was pouting, but he couldn't help it.
"This isn't a game!" Yuuri shouted. "This farce has gone on too long. When I first came to Shin Makoku, you hated me, but I thought as time passed that we came to understand each other. There were times that we were real friends, true companions, but we both know it was never romantic love. We aren't MEANT to be together, Wolfram."
"Just tell the truth, Yuuri." Wolfram's bitter laugh echoed through the room. "What you really mean is that you don't want to be with me. Well, that's just too bad, isn't it? Because you're stuck with me. You know our traditions now, and too much time has passed for you to reject me. The only way out of this engagement for you is for me to release you and I promise you that isn't going to happen. So, think about that the next time you're in my brother's arms, kissing him, touching him…think about it when you raise your hand to slap him, and then remember—you're spoken for and that won't change. The only way you'll be rid of me is if you kill me. Go ahead, Yuuri, toss the knife if you have the guts. I can't force you to marry me, but I can make sure you don't marry anyone else."
"You really do hate me, don't you," Yuuri whispered, shaking his head.
Wolfram bit his lip, the apology he wanted to make dying on his lips. He didn't know why, but it seemed like the past year had brought everything to head between him and Yuuri. Long before Gwendal kissed the Maou at breakfast, if Wolfram was honest, there had been problems between himself and his fiancé. Of course, there had always been problems, but, Wolfram had really thought that all Yuuri needed was a chance to grow up, to see that Wolfram was a fine choice for a husband. He had convinced himself that it was just Yuuri's inferior upbringing that was holding them back as a couple, but, he couldn't deny the truth he had come to understand. It was simple. Yuuri was not in love with him, and he was never going to be. Still, Wolfram had invested a lot of years in his courtship and engagement to the Maou and he wasn't about to lose his place now. Yuuri owed him…yes, he did, he OWED him for all the years that Wolfram had wasted protecting him, trying to show him how a true gentleman of the Mazoku behaved, and generally keeping him out of trouble.
"Am I really so disgusting that you'd do anything to get out of marrying me?" Wolfram asked.
"It's not like that," Yuuri protested, his voice quiet again. He reached out and took Wolfram's hand. "And I'm sorry I lost my temper. I do care about you, Wolfram. And I care about Greta—and she knows us both as her fathers. I'm just not in love with you. I'm sorry. I really am sorry."
"Are you in love with Gwendal?" Wolfram had to ask, even though he didn't really want to know the answer.
"I certainly didn't expect it, but, yes, I am."
Wolfram looked into Yuuri's eyes, scrutinizing his face, looking for any hint of inconsistency or prevarication. What he saw, though, made him feel even worse than he had before. The king looked bemused, and somewhat surprised, as if the admission that tore Wolfram's heart asunder was a shock to himself. Then he grinned, that small, sheepish grin that meant he'd just made a discovery. It was, however, the soft light in his black eyes, and the firm line of his lips that truly underscored what he'd said. There was no denying it—Yuuri wasn't lying. He was in love with Wolfram's eldest brother, and was apparently nurturing a tender hope that his feelings might one day be returned.
"He's not in love with you," Wolfram muttered, unable to say anything else.
"I…I know that," Yuuri said, blushing and looking at his hands. "But, it doesn't change how I feel."
"Then why can't you understand how I feel?" Wolfram asked, shaking his head.
"I guess the difference is that I've never tried to keep Gwendal. I offered to release him immediately, but he chose to stay in the relationship."
"He chose…?" Wolfram repeated. "But…you two barely know each other. How can all this have happened so suddenly? It was one night for Shinou's sake!"
"Barely know each other?" Yuuri shook his head. "Wolfram, it's been five years."
"Just tell me the truth, Yuuri. When did you know you wanted my brother?"
The silence stretched between them, but Wolfram could tell that Yuuri was truly thinking, not just avoiding his question.
"I've always admired him," Yuuri said slowly. "Even when he criticizes me, or my actions, or when he corrects or chastises me, or if we don't agree—he always does so with respect. I admire him not only for that, but for everything he does. I guess…I guess I've always had a crush on him, but, it's only been the past several months that I've really noticed that I have developed feelings for him. I used to be afraid of him, and I guess maybe sometimes I still am, but…now, it's just different. I really am sorry."
"Is that why…why you never let me touch you?" Wolfram asked, his guts churning as he tried to hold onto his temper. He just had to know.
"No," Yuuri whispered, looking Wolfram in the eyes. "It has nothing to do with Gwendal. You're really beautiful, Wolfram—you're like a jewel. You already know that—just look at all your admirers. I am sorry, but I can't help it. I've just never seen you in that way…like a boyfriend or a lover. I always have seen you as a friend—at least I used to, before we started fighting all the time. You mean a lot to me. I didn't want to lose you, or your friendship, and I was too unsure of myself to end things between us—I didn't want to make you mad."
"So you never….?"
Yuuri shook his head. "No, not like that."
"What if…what if there was no Gwendal…?"
Yuuri shook his head again. "I don't think it would matter, Wolfram. I don't want to hurt you anymore, and I don't want to be hurt. Where I come from, the tradition of having an official lover to go along with your fiancé or spouse isn't….done. This is very strange for me. I feel I'm doing you both a disservice."
"Then…then just dismiss him, Yuuri, and let's pretend like this never happened." Wolfram said, desperate to salvage something from the situation. The conversation had begun in sadness, moved to anger, and now seemed to be moving toward a resolution that the mazoku simply couldn't accept.
"I won't," Yuuri said, a small smile on his lips. "Someone out there, like you, wants Gwendal and I separated and is prepared to kill us both to achieve that. But, I'm not going to give up. I'm not going to quit. I'm tired of letting other people dictate what I do with my life—and this is a choice I'm making for myself, on my own. I love him, Wolfram, and I know it hurts you to hear it, but it's true. I love him, and even if he never returns my affection, I live in hope, because I believe in him and I believe in how I feel. I won't be frightened away by someone trying to assassinate me, and as much as I don't want to hurt you—I can't give you what you want. I won't betray his heart or mine."
"But you're betraying me!" Wolfram exclaimed.
"I don't think that's true," The Maou said. "You are a knight of Shin Makoku, right?"
"Of course," Wolfram replied, sniffing in indignation.
"Then you must see that your own traditions allow for this—as strange as it seems to me. I know the situation is…awkward, but I'm not betraying you. I've never promised you anything, apart from my true friendship, which you will always have. I've allowed you to raise Greta along with me, and I have promised you that would continue. How have I betrayed you, then?"
"You couldn't choose anyone else?" Wolfram said after a long moment of silence. "Did it have to be Gwendal?"
"I don't love anyone else," Yuuri whispered.
"You're going to get hurt." Wolfram dropped Yuuri's hand. "And when it happens, I'm not going to forget this. I won't forgive you for this, Yuuri."
"That might happen," the Maou said as he stood up. He walked to the door, his hand resting on the handle as he turned and looked over his shoulder. "But I couldn't count myself as any kind of man or Maou if I didn't have the courage to follow my heart. One day, Wolfram, I hope you feel the same and that you get the love you're looking for. I'm sorry I can't be who you want me to be."
Wolfram didn't answer. He turned away, refusing to watch his fiancé walk out the door.
--O.o.O—
It was late afternoon before Conrad finished his interrogations of the castle's soldiers and the other suspects he and Gunter had listed as they considered the problem currently at hand. Unfortunately, the two soldiers that had been found dead were relatively new to the company, and there was little information to be had. Both men were single, without families, which made them, perhaps, easy marks for the promise of a large pay-off had the assassination attempt proved successful. The most Conrad could do was request that Gwendal immediately change the entire castle guard, sending the men currently at post to other locations and bringing in a new battalion immediately. His eldest brother had instantly acquiesced, and had clearly thought of the same move himself, since the resident soldiers were moved out and a new company brought in before dinner was served.
Gunter and Conrad were both seated in Gwendal's office, the three demons in the midst of an intense discussion concerning safety precautions for the upcoming trip, when Conrad inquired after Yuuri's whereabouts.
"His Majesty is packing his office." Gwendal replied.
"Heika is returning?" Gunter asked, smiling. "That's good news. I'm glad to see you've patched things up."
"It was merely inconvenient for everyone and required a young page give up the rest of his duties to simply trot paperwork back and forth between our desks. I assure you, Gunter, this move serves the best interests of everyone involved."
"Of course it does," Gunter said, laughing lightly. "You're completely impossible without the Maou nearby to soothe your savage temper, Gwendal. I'm sure we'll all be much happier!"
Conrad hid his smile behind his hand. It felt good to relax, if only for a moment. Despite the turmoil of the previous evening, the repairs to Yuuri's room were going well. The workmen had finished clearing the debris, and the cause of the explosion had been discovered: Incendiary devices imbued with houseki had been discovered—a single device had not detonated. At least it provided a clue as to the perpetrators, as no demon needed, or could use, houseki.
"Have you given any thought as to who will be accompanying you as Yuuri's royal guard?" Conrad asked.
Gwendal nodded. "Yes. The only person I trust at the moment is my own guard captain—he will remain with us. Otherwise, I've made a list of appropriate personnel. It's in my desk."
As Gwendal moved his chair back so he could open the desk drawer, he knocked one of Yuuri's pens off the top of his desk. He leaned to his right, bending down to retrieve the writing tool as he pulled his desk drawer. The sound of a spring recoiling was the only warning any of them had—a sharp, barbed dart flew from the center drawer of Gwendal's desk, slicing through the fabric of his great coat to nick his upper arm, as it flew past and imbedded itself in the General's chair.
Conrad was on his feet in a flash. Gunter was faster, though, and the adjutant was already chanting, a soft violet glow suffusing the room. Conrad barely had time to get to Gwendal's side, dragging him to his feet, away from his chair when the door opened. Yuuri stood, framed in the door, his expression confused, then horrified as the torn, green fabric of Gwendal's coat began to turn dark.
"Gwendal…?" the Maou asked. The king dropped the box he was holding and raced across the room to the bleeding demon's side. "What happened? Are you all right?"
"A scratch, Heika," Gwendal answered, his voice tight. "No harm done."
"Scratches don't bleed like that!" Yuuri gasped, his hands already covering the small wound as the blue light of healing majutsu blended with the violet aura of Gunter's warding spell. "What the hell is going on?"
"Someone tampered with Gwendal's desk," Conrad said leaning down to examine Gwendal's chair. "And this dart is poisoned. Look at the smoke coming from the leather."
"My chair!" Gwendal bit out. "That's IT! This has to end."
"You're wounded, Gwendal," Yuuri whispered, as the slice on Gwendal's arm closed under his ministrations. "Someone tried to kill you and all you're worried about is your damned chair?"
"I like that chair," Gwendal muttered.
Gunter unclasped his hands and moved to inspect the chair as well. "It is lucky that we were here. There should be no lasting damage to your arm, Gwendal, I have counteracted the poison."
Conrad wrapped his hand in his handkerchief and carefully removed the dark from his brother's chair. He held it up to the candlelight. "Do you recognize the make of this dart, Gunter? I've never seen anything like it."
"No. But I will research it."
"We need to find whoever set this trap. I put that paper in my desk before lunch, and I was only out of the office for about an hour after that. Whoever did this is still in the castle—they must be." Gwendal said, as he covered Yuuri's hands with one of his. Conrad expected Yuuri to step back, but the blue glow only intensified around him.
"A man's office is his private sanctum—a place of both work and respite. It is cowardly to set a trap for an innocent being and not to confront an enemy face to face. Justice will be done, and I will pronounce punishment!" Yuuri's voice was deep, ringing throughout the office and was surely heard throughout the castle, as his hair lengthened.
In all of his years with the king, Conrad had never seen the Maou come forth in such a fashion. Instantly, columns of water shot from the sky to the ground, from what he could make out through Gwendal's window, seemingly encasing the castle grounds behind shimmering, liquid bars. It seemed the Maou had no intention of letting the saboteur escape this time.
"Gunter von Kleist," the Maou commanded. "All beings leave behind a trace of their essence, wherever they go…" Several papers flew from Gwendal's desk drawer. "Find the person in the castle who carries the aura that surrounds these papers and bring that person here, to me."
"Yes…yes, Heika!" Gunter said, his voice hushed with awe.
Conrad could do nothing but stand by as he watched the King's adjutant carefully inspect the papers, not looking at the words, but using some sort of inner sight to catch the traces of aura on the parchment. In a flash, the adjutant disappeared from the office, leaving the door open in his hurry.
"Heika…" Gwendal's voice was even, calm. "What are you doing?"
The young man's eyes swept over the room, and Conrad almost shivered at their cold expression. He would never quite get used to the Maou, as impressive as that aspect of Yuuri's character was, because…it wasn't his Yuuri—the warm and loving boy that Conrad knew so well. Gwendal, however, didn't seem concerned at all. However, Conrad recognized the tight line of his brother's mouth—he was concerned that something was going to spin out of control at any moment.
"A person or persons as yet unknown have dared to assault my lover—the one under my protection and to whom I have promised shelter and safety. It is not acceptable that such criminals walk free upon the earth. For touching what is mine, I will destroy them utterly."
"I am uninjured," Gwendal said, squeezing the Maou's fingers. He glanced at Conrad and the soldier immediately moved to close the door.
"I am well, and you have healed me," Gwendal continued, holding the Maou's gaze. "I know you are powerful and can do all that you promise, but if the person responsible for this is still in the castle, and you execute him, then we may never know the whole truth behind what is happening."
"This cannot be forgiven," the Maou said, darkly. "Daring to harm my own was a choice that cannot be unmade. He will meet death as recompense for his labor."
"Curb your bloodlust!" Gwendal said sharply. Conrad held his breath. Everyone in the castle knew that crossing the Yuuri in this form was…unwise. Then, again, this wouldn't be the first time that the General had stood toe to toe with his King.
"Killing is not what you stand for…Yuuri." Gwendal's voice softened only a fraction. "You have called me your own, and so I am. I would ask you grant me this favor, then, because you can. Withhold your judgment, delay punishment…let us investigate this matter, as civilized demons."
The maou looked the General up and down, his gaze thoughtful and appraising. Conrad had known his brother was brave, but he didn't realize his will was this strong.
"Because you have asked it of me, I will accede to your wishes, though it is not my first choice." The Maou replied. "Understand, my prized one, that you are dear to me, and I will not suffer you to be injured. No other could make such an appeal to me."
"I swore my sword and life to your service, Heika." Gwendal answered. His bearing and voice were formal. "I will not forget your mercy in this matter."
"Then be at peace, Lord von Voltaire, for your request is granted. I will withdraw…for now."
True to his word, the Maou departed, leaving Yuuri to collapse, unconscious, in Gwendal's arms.
--O.o.O—
Yuuri woke in a strange bed. Taking a moment to get his bearings, he began to recognize his surroundings—the antique weapons displayed on the wall, the books, the lumpy, stuffed animals. He was in Gwendal's room.
"How do you feel, Heika?"
"Yuuri, Nazukeoya!" Yuuri grumbled, rubbing his forehead. He sat up. "I feel awful. What happened? The last thing I remember is coming into Gwendal's office, and something…I can't remember."
"Gwendal narrowly missed being hit with a poisoned dart—and it even scratched his arm."
"Yes…" Yuuri said slowly, his head beginning to clear. "And you were there, and Gunter. Gwendal was upset about his chair. What happened after that?"
"The Maou came out." Conrad was staring at him, his expression filled with concern. "You ordered Gunter to trace the culprit and it appeared at first as though you were going to pronounce a lethal judgment, but…Gwendal convinced you to wait until we knew more."
"I…did what?" Yuuri exclaimed. He had no memory of this at all. He flushed and looked at his hands. "What else did I say? What did I do?"
"Well, you withheld your anger only because Gwendal asked you to do so. And…you made your feelings for my brother very clear."
Yuuri sank down in the bed and pulled the covers over his head. He had confessed his love for Gwendal…and wasn't even aware of it?
"It wasn't so bad, Yuuri." Conrad's voice was gentle. "You said nothing wrong and you shouldn't be ashamed. You just told Gwendal that he was important to you, and that you wouldn't stand by while he was hurt."
"Actually, you claimed him as your own."
Yuuri peeked out of the covers to see Gunter standing with his back against the door and a loving smile on his lips.
"I did what?"
"Ask Gwendal to repeat what you said, Heika. It concerns the both of you more than either Conrad or myself. How are you feeling now?"
"I…I'm ok," Yuuri whispered. "I just feel really tired."
"So you should," Gwendal said, opening the door and nudging Gunter out of his way. "You've been out for a while now. You missed dinner. I brought you something to eat."
"Thanks," Yuuri replied, unable to quite meet Gwendal's eyes. The General put the tray down on the table beside the bed, then disappeared behind a tall screen.
"What…did you find out, Gunter?" Yuuri asked, unsure of what he should say or do.
Gunter explained that as a result of the Maou's command, he had followed the slight traces of aura through the castle to the maids' parlor. He found Sangria there, unconscious, and only just clinging to life. He described how both he and Gisela had worked over the maid, struggling to counteract the same poison that had been intended for Gwendal. Yuuri was relieved to hear that Sangria would make a full recovery, but…
"How did she get poisoned in the first place?" he asked.
"It looks like she was under outside influence, Heika," Gunter continued. "After she completed her task of rigging Gwendal's desk, she, like the other soldiers, was probably seen as a liability, and the poison was introduced. Gisela removed a dart similar to the one meant for Gwendal from her shoulder. The problem, though, is that the poison is very similar to the Wincott poison. From what I can tell so far, and from Anissina's initial analysis, it seems that a light dose of the poison will cause the victim to be very open to suggestion, and larger doses are lethal."
Yuuri had a sudden image of Gwendal housed inside of a doll, as Gunter had been when he'd been exposed to the poison. He found it funny and horrifying at once.
"If the poison is similar to the von Wincott's, does that mean it was made by…a mazoku?" Yuuri asked.
Conrad frowned. "Yes, Yuuri. The fact that we found evidence of houseki in the previous attack, and now evidence of majutsu, well…"
"That means it is likely that our culprits are a combined force of human and demon." Gwendal finished.
Yuuri glanced at the screen in time to see Gwendal's green coat land on the top to drape over the structure.
"I don't think that's what you had in mind when you suggested that humans and demons learn to live with one another in peace, Heika," Gwendal said. Yuuri had only heard his General make a darkly humorous quip twice before—both times he had been very angry. As the young Maou watched, he saw Gwendal's shirt, then his trousers join the green coat on top of the screen.
"I don't know what to say," Yuuri whispered. "I just don't understand what is driving this. I mean, I think I understand the motive, but Gwendal could have been killed."
"So might you have been," Gwendal said, coming around the screen, now clad in a pair of dark purple pajamas. "And, had anyone else opened my desk—that dart could have struck an innocent."
"I'm glad we're leaving in the morning," Yuuri said. "I don't want anyone else to be in danger."
"I am leaving with my men now." Conrad stood and paused at the bedside long enough to run his hand over Yuuri's hair. "There are extra guards posted around the castle tonight, and several more stationed here. This room has been thoroughly inspected. You can sleep without worry for tonight, Yuuri."
"Are…are you leaving?"
The soldier nodded. "I need to be in position before you and Gwendal leave in the morning."
"I, too, must go," Gunter said softly, rising to stand by Conrad's side. "There is much to be done. Sleep tonight, Heika. Tomorrow will be a long day, but Gwendal will be with you. And we will be near."
"Am I…am I staying here?" Yuuri asked, turning to Gwendal.
The tall, scowling demon was standing near the bed with his arms folded over his chest. He was looking out the window, from what Yuuri could tell. "It would be safest for you if you did, but, we can find other accommodations, Heika, if you prefer."
Yuuri shook his head quickly. "No, that's not it. I just…don't want to disturb you. You need to rest, too."
Gwendal crossed the room, opened the door, and waited while Conrad and Gunter said their goodnights to Yuuri. He closed it after them, then turned to face Yuuri. Suddenly, the young King of Shin Makoku felt very unsure of himself.
"Are you sure you don't mind my being here?"
"You are welcome in my rooms at any time, Heika. It is your right as Maou."
Yuuri bit his lip. Heika. The way Gwendal said the word, he knew there was something on his General's mind, but he had no idea how to broach the subject. He wished he understood the man leaning against the door. It was like their shared morning, which had made Yuuri so happy, had never happened. How could a day that had started with such promise turn into this. First, the dismal conversation with Wolfram, then the attack (and his lack of memory about that was very upsetting), and now Gwendal wouldn't even look at him—and a scowl seemed permanently etched on his face.
"You're angry with me, aren't you?" Yuuri blurted out.
Gwendal blinked twice, then his brows drew together. "Why would you think that?"
Yuuri shrugged and stared at the blankets on the bed.
"Heika?" Gwendal asked, taking two steps closer to the bed.
"I…I'm sorry, Gwendal. I don't know what I've done to make you mad—probably something when the Maou took over, because I don't remember. But…whatever it is, I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing to me?" Gwendal's frown remained in place. "You've done nothing wrong. I will admit that you were a bit…overzealous in your desire for justice this evening, and I suspect you're so tired because you used a great deal of your maryoku holding yourself back. I'm not angry with you, Heika. I am…frustrated that I have not resolved what is happening yet."
"Then…why won't you use my name? And why…are you so far away?"
Gwendal stared at him as though he didn't know how to answer. Finally, he took measured steps across the room and sat down on the end of the bed.
"I didn't want to make you uncomfortable." The General said. Then he stretched out his hand, and Yuuri hurried to grasp it.
"You could have been really hurt today, or even killed." Yuuri gripped Gwendal's hand tightly. "I was so scared."
"But, I am here. I am unharmed."
Yuuri didn't have the words to express his feelings, so he practically hurled himself against Gwendal's chest and held on.
"Heika," Gwendal gasped, his voice soft. "What is this?"
Yuuri felt Gwendal's strong hand brushing against his head, stroking his hair. The taller demon shifted his arms, bringing Yuuri into his lap.
"In all the years you have known me, I have faced many dangers, as have you—but you have never before acted this way. Why are you so frightened?"
Yuuri shook his head against Gwendal's chest. There was no way he could explain to the somber man holding him that all those times he had faced danger in the past had been before Yuuri realized what losing Gwendal would mean. The loss of the mazoku holding him would mean more than a simple broken heart, it would mean…the loss of his source of happiness and strength. Those were words he couldn't begin to say, and to his great embarrassment, he felt hot tears begin to spill over his eyelashes onto his cheeks.
"I just…don't want you to be hurt," Yuuri said finally.
Gwendal eased him away from his chest, cradling Yuuri's cheeks in the broad palms of his large hands. Yuuri looked up into his general's dark blue eyes, trying to read their expression, but Gwendal's eyes showed only confusion and concern.
"Even if this current threat did not exist, there is a good chance I would be hurt at some point, Yuuri. I have been hurt before, and I don't doubt it will happen again—it is the nature of my position. But you already know this, even as I know that no matter what I do…no matter how careful and cautious I am, or Conrad or Gunter—all of us…no matter how many contingencies we plan for, it is possible for you to be harmed, kidnapped or worse. I, too, have to live with that and I accept it because you are the Maou, my King. However, I cannot operate effectively if I allow myself to be consumed by fear—and neither can you. For tonight, I am here, and so are you, and we are uninjured. Calm yourself now, Yuuri. Don't anticipate grief, it will come soon enough. It always does."
"Then…what do we do?" Yuuri asked, still mesmerized by Gwendal's eyes.
"We rest," his General replied simply. "And tomorrow, we will begin another day and hopefully we will expose those behind this scheme."
Gwendal leaned down and brushed his lips against Yuuri's forehead. Then he stood, and walked around the bed. He slipped into the covers on the far side and sat with his back against the headboard. Yuuri scooted back as well, until he was sitting beside the tall demon.
"What are these?" Gwendal asked, pointing to the small box of books on his bedside table.
"Oh," Yuuri said, shaking himself out of his thoughts. "I'd forgotten that I put those there earlier. They're books, from Earth. They're children's books, by a lady named Beatrix Potter, and she lived a long time ago, but they're stories where animals are the central characters. She was English and wrote in another language, but they've been translated into Japanese with the original artwork—I…I thought you might like them."
Gwendal nodded, his expression once again unreadable. He picked up one of the slim volumes and opened it. Yuuri smiled to see the wrinkles on the handsome demon's forehead which meant he was concentrating. He read Japanese well, that Yuuri knew from experience, but it still took him some effort.
"Gwendal…?" Yuuri asked, as the General turned another page—he was about halfway through the Tale of Peter Rabbit.
"Mmmm?"
"What…what did I say, when I was…in your office. I don't remember."
"I do not like this man, McGregor. He is a tyrant. I appreciate that he is a farmer, but the little rabbits couldn't eat the entirety of his harvest…and it was cruel to steal his little blue coat with the brass buttons." Gwendal mused.
"I…I think he sort of gets his in the end," Yuuri said, stretching out on his side of the bed and rolling on his side to face the opposite wall.
"I certainly hope so," Gwendal muttered. "And when you were…not yourself…you demanded Gunter find whoever had sabotaged my desk."
"Was that all?" Yuuri whispered.
Silence stretched between them. Yuuri had given up hope of Gwendal replying, until he heard the small book snap closed. He felt Gwendal moving in the bed, the shift and pull of covers and the settling of the General's weight in the mattress next to him. He closed his eyes and held his breath, hoping. He sighed in relief when he felt Gwendal's arm settle over his waist and he felt himself drawn back against the warm demon's chest.
"No," Gwendal breathed in his ear. "That wasn't all. Are you sure you want me to tell you?"
Yuuri nodded.
"You called me your own, said that I am under your protection, and you promised death to those who would harm me."
"I…I did?"
"Yes. Do you regret those words, Yuuri?"
"No," Yuuri answered, blushing and squeezing his eyes closed. "I…I don't really want to kill anyone, though. But, I…want you, Gwendal."
"Then…should I tell you a secret?"
Yuuri wasn't sure, but he thought he heard something in Gwendal's normally serious voice. A note, just the barest hint of playfulness.
"Yes," Yuuri answered, curious.
"Being wanted feels…good."
Yuuri smiled, a weight lifting from his chest, and he snuggled back against Gwendal's wide chest. It had been, on the balance, a horrible day. However, here, safe in the arms of the man he loved—even if he couldn't tell Gwendal how he felt—he had to admit that regardless of what had come before, he wouldn't mind ending every day just like this.
"What do we do now?" Yuuri asked.
"Now, we sleep," Gwendal breathed in his ear. "It's been a long day."
Yuuri closed his eyes and listened to the steady, lulling beat of Gwendal's heart. He didn't think he was sleepy at all, but he was warm and comfortable. In moments, he stopped thinking all together as sleep claimed him.
And…that's it for chapter 7. Tomorrow, the journey and the next attempt on our fellas. Also, Wolfram is not finished, as you see, and while he is NOT the saboteur, he definitely plays a part in what could be a very unhappy ending for Yuuri and Gwendal…but that part's not written yet. Thanks for your patience, everyone, and I will now try to slave my old drive to the new computer and see if I can't recover my mail! I'll be seeing you…and, BTW, every other day updates now until we are finished….SN
