The room hailed in unison, greeting the most powerful man in the whole west Europe. He answered by the slight nod and stood up when the anthem came.

Ludwig let the melody engulfed his mind. Deutschland, Deutschland, über alles, über alles in der welt... So long he waited, he dreamed to be more then he was, to revenge all that injustice, that sneer he used to receive from League of Nations. When he was singing, palm on his heart, he could almost feel the flowing power in his veins. The dream was so close...

Anthem ended. Führer left his chair and approached to their group, examining his lands and allies. Ludwig, Gilbert and Kiku in the first row, Feliciano, Roderich and Antonio - for new fascist Spain, which Ludwig helped to create - behind them. The third row belonged to smaller satellites of Germany, as Slovakia or Latvia. To those last Führer gave no attention.

Kiku Honda bowed as Führer stood in front of him. Leader of Germany smiled, offering him the handshake. "I heard about your successful conquest of Nanking. That was perfect."

Kiku bowed again. "All I do is my duty, sir."

"You're the soldier after my heart. Uncompromised, tough, proper - no delays, no unnecessary captives." Führer looked as both German brothers on his side. "Look at this man - honor and land his more for him than his own life. Learn from his example."

He greeted the second row and stopped before Antonio, pointing in a way to his office. "We'll talk in privacy."

Group dissolved their formation, following Führer and Spain. Ludwig appeared on Kiku's side.

"I wished we would have more time to talk together," said Japan with little disappointment in his tone. "We haven't seen each other since the war begun."

"Don't be sentimental, we both have our duties."

"What do you have with Spain?"

"We like to gain him for the war. But he has a lot work to do after his own and besides... Those Catalans are too stubborn."

Roderich could finally rest a little, meanwhile he was creating plans for soon escape back to his room. Czech did amazing job on his appearance. Better than on her own. He wished to have the same fortune and be banished from this all.


Ludwig entered the main office and on the first sight he recognized, that his leader is utterly displeased. The ceremonial meeting took whole four hours, which result was only Spain's hesitant answers and describing of local socialist resistance. Nothing could make him promise a help to Germany's war campaign. At least, Gilbert was promoted as Generaland and send to Stalingrad by tomorrow train. He didn't seem as happy as he was supposed to. Now there was another thing to solve. And Ludwig fortunately knew which one.

"You asked for me, sir?"

Führer nod to the chair in front of his desk. "Take a seat, herr Kommandant."


About an hour later Ludwig brought others to the lounge - same place, where Roderich committed his country to his hands, by the way - for the aperitif before late lunch.

Roderich positioned himself in the most darkened corner, where his tired eyes were protected against the direct sunlight and where he could took a little nap without to be seen. Antonio excused himself right after meeting end and returned home to continue in building up the new nationalist Spain. Feliciano left as soon as he could, because his leader has his unfortunate day. Satellite countries weren't invited. Gilbert, Kiku and Ludwig took seats around the coffee table.

Conversation between them was really poor. Ludwig was lost in his mind, Kiku quiet as always, so Gilbert took the role of a comic and talk. He was talking about old Prussia, Napoleon wars, experiences from the first world war, about Paris and women and cigarettes and alcohol and similar useless things, which only Kiku was listening for decency's sake. Ludwig didn't interrupt him.

He knew that Gilbert needs to talk out everything from everything he kept inside. The fear, the nervousness, the annoyance.

Finally Prussia offered: "Let's order some drinks." He rang the bell, shouting all around: "Service! We're thirsty!"

Czech came immediately, since she was standing prepared whole time behind the door. She pushed the cart with drinks to them, meanwhile Gilbert was loudly describing his dissatisfaction local staff and also made some notes about her appearance.

"I have nothing against alcohol, nor when woman drinks. But not in the work time, that's not suitable, as you see." He smiled as she delivered him a glass of gin. "Faster, girl, you're not -..."

"Shut up, Gil!" Ludwig gave him extra cold gaze. Yes, Czech offended him once, but this was too much for revenge. "I told you. We will talk later."

Gilbert bitterly smirked and leaned in his chair. "You're the boss."

Czech poured the port wine for Kiku, meanwhile Japanese was calmly watching her. In a moment she lifted her head and their eyes met for a few seconds. Then she quickly served to Ludwig and ignoring Roderich in his corner, she left without any emotional mark.


The day came to its end, when Kiku announced his leaving. Ludwig followed him to the main doors.

"It's hard to be in this position," suddenly Kiku said. "It's not that necessary to know, but soon you'll have to decide..."

Ludwig shaked his head. "I don't understand."

Kiku stepped back a little. "You didn't noticed. Czech's eyes... She hates you."

Ludwig frowned. He wasn't that shocked by the fact itself, but rather the way how Kiku said it. "And?"

"As you sow, you shall your reap. Believe me, you would have to make her your ally, or get rid of her," answered Kiku, pensively playing with buttons of Ludwig's uniform. "I like her music, I really do, but... That's Nanking, you know. Better to kill them, or they'll revenge."

Ludwig firmly stopped his hand, pulling it down. "I didn't ask for your opinion."

"Do as you like," said Kiku, bowing the head. "It's a pity we can't stay together during the night. I miss your presence."

"I wish you'll finally learned what all I'm against."

"So, that's the crime? To admire someone's beauty?"

"In a way as you do..."

"Or you have already certain feelings toward someone else. It was heroic, when you defended her. Question is, if it's good for you."


Officer made a prearranged signal and let Czech into Ludwigs workroom. She stopped in the halfway to his desk, examining his expression. It was really rare, when he call her here. For a minute he let her guess, then he turned aside.

"Bad news for you," Ludwig started.

Czech only bowed her head, biting her lip. How else than bad it could be?

"We just elected the new Protector."

"Who?" she asked quietly.

"They gave me a choice between Kurt Daluege and Karl Frank."

She closed her eyes for a few seconds, trying to keep her peace. Both of those men were responsible for Heydrichiade, the bloody offence after last protectors death.

"I upholded Daluege, so he was elected."

Czech bitterly smirked. Did he try to ingratiate? She did know those men. Both the same murderers... "What are you waiting for?" she hissed. "Jumping of joy?"

"That you'll accept the fact." Ludwig made few steps there and back. "Also, I can't let your morning incident with Gilbert. You offended army officer - you should be punished."

Czech spread her arm. She looked as a person, who awaits his death and who has already resigned for his future. "Don't hesitate then."

Ludwig frowned, displeased by her given up state. Despite she didn't know yet about his plans, it looked like she's spoiling his effort. At the last second he kept his temper. "It's not so simple. I have an offer for you."

Czech let her hands fell down, totally surprised. "What?"

Ludwig approached her, facing as seriously, that Czech would believe him he speaks the truth. "I offer you return to Bohemia, partial release from Germany's influence and position of my equal ally."

Czech narrowed her eyes. He could see through those green irises her thoughts, confused and suspicious. "And in turn?" she finally asked.

For few seconds he hesitated. Part of him screamed in his head, that this is not a right time and plan at all, but he knew, that soon or later... "I want you have a Gilberts child."

Czech widened her eyes, unable to answer. It was all out. He didn't hesitate anymore, taking his chance before she would collect herself.

He grabbed her shoulders, leaning his face closer. "Just think! You're on your own, there's nobody who would help you! You're on my mercy and I'm offering you the way out. Before you decide, remember, that this is not about Gilbert or this bloody war. It's about you... For the old acquaintance's sake..."

She was facing him completely overwhelmed. He - so monstrous and yet so sentimental - holding her in place. Finally she bowed her head. "It's could not be real... You're lying..."

"I have never been so determined."

"Then you're mad!"

"The first time I see more clearly than ever!"

Czech ripped out from his grip, retreating to the door. "I would rather die!"

"That's very well!" He shouted after her. "Because you're not suppose to survive this! Poland, Slovakia, Balt! You all are already sentenced to death!"

She stopped. And then she whispered by the most blaming way: "How can you live with that?"

Ludwig didn't respond. He applied all his effort to focus on his plan, nothing more. Otherwise he would gone mad. Czech turned back on him, shaking her head. "You're playing strong, but in reality you're the same as your prisoners..."

She wanted to leave, but on the last moment he exclaimed: "I'll spare Feliks."

Czech stopped one more time, touching the door handle.

"Not making him free, but I can release him from the cage."

"To the one of yours amazing camps?"

"To his own people, where he wouldn't be forget. That's the last offer."