Warnings: None.

Summary: Yuuri deals with the aftermath of the merge.

"You scared me half into my next life," Greta said still breathless from fright.

She gave Michael a look of exasperation after he removed his hand.

At least Michael looked sorry. It was lucky for him he'd removed his hand when he had, she'd been two seconds away from punching him in the groin the way Anissina had taught her if someone had grabbed her from behind.

Fortunately the copper oil lamp had extinguished when it had fallen. She bent over to retrieve it. When she got back up Michael had a strange look on his face, inexplicably Greta shivered.

Strange, it wasn't a cool night.

"What are you doing here?" Michael said roughly. No apology, no explanation. Greta felt her irritation grow.

"You just don't grab someone without a good reason," she accused, although her heart really wasn't in it. She didn't want to annoy Michael and she had come without an invitation.

"Sorry, I thought...well, I was worried about intruders," Michael said.

In the castle barracks? How was that likely? But Greta kept that thought to herself.

"I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd come around and see if you were awake, I know that sometimes you have night duties," she answered his earlier question.

"You really shouldn't be around here, Princess, by yourself. And how did you make it here without someone noticing?" Michael looked around suspiciously.

"I was quiet. Beatrice is a heavy sleeper and I took one of the side passages, hardly anyone knows about them."

She knew Michael was concerned about Papa finding out. Papa had been acting strange lately, he'd always been very protective of her, but recently...she could only conclude he'd noticed her interest in Michael. Poor Michael had probably been a recipient of her Papa's anger.

True to her theory, Michael didn't look that happy to see her. Maybe this wasn't a good an idea as she thought when she set out, she only wanted to talk. Greta hadn't seen Michael for ages.

Now they were standing in Michael's doorway and it looked like she wasn't going to be invited in. There was a pungent smell in the air. Desperate for something, anything to say to relieve the tension, she leaped on that.

"What is that smell, it's different?" It smelt of...something like minz leaf, but far more vinegary.

Michael looked unhappy with her question, and answered, voice clipped, "Healing unguents."

"Oh, I don't think I've smelt anything like that when I helped Gisela at the infirmary."

"It's...for field work, not very common." Michael dismissed her, obviously not wanting her around.

Greta could feel tears gathering, this had been a bad idea. As if she thought Michael would welcome her over, she was just a silly girl.

"Well..." She bit her lip, "I just thought, I...should be going then, I'm sorry to have bothered you."

"Yes...all right."

She turned to leave and almost immediately the door was slammed shut behind her.

Later when she'd made it back to the rooms, gotten changed and crawled into the large bed next to Beatrice her friend had woken and murmured drowsily. "You smell strange."

"It's nothing." Greta said, "Nothing at all."

When Yuuri awoke he still felt the same as always.

Almost.

He no longer felt the presence of the Maou in that corner of the mind that he had once chained the spirit to. If it wasn't for the gnawing anxiety of what was to come Yuuri would feel greater relief in its absence.

The other difference was that he had a new awareness of Wolfram, a bond he hadn't had before. A bright shining sensation in his mind's eye. Whether that was normal or not did not bother Yuuri, for it seemed right, like it was supposed to be.

Yuuri didn't even need to open his eyes to see that Wolfram was lying next to him, asleep.

So he had received a big shock when he'd gone to relieve himself in the washroom.

Looking into the mirror his hair had grown long and his eyes...the eyes had changed. There weren't quite the severe feline-slit of the Maou, but there was a distinctive difference. His irises which had been dark brown had lightened a little, making the creepy pupils more noticeable.

The pupils were tapered on the top and bottom cat-like. Yuuri studied them in the mirror and shivered, he no longer looked human, and he no longer looked mazoku. The gaze was alien.

This is what people would see from now on. Would they be afraid? Yuuri blinked and put on a smile, the eyes didn't change. If anything with the smile they looked even creepier.

What would people think?

Wolfram would be fine with it, he could be sure of that. At the thought of Wolfram the smile in the mirror in front of him become more genuine and he noticed that the pupils had taken a much more rounded appearance. Not quite normal, but enough so it didn't look so weird, like Yuuri was a freak. But no sooner had those worrying thoughts flitted through his mind then the pupils changed again, slitted.

Maybe it was his moods which changed his eyes?

Yuuri splashed cold water onto his face and covered his eyes with shaking fingers, his other hand gripping the edge of the basin painfully. It would no longer be easy for him to go back to earth. Guess he had to invest in decent sunglasses. Yuuri's chuckle was dark, bordering on hysterical, hand still clamped over his eyes.

What would his parents think? His brother? Conrad...Greta?

He slowly opened his eyes, and his pupil slits were much more discernable with worry, though it looked plain menacing to him.

He would no longer be able to hide his feelings, not that Yuuri was good at that anyway.

He spent another few minutes over the basin, breathing deeply, calming himself down. He couldn't afford to have a major freak-out. This was his choice, he needed to deal.

"I like it," Wolfram had murmured when he returned from the washroom, the first self-aware words Wolfram had said since waking that morning, exhausted but whole.

The Prince was drowsy, eyes still fuzzy, carding his hands through Yuuri's long hair.

Wolfram had next looked up into his eyes and it was then that Yuuri started worrying, and by worrying he knew he would look even more freakish.

"Yuuri, your eyes?" Wolfram breathed, his tone not troubled but surprised.

"Do I look like a good Demon King now? I still feel like me," Yuuri had to add, more to reassure himself.

Wolfram had looked at him gently and reached out and cupped his chin, "You look like Yuuri."

He gave Wolfram a relieved kiss on the forehead and his husband had fallen asleep instantly.

Murata wasn't surprised, which Yuuri expected, he would have been worried if he had been.

"I've never seen the Maou spirit manifest as strongly in any mazoku as much as in you. It would make sense for you to take on some physical characteristics," Murata said, looking him over with obvious curiosity.

Murata's gaze made Yuuri feel self-conscious. He tried not to duck his head, keeping eye contact, he needed to get used to this.

"I still feel like me." Yuri said again. If he kept saying it, it had to be true.

There was a creeping feeling telling Yuuri that it might not be true, that things weren't quite the same. And that wasn't counting his connection with Wolfram. Now that he'd become aware of his eyes there were other things which he'd started to notice. Like a heightened sense of hearing, if he focused he had been able to hear Wolfram's soft breathing from the washroom and it was easier to see things in the dark room. When Murata had first walked in Yuuri thought he'd been able to see a muted, blue-green aura around his friend, which was definitely new. Yet he still felt like Yuuri.

He focused his attention back on his friend. Murata was pale and visibly exhausted.

If anything, he looked much worse than Wolfram. Standing there in his sleep robe, his hair tied back messily. There were dark shadows under his eyes.

Gisela had placed him in a room next to theirs; 'magical exhaustion' he had told Yuuri wearily as explanation.

"You won't feel much of a change within yourself in that way...probably. The changes will be in how you perceive the world." Murata said.

"What do you mean by probably?" It came out harsher then he'd wanted, but Yuuri was afraid. He knew well enough how Murata would fudge things to spare people's feelings, or spare himself drama.

Murata sighed and sat down heavily on the room's one chair. Yuuri was sitting on the end of their bed, Wolfram sound asleep behind him.

"As I've said before, the Maou had an ego, the ritual subsumed him in yours. Normally that would be the end of it, but...I don't know what the outcome will be here. I imagine that you will find that there will be more changes other than physical appearance and more abilities, heightened perception. You'll be stronger. He ended the last words in a mild tone as Murata took his glasses off and rubbed at his eyes.

There was silence, for a moment. Then as an afterthought Murata added.

"If it's any consolation, the Maou personality is based on you, he was like a shadow of yourself, some of it is from his past, but a lot of its ego it would have taken from you. Remember what I said before?"

This was way too philosophical for Yuuri, he didn't want to think about things like self, or identity. It frightened him. Besides, he could literally smell Murata's uncertainty and exhaustion, acrid-like. Murata certainly looked calmer than Yuuri's senses were telling him.

"So the short answer is that you don't know?"

Murata nodded his head wearily in agreement. Well, at least he was honest.

Yuuri dragged his fingers through his hair in anxiety, letting Murata see how scared he was. He didn't have to be strong now for Murata; even if he wanted to he had no energy for it.

"I'm worried sick, Murata, what if Yuuri is dead, what if the Yuuri I think I am isn't the Yuuri that was yesterday."

Murata rubbed his chin and closed his eyes thoughtfully before addressing Yuuri.

"None of us are who we were yesterday, Shibuya. We are all a sum of our memories, our experiences and the people in our lives. I don't even think the change that may have taken place yesterday will be any greater than the way you changed over the last few years as King of Shin Makoku. Are you anything like the Yuuri you were when you were fifteen?"

"No…" But Yuuri wasn't sure if it was that simple. Such changes took place gradually over many years.

"How is Prince Wolfram?" Murata asked, changing the topic. Yuuri decided to let the subject rest; he turned and caressed Wolfram's hair gently.

"He seems okay, tired. Conrad and Gwendal came to check on him this morning."

Yuuri had feigned sleep when they had arrived early that morning. He'd listened as Gisela quietly informed the brothers that everything was fine. Later on Wolfram had woken his, eyes a little aware, long enough to reassure Yuuri. Long enough to know that Wolfram had no memory of what had happened during the ritual.

"He doesn't remember any of it. Do you?"

"Yes." Murata didn't elaborate.

"He came very close to dying, Murata. I didn't realise the amount of power he'd have to absorb, but then, it was like something snapped into place and I knew how to protect him, to shield him."

It was odd that Yuuri didn't feel angry at that thought, of Wolfram risking his life for this, for him. Before the ritual he wasn't one hundred per cent sure of what he wanted, he needed to protect the people, but was afraid for Wolfram. Now Yuuri knew it was the right choice, and he suspected that Murata had never let on how much risk that Wolfram was under, but…it didn't matter, it had worked.

Wolfram was now his and nothing would hurt him, or take him away from him, ever. A current of disquiet went through him, but Yuuri ignored it. Still petting Wolfram's hair, he spoke.

"I feel Wolfram in my head, just like I used to feel the Maou, but it's different. He's connected to me now."

While the Maou had been a presence whose intentions he could read, sometimes. Wolfram was like a bright light, a sun that was connected to him on a fundamental level. He couldn't read anything from it in detail, but the connection told him that Wolfram was well, that all was well between them.

Yuuri just knew.

Murata nodded wearily, his friend looked like he wanted to say something more, but he shook his head instead.

"I'm glad this turned out well, we'll have to talk more about this later. You will find some changes in your abilities, it probably won't kick in all at once, your body will need the time to adjust...to change. It might be distressing at first, Shibuya, but please talk to me about it, or speak to your husband. Don't keep it to yourself."

Murata looked him in the eye. The seriousness he saw there didn't comfort him at all. Yuuri nodded. Scenting truth, it suddenly occurred to Yuuri that nobody would ever be able to lie to him again, not without him noticing, not even Murata who had perfect control over his body language. But he kept that thought to himself, possibly Murata knew this.

Yuuri dimly realised that this would change things, the balance had tipped and he wasn't quite sure how he felt about it, or even if he wanted to think about it at all.

Murata stood up slowly.

"I need rest. Yozak said he was coming by this afternoon and if he found me up and about he'd skin me alive."

Yuuri nodded, feeling vaguely tired too.

"I'll speak to you later." Yuuri said his attention back on Wolfram. He distantly heard the door shut.

Yuuri crawled back under the covers, curled up against Wolfram, breathed in the scent and comfort of the prince's presence and knew no more.

Yozak had managed to get Murata in his bed on the third night after he'd fainted, Gisela reluctantly releasing the Great Sage from her care.

Yozak needed to spend time with Murata, to see for himself that his partner was safe and whole.

After tonight there would be frantic preparations, little time for Yozak to get Murata to himself.

Ken would need to return to the Temple to do last minute paperwork, hand over what he could to Lady Ulrike and Lord von Voltaire. Yozak would be escalating surveillance, calling in quite a few favours and spending just as much time in various meetings. Then Murata and the King would be absent for two weeks, with a couple of days travel both ways it would be closer to three weeks.

The times were ominous and Yozak was trying to subdue the bad feeling he got in the pit of his stomach. Undoubtedly the King needed a break and quality time with the Prince. Not to mention it would give Murata down time, fates only knew that rest was sorely needed for Ken.

If only said down time could involve Yozak too, they'd never gotten away together, never had that opportunity. Only stealing nights alone when they could.

Yozak was pragmatic about this relationship, he was a common half-breed, royal spymaster or no. Murata was the Great Sage, his humanity was inconsequential to his high status in the eyes of the Aristocracy and Kingdom.

Their relationship need not be hidden, but it would have to always be discreet and would never be acknowledged. There would be no vows at a temple, or official recognition amongst peers. But even so...he couldn't help but be greedy, to take everything he could, to make their few moments together mean something for however long that would last.

At the moment Murata wasn't doing much resting, he was going through some old tome he'd gotten Lord von Christ to retrieve for him, and his body exuded exhaustion.

"Come to bed, Ken." Yozak said gently.

Murata put one hand up in a just-a-minute gesture, his head still in the book

"Yes, I just…there is one thing I have to check first."

Yozak heaved a sigh and got out of bed, standing behind Murata and with very little protest he placed the leather bookmark in and quietly closed the book.

"The way you are at the moment, I doubt you'd be able to find anything you're looking for, especially…ancient Shimerian," Yozak looked at the cover, he could only vaguely read it, something about nature divinities, the old cursives were hard to read. With deliberate care Yozak doused the desk candles with the bronze candle snuffer.

"Come to bed," Yozak repeated, and he wasn't asking.

Murata nodded wearily, took his glasses off and allowed Yozak to lead him to his bedside, where Yozak helped him out of his black jacket and shirt.

When Yozak had gotten his love into an old linen nightgown, worn soft with use, he switched the glow-crystal lamp off on the side table next to the bed and crawled under the covers and held out his arms for Murata.

When Murata was settled, he nuzzled his ears, inhaled the scent of Ken's hair, and planted a gentle row of kisses from his earlobe down his throat. No much heat, just tender affection.

Murata hummed sleepily, head tilted to give him access and then curled against him, his fingers caressing Yozak's collarbone lightly in appreciation before resting against him.

It didn't feel right until he had Ken against his chest. Murata had been running himself ragged over this whole ritual, alongside worry over Lord von Rochford's plans. Not that anything could be done about the latter at this point and Murata had kept very tight-lipped about the former.

Murata was asleep within seconds, but sleep remained elusive for Yozak. On his back he studied a crack on the ceiling and tried to still his mind, his thumb rubbing gentle circles across Murata's knuckles.

As a half-breed he had never been magically gifted, he knew enough about it for his profession, enough to know that arcane elements were dangerous and not to be messed with lightly. Most mazoku had only basic abilities, parlour tricks with little practical use.

The Aristocrats were the stronger users, which is why their families had gained and maintained power over their regions, some quite ruthlessly. It was also the reason why all of them were particular about their pedigree, carefully choosing breeding partners to ensure that their prodigy would continue being strong element users, the continued success of their House depended upon it. That would make things interesting when Prince Wolfram got older and his family put pressure on him to sire. He mentally shrugged, that was a future matter and mercifully way out of Yozak's jurisdiction.

Up until King Yuuri had arrived Prince Wolfram had been the strongest elemental user of this generation, some said he was as strong as their forefathers, whose awesome abilities were legendary. It had come as no surprise to most who didn't know the details that the Demon King would select Lord von Bielefeld as a Consort. In a society where magical ability was privileged almost over everything, much more than Conrad's military leadership and skill with the sword, Lord von Christ's scholarly knowledge or wealth, or even Lord von Voltaire's bureaucratic and political expertise, Lord Wolfram von Bielefeld was the ideal choice.

Yozak was a naturally cynical person…but even he thought there was credence to the popular rumours that Wolfram had been born and gifted by Shinou just so he'd become the Maou's partner. Conrad's youngest brother had been born just at the right time and into the right family to be of marriageable age when the King arrived.

Which led his thoughts back to the ritual, he never pressed Murata about it, the whys or the hows, but he knew that the power that was wielded that night had potential for great destruction.

Anything involving the Maou, young Bielefeld and Murata's divine entrusted powers couldn't be anything but awesome. The fireworks that night were impressive enough. Yozak could understand why Conrad was worried, he was too, but he trusted Murata. Yozak listened to his instincts when it came to people and Murata was a good man underneath the scheming that was necessary to assist the King.

The object of his worries murmured slightly in sleep, and shifted against him, seeking some type of reassurance in slumber. Yozak stroked Murata's hair lightly and his partner settled.

It was strange that Conrad had called the young King the sun, bringer of light, and that Murata was the moon bright in the shadow. Murata was the conduit to Shinou, the traditional symbol of light and the Maou was the darker element. Two parts of a whole necessary for Shin Makoku's religion, but there was no temple for the Maou. None was needed, for his presence was in nature, the Maou was revered by all mazoku but there was a healthy amount of fear too.

Yet it was Murata who was commonly called the shadow-king, hidden by the light of something that wasn't anything like the sun.

Yozak shivered, a bad feeling went through him, a premonition he tried to dismiss. He caressed Murata's fringes slightly and resisted the urge to unbind the loose braid that he'd bound his hair in for sleep.

It worried Yozak that Murata was caught up in the centre of everything. He trusted Ken's abilities, but if things went south this was something he could not protect him against.

Yozak rolled on his side, kissed the crown of Murata's head and willed himself to sleep.

It was Murata who suggested that they get away from the capital for a couple of weeks while Yuuri and Wolfram were still recovering. Yuuri felt fine, Wolfram was the one who was still in need of rest.

Yuuri was almost feeling himself less than a day afterward, just a little tired. In contrast Wolfram had been silent, exhausted and had spent the next three days sleeping, thrashing around in nightmares if Yuuri wasn't there.

In those three days he'd spent some time talking to Murata quietly in the room while Wolfram slumbered, mostly about ordinary work matters. But there were few instructions about what Yuuri might expect, such as his heightened senses, or his new ability to see auras. There were a couple of books on the subject which Murata had given him, but so far they hadn't been helpful.

"The Maou sees the world differently; it's not a stretch to think he sees people differently as well." Murata said.

Wolfram's aura was so very different from almost everyone in the castle, a golden, pure light, much like the colour of his hair. At first, Yuuri had thought it was a colour unique to Wolfram, much like he'd not been able to see anyone with Murata's murky green-blue colouring.

But then he saw a small girl playing near the kitchens, a child of one of the servants, and her colouring was just as golden, in fact if anything it was a little brighter.

He had asked Murata about it.

"The golden one..."Murata had said with a smile.

"What?" At the edge of his mind Murata's words brought an image to his head, but he couldn't focus on it clearly. He'd been getting more of these ghost-like memories, déjà-vue-like. It was unsettling.

"The Maou, at the ritual in the temple he had called Prince Wolfram 'the golden one' he's a new soul. For me, the Prince's aura is a white colour, white-blue. There aren't that many around. It's said that when new souls stop being born that it will be beginning of the end times, I don't know if it's true but it's a comfort for me to see that there are new souls."

"He has no prior life?" Yuuri knew that Wolfram's soul was young, but he had no idea it was that new.

"No...your aura once was similar, this would only be your second life, it was one of the main reasons you were chosen."

He'd always believed in reincarnation being brought up Buddhist, although he'd never put much thought into it. Having it confirmed wasn't as startling as discovering he was the destined Demon King for a country in another dimension with dragons, flesh eating pandas and fire-wielding princes. It made sense; there must be a beginning for every soul, just like everything else.

"So if souls have a beginning...where do they come from?"

Murata smiled enigmatically.

"Who knows? There are many things that I, with so many thousand years of memories and learning can't hope to know. Even if I continued like this for another million years I don't think I could find out. As cliché as it is, some things are beyond our understanding."

Yuuri could smell truth in the statement, but there was more being hidden. It didn't take his heightened senses to work this out. Murata had always been secretive. An irrational surge of anger went through him, and Yuuri tampered that down quickly. He'd been a bit moodier the last couple of days.

Not surprising. It troubled Yuuri how people perceived him now.

The various castle servants and soldiers showed some bewildered awe, though they hid it well. Sometimes he could smell other people's anxiety, almost dread. He would have to work harder to get people to trust him; he didn't want to be a feared King. Yuuri wasn't used to frightening people, and he wasn't sure what to do about it.

He was very glad for the support of those he was close to.

Wolfram and Greta weren't fazed, nor was Gisela. Günter was effusive about how majestic he appeared. Gwendal and Conrad had had a moment of double-take the first time they saw his eyes, surprisingly Gwendal managed to hide it better after the initial shock, Conrad had seemed wary for a few moments. Yuuri had nervously waved then wished he hadn't as Wolfram gave him a tired side-eye from the bed for being undignified. That impulsive gesture had alleviated the tension. Conrad had given him a genuine smile, a small one, but still, so it was worth it.

Other than Wolfram he was most grateful for his daughter's reaction, he had a suspicion that someone had told her beforehand but even so she's hugged him and said shyly.

"The Maou has protected me and saved my friends and Papa, I'm not scared." And she wasn't, not one bit, Greta had hugged him harder and he blinked the tears back in his eyes.

There was still his parents to worry about and his brother, who had returned to earth a few weeks ago, but he wouldn't think about that now, he wouldn't see them for a while.

It was a subdued inner circle meeting. Wolfram was doing his best to look well and interested.

Today was one of the few days he wished he didn't have to wear black as prince consort, he knew it wasn't flattering when he was ill. But he was determined to support Yuuri in this, everyone had already seen the physical changes in various private meetings – but having everyone here at once, well, Wolfram was getting second hand anxiety for Yuuri.

It didn't matter to Wolfram that Yuuri had taken on some of the characteristics of the Maou, for so many years it was the Maou who had protected him, he couldn't see the Maou as a threat, anymore than Yuuri. Besides, Yuuri was incredibly attractive in this form.

But he knew that others wouldn't see him the same way, especially the human world that had no traditions or sacred instruction to accept Yuuri as divine leader.

They were in the usual seating, Conrad standing behind, Gwendal, Murata and Yozak opposite and Günter sitting next to him. Wolfram placed his hand in Yuuri's deliberately, not quite glaring at everyone, but close enough for them all to see that if anyone had any issue with his new appearance they would have to come through him first. Not that he thought there would be, but better to be certain.

"Our suspect hasn't done anything suspicious as yet, and I've got almost all the staff I can spare watching him and the Rochford Estate. If they are planning something for the confirmation they have already made preparations, or are yet to make their move." Gwendal said.

"So what is our next move? Should we take him in?" Yuuri asked gravely.

"I'd still advise against it, Your Majesty," Yozak said, his face grim. "I know it's frustrating not knowing what is happening but quite frankly he's still our major lead. The only operative we know who has ties to Lord von Rochford, I have a feeling that if he is going to make a move, it will be soon."

Wolfram watched as Yuuri's eyes became more feline, to anyone who didn't know him it would be frightening, but Wolfram knew he was just worried.

"There are just over three weeks until the marriage confirmation." Conrad said, standing from behind Yuuri. "It's almost been two months since we discovered Wagner's treachery. We're running out of time." The frustration in Conrad's voice was reflected on everyone's face, except for Gwendal who looked normally grim, and Murata who looked exhausted

"Which is why I think it's a good idea to get both of you out of the Capital until then," Murata said. "As well as the Princess, it wouldn't be seen to be unusual for you to have some family-time before the confirmation and it will be a plausible reason to keep Wagner here acting as your second with your squad, Prince Wolfram." Murata nodded to him.

"This could possibly be a trap, to lure them out into the country where we cannot protect them." Günter said, scribe in hand, looking unusually serious today.

Murata put his palms up slightly to show he conceded the possibility.

"They will be safe enough when they get to the Voltaire Estate," Gwendal said steadily. "I and my cousin have invested a lot of time and money to monitor the roads west, it is the safest route in the Kingdom. If Rochford tries anything it will be risky for him and the Estate is secure, Huber is to be trusted with security. It is a good idea, Your Eminence and I think the plan is sound, my only wish is that you could stay here too, to act as regent. I don't think it's wise for you to also travel in the same train as the Royal family."

Murata had consulted almost all of them before the meeting.

"Normally I would agree, But I...believe I should be on hand to monitor the situation after the merge." Murata said neutrally.

There, Wolfram thought, saying the one thing that everyone was thinking but not willing to bring up.

Yuuri said nothing but stiffened slightly.

"Which is also why I think it's a good idea for Weller and Lord von Christ to accompany Shibuya, and with your troops, Lord Voltaire, I think we'll be adequately protected." Murata said steadily.

"What about the castle?" Wolfram asked everyone. It was a remote risk, but he had to ask.

"We have two hundred of my troops stationed here, with Conrad and Wolfram's men we have another two hundred in addition to fifty of Lady von Christ's elite guard." Gwendal nodded to Günter. "The Castle is adequately defended, if any of the Aristocrats who we know are aligned with Rochford were foolish enough to try armed insurrection they would not only have to deal with the troops stationed here but with troops that our allies have."

Gwendal was right, Karbelnikoff, Wincott and even Bielefeld would send troops in to support the King if it came down to it. If Rochford wanted to damage the King his methods would need to be more underhand.

"I don't think it's Lord von Rochford's style." Yozak said confidently. "If he's going to do something to Prince Wolfram, it's going to be by some other means."

They all fell silent as they waited for Yuuri to make a decision.

"Is it possible, perhaps, if we confront him about this. Talk to him. He has a problem with Wolfram -"

"He has a problem with you as well, Yuuri." Wolfram said irritably, interrupting.

"He's right," Gwendal said quietly, you know he's never been happy that you're...half-human."

"Not that I look it now, right?" Yuuri laughed humourlessly. "But his bug is mostly with Wolfram, and it's probably due to the incident that led to his brother's death. It was an accident, is there no way we can convince him."

"I doubt it," Gwendal said, "not after all this time and if we invite him to the Capital before the confirmation it will be suspicious, you've never seeked him out for counsel before and there is no alliance or friendship between his house and any of your closest allies." Gwendal waved his hands to indicate everyone in the room. Well there had been ties between Wolfram's house and Rochford's, but they had cooled noticeably over the last month. Wolfram had tried to contact his Uncle to find out more, but had met with silence. It was frustrating.

"And he's likely to do something we can't predict then, huh." Yuuri said. "Is it really a good idea for me to be leaving the Capital at this time?" Yuuri addressed Murata.

"I think so, Shibuya, not just for you and the Prince's health, but for Greta's safety," Wolfram knew that was a point where Yuuri would capitulate, and it's here he was in agreement as well, but he didn't like the casual manipulation Murata used to persuade his husband and he glared at Murata openly.

"I really wish that there wasn't so much politics with keeping everyone happy." Yuuri said, more to himself than to anyone else present. If anyone else had an opinion on that they kept it to themselves.

Yuuri looked at everyone, his eyes giving him a more stately appearance.

"So, when do we leave?"

It was just after the meeting that the Great Sage approached him. Yuuri was doing paperwork catch-up with Gwendal now that he was reassured that Wolfram was better.

Wolfram was determined to check on his men at least once before retiring for bed. Gisela had said he was physically fine; but the ritual had affected him in some way even if nobody could work out how. Fortunately Wolfram was recovering; oddly he hadn't suffered from magical exhaustion like the Wise Man.

Who was currently blocking his way.

"Are you feeling better?" Murata asked him politely. Such an ironic question considering how washed out Murata looked.

"Well enough." Wolfram replied cautiously, he wasn't looking forward to anything Murata had to say.

"Can we talk in private?"

Wolfram frowned. "Quickly, I believe the reference room is empty."

When they got there Wolfram leaned against the table, not wanting to settle in, he hoped that the Great Sage would pick up on his wish for this to be done quickly. He folded his arms in front of him and waited for Murata to speak.

Murata quirked one eyebrow and perched himself on the window-sill, presumably so he could be on eye level with Wolfram.

"I want to talk to you about Shibuya, Your Highness." Murata said neutrally.

What a surprise. Wolfram narrowed his eyes

"There is little to talk about, the ritual went well," Wolfram paused, "I thank you for your assistance."

Wolfram was sincere in his gratitude, knowing he was indebted to Murata's expertise. But he still remained wary of anything else that the Wise Man wanted.

"I'm sure that Shibuya has told you a little about his changes?"

Wolfram nodded, not giving anything away. He knew his husband was worried about the merge, and he knew a little of what Murata had discussed with Yuuri.

"I want you to let me know if he displays any...problematic behaviour." Murata said his posture casual and open, in contrast to Wolfram, stiff with his arms still folded.

"What do you mean?" Wolfram didn't like the direction this conversation was heading.

Murata frowned and there was a moment of uncomfortable silence as the wise man looked out the window to the courtyard below, seemingly in thought. Before Wolfram became too impatient Murata turned his head to give him a quick appraisal before answering.

"If he becomes short-tempered or unreasonable, more than the situation merits." Murata shrugged, "keeping in mind that this is a stressful time, of course."

"Sure, is that all?" Wolfram unfolded his arm. Clearly there was nothing to worry about. His tone was a deliberate dismissal. One, judging by Murata's body language, wasn't being heeded.

"No... I also want you to be aware, Prince Wolfram, of his behaviour towards you." Murata's voice was grim as he looked rather pointedly at Wolfram.

Wolfram folded his arms again. He was tired and this was the last thing he wanted to deal with.

"If he dismisses your opinion without cause, tells you what you should do, is possessive or forceful," Murata continued his tone flat without any inflection.

Wolfram definitely didn't like what Murata was suggesting.

"Yuuri isn't like that," Wolfram snapped. How could Murata even suggest it?

Wolfram closed his eyes, calmed himself and continued, this time keeping his voice steady with force of will.

"He would never do anything that would make me unhappy. You make it sound as if he's going to start abusing me, don't be absurd." He gave a short derisive laugh.

This was Yuuri they were talking about, how anybody could think that his wimpy husband could hurt a soul was beyond him.

"The Maou is an extremely dominant personality, he jealousy guards what is his and he doesn't have any understanding of our morals, of the boundaries we have, of basic mazoku interaction." Murata adjusted his glasses, his eyes revealing little.

Hadn't they already discussed this?

"The Maou is Yuuri, you said he was before in a way, now you've guaranteed this is the case with the merge." Wolfram was trying to keep his voice steady but knew he was failing. Infuriatingly as usual Murata seemed to take that in his stride.

"Yes, but the Maou is a strong spirit, it could be...it's unlikely considering how strong Shibuya is, but there is a possibility that those traits could affect his moods. Which is why I want you to let me know if he starts acting oddly, these things can escalate."

Wolfram inhaled a deep breath, resisting the urge to pull at his hair in tired frustration.

"Even if you what you suggest is remotely possible." Wolfram's smile was forced, "You'd think I would let Yuuri push me around? I'm not exactly a delicate flower." He gave Murata a disdainful look, his hand going down to the pommel of his sword which he carried with him almost everywhere, not a threat, but a message nevertheless.

One corner of Murata's mouth turned up. "I have noticed, and I think that's good for Shibuya. But...I know you'd forgive Shibuya a lot. And he is your King, you might feel duty-bound."

This was ridiculous. "So you'd think I'd hide things, going to start searching me for bruises?" He said, a thick layer of scorn coloured his voice.

The Great Sage laughed mirthlessly and fixed him with a cool look, as warm as ice. "No, but I could order you to let me know in the unlikely event that his behaviour changes."

Wolfram's mouth flopped open for a second. Of course the Great Sage outranked him, he was the only other person other than Yuuri who did now that he was Prince Consort. Murata had never ordered him to do anything, not once in all the years he'd known him.

He couldn't believe he would start now and in such a personal matter.

"But I won't." Murata said mildly. "Instead I'll go back to that deal we were discussing before the ritual." Murata gave him a long look. "I told you I'd come to you before I made any decision that would impact on Shibuya and the Kingdom, and that you'd help me gain his agreement."

"I didn't say that an agreement is guaranteed, or I'd work against Yuuri or keep anything from him."

"Indeed, I understood that clearly at the time." Murata nodded, his body still.

It was both impressive and frightening how difficult it was to read the Great Sage's intentions.

"I'm happy with your terms," Murata said, "In return, I only ask this one thing. Any change in his behaviour that is unusual, that can't be explained by an extraordinary stressful situation, let me know. You know him much better than most anyone, Your Highness, and you see a side of him that no-one else does, so I'm sure you'll know if anything is amiss."

Wolfram closed his eyes for a moment, teeth worrying at his lips. The Great Sage had put him in a corner, it was no accident that he'd pulled rank on him oh-so-casually. Wolfram took Shin Makoku etiquette seriously and Murata knew that, there would be no doubt that the Great Sage would get his way.

Wolfram took another deep breath, really he had nothing to lose – Yuuri was worried about Murata making decisions without his knowledge and if all he had to do was make this one promise, one that didn't think he'd ever have to worry about then it was a simple matter.

"I accept the deal, Your Eminence."

Murata gave him a tired smile, strangely relieved and genuine.

"Thank you."

The few days leading up to their journey to the Voltaire Province had been busy. Murata had, in a light bit of humour, named it their honeymoon trip and the phrase had caught on. Greta had fallen in love with the term after honey was explained to her by Wolfram 'It's a sweet additive, like berris, but nicer' and a promise to bring back some from Earth.

The moon was a good omen in Shin Makoku so 'sweet-hunny-moon' was lucky.

Yuuri hardly thought that bringing their daughter and friend Beatrice along with half of the castle qualified as a proper honeymoon, but he wasn't going to object. He knew that the next two weeks would be the most privacy he'd get with Wolfram for a while, possibly years.

His husband was always nearby; something that once would have irritated him was now a great source of comfort when the fears became overwhelming. During the day he could bury himself in preparations and work, but at night worry ate away at him. Yuuri was afraid that the Maou would take over, that he'd be swallowed whole and become another person, he would toss and turn until Wolfram pulled him into his arms

Yuuri didn't want to talk about his worries. He had an irrational feeling that to express his fears would bring them about, but Wolfram must have sensed his distress, for he would hold him tight and stroke his unruly hair until he slept.

It was in the second day of their trip to Voltaire Estate when the changes began to manifest in full. Yuuri's smell, sight and hearing increased, swamping him in multiple sensations. He could clearly hear the discussion between Murata and Günter at the front of the entourage about some obscure period of history. Every word, and could smell the scent of Wolfram on the other horse, his hair, skin, his sweat. Yuuri shivered, unable to explain a sudden flare of feeling along his spine.

At lunch when they stopped he took a walk into the forest, accompanied by a nervous Conrad. Yuuri wanted to tell him that there was nobody nearby apart from wildlife, but he needed some space, a moment of respite from everything, he had no energy for explanations. He knew some type of large cat was watching, with it came the certainty that the cat was not a threat, only curious about the strange creatures in its territory. He sat down heavily on a log, overcome with all these scents and sound.

Yuuri couldn't tell how much time had gone by, he vaguely registered Conrad calling him, then Murata.

"Shibuya, are you feeling alright?" The touch of a hand on his cheek broke him out of the spell, if only briefly. He felt like he was going to be sick. Murata was kneeling beside him, Conrad was behind the Great Sage, radiating worry.

"I think my body is starting to catch up, I can sense everything and it's making me dizzy." He said to nobody in particular before getting inundated again by sensation.

"Shibuya, Shibuya...listen to me,"

He ignored the grating voice. Wolfram was nearby, his presence which was the brightest, and he had a strong feeling of possessiveness, the strong emotion taking him by surprise with its intensity. Wolfram would make it better.

"Shibuya?" Oh blast did Murata have to yell.

"Where's Wolfram?" He asked urgently. Panic gripped him, "I need Wolfram."

"Make it stop, the noises, make it stop. Wolfram?" He asked again, he could feel him, he was here. He pushed Murata's hand away, this wasn't right…he needed…he needed…

"Bielefeld, come here" He heard Murata say distantly. "Hold his hand, talk to him."

Yuuri felt a warm hand on his and the noise lessoned a little.

"Yuuri, it's okay, I'm here." Wolfram's voice was soothing, gentle. A finger brushed against one eyebrow. It was then that Yuuri realised his eyes were shut closed tightly, afraid to let the light in.

"It's just the noise it was… I could see everything and hear everything; it's hard to make it stop."

"Its fine, you're fine, Yuuri…love, it's fine." He buried his head against Wolfram's chest, hearing Wolfram's heartbeat. He focused all his will on that reassuring noise, the others noises didn't stop entirely – but it became less and he put his arms around Wolfram tightly.

After a few moments like that, he sighed and let Wolfram go.

"I'm good now." He opened his eyes, blinking against the sunlight. Behind Wolfram, Conrad, Gisela and Murata were watching him with concern.

"It's just…" Yuuri looked at everyone. "Can I talk to Wolfram alone?"

Murata nodded, and with the others headed back to the road.

"It's like, everything…it makes me feel I'm going insane. I'm scared." He admitted.

"What do you mean, Yuuri?" Wolfram sat down next to him, his hand still in his.

"It's hard to explain, it's like...my hearing, my sense of smell, the way I see things, have all changed, and it's unbearable, too much information."

Wolfram looked at him worriedly.

"Did Murata tell you this would happen?"

"Yes...no...not really. He said my perception would change, but not like this...but you make it easier"

"How is that?" Wolfram asked him quietly, "I'm not doing anything."

Yuuri felt himself getting all embarrassed. "It's your heartbeat, your aura, it's like…." An idea came to the surface, like an old memory, it wasn't his but there nevertheless.

"Close your eyes."

Wolfram closed his eyes and Yuuri clasped his other hand over the one that was already in Wolfram's…and concentrated, his eyes closing shut, seeing without seeing. He could sense everything, but he focused on Wolfram's spirit, Wolfram's heartbeat kept him centred. He opened his eyes, and it was like being in another world, everything glowed around him, the trees, the flowers, even the sky.

Some in colours he couldn't even recognize. There also came an delicate awareness of where things were, Murata and the others were off on the road waiting, the cat was still watching curiously, if he focused the right way he could feel the Capital in the distance, a huge glow of human, animal and mazoku aura mingling as one unique soul.

My city, my world. Not only did things look differently, but so was his hearing, his smell…he looked over at Wolfram, golden Wolfram, also mine, there was a glimmer of disquiet at that notion but he pushed it from his mind.

The connection between them was a white shining thread…string; he couldn't quite make it out. He focused on it, and watched as his aura encircled it, and slowly, delicately merged so that the colours altered, all the way up until it met Wolfram's aura.

Wolfram gasped and shivered his aura sparkling-flickering briefly.

"Yuuri?" Not quite fear but Wolfram's voice was uneasy.

"Open your eyes." Yuuri said quietly.

Wolfram did. He blinked, his mouth opening and closing, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.

"This is what I see. Do you feel it?" Feel it, not see it, for it was so much more than sight.

"It's so beautiful…" Wolfram looked down at where their hands were touching.

"That's…that's what keeps me from going insane." Yuuri felt so vulnerable in admitting that. This is how important you are to me. Can you not see that, Wolfram? Yuuri thought.

Wolfram was still looking at their linked hands.

"Is that what you see all the time? The world is so…it's so vast." Wolfram said slowly, his voice hitching...'

"No, not all the time, it comes and goes over the last week, I don't think I could bear it for long, but having you here, this…it makes it easier." Murata had called Wolfram his anchor, and he could see that now, Wolfram kept him here, in the present, stopped him from getting lost in this new alien awareness.

"Yuuri I…" and the way that Wolfram was looking at him, the golden aura, it was perfect. Yuuri couldn't help himself, he leaned over and kissed him. His eyes closed and suddenly Wolfram's arms were around him and the kiss deepened, and Wolfram made a little noise, a small whimper which sent shivers down his spine, down his toes, his skin felt so sensitive…and oh…

This…this is desire. Wolfram gently ended the kiss and pulled back and Yuuri opened his eyes, the world was back to normal, and Wolfram was looking at him as if he there was nothing else in the world. And Yuuri couldn't stop smiling.

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