Warning: AU, Pseudo-Historical Romance, PG-13, Ran/Ken.
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
Our Own Secret Kingdom
Chapter Ten: 1735
She was in the dark, an unyielding cold all around her. She couldn't move and she couldn't see or hear. Her breath, frozen in a silent desperate scream for help, and he couldn't reach her.
Ken stood at the peak of the barn roof, his feet stuck fast in the thatch. Below him the yard stretched between him and Caroline, trapped under the earth of the little cemetery on the hill. Still he could hear her crying and pleading for his help.
The yard and small pond at the foot of the hill, peculiarly lit despite the dark, every detail in full color contrast to the black night, was beyond his reach. The ladder that should have been leaning against the side of the barn awaiting his use, was not there.
He was as trapped as she was.
"Caroline!" Ken cried then gasped awake.
In the dark he could feel Ran's arms around him, comforting and reassuring.
"Shhhh, it's okay, Love," the Earl's deep voice said in his ear.
"She's under the ground," Ken said, not sure whether he was still dreaming or awake.
"Yes," Ran's quiet voice answered.
"She was screaming," Ken said. "I dreamed she was screaming for help."
He felt one of Ran's strong hands brush through his hair.
"I couldn't reach her. I was trapped on the barn roof," Ken continued.
"It was just a dream," Ran said. "Caroline sleeps safely in Heaven with God. Her spirit has flown from here."
Ken felt a soft kiss press against his forehead.
"I just wish I could save you the torment provided by your own mind," the Earl continued softly. "Regrettably, the most I can do is offer what meager comfort I have when you wake from your nightmares."
"Your comfort isn't 'meager'," Ken said, rolling to tuck himself against his lover. "I need it. I need you. I'm glad you're here."
Ran sighed.
"You know I'll have to go to Town to see to Ren's future," he said. "It...shouldn't be put off, but...I can't bear to leave you when you're suffering so."
Ken was silent a moment.
"The sooner you go, the sooner you'll be back," he said at last with gritty determination. "I'll be all right until then." But as he said it he snuggled in closer and as the Earl's arms tightened a thought struck him. Who had held and comforted Ran when Richard had died? He knew Yohji and Omi had been there, but he couldn't picture either of them holding Ran or stroking his hair, or offering soft kisses, things that Ken felt he couldn't do without despite his brave words.
He wrapped his arms around the Earl and squeezed.
"Hmmm," Ran hummed. "Don't worry, Love. There is time. I won't leave for a week, maybe more."
"That's not it," Ken said against Ran's chest. "I just wondered...you've been so wonderful, given me everything I needed, because you understand how I feel. You lost Richard, but...well...who comforted you?"
Ran drew in and released a deep breath.
"Omi and Yohji did what they could," he said. "Yohji understood, since he himself had lost Asuka. And the Grand Duke as well. Everyone was very kind."
"But who held you? Who stroked your hair and kissed you?" Ken asked dreading the answer that he knew was coming.
"There was no one," Ran said. "But when I met you and you said you loved me...when we made love and you made a place for me here, all of my lonely suffering suddenly seemed worthwhile. Like a trial I had to get through to get to where I needed to be. To become a man you could love."
All the tension building inside Ken at Ran's first response left him and was replaced with an intense passion for his stoic lover. In the dark he found Ran's lips and kissed him deeply, then spent quite a long time showing him how worthwhile his long struggle had been, and just how much Ken did love him.
The morning dawned cool and crisp, but with a clear sky which spoke of the hope of a pleasant day. Ken was up with the roosters but Ran, for once, stayed abed for another hour or so. His young lover had quite worn him out and he wanted to be clear headed for his mother's and sister's departure.
He was up and washed in time for a late breakfast. He found, upon entering the dining room, that Elinor and Aya were just sitting down themselves.
"Good morning," Ran said joining them.
"Good morning, Dear," Elinor said with a warm smile.
"Are you just getting up?" Aya asked in surprise.
"Aya," Elinor tutted.
"Yes. I am," Ran answered with a shake of his head. "Ken had a nightmare in the middle of the night, so I lost some sleep."
"Is he having many?" Elinor asked with obvious concern.
"A fair few, but that's to be expected," Ran replied.
Before either of the women could comment the dining room door opened and Ken entered, red cheeked and wind blown, and as far from despondent grief as anyone had yet seen him.
"Mornin', everyone," he said cheerily, before taking the empty chair beside Ran.
Directly behind him was Molly and Mrs. Hudson with the breakfast platters.
"Good morning, Ken," Elinor said with a smile. "You look bright eyed and bushy tailed."
"Yeah, it's chilly out," Ken grinned. "But clear. You should have good travelin' weather."
"Excellent," Ran's mother replied looking pleased.
"You look as though you've been up for a while," Aya commented.
"Hunh?" Ken blinked. "Yeah, since dawn."
"Aya," Elinor cautioned.
"Did you sleep late?" Ken asked Ran with a soft smile.
The Earl cleared his throat loudly and picked up his tea cup.
"Yes, I did," he said taking a sip.
Ken smirked, as did Molly who received a stern look from her mother. The two finished setting out the covered dishes and departed, silently closing the door behind them.
"So, what are your plans for the day?" Elinor asked as she uncovered the eggs and helped herself.
"After breakfast I'm gonna help Shoop, Old Bob, and Omi bring your coach out of the carriage house and into the courtyard so Mol an' Young Bob can load your luggage," Ken said taking a piece of toast. "I've got Sam getting' your horses ready."
"We don't have too much to load," Elinor said.
"Yeah, but I wanna have Old Bob go over your coach. Make sure it's safe for your journey," Ken said, then bit loudly into his toast.
"Thank you, Ken," Elinor said, offering him a gentle smile full of condolence.
Ken nodded.
"Is that all you're going to eat?" Ran asked him.
"I already ate," the Duke answered. "This's a snack."
"Hn."
"What about you, Brother?" Aya asked. "What are your plans for the morning?"
"Me? Well..."
Ran's answer was interrupted by the clatter of horses and a coach arriving in the court yard. Everyone rose from the table to peer out the window just as Young Bob threw open the dining room door.
"Master Ken, a coach bearing the Kudou coat of arms has just arrived," he announced then dashed back out of the room.
"Kudou? Could it be Cousin Yohji?" Aya asked curiously.
"I wonder if his letter went astray," Ran muttered.
"We shall wait for you here, Ran," Elinor said as her son made to follow Ken from the room.
"Yes. We'll be back in a moment," the Earl stated, before closing the door and hurrying the short distance to the front hall, where he found the front door open and everyone already outside.
The Prince was just lighting from his coach, dressed all in black, his green eyes hidden behind the dark spectacles he'd taken to wearing since the fire at the inn. Although over a year had passed his eyes had remained overly sensitive to bright light.
"Cousin Ken," he said bowing low, "my deepest sympathies. Am I in time for the funeral?"
Ken returned the Prince's bow then stepped forward and wrapped his cousin in a welcoming embrace, which Yohji solemnly returned.
"It was yesterday," Ken said softly, "but thank you for coming."
The Duke drew back and Yohji studied him over the smoky lenses of his glasses.
"You are most welcome," he said. Then releasing Ken looked over at Ran, "Cousin."
"Yohji," the Earl nodded.
"Where's the chibbi?"
"I haven't seen him yet this morning," Ran admitted. "But my mother an Aya are waiting to greet you in the dinging room."
"Lady and Miss Fujimiya are still here? Most excellent. Lead on, Cousin Ran," the Prince commanded with a small smile. "We mustn't keep the Ladies waiting."
Ran blinked but said nothing when Ken caught up his hand and squeezed it as they passed back into the house. Yohji following close behind. A moment later they were entering the dining room where the Ladies and the Prince exchanged pleased but formal greetings before resuming their seats.
Yohji helped himself to a full breakfast while launching into the tale of his trip from Town. He regretted not leaving until he'd received Ran's letter, although he'd known of Lady Fujimiya's and Aya's departure he'd assumed they were simply headed back home to Ran's estate since the missive from Ran arrived after they'd left. He handed Ken several letters which contained condolences from the Grand Duke and Duchess, as well as Asuka and the Aunties, but he suggested Ken wait and read them later.
"So, how long are you staying?" he asked Lady Fujimya.
"No time at all," she answered. "We are packed and plan on leaving after luncheon today."
"Is Miss Asakawa still with you?"
"Yes."
"Good. I think it best if she remains with you," the Prince said.
"Our thought exactly," Elinor replied, sipping her tea after sharing a glance with Yohji who followed suit.
Ran, marking the exchange, frowned.
"Do you know something?" the Earl asked pointedly.
"Nothing definite," Yohji answered. "But I have been entertaining certain...suspicions."
"Such as?" Ran demanded causing Ken to pout.
"There has been movement in certain circles which I have employed people to keep an eye on," the Prince replied. "A certain individual that Ken and I met previously has come out of hiding."
Ken sat up straighter, his pout became a frown.
"Mr. Smith?!" he asked fiercely.
"Indeed," his cousin said with a nod.
"Let's get 'im," Ken said.
"Calm yourself, Cousin," the Prince commanded gently even as Ran reached over and laid a restraining hand on the Duke's arm. "When I say 'came out of hiding' I'm misleading you. It would be more accurate to say he has gone from one hiding place to another. However, he has revealed himself in the move and my 'dogs' are now on him."
Ken opened his mouth to say something, but Yohji forestalled him with a raised hand.
"I know what you would say, Cousin, but let me tell you something that I myself have recently come to realize: you and I both have things in our lives we need to protect, people too precious to risk. Leave the action to those best prepared to act," Yohji stated. "It is risky enough being the one directing things. We will have our quarry, do not doubt it."
Ken nodded grudgingly and Ran squeezed his arm before releasing it.
Just then the dining room door opened and Omi walked in.
"Oh, you are here," he commented upon seeing the Prince. "Did you have a good trip?"
"Excellent," Yohji beamed, all seriousness vanished from his countenance as if it'd never been there. "And how are you, Omi?"
"Busy, as usual," the young man answered, then turned to Ken. "We've stabled Yohji's horses. We'll have to move his coach before we can bring Lady Fujimiya's into the yard. Sam's getting the stock horses ready."
"Right," the Duke said throwing his napkin onto the table. He kissed the top of Ran's head then followed Omi out of the room calling a hasty 'excuse me' behind him.
"Well, I must admit I'm somewhat relieved," Yohji said with a chuckle. "I was expecting him to be nearly prostrate with grief. Obviously, you've exceeded yourself in caring for him."
"Yes, Ran, what did you do to him?" Aya asked with a giggle.
The Earl's glare passed from Yohji to Aya and Elinor cleared her throat.
"Enough, you two. Ran has had to put forth a mighty effort," she said. "I am pleased to see some results, but...well, it is very early yet."
"Yes," Ran agreed, dropping his angry glare.
"Indeed," Yohji added soberly, "it is. Which is why I have come. I must, I am afraid, urge you to Town, Cousin. There are matters there that must be dealt with, and the sooner the better."
Ran pouted at the Prince.
"I am surprised to hear you say so," he said. "Since you can't possibly know anything more than I wrote you about."
"And that's where you're wrong," Yohji stated with a smile. "Where Ken's thoughts turned with an unclaimed babe in the house, I can guess. But there are more players on the stage than you know about, and to Town you must go, and more quickly than I'm sure you'd want to."
"Ken...," Ran started.
"Will be fine, safe and sound here with Omi, and the baby to distract him," Yohji interrupted.
"What is it you know?" the Earl asked.
"What I suspect," Yohji said, glancing at Aya, "is better left unsaid."
"Fooey," Ran's sister said setting her napkin down on the table. "I was hoping you'd forgotten our presence."
"That, my dear Cousin, is simply not possible," the Prince said with a placating smile. "Now, why don't you and your charming mother introduce me to the Duke's nephew."
The party adjourned upstairs to what was starting to be referred to as The Nursery. Mrs. Ackroyd, as cheery as ever, was delighted to meet the Prince who stunned everyone by scooping up Ren, and holding him easily.
"Well, look at you, my little man," the Prince cooed at the baby in his arms. "He's a fine size, and seems none the worse for his inauspicious beginnings."
"Aye, Sir, he's not suffered for it," Mrs. Ackroyd acknowledged. "A miracle, it is, Sir."
"Indeed," the Prince said and smiled. "Are you ready for parenthood, Cousin?"
"It is not something I'd ever thought I'd have to prepare for," Ran admitted, but he was smiling fondly at the baby. "He seems able to tolerate me, at least. Ken is the one who dotes on him."
"Ah, but you'll not be immune. They sneak into your heart and take up residence there," Yohji said. "I remember when Asuka was this size. Seize every moment. They don't last long."
"When we get home I'll see what I can find of your old baby things, Ran," Elinor said. "I'll send them along to you."
"No doubt they'll be welcome," the Earl said. "We've found some of Ken's but many items weren't fit for use. Mice had invaded the trunk."
"What will you do about this room?" Aya asked. "A little feminine for a boy."
"I thought we could paint it. Green to match the carpet."
"Would you like a green room, little soldier?" Yohji asked Ren.
The baby let out an unhappy squawk and the Prince chuckled.
"I think I remember what that means," he said and deftly handed Ren over to Mrs. Ackroyd who set to changing him. "Domesticity suits you, Cousin. More than I thought it would."
The Earl glanced from the baby to Yohji and back again.
"Hn."
After seeing the coaches switched Ken left Old Bob to check over Lady Fujimiya's and he returned to the barn and the abandoned thatch job. Old Shoop was already up the ladder, which they needed to get at the outside of the roof, and working on tying in the new with the old. Ken figured if they worked steadily until lunch then they might just get it over half done.
"What did Yohji have to say?" Omi asked as they strolled down the lawn.
"Not much. He thinks Mr. Smith is involved, and that his people are onto 'im...at last," Ken answered. "I get the feeling he doesn't want me to do anything."
"I can see why," Omi said.
"What?" Ken demanded, stopping in his tracks.
"You have Ren to think of now," Omi said. "If anything were to happen to you, what would become of Caroline's son?"
Ken pouted but nodded.
"You realize Ran will have to go to Town, right?" Omi asked carefully. "If you want to adopt Ren and make him your heir then someone has to find out who his father is, and speak to the King about ending the entailment on your estate."
The Duke sighed.
"I know. We've been talking about that," Ken said toeing the ground.
"You could always go with him," Omi pointed out.
"I can't leave now," Ken shook his head. "Not with the barn roof half done and the planting about to start. And...I don't want to leave Ren. I need to know he's safe and well."
Omi nodded.
"I think we all suspected as much," he said with a smile. "Don't worry. Ran and Yohji will see everything right and settled."
Ken nodded, then continued down the lawn to the ladder.
Ran and Yohji stood atop the little hill, in the cemetery looking down on Caroline's grave. The flowers still looked fresh despite the chill and the Prince added a bouquet he'd brought.
"A sad end to a miraculous person," he said as he stood at the foot of her grave. "If not for Caroline's intervention we'd never have found Ken. Can you imagine it?"
"A scary thought," Ran said. He looked up into the bright sky where not a cloud was visible and breathed deeply. Then he glanced past the Prince toward the barn and marked the two figures working on the roof. Prudently he turned to his right to look at the lake further down the valley. "So, what is it you refused to mention while my sister was in the room?"
"Ah, well, I have certain...suspicions...about to whom it was that Caroline may have been married. If they prove true then someone of reasonably high rank has been very naughty, and just may need your assistance to put things to rights. It would no doubt make a tasty addition to Aya's memoirs, but a horrible scandal for the man and his family," Yohji confessed. "Much as I admire your sister I can't help but feel this is one thing she doesn't need to know."
Ran contemplated his cousin's words for a moment before replying.
"She is still keeping her journals?" Yohji asked when Ran failed to respond immediately.
"Aa. Yes," the Earl stated sourly. "I try not to dwell on it."
"Very wise."
"What about you?"
"Hm?"
"Do you provide much fuel for her literary fire?" Ran asked. "She mentioned you've been writing to her."
Yohji lowered his dark glasses and stared pointedly at Ran for a moment, as though he were trying to assess whether he was simply curious or angry.
"I have been writing to your mother," Yohji stated carefully, "since you lost Richard."
Ran started and turned to him, but the Prince had replaced his glasses and was gazing into the distance again.
"However, I will admit that Aya amuses me greatly," he conceded. "And I have, of late, included a word or two for her. She is a highly intelligent and startlingly brave young woman."
"Brave or foolish?" Ran said grumpily.
"The two often go hand in hand," Yohji stated. "But my point is, Aya will find her own trouble if she isn't included in somebodyelse's. I've merely been keeping an eye on her since you seem to have your hands full here."
"Will I forever be labeled the neglectful brother?" Ran asked sourly.
"No more neglectful than any other brother in the world who has a young family to care for."
"Are you calling Ken my wife?" Ran asked not sure if he was amused, or offended on the Duke's behalf.
"Husband, then. Are you telling me he isn't?" Yohji challenged. "I've seen many a married couple with less devotion. And now you have a baby son to see to. A grown sister is easily dismissed from mind."
Ran frowned at him darkly.
"But judging from your expression, not so easily from your's," the Prince smirked. "Fine. I'll stop writing to her."
Ran sighed.
"No. If you do she'll wonder why, and then get mad at me when I tell her."
"Don't tell her."
"I won't lie to her, Yohji," Ran stated. "No, you may keep writing to her if it pleases you...as long as that is all you're doing."
The Prince held up his hands and bowed submissively.
The two resumed staring at the lake, glistening in the distance. Ran frowning and Yohji smiling somewhat contently. Ran noticed and his frown darkened.
"By the way, where is Ken?" the Prince asked. "Surely it doesn't take that long to exchange two coaches."
Ran grinned at him darkly and nodded over the Prince's shoulder.
"On the barn roof," he said.
Yohji's smile disappeared instantly.
"What?!"
"He didn't have to yell at me in front of Elinor and Aya," Ken groused later that evening as they prepared for bed. "What's his problem, anyway? He knows I run this manor as a farm. Who does he think does the work?"
"Yohji will never understand your love of manual labor," Ran said, still amused by his cousin and lover's spat. "He keeps expecting you to hire people, as he would himself."
"That's a waste of money," Ken harrumphed.
"Which we have plenty of," Ran rejoined.
"Plus, I'm good at it," Ken said. "And anyway, it's none of his business. Just who does he think he is?!"
"He outranks you."
"No, he doesn't!"
"Very good," Ran smiled a compliment. "But he will one day, and he worries about you."
"Well, I wish he'd have confidence in my abilities instead," Ken pouted. "Like you do."
"Yes, I do," Ran agreed, catching the Duke up in his arms and kissing him. "You seemed a bit better today."
"Yeah. I felt better," Ken admitted, "since our talk last night."
"Hmm," Ran hummed, leaning in for another kiss. "It was good to see you smile. I think my mother was greatly relieved. She's been worried about you too."
Ken smiled at him, a soft sad smile.
"I'm sorry I worried her, but it is nice that she likes me enough to worry."
"She loves you," Ran corrected. "As do I."
"Mmm," Ken murmured against Ran's lips, "I love you too."
The Earl pressed closer and began nuzzling the Duke's neck.
"So, when are you going to tell me you're leaving for Town?" he asked and felt it when Ran startled before pulling back to look at him. "I was watching you today, you and Yohji...before he came storming down to the barn. He was telling you what he wouldn't say at breakfast, wasn't he?"
Ran sighed.
"Yes."
"And?"
"He believes he may know who Ren's father is," the Earl admitted. "He thinks your hopes may be answered."
"And?" Ken prompted.
"And he wants us to leave for Town tomorrow," Ran said releasing the Duke and sitting against the edge of their bed. "I don't have to add that it's somewhat sooner than I was intending."
"No, you don't," Ken said stepping into Ran's personal space and giving him a small smile. "But it's worth it if we can get what we want. And you won't be gone too long, right?"
"I hope not," Ran said. "But what will you do?"
"I'll hold on," Ken stated. "Like you did. You were so strong, and you didn't know what your future would hold. Well, I do know. Go to Town and do what you have to. Ren and I will be waiting for you when you're done."
Ran smiled at him.
"And in the mean time I'll finish repairing the barn roof," Ken shrugged.
"Since Yohji won't be here to stop you," Ran chuckled.
"That ass," Ken griped.
"Come here," Ran said huskily.
By luncheon the next day the Prince and the Earl were packed and ready to depart. Yohji's coach had been prepared and their luggage loaded on board. After a light meal the household gathered in the courtyard as they had the day before to wish Elinor, Aya, and Yuriko good travels.
Yohji took his leave and sat in the coach waiting for Ran.
"I'll write you once I've seen the King, "he said holding tight to Ken's hands. "It may take a day or two for any paperwork that needs to be written up."
Ken nodded and squeezed his hands.
"Just hurry back home to us," he said.
"I will."
Ignoring everyone who was watching them, the Earl leaned in and kissed the Duke lingeringly. Then he turned and climbed into the coach.
"Omi," he called out the open window.
"I know, Ran! Don't worry," his servant said with a grin. "Travel well."
The Earl waved, met Ken's eyes again, then they were off.
"Okay," Ken said after they'd all watched the coach drive past on the road. "Time to finish the barn roof."