Chapter 10

The next morning, Yuuri slept in late. It was one of those rare days when everyone allowed him the luxury of sleeping as long as he wanted. No maids trying to tidy up. No Gwendal and legal documents. No annoying, melodramatic speeches from Günter—mostly because he was away with Greta and Anissina. And, if he was lucky, Cecile wouldn't think to bother him until late in the day, if at all. And Gisela would be tending to Wolfram.

Peace at last.

Yuuri rolled in the bed. He reached a hand out. It had to be a reflex. It just had to be—searching for something. No someone. The warmth wasn't there. The sleeping body of a certain blond who had a habit of taking over the bed and giving him a swift kick now and then… Gone.

Yuuri opened his eyes and stared at the canopy. 'Wolfram the Undesirable,' huh? It was the first thing that came to his mind. It was still eating at him. That's not exactly true. There are a lot of people here who care for him. Then Yuuri frowned and his eyes narrowed at nothing in particular. Especially, his… private…elite guard. Then, Yuuri shook his head hard. "What am I doing on my day off?" he said to himself grumpily. "I could be sleeping. But, I'm wide awake." He got out of bed, grabbed his clothes from the closet, and let them drag on the floor as he headed towards the bath. Sure, if Wolfram had been around, he'd be annoyed with the clothes being dragged. But, he wasn't around. Yuuri could do what he liked.

"And I've got to forget all of that stupid, castle gossip. It's still bothering me."

Brush. Swish. Spit. The toothbrush went back into the drinking cup. Dark eyes looked into the mirror as he brushed his wet hair. His bath had been boring and, he reluctantly admitted, a little lonely. He was dressed now in his black school uniform with the white undershirt. He straightened the jacket part and made double sure that he'd buttoned down everything just right. If not, Wolfram will really complain and… He caught himself again. His Wolfram was gone.

Sigh. Yuuri walked into his bedroom again. He was going to take the map he borrowed back to the library and get another one. Lately, his lessons with Günter were over geography. And, as it turned out, he wasn't half bad at it. Glancing over another map, at least, would be a good way to kill some time until Conrad was free for a little game of catch. Yuuri was really looking forward to seeing his godfather, too. It was less of a wanting. He felt that he needed to toss the ball around. He needed to think. Maybe, he could run a few of his problems—no, his "ideas"—by Conrad to see what he thought. Then, two figures caught Yuuri's attention outside the window.

Slowly, Yuuri approached the curtains and pulled them back to get a better look. The material slid away with a shimmering sound, but he didn't notice. The double black was too focused on the two people he saw…which were Gwendal and… "Wolfram!" It was definitely the blond. They seemed to be having a serious talk while walking together—side by side. Wolfram's hands were in his pockets. Every few steps, he looked up at his older brother with his mouth open slightly—not believing what he was hearing, it seemed. Then, he stopped in his tracks, glared back, and appeared to be barking something with his fists clinched at his sides. Gwendal, as usual, was unimpressed.

"Wolfram! Yes! He's back!" Yuuri said, thrilled to see his best friend again.

Before Yuuri knew it, he was speeding through the castle in a most "unkingly" manner. He almost collided with Conrad in the hall, mumbled "sorry," zoomed past Gisela, ran harder, and made a toothy grin at Jacob, the gossipy guard from last night, who was posted outside of the royal study.

"Yes!" Yuuri said, going out the front of the castle and running hard up to the two people he wanted to see most—Gwendal and Wolfram. Well, mostly Wolfram.

Yes! I've got him back. This is great! Yuuri thought, grinning broadly.

Gwendal blinked hard, not believing that his very own sovereign would make such an effort to greet them. Wolfram, too, raised his head at the sound of the footfalls.

"Wolfram! Wolfram!" Yuri cheered, "You're…!"

He stopped in his tracks.

You're fourteen now. Yuuri's face fell. No! No! He's not back yet! The double black lowered his head. Why isn't he back?! I can't keep going through this.

Breathing hard, he leaned forward and rested his hands on his knees for support. Some part of Yuuri wanted to cry, but not in front of those two. So, he kept his head down and focused on breathing.

Wearing a high collared yellow and white lace dress that Cecile had designed for her, Greta looked out the coach window at the cloudless, blue sky. This adventure was really fun and she was helping her daddy. She swung her little feet prettily as she thought about it all. Then, she opened her latest "Anissina" adventure book and started to read.

Sitting on the same velvet covered seat but the opposite side of the coach was Günter. He was struggling to hold an adult conversation with Anissina over what they'd learned so far without involving Greta. And it was proving quite a challenge.

"So," Günter began cautiously, tucking a violet strand of hair behind his ear, "we are returning to Blood Pledge Castle now."

Anissina nodded slowly.

"Then, can we call this a success?" He gave a serious look to the woman sitting across from him. "Do we have a better understanding of why the arrow was—"constructed"—and by whom?"

"We certainly do," Anissina said evenly. "Apparently, there is a small clan residing in the Bielefeld territory that specializes in manufacturing and selling weaponry."

With that, the king's advisor leaned an elbow against the open window and watched the world slowly pass by. "It would be interesting to know whether or not everyone in that area is aware of them…"

Anissina knew very well what he was implying and wrinkled her nose at that. She shot a quick glance at Greta. Luckily, the child wasn't paying attention, or didn't seem to be. "My guess is that the nobles are probably aware of their 'activities' but are choosing not to do anything about them. This clan has been around for a long time, I understand. And both humans and Mazoku have…" Her eyes darted to Greta briefly. "Have…um…benefited."

She noticed him turning his attention back from the window.

Günter straightened out his white, long coat with a few quick brushes of his hand. As the maou's self-appointed advisor, tutor, and mentor, he felt that it had to be said, "And what if the Bielefeld relatives are…um… How should one say it? I suppose, there's really no delicate way of phrasing the concept of 'best customers,' is there?"

Anissina shook her red head "no." "That thought occurred to me as well..." She shot another quick glance at the child and continued, "However… It's not in their best interest. In fact, they gain prestige by having a member of their bloodline—even one who is as loud mouthed and difficult as he happens to be—engaged to the maou. Married to the maou would be better because they would all bask in the glow."

Günter shook his head in agreement. "Politically, that is true. So, that leads us back to the clan of weapons makers. Did Lady Leona Constantia have a name for this clan of rebels?"

"I think 'rebels' isn't really an accurate description. I'd go with 'enterprising enthusiasts or even economic opportunists,'" she replied easily.

"Well, if they are the ones who did this themselves, I wouldn't describe them as 'opportunists.' It's common knowledge that our soldiers were ambushed with only one person targeted.

The coach wheels hit a patch of rocks, jarring everyone. Greta looked up from her book, enjoyed the brief bumping, and turned the page of her book with a grin. Anissina smiled at her.

"Obviously, they're not the sort to do things for nothing," Günter continued, thinking out loud now. "Hmmm…maybe we can meet with the clan and propose a counter offer… Though, historically speaking, this tactic rarely works. The previous maous would just hunt them down and eradicate them."

"Well, that's not an option," Anissina said with a thin smile. "Yuuri-Heka will want us to find them, contact them, and speak to them before making any firm decisions."

"I agree," Günter said, "even if our 'Little Loud Lord' almost died because of it, Heika won't seek any kind of revenge. It just shows his forgiving nature and limitless kindness." The advisor's eyes grew soft.

"True," the inventor said. "Then again, you will be back in a few hours and you can see Heika again." She wiggled a red eyebrow. Yes, she had baited him, but she was bored, too, and wanted some sort of entertainment.

At the thought of the dark haired and dark eyed Yuuri, Günter went off into a pleasant daydream. He saw himself and a happy-go-lucky Shibuya Yuuri skipping through a field of red poppies in their formal dress attire while everyone in the kingdom looked on and clapped for them as a happy couple. Confetti drifted down from the sky.

"Günter? Günter?" Anissina said, waiving a hand in front of the advisor with a slightly amused look on her face.

"What's wrong with him?" Greta asked, giggling a little behind her hand.

"With the amount of sugar in his daydreams, it's a wonder that Günter doesn't get a sugar rush," the red haired woman laughed.

"So, he's a girl after all?" Greta asked.

"A very young one," Anissina said while Günter pouted at the pair.

"Wolfram?" Gwendal said, giving the blond a very stern look and something unspoken passed between the pair, "This is the new maou. His name is Shibuya Yuuri."

Wolfram glared at Yuuri with deep anger in his eyes. Blond hair blown back by the wind gave the suggestion of flames.

"…Your sovereign lord and master…" There was a hard edge to Gwendal's voice which affirmed that this was not up to negotiation. End of story.

"But…Gwendal!" Wolfram growled, his eyes looking at the maou before him with revulsion.

Despite himself, Yuuri squirmed. It was uncomfortable just standing nearby. How he could go from wanting Wolfram so much one minute to wanting to escape him the next—the double black didn't know. But, he did know that the switch wasn't a new feeling. It was familiar.

"Look at yourself," his older brother said, "and think of the position you are in. Respect it. Follow orders. Or, I'll be more than happy to dismiss you from the military."

Yuuri blinked at that and his jaw fell open. It was a first for Gwendal to be so forceful.

He's in a mood today, the double black thought. Maybe I should avoid them both.

Wolfram's look was heartbroken. This was the life he'd always wanted. And he was so close to getting it—so close. "As you say." He backed down from his aggressive stance, lowering his head to make a slight bow at the maou. When he straightened up, the blond rested his hands on his hips. But one hand inched up higher. His side was starting to hurt again—burn again. If he just put enough pressure there, maybe he could get it to stop. He didn't want to make another trip to see a healer, either. In his opinion, the green haired girl didn't do him much good.

Wolfram pressed his side harder still.

Yuuri caught the motion this time because it wasn't so smooth. The blond was biting his lower lip. His skin was whiter than usual. Obviously, the pain was back and Yuuri noticed dark circles under fourteen year old Wolfram's eyes. He isn't sleeping, is he?

Gwendal continued on. "Because, cadet, if you don't learn to get along with your king, how can I trust you to defend him?"

The blond shook his head with a grim "I know! I know! You don't need to tell me twice" attitude.

"And a cadet, even if he is my younger brother, can be dismissed—forever—for dereliction of duty. Are we clear?" Gwendal barked pompously.

He keeps saying… "cadet"? Yuuri's eyes drifted to Wolfram again. Yes, of course! Wolfram was wearing the uniform of a cadet. Yuuri was just so used to seeing Wolfram wearing a variety of clothes that were much too large for him that he never really noticed that the new blue uniform actually fit him this time.

"So," Gwendal continued, "remember everything that we've already talked about. He is your king. Stay by his side. Do as he commands—without question. You are in no position to say 'no' to him. Understand?"

Wolfram, with a mixture of worry and annoyance, gave his older brother a sincere nod. This was followed by a fatherly hand on Wolfram's narrow shoulder. And, this time, it worked. Gwendal had frightened the fire out of him. The cadet appeared meek and replied with a soft, but somewhat forced "yes sir."

"Ah…well," Yuuri began, trying to be a nice guy.

Gwendal shot Yuuri a look, too, that seemed to say, "Don't just 'undo' everything that I've done. It's settled!"

Yuuri laughed a little to himself nervously with a hand behind his head.

Gwendal's stern gaze drifted back to his younger brother. "Now that you're a cadet, have you lost your manners as well?"

Wolfram's green eyes widened at his brother. "Oh, my apologies…" He turned to Yuuri, still with a sense of annoyance and disapproval in his voice, but decided it best to continue with a short bow followed by, "Greetings. My name is Wolfram von Bielefeld and I am the third son of Cecilie von Spitzberg. It is my…"

" Extreme pleasure to meet your acquaintance," Yuuri and Wolfram both said together.

Green eyes shot back up to his brother. "He's mocking me," Wolfram growled childishly between clinched teeth. He pointed at the king.

"He can say whatever he likes…CADET."

With that, Wolfram lowered his head again and wanted very badly to stomp his foot or kick the dirt. When training, he could do that and get away with it when no one was looking.

"Actually, Wolfram," Yuuri said kindly, "you've said that stuff to me so often …I've learned it."

"Impossible," the blond said back in a pouty voice with arms crossed, "I've never met you before today. In fact, my brother had to tell me all about you."

Yuuri's eyes grew kind. "You've been sick, Wolfram, and that's why you don't remember." When he got a doubtful look from the blond, Yuuri said, "That's why you have a scar on your side. Even now, it's still hurting you, I know that… And you've been taking medicine, too."

Gwendal gave his younger brother a sharp glance to hide his worry. If Yuuri could see something in Wolfram that he couldn't, it hurt his pride a little as well. But he'd never admit that.

Openly this time, Wolfram moved a hand to his side, his mouth open a little in surprise. He thought back to earlier that morning. He nodded. "Yes, I had to drink some awful tasting stuff because the medicine I had been taking previously made me sick."

"We were all worried about you," Yuuri said sincerely, leaning in a little. He noted with a smile to himself that Wolfram turned slightly pinkish at that.

Gwendal saw the look, too, and his shoulders relaxed. "Fine, then… Since Wolfram has had his fit about the maou and has, to my satisfaction, gotten over it…" He emphasized that last part to get it through Wolfram's thick skull. "We can all go on with our lives."

The cadet sighed impatiently. "Then, I suppose, I'm off to training," Wolfram said, taking two strides away only to have a hand tug at his arm.

"Not today, Wolfram," Gwendal replied.

"Why? I'm a cadet now. I need to work on my basics with the others." Just the thought made him smile. Being a soldier was his life long dream. "You know, Gwendal, I'm even better than Spagel, Achen, and Durr. And they started training a year ahead of me!" There was a prideful little stance that he took that warmed Gwendal's heart. But, he wouldn't be able to let his little brother have his way.

"I'll let you go back to training in a week," Gwendal said sternly. "You need to be feeling much better than this or you could have a relapse. So, you'll need to stay near the castle."

Wolfram looked up at him with an "Oh, I see now" expression. "If I'm not practicing…then… Lessons? Do I have to study instead?" Maybe, he could spend some time with Gwendal in the library. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. He brightened at the thought.

"Lessons, huh? Well, Gwendal… Are you going to teach that?" Yuuri teased lightly. He got a slight frown as an answer.

"Fine, I'll give you a choice. In fact," he looked at Yuuri, "instead of a 'choice' I'll make a deal."

Both of the young men in front of him stared back.

"We could have extra lessons with Günter…"

But that isn't possible because Günter isn't here, Yuuri thought to himself, and Gwendal knows that.

"Or, Wolfram, you can stay by Yuuri-Heka's side and practice your future job—your duty, in fact—protecting the maou."

Emerald eyes locked with black ones.

"A week of…no lessons…no work…for either of us?" Yuuri said, a smile coming to his lips.

Gwendal gave a curt nod in return. "I can handle all of the legal documents for the maou unless a national emergency should arise." His eyes sparkled with mischief.

Wolfram smirked to himself. "I get to practice…protecting the maou…?"

"Deal!" Yuuri said happily. "Come on, Wolfram," he grinned, "we're going to get to know each other…again."

Yozak stepped into a thicket and changed his clothes. He thought about wearing the light pink and white dress with the long, red wig. After all, that disguise had saved his life more than a few times. But, instead, he chose to put the farmer's outfit on. He'd worn it to the border taverns before. So, he'd probably blend in as a regular customer.

Yozak followed the fresh hoof prints with a pretty good idea of which tavern the men would be drinking at today. The nearest one, The Salty Dog, was on the Mazoku side and had not only Mazoku but human customers. So, either way, he'd be good.

Yozak tied up his horse around back after slipping the owner's son a coin to keep an eye on him. He explained to the teen that he didn't want his "wife" to know that he'd gone drinking. The guy shook his head in understanding. Apparently, this kind of thing happened a lot. But, in reality, Yozak did it to keep the men he was following from recognizing his horse. All it would take would be to have one silly mistake like that and, then, he'd have five men after him pretty quickly.

It was dimly lit inside and smelled like an old cellar. The door to The Salty Dog opened and closed quickly with a wooden groan. Most of the patrons didn't bother to look up. They were concentrating on their card games, drinking, and conversations. Two guys in the back were shooting dice and swearing loudly at each win and loss. Yozak the farmer ordered a beer after flirting with the pretty pink-haired barmaid—who seemed to like him a little too much—and found a rickety table with water ring stains that was within earshot of the men he was following. Just as they were the other day, two were playing cards and the other three were drinking.

"I hate the 'waiting' part," the elder complained. He took a sip of beer and stared at the wall.

"Agreed. This is getting tiresome. And, where's my next beer, by the way?" the fat nosed one griped, sticking his over-sized schnoz into the air—as though that would catch the pretty barmaid's attention and give him his drink.

Yozak noticed that the stubble-faced man was clean shaven today, but still had that arrogant "boss" attitude that told everyone he was still calling the shots. "Look, you assholes, just sit and wait. When we know what's going on, we will."

"Okay," both card players sighed. The first one scratched his head a little and his blond wig moved. That made his partner's eyes bulge. "Stop that," he whispered darkly, "because you're going to get us noticed." He got a sharp nod and that was the end of it.

Two beers later for the group, the barmaid came back with more drinks. But, this time, she made a return trip with a bundle wrapped in leather and twine. She placed it on the table in front of the boss. "Hello again," she said and pulled pink hair back behind her ears as she sat down with them.

"You!" the boss exclaimed. "Wow, I wouldn't have guessed… You look so different than before."

Her response was a thin smile. This was exactly what she wanted to hear.

Yozak took a long swig of beer. That was the girl I just spoke to! And she's a pretty little thing as well. He sighed to himself. So, she uses disguises, too. His eyes darted at her and then back to his drink. It is a woman. I can tell by the shape of her hands, no Adam's Apple, and the shape of her hips. It seems, from listening to the boss over there, that her appearance has changed from the last time he saw her. So, she's just changed her hair and clothes…maybe has makeup on…

"I have what I think you've been looking for—a gift to help you on your way and a message from my brother."

Not working alone… He took another swig of beer.

With understanding, the boss took the leather and twine bundle and the small envelope sealed with wax.

"This will help you finish the job you were paid for. You'll see that the 'arrangements' have changed a bit, but you will all profit by it. After that, we can strike up new negotiations."

"That will be fine with us," the boss said, trying to sound pleasant and well mannered . But, in reality, he only sounded disingenuous and condescending.

"Good," she smiled back. "But if you have any problems…" she quirked an eyebrow at him, "…then we've never had this conversation. But, then again, that's why we prefer working with professionals."

Yozak frowned and took another sip.

With that, the girl stood up, gave a cute curtsey and said girlishly, "Good day to ya." She began gathering up goblets from the table to be washed.

The boss opened the letter and began to read while the others scanned the room to see if anyone else was watching. Yozak used that as an opportunity to stand up and take his leave. And he wasn't that surprised to notice that the pink-haired girl only placed the goblets on the bar. She didn't take them in the back to be washed.

Yozak glanced at the men behind him and then heard the door open again. He looked up to the heavens and cursed himself. He should have thought of this earlier. Of course, all six of them weren't going to travel together. What was he thinking? Well actually, he reflected, I was thinking of getting to know the barmaid when I thought she was only a barmaid…

He began to follow, holding the door open for himself. The girl with the pink hair was already clomping down the road on a black horse. The horse took the first trail that meandered to the northeast. He could see the tail swishing at flies as it ambled away. Pretending to walk off while searching his pockets for something—mostly to look casual and buy himself more time—he turned his eyes back to the table with the men who were all standing up now. They were eager to leave. And Yozak made his way around the tavern to the back where his horse was tied. He had only one choice now. But who should he follow?

Yuuri led Wolfram through the gardens. It was just the two of them now—alone. He wanted to have a chat with the younger Wolfram in the hopes that they could have the chance to really get to know each other.

"What happened here?" Wolfram asked, his hair whipped by the wind. The high school looking Wolfram pointed to the flower bed where his mother usually planted row upon row of Beautiful Wolfram. He was used to the yellow flowers greeting him back—even if their name was stupid. Now, all he saw were the flowers that represented his brothers. He frowned at that.

"She didn't forget you," Yuuri said with a smile.

Wolfram cocked his head to the side. "You know all about my mother's flowers, huh?"

"Yes, and she did plant a lot of them."

"So, what happened?" Wolfram knelt down and inspected. There was not a single yellow flower among them. There were, however, large patches of dirt where a lot of brownish stems were coming up.

"I picked them all…"

Green eyes looked confused.

"…For you, that is…"

A boyish smile played on Wolfram's lips. "For me, huh?"

Yuuri turned a pinkish color that Wolfram also noticed. "I had to do it."

"Had…to?" The "Wolfram echo" was soft now and slightly amused.

"Umm…yes…" The double black had to work not to stammer. And, deep inside of him, he could feel the other self, the other maou, amused as well. He was almost laughing. Yuuri told him to stop it.

"It was necessary…"

"Oh…it was?" Wolfram came back in a totally charming voice that Yuuri never knew that he had. And, for some reason, the double black's heart was beating a little hard. There was a strange silence between them, too, that he was not familiar with.

"It…It was necessary because… we needed it as part of your antidote to the arrow poison."

At that, the amused emerald eyes turned to a dull green. "I see," Wolfram said but in a totally different tone. Rather, it was an indifferent tone. Yuuri wasn't used to that, either. The whole conversation felt odd.

"Let's go this way," the double black said.

The blond merely shrugged and strolled along, taking everything in. "This place looks right…and wrong at the same time." He pointed to the rose-covered bowers. "Those are thicker than I remember yesterday."

Your "yesterday" was years and years ago, Wolfram, the double black thought sourly.

"And the grass is much greener. We've been having a drought. How can it be so green now?"

"Faeries?" Yuuri joked.

"Endangered…along with elves," Wolfram shot back. "You might as well just say a dragon peed over everything and made it all green over night." He laughed maliciously. His grin was too wide.

Immature, Yuuri thought, and I'm getting tired of it pretty quickly.

"Heika?" Wolfram said. He noticed the sour look. He had promised his brother that he'd do his best to get along. And, whenever possible, Wolfram liked to keep his promises to his big brother.

"I told you to call me 'Yuuri,' because you always do."

"Always…?" He shook his head as though trying to clear it. "Okay, Yuuri," Wolfram said and grabbed the double black by the hand—pulling him into the recess of one of the rose bowers that was so thick with flowers that Yuuri saw it as more of a cave than a bower. There was a little stone bench in there and the two of them sat down. There was the pleasant, slightly citrus scent coming from the white roses. The breeze caught the flowers and leaves—giving an unusual shade that swayed to and fro.

"What is it?" Yuuri asked, totally confused.

"Look," Wolfram said, pointing to a little group walking in the rose garden, too, but much further off.

"Eh?" he squinted at the figures. "Oh, that's Murata and the three girls are the daughters of the local mayor. Gwendal has invited the mayor over to sign some documents. Apparently, the locals want to have a festival and they need our permission."

"I think they are all quite nice looking," Wolfram said and his eyes took on a certain glow. "Very nice."

Yuuri shot his eyes at Wolfram. "Nice?" he parroted. "Eh?" Then dark eyes widened. Oh, no! Yuuri thought, covering his face with a hand. His hormones have kicked in!

Wolfram straightened his cadet coat down with his hands. "I think we should both go over to greet them," he said in a tone that Yuuri definitely didn't like. I had no idea that Wolfram could be like this! I've seen him gruff, shy, concerned, and angry—mostly angry--but, I've never seen him attracted to anyone. And I can't believe we're having this conversation!

"Ummm… Well, Wolfram…?" Let's see… How do I say this? "Well…you have met Murata. In fact, you've been around him, off and on, for a little over three years now." Yuuri pointed to the guy in the black clothes. The design wasn't that different from what Yuuri wore.

Green eyes narrowed in concentration. "Gwendal told me that, too. He said I've been sick and that I don't remember things well."

"Yes, that's true," Yuuri agreed with a nod and a widening smile. "We're trying to get you well again so that…"

"I can remember everything?"

That was answered with another nod.

"Speaking of 'remember,' Wolfram began, and leaned his head charmingly to one side, "there's a lot that I don't. And that's unfortunate. But, I have been filled in a bit…"

"By Gwendal. You just said that."

"Yes, and I've heard some things from listening to the maids as well."

Yuuri held his breath at that. "What…exactly…have you heard…?" He was really afraid to ask. Some of the castle gossip could be vicious. He'd just learned that. And those uncomfortable feelings don't go away easily.

Wolfram's face smiled at him. "There are a few things that I do know about you…and me."

Another wide-eyed look confirmed it all in the blond's mind. "Then, it is true," Wolfram said with a slightly flirtatious tone to it. "We are engaged."

"Oh, is that all?" Yuuri said with relief. The tone seemed to say, "It means nothing to me." Then, he caught himself, "NO! No, don't get upset with me about that." He could just imagine himself being hit with a fireball and angry words being shouted all over the garden.

The blond just blinked back, a little confused.

Eh? He's not mad? O-k-a-y…

Yuuri looked down at the ground. He shifted the dirt with his feet a little. "Our engagement was…an accident. I'm really sorry about that."

He was afraid to look. He was afraid of what Wolfram's expression might be. He was imagining all kinds of heartbreaking reactions.

"Oh, I see!" Wolfram said and gave him a hearty slap on the back. "Don't worry about it."

"What do you mean?" Yuuri said back, incredulous.

"These kinds of aristocratic marriages happen all the time."

Yuuri's jaw dropped. This was not what he expected.

"No one actually expects you to be in love with me. Actually, 'love' isn't a requirement at all. It's mostly political. And, by the time we set the date of the marriage, things may change and you'll be married off to someone else."

Yuuri just couldn't believe his ears. This was Wolfram, after all, telling him all of this. And, it felt a little bit lonely.

"And, look at me, I'm only a cadet," Wolfram continued. "I can't marry a maou right now. I need to work my way up. I have to prove myself in battle. My mother's not the maou anymore. So, there's that pressure to be worthy enough to actually marry someone as high ranking as you."

"Oh, I understand," Yuuri said, but didn't want to.

Wolfram watched the double black and felt a little sorry for him. Gwendal said that he was from another world. So, most likely, this new maou was in the dark and didn't know much. He'd have to fill him in.

"For example," Wolfram began, "I once knew a woman named Julia. She had a marriage arranged for her, too. She accepted it as the duty that was required of her. And she went—as we all do into these things—forward as it was her duty. With most engagements, there's a cheerful reliance on the part of one fiancé and the protective disposition from the other."

"Julia…" Yuuri said, and felt melancholy at just mentioning her. So, that was what it was like for her. And poor Conrad…

There was a sudden movement at his shoulder. He wasn't prepared for it. Wolfram leaned in. His emerald eyes close to Yuuri's. Their lips close, almost touching.

"Wa-! Wait!" Yuuri said, leaning away only to hear Wolfram's voice laughing at him. It was a much deeper version of the baby Wolfram laugh. It was still musical. The pattern of notes still fit and the beautiful face matched it.

"What was that for?" Yuuri said back, frowning hard. His heart was beating hard now and he felt flush, foolish.

"Why are you so worried?" the blond said back, vastly amused. "You act like we were paired as a love match." He leaned in again to see stern black eyes staring back at him.

Then, Wolfram's voice became sincere. "You don't love me. And there's no part of you that does."

Yuuri froze at the words. Shocked.

"I can see it in your eyes." The blond leaned his head to one side. "You're afraid of me."

"No, Wolfram. That's not true. You just don't understand."

The blond laughed at him again and relaxed a little on the stone bench. He crossed his legs casually.

"Look, this is just a political arrangement for now. And that's all." He tossed his blond hair out of his eyes. "By the time we can actually get around to the wedding ceremony, things may have changed."

He saw a doubtful look in Yuuri's eyes.

"Relax," Wolfram said almost cheerfully, "nothing's going to happen right away." Yuuri frowned again when he saw Wolfram's gaze travel casually to Murata and the three girls. They had spread a blanket on the grass and were eating a picnic lunch. Murata, as usual, was being utterly charming to the girls. Their giggles floated on the wind.

Wolfram's mind wandered with a smile tugging at his lips.

"'Right away'… I think…you were saying," Yuuri emphasized the words, trying to get the blond off of cloud nine. Briefly, he considered elbowing him.

"Oh, yes," Wolfram replied with a nod. "Besides," he looked at Yuuri again, "I really hate being tied down to one person. I'm only 73." Wolfram scratched his head thoughtfully. "I'm sure there's someone else out there better for you anyway."

Yuuri's jaw dropped at that. Is he…dumping me? I've got a handsome blond prince who has a white horse…and I'm being dumped by him?

"Oh, don't feel bad about it," Wolfram said, seeing Yuuri's reaction. Maybe he was just a little too honest with the new maou. "It's not you. It's me…really!"

"Thanks, Wolfram," Yuuri frowned. Why am I annoyed? I should be happy. I've wanted this attitude form Wolfram the whole time. But, now…

"Look," the blond continued sheepishly, "we might actually get married in the future after all. It could still happen. It's possible."

Yuuri sighed. That thought didn't make him feel any better, either.

"And, if it does," Wolfram went on, "you are aware that…even if you don't desire me…you know you have to…consummate the marriage. Right?"

Yuuri's face went pink at that. He actually felt heat coming up his face. He tried to push away the image of them in bed together on their wedding night—sans clothes. Yuuri tried to stop it, but couldn't. He was sure that Wolfram could make some delicious sounds when his neck was kissed. What am I thinking? We're both guys! This is never going to happen!

He's so cute when he blushes, the blond thought while looking at the ground. Then, he decided to push the envelope a little. "You have to or the marriage can be annulled at any point by a vote of the aristocrats." Wolfram leaned his head handsomely to one side again. "And I promise that, on our wedding night, I'll be gentle with you."

There was a deeper pink that Wolfram didn't think was possible. The "tomato look" was even cuter.

Okay, it's time to stop this before I go too far. What will it take to ease his mind? The blond thought to himself. Fine, I'll try this. "And, after the wedding night, you can move your concubines into the castle and I'll move mine in as well. Then, we'll both be happy."

"C-Concubines?" Yuuri's breath caught at the thought of it.

"Well…yes," Wolfram said, blinking.

Yuuri had a flash of memory. The eight year old looking Wolfram had met his father's concubine by accident. He was furious about it. He was yelling and Yuuri had, since then, wished that there was some way to erase that memory—to take away the pain that it caused.

"Didn't…" Maybe I shouldn't bring this up. No, I have to… We are technically "engaged," so I have the right. "Didn't your father have a…concubine in the castle? So, I thought you hated them," Yuuri said timidly. He was kicking himself the whole time, but he really wanted to know.

Wolfram scratched his nose a little at the thought. "You found out about that, huh?" He shrugged but his emerald eyes grew hard. Yuuri could see it. "After a time, Gwendal convinced me that these things happen. It's just best to accept them." He scratched his nose again and saw the pitying expression on the maou's face. He looked away for a second. "Besides, Yuuri, look at me."

"What?"

The blond smiled thinly at Yuuri. "No, really…look at me."

Yuuri shrugged. He was clueless. "Well, Wolfram… You are very handsome." He glanced up at the flowers hanging overhead and said, "Probably the most handsome person I've ever met." Releasing the breath that he didn't know he was holding, Yuuri looked to the blond and saw that Wolfram had forced a smile on his face. But, I guess, everyone tells you that. So, it's nothing new, huh? But you're more than looks…much more.

"My dear maou, if you haven't noticed… Your fiancé is a male. The last time I checked, men can't give birth. So, of course, after a year or two of marriage you will be getting these little hints dropped from your administrator and advisors that you need an heir."

Yuuri's eyes widened at that.

"You'll have to sleep with a woman sometime to get that heir. Probably, a couple of times…" Then Wolfram straightened up a little, trying to get comfortable on the stone bench. They had been sitting there awhile. "Of course, historically, there have been maous who have ordered their prince consorts to impregnate their concubines."

Historically? Why hadn't Günter mentioned this? Then, he had a mental flash of the overly fawning, melodramatic tutor and historian hugging him. That explains it.

Without even realizing it, Yuuri was shaking his head "no" at the thought. Wolfram smiled a genuine smile at that.

"Legally speaking, if the mou has a prince consort, then any child born to their concubines will automatically become the heirs to the throne."

Yuuri cast a sincere glance into emerald eyes. "If I did that, I would be cheating on you." For a brief second, he thought he saw something that reminded him of a shield reflected back in the blond's set face. He pushed his point further. "And if you did that, you would be cheating on me."

"Love again?" Wolfram laughed, but this time with much less mirth, and put a friendly arm on Yuuri's shoulder. "In time, you would really have no other choice." He leaned in closer and Yuuri felt himself sweat a little. "You won't be happy with me…deep down…and, believe it or not…I have a temper."

With that, Yuuri started to snicker. He covered his mouth with his hand and tried to push it back. It was harder to do now because he could see a blond looking more than just a little peeved. He was getting angry and took his arm back from around Yuuri's shoulder.

"Thanks for the laugh, Wolfram, I needed it."

"Good," Wolfram said, turning away with a slightly devilish look on his face. "Then, I would like you to do something for me."

"And what would that be?"

"I want to go over there," he pointed to Murata and their girls, "and visit with them. So, introduce me."

"Wait! What?" Yuuri said, not believing his ears again.

"I said that I want you to introduce me to them."

"Why?" Yuuri said, feeling more than just a pang of something and he wasn't about to put a name to the feeling just yet.

Wolfram smirked back at Yuuri. "Because I like pretty faces and they're all really beautiful—including that Murata. He's kind of human-looking, though. Oh, sorry. You're half human. No offence." He said the part offhandedly.

Yuuri shot a glare. "None taken."

"Good!" Wolfram brightened, not noticing the glare. "And, don't worry. He's too high ranking to be a future concubine."

"Men, too!" Yuuri's jaw dropped. "Men are pointless. They can't have babies."

"Oh, that's right! The maids say you discriminate against men." The blond doubled up his fist and smacked it into his palm. Yes, he saw it now. "That's why you don't want me. I'm a guy." He grinned, proud of himself for making the connection. "Anyway…going back to the handsome one in black… They say that he is the Great Sage. So, he must know a few things," blond eyebrows wiggled, "from his previous lives."

"Ew!" Yuuri said, "Murata Ken?" Hormones! Hormones! Do they make you act stupid as well?! This is not my Wolfram! Ugh!

"They say he remembers it all." The blond grinned toothily. "The girls look good, too. So, I want you to introduce me. I can handle the rest from there. It's only proper." Wolfram looked like he was planning the strategy to a baseball game. All he needed was a clipboard and a pencil to jot things down.

Yuuri folded his arms and stared back at Wolfram defiantly. He could feel himself smolder. This was not what he meant when he said that he wanted to get to know the blond all over again. This was not it at all!