"The Frog is coming to visit you this week," Arthur muttered around the rim of his tea cup the next morning. The four of them—Arthur, Matthew, Alexander and Sadiq—sat at the dining room table having a lovely full english breakfast.

"Papa? When did he write? I never got a letter," Matthew asked, taking a bite of toasted bread with jam. He glanced over to Arthur who's cheeks were slowly turning pink.

"Ah well, it was a letter for me. He didn't include anything to give to you this time," Matthew pouted. "Don't be doing that now. Be lucky of your current company," Alexander chuckled and reached out to pat the crown of Matthew's head.

"Not to vorry Matvey, ve'll keep you company vhile the parents play," Arthur flushed at the implications of his words.

"Come now! I think not, supervision will be needed with you lot now,"

"Father!" Matthew squeaked. Alexander chuckled softly and helped himself to some oatmeal. Arthur shrugged.

"Well then maybe the Red should watch what he says," Alexander's head snapped towards Arthur.

"Chto?"

"I-I'm sure Father didn't mean anything by it Alexander. Right, Father?"

"Chertovski svin'i, (Fucking pig)," Alexander spat out, voice low. Matthew's eyes widened.

"Don't say things like that Ivan!" He hissed. He instantly covered his mouth, embarrassed. By this time the three older men were staring at him.

"What was that Matthew?" His father asked, brows furrowed. "I thought I told you not to say that name in the walls of this house,"

"I-I..."

"Yes, I do not wish to hear that name either," Sadiq growled out in a low voice.

"I do not mind!" Alexander said cheerfully. "After all, it is my first name!" He laughed softly, his grin spread over his face. A look of shock took over Matthew's face and he slowly turned towards the man. Arthur sputtered.

"But—you—I! What the hell is going on?!" Arthur yelled, his chair scraping against the floor as it was pushed back when Arthur jumped to his feet. Alexander? Ivan? Laughed softly. Sadiq growled softly and started to rise from his seat as well. Arthur motioned with his hand for the dark haired man to sit. "Get out! How dare you trick me into believing this! That you were a suitor for my son! Get out now!"

"Yes, leave now before you regret it," Sadiq growled, slamming his hand down on the table. The noise startled Matthew who was still staring at the man beside him.

"I-Ivan?" He said softly after another moment had passed, ignoring the protests from Sadiq and his father. "How...how? You look so different..." He trailed off. Ivan nodded.

"Da, Matvey. My sisters are very good. And for your records Arthur, the title of Prince of Siberia is my birthright," Arthur gaped at him. "If you do not believe, speak with my father, General Winters," Arthur said nothing in reply. "See? I told you. I told you that your day of reconsigning vould come," He giggled.

"Ivan...Ivan!" Matthew's eyes filled with tears as he reached out. His palm connected with Ivan's cheek as hard as he could while sitting. "How could you not tell me!" He shot up from his chair and ran from the room.

"Matvey!" Ivan called as he stood up but Matthew was already gone from the room.

"Looks like someone does not have all the luck eh Red?" Sadiq laughed.

"Zatknis' turka," (Shut the fuck up Turk," Ivan growled, turning his attention to the Turkish man.

"Both of you shut the hell up," Arthur thundered. "Hell in a hand basket! Why did you not just tell us before this instead of leading him though this farce?" He questioned.

"Vell, I knew that you vould not have any of it so I use middle name; it vorked did it not?"

"It doesn't matter that it worked! You've lied and upset him! Just... stay where you are!" Arthur growled out before leaving the dining room to go after Matthew. Once he was gone Sadiq glared at Ivan.

"You are fool. Why would you even expose yourself like that?" He asked. "I could see from the moment I met you that you were hiding something,"

"Da, da," Ivan brushed him off, standing.

"I do not know what Matthew sees in you," Sadiq rose as well and took a few steps towards the other man. "I should have killed you when I had the chance. No one to miss a dead soldier," He reached out and grabbed the collar of Ivan's shirt. Ivan snorted.

"I doubt that it would be very hard to get rid of you either," Ivan leaned down and murmured into Sadiq ear. "Best watch your back," Ivan released Sadiq and stepped back, a grin splitting across his face.

Arthur on the other hand, went upstairs to Matthew's room first as he started to look for the boy. He looked into the bathroom, the walk in closet but he was not there and hasn't been there since he went down for breakfast earlier in the morning. He went to the library next and walked among the shelves but seen no hair or hide of Matthew either. Letting out a heavy sigh, Arthur then headed to the gardens. Third time was the charm it seemed as he found the blonde sitting on a bench, simply staring straight ahead at the flowers.

"Matthew," Arthur said after a minute or two. "Might I join you?" He asked softly. Matthew nodded his his numbly and Arthur sat down beside him. The both sat in silence for a while, listening to the birds chirp.

"Why would he hide this from me?" Matthew hiccoughed. Arthur sighed heavily.

"Matthew, you know why he did it. Obviously he did it for you. He knew I would turn him away if he told me. He is a very crafty man," He admitted. "And I have to admit, I most likely would have. I was not aware he was a son to General Winters. And now that we are not at war, a union with the them could be...good I suppose," Matthew looked over at him.

"But he could have told me..." The blonde whimpered softly. Arthur patted his knee.

"True, but as your father has said to me before, if you truly feel something for someone you should be able to overcome anything," Matthew said nothing as he looked up at his father. "And yes, I am aware of how that sounds coming from me but its the point at hand that I am trying to make. If you feel as connected to him as you seem to be, then this should not make any difference in how you feel about him. When you met him, he was a prisoner. Now he is the Prince that you always wanted to marry," Matthew blinked up at his father.

"W-what did you do with my father?" Matthew laughed shakily. "Since when do you speak so kindly to me. You did not want me to have anything to with him,"

"Yes, well. You are important to me. I may not always show it, especially since Alfred left and I am sorry for that. Your Papa is a smart man," He ended softly.

"Father..."

"I just ask that you give both of them a fair chance. Sadiq has very good man Matthew. I'm sure Ivan is as well. Give them both an equal chance,"

"I will Father,"

"Now, why do we not rejoin the boys and finish our breakfast?"

"Okay Father," Arthur shot him a smile and clapped him on the back.

"That's my boy,"

"I'm sorry for running out like that," Matthew gave a polite bow to the two older men at the table. "It seems I've over reacted,"

"It is no vorry Matvey. I am sorry that I upset you," Ivan apologized.

"It is understandable Matthew, you thought this man was someone else. It would shock anyone," Sadiq told the young blonde, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Regardless, I apologize," Matthew took his seat beside Ivan once more and picked up the scone that was on his plate. "What is on the menu for today?" He asked after a minute.

"I was thinking that we could go for a walk around the grounds and spend some time alone, together," Sadiq said in a questioning tone.

"And then I vas thinking I might be able to borrow the kitchen and make you a nice dinner, Matvey. Just the two of us," Ivan said. Matthew blushed softly.

"I-I would like both of those," Matthew smiled shyly. "Would you like to go after we finish here Sadiq?" The brunette haired man nodded.

"That would be acceptable," He muttered against the rim of his glass as he took a drink. Matthew finished his scone and tea quickly.

"Let me go get changed into something for outside and we can go out, okay?" Sadiq nodded. Matthew let out a little giggle and pushed himself out of his chair once more. "Excuse me," He murmured softly before leaving the others in the kitchen. Once Matthew was gone Arthur turned to the other two men.

"Do not bring my son into some sort of rivalry. And do not say you have not been fighting as I can already tell you have while I was gone. Do not hurt my son,"

"Yes sir," The two said in unison.

"Jolly good then," Arthur said before pouring himself another cup of tea.

Matthew clung to Sadiq's arm as they toured around the gardens, saying hello at the guard stations and talking softly. Matthew leaned more about Sadiq, about traditions and his culture, his dreams and aspirations and Matthew responded in kind. It seemed like no time at all had passed before they were coming back to the front of the manor again.

"I've enjoyed our time together Sadiq," Matthew murmured softly, sliding his hand down from the older mans arm to his hand, entwining their fingers together. "Perhaps...perhaps we could continue our walk? Make another round of the gardens? Perhaps we could take some time to rest on one of the benches,"

"Aye, I think that would be agreeable," Sadiq replied. "Shall we go back around?" He motioned to the backside of the house again. Matthew nodded. "Perfect," The Turk led Matthew around the back of the manor and back into the gardens. They took their time and Matthew's hands found their way back to Sadiq's arm from his hands and the older man couldn't help but pause and smile down at him. The blonde looked up and cocked his head.

"What is it?" He asked.

"I was just wondering how you could look so beautiful," Matthew flushed and sputtered at him causing Sadiq to laugh softly. "But I could not wish you any other way. Here, there is a bench we can rest at just ahead," Matthew nodded and they continued onward until the came to the bench where they sat down, Matthew pressed to Sadiq's side, their fingers entwined together. They sat on the bench for a bit, not speaking, just enjoying the sounds of the gardens; the birds chirping, bugs buzzing. "May I kiss you?" Sadiq murmured into his ear.

"Will it be like last time?" Matthew asked. Sadiq shook his head.

"I am sorry for last time, my emotions got the better of me. I will be gentle. If you tell me to stop I will," Matthew tilted his head upward as he closed his eyes. Sadiq leaned down and kissed him softly and after a moment he pulled back. "Thank you,"

"N-no problem," Matthew stuttered. "I enjoyed spending time with you today,"

"As did I. I suppose now it is time to return you to your father?" Matthew nodded. "I suppose I have been lucky to get you alone all morning,"

"Yes, I suppose,"

Once Sadiq and Matthew returned to the manor, they joined Ivan and Arthur for a light lunch before venturing to the parlour to spend time together. Ivan opted to stay in the kitchen as they things he had decided to make were rather tedious and took a bit of time and preparation.

Matthew listened to his father and Sadiq talk about trades; importing and exporting different goods between their nations while Matthew lounged about on the smaller couch, book in hand. After a while of listening to them drone on and on, he began to doze off before startling himself awake.

"Matthew, perhaps you should go lay down in your bedroom. It seems like your walk has tired you out a bit," His father suggested. Matthew couldn't stop the yawn that left him.

"Okay Father. Please excuse me," Matthew rose from his spot and left the room. He paused outside the kitchen and knocked as the door had been shut. After a moment the door opened.

"Oh. Matvey. Can I help you?" Ivan opened the door a bit wider to reveal himself, wearing an apron that was tied tight around his neck and hips. His fingers were stained red and he was covered in flour. Matthew giggled. "Now, now. Do not laugh," Ivan chided. Matthew broke out into a grin as he continued to laugh softly. Ivan snorted and leaned down, pressing a quick kiss to Matthew lips. The blonde squeaked in surprise.

"W-what was that for?" He asked. Ivan shrugged.

"For nothing. I just vanted to is all. Thank you,"

"Y-you're welcome," Matthew muttered. "I just wanted to say that I was going up to my room to rest if you need me for anything," Ivan nodded.

"Thank you nemnogo podsolnechnogo, you are kind to let me know. Now go and rest. I will wait you when I am done," Ivan smirked as leaned down to steal a kiss from Matthew then turned him towards the stairs. "Get going," He slapped Matthew's behind lightly. Matthew blushed up to the tips of his ears before he muttered a quick goodbye and ran up the stairs. As soon as he was in his room he shut the door behind him and dove under the blankets to try and still away his frantically beating heart.