Hiya! Sorry for the crazy last couple posts. lol. All back to normal now!
Oh, you will notice that from this chapter up, we will be introducing and focusing on some new people. some of them might take place when Gil was asleep, and so on, so forth. Do NOT worry. AZZY will make sure it is clearly noted what is going on!
And I am sorry this chapter (and last chapter) are a bit choppy.
Alaric was in his study working to keep the King's condition a secret. If anyone found out that the country's ruler was nearly unconscious every day, screaming at all hours as though he were being murdered. It was taking its toll on the whole castle, all of the servants, his grandson's friends and their family...Ludwig hardly left his room anymore. It was still a shock - so many people loved the King, supported him. He wasn't worried that there would be a rebellion if the news of his condition were to spread to the people. Alaric was worried that the citizens may start a war with whomever they though responsible.
Francis nodded, smiling before he left. He got to the study, knocking before he poked his head in, "Lord Alaric? The king is awake and asking for you and Ludwig to see him." He said quietly, not wanting anyone to know beside the advisor and the prince. "He seems . . . all right . . .but different . . ."
The advisor stood and nodded, fighting apprehension. "I will retrieve the Prince and we will go see Gilbert in his chambers. Please go about your duties, Francis...I am sure that he will be back to his normal self before long." After a reassuring smile shared with the servant, Alaric left his duties to search for Ludwig. Library - no, bedchambers - surprisingly not there either, gardens - no Prince to be found. Finally he checked the stables, hoping to find the Prince.
The prince was lucky that the stalls were huge. He sat on a hay bale in the back corner of Vasher's stall, watching the horse eat with empty eyes. He had barely spent time inside the castle walls, unable to take the screams anymore. 'Brother . . . What have I done to you? Why is it me that torments your dreams?' He sighed, stiffening and pressing closer to the wall when he heard footsteps enter the barn.
"Grandson? Ludwig, I know that you are here." Alaric called, walking down the center aisle and glancing into every stall he passed. He knew that the younger blonde would probably be in the loft if not with the King's horse. Finally looking in at the war horse, Ludwig was in his sights. "I have been told wonderful news, my Prince. Gilbert is finally awake and seems lucid - come with me to see him, Ludwig." A smile finally spread across the old man's face as he said it out loud for the first time.
Ludwig bit his lip, standing and walking over to let himself out of the stall. "Are you sure he wants to see me? My presence seemed no good for him, only to cause more torment." He looked up to his Grandfather, unable to keep the hurt and confusion, as well as the emptiness out of his eyes. "I don't want him to hurt anymore Grandfather. I refuse to see him."
The advisor could feel his smile dim as Ludwig spoke, his mood fading. "And if you are wrong? If his nightmares were than terrors brought on by the poison? You will hurt him further by placing this distance between you." Alaric could see the hesitance in the Prince, and he couldn't blame him for it, but it still bothered him that two people that had been so close might now lose that relationship. "...I will not press you, Ludwig. I apologize - I will leave you." He left the stables intending to reach his grandson's rooms, hoping that the King would not be overly upset by the lack of his brother's presence.
Ludwig watched his grandfather go and clenched his shirt, right above his heart. "Forgive me Brother . . . I am weak. But I cannot risk harming you, even if it is not my intent." He turned back to the war horse, but was met with ears back and a warning stare. Ludwig closed his eyes and headed away, down to his secret place by the pond.
Kei was waiting outside the king's chambers, hoping to see his good friend, beside him was Toris, expecting to see the prince, "M'lord Advisor, is the Prince not with you?" He asked, almost sounding desperate as he looked behind the advisor, hoping to see more blonde hair come down the hall.
Alaric shook his head and exhaled slowly. "No, the Prince has...has something that he must tend to and will not be joining me. You have both come to see his Highness- Gilbert, as well?" he asked quietly. It wasn't a surprise that they would wish to see him eventually, but so early...it surprised the older man.
Toris shook his head, "Of course but I just came to this kingdom, you all should go first. I just wanted to speak to the Prince for a moment." He bowed, stepping out of the way, "I hope you have luck with the King." He bowed again before quickly maneuvering his way outside to search for Antonio and Francis.
Kei jumped slightly and moved out of the way of the door. "We all agreed you and Prince Ludwig should see him first. I do not mind waiting a bit longer. I have only just met the King as it is, I'm sure it's not my company he desires." He smiled sincerely, bowing his head to the higher noble.
The blonde watched the servant leave, an odd feeling settling over him, before his attention shifted back to the fairly recent addition to the castle. "I appreciate it, thank you. Though I can certainly say that you are wrong about the King's chosen company - he does not lightly give invitation for outsiders to come to our home, and friendship is an even more serious matter to him. Feel proud that he would choose to have you here."
Kei smiled softly at the words the advisor had said as he went into the king's chambers. He leaned against the wall when a cute blonde servant with glasses, catching his eye down the hall. Kei smiled to himself as he set off down the hall, his mind set on talking to the blonde.
Eduard walked down the hall with his mind focused on the book he was holding, paying little attention to anyone he passed. He'd taken his role as the Prince's tutor quite seriously but was glad to have access to new information for himself more than anything. It wasn't an exemplary piece, but fiction was one of the blonde's few guilty pleasures.
Kei quietly fell into pace with the boy, before gently tapping him on the shoulder. "Excuse me? Do you mind that I talk to you? You're the first person I've met that seems interested in studies that isn't the Prince." He smiled softly, "If you're not busy that is."
"Hmm? Oh...oh! I-I apologize, M'Lord, I had not noticed anyone else nearby!" Eduard quickly apologized, stopping before remembering to bow. He was flushed in embarrassment - he couldn't believe that he'd managed to miss someone else so close. "Of course I do not mind. His Highness has not given me any tasks today, so I am free to help you with whatever you need."
Kei laughed and waved a hand, "Please, do not be so formal! I am not really a Lord; just by my sister's marriage did I get that title. Please, think of me as an equal. I just want to have a friendly chat." He smiled, completely sincere, his eyes kind.
The blonde servant shifted somewhat nervously before nodding. "I...yes, a-alright. My name is Eduard - I'm one of the Prince's servants. It is a pleasure to meet you." Eduard may have been a servant, but he still knew his manners. Even if the situation was making him uncomfortable.
Kei's smile faltered slightly before nodding. "My name is Kei. It is very nice to meet you Eduard. May I ask what book your reading?" The western noble asked, trying not to be too intrusive. He wanted to be nice and make friends, something about this boy interested him, but he didn't want him to feel uncomfortable and shut off either!
"It is nothing, really. A book of poetry." the blonde admitted after a moment. "It has been a long time since I have been able to read, and I find myself drawn more and more to explore the library here." Kei...it was an interesting name. The man definitely was interesting to look at - Eduard had never seen a Westerner before.
Kei smiled, eyes glinting, "Poetry like Canterbury Tales? Or Morte de Arthur? Oh please stop me before I talk myself silly." He laughed, "The library here is extensive, much more in depth than all the political readings I have back home. I much more prefer the fiction tales to the reality, like the famous Knight Vargas. Who knows which tales are real?" He smiled.
The blonde smiled lightly and finally nodded. "Yes, I believe I could lose myself for years in the librarium here and still not have read all of the books. I have not seen so many in one place before! It has been...well, nearly four years since I have even seen a real book. And the fictional works are my favorite..." Eduard blushed lightly again, realizing that he'd been lead into the conversation without really noticing it. "Though, if you mean the tales of the Knight Romulus Vargas, I can say that it is not wholly fiction. He is still alive, I believe."
The westerner's eyebrows shot up, "Do you not jest? The famous Knight is real? He has only been referred to as Myths and Morals in the west!" He was excited, someone that he had tried to model after, someone he had read about late into the night when he was alone, was alive! "Oh if I could only meet him! I would have so much to ask him!"
Eduard couldn't help but laugh quietly, stifling it as best as he could behind a hand. "Myths I might believe, but morals may be going a bit too far, if what I have heard is true. Romulus Vargas has the last word on everything that happens in the Southern lands - he practically runs them himself." the blonde informed, sounding very much like the teacher that he was meant to be to the Prince. "But from what I hear, although he is of course a great knight, he tends to...well, womanize. His grandson is staying here as a guest of my master, actually." Another laugh escaped the servant at Kei's expression, the blonde having to fight not to double over.
Kei almost stumbled in his step but caught himself, turning to stand in front of the blonde, hands gently landing on his shoulders, searching the blondes blue-green eyes for truth. "You really do not jest! The Knight's grandson, flesh, blood, bones, Grandson, is here! In this castle, right now." The black haired man's eyes light up brighter than a torch, smiling greatly, "Oh tell me about him please? I would love to meet him!"
"To be honest, with no disrespect meant, he is possibly the least capable person I have ever met. He can cook better than my younger brother, paint better than any artist, tell stories better than any poet...but cannot wield a sword any better than a child." Eduard admitted ruefully. They were both smiling now, one in excitement and one in laughter. "Though he is possibly the sweetest man I have ever met, also."
Kei's smile softened some, as if he was thinking about a love one, "He sounds just as wonderful as Imagined, Grandson and all. The only flaw, if I could call it that, in the Great Knight was his war-attitude." His eyes darkened slightly. "Fighting does nothing more than breed more hate and discontentment. It's a horrid thing. If we all acted like intelligent individuals, I'm sure we could talk most problems we have out."
The blonde hummed lightly as he thought. "Yes, but not everyone is an intelligent individual. Even if they were, emotions can be powerful motivators. The King fought with the Bragniskis to buy my siblings and I, to help us, even though it would cause trouble. And I would go to war, if it meant keeping my brothers safe - I imagine that Sir Romulus would do the same for his grandsons." he finally decided, nodding. It was a simple explanation, but it was all that he felt necessary.
Kei nodded, "I see your meaning completely. But that is where we differ. I'm sure I would be with you if I had family that I thought was worth fighting for. I'm afraid I don't." Without even realizing it, the two had walked on and out into the courtyard, where a bit of commotion was going on. "Oh? What is going on there? Did the guards catch someone trying to sneak in?" He asked pointing over to where the guards were holding someone. The man they held though looked identical to the young Prince's guest though . . .
Antonio was sitting on a bench in the gardens, his lover's arms wrapped around him as they both took a moment to spend together. "I missed this, love. We haven't spent time together out here in so long...remember how we used to meet here, when we first began courting?"
Francis sighed contently nodded. "I remember. I also remember I was the first person you said a Word to about a year after we got here. The King was quite upset at that.
The brunette smiled and shrugged lightly. "I would have said something to him first, but he was busy that day!" he teased with a laugh.
Toris ran around madly for a brief moment before stumbling upon the love birds, "Toni, Francis! Have either of you seen the Prince?"
Antonio blinked a few times before he grasped the question. "Oh, no, or at least I have not. Not since yesterday. Is something wrong, Toris?"
Toris sighed, running a hand threw his hair, "He isn't going to see the king, and I cannot find him anywhere. I'm getting worried."
Antonio frowned and glanced at Francis. "He refused to visit Gilbert? That is not like him...if you like, I will help you search for the Prince. I might know some places that he would be."
Toris nodded, rubbing his temple, "It would be most appreciated. I will check the library and his wing of the castle again, just to be sure." He sighed, shifting from foot to foot, "Toni . . . You-you don't think he's refusing because . . ." He looked around quickly, "Because of what we have already discussed do you?"
"I do not think so, no, but I still stand by what I have already said. Even if it was not purposeful the King was placed in harm's way and that must be addressed - however I doubt that the Prince would realize what his part in this was if it were truly a mistake...no matter. I will look through the gardens and stables first."
Toris nodded, "Very well. Contact me if you find him." He nodded before heading off back into the castle.
Francis frowned, eyes searching his tanned lover's face. "This is very odd behavior for the Young Prince. I am quite concerned as well. I will check for him in the maze, and ask if anyone has seen him riding off anywhere."
"Thank you, love. I believe I might know where he is hiding, but if he has gone into the maze you would be the best to look for him." With a kiss Antonio pulled away, both servants up and moving toward their destinations. It wasn't long before Antonio was ducking into the small clearing that Gilbert had shown them once when they were younger. "I thought that I might find you here, Ludwig."
Ludwig jumped up, straight to his feet and looked around nervously, "Greetings Toni. Is it supper already?" He asked, the nervousness he felt, never showing in his voice. He also felt disappointment. If Toni knew about this place, that meant his Brother did, which meant Ludwig had no true spot to call his own.
Antonio shook his head and straightened to his full height. Disappointment was clear on his face as he looked the Prince over. "You know quite well that I am not here to call you in for supper. Why are you hiding here when your brother is awake for the first time in a week? Do you not care at all for him any longer, Prince?"
Ludwig's face darkened, turning his back on the servant and clenching his fists at his sides, "How dare you! I care for my Brother like nothing else in this world! That is why I cannot see him!" He turned now, eyes flashing with desperation, hurt, anger, "Did you not hear him scream? My Name! Mine! I was hurting him, killing him over, and over again inside his head. What if he cannot distinguish fake from reality? My presence anywhere near him could cause him pain!"
The young prince sank to the ground again, turning away once more, "I must have done a great wrong to my dearest brother, one he has kept hidden from me. I refuse to see him until I can atone for what I've done, until I can freely fall upon my knees and kiss his boots and have him forgive me! I absolutely refuse!"
The Prince's anger was perfect, in a way. Ludwig had never been adept at acting or telling lies, and such a strong reaction reassured the brunette that whatever harm had been done was not intentional. "With whom did you speak at the ceremony?" Antonio asked directly, taking a step closer to the Prince. "Tell me everyone with whom you talked and everything that was said, Ludwig. Gilbert has every reason to be wary of you but to gain his forgiveness you will need to tell me the answers I ask of you."
Ludwig whined, his head falling to his hands as he searched mentally for every face and name he could think of from that night so long ago. "I-I can't think of all of them. But there was one Lady; I spoke much with her, each of us sharing stories. She was . . . God! I cannot recall! Her hair was blonde, but pale, she had big blue eyes and excessive features . . . I-I cannot think of anything we had said! She had such an air about her, and I was so tired. . . I must have just kept talking . . . What was her name!" The prince growled, standing up and pacing slightly, eyes closed, "Ka . . . Kat? Yes, it was . . . Kat, Kat . . . Katyusha!" He felt a small surge of excitement, "But that is all I can offer you Toni."
Antonio's fists clenched, teeth grating together as he hissed lightly at the name. "Katyusha? Katyusha Braginski? You spoke with that she-witch?" The brunette understood, now, what had happened. When he called the heiress a she-witch, he didn't mean it as an insult but as a fact. He'd heard rumors that the coldhearted woman could use magic, and he didn't doubt it one bit. "You must remember what you said to her! Was it anything about the royal family, or horses, or anything regarding the hunting trips that the King takes?" he pressed still, determined to get an answer from the boy.
Ludwig felt a jolt run through him, sharp and painful. Everything that had happen started flooding back to him, "I-I . . . I did. I mentioned I hated the fact he was going with no guards to be there, and that he usually did after big events. . . I told her where you were going! I-I sacrificed my own brother to a witch!" He let out a growl, hurling a rock towards the tree, and hearing one of them splinter under the force. "I'm a filthy traitor! I-I could have killed the King because I couldn't shut my mouth and walk away!" His scream was more anguished than angry, head falling between his knees. "What good am I a man? Let alone a Prince! Not even Hell's gates would want me!"
"You did put us in danger, yes. The King will have to change his habits and remain within the castle after large celebrations from now on. But what you did was not committed with malice or an intent to harm Gilbert." the brunette finally said, moving to crouch in front of the Prince. He forced the blonde to look at him before he continued. "Ludwig, the assassin told us that you were the source of the information that allowed him to find us. THAT is why Gilbert was tormented by you in his nightmares. Avoiding him now will only increase his fears and dread, it will breed suspicion between you. You must tell him what has happened. He will forgive you." The servant held the Prince's blue eyed gaze steadily, hoping to convince him.
Ludwig nodded pulling away. "I am a coward. But I promise on everything that is good and proper, I will see him tomorrow morn. Now, I need time to think, make sure I know how I want to apologies and explain what happened without ruining our relationship." The prince sighed, hands curled tight at his sides, almost drawing blood. "Please Toni, go see him with Francis. Tell him I will see him first in the morning. And that I'm sorry it could not be today."