Wish
By Mikamilk
Disclaimer I do not own Kyo Kara Maou.
NOTE: Hihi! Without all of you wonderful readers and reviewers I would never have written so much! Thank you so much for your support! This chapter should wrap up most things but I'm going to add an epilogue-ish chapter too so it's not quite finished yet. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Chapter Fourteen
Yuuri propped his elbows on the large desk, resting his chin in his palms. Ideas and inspirations for the Island's make-over were blooming in his mind. Preoccupied in pensive thought, Yuuri was slow to detect the unease that hung in the air around him.
"Hm? What was that?" Yuuri said casually, glancing toward Conrad. "Sorry, I spaced out for a second there."
"Heika, it's about Wolfram," Conrad repeated. The words sounded stiff and lacked Conrad's usual velvety tone.
There was a moment of silence as Yuuri faltered. "Wolf?" Yuuri blurted, snapping his head up. Ever since his fiancé's abduction, Yuuri had become extremely sensitive to any mention of Wolfram.
"Yes," Conrad sighed. "Well, you see...Uh, there's been some, well…"
"Conrad!" Yuuri interrupted. "Stop beating around the bush!"
Conrad bowed his head in apology and cleared his throat. "Okay. Yuuri, remember how I told you word has leaked into the public about the recent incidents with the Stone Snakes?"
Yuuri nodded.
"The biggest target of gossip is actually Wolfram."
Yuuri frowned, he had a bad feeling about what Conrad was about to say but he sat quietly in anticipation.
"The media have snatched at whatever they could catch hold of. The information they have presented to the public has totally blown out of proportion," Conrad explained. "It started from simple headlines stating Wolfram was among those rescued from Doloia Island. Immediately, people who heard this news began accusing Wolfram with charge of treason."
"Why—" Yuuri trailed off as the realization sunk into his stomach. "—Because the Stone Snakes only captured criminals."
"Correct," Gwendal grunted. "The castle has been inundated with letters voicing the citizen's discontent. They are expecting Wolfram's renouncement from his position. Many are demanding his exile from Shin Makoku. Things are getting out of control."
"Renouncement? Exile?" Yuuri stared baffled. "They don't even know anything! It's all just gossip, right?"
Murata, who had been wiping his glasses, put them back in place. "And let me guess," he suddenly said, receiving everyone's attention at once. "They also want Shibuya to nullify the engagement with Von Bielfield-kyo."
"Yes…" Conrad breathed out.
Yuuri's mind was going white with anger. Wolfram was a proud, loyal, devoted soldier. He was an honest, ardent fiancé. What he deserved was respect and gratitude for what he has done, not this ridicule and impertinence.
"We need to take some urgent actions to absolve this allegation," Gwendal continued. "Issues are growing worse as we talk. It will be a matter of time before all of this reaches Wolfram's ears."
"Damn it!" Yuuri cursed as he hit the desk with his fist. "This is all crazy! I won't let it go on anymore!"
Gwendal grimaced. "It would thoroughly please me if you would expound on the actions you plan to take to resolve the problem at hand, Heika."
"Gwendal!" Conrad hissed. "Even I won't dismiss such impoliteness directed to Heika."
"Conrad, it's fine," Yuuri interrupted, his voice suddenly soft. "Gwendal's just really worried about Wolfram, right?"
Gwendal fell silent, turning his head away.
Yuuri stared down at his hands. No one said anything for some time until Yuuri finally took a breath. "I know I'm asking a lot, but will you guys listen to a favor?"
Gwendal said nothing and Murata sat waiting expectantly.
"Yuuri, we'd be happy to do anything you request," Conrad assured gently.
Yuuri nodded. "Thanks. Well, I want you guys to trust in me."
The two brothers and his ex-classmate exchanged looks of confusion.
Yuuri smiled nervously. "Please trust in me to make things better. I know I'm a wimp and everything, but I want you guys to give me just until tomorrow. Is that…okay?"
None of the three knew exactly how to answer the Maou. However, they all nodded in silent agreement.
"Thanks."
OoOoOo
Having agreed to allow Yuuri to handle the issues concerning the public's view on Wolfram, Gwendal focused on his other tasks. First of all was King Saralegui of Small Cimaron.
He assigned Conrad and Yozak to inform the King of Yuuri's decisions. In the late morning of the following day, Conrad arrived at his office to report the outcomes.
"King Saralegui has agreed to take Yuuri's offer," Conrad stated. "King Saralegui appeared stunned at hearing Yuuri's decision. He apparently was not expecting to be forgiven for his actions and was prepared to face the consequences. However, he insists he only assisted the Stone Snakes because he was threatened or something of the sort…"
"His sincerity can be highly doubted," Gwendal spat. He was doing his best to conceal his inner frustration and anger. Their Maou had repeatedly experienced betrayal due to Saralegui's trickery. Yuuri's credulity was reaching a point Gwendal found almost intolerable. "Well it is Heika's will to release King Saralegui and that Berius if they agree to join alliances with our country. So be it. Get the paperwork done instantly. And see that King Saralegui and Berius are returned to Small Cimaron tonight."
"Done," Conrad replied and swiftly left Gwendal's office.
Gwendal buried his face in his hands, dissatisfied with everything that was happening. He closed his eyes and pictured the adorable knitted animals that awaited him in his private bedchambers. As soon as things calmed down he would be able to indulge in his knitting. With this incentive in mind, Gwendal cracked down to his next job.
"I guess Gunter will have to do," he decided then called for a maid to send for Gunter.
OoOoOo
Gunter Von Kreist had been appointed a most complex task indeed. It was harsh, yet delicate. He was to conduct the questioning for each individual survivor. He received fervent disapproval from his daughter who insisted interrogation would ruin all her efforts to heal her patients. Gunter promised her the questioning would be done in a constructive fashion and there would be no 'interrogation'.
The questioning took place in a room adjacent to the infirmary. Two soldiers stood guard outside the room and Gizela was permitted to sit in the room in case of emergency.
The job was mentally challenging and tedious. Survivors were brought in, one at a time to relay their experiences. Some replied robotically, using minimal words. Some refused to speak at all. Others grew frenetic; shouting, ranting, lashing out and hyperventilating. Gizela had to sedate them and they would be carried back to their beds, barely conscious.
"Man, that dude's been knocked out too," Vince commented as another sedated man was hauled onto his bed.
"I hear Gunter is performing the interrogation," Wolfram said bitterly. None of the patients had taken well to the announcement of the questioning.
"I've spoken with Lord Von Kreist a few times," Robert told his two friends nostalgically. "In my days as a police, I was called on by the military sometimes for major investigations. I doubt Lord Von Kreist would remember me though."
"Well I've crossed paths with Lord Von Voltaire more than once," Vince said proudly. "He's been after me for ages. He never caught me though!"
Wolfram eyed Vince warningly.
"Oops, sorry Wolfram," Vince said, laughing weakly. "Yeah, he's your brother. You know, I forget sometimes."
Wolfram rolled his eyes. Then, he was suddenly reminded of a conversation they had had in the cell. "Hey, you remember what you asked me before? About what crime I committed or something?"
"Oh yeah," Vince said. "I remember."
"I don't," Robert said frowning.
"You were kinda out-of-it," Vince explained. Robert frowned even deeper. "Anyway, something worrying you bout that?"
Wolfram crossed his arms, gazing down at the floor. "What made you think I was some criminal?"
"Huh?" Vince gave Wolfram a look as if to say he couldn't understand what Wolfram meant.
"You know the Stone Snakes only capture criminals, right?" Robert asked.
This time, it was Wolfram's turn to look dumbstruck. "What do you mean—"
Wolfram was cut off mid-sentence by the sound of the door banging open and sharp breathing. Two healers rushed to support a sobbing man—who had broken free from the two soldiers escorting him from nextdoor—as he crumpled to the floor in the doorway. The healers managed to get him back onto his feet and were taking him toward his bed. The soldiers who had brought him back nodded toward Vince.
"Lucky me! It looks like it's my turn," Vince said, getting to his feet. "Seeya later."
Wolfram and Robert gave him the best they could make of an encouraging smile as they watched him follow the soldiers out the door.
OoOoOo
Somehow, Wolfram and his two friends managed to survive Gunter's grilling without having to face sedation. To be fair, Gunter Von Kreist had been more than reasonable with the manner in which he questioned the survivors.
Once Wolfram had turned his back on Gunter after the interview, he thought he would never be able to face the man ever again—after having disclosed close to everything he had sworn would stay only in the deepest part of his heart. He had returned to the infirmary feeling queasy and hollow; all of his surroundings turned grey. Suddenly, Wolfram felt hopelessly small and insignificant, lost in the rows and rows of beds around him.
As he stood overwhelmed in horrors of the past, small hands slipped into his trembling ones. He looked down to find his daughter peering up into his eyes. Slowly, color bled back into his world as he was lead by the hand back to his bed.
To be truthful, Wolfram was in no mood to be able to look after his daughter. He almost told Greta he was feeling unwell and wanted to sleep, but his fatherly instincts transcended his own anxieties. It wouldn't do for Greta to worry about him anymore than she already was. So, Wolfram placed Greta on his knee and began reading her a book.
Wolfram had been reading to Greta for some time when he caught sight of two soldiers in blue uniforms enter through the wooden door. The two began making their way toward him. Wolfram gently closed the book and told Greta to find Doria or one of the other maids to play with her. Greta got down from his knee and obediently left the infirmary.
"Sir," the two soldiers stopped in front of Wolfram, bowing to their officer.
"Alex, Elsa," Wolfram said carefully. "Shouldn't you both be supervising your peers in the training field?"
"Sir, Dakaskos is substituting for the time being," Alex informed.
"How are you all doing?" Wolfram inquired, he tried his best to put on a casual façade, attempting to lessen his current fragile features.
"The squad is training well," Elsa assured. "However, it is not at all the same without you to lead us, Sir Wolfram."
Wolfram gave his two trusted soldiers a small smile. "I see the squad is doing finely. It comforts me to know you are taking good care of your peers."
Alex and Elsa blushed as they bowed their heads in modesty.
"We all wish for nothing more than your recovery, Sir," Alex said.
"Please do not worry yourself about us," Elsa added.
Wolfram nodded. "I assume you two haven't come all the way just to say that?" he asked.
If they were permitted to, both Alex and Elsa would come to the infirmary numerous times a day, even just to catch a glimpse of their officer. But Wolfram was correct, they had come with a reason.
"Sir," Alex said. "Maou Heika has requested to speak with you. Would now be a suitable time for Heika to come and see you?"
Wolfram hesitated. Yuuri had visited him frequently in the infirmary without any notice. For him to send Alex and Elsa meant whatever he was hoping to discuss with him were serious matters, to some extent. In that case…
"There is no need for Yuuri to come here," Wolfram stated. "It will be appropriate for me to go to him."
After a brief moment of quick contemplation, his two soldiers agreed to escort Wolfram to where Yuuri waited.
Wolfram, Alex and Elsa stopped outside Gwendal's office. The blonde prince took out a handkerchief and wiped the perspiration from his face. It was only a short walk from the infirmary to Gwendal's office, but it had drained Wolfram a fair bit. He took a moment to catch his breath before opening the door; he didn't want anyone other than his soldiers to witness his current weakness.
OoOoOo
A fire crackled in the corner of Gwendal's large office. Night had fallen outside and rain pattered against the windowpanes. The two double blacks, Gwendal, Conrad and Gunter were all assembled around the large desk. They were poring over paperwork when there was a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," Yuuri called.
Yuuri just assumed it was Alex and Elsa at the door, coming back from the errand he had given them not long ago.
Indeed, Wolfram's two soldiers stood beyond the door, but standing between them was Wolfram himself.
Yuuri watched as Wolfram took a step forward, Elsa closing the door gently behind him. The blonde was wearing a silk jacket; it was midnight blue and the sleeves and hem were decorated with silver embroidery, like delicate thread connecting the constellations in the night sky. His appearance was such a contrast from the crisp uniform he always wore, it caused Yuuri to stare rudely at Wolfram a second too long.
"Take a seat Wolf," Conrad prompted.
Wolfram nodded and made to take the seat across from Yuuri. He was drawing unwanted attention as he walked painfully slowly to the chair with a bad limp. Wolfram endured the humiliation, digging his fingernails into his palms. He huffed out a sigh of frustration when he finally lowered himself into the chair.
"Hey Wolf, thanks for coming all the way," Yuuri said gently. "You feeling okay?"
"I'm fine," Wolfram replied.
"Well Wolfram, I wanted you to know what decision were made for the perpetrators," Yuuri began. "I wanted you to hear it from me, not anyone else."
Wolfram nodded. He kept his trembling hands under the desk, out of anyone's view.
"I don't think you're gonna be happy with what I decided," Yuuri continued. "And I don't expect you to forgive me either."
Wolfram straightened his back, bracing himself for the news.
"The three Stone Snakes are given a life sentence," Yuuri said gravely. "Sara and Berius are on their way back to Small Cimaron. I-I gave Sara a chance. He agreed to join alliances with Shin Makoku." Yuuri swallowed, then he bowed his head and whispered, "Wolf, I'm sorry."
No one could read Wolfram's expression as he sat in silence, taking in Yuuri's confession. Yuuri continued sitting with his head bowed close to the desk.
"Wolf I didn't know w-what else I could do—" Yuuri squeezed his eyes closed, ready for a tirade of anger.
It wasn't only Yuuri who had been preparing themselves for an eruption of fury, but it never came.
"Yuuri," Wolfram suddenly said. His voice was controlled and steady. "Did you think I would be angry? Upset? Who do you think I am? I know you better than anyone does. You are my one and only King. Your decisions are mine too."
Yuuri raised his head, blinking at his fiancé who sat with perfect posture.
"Wolf…thanks," Yuuri said. He took a deep breath. He had gotten over the first hurdle, there was still another one to overcome. He began fidgeting with the material of his sleeves, gritting his teeth. Then, all at once, Yuuri pushed a document across the desk to Wolfram. "Wolfram, I ask that you please agree and sign to this."
Wolfram lowered his eyes to the sheet in front of him, curiously. Suddenly, his mouth felt dry and he paled, his heart thumping painfully against his chest.
"…Yuuri, this is—"
"Yes, it's a formal request to terminate our engagement," Yuuri bit out.
The others in the room gasped. No one had heard about this and they were just as shocked as Wolfram was.
Wolfram couldn't comprehend what was happening. Of course, he knew Yuuri had always wanted the engagement to be called off. He had even made the decision to take the initiative to break it off himself to save Yuuri the expense of disgrace and humiliation. Here it was, the official declaration. But why did Yuuri have to do it now? Why would Yuuri choose such a time when he knew Wolfram had nothing else in his life.
Tears rose to Wolfram's eyes. He kept his lids wide, fighting the urge to blink so the tears wouldn't spill out. He picked up a quill, grasping it so tightly it threatened to crack.
The hand that dipped the quill into a pot of ink was shaking. The quill was kept poised over the sheet for a fleeting moment before Wolfram flourished his signature across the bottom.
"To you—" Wolfram breathed out, laying the quill down on the desk. "—our engagement was only a mistake. An accident."
"Yeah."
Wolfram shot up from his chair. The pain caused by the sudden movement bothered him not a bit. The crashing pain that tortured him from the insides were far too great. He needed to get out of here.
"Wolfram, wait!" Yuuri yelled.
Yuuri leapt out of his chair and ran around the desk to block Wolfram's path to the exit.
"What do you want?" Wolfram gritted out. His efforts to contain his tears failed him, the warm liquid dripping through his lashes.
"Wolfram," Yuuri said in a strong voice.
Wolfram felt a hand grip his shoulder and then something unbelievable occurred.
A palm struck at his left cheek, a slap ricocheting off the walls of the office. Then, strong arms wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him close.
Wolfram opened his eyes. He was being held against Yuuri's chest, his face pressed against the Maou's tanned neck.
"Our engagement was a mistake, it was all an accident," Yuuri was saying. A few tears also leaked out of the corners of his black eyes. "But now, if you'll let me, I want you to be by my side forever. Not because an accidental engagement forced us to be together. This time, because I love you."
"No," Wolfram whispered, shaking his head. "You're just doing this out of pity!"
"Wolfram, that's not true," Yuuri protested fervently. "It's not pity or anything like that. I really do love you."
"Yuuri, are you serious?" Wolfram asked.
"I'm serious," Yuuri replied genuinely. "I love you Wolf. Sorry to keep you waiting for so long. Sorry for everything."
"You…" Wolfram sniffed, wrapping his own arms around Yuuri's back. "You better not cheat on me."
"I won't," Yuuri said and hugged Wolfram even closer to him.