"Gilbert, the Clubs have found one of your camps." Roderich snapped.
"I know." Gilbert said.
"They will find the others!"
"Yes, but how did they find that one?" Gilbert asked.
"Oh, I don't know," Roderich began. "They stumbled across it on a march!"
"No, you told them." Gilbert stood and advanced on Roderich.
"What?" Roderich froze.
"I have already taken the liberty of punishing you." Gilbert growled, his red eyes flashing. He opened his hand and a little red flower fell to the floor.
"Lizzie?" Roderich stared at the stained petals. Gilbert grinned. "Mein Gott! Du Hurensohn!" (You son of a bitch!)
"Arrest him." Gilbert yelled.
"Was! Nein! Gilbert, Der König wird davon hören!" (The King will hear of this!)
"No, he won't." Gilbert smiled down at him. "To him, you have gone home to Vienna, prostrate with grief."
Gilbert sat back down at his desk, the beautiful sounds of Roderich's screams giving him a warm, pleasant feeling.
XXX
"Roderich left?" Ludwig looked up from his papers.
"Ja, he is lost with the news of Elizabeta's death." Gilbert said sadly. Ludwig glared at him.
"Mein Herr, will you please repeat your news?" Ludwig turned to a tall messenger.
"A camp has been discovered, sire." He said. "The Clubs have freed the prisoners."
Gilbert's white skin paled further.
"I'm curious, Gilbert." Ludwig pushed a stray piece of hair back under his crown. "What camp is he talking about?"
"A prisoner of war camp, brother."
"Really?" Ludwig picked up a folder. "These don't look like prisoners of war. That looks like a child. And unless the Diamonds have sent children to the front lines, you're hiding something."
"It's-."
"Shut up!" Ludwig grabbed Gilbert by his tie and yanked him to a kneeling position. "He's already told me!"
"What are you going to do?" Gilbert stared up at his brother.
"What can I possibly do?" Ludwig suddenly released him. "Have you executed?" Gilbert gulped. "Nein, Gilbert, I will leave you for the powers that be." Ludwig sighed heavily. "You are under house arrest, Gilbert, until I get to the bottom of this."
XXX
Ludwig fell into the massive chair in his study and covered his face with his hands. He sat there, unmoving, for what felt like hours, trying to organize the thought racing through his head.
In light of Lizzie's death, he would have to appoint a new Ace. After running over the names, he came far short of a decision. The only logical choice would be himself. Basch and Kiku had been captured; Roderich was no good with the military and in Vienna. Gilbert had gone insane and Feliciano-.
There had to be a reason why Feli had left. Lovi was no mystery; the bitter young man had never liked the Heart goals. But Feli, Feli said he would stay until the end. Why would he leave?
Ludwig suddenly began to sob.