Pairing: Conrad-centric
Spoilers: 27-current
Alternate Universe
Laughing and carousing sounded from outside his window and Conrad turned at the sound. Ever since they'd found him, he'd been in bed, nursing his wounds. He'd tried to keep them from shutting him away, but Yuuri had been insistent that he recuperate. The look in his King's eyes had finally stilled his protests and he'd agreed to stay in bed obediently.
The loss of his arm had been a blow to not only him, but to everyone else in the castle. Conrad had always been the soldier that could do no wrong, that could be counted on for anything and everything. He'd been the strongest of them all and he'd used that reputation to try and keep his family and loved ones safe.
But even he had to admit that he was diminished by the loss of his arm. He didn't regret it; how could he when in giving up his arm, he'd helped Yuuri escape? But still, the loss was there and he found himself wishing for its return. Even Mazoku magic couldn't restore his lost limb to him. He would never be the man he once was.
He realized, however, that he didn't need to be the old Conrad. He'd done what very few people had ever done; he'd had the chance to give of himself to his King. Yuuri had grown since that incident, both in mind and body. He was more sure of himself and of what he wanted. So too was Wolfram.
Conrad smiled at the thought of his little brother. No longer did Wolfram shun him or declare his hatred of him. They weren't friends by any means, at least not yet. But during Conrad's absence, Wolfram had grown up as well as Yuuri. He had grown, and his love for their King had grown with him. He could never be sorry for any of that, and if the price had to have been his arm, then it was a small price to pay. He would gladly endure it again to ensure his family's love and happiness.
"Then again, some things never change," he grinned, hearing Wolfram's high pitched voice yell at Yuuri and Yuuri's answered reply. Sometimes change was good, but sometimes it was good to just stay in one place.