Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, they belong to Tomo Takabayashi, Geneon, and lots of other people who aren't me.

For Better or Worse

'What is taking Yuri so long?'

It's been a week since he disappeared and we've been stuck in Lord Bastion's territory waiting for news of where he would show up. We had received word from Ulrike that he was coming back today and that he'd actually be showing up in the central gardens of Byington Castle. At least this time we haven't had to go gallivanting all over the country looking for him.

Gunter is of course pacing nervously, worrying that our king hasn't shown up yet. Bad omens are abounding. The man is incredible, and there are only a couple of people I admire more in the world-really, I mean it. At times like this I just want to wrap that towel around his neck and suffocate him until he passes out from lack of oxygen and can't speak anymore. This urge could partially be due to the fact that I know that he's desperately in love with my fiancé, so I refrain from giving into it. After all, I can't really blame him, not really. Still, that doesn't make it any easier to listen to.

Lord Weller is leaning against a statue with his arms casually crossed, looking like he doesn't have a single care in the world. It's disgusting, really. How can he smile so sweetly like that all the time? I can't bring myself to completely trust anyone who smiles that much. Although I'd rather be trampled beneath a thousand horses than admit that in some dark twisted part of my soul I do respect him. Especially since I'm fully aware of what Weller is capable of. I still think Yuri trusts him way too easily. He doesn't realize how dangerous the man can be. If my half-bro… If Lord Weller weren't hampered by Yuri's desire not to kill, or needlessly harm people then Weller could be very dangerous indeed.

I flash a glare at him, just for principle's sake. He just smiles even more and tilts his head in acknowledgment. Argh! Is there no insulting the man, no provoking him? How can you argue with someone like that? Just once I wish he would argue back, so we could have a nice peaceful knockdown-drag out fight where we scream and yell and make general asses of ourselves and then have to make-up later. That's how these things are supposed to work.

He's almost as bad as Yuri. Yuri always caves in first, or wanders off to avoid my moods. How are we supposed to make up if he doesn't get angry right back? What a wimp. Honestly, I don't know why I put up with those two.

"Oh Majesty! Where are you! Have you forsaken your Gunter? Have I displeased you in some way!"

Honestly, I don't know why I put up with those three. Grumble.

Finally there's a whirlpool in the fountain. We all straighten up and gather around, waiting to welcome Yuri back. Something is different this time. He's sprawled out on top of a black box, clutching at the handles at the side. I shift to try and figure out what it is. A trunk? I raise an eyebrow.

'Did he know when he was coming back this time?' I wonder silently. Before I think about it I cast a questioning glance at Weller. He shakes his head right back showing that he's as clueless as myself. I suppose that's some comfort.

I wonder silently. Before I think about it I cast a questioning glance at Weller. He shakes his head right back showing that he's as clueless as myself. I suppose that's comfort.

Yuri cracks open an eye and upon realizing that he's safely in Bastion's fountain he grins and stands up. "Hey Conrad! Hey Wolf and Gunter!" he smiles happily at us and wades to the edge of the pool. "So, where am I this time?"

"We're still in the Blauvelt Kingdom. You're in Bastion's private gardens," I inform him.

Conrad greets him and holds out an arm for Yuri to steady himself on as he steps out from the water. Gunter rushes over with a towel, complaining about 'not wanting His Majesty catching cold'. Honestly, he doesn't have to wrap Yuri up every time. Frankly he should hand Yuri the towel and let Yuri decide whether or not 'His Majesty wants to catch a cold'. I flick him a cold glance that he's too busy too notice, although Yuri catches it and gets nervous.

Good.

I catch his eye and give a pointed glance back at the trunk that he left lying in the fountain. He follows my gaze, and starts grinning again. Honestly, he's like a little kid, getting so excited over things. But still… I wonder what's in the case?

"Uh, Conrad, can you have someone take this up to my room? Shinou- I mean the Great One agreed to let me bring some things this time since I knew I was coming. Oh! And while I'm changing into some dry clothes can someone request a private audience with Lord Sigismund? That'll probably take a while right?"

"Wha- hold on Yuri! What's going on? What do you need to talk to Lord Sigismund about? What's in the trunk, and since when are you on a first name basis with The First Great Demon King?" I demand suspiciously.

"I need to change clothes and talk with Lord Bastion. I'm not telling you what it's about or what's in the trunk, and I'm on a first name basis with the Great One since we came to an understanding. Also is there a way we can set up an appointment with Ulrike when we get back to the Covenant Castle? We made a deal about my trips, but we're going to need her help on it, so I wanted to check with her about it. " He directed this last bit to the Lord Weller.

"I don't see why not Your Maj," he pauses at Yuri's glare and corrects himself, "Yuri. I'm sure Ulrike would love to have you come and visit anytime."

"Great! I'll go change if one of you can go set up a meeting time with our host."

"I'll do it," I glare at Yuri suspiciously. He better not be planning on accepting one of those giggling girls that were latched onto him the last time he was here. He grins innocently back with a happy wave and wanders after Gunter who is offering to help him change.

"Erm, thanks for the offer, but I think I can manage changing my own clothes by myself."I hear his voice fading behind me and clench my fist in irritation. Conrad is stays at the fountain to oversee the removal of the mysterious piece that Yuri brought back from his world.

What could that wimp be planning on talking about with Lord Bastion? And I wonder if the talk would take long enough for me to be able to get into the trunk before anyone noticed?

Ok, I felt my last Wolfie chapter was a bit flat so I wanted to give him just a skoach more depth. Hope that happened this time. In any event, thanks for the reviews from everyone, they are all greatly appreciated and ensure my continued dedication to this story.