Since the announcement of the princess's birthday bash, the castle was in an uproar preparing rooms for guests, decorating the castle, preparing the foods. Conrad and Gwendal made sure the necessary precautions were in place to guarantee the safety of the guests and to make sure only the invited entered the castle. Greta has been ecstatic about her birthday bash. The only thing that Greta insisted on having on her birthday was that both her fathers enjoy themselves. The brown hair princess insist that since her adoption by the two, there is really nothing else she needs since she already has everything she ever hoped for.
Adelinda was not coping well with being away from home; it was especially hard when Yuuri couldn't spend time with her. In order to keep Adelinda busy, Cheri put Adelinda in charge of decorations. Adelinda was all too happy to help. After confirming with Greta, the ballroom will be decorated with various colors of blacks and blues. The tables will be cover with either a black or blue tablecloth. The one with black tablecloths will have Beautiful Wolfram as the centerpiece. The blue tables will have Righteous Yuuri adoring the center. Adelinda knew Greta was sending her a message as well.
Even with the busy work, Adelinda is still getting more and more homesick. She wished that she could be home away from Yuuri. She knew the longer she stayed the more in love she will become. She didn't want to pin after someone that she knows will never return her feelings. Yuuri wasn't helping the matter either. Seeing the homesick Adelinda, Yuuri couldn't help but feel sorry for her. He of all people knew what it is like to leave your family and come to a strange place full of strangers. Yuuri wanted to comfort her. Yuuri kindly offered to take Adelinda out of the castle to visit the various shops in town. Adelinda couldn't refuse spending more time with Yuuri.
Somehow Conrad heard that Yuuri was going out of he castle and tagged along. Conrad, Yuuri and Adelinda was just about to step outside the castle walls, when the blond came screaming towards them.
"Yuuri, I am coming along too."
"Wolfram, please stay here. You know Adelinda is not comfortable being around you. This is to help cheer her up. Now stay. Don't make me order you to."
Wolfram turned away angrily from the three, his face wearing a scowl that could put Gwendal to shame.
The two along with Conrad visited various shops and talked to the citizens of Shin Makoku. Conrad notice the two received weary looks from people. Conrad didn't blame them, after all the fiery blond was not by their side. Conrad kept a watchful eye out, in case there might be trouble. A soldier can never be too careful. The brown hair soldier couldn't help but be concern for Yuuri. Adelinda has falling for the king. No one could fault her for doing so. Conrad at one point almost did the same, but he knew Yuuri belonged to Wolfram. Yuuri calling himself "brother" confirm what he was thinking. He was sure that Adelinda knew the same thing as well, but due to her youth and impetuousness, she couldn't keep her distance from the boy. She was attracted to him, he was her companion, without her family or friends, Yuuri was the sole person she could relate to. As long as she knew her boundaries, Conrad will keep out of it. He is confident that Yuuri can give Adelinda companionship without leading her on.
As the day went by, Adelinda seem to be getting touchier with Yuuri. Adelinda was walking closer to Yuuri, sometime even accidentally grazing her hands on his. She tends to lean a little to close to Yuuri when she is talking to him. Adelinda even went as bold as stroking his cheek, using the excuse that he had a smudge mark on it. Yuuri visible stiffen when Adelinda touch him is intimately. Adelinda quickly apologize to the king. Yuuri being Yuuri, quickly excuse the action with an excuse himself. Conrad was not happy seeing the development. Thank goodness Wolfram was not around to see this.
Many of the castle occupants had retired for the night when they returned. Adelinda thanked Yuuri for such a wonderful outing before retiring to her room. Conrad walked the king to his room before saying good night. Yuuri hoped that Wolfram was already asleep; he was too tired to deal with an angry blond. Seeing the lump in the bed, the king assumed the blond was in deep slumber and let out a sign or relief. Yuuri disrobe and put on his night cloths. Once comfortable in the bed, he thought everything was fine, until Wolfram jolted up and walked out the door. Before leaving, the blond stated, "I can smell her on you."
"Damn it, Wolfram, wait."
The king quickly followed after the blond. Catching up to him, he grabs a hold of the blonde's wrist and dragged him back to their bedchamber.
"Wolfram let me explain."
"Explain what, you obviously had a good time with Adelinda, coming back this time of night. Ordering me to say behind so you can spend some quality time with her. Am I wrong?"
"Your right Wolfram, I did have a good time with Adelinda, but it is not the way you think. I was trying to help her forget that she is away from her own friends and family. I know how hard it is to leave your love ones. I just wanted to take her mind of off it, at least for a little while. That's all. I was only trying to console her. As for you staying in the castle, I didn't want Adelinda to feel pressure; you two are not the greatest of friends."
"Yuuri do you think I am an idiot. I know the kind of person you are and how you operate. I would expect nothing less from you."
"Then why did you storm out of bed? I know you are angry with me."
"Wimp, didn't I say earlier, I can smell her on you. I was going to get some water and a washcloth to get the smell off of you."
"Oh."
"My god Yuuri, where did you think I was going."
"When you left, I thought you were angry. I couldn't let you leave, so I dragged you back in here."
Letting out a big sigh, the blond walk up to Yuuri and kiss him hard on the lips. Desperately needing air, they tore their lips away from each other.
"Now, Wimp hurry up and take a bath, you still smell like her."
With a smile, Yuuri swiftly walk to the bath to bathe.
The next couple of days went by relatively quickly. Cheri and Greta were making sure everything that was needed for the party was there. The party was only 4 days away. The guest should start to arrive within a day or two. Greta was excited to see Beatrice again. The two develop a sisterly friendship a long time ago. Even though they are far apart, letters written by both parties kept them in touch. Huber and his family were invited and will arrive the day of the party. Cheri was excited to see Florin. No doubt Cheri wanted to setup Florin with someone; even if Florin has stated many times that she will not remarry again. Gwendal gave Yozak a reprieve from military duties to attend the special event. Conrad was looking forward to seeing his long time friend. Gisela will be able to attend even with her hectic schedule. Various royalties and dignitaries from across the country have been invited. Gunter was very smart using this event to strengthen bonds with Shin Makoku's allies. Greta didn't mind that her birthday bash was being use as a strategic plan to strengthen bonds with their allies, but was slightly disappointed she couldn't spend more time with her fathers that day knowing they will have to entertain other guests. Unbeknownst to Greta, Cheri has already set up a special event for the birthday girl with only close friends and family.
"My lady, are you alright."
"Yes. This just reminds me how Father would throw me a party every year for my birthday. I really miss him. I wonder how he is doing. Why did father send me here?"
"My lady, I am sure we will be back home in time for you birthday. Its 2 months away, my lady. Lord Klaus will have the conflict resolved by then, I'm sure of it."
"I hope so. I don't want to stay here any longer. I longer I stay, the less I want to leave. This is not good for anyone. I don't want to be a burden to Yuuri."
"You really are in love with Yuuri Heika."
"More than you know. But he will not find happiness with me. I just hope Father sends for me soon."
"Adelinda, there you are, I been looking all over for you."
"Yuuri."
"Hi Ingrid."
Ingrid quickly excused herself and left the two alone.
"Yuuri, why were you looking for me?"
"Oh, I just saw the decorations in the ballroom. It fantastic what you done, I just wanted to thank you."
"No need to thank me, it was my pleasure. It took my mind off things. I was glad I was useful in someway."
"Don't say that Adelinda. You are our guest; you shouldn't need to trouble yourself with anything. Your job is stay relax and have fun here. What kind of host would I be if my guest tires herself out?"
This is no good; he is too nice. I can't take this anymore. Those shimmering, gentle, black eyes, that face, that body. No Adelinda, you can't think of him like this.
Adelinda quickly stood up, but felt a wave of dizziness hit her. She stumbles forward. Yuuri was quick to react and held on to Adelinda before she fell. Adelinda look up, seeing concern on Yuuri's face. In her clouded state of mind, Adelinda mistook concern for affection; she boldly pressed her lips against the black hair king. Yuuri froze from shock; those lips did not belong to Wolfram. Just when Yuuri was about to push Adelinda away, a fiery, angry voice could be heard.
"What the hell are you two doing? Yuuri I am going to kill you!"
Wolfram without thinking yanked Adelinda off of Yuuri and landed the poor girl on her perk bottom. Adelinda let out a yelp. Yuuri quickly went to the aid of the girl.
"Are you alright, Adelinda?"
Adelinda nodded.
Yuuri gingerly guided Adelinda up. Yuuri look at Wolfram with disapproval, which completely broke any control the blond had left. Wolfram has lost it. His flame maryoku danced around him like an inferno. Two fireballs have already developed in the blonde's hands. Yuuri was concern, very concern.
"Stop this at once Wolfram!"
"You dare tell me to stop, when you kiss her here in broad daylight. How can you disgrace me like this, Yuuri!"
"Wolfram listen, it is not what it seem like."
"Tell me Yuuri, where your lips not on hers earlier. You dare deny what I saw with me own eyes." Wolfram hissed.
Yuuri did not deny that fact.
"Wolfram, please calm down. Let me explain."
"There is nothing to explain!"
Wolfram took a step back and simultaneously launches the fireballs at the two in front of him. Yuuri's Maou powers immediately unleashed. The Maou block the fireballs launch at himself and Adelinda. In order to calm the blond down, Yuuri wrap his watery tendrils around the blond effectively stopping him from using his maryoku.
"Wolfram von Bielefield, you have acted out of unfounded jealousy and contempt for this girl. She has done nothing to warrant this kind of action. Your own rashness is your downfall. Since neither I nor the girl has been harmed, I pronounce justice served."
The water tendrils quickly disappeared when the Maou fell into slumber once again. Yuuri fell to his knees, but recovered enough to stand up with the help of Adelinda. Wolfram heart instantly shattered seeing the two.
"Yuuri, you bastard, I will not forgive you."
The blond ran as fast as he could away from the two, ignoring the onlookers.
"Heika are you alright, no matter what happen, Wolfram had no right to try to harm you?"
"Gunter, everything is fine."
"Gunter, go find Wolfram and put him in confinement."
"No one is to lay a finger on Wolfram. Wolfram is not to be blamed in anyway way. Gwendal I will handle this."
"From what I saw, Wolfram used his maryoku on you. That is treason."
"I say again, no one is to lay a finger on Wolfram."
"Yes Heika."
Wolfram couldn't see where he was going. Tears streamed down his face, all he knew was that he didn't want to be anywhere near Yuuri at the moment. Even thinking of the black hair boy made his heart clench painfully. The blond ran and ran, he ended up at the end of the courtyard. He never wanted to come to their place without Yuuri, but Wolfram at this moment wanted to be alone. He quickly hopped over the barrier made of bushes and ended up in the secluded hideaway. Wolfram felt lost and so hurt. He saw Yuuri kissing another person. Yuuri has promised him that he would never do anything that will dishonor him. What hurt the most was not seeing Yuuri kiss another, but the fact that Yuuri alter ego blamed him for everything. Did Yuuri subconscious think that Wolfram's was a disappointment? Could the blond never measure up to Yuuri standards? Was he just fooling himself? Why did the Yuuri blame his so easily? Why couldn't Yuuri see, he was not at fault? Yuuri single handedly broke Wolfram's trust and confidence in their relationship with one single action. The blond pulled his knees to his chest and lowered his head and cried painfully to himself.
After Gwendal has promise to let the issue drop, Yuuri frantically searched for the missing blond.
Where could he be; come on Wolfram come out so I can explain.
Wolfram cried to himself until there were no more tears left. He straightens himself out, wiping all reminisce of tears away from his face. Taking a couple of deep breaths, Wolfram headed out of the clearing. It has become dark out, Wolfram didn't even notice. He walked back to Yuuri's bedchamber and started to gather his belongings. The last thing Wolfram needed was his nightgown, suddenly the door slammed open. A distraught and out of breath Yuuri stood at the doorway. Wolfram looked up with disinterest.
"Wolfram what are you doing?"
"What does it look like; I am making room for your new toy."
"What?"
"Well from what I saw, you found yourself a new toy. I should be thanking you for only toying with me for a mere 5 years. I believe you don't have any use for me anymore. Now if you will excuse me."
Yuuri would not move from his spot in front of the door.
"Yuuri, move!"
"No! You were never or ever will be a toy to me. I promise you this before; I will never do anything to dishonor you."
"What was that I saw today, Yuuri?"
"Wolfram, I did not kiss her. I was thanking her for a wonderful job she done with the decorations. Suddenly she stumbles and I caught her. Before I knew it, she kissed me. I was ready to push her away when you saw us."
"Liar!"
"Wolfram, please believe me."
"You have an explanation for everything don't you. Now let me pass!"
"No!"
"Fine, I challenge you to a duel right now, if I win, you will let me leave in peace."
Hesitantly Yuuri agreed.
Yuuri and Wolfram headed towards the training grounds. Before beginning, somehow, Conrad, Gwendal, Gunter, and Yozak showed up. Yuuri knew with Yozak here, nothing is a secret. Before beginning, Yuuri again stated, no matter what happens, no one will lay a finger on Wolfram, is that understood. Gwendal reluctantly agreed, while the rest nodded agreement.
Yuuri held up his sword in a defense posture. Wolfram was no doubt the aggressor in this dual. Wolfram charged at Yuuri trying to knock the sword out of his hand. Even in this angry state, the blond would never aim to truly harm Yuuri. All Wolfram wanted to do was knocked the sword out of Yuuri's hand, and then the dual will be over. Again and again, Wolfram slashed at the sword to no avail. Yuuri was determine to hold onto the sword, the only way he was going to drop the sword was if his arm detached from his body. Wolfram devised a plan. He was going to aim for Yuuri chest, Yuuri would have no choice to bring his sword down to protect. Once the sword is down, all Wolfram had to do is swing is sword up to dislodge it from Yuuri's hand. Putting his plan in motion he lunged toward Yuuri's chest. Instead of defending, Yuuri intentionally dropped his sword. Wolfram tried to stop his momentum, but was too late, his sword entered Yuuri's chest.
Yuuri let out a painful moan. Immediately Conrad, Gunter and Yozak, rushed to the king's side. Blood began to soak the king's uniform. Yozak immediately ran to summon Gisela. The blond dropped to his knees trembling uncontrollably. Hands covered his tear filled face, whispering, I didn't mean it, this wasn't supposed to happen, over and over again. Gwendal was now hovered over Wolfram's trembling form. The eldest brother yanks Wolfram up by the collar and then landed a resoundingly right to his face, knocking the boy to the ground. The blond didn't even fill the pain; his mind has completely gone blank knowing he himself has injured Yuuri. Conrad the Gunter observed the scene without interfering. They knew that punishment was lenient for an act this severe. The punishment inflicted on Wolfram did not go unnoticed by the black hair king. Yuuri ignoring his own injury stumble over to Gwendal and landed a Maou strength blow to Gwendal still scowling face. Gwendal stood in place and took the punishment.
"I said no one is to lay a finger on Wolfram, did I not make myself clear, Gwendal."
Gwendal made no effort in responding.
Yuuri walked over to his blond hair lover, whom was still trembling uncontrollably. The king embraced the trembling boy. Wolfram responded by snuggling into Yuuri's chest.
"I'm so sorry; I never meant to hurt you. This wasn't supposed to happen. What have I done? This is entirely my fault."
The distraught blond in his arms cause Yuuri more pain than the wound on his chest. Stroking the blonde's golden hair, Yuuri whispered that everything is alright; none of this is your fault. Everything is alright.
Gisela arrived seeing Yuuri holding the trembling Wolfram.
"Heika, please let Wolfram go, I need to examine your wound."
Yuuri was not about to release the blond, he merely shifted the boy enough in his arms to allow Gisela access to the wound. Gisela examine the wound and quickly healed it.
"That wound was not as serious as it looked. The wound was little more than half an inch deep. Lord Wolfram stopped most of his momentum in time. Heika please go back to your room and rest."
The king stood up, with Wolfram still cradle in his arms walked back to their bedchamber.
"Boy Gwendal you surely pissed off our boy king this time. Who knew that he could throw a punch like that?"
"Yozak, this is of no concern to you." Gwendal replied.
"Well at least we know that no matter what Wolfram does, no one is allowed to punish him from this point forward. I wish I had that immunity."
"Yozak, I believe the matter has ended. Gwendal let this go. Heika will not be happy if you try to punish Wolfram again."
Yuuri laid the still trembling blond down on their bed. He quickly undressed and wiped the blood the best he could off of his skin. He didn't even bother to change into his night clothes. Yuuri undressed Wolfram. The blond did not do anything to discourage the king. The blond was still trap in his world of guilt, remorse, and blaming himself for hurting the one he loves most in the world.
Both boys lay on the bed with nothing more than their undergarments on. Wolfram rolled himself into a fetal position. Yuuri was getting worried; the blond has never recoiled into himself like this. He knew the blond is mentally distraught over the incident earlier but never expected this reaction. Yuuri couldn't have known that the blond mental state and mind would crumble so violently over just a flesh wound. It looks like Yuuri's plan had backfired.
Curling behind the blond, the black hair boy pulled Wolfram closer to his chest. There was no movement from the blond.
"Wolfram, listen to me. I am fine. It doesn't even hurt anymore. Please come back to me. I know you will never hurt me."
Yuuri could hear soft sobs coming from the blond even without seeing the tears. Yuuri's heart was breaking with the blond.
"Sssshhhh, Wolfram, this is not your fault. I was the one that dropped my sword. If anyone is to blame it's me."
The sobs became louder when Yuuri started to blame himself for Wolfram's actions.
"Wolf, please talk to me. Let me know you are Ok. Wolf…"
Swallowing hard, Wolfram choke out "I… am…. Sorry."
"Why, Wolfram, you have nothing to apologize for. I was the stupid one."
Wolfram turned around and nestled into the king's chest even more.
"No Yuuri, I wasn't able to stop in time. I could have killed you. I couldn't believe I injured you with my own sword. I swore my life to protect you, but instead I hurt you. My hands are stain with your blood. I could have killed you."
Again the blonde's body tremble as the sobs escapes him.
"Don't be silly, it was nothing more than a flesh wound. Look Wolfram there's not even a trace of the wound left. Besides I was the one that said if you believe that I do anything to dishonor you, you can do whatever you see fit, right?"
Wolfram touched the spot where the wound was. There were absolutely no trace of injury of any kind left of the beautifully bronze chest.
"It doesn't matter that the physically wound is not there. The emotional wound will always be imprinted in me. I actually stab you with my own sword. I never ever would have thought I could do such a thing."
"Wolf, you didn't do it. I did it to myself. I know you remember I drop my sword on purpose. I wanted to prove to you what I told you about Adelinda and I was the truth. I never meant to cause you so much pain. I didn't know that me getting hurt would have cause such turmoil in you."
"What did you expect, I hurt the person I loved the most in this world. Seeing your uniform stained with blood, my mind went blank, I was totally lost. I thought a lost you."
"You will never lose me. Do you believe me Wolfram? If you don't, I will let you stab me until you are satisfied."
"You really are stupid Yuuri. I will never harm you again, and yes I do believe you."
Yuuri gentle place a chastise kiss onto the blonde's lips.
"Wolfram does it hurt."
"Huh?"
"When Gwendal hit you?"
"I am fine, nothing to worry about. By the way how is your hand?"
"It's fine, damn Gwendal has a strong jaw."
"You didn't have to do that, I deserve much more than what Gwendal dished out."
"I don't care, no ones lays a hand on you. I will not let anyone hurt you. I don't care what Gwendal must have thought, but I gave them an order to stay out of it."
"Yuuri, I'm sorry"
"Stop saying that, you have nothing to apologize for."
"I love you, Yuuri."
"I love you too, Wolfram."
Both feel asleep in each other arms.