Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN KYOU KARA MAOU

It is not my property, no profit made.

Warning: Chapter edited. Third-person narrative.

xx

It was getting so dark outside that it even surprised Gunter. Standing in front of one of the dining-room's windows, he noticed no stars in the almost black sky. It was leaving him intrigued and somewhat worried. " Gunter," he heard Gwendal calling him. " Come to sit down and eat with us."

Gunter turned around, his long lavand-coloured hair pushed behind his ears with his hand. Everyone was already comfortably seated around the long oval table. Conrad was responsible for this gathering meal for he wanted everyone to relax and talk about what to do. Yuuri's godfather had at his left Yozak, at his right Gwendal. Between Gwendal and Yuuri there was an empty chair for him. Wolfram, as expected, was sitting next to the king, at his right. As for Murata, the Sage was watching over Greta, still resting in her room, with two mazoku soldiers.

" Yes," he said, walking to the table. He sat down on the chair designed for him and then, they started the dinner that was already set upon the table.

The multiple candles lit gave a very peculiar light to the huge room. " We're already organizing Valten's trial. In two days' time he will be judged. I don't think he needs lawyer for his defence. He said he didn't want one, he knew what he'd say. We have already found so many proofs of his doings against us, the kingdom, and the king himself," said solemnly Gwendal. He drifted his gaze towards Yuuri who, despite still eating in calm way, had his hand shaking." That's overwhelming." From his voice and the way he shuddered, even discreetly, it told Yuuri and Wolfram the horror they might have discovered in the castle. The day had been a long day of work and the long hours of searching were the equivalent of the amount of monstrosities finally exposed.

" We already knew he was against the mazoku, don't expect him to be a tender lamb with us, brother," said Wolfram.

" Anyway," continued Conrad, " we have decided to destroy the castle after the trial. It's a doomed placed where too many things happened."

Gunter nearly sent a warning to Yuuri's godfather, but his lips remained locked and he just frowned.

" What things?" Yuuri asked, enticed by the temptation Conrad had provided. His worry- and also his fears- were increased.

" Too many things...tortures, experiences on people, evil magic, unfair condemnations, clothes created from mazoku people's skins, and even rapes. All this was solely directed at the mazoku tribe, humans were spared from those horrible fates, but they had to adhere to Valten's plans," Gwendal retorted, a frown marring his face.

" All the pain that resulted from those cruel treatments is still lingering in the walls of this castle," Gunter went on, " I could hear the victims' cries throughout all the rooms if I listened much more closely. It's...it's atrocious..." he shook his head. " I'm glad your majesty didn't suffer more than that."

" I didn't know...he was so cruel..." Yuuri said in shock, his heart beating madly. " To think I...I was convinced he had some good within him, I didn't know he was hiding all those things to me."

A servant entered the dining-room to serve wine. When she was close enough to them, Yuuri realized something strange about her. It was her face, her lifeless eyes, her smell. When she was done, she bowed, still silent, then exited the room. Everyone was perplexed.

" Have you...?" started Yozak..

" Yes," Gwendal said, sinister. " It was the smell of death."

xx

Wolfram nudged his nose against the black hair that smelt soap. After dinner, they had taken a bath together. In the tranquillity of the room, next to the one where Greta was sleeping under Murata's watch, the two young men were taking in a rest, well deserved. They were exhausted and only longed for calmness after the storm. To face the future events, at least.

Yuuri yawned, and raised his face to look at Wolf. His companion was sleepy but still awake. He slid closer to the blond, the bed making some crackling sounds under their weights.

" Wolfram," Yuuri started. " You aren't sleeping yet?" he stroked the golden locks. Wolfram obviously enjoyed the attention. He smiled. "Wolram, I wanted to talk about something to you."

" And what is it, Yuuri?"said Wolf in a purring way.

"...I don't know how to begin...but I can't get it out of my head...Valten...told me things...about you."

Wolfram's eyes snapped open.

" He what?"

" He told things about you. Not good things," the young king answered, moaning at Wolfram's sudden distrust.

" Like? Tell me, I won't bite your head off. He's the one to speak rubbish."

Yuuri took in a deep breath, momentarily lowering his gaze towards their interlocked hands. Wolfram, despite his obvious vexation, was remaining calm and cool. It was a good sign for Yuuri.

" Well, he told me...you beat a woman a few years ago. Because she was a human. And she was just in love with you." Fearing his boyfriend's reaction, Yuuri was still looking downward. " I just want to know if...it's true...did you do that, or was he just lying?"

Wolfram blinked, furrowing his eyebrows in concern. However, his coolness hadn't left him. He already knew, from the way Yuuri was talking, that it wasn't going to be a pleasant subject of conversation. He pondered over how to respond to the man he loved the most without disappointing him.

Waiting for his answer, Yuuri was stressed. He was rubbing, nervous, Wolfram's hand skin, making it pinker. But Wolfram's silence started to thicken his uncertainty.

" Wolf...?" he dared to raise his eyes, to look into Wolfram's. The blond's gaze strangely seemed veiled. He began to wonder if he was feeling unwell.

" Yuuri, if I told you he's right...to a certain extent, though...would you hate me?"

The reaction, at last there, startled Yuuri. He stared, eyes bulged out, at his companion.

" What...? Excuse me? Can you repeat?"

Wolfram's eyelashes batted under the effect of his growing nervousness. Nothing was more disagreeable than being a monster to the lover's eyes.

" Yuuri, he's right. I...fought with a woman, but it was under very precise circumstances."

The revelation was so strong that it stunned Yuuri to silence a few seconds. Then, supporting his weight on his elbow, he said:

" Wooh...Wolf I knew you were a bit misogynistic but not to that point, all the same..."

" I'm not misogynistic, idiot; she just threatened to kill my mother if I didn't accept her advances!" Wolfram had brutally become red with fury; " what the fuck did you think I was going to react? No one is allowed to harm my mother or even menace her! That moron was blackmailing me, for Shinou's sake! I wasn't going to stay there and do nothing!"

"Wow, wow, Wolfram, okay! Chill out; that woman was just dangerous, I understand!"

" And she wasn't the least interested in me, because she had been, she wouldn't have tried to do that to me!"

Wolfram's eyes were now shining with the trepidation of his heartbeat over his confession. Wheeling around, he didn't let Yuuri see more of his emotions:

" That girl! I thought she was pretty...and interesting! I wouldn't even care if she was human, mother was telling me everyday to be tolerant, for Conrad's sake. I tried...and when I'm showing some affection to a human, she's just a mentally-ill person who's an attention-whore. I couldn't stand that, so yes, I slapped her twice until she bled! Since that, people have thought that I was being violent against her for the sole reason that she was human! But it's wrong: she just betrayed me and threatened my mother and my family! It was the reason!"

Yuuri listened to every word carefully; then, sympathetically, stroked Wolfram's shaking shoulder.

" Wolf...were you in love with her?"

" I don't know...I may have been a little infatuated with her. She was so pretty and looked so clever. So learning that she was in fact like that was also a huge slap for me. I couldn't believe the insane words that came out of her mouth. Why was she insulting towards me and my mother and my family when we only opened our doors to her? I couldn't control my anger anymore. I was ready to friend with her, but she was so quick on trying to make me sleep in her bed that... I felt disgusted. And then, she showed a very ugly side of her personality and you know how it ended up...

After that, I dated...Gisela and-"

Yuuri bolted up into a sitting position.

" What ? Gisela! You dated Gis-"

" Shut up, it was just for two days. I was a little enamoured with her, too, but she broke up with me, saying that I was just like a little brother to her. My heart was all shattered but...it was fixed shortly after that when a witch predicted me I would soon find someone. I guess she was talking about you."

Yuuri laughed at what he'd said.

" And then?"

" … this episode of my life poisoned me for a long time. Even among mazoku, I was looked down for my attitude. The girl's threats were also taken into account; however, people said I should have behaved better as a noble man, as the Queen's son. I felt very ashamed but was barely able to pronounce excuses. That's why, since that event, I have been very aggressive towards human beings. I can't help, it's a reaction I get when it intentionally reminds me of what happened.

It stained my reputation and my mother's. But I swear, Yuuri, I'm sorry for not having reacted more nobly to her provocation. I could have signalled her attitude to my brothers and everything would have gone better for everyone around me."

" Wolf..."

Yuuri didn't judge Wolfram. He knew too well how his friend was already feeling. Leaning over the blond's shoulder, he lingered his lips against Wolfram's temple and ear.

" All right. I believe you. We won't talk further about it, okay? What about we rest and only think of something more pleasant?"

" Like what, wimp? You put me in a bad mood. How are you going to fix that?"

The room resonated with Yuuri's chuckles. Wolfram was not joking, however, and Yuuri knew he had to treat his lover with great affection, now. He had an idea; an idea that made him shivering, though.

It started with a kiss and then...

xx

" Yuuri," he said in a murmur, leaning his head over Yuuri's shoulder. " I love you."

The double black smiled, even though his smile couldn't be seen. Through his irregular respiration, he found a way to return the words.

" I love you, too, Wolfram." He heard Wolf's low chuckle before locking him in his arms and left multiples kisses on his neck. It was already forming hickeys there, but of course, it wasn't to be seen until the next morning. " we did that together, I'm so glad."

Yuuri smiled affectionately. He brought his now fully lover closer against his own body, and pecked the soft blond curls. They felt like silk. His smile widened with earnest when Wolf cuddled closer, seeking warmth in Yuuri's hug. But when Yuuri found Wolfram was a bit too squirming -fidgeting with his shirt, hand wandering along his torso, hot pale forehead rubbing against his face- he asked him what he was doing.

In the darkness of the room, Yuuri saw two gleaming emerald-green eyes lifting to look at him. In them, he read lust.

xx

The next morning, everyone was preparing for Valten's trial. However, Gunter, with the wisdom he was able to show when not whining his love for Yuuri around, thought it was a bit too early and quick to judge someone with such crimes. They were not prepared enough. Gwendal thought the same; he then assured the trial would be prolonged for better scrutiny.

" Does anyone know where the two lovers are?" asked a composed Murata. He was holding a cup filled with hot tea. Standing next to a window that opened on the back garden and the near forest farther, Conrad nodded slightly. His eyes were directed at the couple who was walking down towards the forest. They looked peaceful together.

" Yes...I think they still need some time alone. Anyway, they'll be ready for the trial, don't worry."

Murata widened his eyes, but soon, another expression came on his face. He nodded, too.

" Right. We'll be waiting for them."

The forest was clearly lighted, the ground a bit dry, the leaves of the tall trees were still green but they obviously lacked water. Their edges were gnawed by tiny bugs. As they walked, they heard the sound of branches crackling under their feet. Wolfram rested his head against Yuuri's, relaxing with his lover's presence and the calming birds' singing. Yuuri's arm was around his shoulder while his was locked around Yuuri's waist.

" Where are we going?" asked Wolfram as he momentarily lifted his face on seeing black birds flying in the sky.

" I saw a lake over there, the other day. I thought you may appreciate a small bathe with me."

" Oh finally you're going to show me your naked ass?"

Yuuri blushed but smiled nonetheless. The other night had been wonderful, but he had been shy to show his body for such an intimate activity. They'd just caressed each other.

The lake was soon in sight and Wolfram marvelled at the shining surface of the lake. It was as though the stars had fallen and were now floating. It was quiet.

" Wow, I wonder how you've seen it...I didn't notice it when we headed for the castle."

" It caught my attention but I was under the impression no one saw it. I then thought of you and I told myself it'd be nice to take advantage of it with you."

Wolfram smiled and nodded. Wordlessly, he started to strip and then dived. If the current political situation hadn't been so tumultuous, Wolf would have found himself in a complete state of bliss. He was very happy; he was at last dating someone worth his attention and affection. He beckoned Yuuri to join him in; Yuuri had stayed at the edge, looking thoughtfully at the blond mazoku.

As Yuuri began to peel his clothes off, a genuine smile made its way on Wolf's face. It'd been a long time Yuuri and he enjoyed some quality time together. He was glad Yuuri wasn't afraid of kissing him anymore. His eyes scanned Yuuri's silhouette up and down; he had that odd sensation his lover wasn't finally totally at ease. " I'm going to make him less uptight."

As Yuuri slid himself slowly and carefully in the fresh water, he soon found Wolfram close to him. The blond rested both of his hands upon the edge, forcing Yuuri to remain against it too. The double black blinked, his heart getting mad at the predatory look on the blond's face. But when Wolf remained motionless, it the became clear he intended to do nothing...

" Hum...yes, Wolfram?" a frog plunged into the water, creating a moment of surprise between the two boys. Wolfram looked back at Yuuri and said:

" Well...it's you who are hiding something to me. You've been a bit stiff since we woke up. Is something wrong and you're afraid to tell it?" When Yuuri just stared at him with a bit of stupefaction, Wolf stroked his face: " You know you can tell me."

" Well..."

It wasn't easy to propose someone, even less with a slap. It made Yuuri more nervous when Wolfram had been often glancing at his own hand, as though anticipating Yuuri's action. I guess I can't do it now. We're still early in the relationship; it's still too fresh and we're so young. But I know I want Wolfram more than everything; I want him to become mine.

" I think I will wait before telling you that."

"...Is it important?"

" Yes, very important."

" Yuuri...are you going to dump me?"

Surprise hit Yuuri.

" No! Of course no! Why would you think that? I've never meant to dump you. It's just I don't think it's the moment."

" Fine... don't hide it too long. I'll soon or later find it out." He winked then swam away while Yuuri felt his relief back, a sigh escaping his lips.

They started to play race, showing off their swimming skills. Yuuri was next to give up, Wolfram's competences were far superior to his, due to the lessons he took after Wolf's assault by a mermaid. Then, they played a frog-catching game, and searched for some berries around to eat. As the day grew warmer, long sunbeams delighting them, they settled under a small tree and dried themselves like this, head against head, hand in hand, and more in love than they had ever been.

After this small break, the two thought it was time to go. They dressed then ate the last fruits they'd found. It was with some regret they left the lake and its beautiful surroundings. Wolfram looked at the glittering surface, feeling an emotion invading him like a hot wave. He hoped it'd always be summer in his heart, like that first summer of love. Shaking his head at his weakness, he took Yuuri's hand when Yuuri held it out to him then they strolled through the woods to get back to the castle.

" Are you ready, Wolf?"

" Yes," the pale mazoku nodded with nonchalance. " It's rather me who should ask if you're ready to face a big trial; with a criminal accused of treason towards the kingdom. He has heavy charges on his shoulders. I wonder what he'll say for his defence."

" I already know his reasons." Wolfram shot his head up, surprised. Then he remembered Yuuri had stayed with Valten long enough to learn about the other blond's motives. " And in a way he has been convincing enough...he succeeded in making me question my own role as a king. And he wasn't afraid of exposing himself and his plans as long as his goals were reached."

" What the heck are you telling me? He was a coward! He waited for you being alone in a forest to catch you, he provoked us by sending other people to capture Greta, he didn't even reveal his real name until you fell in his trap! You're talking as if he was courageous enough to openly challenge you! Well, indeed he was brazen enough to do all that; but I'm pretty sure he wasn't ready to go by himself to the heart of the kingdom to catch you."

" That's why he was intelligent enough to have allies and remain discreet enough about his identity."

" Whatever, now that jerk is under arrest and is going to get a taste of his own medicine! What goes around, comes around; we'll teach him about what he must do from now on!"

Yuuri emitted a low chuckle, somewhat comforted by Wolfram's own determination. In difficult times, he needed someone to support his actions and decisions. When Wolfram spoke to him, an instant feeling-either of comfort or of decisiveness, gripped him until he felt apt to act. His hand got moist at the announced trial that shadowed his afternoon. It'll influence me probably for the rest of my life.

As they drew nearer to the castle, something dark caught their eyes. It was flying in the air, menacing like an evil spirit laughing at them.

" What is that?" Yuuri stuttered, his eyes widened and he startled at the sudden screams tearing the airs up.

" It's...it's fire," Wolfram said, amazed.

" Yuuri," Valten called cheerfully. Both Yuuri and Wolf looked up at one of the front towers. On the highest one, Valten was greeting them. Sickly pale, his clothes ripped off, his long thin white legs revealed, he looked like a ghost. A stream of blood was running over his left cheek like a sign announcing his irreversible end. " I failed but I don't care...because you'll never catch me."

TBC

There will be one or two chapters left before the end...