The night was steadily getting colder, and Yuuri was starting to worry that Wolf's fragile grasp on his life would be lost if he didn't do something soon. The wound in his abdomen was almost completely healed, so Yuuri moved the fairer boy up his body until he was enveloping Wolfram, glad that for once wearing a cape was more worth than trouble. I'll have to start moving soon, back to camp. No one will start looking for us until tomorrow. Yuuri was absolutely terrified at the prospect.

When they had reached the meeting place, no time was lost in setting up camp. Evening came and passed, and night had fallen thickly before Gwendal had declared that it was just a hoax. Though you couldn't actually hear anything, it felt like everyone had breathed a collective sigh of relief that Wolfram wasn't in danger. Wolf was still in a foul mood at being forced to have an accompanying entourage for his trip, so Yuuri tried to make him feel better by inviting Wolf to go camping deeper in the woods together.

The ploy worked, and Wolfram's temper started to recede. Seeing this, Gwendal had agreed, but he also assigned 4 guards, 2 of them humans to keep watch over the royal couple.

Wolfram had dragged Yuuri deeper into the woods until they reached a small meadow in the middle of the lush forest. "We'll camp here!" Wolfram announced proudly, and Yuuri had to smile at the childish glee Wolfram was feeling over the small accomplishment. The guards were already hidden among the trees, guarding the parameters of the camp site.

They had barely finished unpacking their supplies before the assassins came.

The guards were disposed of quickly and silently. Of the two, it was Wolfram who first felt their arrival and he immediately unsheathed his sword. "Wimp, stay close to me. When you can, run back to the main camp and tell them that we're under attack. No, don't mind me" Wolfram hurriedly whispered when Yuuri started protesting about leaving him behind. "Shut up, wimp, and listen. If we're greatly outnumbered and I can't get them all, I can at least distract them enough to give you time to run. Promise me, wimp, that you'll try to save yourself first and not try to rescue me when it looks like I'm in trouble. Promise me, Yuuri!"

Before Yuuri could answer, the assassins had appeared. They were outnumbered almost ten to one. Wolf had kissed him and rushed into battle, and all he could do was stand there in astonishment. This isn't supposed to happen. It's supposed to be my turn to protect you.

Hah! Brilliant protector I made Yuuri thought savagely. Yes, Wolf, my protecting skills are so great, which is why you're limp and half-dead and nearly frozen while I'm in the pink of health.Angry tears made their way down his cheeks before softly splashing onto Wolfram.

Wolfram felt the wetness, and cracked open one eye, trying to remember why he was in such agony. That Yuuri's tear-stained face greeted his groggy mind didn't faze him at all. Ah, I was protecting him again, wasn't I? Why is he still here? The wimp!

Wolfram lifted a hand to brush away the tears. Yuuri was shocked at the feeling of a hand on his face. It's Wolfram.He's hurt so badly, so badly, and here he is trying to comfort me. The tears threatened to fall harder, but with steely determination he held them back. Concentrate on Wolf.

Wolfram started talking first.

He sounds so tired and weak. I have reduced the unbreakable prince to this. I am a monster!

Yuuri was startled when the hand at his cheek softly slapped him. "Listen to me wimp, it's not your fault I'm hurt! I was stupid and careless; we shouldn't have gone away from the camp. Had you been hurt I… I don't know what I would have done. So I suggest, before it gets much colder, you wrap me in some warm blankets and I'll start a fire. Then you will proceed back to camp right away, with my sword, and tell Gwendal where I am. I think it's safe for now. The cowards fled when I burned them, I doubt they will make a swift return. Now Yuuri, go! I'm asking you nicely, as your subject, friend, and fiancé. I have to keep you safe first, wimp, and then we can worry about me"

Yuuri was about to utterly refuse; he'd sooner freeze to death certain that Wolfram was with him than go away and risk having him whisked away by the darkness. "Please, Yuuri…" The prince's tired, desperate request finally got through to him. It was the most logical option. Besides, since they were almost definitely after him, he'd be leading them away from Wolfram. Knowing the brat, he'd probably still stand and fight in his severely weakened state.

Yuuri rushed into action. Propping Wolfram against the tree, he unclasped his cape and tucked it around Wolfram. He took 3 thick woolen blankets from their packs and wrapped Wolfram in them, careful not to aggravate his wounds. He found a scarf, a hat and some warm wine in the packs. The scarf was wound around Wolfram's neck, the hat covered his bloodied hair and the wine was put within easy reach. Close to Wolfram he piled a load of firewood, which Wolfram lighted with a weak nod.

Pulling Wolfram into a quick embrace, the king said "I will be back before you know it. Please try to stay up Wolf; I need you to be awake when I return with help". With that Yuuri gently placed Wolfram back in the small hollow of the tree, and ran off in search of the main camp.

He will not get hurt again. I will NEVER let him get hurt again. I have been stupid before, but no more. No more of Wolfram suffering and in pain. You'll see, Wolfram. I'll bring everyone, and I'll rescue you. Wait for me. I'll be your protector now

"Goodbye, wimp"

End chapter 3

cue dramatic music Scary, isn't it? I've been bitten by the plot bunny, so that's the main reason why I've updated in the same month. The next chapter will be quite exciting (for me, at least :) ) so I won't leave anyone in suspense for very long. Enjoy the story, and review me with what you think!