(Most complicated time frame of the year. It's the same day as the chapter before, but the pace of the day is, as you will soon see, very much different. Don't like it? Either this or a painful absence of Mikael. I choose my perverted king)
Disclaimer: I wish I owned Wolf, but I don't. So, let's not rub that into the wound, thanks awfully
You Stole The Sun
oOoOoOo
The Wolfram who found himself waking up in a strange bedroom, with the morning light blinding him instead of streaming in comfortably from a window to his side, was not a happy Wolfram.
Mikael, having woken up before dawn to come and check in on his "friend", nearly dislocated his jaw from smiling at the sight of a bleary-eyed Wolfram scowling.
A bleary-eyed, topless Wolfram.
Even a heavy feather pillow thrown accurately with angered vigour at his face only made the young king laugh harder, as a grumbling Wolfram hurriedly put on the discarded tunic from the day before.
"Should it have escaped your notice, Your Majesty, I have made my peace with being abducted. But watching me sleep when I was not even wearing a shirt is just bad manners" Wolfram shuffled back onto the bed, propped up against the headboard facing Mikael on the chair opposite. Even after a good night's rest, the blond was still tired, and was starving after sleeping on an empty stomach.
"Call me Kael! You know, since you're an esteemed guest and all, Wolfram"
"I will do no such thing. If you insist upon bothering me with your company, at least one of us must have a sense of common decency. And respectability. Also, Your Majesty, I insist you stop saying my name like it's a spell to produce gold. The tone disturbs me."
Wolfram frowned as Mikael got up to rummage through the cupboard, head buried in his search for elusive clothing. That was when he noticed what the other boy was wearing.
"What in Shinou's name is that?"
The brunette tore himself away from his minor task to stare quizzically at Wolfram. Noticing the direction of the blond's gaze, Mikael had the decency to look sheepish.
Suits what he's wearing well enough!
"My swimming tutor is teaching himself how to sew. When he made these for his son, the boy nearly killed himself trying to get away from the emotionally traumatising design. I can't blame the poor kid" he smiled slightly, "but Norrel was near-sobbing when we met for class the day after his son made his daring escape. He kept grabbing these and looking at me with the unfocused gaze of a man who spends too much time with his eyes open underwater, asking me what he'd done wrong and if he should take up crocheting instead"
Seeing the look of utter befuddlement on Wolfram's face, Mikael hastened to explain.
"Mrs. Norrel wants him to be more help around the house, and since she can't thread a needle to save the world, my teacher got left with the task. Long embarrassing story short, I agreed to take it just so that he could tell his wife the king likes it. And since the madam is the cook, I actually have to wear it once in a while. It's not so bad, is it?"
Mikael swished the hem a little, and looked up hopefully.
Wolfram was rolling around the bed, he was laughing so hard.
The taller boy's frame was draped in a two-piece outfit, though the top was so very long only a few inches of crooked, multicoloured pant legs could be seen.
Could be seen, should the eye manage to be dragged away from the disturbingly entrancing top.
It was an odd shade of milky blue, off-white sheep hand-sewn into the fabric. For reasons Wolfram guessed even Murata would have trouble ascertaining, all the sheep had their faces pointed towards the centre of the shirt, looking worryingly diseased. The beady eyes glared at poppy-red buttons angrily, and Wolfram imagined the sheep going on a rampage, trying to chew through their rough stitches to gain mobility. The long sleeves left Mikael's hands lost in their depths, though one was distinctly shorter. Both were a different colour from the other and the main body of the shirt, one sleeve striped a bright pink, the other a solid block of pastel yellow.
The thread holding the shirt together varied in colour and thickness depending on where you were looking, and Wolfram couldn't look any more, his eyes having watered up so much.
Mikael looked outraged for a moment, unaccustomed to anyone laughing at him, but shrugged it off in favour of happily absorbing the picture of a wildly laughing Wolfram, on a bed, in his castle.
"Done yet, Wolf? Or are you making eyes at my sheep?"
Wolfram coughed hard to stop the laughter from escaping again. Even Gwendal, at the height of his make-everything-from-doilies obsession, never made an outfit so outrageous looking.
"Watch out little boy, those animals look set to kill. If my oldest brother ever sees this, he'd think he's died and gone to sleepwear heaven. I will try harder to stop laughing if you promise that man never teaches Gwendal anything"
"Here I was thinking of asking the one Norrel is making for his daughter for you. We'd make a lovely match, Wolfram"
"Stop trying to distract me! And you still have an obligation to tell me exactly what it is you see me doing here!"
Mikael pouted, and in his oversized shirt looked like a little child.
"That isn't as much fun as seeing you in a gown!"
At least I know he hasn't been stalking the castle. Even the men who tend to the annual blooms have seen the pink cloud.
Reminding himself of how his absence could be worrying his loved ones at home sobered him up considerably, though Wofram was still in a better mood than he had been for days. The tension in his body had taken flight at the sight of furious-looking farm creatures, and with a better temperament he eased back against the headboard, waiting for Mikael to return to his seat.
"Just a moment. I think you'd be more comfortable, Wolfram, after you've had a bath and a change of clothes. Right, Wolfram? And would you like breakfast too, Wolfram?"
Realising that he had remained unwashed longer than ever before, Wolfram swiftly agreed to everything.
"Though Your Highness, saying my name thrice in a breath is nothing short of disturbing. Say it sparingly, or it will get dull to listen to you say it"
Having already opened the doors to the bedchamber, Mikael leaned against them as he contemplated.
"I will say your name, at most, five times in swift succession. Oh, don't look at me like that! Blame your mother for giving you a name that begs to be said! But in exchange for my sacrifice, you must call me Mikael. Agreed?"
"Fine!"
And to show that he was a man of his word, even when his word was not given voluntarily, he managed an acidic,
"Mikael"
oOoOo
Nearly an hour later, Wolfram found himself sitting at the head of a stately dining table, dressed in a loose garb much unlike his beloved blue uniform. He looked at Mikael who sat across from him, then looked much more lovingly at the delectable fare that had been put before him.
Mikael grinned.
"Eat first, my lord, talk later"
Wolfram shrugged, deciding that any show of discourtesy could only help him get away should the need arise, and began wolfing down toast, jam, beef and copious quantities of tea. Mikael picked at the odd piece of fruit, made a big show of slurping his glass of juice, and looked disappointed when the noise couldn't manage to distract Wolfram from the little teacakes.
"A hot bath suits you, Wolfram, you look better already"
The blond snorted. "If anyone ever told you that you have a talent for flattery, they lied. Now be a good little boy and keep quiet, your superior is trying to nourish himself. We'll talk to my heart's content in a very little while, showing patience won't kill you"
Mikael completely neglected to show fury or outrage, instead smiling indulgently and actually managing to eat the food on his plate.
It was a little while later before Wolfram put down his butter knife and heaved a relieved sigh. Food that wasn't stale bread or dried-out cheese was an utter pleasure to eat, and he had left behind table manners in favour of swift eating. Plus everybody got hungry after a hot bath, and Wolfram couldn't say he was an exception to that rule.
"So, Mikael, you have approximately until noon to tell me everything. I'm going out for a ride then"
A dark eyebrow arched up.
"A ride, Wolfram? I can't say I'm pleased by the idea of the object of my affection riding around in the countryside. Especially when said object of affection is very allergic to the stones scattered so widely in my country"
"Your fault, Mikael, not mine. I need physical activity, I can't just sit and do nothing for an entire day!"
"I have a few physical activities we can do that'll occupy you-"
"Get your perverted mind out of the gutter right now, or I will stab you with the candelabra. I'm affianced!"
Mikael's face soured considerably, and Wolfram didn't miss it.
"I am still Yuuri's fiancé, boy, and you will not keep me here just because you feel like it. You're certain you love me? Wonderful. You should know my temperament by now. I will not be kept away from Yuuri!"
"How exactly do you intend to make your way back, Wolfram?"
Wolfram glowered at the calm boy. Despite the fact that he had been treated well since his arrival at the castle, he still had been brought here against his will. To be reminded of his helplessness only served to anger him further.
"How much of an idiot do you think I am? As a true demon, I will always be able to get back to Shin Makoku, even if it takes me years. And my fiancé and family will be hunting you down, Mikael. I doubt either of my brothers will be very pleased that you stole me away, and Yuuri… Regardless of the state of our engagement, he will always come to right any injustice. Forcing me to stay here isn't exactly an example of morality, is it?"
"Nor is treating you as insignificant dirt, but he isn't in much of a rush to correct that, is he?"
Wolf sucked in a breath harshly. That had been a low blow; he didn't need a human king to tell him how Yuuri mistreated him.
At Wolfram's wince Mikael immediately stood, all show of calm disappearing. He went to the soldier's side, but Wolfram angrily shoved him away, turning to look out the window.
"Be that as it may, I allowed myself to be treated like that. It is my right, and you aren't telling me something I don't already know. But congratulations, Your Majesty, you have just made me feel absolutely terrible"
Mikael groaned, and knelt by Wolfram's chair, resting his forehead against the wooden arm. Wolfram's back was rigid and still, and the sight of it made his heart ache in his chest. It wasn't fair, that the boy could be driven to such pain by the mere mention of the demon king.
It wasn't fair at all.
"Wolfram" he breathed, trying to show his repentance. "Wolfram, I'm sorry. I know you don't believe me, I know you think I'm a worthless, flighty human, but I don't ever want to cause you pain. If giving you half my kingdom would make you feel better after I reminded you of that man, I'd have the deed written out already."
Mikael lifted his head, and smiled sadly at the boy who kept his silence.
"I did what I did so that I could have you here. I obviously didn't think things through, but you can't completely blame me. I hated hearing about the things you were put through, and I'm not really the kind of person who sits by the side twiddling his thumbs when something is annoying me. So, being the intelligent king that I am, I decided that obviously all I had to do was bring you here. Then you'd fall in love with me, and we wouldn't have any problems at all"
Still Wolfram didn't move, and Mikael refused to use force to get the boy to look at him. He did, however, resort to bargaining. The way the young king was feeling right then, any terms would be acceptable as long as it provided him with at least a little time in the blond's company.
"Wolfram, I promise I'll do anything, even if it means sending you home and making an alliance with that man, if you'll just keep me company for a week. One week, and I'll do anything you want. Whether you stay or you go. Just don't not talk to me! I'm getting a rash right now from you being quiet! If it gets all full of puss and explodes, then you'll get a rash too, and your skin is going to be red and blotchy, and Hedrid will kill me for marring your appearance!"
Wolfram wasn't certain how his train of thought had traveled from how dare he, the impudent idiot! to Oh Shinou, how could you care so much for someone you've only just met?
Somehow, without him quite realizing it, his thoughts arrived at the conclusion that Mikael, while an abject failure at flattery, was very good at apologies. He could be humble and confused; something that up until then Wolfram thought the other boy was incapable of.
He also made the oddest jokes when flustered, a behaviour that reminded Wolfram of Conrad, and he couldn't resist a little snort at the thought of the two brunettes practicing comedic routines.
"A sound, at last! Does this mean you'll stay with me for at least a week, Lord Bielefelt?"
Lord Bielefelt?
"Why the sudden use of my title?"
Wolfram deigned to look around at Mikael, but the look on the blond's face told Mikael that he wasn't quite forgiven yet; more like he had been given a conditional pardon.
Must tread softly.
"Well, after the way I was so offensively rude to you, this is my self-imposed punishment. No calling you by your really call-able name until you forgive me. I really am sorry, you know"
Wolfram sighed, and reminded himself once again that despite his status and arrogance and intelligence, Mikael was no older than Yuuri. And since he had grown up without the benefit of parental older siblings (Wolfram admitted to himself that both their parents were absent, if in different ways), he doubted Mikael could actually see the error in his ways.
"One week, you promise?"
Green eyes darker than his shone, and Mikael nodded enthusiastically.
"Don't be too pleased with yourself, I'm still annoyed. But I can understand why you've done the things you've done; love is many things, but it isn't known to inspire rationality. That, Mikael, is the only reason I won't hit you with my chair. And no more saying nasty things about Yuuri. Say what you like about me, but he is off limits. Do you understand?"
"He's dead to me!"
The blond smacked Mikael with a napkin, before leaning against the back of the chair.
"So tell me about that crude letter you sent. And don't give me that look; I will be very insulted if you thought I'd forgotten that little incident"
"It was what it was; a really intelligent ploy to get you out of the castle, so that I could get to meet you more easily. My sincerest apologies, milord. I swear on my honour that I didn't mean a single word"
Mikael stood and leaned against the dining table, now facing Wolfram.
"You must've thought Hedrid and the men were assassins from the stuff that I wrote, but they're actually the Royal Guards. You weren't supposed to be harmed, and I'm sorry about that too. You really should learn when to give up, you know. It's scary how they told me that you kept trying to attack them even when you were injured."
Wolfram growled, and flicked back his bangs. Did Mikael expect him to roll on his side and whimper when an overwhelming number of opponents attacked him? Hell no.
"I have never, and will never, give up when I'm in danger. Only wimps do that. And," green eyes narrowed, "what did you tell my family about the reason I've been spirited away? I swear Mikael, if they are depressed because of what you've done, you will pay for every second of their misery."
Mikael looked affronted.
"Obviously I left them another letter! They won't bother here until you come to a decision about where you'd like to stay, so don't worry your lovely blond head about it"
Wolfram knew Mikael had left something out, but from the way Mikael was staring at him Wolfram guessed that the king wouldn't be telling him the secret anytime soon.
"Just remember my threat, then. And promise me that you'll show me any letter my family sends here, wherever here is. Oh, and try anything below the belt, physically or figuratively, and I will break off your offending appendage. Consider yourself warned, Mikael"
The blond got the knee-jerk reaction he expected, and grinned. Apparently Really Angry Wolfram could get a reaction where Angry Wolfram failed.
"Since in your limitless wisdom you've dragged me to a country where I can't roam without throwing up, what exactly are you going to have me do the week I'm here? Keep in mind that I can get a bit difficult when bored. Ask your men; I'm sure the stories they can tell you will be very enlightening"
Mikael answered with a happy laugh, before straightening.
"I heard you have extraordinary skills in botany, my lord. I'm free as a bird today, and since the gardeners have threatened to snip my head off with shears unless I do something about the worm infestation, may I suggest a walk down the garden path?"
oOoOo
"All you have to do is water the plants with the sap of the bonesbane weed! Honestly, you call yourselves gardeners?"
Mikael sat on a stone bench, watching with interest as Wolfram continued his lecture on the importance of bonesbane in controlling pests. The gardeners, all wizened old men with leathery skin, were sitting around him in a little semi-circle, taking notes on whatever bits of scrap they had on their person.
Mikael had been informed that Lady Celi had an unusual talent for gardening, and that her youngest son had inherited some of her abilities.
What he hadn't expected was Wolfram making him and all his gardeners look so completely incompetent; within the hour he had nearly gotten his ear twisted off for "allowing the roses to deteriorate so badly! And you're supposed to lead a nation?"
Wolfram could shatter a person's ego within seconds, but it was a sacrifice Mikael was willing to make. One thing nobody could ever accuse Wolfram of being is unfeeling, and he could live with whatever the blond threw his way. The possibility of Wolfram never responding to him once his promise of a week ended, though, was something Mikael was determined not to think about.
Isn't it proof enough, that I tricked an entire country and kidnapped him just to have his company? And mother said I was too lazy to ever find myself a lover!
Wolfram took a breath from explaining to one particularly curious gardener why bramblelock was an idiotic alternative to the bonesbane, and looked at a dreaming Mikael from the corner of his eye.
I may have gone a little wild here, but at least I'm not bored. Who knew the baggy pants he gave me were the national costume for gardening? It was a nice thought, definitely, though Shinou these people don't know how lucky they are to have such fertile soil! And as much as I hate to admit it, Mikael has been an excellent host. Except for bringing me here against my will of course. Other than that, this is more relaxing than that family holiday with my brothers and mother to Karbellnikoff last year.
Wolfram grudgingly admitted to himself that he wasn't completely miserable, and continued with his lecture, walking around the grounds within the walls tirelessly until Mikael called him to have lunch.
oOoOo
Mikael plucked a blooming lilac-coloured flower and held it to Wolfram, body poised in half a bow as both boys stopped on their way to the dining hall.
"A pretty flower for a pretty flower!"
A kick for the idiot who called me a flower.
The sound of a boot connecting squarely with a shin rung out in the air.
"Ouch!"
"Serves you right, you odd little king"
Physical abuse aside, the flower was carefully tucked by the blond into his shirt pocket, Mikael not noticing as he got back to his feet.
oOoOo
"You polished the entire breakfast tray, including my share. How could you possibly still stuff that much food into that little body of yours?"
Wolfram glared at Mikael but didn't bother to stop feasting on the fish.
"This may have escaped your notice, but soldiers require a lot of nutrition to stay in perfect physical condition. Riding here with nothing except for bread and cheese to eat, I am carrying surplus hunger from days of traveling. And call me little again, you unhealthily tall boy, and I will hit you"
"I wasn't trying to be insulting! Only you look like a child shown candy every time food is put in front of you, and it's really adorable Lord Von Bielefelt"
Wolfram restrained the redness from reaching his cheeks. Years of embarrassing blushes from accidental contact with his fiancé had left the blond almost entirely capable of fending it off. But it was hard going, of course. Used to not being complimented ever unless it had something to do with his delicate looks, having a king tell him his eating manner (or lack thereof) was adorable left Wolfram at a loss.
After much deliberation, he put down his fork (what an odd utensil) and faced Mikael seriously.
"Mikael, you're playing a dangerous game, but I don't think you know what exactly is at stake"
"Eh?" Mikael was confused. Should he have ordered the desserts to be brought out at the same time as the main meal?
"You insist that you're in love with me. What do you love, boy? You don't even know me. The amount of time I have spent in your company is less than a day, yet you have been excruciatingly kind and courteous… the way one treats a lover. I intend to hold you to your word, and stay just the week. But if you fool yourself into believing this infatuation will last, the one who will hurt the most is you. And you are a king; you cannot afford a broken heart. Even if I am certain your heart isn't mine to break"
Mikael looked taken aback for the shortest of moments, before smiling.
"It didn't take long for you to love your king, my lord, and you knew even less about him than I do of you. And I get to have you stay with me for a week! I'm hoping you'll fall in love with me by then, or at least like me enough to not want to leave forever. You are intelligent, violent, brash and loyal. Occasionally, you allow yourself to be unbelievably kind. There's nothing you posses that I can't find a reason to admire or love."
The brunette had the decency to look slightly shy at the softhearted words his mouth was spouting, but refused to stop or look away from the green gaze.
"And if you do leave… It's kind of you, Lord Bielefelt, to worry about the state of my heart, but I'd sooner prefer to nurse it back to health than to prevent it from trying to get what it wants. It's as much against my nature as giving up would be against yours. So don't worry about anything too much, just please try and have a very pleasant week. Should you return and decide my castle is prettier than yours, I'll always welcome you back. And if a certain person were to hurt you over there, I know where you live. We could try another kidnapping exercise and see if that makes things better second time around"
Mikael picked up a spoon and tapped his chin thoughtfully, trying to think of proof that would assure Wolfram of the strength of his feelings. The blond remained where he was, food forgotten as Wolfram struggled to make sense of what Mikael had said.
"I was orphaned when I was young, my lord. I had to rule before I had quite understood that burning the curtains wasn't the correct way to warm myself. The one thing that helped me the most was the knowledge that I could always trust my judgment. Apparently, I'm naturally gifted at being amazing"
When the unfunny joke received no response, Mikael bravely continued.
"I know what a crush is, and I know what it would feel like to be in love. Don't think I've gotten those two confused, please. I'll survive if you leave, I have to for my country, but your company will be sorely missed. Just accept that I love you Wolfram, and don't be so hard-headed about being unlovable!"
Wolfram groaned softly and dropped his face into his hands. His voice was muffled, but Mikael could hear him clearly.
"For Shinou's sake Mikael, this is getting too epic for me to handle! Let me assure you that I would have been much happier if you were a middle-aged dictatorial bastard than a little boy-king a quarter of my age. If you wanted anything resembling a fighting chance to win me over, why did you not come sooner? "
"I didn't know"
Wolfram was about to growl a response, fingers massaging his temples to ease the impending headache, when a soft knock resounded in the dining hall.
"You can come in, Hedrid"
The tall man entered, glancing anxiously at Wolfram who hadn't looked up. He approached his king and was somewhat relieved when Mikael whispered, "Let him be, he's trying to think a lot of things over". Hedrid nodded, uncertain if he should be relieved that he wouldn't be verbally abused today or disappointed that the blond had not acknowledged his presence.
Choosing not to speculate too much about what had happened since he took his leave yesterday, Hedrid bent down to speak softly to his king, making certain Wolfram couldn't hear a word.
"If you will remember my former lieutenant Phillip, Your Majesty, the one who has the unusual passion for winged animals? He retired and now works in the Covenant Castle's aviary. He reported letters being sent to the castle of every noble in human kingdoms. We are due to receive one, probably later this day at the rate the pigeons fly. He managed to glean a few sentences, and says that it looks like a formal announcement to break the engagement, because His Excellency has neglected his duties. Phillip isn't sure, but he also thinks that the letters invite nobles to visit King Yuuri, or allow King Yuuri to visit them, something of the like. Aside from that, I have no new reports"
Hedrid could hear Mikael grit his teeth, and he understood the urge. He had done so himself, when he had first read Phillip's report, disgusted beyond belief that the supposedly kind king had done something so cruel. Hedrid's mind had bravely tried to imagine Wolfram's response to the news, but couldn't get further than great depression before he stopped thinking about it.
"That bastard" Mikael seethed. "I don't want to give them Wolfram back, but to do this, with such a pathetic excuse? That man is unforgiveable!"
Mikael stood up, the sound finally attracting Wolfram's attention. He was very surprised by the affectionate smile Mikael had for him, and the gentle tone the taller boy spoke with.
"Wolf, I think there's a lot that you want to mull over, and I think you don't particularly want me to be near while you do so. I'll leave you, for now, in Hedrid's company. You can wander around the castle and do as you like, though please don't try to leave the compound. I think the esoteric stones will be painful once you leave the outermost walls. I'll see you later this evening, and I hope you'll feel better by then. I like it a lot more when you aren't confused and miserable."
Mikael had walked over to where Wolfram sat, and gently squeezed the blond's pale, unresisting hand.
"Stay well, my lord"
And with that Mikael exited, leaving Wolfram and Hedrid once again in each other's company.
"Ahem… Nice weather is it not, my lord?"
"Don't say a word, Hedrid"
oOoOo
Wolfram, after a further few minutes of tense silence, decided to himself that if Mikael thought he would be fine once Wolfram leaves, then he, a mere aristocrat, wouldn't say anything to contradict the king.
Though the blond was annoyed at Mikael for hundreds of reasons, a sense of prevailing guilt still remained as Wolfram internally cursed Mikael for putting him in such a difficult position.
"Let's go for a walk, Hedrid. And it would be easier for the both of us if you talk"
Hedrid gulped. He couldn't help himself.
They walked out of the castle without speaking a word to each other, and Wolfram led the way unthinkingly until they reached a small stone fountain he had seen earlier in the day.
"Now Hedrid, I've been told that you intensely dislike social contact. So pray tell, why did you find it so difficult not to bother me on our journey here?"
"Your presence inspires great difference in me, my lord"
Wolfram snorted, and sat down on the stone lip.
"Amazing how I arouse the worst in people. Now be completely honest, Hedrid, or I will tell Mikael you attempted : do you believe that little king of yours is actually a respectable fool of a human who is honestly in love with me? Because it goes against my nature to badly hurt those who are unable to resist my charm"
"Our king sees his way clear to be obstinate sometimes, but I have never found the need to doubt the sincerity of his actions. If he says he loves you, my lord, I am certain that he does"
"But unrequited love hurts. I have been the champion of that sentiment for years, and I'll be damned if I cause that feeling in the ruling king of another country!"
Wolfram looked annoyed and upset, agitatedly splashing the water in the fountain as flashing green eyes glared at Hedrid.
"My lord, it is uncertain yet that the love of my king will remain unreturned-"
The blond sighed, hand slowing as he turned to fully face the still-standing Hedrid.
Idiot. Idiots.
"Both of you need to understand that if I could fall out of love with Yuuri and fall in love with someone else, I would have done so while I still had some of my dignity intact. I will return home once I can, and will continue being mistreated, as your king so eloquently put it. And as the result of this bizarre abduction, you will have to play nanny as Mikael fights not to be incapacitated by his lonely misery. In the end, this little venture will hurt us all"
"I prefer that he tried to get what his heart wanted, rather than stew in the impossibility of it all."
"Hedrid, that's idioti-"
"And if you are truly that badly mistreated where you were, Lord Bielefelt, wouldn't staying here in the company of a man who would move the earth to suit you be the smarter thing to do?"
Wolfram stood solemnly, drying his hand on his shirt.
"Intelligence plays no part in matters of the heart, Hedrid"
oOoOo
The charged atmosphere of the conversation was languidly shaken off by a Wolfram who had reverted to the fiery blond that had first scared Hedrid witless.
The rest of the afternoon, and some of the evening was spent roaming castle grounds, Hedrid steadily acquiring a tic in every facial feature.
Gods, I did not know my nose could twitch!
The visit to the stables had been mortifying, Wolfram losing control of his temper after seeing the way the horses were groomed. Stomping up to the groom nearest to him, the blond snatched the man's brush out of his hand before barking an order for the rest of them to observe him. Used to listening to the voice of authority (He sounds so much like a dictator I want to go line up in front of him) the stable lads hastily obeyed, and were treated to 15 minutes of rigorous instruction.
As was usual for Wolfram, when they finally did leave the stables Hedrid noticed more than one boy staring at the blond with a longing look in his eyes.
The kitchens had been even worse.
It must be something about women being around Wolfram…
Hedrid then remembered the previous episode, and His Royal Majesty King Mikael Stromb.
The thought was amended to It must be something about Wolfram.
The lady cooks and maids had squealed the moment their eyes landed on Wolfram, and as if by a miraculous transformation, arrogant Wolfram was gone and in his place stood a sweetly smiling blond boy with a mouth that couldn't melt butter.
He had been coddled and cooed over, given rolls and sweet pastries (that he enjoyed with great relish, much to the giggling of the women) and was particularly favoured by the head cook after saying something involving "excellent tailoring by your spouse, madam! The quality is distinctly obvious".
While they sat at the rough wooden table and the women had their backs turned to them to prepare for Wolfram what Hedrid suspected was a cake bigger than the blond himself, Wolfram had kicked his shin hard to get his attention before hastily whispering in the ear of the surprised man.
"Oh, don't look like I just shed my skin in front of you! It's common decency to treat ladies well! And if my sudden spurt of patience surprises you, remind me to introduce you to my mother. If I can hold my temper with her clucking and forcing me into dresses, I can stand having my cheeks pinched. Besides, they made us so many desserts!"
Apparently the blond's sweet tooth was the easiest way to sweep him off his feet. Hedrid made a note to himself to tell Mikael that.
Hedrid felt certain that a few of the cooks had glistening eyes when he finally dragged an adorably waving Wolfram away and out of the kitchens.
"Where are the training grounds?"
"Um, milord, I really don't think sword-"
"Where. Are. The. Training. Grounds?"
Why do I even bother?
A resigned Hedrid led the way to the sparring field, where very few men were left at the late time of day.
"Get me a partner. I'm bored"
Hedrid eyed the position of the sun critically, and imagined he could hear the fluttering of wings and the soft coo that would signal the arrival of the bird that held the future of Wolfram Von Bielefelt in the cylinder on its leg.
"Fifteen minutes only my lord, and we will spar together"
oOoOo
Fifteen minutes later, Hedrid regretted offering himself. In a spate of rare self-pity, the taller man found himself wishing he had foisted off the blond onto one of the soldiers under his command.
He was the Head Guard! He was trained in principles so obscure most men would have trouble saying their names! When he really wanted to be silent, he could surprise cats!
And yet, though unhurt, a fight with Wolfram had left him panting for breath.
It wasn't that the boy was exceptionally strong with his sword or deadly accurate with his aim; Wolfram fought with the full force of his convictions behind him (those convictions mainly being: I Am Right, You Are Wrong, and You Will Not Defeat Me). Every blow was hard and angry, every parry swift and sure.
And he had the most bizarre, intricate footwork Hedrid had ever seen. A few times the man found himself staring at the blond's feet as Wolfram fluttered back and forth, jabbing swiftly before pirouetting out of range. Hedrid was often left wondering how Wolfram managed to move the way he did without tripping every few seconds.
The blond was too unfocused to score points in a traditional match, but his wild thrusts would probably have resulted in Hedrid losing an arm or two had they been fighting with sharp blades.
For his part, Hedrid defended himself well, managing a few attacking strikes that completely failed to meet Wolfram. If asked, Hedrid would insist that he had been gentle to protect the love interest of his king from being injured.
If asked, Wolfram would insist that Hedrid was an old man whose skill with the sword have slowly withered away, much like his mind.
"It's late evening, Lord Bielefelt. I believe His Majesty would be pining for your company now"
Gods know I've had more than enough of it already.
oOoOo
Mikael sat in his large chair, reading and rereading the letter he had received moments ago.
It didn't make sense.
I know there's something more afoot! I know there is! But why, dear brain that has always been loyal before, can't I think of anything other than how badly Wolfram will take it?
It was a sweet, charming letter to him (and to dozens of others, Mikael suspected), and it managed such a feat by repeatedly dragging Wolfram's honour through the mud.
At least after he reads it, he won't be so hurried to return to that man. Would it be so terrible if I asked Hedrid to go over there and discreetly hit the boy? For a king who isn't younger than I am, he is unbelievably dim-witted.
The insults continued with increasing vehemence, detailed written plans to disembowel Yuuri quickly deteriorating in quality to become angry pencil sketches of a stick Mikael smacking a stick Yuuri with a stick.
Mikael was halfway through an inspired sketch of himself bludgeoning stick Yuuri with his own boots when Hedrid and Wolfram arrived at his office.
Mikael looked up to see a decidedly more cheerful Wolfram and a listless Hedrid.
Hedrid caught his gaze the moment he stepped into the office, and nodded in understanding. Swiftly he made an excuse and exited the room, Wolfram looking on curiously at his retreating back.
Stay well, Wolfram.
The proud Lord Bielefelt felt a tremor of apprehension as the door closed behind Hedrid ominously. An innate sense for bad fortune honed after dozens of unlucky ventures told him the source was the scroll Mikael kept glaring at.
"What have you done now?"
"Did you have a pleasant time, Lord Bielefelt?"
"Mikael…"
Mikael looked sincerely troubled, and Wolfram couldn't help but wander what terrible thing had to have happened that could shake the young king so.
"Mikael, what is in the letter?"
"It's… a letter from His Majesty King Shibuya Yuuri of Shin Makoku. It's addressed to me, but I really, really dislike it Wolf"
At the mention of that name Wolfram thought his heart stopped. If it was from Yuuri, then why did Mikael look so upset? Wolfram doubted that it was a letter insisting his safe return to Covenant. As long as Mikael kept to his promise, neither party needed to get up in arms as to when Wolfram would return.
Besides, if it is the wimp saying he's coming over to bring me home by force, Mikael would just have come up with another unhealthy plan to hide me away until the week ends. So why does he look so awful? And why do I feel certain I should hear the call of the bad omen birds?
"Wolfram… It's entirely up to you. Do you want to read it?"
Throat suddenly dry in tense anticipation, Wolfram nodded and held a shaking hand out to accept the parchment he suspected would change everything.
Mikael made him take a seat, and stationed himself right behind the blond before he finally allowed Wolfram to take the letter from his hands.
Wolfram's first reaction was a fond smile; the shaky, child-like writing was undoubtedly that of his wimp's, so it really was a letter from Yuuri.
A soft voice whispered in his mind, asking why it had been addressed to Mikael and not him, but Wolfram paid it no heed as he swiftly began to read.
His breath was held till his eyes scanned Yuuri's gently curved signature, and Wolfram wondered if he had been struck deaf and dumb; what he had read could not have been true.
It could not be true.
It isn't!
Why has my vision gone blurry?
Wolfram turned to look at Mikael, to see for himself that this, this was all a lie.
Instead he was met by an expression he was familiar with; the one he wore whenever he couldn't protect Yuuri from unhappiness.
It wasn't true!
It couldn't be true.
It's…
… true?
Mikael's not lying! Yuuri's not lying! This cannot be true! Cannot, cannot, cannot be true…
Wolfram let out a whimper of pain as his hands burst into flame, the parchment writhing and crackling as it was burnt into nonexistence. It hurt, to summon fire when he was surrounded by so much esoteric magic.
It hurt, that Mikael was the one who cared for him more.
It hurt, that he wasn't warned of this before.
It hurt, that Yuuri had ended the one bond Wolfram would die a thousand deaths for.
It hurt even more, that he didn't know why.
He didn't want to know. Not really.
The piercing pain of drawing his magic in human land was sweeter, kinder than the numbness of complete and utter abandonment.
It wasn't just his hands anymore… Like a live thing the flames spread up his arm, engulfing his body, fouling the air with the stench of burning leather as the chair he sat on caught fire. Dazzling tongues of flame leapt from his body, his face in a halo of red, set in complete shock.
There is nothing more. Years, from me, and now… There is nothing left.
Mikael had fallen backwards in shock when Wolfram suddenly burned, not understanding for the longest of moments how the demon could call his fire when so much repressive magic was around. The moment passed and without hesitation Mikael jumped to his feet; no matter what else, expending this much energy here could only end badly for Wolfram.
And it has been bad enough for him already!
He upended the contents of his water jug on a giant ornamental tapestry, before tugging it off its railings.
"Forgive me Wolfram" Mikael whispered, before smothering the slighter boy with the damp drapery.
For a heart's beat, Wolfram exploded in a flash of blazing white flames that seared Mikael's palms, as his will gave way to unbridled magic that fuelled the fire.
At that moment, when his magic peaked in unrestrained power, Wolfram Von Bielefelt lost all conciousness.
oOoOo
"Wolfram"
The sudden abrupt flare of pure white on the surface of the black globe was reflected in Yuuri's dark, dark eyes, and he wondered why he felt so much sadness.
"Balera"
Murata did not like this at all.
oOoOo
When Mikael regained his sight after that final white-hot blaze, he realized that his damp tapestry was no longer fighting to contain fire.
The tapestry was a lost cause, completely blackened, and Mikael realized his clothes weren't much better.
Wolfram was huddled deep within the folds of fabric, unconscious and curled up, looking as innocent as a child. There were no burns on his fair skin; his clothes were without a mark.
Mikael sang a short prayer of thanks to whoever was listening, and pulled the blond gently out of the sodden mass. Calmly he kneeled and wrapped his arms around Wolfram, not minding the trouble of his burden as he fought to stand.
Wolfram was hot to the touch, but Mikael wasn't letting go.
Slowly he carried Wolfram to the blond's current bedroom, muttering words of comfort, humming forgotten lullabies, rubbing circles on the unresponsive blond's back.
Wolfram was once again on the bed that he had woken from hours ago, and Mikael calmly ordered for food and jugs of water to be brought to the room, before taking a seat next to the head of the bed.
Then, and only then did he allow himself to be overwhelmed by the shock he had felt at seeing Wolfram on fire.
Mikael was unsurprised to find his hands shaking badly, and contented himself to resting by the bedside until the most unfortunate Bielefelt in the world woke up.
Mine.
oOoOo
(Night, of the same day)
"Muratamuratamurata why aren't we going yet?"
"Shibuya, my name is not nine syllables long, and it's too late in the day for us to go save your pretty fiancé, seeing as how where he's held is a long ride away. Oh, and Balera is so full of esoteric stones our dear scarily protective oldest brother Gwen will pass out the moment we cross the border. So we have a bit of a problem recruiting suitable soldiers that won't kiss dirt the minute we try and get Wolfram back."
"Murata, why can't I go first?"
Murata grinned his trademark intelligent-bastard grin, and jokingly shoved his shoulder.
"You and what army? How, pray tell Shibuya, do you intend to get Von Bielefelt back after that oh-so-charming letter? I have my charisma and boyish good looks… I'm still not sure what Wolfram finds so hot about you"
Yuuri wasn't in the mood for jokes. Wolfram had reacted much faster than Murata had predicted, so the only ones who had witnessed the sudden blip were Yuuri and Murata. Precious time, according to Yuuri, had been wasted telling the rest of the conspirators about the incident, as well as where Murata had ascertained Wolfram was being held.
Now the seven of them were once again gathered around the same table in the library, having a council of war of sorts.
"Rest assured Your Majesty, only His Eminence's order is preventing me from retrieving my youngest brother. We must be prepared to overcome anything the kidnapper throws at us; your youthful, silly impatience will not cost me Wolfram"
Yuuri glowered at Gwendal, and began swearing under his breath while Murata listened attentively.
"Just hope your mother doesn't know you used that word, Shibuya. The thing I find most important right now is to find out if the lord brat is all right. My suggestion is for us to send a recon party to break into this…" Murata consulted the name written on the map he'd found, "Mikael's castle. Find out where Wolfram is held, and if he's going to be easily transported out and away. A second, decidedly larger group of soldiers can be stationed near the castle, in case the recon group are found, or Lord Bielefelt must be extracted with force."
"I volunteer the services of my entire platoon"
"That would be helpful Conrad, since your men won't be hurt by the esoteric stones. It's a pity we can't take either of you lovely ladies along though," said Murata, looking in the direction of the healer and inventor.
"Distance will never be good enough to stop me from helping the injured. I'll stock your medical supplies, Your Excellencies, and in the case of time-consuming enemies, several very fast-acting sleeping powders. I will also be right at the border, or as close to the main party as I can bear. It wouldn't be kind to Shin Makoku if her prettiest prince isn't brought back in one piece"
Giesela smiled distractedly, already compiling the list of herbs and ointments that could come in handy. Anissina simply mentioned that she was needed at the castle "while you men attempt to pull off a rescue. I will ready my Flings-bales-of-hay-to-induce-terrible-hayfever-Kun to go and save all of you, just in case you can't manage for yourselves"
Nobody doubted that Anissina thought the men of Covenant couldn't find Morgif if he was stabbing them in the eye.
"Murata, when would this small team start to head out?"
Murata cocked his head to the side, as if giving serious consideration to the question. In truth, he already knew what Yuuri was going to ask.
"Hmm… Since we should determine Lord Bielefelt's state as soon as possible, I think it would be best if they set out tomorrow morning. It would take at least a day to ready a decent-sized band of soldiers. The trade route takes a minimum 4 days to travel, if you really bully your horses. There isn't much of a port; their primary medium of trade is land. If you want to know how to get there faster, I suggest asking Josak. I never did like to travel a lot, whichever body I was incarnated in"
"Ulrike could send us through a portal into the capital itself, couldn't she? Or at least a portal nearest to where we want to be? That would cut our travel time down to hours. If we bully our horses"
"In case you haven't noticed Shibuya, our friend Shinou isn't around to channel Ulrike enough power to happily send troops led by people growling for revenge into an esoteric-drenched country. At best, I think she could manage me and you, and only because I'll be channeling your magic, Your Majesty."
"Then we'll go. Now"
Every other occupant in the room started screaming in protest.
"Your Majesty is not allowed to pull my brother and the Great Sage into the hole you have dug for your royal self!"
"Gwendal, I don't think I've dug-"
"Your Highness, you cannot do this to your most loyal servant Gunter! Should harm befall even a single black hair upon your royal head-"
"There will be millions left over, Gunter, don't worry so much"
"Yuuri, it's too unsafe for you to go alone. I'm pleading with you as your godfather, please do not leave without me"
"Wolfram's safety takes precedence, Conrad, I'm sorry that you can't come along"
"Neither of you are well-equipped enough, nor do either of you have sufficient experience in this kind of situation. It is in my professional opinion severely unwise to proceed with this course of action"
"Too many words Giesela, and I think we all can agree that lack of intelligence has never stopped me from doing anything"
"Good luck, both of you."
"Lady Karbelnikoff, I know we're just men, but-… What? Oh, um… Thank you very much?"
Yuuri squinted at the red-haired woman, hoping his action would help his mind concentrate as well.
"Anissina… Aren't you going to mention how horribly stupid I am to even suggest this?"
Magenta-clad shoulders shrugged.
"Both you and the sage know the risks. It's just that this little man who's kidnapped Wolf is very, very intelligent, and without knowing the rules, I thought that perhaps it would be better if we just ignored the game and tried to get Wolfram back with whatever is at our disposal."
"And that would be us, the double-black duo. In case you hadn't noticed, Shibuya"
"So, that's settled then! It's a monarchy, and I vote to go save Wolfram right now, so we'll leave for the temple right away. Murata, where's-"
A pale hand stopped his blind rambling, and Yuuri looked up from fussing with the maps to face Anissina… and the long cylindrical thing she had lifted in her hands.
It looked like a rifle, but that would be ridiculous. He wasn't on Earth.
So why did Conrad look so horrified?
Gwendal suddenly had on a very, very evil smirk, and Yuuri felt fear race down his spine.
"It is a monarchy, Your Majesty. But please keep in mind that the final say will always be with women, and I say nighttime is a little too hazardous for the both of you to leave. The little lord brat will have my head if I allow you to put yourself in such danger. So if you will excuse me, Your Majesty, I wish you a good night"
There was a tickling sensation in his side, and Yuuri fell to the floor in a dead faint.
"Anissina!"
"Well done!"
oOoOo
(The next morning)
Green eyes opened to slits, but the movement did not go unnoticed by Mikael.
He moved his chair closer to the bed, and started chanting rhymes his old nursemaid swore could cure everything from gout to pregnancy.
Wolfram remained unmoved; he felt too heavy to scream, to get angry. To do anything.
"I'll be staying here longer than a week, Mikael"
Mikael was about to launch into a lively jig involving the health-restoring properties of a girl dancing in a meadow with her little blue cat, but was cut short by Wolfram's emotionless statement.
He sighed, thought about putting an arm around Wolfram's shoulders, thought better of it, and settled on replying.
"As long as it would make you happy, Wolfram"
oOoOo
TBC definitely.
kaori: umm, if there's nobody reading this fic, I'd rather write it to myself. Rather than post and look silly.
Luckily, I've gotten all madly-in-love with my fiction again, so I've written a few pages more in advance.
ILLK: I reread the previous chapter recently, and I noticed the bit that got you confused. Three paragraphs in italics with no discernible reason uu A formatting error I had not noticed, so I'm really, really sorry I'd missed the thing and caused everyone such confusion. I feel really bad about it TT
One totally story-absorbing...: I... I think I love you XD that was one hell of a flattering review my friend, and I quote it to my mum and preen
Next update will be on November first, as a birthday gift from me to all of us XD thanks for the kind wishes for my exams, they didn't turn out to bad. Also, if anybody is interested, I would be very happy if I could get a BETA to discuss the story with. Vi's busy, so I would like some help ;
Lastly, thanks for letting me hit 150, and I hope I didn't disappoint. Mikael's sad, and Wolfram is even more so. Yuuri meets Wolf really soon. Hope to see you then!