A/N: Thanks to AsakuraHannah, eclst, Twelf Bell, Miyuki Meiru, and Yuki for the reviews! Special to Yuki: I was going to put that 'comeback' in this chapter. I want to write it differently :)

So, here's the next chapter guys! Hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I still don't own Kyo Kara Maoh


King Yuuri Shibuya was doing his kingly work a.k.a paperwork with the Royal Consort accompany, when Gwendal and Gunter opened the Maoh's office door. The heavy oak doors creaked, taking Yuuri and Wolfram's attention to the… smiling faces?

Well, Conrad's face always has a smile plastered to it, naturally. But Gwendal to smile, what's the special occasion?

"What's with the happy attitude guys?" asked Yuuri curiously.

"Yeah, what is it?" said Wolfram with the same curious look as Yuuri.

"We have good news Your Majesty," answered Gwendal while he stood in front of Yuuri's desk.

The royal couple could now clearly see that the usually frowny man is not only smiling, he's positively beaming!

Before Yuuri or Wolfram could ask what good news they were bringing, an equally beaming Conrad 'spilled the beans'.

"Lord Laran Von Birgham has arrived in the palace. He asks permission to have an audience with His Highness and the Royal Consort," this piece of information was clearly not a surprise, let alone qualified as good news. But what was spoken next by the brown haired soldier nearly gave Yuuri a heart attack, "Lord Laran has decided to court Greta, Your Majesty."

"WHAT?!!!"

***

In one of Blood Pledge Castle's sitting room

Laran and Greta sat quietly on a handsome maroon sofa, facing Yuuri and Wolfram who were sitting on elaborately carved wooden chairs.

Wolfram's facial expressions was decorated with pink patches coloring his cheeks, very happy that Greta was also happy. While Yuuri… err, let's just say that a dark aura surrounds him. Very unsuitable for the happy occasion.

"Your Majesty, Your Excellency, thank you for accepting me in Blood Pledge Castle," said Laran, his voice shaking lightly. A soft hand grabbed his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Laran smiled at Greta who was smiling back at him.

"Ehm," Yuuri cleared his throat menacingly, the dark aura seems to be darker as he stood from his chair.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" asked Laran politely, his hand still entwined with Greta's.

"I heard from Conrad that you plan on courting my daughter, is that true?"

A piercing glare accompanied the question directed to Laran.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"But where did you meet my daughter?"

Before Laran could answer, Greta decided that it was best for her to answer.

"Please daddy, let me explain. Remember my birthday party a month ago? I met Laran that night and ever since that, I've been dating him!"

A nerve twitched on Yuuri's temple.

"And how come you've never told me you were 'dating' this man?"

"I didn't want to bother you with work! But I did tell Papa Wolfram!"

That broke the little patience Yuuri had left.

"You tell Wolfram, but you didn't tell me?! Am I such a horrible father that you did not tell me?!"

Now Wolfram stood and placed a comforting hand on Yuuri's shoulder.

"You wimp, I told Greta not to tell you. I know you'll take the news exactly like this. Can't you see that Greta has the right to be happy? What's the problem of our daughter marrying anyway? We were engaged when you were just fifteen and married in twenty!"

"Yeah, but-but" Yuuri attempted to find an excuse. Sadly, he couldn't find any.

"But what, hm?"

"All right, fine! I'll let you court Greta, with one condition!" growled Yuuri.

"I will do anything Your Majesty," replied Laran confidently, his voice not shaking anymore.

"Prove that you can protect Greta in one week!" and with a mad glint in his eyes he added "at all cost!"

With that, Yuuri grabbed Wolfram's hand and strode out of the room.

"I will prove it Your Majesty, as I said, I will do anything," said Laran.

But Yuuri nor Wolfram could here this statement. The princess sitting beside him did though, which made her blush a bright rosy color.

***

At first, the quest to prove that he could protect and be worthy to Greta was very easy for Laran. The task was of course, weird. He kept on asking himself if Heika was in his right mind at the moment, for the task doesn't involve protecting Greta in anyway…

First day of the task…

It was decided that Laran stay at Blood Pledge Castle. A room on the west wing was prepared for him, by the orders of Lady Celie who arrived with precise timing to see her granddaughter's soon to be fiancé. Clearly the idea of Greta sleeping in one roof with Laran horrified Yuuri to the bones. He ordered the maids, who had prepared the room ordered by Lady Celie, to move Laran to a room in one of the castles many towers. The highest tower.

Laran did not complain, if he was to climb 280 stairs to get to his room, then he will do it.

The first task was sent to him by a pigeon that soared into a window in Laran's bedroom in the morning. A red envelope sealed with the Maoh's emblem. He carefully opened the envelope, finding a letter hand written by Yuuri himself.

Your first task is to find a flower that only grows on the highest mountain in Shin Makoku. You should know about it, if not, well too bad for you. Bring the flower to me in the palace garden before sunset. A horse has been prepared and packed with food. If you arrive after sunset, bye-bye to you.

King Yuuri Shibuya

The 27th Maoh of the Great Demon Kingdom

***

In the palace garden…

The time for the task to end was nearing. Already the sun glowed bright red, illuminating the garden with red streaks of sunshine. Yuuri, Wolfram, and Greta was sitting on chairs surrounding a small table.

"Well Greta, there's no sign of Laran!" exclaimed Yuuri with a smug face.

"Yet, daddy. Laran's not here, yet. Besides, the sun hasn't set so he still has time."

Greta hid the fact that she herself was doubtful Laran could finish the task. It was not hidden well enough though, Wolfram noticed it.

"He'll be alright Greta. He loves you so much, this task is nothing for true love!" Wolfram smiled at his daughter, really trying to cheer her up.

Yuuri could only "Humph" a very good imitation of Wolfram.

"But Papa Wolfram, it is nearly sunset, and he's not here yet." Greta's eyes started becoming watery. When a tear glided down her cheek, sounds of hoofs could be heard.

"Well look who it is.." said Wolfram smiling.

Laran came galloping towards the royal family. His clothes were dirty with soil, and in his hand that was not controlling the reigns was a flower. A bright red flower that shimmered under the sun.

"Here is *pant* the *pant* flower * Your *pant* Majesty!"

Laran was on his knees with the flower in his hands stretched towards Yuuri, his smug face wiped off the moment he saw Laran.

"The next task will be delivered to you tomorrow," and with that, Yuuri took the flower from Laran's hand (who was still catching his breath) and placed it neatly on Greta's ear. After that, he walked away, carefully planning another task that he thought 'would drive Laran off the edge which made him cancel the engagement'. But he needs a partner. A partner to help him do this.

'I need someone to help me… But who?'

A/N: Ahahaha, so that was the second chapter! Who do you think could help Yuuri in his mission to torture Lord Laran? I had a hard time thinking what the tasks were... Maybe anyone could give me ideas? You would certainly help Yuuri finish his mission! (Yuuri: Yes, yes, let's torture Laran! evil laugh No one can take my baby away from me! evil laugh) Thanks, please review! :D Till next chapter!