Wow...I hate to say it, but, this is the last full chapter of An Honorable Man. I thought it might finish up in 8 chapters, and so it has, however, there will be an epilogue, because I'm just the kind of writer that needs to tie up every single last loose end. I want to take this time though to thank every one who has read this story, and those who have reviewed it. I really quite enjoyed writing it, and might even try my hand at another, possibly less serious fiction. You readers have been wonderful, and I thank you very very much. (Don't forget th post-script!) As usual, I don't own the Maou, or any of his pals, cause if I did--Gwendal would be very busy indeed!
Gwendal sat at his desk, his head in his head supported by his left hand and considered his options. None of them were particularly appealing at the moment. His daughter, bull-headed, opinionated, beautiful girl that she was, had been gone for four days, and he was certain that she would return soon. He had thought, at first, to send Yozak away on a mission, but realized quickly that would only exacerbate the problem. Anna would see it as an insult. So, for the past four days he had strategically given the spy duties that would keep him as far from Gunter as possible. As far as his old friend was concerned, Gwendal noticed that the adjutant threw himself into his job with an intense devotion. No detail of the castle re-fit was too small for Gunter to oversee, it would seem, and as a consequence of that, Gwendal had very little interaction with him. In the meantime, the king was fretting because his physician and his children's (both present and future) godfather were at cross-purposes. As a consequence of THAT, the king accomplished no work at all and spent all his time nursing the convalescing Conrad. Though, from the sounds emanating from that particular room, Gwendal had his doubts about how much rest was really being taken at any given time. Finally, it had become common knowledge that Yozak and the great sage had called a mutual, friendly halt to their not-so-secret relationship and his youngest brother was now the black-haired boy's shadow.
Gwendal had a headache…of massive proportions.
A sharp knock on his door dragged him from his thoughts. "Come in."
"Uncle Gwen!" Greta called as she dashed into the room. "Look Uncle Gwen, I have wings!"
Gwendal found himself with an arm full of boisterous little girl. He half-smiled down at the girl, and kissed the top of her head, while admiring the strange contraption strapped to her shoulders. "These are…wings?"
"Uh-huh!" Greta grinned up at him, her face squinting in delight. "Nana-Jennifer made them for me, watch what they can do!"
Greta jumped off his lap and ran around the room, pulling at strings attached to the feathered wings, making them flap. "I can fly! I can fly!" she giggled. "And I brought you a present, too!"
"A present, for me?" he asked, wishing just for a minute that she would turn her volume down just a few decibels.
"Yep. Look." The little girl produced a small bear from her pocket. It was yellow and had a little red shirt on. It looked suspiciously similar to the one he had secretly admired on his daughter's shirt.
"He's cute," Gwendal said, giving the girl a kiss. He put the little bear on his desk, propping it up next to his ink stand. "What's his name?"
"He's Winnie-the-Pooh! I brought the books about him, too, and I'm going to ask Anissina-sama when she comes home if she can put them through the translating-from-one-language-to-mazoku-lickety-split-evil-kun! so you can read them to me, ok? Nana-Jennifer read some to me, and they are so funny!"
"With pleasure, little one. So…did my daughter come back with you?" he asked, trying to appear nonchalant.
"Uh-huh! Yozak met us at Shinou's temple, brought us back here, and he and Cousin Anna went for a walk. Look at what I can do!"
Gwendal watched as she dashed out onto his balcony and called out "Oi! Kohi!" calling one of the skeleton soldiers. Begging a ride from the flying-bone-warrior, Greta wheeled around the skies above the castle, pulling the strings on her outfit, and flapping her wings. Gwendal smiled, just a little, at the sight. But, he was not pleased. He almost wished Anna had stayed away. The brightness Greta always brought to his life was certainly dimmed when he considered there was now no way to stave off the inevitable.
He kept an eye on Greta, his glare no doubt indicating to the kohi that if the bone-man were to make a mistake, the entire tribe would suffer. Because of his vantage point, therefore, Gwendal was the first to see Anna and Yozak return to the courtyard. It was clear that the spy was very upset, his arms gesturing in sharp motions, punctuating whatever he was saying. Gwendal had never actually seen the young man so distressed—not since he was a child. In contrast, his daughter was walking with long, easy stride, clearly listening, but not giving any accommodation to what the man was saying. Finally, the red-haired man stopped, and cradled Anna's cheeks between his hands, said something Gwendal couldn't hear, then bent his head to touch his forehead to hers. Then he shook his head sharply, and pulled her into a rough, tight embrace.
Gwendal watched as his little girl wrapped her arms around the taller man's waist, squeezing him, then shifting to extricate herself from the embrace. She touched his cheek, took the spy's hands in her own and kissed the backs of them. He flung his hands out of her grasp, turned his back, and lowered his head, one hand on his hip and shoulders slumped in defeat. Anna hugged him again, from behind this time, laying her cheek against the tall man's back. Yozak turned his face slightly and said something over his shoulder. Gwendal saw his daughter sigh, then he let out a small gasp of surprise when Anna unclasped Yozak's sword from his waist, the man refusing to help her with the heavy weapon. It looked enormous in her hands. She lay herself against his back again, and Gwendal could just make out the shape of her mouth moving. After a long moment, she turned and called up to Greta. Gwendal heard her shout then. The young child waved and Anna waved back, then disappeared into the castle. Gwendal noted that it was several minutes and one destroyed topiary shrub later, before Yozak disappeared between the arches that lead to the castle gates. What surprised him however, was the sight of Gunter, carrying a basket of Silent Gwendal, Anna's favorite flower, stepping out of the shadows. How much of that scene had his best friend witnessed? Gwendal guessed the he'd had seen it in its entirety, considering the beautiful man simply set his basket on a low wall and walked, with very slow steps, into the dark entrance of the castle, most directly situated with the library.
Enough. Gwendal called Greta back to his balcony. He escorted the little girl to the kitchens where she would be coddled, made-over, and generally spoiled by the maids, then strode through the castle until he came to the library. Gunter was standing by the window, staring through the panes, though Gwendal knew the man wasn't looking at anything tangible.
"There must be some way to stop this," he said, turning his gaze to Gwendal. "I can think of no way to actually prevent this duel, but I think I can make it last long enough to satisfy her, then just give up. What do you think?"
"I think she will know you threw the fight, and consequently, this will never end." Gwendal couldn't remember feeling this sad in many years.
"I am so sorry, Gwendal. This is all my fault."
"No one has ever said what brought this about between you two. What the hell happened, Gunter? This is my daughter!"
"When Conrad was slipping away, I went to find her. She was with Yozak. I was frustrated and told her that Conrad wouldn't have been in such bad shape if she had been with him instead of bedding Yozak."
Gwendal jerked back, as though he'd been slapped. "Bedding…Yozak?" he repeated, so outrageous was the comment that he had to make sure he heard the adjutant correctly.
Gunter nodded, his expression sad and somber.
"You really are a fool, Gunter Von Kleist."
"They were in bed together, Gwendal! I was just shocked."
"You saw them…in bed…together?"
"Well, not exactly," Gunter frowned. "Yozak opened the door, shirtless, pants undone, and Anna was shirtless, her hair was undone, and the bed was very rumpled."
"Gunter. I love you and that will never change. You have been my friend through all these long years. But, if your thoughtless comments and suppositions cost me my only daughter—I will be throwing the knife next, and I don't think that's something you want to face."
"I understand, Gwendal," Gunter whispered. Gwendal didn't press further as the man began to cry. His point had been made.
--O.o.O—
Conrad Weller was, unbeknownst to many people, a lusty man. He touched Yuri's face, stroking the soft skin of his king and beloved master. The last two days had done much to restore his former vigor, and it was becoming all he could do to keep from tackling the young man and fucking him until the boy couldn't walk. Ever since their first, rushed, passionate encounter, Yuri was by degrees comfortable with him, then suddenly a skittish virgin again. It was completely endearing, and also completely frustrating. The king responded to every one of Conrad's kisses, every touch, and every whispered promise—but his reticence was losing its charm. However, patience was a quality Conrad had cultivated in great quantities, and he was in no real rush to push Yuri to the next step of their relationship. And it was delightful to see the blushing cheeks of his young lover—well, lover in all ways except one. Conrad lived for each one of Yuri's gasped exclamations of discovery. He never really thought much of virgins before, but Conrad loved that each erotic bridge Yuri crossed found Conrad waiting for him—his first and only if Conrad himself had anything to say about it. Yes, Yuri was the Maou, his king, and indeed, his most beloved master. His will was Conrad's privilege to perform—everywhere except the privacy of this chamber, their world. In this place, when Yuri turned to him, it was to trust Conrad with everything that he had and Conrad guarded his Yuri, because no matter the status technically, Conrad knew that Yuri was his now, with unshakable resolve. He did not deserve the love of this gentle, beautiful creature, but Conrad Weller was, privately, a very greedy man, and he never intended to let his Yuri go.
"Conrad…?" Yuri's voice was troubled, bringing his soldier back to reality.
"What's wrong, love?"
"Someone's knocking."
He smiled down at his king. He knew someone was at the door, but truthfully, he was just hoping the person would just give up and leave. "Would you like me to open the door, Yuri, or would you like to just … ignore it?"
"Conrad, Heika—if it's not too much of an intrusion…?" Gwendal sounded more irritated than usual.
"I don't think we can ignore Gwendal," Yuri whispered.
"I suppose not." Conrad smiled down at Yuri, leaning his body over the king's for one long, lingering kiss. "I'll get it."
"Great timing, brother," Conrad muttered as he opened the door and Gwendal strode inside.
"I'll apologize later," Gwendal growled and pushed past Conrad. The tall man stood, facing the window and crossed his arms. "Heika, my daughter has returned, and yours too—"
"Yes, Greta came and had a cuddle with us, showed us her wings, and brought brownies from my mother for Conrad. She seems remarkably well-adjusted to the fright she experienced before."
"Yes, I saw her wings, too." Conrad could hear the frustration in his brother's voice.
"Has Anna's temper dulled at all?" he asked his brother.
"Not by one degree. It seems she is determined to go through with this madness. I have, now, discovered what brought this about in the first place."
"What happened?" the king asked.
"Apparently, Gunter thinks he saw evidence of an affair between Yozak and Anna, and called her professional ethics into it because of it. He intimated that she put you in danger, Conrad, when she was spending time with him."
"How…preposterous," Yuri said, puzzlement clear in his expression. "Anna barely left Conrad's side. Gunter even stayed in here with her that first night he was so torn up. What was he thinking?"
"He wasn't, Heika. Jealous men often do foolish things."
Conrad nodded in agreement with his brother. "I just can't believe it. Why would he think that of Yozak? He knows better—we ALL know better."
"Now, wait a minute," Yuri interrupted. "I know Yozak is hot and everything, but Anna is gorgeous! She was my first crush, you know. Everyone loves her so why would it be so unusual for Yozak to find her attractive?"
Conrad smiled, filing away Yuri's tiny confession for later blackmail purposes. "Because, Heika, Anna lacks certain qualities that Yozak considers essential in a partner."
"What do you mean, Nazukeoya?" Yuri asked, pouting. "Anna is great! What could she possibly be missing?"
"Well, Let's start with a penis and move on from there," Gwendal ground out.
Yuri blushed a fiery red and Conrad tucked him into his shoulder, giving the boy a chance to recover. "Yozak may be…promiscuous, but, his preferences are decidedly male, Yuri. Anna, Yozak and I grew up together," he said, gently, stroking the embarrassed boy's back. "Yozak and Anna are very comfortable with one another, but they are unlikely to be lovers."
"Have you and Yozak ever…?"
"Heika, I AM still here!" Gwendal grumbled.
"Oh, right…sorry, Gwendal." Yuri blushed again. "Well, what are we going to do about this? I don't want any fighting, especially not now that we have Conrad back."
"We cannot intervene, Yuri," Conrad said, smiling sadly at his love's crestfallen expression. "This tradition stands for a reason. And I am afraid Anna will be stubborn enough to see it through. Gunter, of course, is probably the best swordsman in the land—"
"You've defeated him, Conrad."
"Yes, well—I have someone for whom I will always fight, and a love to protect. I was just showing him that. But, I don't think Anna has probably picked up a sword since she left Shin Makoku, and that puts her at a distinct disadvantage."
"Heika," Gwendal's tone dampened the very air of the room with its sternness. "If something happens today, and Gunter is so rash as to cause injury to my daughter—I will claim his life as is a father's right. I just came to tell you that much."
Conrad tried to school his features into the normal placid mask he liked to adopt, but couldn't hide the shock he felt at his brother's words. Yuri looked at him, now completely distraught.
"No! Gwendal! You can't be serious. This situation is totally out of control," Yuri gasped. "I don't want the people I love to be so angry! Why can't we talk about this?"
The sound of a bell ringing filled the air. It was the great bell in the watchtower. "Too late," Conrad said quietly. "That's the signal to assemble."
--O.o.O—
Gunter would have given his entire fortune, his name, his legacy, even his right to be the godfather to the Maou's children in order to be anywhere other than where he stood right a that moment. He was alone, standing on the north end of the courtyard. And he had never felt more isolated from the people he loved. Yuri-Heika and Conrad were standing on the steps, the knight's hand protectively and possessively resting on the King's shoulder. His heart warmed to see the younger half-mazoku standing on his own feet, with sanity in his expression, but that happy feeling was short-lived when the younger man's guarded gaze fell on him. Gwendal was standing behind Anna, her back currently to Gunter, speaking to her in low tones that Gunter couldn't hear. Of course, if looks could kill, this duel would never begin because Yozak's unwavering gaze promised him a slow, torturous death. There was no one to stand with him, no one who would give him support. Even Wolfram and the Great Sage were shadowed far from him, apparently unwilling to even stand as witnesses to this event. Still, he did hope…he was alive and therefore there was still reason to hope…that something would intervene and prevent this useless battle.
"Anna," Yuri-Heika's voice was unsteady, and a glance at the Maou revealed tears. "Please don't fight with Gunter. I'm sure we can work this out. Your private life is your own business—"
"Forgive me, Heika," she said softly, interrupting him. "I have nothing to hide and nothing for which to be ashamed. I cannot, however, take the insult to my ethics so lightly. I may not be victorious, but I must be allowed to defend myself."
"Gunter," the Maou said, turning to him. "You can't be serious. Are you going to be so stubborn as to fight? Can't you just apologize?"
"I do not want this conflict, your majesty," Gunter agreed, never taking his eyes from the young woman who had now turned to face him. "I would gladly lay down arms this moment if Lady Von Voltaire so desires. I will not, however, run like a coward if she will not."
Anna shook her head slightly. She kicked off the strange flat shoes she was wearing and bounced a couple of times on the balls of her now bare feet. Gunter didn't know why, but he noticed that her dainty toenails were painted a bright pink. Then she stripped out of her over-sized shirt, revealing a form-fitting top that left her arms and stomach bare. Gunter didn't exactly recognize the clothes but he could see they were cut for ease of movement and comfort. It took almost all his self control not to wince as she struggled to release Yozak's sword from its scabbard. The spy was inordinately strong and swung a massive blade. It was too much for the young woman.
"Would you not be more comfortable with a lighter blade, my lady?" He asked, trying to prolong the beginning of the duel.
"I can handle it, k, thanks." She snapped at him. "I'm not the only one here you've insulted Gunter-sama."
"Girly—you don't have to prove anything to anyone here. Your credentials speak for themselves, and the most important one is standing right there with Yuri-Heika. You don't have to do this, Anna—please." Yozak's voice was harsh, thick with emotion, and Gunter felt an overwhelming hatred for the spy, just for a moment. It was all his damned fault anyway.
"The…These three things I remember," Anna said, holding out her hand. "I remember that she baked cookies for me, every day, after lessons. I remember that she braided my father's hair every night before they went to bed, and I remember the song she sang to me, every night before I went to sleep. If nothing else goes right today, I will remember these three things."
Gunter swallowed ineffectually at the lump in his throat, watching in silence as Conrad made his slow way down the steps to put his hand over the young woman's. "These three things I remember," the soldier said solemnly. "I remember that his whiskers were scratchy when he kissed my cheek. I remember that he could catch fish with his bare hands, and I remember the sound of his footsteps echoing in the hall when he came home. If nothing else goes right today, I will remember these three things."
He stared at Gwendal, knowing that his old friend's heart was breaking, just like his own, as he watched Yozak's weary shoulders slump. Gunter knew this game, the three had played it as children as a way to remember their deceased parents.
"These three things I remember," Yozak said, laying his palm atop Conrad's hand and standing close to the two other half-mazokus. "I remember that she cried at night when she thought I was asleep. I remember that she could never say my father's name with regret in her voice, and I remember that my mother loved me. If nothing else goes right today, I will remember these three things."
The three broke apart, Conrad returning to his place at Yuri-Heika's side, the young king turning his face into the tall man's shoulder. Yozak stalked across the courtyard and took up a position to the right rear of Gunter, not looking at anyone directly, and Anna finally took her position.
"Because Lady Von Voltaire has no maryoku, magic is forbidden in this contest," Gwendal said, in a toneless voice. "Victory is by defeat or death. Fight with honor."
Gunter raised his sword in salute, inclined his head, then turned to face his opponent. Anna struggled for a moment, then used two hands to lift the heavy sword up in a wavering salute, and turned to face Gunter from across the courtyard.
"What is that you're wearing…on the ring in your navel?" He asked suddenly, hoping against all things in all the worlds that it was a tiny piece of magic stone that could be used to call this contest off.
Anna's laugh was bitter, sardonic, and Gunter never wanted to hear that sound again. "I had my belly-button pierced shortly after I landed on earth, while it is a common custom today, it certainly wasn't then. But, I was so homesick, I wanted something to remember everything that was good about Shin Makoku. This is common earth gemstone, Gunter-sama, nothing magic, rare or expensive. It's called an amethyst, and I chose it because it reminded me of your beautiful eyes. Above all things in Shin Makoku—I missed those eyes the most."
Before Gunter could say anything or move, Anna was flying at him with all her speed, kicking up little whirls of dust around her bare toes. Her shoulders were strong and her muscles were already straining against the weight of Yozak's sword. But, she managed to lift it, unwieldy though her form might have been, and attacked him with a look of fierce determination on her face. He managed to block her attack, marveling that the lighter woman was able to move him back two full steps. He concentrated on blocking her slow attacks, being careful not to overbalance her as he parried her thrusts.
"Stop playing with me!" she hissed as their blades crashed together again. "I can tell you're phoning it in, and I don't appreciate it."
"I don't understand what you're saying—the phrases you use," he said, pushing her back. "I don't understand you anymore!"
She swung her blade in a lazy arc. "You've never understood me."
He deflected her blow easily. "That's not true. We used to be close; you used to talk to me."
Droplets of sweat made her face shine in the sun. She hurled herself at him again, their blade's crossing, ringing out loud. "You treat me like a kid!"
Gunter shifted his grip and slid away from her, circling her slowly. "You were a child! How else should I have treated you?"
Her face was wet, but Gunter knew it wasn't perspiration.
"You laughed at me, Gunter-sama…I told you how I felt, the secret of my heart, and you laughed at me." She swung wildly again, but he misjudged the distance and felt the blade bite into his shoulder. The cut wasn't deep but it made him wince.
"I never laughed at you," he whispered, bewildered. "You just left Shin Makoku, and you never even said goodbye."
"I told you I loved you, and you laughed at me—right here in this fucking courtyard! You don't even remember."
Gunter parried another series of awkward advances while sifting through his memories. Was she serious? He remembered a night, shortly before she left, when she walked with him in the courtyard—remembered that she hugged him, after a somewhat disappointing meeting with a potential suitor, and then she had muttered something about always loving him, and that he was the reason her date had failed. Was that it? He laughed because he thought it was his interference that had ruined her evening.
"I didn't know—"
She stumbled then, and the point of his outstretched blade nicked the back of her shoulder blade.
"Enough!"
Gunter found himself unable to move, suddenly lifted high in the air, retrained by a vicious looking water dragon. "Anna!" he shouted. She called back to him, and through the now whipping winds and the thunderclaps overhead, Gunter saw that she, too, was suspended in the air, held by a twin dragon to the one that restrained him.
"Heika!" Gwendal shouted.
Gunter looked down and saw that his beloved Yuri-Heika was standing on the ground between the two dragons, his hair having lengthened, and his beautiful black eyes shone with slitted pupils. This was the Maou in all his glory!
"Foolish children, bickering and fighting amongst yourselves, ignoring the pleas of those who love you—how far will you go?! Will you separate daughter from father, or comrades from that filial affection that is so necessary? The arrogant pride that nurtures enmity between those who should be at peace is the downfall of many nations. Hands that exist to heal taking up a sword, hands that exist to protect drawing a blade against the very one those hands should shelter is not acceptable. It is only through love and friendship that this world will stand—to break the bonds of family is to break the bonds of love. It is not in my nature to destroy life, but you must be punished. Therefore, I decree that Gunter Von Kleist and Yozak Gurrier will clasp hands in friendship and camaraderie once more! Gunter Von Kleist and Anna Von Voltaire will kiss and make up. This is my will, let it be done and Justice be served!"
As suddenly as Gunter had been lifted into the air, the water dragons collapsed and he was washed across the courtyard. He was deposited at the red-haired spy's feet. The younger man looked down at him, his face sliding into his trademark grin, as he scratched the back of his neck. "Looks like the kiddo doesn't want us to fight, eh?"
Gunter nodded weakly, and the man extended a hand to pull him to his feet. "I never seduced her, you know," Yozak whispered in his ear, leaning close. "She had a bath and took a short nap in my bed, your excellency, and I protected her, the way I have done since we were kids. I thought you knew she wasn't my type."
"I am…sometimes…a foolish, emotional being, Yozak," Gunter admitted. "But even if she was your type, it was not my place to judge. You have my apology."
"Not needed, Gunter-sama. I think there's room enough in her heart for both of us, no?"
He nodded, and walked with the spy back to where Anna was currently, even in her wet state, checking over Yuri-Heika, who had come back to himself. "Forgive me, your majesty," she said, smiling at the boy. "I'm such a stubborn jackass—I take after my Uncle Conrad, you see."
The Maou grinned back at the young woman. "Just don't do it again, ok? My heart can't take it."
"No more duels with Gunter-sama," she winked. "That's a promise."
The Maou rested in Conrad's arms, and when Anna had finished prodding at him, she turned to Gunter. He was careful not to approach her, still unsure at his reception.
"I ask your forgiveness, too, Gunter-sama. I should have let all this go a long time ago." She smiled at him, wrapping her arms around his waist and holding him tight. Gunter didn't feel wet or cold anymore.
"Maybe, in future, we could talk if you are upset with me?" He asked. "I also wanted to say, you did really well for wielding a blade much too heavy for you."
"Talking is good, and, yeah, I'm made for finer cuts—surgery, you know? I'll leave the bad-ass sword slinging to you, ok?"
"Ok."
"You two have not performed the Maou's will," Gwendal said, coming up behind the company, scowl firmly in place.
"Papa! I'm sure the Maou's words were figurative. I believe Gunter-sama and I have made our peace." Anna paused long enough to dig through a bag on the stairs. She retrieved several implements. Gunter acquiesced silently as she tugged at his clothes—taking his jacket and shirt off so she could clean and dress his wound. It wasn't anything more than a scratch, but she was methodical. She turned her back to him, passing him the disinfectant swabs and something she called a band-aid. He cleaned her scratch, letting his fingers linger over her warm skin until she shivered just a little. He put the small bandage in place. It had a little white kitten on it. He smiled, she was just like her father, a sucker for cute things.
"Certainly, we can forgo the kiss, Papa—it's merely a formality. After all, we can just be friends now, can't we, Gunter-sama?"
Just. Friends.
Gunter turned the phrase over in his mind. It did not inspire within him a sense of happiness, but it was, perhaps, a start. He looked down into the smiling woman's eyes, and wondered if they'd always been such a fetching shade of blue? Instead of answering her with words, Gunter slowly lowered his chin. Her face was upturned, but she didn't seem to understand his intent until his lips settled over her own. After the merest brush of their lips, he felt her begin to pull away, but he was not so ready to part. He slid a hand up her back to support her head, bent her back over his other arm, and leaned in to kiss her thoroughly. He explored every silky, tantalizing inch of her lips, then flicked his tongue out to trace the seam. When she startled, opening her mouth in shocked surprise, he took the opportunity to further his sensual exploration. She made a small sound in the back of her throat and he caught it lovingly in his mouth, slowly receding from her mouth, finishing with a small series of licks and nips before finally drawing her back up to standing.
When he let her go, the beast inside of him protested, then purred again as she stumbled into him, looking more than a little dazed. He put his arms around her and held her until she shook her head and came back to herself.
"Gunter. The Maou said to kiss her and make up, not perform an internal examination."
Gwendal's voice drew his attention, and he smiled at his best friend, not in the least apologetic.
"Um, ok. Well, I think that covers the kiss and make up portion of the afternoon," Anna said to no one in particular. "I think I'm just going to…do something…over there somewhere…yeah. I'll read a book. Sure. See you guys."
Gunter caught her in his hands as she passed, gently turning her in the opposite direction. "The library is that way, little one," he cooed in her ear.
"That way?" she asked, her voice vague. "Sure, ok."
Yozak's laughter was infectious. "Come on, girly. I'll take you."
"Sure, ok."
Gunter waited until Anna and Yozak were out of sight before he turned back to a relatively stunned Gwendal, Conrad and Yuri-heika. "Who's the sexy one now?" he smirked.
--O.o.O—
"Well, that turned out ok, didn't it, Conrad?" Yuri asked, flopping back on their bed and stretching.
"Better than ok, Yuri. Only you could have pulled that off."
The young king rolled onto his side and propped his head on his hand. His handsome soldier was standing in front of the chair slowly unbuttoning his shirt. Yuri's throat went suddenly dry. As Conrad shrugged out of the cloth, revealing bare shoulders and a strong back, Yuri knew he would never see a more tempting sight than his knight without clothes. Conrad's strong thighs flexed as he toed off his boots, his socks followed quickly. How did he do that without his hands, Yuri wondered. Every time the boy tried to take his own socks off with his feet, he always tripped and ended up falling on his face or his butt.
Then Conrad turned around, leaning back against the desk, the flat planes of his bare chest standing out in relief, and the ripple of his tight abs providing another visual distraction for the Maou. Yuri couldn't help it. His eyes were glued to Conrad's fingers as the soldier let one hand trail down his flat stomach to the waistband of his trousers. One quick flick of fingers and the first button came undone.
"Are…are you teasing me, Conrad?" Yuri whispered, moving against the bed to try and ease the pounding of his heart.
"Why do you ask, love?" Conrad's voice was all innocence. "Do you feel like laughing?"
"No…" Yuri swallowed as Conrad's fingers flicked again and a second button came undone.
"Then, what's on your mind…Heika."
Yuri shivered at his soldier's intimate tone. "It's Yuri, Conrad—now isn't the time to forget it!"
"Mmm? Is that so?" Another flick of fingers, another button undone—only two left. "What is it time for, then, Yu-uri?"
Yuri blushed flame-red when he saw Conrad's fingers slide into his trousers, the motion slow and seductive. Was he…Oh God, he was! Conrad was stroking his cock right in front of the young man, and it was the sexiest thing Yuri had ever seen.
"Conrad…!" he gasped out, suddenly very jealous of that hand. He wanted to touch, too.
"Yes, Yuri? What do you want, love?" The tall man slid his hand out of his pants, and slowly sauntered toward the bed. Every movement brought his trousers down just a touch lower on his hips. Yuri could see Conrad's fingers catch the light, they were slightly damp, especially his thumb. As if in a dream, Yuri opened his mouth as Conrad kneeled close to him on the bed, towering over the king. The soldier slowly traced Yuri's parted lips with his thumb, then gently pushed the digit into Yuri's mouth. The king gasped, and started to suckle Conrad's thumb, running his tongue over warm skin, reveling in the masculine, musky taste.
"What do you want," Conrad whispered in a husky voice that caused flames of desire to lick up and down Yuri's nerves. He slipped his wet hand away from Yuri's mouth and trailed his fingers down the king's neck.
"I want…I want you," Yuri gasped out, hardly able to believe he'd finally voiced the words.
"Do you?" Conrad asked, bending down with deliberate stealth, until his hands were supported on either side of Yuri's head, then he straddled the young man. He hesitated, lips nearly brushing against Yuri's ear. "Show me how much, love."
Yuri's heart slammed into his ribs, threatening, he thought, to burst from his chest. He was surrounded by heat, the protective cage of Conrad's body radiating warmth and enveloping him in his love's unique scent. When Conrad kissed him, Yuri arched off the bed, eager to get as close to the man he loved as possible. His clothes felt hot and itchy, and much too confining. He wanted Conrad to take them off, but his knight seemed content to tease him, kissing him with passion that drugged the young Maou into a daze. Every so often, Conrad's lightly rocking hips would come close enough to press into Yuri's, barely grazing the king's aching erection with his own hard length. Yuri didn't know a man could move his hips like that.
Making a sound of frustration, Yuri started pulling at his own clothes, keeping his lips glued to the man who was driving him to erotic madness. He must have taken too long, he supposed, because without warning, Conrad reared up again, grabbed his hips, and literally tore his trousers and underwear down his legs, somehow managing to use the leverage to slide them all the way off—his loose shoes included.
"But…I…Conrad, it's the middle of the afternoon!"
"All the better, Yuri. I want to see you—all of you. Would you deny me?"
"N…Never. I love you."
Yuri felt naked, exposed before the older man's very hungry gaze. It was uncomfortable, but, Conrad's half-lidded eyes and smoky glances gave him a little confidence. When his soldier, his love, grabbed his legs and wrapped them around his hips, Yuri was overwhelmed. He never imagined he could feel another man's seductive power in this way.
"I love you, too, koi," Conrad purred, stroking Yuri's thighs. "Take off your shirt."
Conrad was pleased when his skittish young lover obeyed his command. Something had shifted inside of him after watching the duel this afternoon. The Maou, in his kingly form was attractive, sexy, and filled with raw sensuality, but it was Yuri he loved. Sure, he knew they were one being, but it was Yuri's gentle heart, Yuri's almost naïve belief in the power of love that finally pushed Conrad over the edge. He came into the room with every intention of seducing his young king, and making the young man his own. He didn't want to wait any longer to possess the beautiful boy in every way.
Yuri's legs stayed locked around him as he pressed the king down into the bed using his own body weight. He stoked Yuri's passionate fire with soft kisses, lingering caresses and teasing nips. Every so often he would circle his hips, bringing his hard member into contact with the King's erection, sending jolts of sensation through them both.
Yuri's shy touches soon grew into bold caresses and Conrad groaned as his soon-to-be lover reached between them to touch him. "You're so beautiful, Yuri," he whispered against the boy's neck, rolling them so he could bear most of their weight on one arm. He stretched the other arm above Yuri's head and reached for the small bottle that Anna had left for him. It took some fumbling, but Yuri didn't seem to notice since Conrad was still kissing the boy senseless. It wasn't until Conrad had slipped a lube-slicked finger between the king's legs to tease his tight opening that the younger man's eyes flew open and he gasped.
"Do you want me to stop, Yuri?" Conrad asked seriously. He would rather cut off his own left arm rather than stop, but, Yuri would have to make the final decision.
The king's face was flushed, his chest heaving trying to catch his breath, and Conrad tenderly kissed the young man's eyelids. "I want you, Yuri, I won't lie. I want to slide inside of you and ride you all night long. In the morning, I want to wake you up and take you again, and again, until we're both spent and exhausted. I love you, and I'm never going to have my fill of you."
"Yes," the boy breathed, pushing back against Conrad's hand. "Please, Conrad. I want to be yours. Make me yours."
"Do you mean it, baby," Conrad whispered against Yuri's ear, feeling a shudder of desire ripple through the king. "Do you want to be all mine, always?"
"Yes!"
Conrad could tell Yuri was serious, even if he didn't yet have the vocabulary to fully express himself. Moving away from his lover, Conrad held his weight on his knees. He stared at the beautiful young man, drinking in the sight of his black eyes, darkened even further with passion, his kiss-stung lips, his messy hair. Yuri was wriggling a little, saying with his whole body that he wanted Conrad closer to him again. Savoring the moment, Conrad gathered the rest of his courage, and slapped Yuri's left cheek.
The stars cleared from the king's eyes, and he stared at Conrad. The knight held that look for as long as he could—he wanted an answer that wasn't just a passionate response fueled by intense foreplay. Tears slid down Yuri's cheeks, but Conrad knew he hadn't hit the boy that hard.
"Do…do you really mean it, Conrad?"
"Yes, Yuri." He said seriously. "I want everything I've told you and more, much much more. You're not a dalliance. You are the love of my life, and I want you for mine."
"Yes," Yuri whispered, smiling up at him. "I'll marry you and no other, Conrad Weller."
Conrad felt his heart begin to glow, a contentment washing through him that did nothing to dispel the aching want in his uniform trousers, if anything, it just turned him on that much more. Yuri wouldn't be just his lover now, but his beloved husband.
Resuming his sensual seduction of the Maou, Conrad quickly shifted out of his own pants. He pressed kisses to every inch of Yuri's slim frame, licking and biting the younger man's easily discovered sensitive spots. He loved how open Yuri was, how eager for his touch. This time, when he rubbed a finger over Yuri's sensitive opening, he pressed inside, earning a long moan from the younger man. Conrad was slightly surprised when Yuri bucked his hips back against his hand, as though he couldn't get enough contact with him. It took time, and patience, but a second, then third finger inside of his lover eased his virginal resistance. Conrad knew that Yuri couldn't help the hot tears that soaked his shoulders, but another whispered plea in the soldier's ear convinced him to end their shared torment.
Positioning himself between Yuri's legs, Conrad purred in contentment when Yuri locked his legs around his back. He pushed gently, easing the head of his member inside of Yuri's body. The boy's body clamped down on his cock and Conrad nearly lost control.
"So hot," he murmured in Yuri's ear. "Relax, my love, it will feel better soon, I promise."
"I'm…I'm ok, Conrad." The boy was breathing very hard. "Just…give me a minute."
The soldier waited until the younger man moved beneath him before he pulled back a fraction then thrust his hips forward again. Sliding a hand between their bodies, Conrad began to tease Yuri's length until the boy was hard as steel, and his need to release allowed his body to relax enough to give Conrad the chance to thrust fully inside. He knew he hit the right spot when the king tensed then let out a long moan.
"You like how that feels, Yuri?"
"Again, please…Conrad, do that again!"
And the king's soldier was more than happy to oblige. He couldn't believe how good it felt, being one with the man he loved, rocking in and out, finding the rhythm that made them both cry out from the sensation. Conrad grit his teeth, trying to make it last as long as he could, but he'd wanted this for so long, he felt like he was melting in Yuri's soft heat. He timed his strokes with the motion of his hand, reveling in Yuri's hoarse cries as the younger man barreled toward his climax. Conrad felt Yuri shudder beneath him, and the boy leaned up suddenly, sinking his teeth into the skin over Conrad's collar bone. That was all it took, the pain pushing him over the edge. He felt Yuri's hot semen spill over his hand only moments before he let his hips move of their own accord and he drove into his boy, his whole body jerking as his own orgasm tore through him.
He was shaking, but Conrad still managed to gently ease them both onto their sides so he wouldn't crush Yuri beneath them. He rained gentle kisses over the boy's lips, cheeks, nose and brow. "I love you, Yuri…I love you so much," he whispered over and over again. As his mind cleared, he worried he might have hurt the young Maou.
"Are you ok, Yuri? Was…I too rough?"
Yuri snuggled into his chest, licking and kissing his throat. "I'm so much better than ok. I don't care if I'm sore in the morning…I want to do that again!"
Conrad chuckled breathlessly, still experiencing small aftershocks and twitches. "We'll do it again, Yuri—I promise."
"Nap first?" His lover asked in a sleepy voice.
"Absolutely."
"Conrad?"
"Yes, love?"
"Is this our happily ever after?"
Conrad smiled down on his fiancé. "No, Yuri—this is the beginning. Happily ever after starts now and lasts for all our lives."
--O.o.O—
In the deep stillness, the dark hours of the night, one man was awake in Blood Pledge Castle, boot heels softly clicking against stone as he walked the halls. Coming to a stop before the portrait of the woman he loved with all his being, Gwendal Von Voltaire allowed himself a small, private smile.
"Well, Abby," he said softly. "Another year has passed and I'm here, still. It looks like you were right—the Maou will marry my brother, and apparently the right one. Wolfram is happy, thanks to the Great Sage. Gunter still cries a good bit, but he is thrilled about being the royal godfather, and I think Anna may be coming home to stay."
"Ah, Gwendal my love, I never doubted it for a moment. I've been watching, and I knew you would make things right."
He turned his head, just barely able to catch the shadow that lingered near his right shoulder. He walked to the balustrade, and leaned his weight on his forearms, looking down into the main entranceway. The shadow followed.
"I thought we were going to lose Conrad there for a while."
"I knew you wouldn't."
Gwendal sighed. He could still hear the sweet sound of her voice, but her shape was not as clear as it had been a few years ago. As though reading his thoughts the shadow laughed lightly.
"I will fade away over time, Gwendal, we both know that—but I'm still here."
"I miss you. I miss you every day."
"I miss waking with you."
"What do you think about Anna?"
"She is the daughter we have raised her to be. She is strong and good, just like her father."
"She's beautiful, just like her mother."
"You always did know how to sweet talk me. Look at the stars, Gwendal. They're beautiful tonight."
He looked up into the night sky, and admired the twinkling orbs. "…when the king in his castle sleeps contented in the arms of an honorable man. I admit, I was skeptical at first, but I think Yuri-heika will be the best Maou Shin Makoku will ever see."
"And you will continue to watch over them all, just the way you always have."
"This is the last time I'll see you, isn't it?"
"I told you, my love, the day I died, when the king in his castle sleeps contented in the arms of an honorable man, peace will come to Shin Makoku."
"It's not enough. It will never be enough."
Gwendal felt cool air brush over his face, touching his tears.
"You are my heart, Gwendal Von Voltaire."
"And you are my life, Abigail Von Voltaire." He sighed again, whispering. "…when the king in his castle sleeps contented in the arms of an honorable man."
fin
Well, there it is: 8000+ words of last chapter. I'll post the epilogue tonight or tomorrow and then we really can close the book on this one. I do promise laughs in the epilogue, and probably some cross-dressing. Thanks again, so very much, for reading!