So I imagined the whole ball room scene to be paired with the song, nights in White Satin by the Moody Blues, so if you want some chilling effect, listen to the song when the part starts.
Oh God this was it.
Today was the day.
The day he would show himself to his whole kingdom and rulers from several other kingdoms in at least, ten years.
To say King Berwald was nervous was a colossal understatement.
Tino watched, slightly bemused, as his King paced restlessly back and forth. Both were still in their sleeping cloths and were supposed to be getting ready. The guests would be there in a short time.
"Berwald... come on, don't worry, they'll all love you," Tino tried, he took hold of his King's shoulders to stop him.
Berwald gazed at him and shook his head, "No, they'll all be 'fraid, I know it! This was a terrible idea," he growled more to himself.
"Berwald, stop." Tino's commanding voice made the King pause. "You need to calm down." In a much softer tone he added, "You're worrying to much, who knows, maybe they'll be more like me. Unafraid," he said and took Berwald's chin. He stood up on his toes and kissed the king.
Berwald returned the gesture and pulled away with a shaky sigh, "Thank you," the King smiled softly and Tino felt his insides flutter.
"'Lright, I'll go get dressed, you should do the same," The large man's voice was soft, barely a whisper and he bent down and kissed the knight's head. He grabbed his attire and went behind a curtain across the room.
Tino sighed happily and turned to his own cloths. As he pulled off his shirt his mind began to wonder and soon his smile turned to a frown.
If he was perfectly honest with himself, Tino would say he was extremely nervous about the ball as well. Sure he could keep an eye on Berwald, but he couldn't do so one-hundred percent of the time.
There would be moments when Berwald was alone with someone, possibly someone dangerous.
Tino shuddered when he remembered the attack on his King's life a week and a half ago.
What if he wasn't as quick to reach Berwald next time? What if he was to late?
Tino shook those disturbing thoughts from his mind and latched his cape to his armor.
"Ber?"
"Yeah?" came the answer behind the curtain.
"I'm just gonna go check on everything ok? I'll meet you at the ball."
There was a slight pause, "'Lright, see ya there Tino."
Tino almost felt sad at leaving Berwald, but he knew he had to check through all of the security details with Alfred and Matthaius.
He walked swiftly liking the way his cape swirled behind him. It always made him feel bigger. Tino had always been small for his age, because of this, most underestimated his fighting prowess and skills. He used this to his advantage and always came out to be the victor.
Finally, he reached the throne room and nodded with an impressed smile when he saw the large room was set with a long table in the shape of a rectangular u. Plates, utensils, and cups were set at each place. Berwald's place was at the outside center of the u. His place was set with his chair the same as everyone else's. Around him was where the other king's and their consorts would be seated.
Flags hung from the rafters, a symbol of a shield with a golden lion embossed on them, shining with gold and blue thread.
"Do you like it, Sir Tino," King Francis said from his left.
Tino smiled, "Everything looks great. I'm sure Berwald's going to love it," he spotted Alfred and Mattaius talking by the entrance of the hall.
He excused himself and hurried over to them.
"Is everything ready?" He asked.
Alfred nodded, "Yup, guards will be stationed at each corner and entrance to the dinning hall. Several guards will be surveying people as they walk into the hall and they will inform me of anyone suspicious. Once dinner is over and everyone moves to the ballroom, the layout will be much the same. And of course, you will be keeping a specially close eye on his majesty, right?" Alfred and Matthaius snickered.
Tino blushed and punched them both, "Yeah well, if only for his safety."
Matthaius and Alfred laughed, "Sure Tino," they said and Alfred clapped him on the back.
"I'm going to go check on Lukas," Matthaius said and left with a smile to both.
Alfred leaned in close, "So, you sticking with the plan?"
Tino decided to feign ignorance, "Plan? What plan?"
Alfred frowned, "To tell Ber of your love for him, of course!"
Tino turned away stubbornly, "I don't know what you are talking about."
Alfred scoffed, "Yeah sure T."
Tino glanced out the window and saw the sun going down and knew all of the guests would be arriving soon.
Nothing seemed able to calm Tino of his nerves, as the time for his confession grew closer.
/?/
"His Majesty King Gilbert and consort Mathew!' The voice announced.
The albino and the blond were the last royalty to arrive and Gilbert marched up to Berwald's throne and though his bow was short his lover's was much deeper.
"So this is the mysterious King, I've heard so much about," Gilbert saw Berwald raise an eyebrow, "He seems alright. Though not as awesome as me!" He added with a haughty though somewhat shaky laugh.
Berwald bowed in turn, "Welcome to my home," he said.
Mathew bowed again, "I must apologize for my fiancé, he is like this with everyone."
There was a ghost of a smile on Berwald's face, "But of course." He paused for a moment and surveyed his surroundings, proud how the common folk and royalty alike mingled in the somewhat comfortable atmosphere. Though no one came up to him and started a conversation.
His head chef ran up to him and bowed shakily, "The food is ready your majesty."
Berwald nodded and raised his voice above the chatter, "The food is ready, if you could all take your seats," his voice boomed like thunder.
Tino watched from his corner and frowned when he saw more than a few people flinch and shiver with fear. He even saw King Feliciano hide behind his husband King Ludwig.
The knight gazed back to his own King and smiled.
Berwald was the epitome of grace and poise. Despite the obvious whispers and shivers of fear whenever he neared someone. The King hid his nervousness and sadness well. The only reason Tino could tell it was there was because of the slight pull and the corner of his king's eyes, and the slight crease between his brows.
It made the knight sad, knowing how hard Berwald was trying and how much he wanted to be liked and accepted. To know that, even after seeing the King and his kindness, people's opinion of him had changed very little.
Tino was slightly happier with the royalty of the party.
King Ludwig had been cordial and polite, even somewhat stiff, but he had heard that was simply how the King was. Ludwig's husband, King Feliciano was the polar opposite. The little man was bright and open, though he shook visibly and his voice trembled when he had thanked Berwald for his invitation.
Tino glanced to the other side of Feliciano, to his brother King Lovino and his husband King Antonio. Those two had been interesting.
At first Lovino had refused to bow to Berwald saying they were both King's and it made no sense to bow to one another. Then he had smacked his husband in the back when King Antonio had practically begged him to just bow and instead decided to hang all over his lover. Then Lovino had sent Antonio crashing to the floor when he had shrugged him off.
Feliciano then admonished his brother and finally gotten him to bow. All the while Feliciano apologized with enthusiastic fear.
Berwald had shaken his head and even agreed with Lovino and simply gave the other King a head tilt, which was returned.
Emperor Wang was an impressive sight, dressed in beautiful golden robes embroidered with dragons of red silk. His bow was low and filled with respect. He thanked Berwald for the invitation and went to go talk with King Francis.
Tino, again glanced around and was quickly becoming bored, seeing as nothing was happening. So he simply entertained himself by staring at his king, subtly of course.
King Berwald's attire was regal and fit him perfectly. He wore a dark blue tunic on over his chain mail (Tino insisted he wear it). His cloak was an even darker blue, almost midnight. He looked absolutely stunning with his golden crown, embedded with sapphires and diamonds.
Tino had accepted that he was falling head over heals in love with the King. He only hoped he had the courage to reveal his obvious secret.
/?/
"Dance with me my love!" Gilbert shouted, downing another goblet of wine and twirling his love.
"Gilbert, really I think you have had enough," Mathew said, attempting to take the wine.
"Pfft, nah! M' not even drunk," he said and backed into his brother, who took the goblet. Ludwig whispered something into his brother's ear.
Gilbert turned white and shook his head. He turned back to Mathew and started dancing, a little more steadily this time.
Ludwig nodded and turned back to his own lover, who stole the goblet and drained it. Feliciano then attempted to grab at his lovers rear and was quickly admonished.
King Francis was dancing with several ladies at once and seemed quite happy to be there.
Whilst King Lovino kept trying to push his, very, drunk lover off him.
Emperor Wang was dancing gracefully with Dr. Kiku, and both seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Listen to nights in White Satin by the Moody Blues
Nights in white satin,
Never reaching the end,
Letters I've written,
Never meaning to send
Berwald was surveying all of this as he stood alone near his throne. There was a small, but obvious circle of space between him and the rest of the people as they avoided the King.
The King was doing his very best to keep all of the pain and sadness in his heart, from exploding out. He was angry with his life and frustrated with himself.
These people, his people, depended on him to protect them, and all he did was make them afraid.
Beauty I'd always missed
With these eyes before
Just what the truth is
I can't say anymore
His fists rolled into balls and his teeth clenched in anger. He wished to God that he hadn't been given this curse. His rage blew out in a single sigh. Perhaps, it would've been better if he hadn't been born at all.
Suddenly there was a hand on his and his head whipped up.
Tino smiled up at him from his side.
There was murmurs and whispers from the surrounding crowd, but Berwald didn't care. Tino was here, in his circle of pain and he made all of it go away.
Berwald swallowed the lump in his throat and smiled.
'Cause I love you,
Yes, I love you
Oh, how, I love you
Tino smiled wide, "Let's dance."
Berwald's eyebrows disappeared into his hair line and he was led away with a bemused expression.
No one had ever asked him to dance before.
The quick paced music stopped suddenly and was replaced by a soft melody that wafted through the air.
Gazing at people
Some hand in hand
Just what I'm going through
They can't understand
Tino had taken Berwald's hand and looked over his shoulder to see Alfred standing near the music group giving him a thumbs up.
Tino smiled appreciatively and returned his attention back to his King.
There was a smile in the large man's eyes that seemed to brighten the room.
Gazing into those pools of sea green Tino knew for sure it was love.
Some try to tell me
Thoughts they cannot defend,
Just what you want to be
You will be in the end
The knight and the King payed no mind at how everyone watched them, how all eyes were on the two, nor how there was small whispers.
There was only each other, neither noticed anything but the other as they danced in perfect time to the music.
And I love you
Yes, I love you
Oh, how I love you
"Berwald... there's something I have to tell you," Tino whispered.
Nights in white Satin
Never reaching the end
Letters I've written
Never meaning to send
"I have t' tell you somthin' too, Tino," Berwald said.
Beauty I'd always missed
With these eyes before
Just what the truth is
I can't say anymore
"Berwald..." Tino gather his courage, "Berwald I-"
There was a sudden scream of fear and the music cut off abruptly.
Cause I love you
The crowd parted in complete silence and the room was palpable with fear, not directed to Berwald.
Yes, I love you
Tino and Alfred's men drew their swords and the knight stood in front of his king.
Oh, How I love you.
A tall bulky man with a red scarf walked through the crowd and into the space where Berwald and Tino had been dancing.
Oh, How I love you.
Berwald fell back a step one name falling from his shocked lips, "Ivan."
'Cause I love you,
Yes, I love you
Oh, how, I love you
Thanks for reading R and R!