I'd really like to thank my new readers, reviewers, alerters and all that. You guys make writing even more fun for me. I'm really glad to see this story taking off so well! From the moment I began this story months ago up until the moment I finished, I'd hoped more than anything that this would be a well enjoyed story. Thank you so much~!

Kismet

Chapter Nineteen: To Fayldyr

"Snap out of it, Lovino!" Femke shouted, watching him walk fast paced down the hallway, straight for Antonio's office. She grabbed his hand and only then did she see the pained look in his eyes "Don't go take it out on him … he doesn't know …"

"I don't care! I don't fucking care, Femke! That ... that … I want them out of the castle now!" he started storming away again, but Femke stopped him.

"Lovino! I'm sure Antonio will send her away … you need to calm down. If you go bursting in there, you could ruin everything you have with him."

Lovino shook with anger, "Fine. I'm … I'm going to my room. I'll … I'll see you whenever."

Femke sighed and watched him walk away defeated. She knew he loved Antonio more than anything else. Losing him … would probably be the end for him. He couldn't find his brother and she and her mother could never fill a void left in Antonio's place. She bit her lip and prayed for Antonio and Lovino.

The Illonian unlocked the door to his room and let out a sigh at the cold room. Even in summer, this room felt icy. Nothing was familiar about it. He was only ever in here when he was grabbing his clothing or taking the old clothing to the laundry room.

He made his way to the stiff bed and collapsed onto the thick blanket. The last time he even touched the bed was to pull the sheets off to be cleaned, so to make it seem that he did sleep there.

His eyes slid shut and he gripped the blanket roughly. Why was everything going so wrong now? It had been so perfect and wonderful, but … it was like waking up from a dream. He was dazed from the wonderful, promising images, but reality was setting in. Antonio was the fucking king. Even if he had promised to never marry, who said he wouldn't go back on the promise. He needed an heir to keep the kingdom in his own family.

It was something Lovino could never give him. He knew Antonio had always wanted kids, yet he would give all that up just to have a moody servant for a lover? Who was Lovino kidding? He forced away the tears that were trying to escape. He wouldn't cry. He would just move on. He had to … to keep his heart from becoming broken.

Maybe he would finally leave the castle, leave it all behind and head out to find his brother. It wasn't much, but it was a plan. He closed his eyes and fell into a light, fitful sleep.

When he awoke, it was because he heard soft knocking coming from his door. He glared and rose from his bed to answer it. Femke and Christian stood there, both looking worried.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Lovi … but I was so worried after you left. I came to check up on you." Femke hugged him.

"I'm fine. But what's he doing here?" Lovino's gaze shifted to the nobleman, whose sister was out to ruin his life.

"Don't be mad, Lovi, but after you ran off, I was sick to my stomach with worry … so I kind of accidentally told Christian everything."

Lovino's blood ran cold. What if he told? What would happen to Lovino? Or Antonio? It would have been easier if he could just sink away and never be missed, but if he disappeared with that going around, even if it was just a rumor …

"I promise I won't tell a soul, Lovino." he offered, "I promise … it's kind of tragic, really, but … if what Femke tells me is true … you have nothing to worry about. I love my sister, but … if the king is into a man like you, then she's way too proper and lady like for him … and maybe too feminine," he joked lightly.

It didn't really help Lovino at all. He stood and glared, "Hear me now. If I find out you tell anyone, I will hunt you down, where ever you may hide, and gut you like a pig. You won't know its coming until it's too late and when they find the body, not even you would be able to recognize your face."

Christian paled, but nodded, "I promise! And if I did, Femke would never talk to me again!" Femke blushed lightly.

Lovino nodded, figuring now would be a good time to at least have another ally. They talked for awhile in his room, and he grew to tolerate the nobleman after Femke's heart. They left when it neared nightfall and Lovino's stomach twisted in anticipation of Antonio's arrival. He wanted to be angry with the king, but he couldn't bring himself to direct his anger at him … yet.

He drew a bath, but figured Antonio would be exhausted and it would go to waste. He yawned, himself, and prepared the clothing, just as Antonio walked in. He closed the door and Lovino watched him cross the room, making a beeline straight for Lovino. The king's arms wrapped tightly around him and he placed soft kisses onto his neck, "Oh, Lovi~ it was awful … not only was I woken from my little nap early, it was for that meeting!" Lovino's heart sped up, but he didn't move to hug the Sverran back. Not until he heard the rest.

"They wanted me to spend time with the young lady of the house! She kept talking to me and smiling at me … I was so tired … I yawned once and she got mad at me and started saying I was rude for doing such a thing! I was so confused, Lovi~!" he complained.

"Y-you spent time with her … ?" Lovino asked, his anger boiling.

"No …" he pulled back to look at Lovino's face, suddenly confused by his anger, "I was trying to talk to her father …"

Lovino didn't know what to feel now, "Did you turn them away? Tell them to go home? Make them leave?"

"No … why would I do that?" he yelped when Lovino hit him in the arm and stomped on his foot.

He glared, forcing back the tears, "You're such a bastard!"

"Lovi! What did I do wrong? Please tell me!" Antonio tried to grab Lovino, but ended up with a fist in his stomach.

"She's trying to marry you, bastard! That's all she's after! And you don't seem to care …" he turned away, pulling off the bracelet, "Fuck! You're so stupid … how can you not see that she dressed up all fancy and shit to try and get you to court her? Did you know she has a brother? Why would they just want to have a regular meeting if she was allowed to go and not the nosy bastard?" he tossed the bracelet at Antonio.

Antonio stared in shock, and picked up the golden bracelet, "I … I didn't know … really. Please don't be mad at me … I thought we were talking about his land … not courting … that never even came up …" he grabbed Lovino's wrist and slid the present back on, "You're overreacting. I made a promise of forever with you. Nothing will stop that, not even my mother's attempts of getting me to wed." he lifted Lovino's face to his and kissed him lovingly, "Only you, forever you, always my Lovi~"

Lovino threw his arms around Antonio and bit his lip, "I drew you a bath, bastard."

The king chuckled softly and hugged his lover back, "Good, I could use one, but only if my Lovi will take it with me~" Lovino blushed, but nodded, locking the doors up.

It took no time at all for Lovino and the king to strip and sink into the water to enjoy the heat. After such a horrid few days, sitting in the hot water was perfect for relaxing and trying to melt away the stress. Antonio sighed softly, wrapping his arms tightly around his Lovino, "Mmm, you've outdone yourself, Lovi~ this bath is amazing!" Lovino blushed and let his head fall against Antonio's chest. As hard as he tried, the Illonian couldn't take his mind off the woman trying to slip into Antonio's life as his queen.

Anger filled the young man and jealousy raged at the mere thought of any girl touching Antonio, anyone touching his Antonio. He growled lightly and turned his head to bury it into the king's neck, nipping lightly at the skin. He didn't want Antonio with anyone else.

The king gasped softly as Lovino slipped face forward into his lap and continued the assault on his neck. His hands gripped Lovino's hips and he groaned softly feeling himself grow hard in anticipation. Lovino broke the nipping and biting to attack his king's lips. The Sverran man moaned into the passionate kiss, noting his Lovino was more aggressive than usual, using his teeth to lightly bite into the soft flesh of the lower lip.

The Illonian servant pulled the lip into his mouth and sucked lightly before Antonio managed to regain his senses and plunge his tongue into Lovino's mouth, tasting him, feeling him, caressing his tongue and battling for dominance. Lovino fought back, taking his anger and frustration out in the kiss. Antonio slid his hands up his lover's sides, slowly making his way up to the sensitive buds on Lovino's chest. His hazel eyes closed and he pulled away from the kiss to enjoy the sultry touches the king supplied him with. Antonio's hand reached up and gripped the curl.

"Fuck, Antonio ..." he moaned, reaching between his legs, passed his own sex to grab Antonio's. His king gasped and reached out of the bath to find the after bath oils. It might not do too much, but he would at least try. He coated his fingers and wasted no time in filling his lover with his fingers. Lovino gasped, since the oils weren't doing too much as they washed away in the bathwater. He stroked Antonio, but a wave of pleasure coursed through his body and he bit down on Antonio's shoulder to keep from screaming out.

"Does Lovi like that?" Antonio hissed in a painful pleasure. He struck the spot again and felt Lovino leaving a dark bruise on his shoulder, but he found he did not care as he removed the fingers. His hands found Lovino's hips and he positioned himself at the waiting entrance. Lovino released Antonio's member and wrapped his arms around his neck.

Without warning, Antonio thrust up into Lovino, causing the younger of the two to cry out. He felt pain from the lack of oils to slick Antonio or his entrance. Antonio immediately began pushing and thrusting as hard as possible, also quite stressed and tense from everything.

The Illonian dug his nails into Antonio's back, bringing long, swollen red lines across the tanned skin. Antonio growled and turned their bodies so that Lovino was pushed up against the walls of their bath. He continued his movement, trying to earn as many sounds from his lover as possible. He was rewarded with Lovino melting and screaming his name over and over with each thrust. Water splashed up over the two, as well as the surrounding floor.

He leaned closer to Lovino, hissing as his climax grew closer, quickly, "Damn, Lovi ..." Lovino moaned and he tightened around Antonio as he spilled himself into the bathwater. Antonio was quick to follow. He pulled himself from the Illonian and kissed him softly, picking him up from the water. The king carried Lovino and laid him down on the bed, placing a kiss to his temple.

Lovino curled up beside him. His heart was racing and was trying to catch his breath. Antonio kissed his forehead and grinned, "I think I like it when you're angry, my love~" he curled around Lovino, hissing lightly at the scratches on his back. Both had decided to take out frustrations from their day in the bath and neither regretted it.

"Mmm …" Lovino grumbled lightly, dozing off. Antonio laughed and closed his eyes to sleep as well.

Lovino awoke, bright and early, but just wanted to roll over and go back to sleep. He shivered lightly as the air out side of the blanket hit his naked body and he stretched, before waking up his sleeping Antonio. The Sverran reluctantly pulled himself out of bed, obviously still tired from his lack of sleep.

"Morning Lovi~" he mumbled, pulling clothes on. Lovino only grunted and dressed himself.

Antonio pulled Lovino into his arms, just after putting on a shirt, "I love you~!"

Lovino growled, not being a morning person (well, not anymore. Not after tasting what it was like to sleep in for a week straight), "Love you, too. How the hell are you so awake?"

The king laughed and kissed him, "Because I awoke to the most beautiful man in the world and I know he's all mine~!"

Lovino blushed and buried his face into Antonio's neck, "Flattering bastard …" he grumbled, making Antonio laugh again, "Can you go get my crown, please?"

The Illonian nodded and shuffled his feet across the floor to retrieve the item from the bathing room. Antonio thanked him and pulled it on, "See you at breakfast, my Lovi~" he kissed him goodbye and left to his office.

Lovino rolled his eyes, but was glad to be back to serving Antonio and not that woman. He dressed himself as quickly as one could with a sore backside and made his way to the breakfast halls to grab a quick bite to eat. Femke was sitting in their normal spot and a strange grin came over her face when he sat down to eat.

"What?" he asked, irritated.

"You're sitting funny … you and Toni made up, I see?" his face turned scarlet and he began choking on his bread.

She laughed, "I was only kidding, but damn, Lovi!" the woman laughed.

Lovino swallowed the food and hit his chest lightly, "Don't joke about stuff like that! Seriously! Why are you still my best friend?"

Femke shrugged laughing, "Because you know you love me and are able to put up with me. At least I'm not some creepy person who wants to watch or anything." she shook her head.

Lovino silently thanked the heavens he didn't know anyone like that. He finished his meal and headed to the kitchens to receive Antonio's. After the food was tasted, he made his way to the office. The guards opened the door and he was shocked to see Lizeth in the office, seated across from Antonio.

The king looked up and his face brightened, "Lovi~! Just in time!" Lovino set the tray down.

"Morning, lady Lizeth. Looking lovely this morning~" he smiled, winking at her. After the night before, he knew he had nothing to worry about, even if he wasn't happy she was in Antonio's office.

Lizeth looked at Lovino in disgust, "Morning. I'm sorry to part so soon after arriving, but I must be getting back to my room. Femmie is supposed to be there soon with my breakfast." she rose, bowed lightly to the king and walked out.

"I hate her." Lovino sighed. Antonio sighed, as well, "Come here." he pulled Lovino into his arms, "I love you~"

"Yeah, whatever, bastard … love you, too …" he blushed, his annoyance melting away quickly.

Antonio smiled, "She was only here for a moment and you saved me!" he kissed Lovino's cheek, "My hero~"

Lovino pushed at his chest and rolled his eyes, "Stop that!"

The king kissed him again and changed the subject, "Are you feeling better, my love~?" he let his hands rest on Lovino's bottom and he squeezed gently. Lovino's face turned red again for the second time that morning and he shoved him away.

"Y-yes … I'm fine!" he stormed out of the office, embarrassed.

He sighed and tried to recall his old schedule, which seemed too long ago, but he made his way to the laundry room once he remembered.

The day dragged on like any normal day. Lunch was served, just after Antonio bid farewell to some citizen, then he cleaned up, visited Tessa for a haircut and made his way to serve Antonio dinner, which he requested he had alone in his study. A night time bath, where Lovino shyly gave Antonio a well deserved massage, careful of the scratch marks on his back.

Days began to fly by for them. The dragon incident seemed so long ago, but a new dragon had moved in. She wasn't a firebreather, but her venom cut deep. Antonio had tried to send them away, but his mother insisted they stay for just a little while longer. Finally a month had passed and it was the peak of the summer's heat.

Lovino dragged himself around to do his chores and everyone seemed miserable, Lovino more so since Antonio was readying himself for his few days in Fayldyr. He slowly threw some clothes into a bag. His mind drifted to what was to become of him once Antonio left. The old queen would be put in charge and he would likely be tossed in the streets. How many times had he worried over this?

He shook his head of those worries. If he was kicked out, Antonio would only need to find him in the streets and he would be able to come back. He even had a ton of gold saved up, so finding an inn would be no problem, either.

The Illonian finished packing the bag and made his way to pick up Antonio's lunch to take it to him. He stepped into the throne room and set the tray down beside Antonio. The king gave him a soft smile, "Hey, Lovi~ you're not mad at me for leaving for Fayldyr?"

Lovino shook his head, "It's only a few days and if your mother kicks me out, I'll know you'll come get me. If you don't, then you count yourself assassinated."

Antonio laughed, "She doesn't have that power. Not anymore. I've made sure only I can fire you and most of the other staff. Mother is actually become part of my court now."

"You mean those bozos that tell you what you can and can't do, when you should do something and when you shouldn't? Yeah, I guess that's a perfect place for her …" Lovino said sarcastically.

The king smiled, "They are like advisers. They are just there to make sure I don't get a swelled head and to make sure I stay on track."

Lovino rolled his eyes, "What ever. As if you'd ever need those things." Antonio chuckled, "I'll take that as a compliment!" the Illonian blushed.

"Do what ever, I have some more chores to do, plus make sure Femke is doing alright. I wish you'd reassign her. Lizeth is so mean to her."

Antonio sighed, "I tried, but she said she could handle it. Maybe they'll go home soon?" he offered.

"I hope so. I'm tired of seeing her act like this is her castle. She's dead set on marrying you." he glared.

The king laughed softly, "Jealous? Would you like it better if I married you?"

The younger man's face lit up bright red, "NO!" his head swung from side to side, suddenly filled with those images.

"No to you being jealous or no to you marrying me?" Antonio grinned.

"I'm not jealous!" he hissed, grabbing Antonio's shirt.

"Then you'll marry me?"

"NO! You're insane! I'm leaving now before you spout more nonsense!" Lovino shouted as he stormed out of the throne room. How could Antonio even say things like that? He asked himself, heading down to Antonio's room to straighten up. His heart throbbed just thinking about being married to Antonio. Sure it sounded nice, but no one would accept it, except his surrogate family.

Besides, the king could only wed nobility or higher up the royal ladder. It was one reason princess Rosana had been disowned by her mother when she claimed she was eloped to the servant. Lovino wouldn't let Antonio give up his kingdom just so they could be married.

He pushed the thoughts away and completed his chores and visited Femke, who was doing a lot better now that the 'princess' wasn't as needy to look her best. Antonio would be leaving for a few days and maybe the two could get some peace.

That night, Antonio showed Lovino how much he would miss him. Soft touches, sweet nothings whispered as waves of pleasure crashed around them, soft moans and light cries as the two released together.

Lovino curled up against his lover and closed his eyes.

"You'll miss me, right Lovi~?" he muttered, rubbing Lovino's back. He Illonian looked at him, "What makes you think I'll miss you?"

Antonio kissed him slowly. Lovino leaned into the kiss and let Antonio wrap his arms around him. The king pulled away, smiling, "That's what~ I love you, my Lovino," he pressed a kiss to his nose. Lovino blushed and shoved him away.

"Tricky bastard! I'm not going to miss you at all!" he rolled over to go to sleep. Antonio laughed and pulled Lovino to him, letting back touch chest.

"I love you so very much~"

"Yeah, yeah … love you, too …" Lovino growled, falling asleep.

Morning came and Lovino said his real good byes to Antonio in the room, where Antonio was allowed to kiss every inch of his love's face and let him know he would be back soon.

The man climbed into his carriage and was off. Lovino stood on the steps of the castle, unfortunately along with the old queen and Lizeth, watching Antonio wave. He knew he would see him soon, but he felt his heart skip a beat and the longing set in. They hadn't been apart for more than several hours at a time in the six or so years he'd been working for him, and even less time apart since Antonio and he entered their secret relationship.

He stood watching the carriage disappear into the distance before letting out a sigh. What was a few days anyway?

TBC

Mmmmm pool opened today and I got to go swimming ^_^ My little brother is learning to swim! XD on another note, I've been doing a bit of major editing over these next few chapters XD mostly dialogue and stuff ... nothing big lol ^_^ I hope you guys continue to enjoy~

~Lady Pyrien