meh, been so tired now that I've got a job. I need to study the hell out of that menu *determination face* in the mean time, enjoy this chapter~!

lmao, on another note~ Creepypasta XD introduced Raina to that XD

and on another note ... Egyptians worshiped pancakes -.- just thought i should share ... ok i need sleep now XD

Kismet

Chapter Twenty-Two: Over Worked

Antonio woke up sometime in the middle of the night. His head was pounding and he felt awful. His stomach churned and he rose from the bed on shaky legs. The man gripped his head and stumbled across the room before collapsing. He groaned in pain and lost consciousness.

The buzzing woke up Lovino and he grumbled, rolling over towards Antonio, however his eyes opened to find the king was not in bed. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, stretched and pushed himself out of the bed, all while trying to figure out when Antonio had gotten up and left. His eyes landed on a shape laying on the floor and he squinted, but couldn't make it out. The servant turned and lit the lamp on the table and lifted it. He nearly dropped it when he saw what the shape was.

"Antonio!" he set the lamp on the floor next to the unconscious king and gently shook him, "What are you doing on the floor, bastard?"

When Antonio didn't answer him, he began to panic. "Wake up!" he growled. The man was still breathing but his skin felt like it was on fire. Lovino stood up and paced for a minute, trying to figure out what to do. The first priority would be to get Antonio back into the bed, then he should try and cool him down … right?

He bit his lip and pulled Antonio up into a sitting position before lifting him. "Damn … you're … heavy …" Lovino growled, trying to balance Antonio by holding the older man's arm over his shoulders and dragging him to the bed. He pushed the king onto the bed and took off the night shirt to help cool him down. Lovino picked up the lamp and went into the bathing room to grab a cloth and bucket of water.

"You better not be dying, bastard …" Lovino growled, pushing away those thoughts. He dipped the cloth into the cool water and began rubbing it over Antonio's face, chest and arms. The man continued this until Antonio's eyes cracked open, "Lovi~?"

"You bastard! What the hell were you doing on the floor?" Lovino growled, re-dipping the cloth and folding it up to place on Antonio's forehead, "Look! You've worked yourself sick!"

Antonio smiled and grabbed Lovino's hand, "I'm sorry … I guess I hit my limit," he laughed softly, turning his head to the side and falling asleep.

Lovino rolled his eyes and made sure the cloth was still cool before getting up to find Antonio's personal medic. He slipped on his boots, but didn't bother with changing as he left the room. He knocked gently on the medic's door and when he didn't receive and answer he growled and banged his fist on the door loudly.

"What is it? Do you have any idea how early it is?" the man swung the door open to see Lovino, "What do you want?"

Lovino had half a mind to punch the man, but he needed to know if Antonio was going to be okay, "The king has a fever." he said simply.

The medic grumbled, "Fine, fine … let me get my supplies." he grabbed a small sack and slipped on some boots before following Lovino to the king's chambers.

He sat down beside Antonio and began checking his eyes mouth and several other things Lovino didn't know what use they were for.

"I don't think it's serious, maybe just a fever. To be safe, make sure he takes a few drops of this every few hours to make the fever go away." he handed Lovino a bottle, "Come get me if his condition worsens. I'll alert the court and staff to just bring him anything he needs. Stay by his side, lest something happens when you're not around. Good day." the man parted.

Lovino sighed in annoyance and lifted the bottle to look at the liquid inside. It was probably no where near as powerful as the healing potions Lukas had made, but he only had his small vile and he wanted to save it for a true emergency. If Antonio got worse, then he'd use it.

He lifted the bottle to Antonio's lips and let a few drops fall into his mouth, before setting it down and grabbing the older man's hand. His hand was cold and clammy and Lovino bit his lip.

An hour or so later, Lovino was relieved that the fever had gone down marginally. Breakfast was brought to Antonio's chambers and it was some hot liquid like food.

"The chefs said it would help him feel better …" the servant muttered when he noticed Lovino's look of disgust. He shrugged it off and took the food over to the ill king.

"Think you can wake up and eat something?" the Illonian asked, picking up the spoon dumped it, waiting for a reply. Antonio groaned and opened his eyes, "My head hurts …"

"Well, here's some food they brought up … make you feel better or some shit like that, but I think it's more deadly than useful … shit scares me …" he frowned, dumping another spoonful. He helped the Sverran king sit up and set the tray in his own lap so that Antonio could comfortably eat. However, Antonio could barely lift the spoon with out shaking and spilling most of what was on it, so Lovino snatched it away and dipped the spoon, blew on the contents and lifted it to Antonio's mouth.

Antonio took the bite and swallowed, "Thank you, Lovi~"

"Shut up and eat." he commanded, bringing another spoonful to the man's mouth. Antonio finished the meal, but no sooner had he taken the last bite, he made a face and released the contents of his stomach all over himself, the blanket and Lovino.

Lovino stared in shock at the mess and felt his own stomach churn as he stood up, "This is by far the worst thing I've ever experienced!" he shuddered, quickly ripping off the pants and shirt. He tore the blanket from the bed and cleaned up Antonio, "You're disgusting when you're sick!" Lovino scowled.

Antonio laughed nervously, "I'm sorry … I didn't mean to …"

"I know, bastard, but still … gross." he tossed the soiled clothing into a basket and grabbed new clothes for the king and helped him dress, before getting dressed himself. He grabbed a spare blanket and placed it on top of Antonio, "I'll see about getting you something else to eat. I knew that shit couldn't be trusted."

"Don't worry about it … I probably couldn't keep it down anyways … plus, I'm sleepy …" he curled up underneath the blanket and let his eyes slip closed.

"Okay …" Lovino placed the cold, wet cloth back on his forehead and set the basket outside of the room to be taken to the laundry room.

He set to work on doing nothing. Lovino wasn't used to not being able to do his chores and not be able to leave the room, or do anything while there. At least on his days off he could go visit Tessa, Femke or go sleep in the gardens. Today, he was tied down to a boring room, watching Antonio sleep … which honestly wasn't that bad, he noted, looking at how peaceful Antonio looked.

Maybe he could write a letter to Lukas and see if he had anything that would help Antonio. He located some parchment and started writing the very badly written letter composed of mostly awkwardly written sentences about how Antonio was sick. He stared down at the finished letter and frowned. How was he supposed to send it? He couldn't leave the room and he doubted he could convince anyone that Antonio told him to write the letter, or that the king wanted it sent.

He leaned in the chair and set it aside to be sent later when he had the chance. Lovino checked the cloth, re-wet it and wondered how much time he'd managed to pass. His stomach growled angrily and he realized that he still had not eaten. They either forgot to bring him food or just didn't care if he starved while looking after their king.

This sucks, he thought, kicking the bed post. He was starving, Antonio was sick and he was bored out of his mind. Normally, he wouldn't have a problem just sitting back and doing nothing, but he couldn't go back to sleep in case A) someone came in and caught him sleeping in the king's bed or B) Antonio woke up and needed something, but couldn't speak or move or whatever happened in the illness he was suffering.

He growled. Knocking came from the door and he reluctantly opened it up, but was overjoyed to see it was someone bringing him breakfast, "Here, the medic said that you weren't supposed to leave his majesty's side so we brought you some food." the young girl smiled. Lovino thanked her and smiled, taking the tray. She rushed off, giggling.

Finally! He sat down and slowly ate the meal. He made sure Antonio was still cool, before taking the dirty trays of food and set them in the hall to be taken away. He returned to doing nothing. After a few minutes of agonizing boredom, he decided to sit on the floor beside Antonio's side of the bed and lean against the wall.

"Lovi … Lovi~" he hadn't realized he'd fallen asleep and he looked around the room, confused and finally he noticed Antonio staring at him from the bed, "Lovi, I hate to bother you when you're looking so cute, sleeping, but can you get me some water … I'm really thirsy."

Lovino nodded, sending him a glare for calling him cute, "Not cute, bastard." he growled, pouring some cool water from the pitcher the servant's gave him into a cup, "Here." he muttered, helping Antonio sit up to drink it.

Antonio thanked him and downed the water quickly and licked his lips, handing Lovino the cup, "Much better~" he smiled. Lovino rolled his eyes and grabbed the bottle of medicine, "Here take a few drops of this … supposed to keep the fever away, so make sure you take it."

The king nodded and did as he was told, making a face at the obviously bad flavor and set it down, "I don't think I can thank you enough for sticking by my side and taking care of me~" he laughed lightly, laying back down.

"Whatever, Antonio, just get some rest." Antonio nodded and closed his eyes. Lovino leaned down and pressed his lips to Antonio's forehead, checking the fever and kissing him softly. He replaced the cool cloth and sat back down on the floor to wait for lunch to be delivered.

It came not much longer. This time is was a hot soup that made Lovino's mouth water. He woke Antonio and the process of feeding him repeated, this time with no mess. Antonio happily laid back down, "Lovi~ I'm not really all that sleepy and I'm beginning to feel better~ do you think you would lie down with me?"

Lovino frowned and considered saying 'no', but it was better than doing nothing, so he sighed and let Antonio wrap his arms around him. The older man pressed a kiss to the side of his head, "I love you~"

"I love you, too …" Lovino sighed contentedly. Unfortunately, his lunch was delivered and he had to leave Antonio's arms to get the tray. Antonio sat up in the bed and smiled.

"I don't care how well you're feeling, you still have to lie down and rest, bastard. I'm not taking care of you again if you're not going to at least try and get better!" he sat down to eat. Antonio laughed, "I'm sorry, Lovi~ I'll lie down now." he did so and was soon fast asleep.

Lovino ate his lunch and pushed the dishes to the hall, where the basket had been returned, clean. He thanked the heavens he had something to do and put them away … slowly. Once that was finished, Antonio had awoken, "Mm, Lovi~"

Lovino walked over to him, "Yeah?"

"Do you think you can draw a bath for me?" The Illonian nodded and went to draw the bath. He finished filling the bath with the warm water, not wanting it to be too hot for the feverish man, and fixed up with the salts. Antonio carefully walked into the room, much to Lovino's chagrin.

"You should have waited for me to help you! What if you had fallen, bastard?" he growled, helping the man into the water.

"I'm sorry, Lovi~ but I really am feeling better." Antonio leaned against the edge and closed his eyes, but opened them a moment later, "You're not getting in?"

"Can't. The medic man or a servant could come by at any minute and I'd be caught in the king's bath." Lovino scrubbed Antonio's back and chest. It felt weird bathing the older man without actually being in the water himself. Antonio complained a bit more, making up several excuses for Lovino to use, but he was firm and rightfully so. No sooner had he helped the king out of the water, the medic came barging in the room.

"Your majesty?"

"In the bathing room." Lovino snapped. The medic 'ahed', "Yes, of course. Your higness, when you are ready I must give you another checkup."

Antonio pulled on his clothes and pressed a quick kiss to Lovino's cheek before walking out of the bathing room.

Lovino stayed and cleaned up the room. When he was finished, he found Antonio sitting in the bed, eating soup for dinner, "Lovi~! He said I'm much better than before! If I get plenty of sleep tonight, I'll be in perfect shape tomorrow!" Lovino nodded and sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out and pressing the back of his hand to Antonio's forehead. It was still warm, but not a bad fever.

"I guess you are feeling better, bastard. Eat up and then get to sleep." Lovino rose from the bed to straighten up the room, mostly pretending. He had been so worried about taking care of another person who was completely dependent, with no way to care for himself, but … he was able to do it and Antonio was feeling better by the end of the day! He blushed lightly and set his letter aside, no longer needing to send it, but as a reminder to write a new one.

Antonio set aside his tray and looked over at Lovino, "Come to bed, my love." Lovino looked at him with a glare, "I can't … you're still technically sick and they may need to come check on you. Plus, they haven't delivered my dinner, yet and I still have things to do. Go to sleep."

The king pouted, "Then at least come tuck me in?" the Illonian servant rolled his eyes and walked over to his lover, whom was refusing to lay down until he got a kiss. After he was finally settled, Lovino made sure he'd taken the medicine and had a glass of water beside the bed.

Antonio was soon fast asleep, much to Lovino's relief. Since Antonio had never been sick before, at least not as long as he'd been working for him, he didn't know where he was supposed to stay. With the castle medic just barging in whenever he wanted, Lovino couldn't stay in the same bed, but he didn't want to go to his room either. If Antonio took a turn for the worse, he'd be in big trouble.

He sighed and ate his food that had been delivered. Lovino decided he'd most likely have to sleep against the wall like before. And that's exactly what he did.

When he awoke, his back hurt and he was beyond sore, which quickly put him in a very bad mood. Antonio was seemingly in perfect health and after one last check up, he was good to get back to work with only the advice to take it easy.

With the passing months, the events that the court were holding, became more and more frequent. Christian began working for Antonio as an apprentice scribe, and his family went home after he'd expressed his want to marry down. Lizeth had given up, but it opened up spots for the court to crack down.

"With recent illness scares, it could be a matter of time before you pass. You need an heir to hold your family to the crown!" they constantly yelled at him.

He would ignore their pleas and finally came up with his own secret solution. His sister's son, age two, would take the throne at the age of fifteen and up in the event of Antonio's untimely passing. His sister wasn't completely happy with the idea, but reluctantly agreed to help her brother and maybe secure a future for her son should something happen to her brother.

With the official document locked away in a file that would be found upon his death, he happily continued ignoring the dancing events and parties.

Francis and Jeanne were finally able to go back to their kingdom before winter set in, their castle fixed and no sign of the snow dragon, and unfortunately, no sign of Alfred.

It was now the last month of the year and the twenty year old king was busy setting up the first party of his own doing in celebration of a good year, minus the few hitches, like his father's untimely death, the fall of Illonia and the dragon attacks in Sverran.

Servants rushed around the halls, putting up decoration for the upcoming festivities. He had the court working on a guest list, hoping for the return of Francis and Jeanne, the northern elves that had been so helpful, and several of his closest friends and nobles. The rest were up to them, since they would probably throw a fit about it.

He walked down one hall, enjoying the pretty décor. His Lovi was busy doing his chores, a few extra to help set up for the party, so he couldn't just spend this little bit of free time with him.

Since the party was the very next night, guests had already been arriving for their short stay in Sverran. Francis, regrettably couldn't attend since the queen was now with child. It was happy news and he would have to have a gift sent their way as congratulations.

He spotted a familiar face and smiled, "Lukas, right?" the elf nodded. Mathias grinned, looking around, "I had no idea we helped save royalty … now I kind of feel bad for picking on the kid."

"Oh, Lovi~?" Antonio smiled, "He's … he's not royalty …"

Tino frowned, sadly, "But I thought …" Berwald cut him of with a grunt, "'t's n'ne of 'r bus'ness." the smaller blonde nodded and the five of them dropped the subject. Antonio let them know they were welcome anywhere in the castle for their deeds for Sverran and asked them not to tell anyone of what they saw with him and Lovi. They agreed, not wanting to insult a royal of the southern kingdom.

Antonio made his way to his personal tailor and they double checked his outfit for the celebration. His only regret about this party was Francis and Jeanne weren't here to help him spend the evening with Lovi, dancing. His second stop was his office, to make sure the gift he got for Lovi was still there. It wasn't much, but he truly hoped his treasure would enjoy it.

After that was done, he smiled happily, making his way to the dinner hall for dinner with his arrived guests.

TBC

~Lady Pyrien