Disclaimer: I do not own KKM and it's characters.

Again, many thanks to my beta kagomegirl2004 for the wonderful work.

And thanks to everyone who left a comment (it's easyer to write when you let me know, what you think), added story to favorites or story alerts. Thank you!

Chapter 3

Yuuri knew his time was shortening rapidly. His mind was wandering elsewhere, and he was absently picking at his nearly untouched food. They were currently sitting at the breakfast table, and the young King wasn't paying attention to any of the conversations unfolding at the table.

He was still thinking about the meeting with the ten nobles that would take place this evening. Yuuri was a responsible king. He had accepted the responsibility willingly the day he swore to serve Shin Makoku as king. And his resolve never wavered, even though it wasn't easy sometimes. He partially understood his responsibility towards Wolfram—towards their engagement. It wasn't his fault it happened; but it wasn't Wolfram's fault, either. And he saw Wolfram's resolve and devotion to their 'predicament'. That was probably one of the reasons he brought Wolfram back home when his fiancé broke the engagement and returned to Bielefeld land. He refused to leave Wolfram on his own just because neither of them had the guts to break the engagement. But that didn't mean he had been ready to accept something he didn't agree with. He hadn't been ready to sacrifice himself like that back then. He was ready to sacrifice himself for his kingdom, but for Wolfram? He couldn't. That changed with years, though. He was forced to make decisions he didn't agree with more then once during his reign because it was for the greater good of his people or land. And he knew now that, though his decisions had not always felt right in his mind, they were still the right decisions.

The sad realization about all the unresolved things concerning his friend came now, when it all started to crumble around him. He had sacrificed himself for individuals many times before; Wolfram's case just hadn't seemed important enough. Which he now knew, wasn't true. He didn't want to be misunderstood—of course he liked Wolfram. He had the opportunity to spend years with the blond, and during that time they got to know each other quite well. They became best friends. Wolfram was always there for him, no matter what. And Yuuri tried to be there for Wolfram as his best friend. He knew that wasn't what Wolfram really wanted, but back then, that was all he could be to him. But Yuuri matured through the years, and that was why he tried to understand what Wolfram was feeling. That was the entire reason he had started training with Wolfram's troops as one of them. Not only did he gain new friends and Wolfram's sympathies, but Wolfram was an exceptional magic user and the best teacher he could get. With Wolfram, he honed his magical skills to near perfection (save the fire, but that wasn't Wolfram's fault; he was perfect with his element after all) and they were both quite proud of it. Under Wolfram's command he slowly become the king Shin Makoku and its people deserved. He understood pride and dignity now. He learned about customs, history and other things from Gunter, but the real examples he got from Wolfram. The blond demon was able to put Gunter's theory to real life, real situations and stories, which were close to him and, in many cases, even involved Yuuri himself.

A year and a half with Wolfram and his soldiers was just the kind of schooling he needed as king. And at the same time, he realized that, from the very beginning, Wolfram had been raised to become the king one day. He was skilled in politics, the matters of court, customs and military. These were all things that Wolfram had worked hard to teach Yuuri for years without his knowledge.

He understood what Wolfram's feelings towards him were by now, and he was grateful that the blond had not pushed him about their relationship once he started training with him. He now understood him in military things too; he understood now what it was to be a soldier. He felt now that the two of them were now friends and comrades.

Deep down, he knew what he had to do. He had to do the right thing, for once. He didn't need anymore time to decide. He just wished the evening would come quickly.

After a quiet breakfast, the day unfolded in an ordinary manner. For the most part, Yuuri studied and signed documents. Around noon, Greta came for him so they could have a lunch together. In the afternoon, he trained with Wolfram and his squad, and after that came dinner. The only difference between today and a usual day for Yuuri was the occasional glimpse of one of the ten nobles as they arrived. Yuuri didn't see all of them, but he did see some of them, at least. First to arrive was Lord Kabernikov, Anissina's older brother. His bright red hair was just a shade lighter then his sister's. Surprisingly, however, he didn't appear as terrifying as his sister. Then Lord von Roshvall and Radford came. And Yuuri saw Lord Wincott and Lord Spitzberg's carriages arrive, as well. Gunter or Gwendal appeared at the gates as welcome for each arrival. Depending on Yuuri's preoccupation at the time (if he was studying with Gunter or signing papers under the watchful gaze of Gwendal), he would join them to greet the new arrivals. Yuuri didn't know when Wolfram's uncle, Lord von Bielefeld, or Lord Gyllenhaal arrived. It was probably during his afternoon training with Wolfram.

Dinner was a grand affair, because all the newly arrived nobles came to dine with them. When they sat down to dinner, even Lord von Bielefeld and Lord von Gyllenhaal were with them. Yuuri couldn't look at any of them for a long time, however. He felt as if he were under great pressure, as if they were passing judgment on him. No one spoke about the true meaning of the ten nobles' declaration for a meeting. The dinner conversation largely revolved around unimportant, insignificant topics from each province of Shin Makoku. And although Yuuri dreaded the meeting that was to take place after dinner, he couldn't wait to be out of the room as soon as possible.

Soon, Yuuri's unknowing tormentors began to trickle out of the room as each noble excused themselves from the table. Greta left with Anissina and Lady Cheri. Only Yuuri, Wolfram, Conrad, Gunter and Gwenal stayed behind. The silence enveloped the room and Yuuri shivered.

"I think, I'm going too," Yuuri said at last as he moved to get up from the table. His food was barely touched.

"Are you all right, Yuuri?" Wolfram was ready to leave as soon as he saw his fiancé get up. He was concerned. Yuuri seemed distant—troubled, even. He knew Yuuri didn't like this situation; and neither did he, but they can't escape. He was ready for what was surely to come. It was going to be either Yuuri or the ten nobles that dissolved their engagement. He had accepted this outcome long ago. He was simply waiting for Yuuri to fall in love with someone else and end their unwanted engagement. He didn't have a say in this from the beginning, since Yuuri had defeated him in their duel. It was matter of pride and dignity for him. Not that he had much, if any, left. He was a prisoner in a relationship where someone else made all of the decisions that mattered in his life for him. It wasn't Yuuri's fault, but it wasn't his fault either. They were both caught up in something that was beyond their means.

If Yuuri wouldn't dissolve the engagement, the ten nobles would; it all depended on if Yuuri would say he would marry Wolfram. And the blonde was convinced one or the other would happen (more likely the second, as much as it pained him to admit it); because if Yuuri didn't have the guts to end it by now, he would hardly end it on his own before all of the nobles. Yuuri was not a coward, but he wasn't the bravest of people, either.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry, Wolf." He looked at the concerned face of his fiancé, and felt a pang of guilt. "We should get ready for the meeting."

"Your Majesty is right, as always." Gunter praised, but Gunter's admirations had stopped making Yuuri feel better a long time ago. Gunter always praised him. But right now, he didn't want to be praised; he felt terrible. But after a night and day, he was as ready as he could be to carry out his decision.

***Yuuram***

Yuuri and Wolfram returned to their bedchambers to change immediately after dinner. Yuuri quickly changed into more formal attire. Though it wasn't needed, he wanted to look as royal as he could at the meeting with the ten nobles. Likewise, Wolfram had changed into fresher clothing, though he had opted to remain in military dress. Wolfram had just begun to fasten his belt and sword about his waist when Yuuri's hand stopped him. His eyes shot up to meet the king's ebony orbs.

"You should change into your ceremonial uniform or something more formal," Yuuri said softly. His hand was still on Wolfram's.

"What? Why? This meeting isn't anything special. Sure, it's the Ten Nobles Council, but we don't need to dress special for that. You never did, Yuuri," Wolfram disagreed with him. He did not understanding Yuuri's motives for the change.

"It will be special tonight, Wolf," Yuuri reluctantly released Wolfram's hand and turned away from him. He was not sure he could continue while looking at him.

"Yuuri?" Wolfram began doubtfully. He didn't know what to expect from his fiancé, and that was making him feel rather uncertain about the situation. He just hoped Yuuri wouldn't do something stupid.

"I want to make a good impression on the nobles, so they wouldn't try to doubt my decision," Yuuri answered still facing the window.

"And what is your decision, if you don't mind me asking?" Wolfram sounded a bit irritated, but he was only trying to hide his insecurity, Yuuri knew. He knew him that well.

"I want to marry you, Wolfram," Yuuri stated as he turned to face his hopefully-future spouse. He was glad that his voice hadn't wavered. He took a deep breath as he found Wolfram's green eyes. There was a look of disbelief written unmistakably in their depths, and it hurt Yuuri a bit to know that he was, in part, to blame for that. But then Wolfram's eyes hardened, and he corrected his stance to his typically proud posture.

"I refuse."

"Wolfram, please..."

"No, Yuuri. I won't marry you. Right now, you are pitying me, and I won't have it. I won't marry you," he repeated. He was trying to convince himself, mostly. Yuuri just said the sentence he was yearning to hear for years, but for all the wrong reasons. He couldn't accept that.

"Wolf," Yuuri tried again to break through his stubborn fiancé's skull.

"No."

"Wolfram, just listen to me," Yuuri commanded. He fully intended to make it sound as an order. Wolfram looked at him again, his eyes angry. He had never enjoyed being ordered around, even by Yuuri. "Please, Wolf, I'm not pitying you. I want to marry you. We're a good team. We complete each other. I think we're a good match."

"This is wrong." Wolfram was turning his head from side to side. After a moment, he stopped and looked Yuuri in the eyes. "Yuuri, please, think about it again. You don't want to marry me. You always took me as a friend and I'm grateful for that. I'm happy with what we have."

"I want things to stay as they are now. I don't want to lose you." Yuuri's voice sounded sincere and desperate, at least to Wolfram. In his eyes, Wolfram thought he saw something that he hoped was love, but it could easily be something as simple as concern. Love or concern—did it really matter? Both ways meant that Yuuri cared for him. And that was more than he could have hoped for years ago.

He too wanted things to stay as they were. Would it be really that bad to marry a man that didn't love him? These kinds of marriages were actually very common between nobles in Shin Makoku. When he was younger he knew it was possible for him to end up in a political marriage. But when he fell for Yuuri, he had hoped for a better ending. He had hoped that he would marry for love. And it was still Yuuri. The man he was in love with. He would have to believe his wimp knew, for once, what he was doing.

Wolfram sighed. Without another word, he turned and returned to his wardrobe, where he started the search for his ceremonial uniform. Yuuri couldn't help but smile when he saw Wolfram emerge from the wardrobe, uniform in hand.

***Yuuram***

Yuuri and Wolfram were the last to arrive in the meeting room. All nine of the expected nobles were present; only Lord von Grantz was, as usual, missing. Wolfram was allowed at this meeting, as well, since the matter directly concerned him.

Yuuri came to his seat at the head of the table. The free seat meant for Wolfram was respectfully left on Yuuri's left side. Probably thanks to Gwendal.

"Your Majesty, surely you have an idea why this meeting is held," started Lord von Radford when he and Wolfram had seated themselves. Yuuri looked directly at the gray haired man and nodded.

"Yes, I do, Lord von Radford," answered Yuuri calmly.

"Then we can go straight to the point, Your Majesty?" the older noble continued.

"I understand. You're here so we can come to an understanding about my engagement. What I don't understand is what concern of yours it is." He said the last sentence a bit irritably, he knew, but he needed them to know that they could not just play with him or take advantage of him anymore.

"Your Majesty, for the sake of your people, a decision is needed," This time, it was Lord von Karbelnikov that spoke.

"Your people need to know you are not afraid to make decisions, Your Majesty," finished Lord von Wincott.

"I'm not scared to make decisions."

"We know that you are not, Your Majesty; but this situation isn't good for anyone anymore. The people are growing uneasy. An indecisive king is a bad king," Lord von Gyllenhaal dared to continue. "Don't take me wrong, Your Majesty. They will follow you and your orders the moment you give them, good or bad; that doesn't matter. However, as a leader, you need to show them that they can depend on you. You need to give them assurance. A prolonged engagement isn't a sign you know what you want. You left us once, and people hardly forget the times they feel unsure and left behind."

The long haired lord's speech affirmed him in his decision to marry Wolfram. With the long awaited wedding the people would get the reassurance they need, and would only double their resolve in the belief that he would not leave them again.

Yuuri noticed Waltorana was unusually quiet and had a strange look in his eyes. The lord didn't seem to like the situation anymore then Yuuri, Wolfram or Wolfram's brothers did. Strangely, he felt some sense of understanding with Wolfram's uncle for the first time.

Sensing Yuuri's hesitation, Lord von Radford continued. "You don't have to marry Lord von Bielefeld. You can have anyone you wish. There are many that are suited to become the future queen." At that Waltorana shot him such a nasty look that, for a moment, Yuuri believed that looks really could kill.

Yuuri nodded at Radford's words, however. "I'm aware of that, Lord von Radford. But I already made the decision." He didn't see one reason to prolong the meeting.

"You did, Your Majesty?" asked a shocked Gunter. "And you didn't say a thing to your loyal servant! I feel so unwanted."

"Yes, I did." Yuuri didn't see the reason to answer the next sentence. "Gunter."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Gunter instantly ceased wailing.

"How much time do you need to prepare a Royal Wedding? Will six months suffice?" From the corner of his eye Yuuri saw the shocked look that appeared at Waltorana's face.

"Your Majesty!" squealed Gunter. "It would be a tight deadline, but I will certainly do it."

"Good."

Then Yuuri stood from his seat and crossed the room to Gwendal's seat. He could feel all the eyes in the room watching him curiously. He knew what he needed to do now. "Lord von Voltaire." He started as Gwendal stood from his seat and faced the king. "With this I'm officially asking you for your youngest brother's, Wolfram von Bielefeld's, hand in marriage." Yuuri had his head tilted down, as he was supposed to, while talking, but when he finished he looked the oldest brother in the eyes. Because Wolfram's father was not in the picture, Gwendal, as the oldest brother, assumed his duties—he had asked Gunter about it years ago.

"Very well, Your Majesty; you have my blessing." Gwendal said calmly, but inside he was truly happy for his little brother. He had not thought that the king had it in him after all these years. Then Gwendal knelt on one knee and bowed his head. "Please take care of him, Your Majesty."

"I will. Thank you." Yuuri nodded to him once, then turned and proudly walked back to where Wolfram was still sitting. He took Wolfram's hand and pulled him up from his chair.

"Did you really think this through?" Wolfram whispered quietly, so that no one could hear.

"Stop worrying, Wolf," Yuuri whispered back, just as quietly. He could see Wolfram wasn't really happy about it, but it was for the best. He would make it work. Wolfram saw the gentle smile that appeared on his king's lips with those words, and it made him just a bit calmer.

"Wolfram von Bielefeld, with this I'm officially asking you for your hand in marriage." And for the second time, he sharply struck the blonde's left cheek.

There was a moment of dead silence. Yuuri's eyes were pleading with the blond to say yes. He was so sure just a few moments ago; and now his knees were shaking weakly. Wolfram was taking too long to respond and he turned his head from left to right.

"It's wrong," the blond whispered again.

"Wolfram, please, just give me a chance. We can talk more after the meeting is over." Yuuri took his hand in his and squeezed reassuringly. "Please Wolf, believe in me." Yuuri had the same caring look in his eyes as when they were talking back in their bedchambers.

At that Wolfram's eyes grew softer and he nodded. "Very well, Your Majesty." He said loud enough for all in the room to hear. "I accept."

Yuuri's smile turned from gentle to relieved. and with Wolfram's hand still in his, turned to the nobles. Congratulations and cheerful clapping was heard, most likely from Gunter.

"I think there is no reason for this meeting to continue any longer. You're all welcome to stay as long as you want at Blood Pledge Castle. The wedding will take place in six months. The exact date will be indicated on official invitations," Yuuri stated. "Now please excuse me and my future consort, we have some things to discuss."

With that Yuuri left the room with Wolfram by his side, the blonde's smaller hand still in his.

He couldn't really place the feeling, but he thought there would still be the feeling of loosing something (likely his once ever-important manhood) when the engagement become official. He had proposed to Wolfram—to a boy—and with true intent. Instead, there was only relief. He felt as if a boulder had been lifted from his shoulders. It was true that he had gotten himself intentionally engaged—and to a boy, at that. He was going to marry a boy. He was going to marry a boy intentionally, because he had decided that. And, strangely, he wasn't feeling one bit scared about it; because it was Wolfram that he was going to marry—his best friend. And they had always gone through everything together.

-TBC-