(Austria)

The following months had been tough months for Will, but great to Austria. News of the Champion of Austria inspired the people. When Will competed in international fencing, jousts, and fighting, he emerged unscathed and victorious each time. But he didn't boast. He always went over to his empress and bowed before her and kissed her rings before standing up and taking his place behind her and her royal suitor of the month. Prince James had stopped his attack, and Austria reached peace with Sweden. Prince James went about courting the empress. The country was even more united and they saw the power their empress commanded. But really, it was respect for her champion, the shield and sword of the empress – the Italian (who was really more Austrian thanks to his mother ((love you mom!))) with the broken heart but perfect body. The empress had been growing angry with her people's affection towards her champion, particularly the females. She would see Will talk to many, but her handmaidens always saw him retire alone in his chambers just as the sun was setting. She was utterly befuddled. Why had he not taken advantage of his looks? Especially when he saw her with James every day. She wondered, does he still love me? Was I wrong to banish him from my side? Was he sincere in his confession? I must find out.

Will had travelled to France, alone, to represent Austria in fencing. He loved the French accent and he had never had a French woman. But like his other trips, he knew he would not partake in lovemaking or sex for he neither loved anyone other than the empress nor could he forget her image.

The tournament progressed smoothly and had Will not been heartbroken and distracted, he would have noticed a strange anomaly. But the fact that his empress had not joined him was breaking his heart. Even with this handicap, Will could have fenced with a tenth of his heart and might and still won every battle within minutes. And he did win, but he was oblivious to a new fighter. He was not the only Austrian fighting.

It was only in the championship fight that Will recognized the crest of his own country. Befuddled, he recognized the armor. It had been that of the British captain he bested on his first day of alone time with the empress. Growing enraged Will charged. Instead of trying to parry, the captain merely sidestepped and tripped Will. Realizing he had acted emotionally, Will regained his composure and crossed blades. He was quite impressed. As he swished to the right, he merely parried in turn while landing an armored fist to Will's abdomen. He even went for the right place on the body. He must have been studying.

Realizing he would have to change tactics as he was merely two points away from losing, he stood still and waited. This time, the Brit went on the offensive, and then Will had him. He parried and managed to disarm the Brit with a mere flick at the wrist. As the blade fell, Will stepped on it as the Brit crawled for the blade. Will stopped him and rolled him over.

"Why are you here, have I not bested you enou…"

And through the visor of the helmet he saw the eyes of his lover. It's her, but why is she here. I cannot let anyone know this is suspicious.

"My friend, it is good to see you. You fought valiantly. I offer you my hand if you offer me your blade."

She smiled at his act and accepted the offer. The crowd cheered for the unstoppable Austrian. Later that night, Will and the empress went to the local tavern. Outside of her royal robes, she was even more radiant, and had Will not kept his arm tightly around her, who knows how any guys he would have to kill?

"Why did you come?"

"I wanted to show you I could fight my own battles. That I don't need you."

"So you came to break my heart."

"No. I simply came to prove I can defend my own country."

"Then why hide it?"

"Hello?! Boobs! A woman cannot fight in this man's world. The country would never accept me as their champion. That's why they need you."

"But you're saying you don't need me to fight for you."

"That is correct…"

"And you have your suitor. Surely he is enough of a façade. Either way, I'm leaving." And Will got up to leave.

"But I want you to fight for me", she said to him as he got up. "I want you to accompany me home. James doesn't cuddle right."

At that Will turned red with rage and tried to turn, but was caught by the empress. She grabbed his hand and turned him around and looked at his eyes. But Will averted his gaze.

"He's nowhere near anything of your caliber. You are the man I want. But I cannot have you. You are not of nobility. But you are the only real man I have ever met. I need my man. To satisfy me. To make me happy. To love me. Please, Will."

Will turned his head and softly said, "I live to serve your majesty."

As he bowed his head before her, she picked up his chin and looked at him.

"It's Valentina." And with that she kissed him.

(Present)

Valentina. It truly is the most beautiful name in the whole world. And to be allowed to call her that. It was an honor. Why oh why did I leave her in her time of need? Why did I fail her?

How Will wished to be back in Austria with the love of his life. Instead, he bore a heavy heart. The shame of what he had done when he returned had destroyed their love. Will was interrupted when he heard the shouts of a man running through the street. He was being chased by enforcer drones that were tracking his chain. Will charged forward and ignited his light saber. The blue blade made short work of the first one while a bolt of lightning quickly dispatched the other. The man cowered before Will and begged for mercy.

"Do not be afraid. I have come to right the terrible evil that befalls this place. You're Emperor and I have a long history together. And he will pay for what he did to me and my happiness."