Hetalia – Of Magic and Might

Chapter 32, Thank you to my new followers who have decided to join us. I don't have much to say so let's jump right in.

Enjoy!

Whale-Tail Island, Lord Antonio's Manor, The conservatory greenhouse.

Francis Bonnefoy sat cross legged on a cushioned wicker garden chair reading his favourite novel 'Zebra Stripes and Giraffe spots: Is it really FUR you?!'. Antonio's greenhouse he was sat in was filled to the brim of lush greenery, the atmosphere was warm from the sunlight and a crisp late autumn breeze flowed from a open skylight. Next to the chair he was sat in was a glass table that had a glass of wine, Francis' journal and peacock quill and ink pot on top. Francis took in a deep breath of the slightly scented humid air and breathed out contently before hearing a faint repetitive flapping sound that seemed to grow louder by the second. Confused Francis bookmarked and set down his book on the table beside him, looking around the vast greenhouse as he did. Perhaps a robin had gotten in Francis had thought curiously, though the thought was gone as a loud owl screech shrieked and the owl itself dive bombed into view out of nowhere. Francis screamed in high pitch terror and fell off his chair as the snowy owl slowed its descent with a powerful flap of its wings and gracefully landed on the table, sending the delicate objects rested on it smashing onto the polished floor.

Francis scrambled to his feet, gasping for breath with his perfect hair sticking up at odd angles and a complete mess. The snowy owl stretched its angelic white wings before tucking them under and looking impatiently at the bewildered Francis. Francis could of swore the owl looked like it was scolding as it hopped closer to the edge of the scratched table and held out its leg, on which a folded piece of paper had been attached with a thin leather strap. Hesitantly Francis crept closer and cautiously reached out his hand and took the folded message. Tenderly he smoothed out the ceases on the letter and began to read.

'Dear Francis,

I hope this letter finds you well, as for me…it's quite another matter. I apologise for the method that this letter had to be delivered but I couldn't find an alternative way of sending you a message that wouldn't be opened, visiting isn't an option for me anymore. I'm sorry Francis, I know it's not what we wanted. And I know it's not what we had planned, but well… Things changed.

I joined the rebellion, Francis. I'm not sorry for it, but I am sorry for what it will mean for you. We were going to go back home together and open the café, you know. Business as usual? It's just…not possible now I'm afraid. I am so sorry Francis, I know I am incredibly selfish and I have no right to be forgiven. But I can't not do anything anymore, Ludwig's forced my eyes open and now I fear that I cannot turn away.

Things of moving Francis, I can feel it. A storm is coming. Tomorrow Ludwig along with myself, Alfred, Kiku, Matthew and a few others will be departing off the island and heading North to the Nordic Kingdom. Ludwig wishes to propose an alliance and I have had so much to prepare. Why I had to use the training yard to draw a magic circle and summon all my spell books and gear when it wasn't even a full moon. And then I managed to condense all the information so I now have one spell book that contains the contents of hundreds!. Tell you what it was bloody hard, I nearly passed out twice for gods sake. I don't think people appreciate how complicated magic can be, honestly.

With me being unable to return to the Capital, I'm not sure of what will become of our little café. I don't know what you'll do and I don't know what you plan to do in light of my sudden decision. I don't deserve a friend like you Francis, you were the only one I trust completely and I repay you by abandoning you. I won't ask for forgiveness that I don't deserve, but could you stay with Antonio while I'm away? I know you two were close in the past and he won't turn you away. It would just be until the alliance is formed and then you would have a safe place to stay, with me. I know it's not the Capital with its glamour and nightlife, but it'd be safe. A heaven when the war begins.

Ah, I'm getting further away from the reason I sent this letter. Seamus would box my ears if he saw how much parchment I've wasted rambling on about other matters. I miss them all so… and as much as it pains me to admit it, I'll miss you to while I'm away you.

I miss you now you git,

Your Arthur

P.S I suggest if you want to write back, you write while the owl is still there. He'll only leave if you attach a letter to his leg in reply, and I wouldn't keep him waiting. He likes to bite when impatient.'

Francis slowly sank to his knees, twin tear streams slowly running down the sides of his face. It was those words that broke him. 'Your Arthur'. He had held it barely together throughout the letter; the rebellion, leaving for the North. Those two simple words, two words that were the farthest thing from the truth. Francis hiccuped and ran his hand down his face, his twin waterfalls not ceasing their slow descent. On the table the owl chirped and shook itself, drawing Francis attention back to it. The owl's wise gaze pierced Francis and Francis was stricken with the understanding that this was most definitely Arthur's owl. The wise, understanding look, the solitary beauty it possessed, and most potent in that moment. Arthur's displeasure at seeing Francis upset.

Francis rose laughing at his own self pity and caressively ran a smoothing finger down the snowy owl's soft feathered spine. The owl closed its eyes in content before affectionately but firmly nipping at Francis' finger as if to remind him to hurry up and write the bloody letter. Francis wiped away the last of his tears and bent down to pick up his fallen quill, ink and journal. After he had ripped out a piece of paper, Francis sat down and dipped it into the squid ink and positioned it above the page before starting his letter.

'Dear Arthur….'

The Capital, The Winter Palace, Natasha Arlovskaya's Chambers

"What do you think Mistress?" The unimportant servant whose name Natasha could not remember snivelled as it made a tiny adjustment to her gown. Natasha nodded once and turned so she could admire the full splendour of her reflection. In the mirror stood a tall elegant woman with platinum blonde hair sleeked back into a large bun on the crown of her head. Framing her slender figure was a silk black dress with layers of white ruffles below the waistline that kissed the floor. Her pale blushed skin and her steely blue eyes complimented the dress perfectly with cold beauty, why she looked like ice queen.

"Maybe even… His queen" Natasha blushed bringing her hand to steady her frantic beating heart as she imagined herself standing beside her brother, standing as equals, as his woman. Natasha sighed happily as her imagination painted her a new picture. A scene. Her and her sweet brother posing for a family portrait, her and Ivan's several children posing alongside with them. Her stomach round with another. Natasha felt a burning in her chest that was not just from passion, but a lack of oxygen. She had forgotten to breathe, as she often did while fantasising. Natasha took a deep breath and cleared her throat to regain herself in front of her servants. They all enjoyed to gossip purposelessly.

"Yes the dress is perfect. Please send my thanks to the dressmaker, tell them that the sister of the Emperor appreciates it" Natasha cooly said as she smoothed out a inexistent crease on the corset piece. Her servants all looked relieved and shared smiles with one another at their mistress' good mood.

"If you please mistress, what is the occasion for such a dress?" One particularly brave maid asked timidly, afraid to spoil the light atmosphere. Natasha kept her ice blue eyes on her marvellous reflection, the girl wasn't worth the effort to turn her head. Natasha watched as the corners of her full lips tug upwards with smug knowledge and confidence before answering the girl.

"Why child, I have an audience with a king"

Poor Francis, why can you never have a break? So a rather heartbreaking letter from Arthur and a small scene with Natasha. I quite like Arthur's snowy owl, which is not a real owl but is connected to Arthur as deeply as his spirit animal. He's handy for delivering messages and when he was younger, Arthur would have him steal food from his brother's plates.

Natasha is a complicated character, driven by twisted lust and a unhealthy desire to be acknowledged. Her 'love' for her brother began with admiration for his strength and brutality. She saw her brother as power personified, saw his desire for it and so in turn, pushed herself to become strong for him. She longs to stand equally with him, and live in a world that was theirs to own and conquer.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you are liking this story and wish to see it continue, then please leave a review telling me your opinions, questions and predictions. You guys are what keeps this story running, you really are amazing. Once again thank you for reading!

Until next time folks!