Moving on

by chop4tess

While in Big Shimaron on a secret mission Yuri and his party are attacked by bandits. Wolfram stays behind in order to protect Yuri but he goes missing as a result. Everyone except Yuri believes Wolfram to be dead. But with their paths divided will Yuri and Wolfram ever meet again?

4. Reunion

Disclaimer: I do not own KKM or any of its characters

This chapter was updated and reviewed in January 2021.

Please enjoy!

Chapter four: Reunion

(Shinmakoku – 1 month later)

Yuri wondered if this was some elaborate joke. Maybe the others had found out about his moment of weakness and had come up with this scheme to punish him? Maybe this was to teach him a lesson in being more responsible and careful? Yuri stared at his closest friends and advisors waiting for someone, anyone, to exclaim: fooled you!

Yuri looked from one face to another. Conrad, Gunter, and Gwendal stood before him wearing expressions that ranged from mortification to anger and disappointment. Murata was also there but his face was unreadable. The look of disappointment on Conrad's face made Yuri feel about 5 inches tall. He wanted to shrink into his chair and disappear. He felt like he'd let them all down somehow.

"Have you nothing to say for yourself?" Gwendal rumbled his forehead wrinkled. Yuri could tell he was holding his anger in check.

"I…" Yuri squeaked then swallowed. His heart was beating so fast it was making him feel dizzy. This cannot be happening!

"Your Majesty how could you do this to me?!" Gunter wailed before throwing himself dramatically over Yuri's desk making Yuri jump. "How could you?"

"Gunter," Gwendal snapped making the temperature in the room plummet into the minus numbers. "This is serious, please try to compose yourself." Gunter sniffed and produced a ridiculously frilly handkerchief from his sleeve and blew his nose loudly. Yuri would have laughed had he not been so nervous.

"This…this is some sort of joke right?" Yuri asked nervously his eyes flicking from one man to the other. "You're just teaching me a lesson right?"

"I'm afraid the time to teach this lesson has long since passed us by." Conrad answered his voice sombre. Yuri shuddered and sunk down in his chair wishing the ground would open and swallow him whole. This cannot be happening!

"You must take action," Gwendal spoke next glaring at Yuri with more force then Yuri thought was strictly necessary. But if what they said was true then maybe he deserved their anger and condemnation? Yuri bit his lip and tried to remember to breathe.

"Your Majesty," Gunter coughed as he composed himself. "As much as it hurts me to say this you must make a decision quickly. If the people found out about this…" Gunter gasped at the thought of a Royal scandal so early in Yuri's reign before he was overcome. He fell on the floor with a dramatic thud amid a whoosh of cloth as only Gunter could. Gwendal's eyebrow twitched dangerously. Yuri's gaze flicked to the prone figure of his chief advisor. This cannot be happening!

"Yuri, I assume the young Lady's claims are correct? It is possible it is yours?" Conrad looked at Yuri hopefully. He was willing to give Yuri the benefit of the doubt. Unlike the other three he seemly hadn't disowned Yuri just yet. He was giving Yuri a chance to fight his corner, give his side of the story. Unfortunately, what had been said was entirely true. To kill the hope in Conrad's eyes, to kill Conrad's belief that he wouldn't do such a thing, hurt Yuri more than he thought anything ever could.

"Abby and I shared my bed last month on the night of the ball, just like she said." Yuri said quietly, as if hoping no one would hear him. "If she's," Yuri hiccupped, he couldn't say the word, "in the family way then it's possible that it is –" Yuri stopped again. It was just too much to take in. This cannot be happening! It seemed repeating that phrase over and over in his head wasn't making the problem any less real. Maybe I'll wake up any moment to find this has all been a horrible dream? Yuri pinched his leg, hard. It hurt like hell.

"How could you be so foolish, Yuri?" Gwendal barked making Yuri squeak. Yuri felt like a naughty teenager caught sneaking out after curfew.

"It was only once!" Yuri protested but that argument sounded weak even to his own ears.

"It only takes once!" Gwendal barked again. "For goodness sake you should be old enough to understand how these things work!" Yuri flinched and glanced at Conrad. The disappointment in Conrad's eyes struck Yuri with more force than any words Gwendal could have said. He had let Conrad down, he had let everyone down. Yuri ducked his head in shame. In truth he had been feeling guilty about that night since the morning he woke up to find a very naked Abby sleeping peacefully in his arms. It was only the mother of all headaches that had stopped Yuri from shouting in surprise. His only conciliation since then had been that no one other than himself and Abby were aware of what exactly had transpired that night. There were rumours of course, and some came dangerously close to the truth, but rumours could be controlled, could be denied. This, this was real and right out in the open. Yuri couldn't laugh it off and pretend it wasn't happening.

Unable to look at Abby without blushing or act in any way normal around her, Abby had taken this to mean her presence was no longer wanted. She had left to return home within a week of their night together. Yuri had felt guilty as it gave the impression he'd only been close to her to get sex which wasn't true at all. He'd tried to erase the night they were together from his mind but it had burrowed under his skin like a tick. The feel of her hands on his skin, the taste of her lips, and the softness of her breasts under his hands. It would pop into his head at the most inappropriate times making him blush and stammer like a fool. Greta had made no secret of the fact that she was glad Abby was gone. After his scandalous relationship with Abby, Yuri had found himself uncomfortable in his daughter's presence.

Yuri hadn't thought he would see Abby again after that awkward parting. Then Abby arrived at the castle that morning without word she was coming. Yuri had made excuses so he didn't have to meet with her so she'd gone straight to Gisela with the news she was pregnant. Pregnant with Yuri's child, sired during their one night together.

Murata had yet to say a word since Yuri was summoned to his office to hear the news no teenage boy wanted to hear. He just stood slightly behind the others watching everything going on. The sunlight from the large window behind Yuri turned his glasses into molten pools of light making it impossible to know what he was thinking. Somehow his presence was made all the more profound by his silence.

"Oh for one so young to be so burdened!" Gunter, apparently having recovered, swept to his feet tears leaking out of his eyes.

"He brought this on himself!" Gwendal snapped grumpily.

"How can you be so heartless at this difficult time?" Gunter sobbed loudly making Gwendal's eyebrow twitch again. "It is clear His Majesty was taken advantage of that night and –"

"Shibuya," Murata spoke causing everyone else to fall silent. All eyes turned to the Great Sage but he didn't seem to notice. His gaze bore into Yuri's soul pinning him like a bug to his chair. "This situation has only two possible conclusions. Abby Caz claims that she is pregnant by you so you must either marry her or dishonour her."

"What do you mean?" Yuri asked trying desperately to maintain some grasp on reality. Marry her? Dishonour her?

"Gisela has confirmed that Abby is four weeks pregnant," Gwendal pinched the bridge of his nose. "You can deny ever having laid with Abby and any blood connection to the child. Such an action will dishonour Abby's name."

"She will most likely be disowned by her family." Murata chipped in his voice flat and emotionless. "No one will marry her since she carries a bastard child. If she survives childbirth she will be forced to live in poverty. The child will be treated as a second class citizen and will never escape the discrimination of being born to an unmarried woman."

"Oh," Yuri stared at Murata in speechless shock. He had no idea women were treated so badly in his Kingdom. He'd have to do something about that. "Wait, what do you mean by 'if she survives childbirth'?"

"If her family disown her, she will likely have no money to pay for a decent midwife." Murata shrugged causally as if discussing the weather. "Odds are that either she or the baby will die, maybe even both of them." Yuri opened and closed his mouth but no words came out. It was too horrible to think about. He hadn't thought that far ahead yet. He was too busy freaking out that he may have gotten Abby pregnant.

"Or you could marry her." Conrad added crossing his arms over his chest. The gentle light that was usually present in his eyes when talking to Yuri had vanished. "As your wife Abby would be given access to the best midwives and medical care. It is unlikely her life or the life of the child would be in danger."

"Also her family could hardly expect their daughter to marry better than the Maoh." Murata added sounding vaguely sarcastic. "So I doubt they will contest the marriage. Most people look the other way if a bride is pregnant before her wedding as long as the child is born in wedlock."

"We must also give consideration to the fact that children born outside of matrimony cannot inherit their father's wealth or position." Gunter straightened himself out as he went into tutor mode. "Even if the pair married after the child was born he or she wouldn't be entitled to inherit from their father."

"In other words, if you wish to marry her you should do so sooner rather than later." Murata added. Yuri shook his head as he dropped his head in his hands. This cannot be happening! Yuri wanted to scream. One moment of weakness, just one, and his whole life was being turned upside down.

"There is always the possibility that the child is not yours." Gwendal rumbled. "In which case neither her life nor the life of the baby, are of our concern."

"But if I refuse her then she and the baby could die?" Yuri asked his voice muffled by his hands.

"If you chose to dishonour her by denying her claim you might as well have her stabbed now and be over with it." Murata's voice was harsh making Yuri jerk his head up. "It would be the kinder thing to do." Gwendal grunted and nodded while Gunter squirmed and Conrad looked away. Yuri realised with a sinking feeling that Murata wasn't kidding.

Yuri closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Abby had told him that their night together was her first time and Yuri believed her. There had been something uncertain and inexperienced about the way she had touched him that night. She could have taken advantage of him knowing she would become pregnant, but Yuri wasn't sure how she could have known in advance that she would become pregnant after just one night. Maybe this was just as much a shock to her as it was to him? Maybe she was waiting for his answer terrified he would just ditch her. What if it was his child? Could he abandon his own flesh and blood for the sake of convenience? They didn't have paternity tests here. He let the air in his lungs rush out in a heavy sigh. He couldn't dishonour Abby and leave her all alone. That child could well be his and Yuri wouldn't be able to live with himself if he was responsible for killing his own child or his child's mother. Yuri raised his head to meet the gaze of his advisors.

"I'll marry her." Yuri spoke. There was a long drawn out silence that met Yuri's decision. Yuri could hear the birds chirping merrily outside his window and somewhere the cry the bad omen bird filtered through the glass. Gunter was the first to break the silence.

"Oh my," Gunter sniffed and wiped his eyes. "I shall start making the preparations right away Your Majesty." Gunter looked at Yuri for a long moment before wailing and throwing his arms around Yuri's shoulders. Yuri sighed but did nothing to remove Gunter from his person. Gunter sniffed wetly before releasing Yuri and rushing out of the room like a lilac whirlwind. There was a pause as if the room seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

"If that is your decision I must take my leave. I will help Gunter with the preparations." Gwendal turned and without a backwards glance marched off. Yuri watched with a sinking heart as the man left the room letting the door slam behind him.

"I consider this to be the wisest choice. I also bid you goodbye," Murata spoke without looking at Yuri. He turned to Conrad who hadn't moved after Yuri's decision. Murata nodded at Conrad who gave a small nod back. Yuri looked between the two trying to figure out what unspoken words had passed between them. Murata left the study without glancing at Yuri, allowing the door to click shut behind him.

"Conrad I…I never intended this to happen." Yuri said hating how pathetic he sounded even to his own ears. He couldn't even meet his godfather's eyes.

"People rarely do Yuri." Conrad answered in monotone. "I do however think it is best for all if you marry Abby."

"Yes but…" Yuri paused and bit his lip.

"What is it?"

"I don't love her." Yuri blurted out before he could stop himself. There it was; his most dirty secret out in the open. He had slept with someone he didn't love. He knew kids his age were doing it all the time but Yuri had always thought he was better than that. He always thought he would fall in love, marry and maybe sometime in the distant future he would become a dad. Now he was being rushed into a marriage at the tender age of 17 because he would be a father within eight months. Because you were a stupid idiot, Yuri reminded himself.

"Well," Conrad spoke gaining Yuri's attention, "You'd better start falling in love with her hadn't you? Considering you will be together for many years to come." Conrad turned and marched towards the door. Yuri leapt to his feet unable to watch Conrad walk away from him like this.

"I'm sorry! Why can't anyone understand that?" Yuri yelled feeling helpless and frustrated. Conrad froze with his hand on the door knob. He slowly turned to face Yuri. Yuri stood with his hands planted on the desk in front of him. "What do I have to do to gain your forgiveness?"

"I don't know if I can forgive you Yuri." Conrad admitted quietly. Yuri reeled backwards as if struck. "You told me you didn't want another but within weeks of the Nobles annulling your engagement to Wolfram you take a woman to your bed. A woman you admit you don't even love." Conrad stared at Yuri his gaze sad and painful. "Wolfram loved you in the purest sense of the word. You've betrayed his memory and I thought you were better than that, I truly did."

Yuri said nothing as Conrad left his study closing the heavy wooden door behind him. For a long time he just stared at the space that his godfather used to occupy. Silence rang in his ears filling his head with white noise. After what seemed like an age Yuri slowly sat down in his chair and stared unseeing at the table in front of him.

-:-

(Falken Stud Farm)

Wolfram stood naked before the mirror staring at his reflection. There was another mirror behind him set at an angle. This way he could see his back by looking at the reflection in the mirror before him. Wolfram felt his stomach clench in rage as he examined the scars that criss-crossed over his back. Some had already turned white but the most recent ones were still an angry red. The doctor who worked at the stud farm was highly gifted in the art of healing but even she couldn't prevent the worst wounds from scarring. More marks crossed over the back of his thighs. Most of the wounds were long and thin, the marks of a whip, but some were shorter and thicker, the result of his skin being cut with a knife.

Most of the knife wounds were on his stomach and a few on his chest but since the bandits' goal had been to extract information rather than to kill him, these wounds weren't so bad and had already healed. All bar a few had healed completely with no scarring. Casper had told him everything he could about the bandits' hideout but it hadn't triggered any memories to resurface. Looking at the aftermath of what they did to him, Wolfram wasn't sure he wanted to remember. Wolfram closed his eyes and clenched his fists. He knew that he couldn't pick and choose which memories he wanted back, it was all or nothing. His fear of remembering what those men did to him could well be holding back his memories of his past.

Wolfram opened his eyes again and took the time to look over his body. Despite the excellent food and the special diet prescribed by the doctor he was horribly thin and his skin was in terrible condition. Several hot baths had washed the grease from his hair but it was lifeless and brittle and Wolfram knew he had a long way to go before he was healthy again. He couldn't remember what he used to look like but the sight of his weak body disgusted him. He could almost count all his ribs. Almost two months of no physical exercise had caused his muscles to waste away leaving him almost too weak to stand. For the past two weeks he had been taking short walks to try and get his strength back. At first the movement caused great pain, forcing tears from his eyes, but it was getting easier. Casper had been there the whole time encouraging him and supporting him through it all.

Wolfram shivered and he knew it had nothing to do with the temperature of the room. The sun was shining brightly outside, it was the height of summer according to Casper, and a warm breeze flowed into the room through the open window bringing the smell of horses and flowers. Wolfram didn't understand his feelings for Casper. There were times when he felt a strong connection to Casper, something that went beyond friendship, but then he felt this wave of guilt that was so strong it made him feel ill. He couldn't understand it at all. It was as if there was a part of him that was forbidding him from falling in love with Casper.

Wolfram jerked backwards in shock making pain flash up his spine. Wolfram groaned and stumbled back a few steps. Any sharp or sudden movement aggravated his wounds making pain flare across his skin. It was as if someone was pushing white hot needles into the already sensitive scar tissue. Wolfram closed his eyes and stood still, taking deep breaths until the pain passed. Once the pain clouding his mind faded into the background Wolfram was able to think again. He couldn't be falling in love with Casper could he? Sure, Casper was a handsome young man with great potential for a husband but they had only known each other for a few weeks. While he had been at the farm for seven weeks, for three of those weeks he had been unconscious. He had hardly been up to any meaningful conversation. But Casper had been there from the start, from the day he woke up in this strange place till now. Casper had held him gently when he woke screaming from nightmares he couldn't remember afterwards. Casper had seen him at his weakest and most vulnerable and still treated him with respect.

Wolfram grasped his head in his hands and slowly shook his head. This could not happen. He didn't know why but something deep inside told him that he couldn't love Casper and he should face that before he fell further. He needed to leave. The realisation hit him like a brick to his head. He had to leave Casper and this farm. Where he would go he had no idea. The doctor had told him he was a pure blood Mazoku so maybe he should go to a major Mazoku town? Maybe someone would recognise him? This farm was very isolated and Wolfram had only met three of the farm hands so far as most of them were kept busy looking after this seasons foals and preparing last years' foals for market. Casper had mentioned his father, Raoul, but so far the man seemed too busy to speak with him.

The thought of leaving caused so many conflicting emotions Wolfram wanted to scream in frustration. A part of him wanted to leave, to get as far away from here and his feelings for Casper as possible. Another part of him wanted to stay. Wolfram felt like he was being pulled in half. He stumbled to the bed and sank down onto the covers. Why did this have to happen to him? What did he do to deserve this? Was he a terrible person who was being punished by an unseen deity for some crime? Wolfram snorted, even without his memories of his past he knew he didn't believe that. But he had to leave. He had stayed here long enough.

Wolfram dressed slowly in clothes Casper had given him. He had nothing of his own, not even clothes, and for some reason that made him resentful. Casper had been nothing but kind to him but now Wolfram wanted to be away from his kindness and his gentle smiles. He felt a twinge of guilt which for once wasn't associated with his feelings for Casper. It felt rude to throw all of Casper's kindness back in his face and just waltz off but Wolfram knew he had to. He would find none of the answers he sought out here in the middle of nowhere. He wanted desperately to gain just a little independence after relying so heavily on others while he was injured. It had felt so good just to walk without help. He might not have made it far but it was a start and he was getting stronger every day.

Wolfram left his bedroom and slowly walked towards the flight of stairs leading down to the ground floor. Once he started getting up and walking around the doctor suggested moving him to a room on the ground floor but Wolfram liked the view from his bedroom over the fields. In the end Wolfram was left where he was with the promise that he wouldn't walk down the stairs without help in case he fell. Right now Wolfram intended to break that promise. Wolfram took several deep breaths before beginning a slow descent. It was painful to rest all his weight on one foot even for a moment but it was bearable.

He was about half way down when Casper suddenly appeared at the bottom of the stairs. He must have come looking for him. Wolfram had told Casper that he wanted to be alone for a little while. In response Casper had just smiled as if he knew exactly what Wolfram meant and left without asking any questions. Casper looked surprised to see him walking down the stairs, fully dressed, and alone. Instead of scowling and marching up the stairs to confront him as Wolfram had expected, Casper simply waited quietly for Wolfram to reach him. There was a strange quality to Casper that drew Wolfram to him like a moth to a flame. He was always so quiet and unruffled. Even when the pain and frustration had been too much and Wolfram had taken it out on Casper, he had taken it all in his stride. Nothing seemed to faze him for long. Also, Casper appeared to genuinely care about him though Wolfram didn't know what he had done to deserve this. Maybe Casper was like this around everyone?

"You must be feeling better, that's good." Casper grinned broadly at Wolfram. "Would you like to go for a longer walk today? We could go to the stables and see the horses." The broodmare stables were not far from the house and Wolfram had wanted to see the beautiful animals he had seen from his bedroom window up close. When he asked Casper about them the young Mazoku had proudly told him that his father bred some of the finest horses in the whole land. Even the royal horses of the Ten Nobles were of the Falken stock. For some reason that had stirred a memory inside Wolfram but it had left him before he could make sense of it.

"I would like that," Wolfram answered with a smile. Casper nodded and offered his arm for Wolfram to lean on. Wolfram ignored the offered arm and set off for the front door with a determined air. He faintly heard Casper chuckle before the other boy fell into step beside him. As they passed several portraits of animals, mostly horses, Wolfram paused beside one of a beautiful young woman. Light brown hair tumbled down her shoulders and bright violet eyes smiled gently at the artist. She was sitting in a fancy wooden chair wearing a simple but beautiful green dress. The cut and shape of the cloth suggested wealth despite the lack of jewellery on show.

"That was my mother," Casper spoke softly noticing Wolfram's gaze. "The painting was commissioned just after she married my father, before I was born. Her name was Adal. We had a family portrait as well, done when I was sixteen, but my father took that one down after she died." Casper smiled at the picture of his mother. "I think mother would have been sad to see it taken down but she died only seven months after it was completed."

"She was very pretty," Wolfram said. "You look just like her."

"Thank you. My mother was great with the horses." Casper said as he started walking again. Wolfram hadn't even realised they had stopped. "She had this way with them, like she understood them. She taught me so much about them. 'Gentle hands and gentle eyes' is what she would always tell me. You can't take a yearling, break his spirit and expect him to be a good horse. You need to form a partnership of trust and understanding with them. I could never seem to connect with the horses the same way."

"I think you are more like her than you give yourself credit." Wolfram answered making Casper smile. "What happened to her?" Casper's smile vanished and his face became tight with pain. "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked that." Wolfram looked away as his cheeks burned.

"No, it is ok Wolf I should talk about her more." Casper sighed, "My mother became very sick when I was seventeen. We had a different doctor then and he didn't know how to save her. My father sent for more doctors but they arrived too late to help her. She died within two months of becoming ill. Her death hit my father hard. She was the only one he truly loved. He became obsessed with his horses and stopped talking about mother, as if she never existed." Casper ran a hand through his thick brown locks. "I know he misses her, as do I."

"I'm sorry you couldn't save her. She sounds like a wonderful person." Wolfram said softly reaching out to take Casper's hand in his. Casper jumped at the contact and looked at Wolfram in surprise. Wolfram smiled and tried to ignore the way the skin of his fingers tingled at the contact. Casper smiled and gently squeezed Wolfram's hand with his own.

"Thank you," he said softly. Wolfram nodded and gently eased his hand from Casper's grip. You are going to leave him remember? Don't get any more involved with him than you are already. Even though Wolfram knew that his inner voice was right, he couldn't stop his heart from skipping at the grateful light in Casper's beautiful violet eyes.

:-:

The stables were cool and dark after the bright summer sunshine. Wolfram had to blink several times before his eyes adjusted. The stables were built in the typical style with stables on both sides of a central aisle and an attic above where the hay was stored. Almost every stable had a horse who peered over the gate to see the new visitors. He breathed in deep and was assaulted by the various smells of horse and hay. The smell brought a smile to his lips and he felt his shoulders relax. He forgot about his mixed feelings towards Casper and lost himself in the familiar sounds and smells of his favourite animals. When Wolfram opened his eyes he was no longer in the stables of the Falken Stud farm but in another stable. This one was much smaller but the stables themselves were bigger and everything felt expensive. A horse put their head over the door and whickered a greeting. Wolfram felt a rush of affection for the cream coloured horse and stepped forward a hand raised to pat the animal…and was back in the Falken stable.

Wolfram blinked and looked around wildly, thrown by the sudden change. He was certain what he saw was a memory of his past life. Apparently he had had a horse of his own, or maybe he looked after the horse for some Noble? No, that horse had been his, there was no denying the pride and love he felt for the beast. Wolfram frowned and rubbed his forehead. Usually any attempt to recall his past was accompanied by powerful headaches but this time he felt fine. Maybe it was a sign his memory was coming back?

"Wolf, are you alright?" Casper was staring at him with a worried frown. Wolfram had the idea that he had been standing there staring at nothing for a long time. Wolfram gave himself a mental shake.

"Yes I am fine I –"

"I know that Simms but I have no use for a lame foal!" A loud voice cut Wolfram off. Wolfram turned to see a middle aged man march into the stables followed by a younger man. The older man had dark brown hair that was turning sliver and intelligent blue eyes that seemed to dart everywhere, taking everything in. "Who will buy the little filly if she can barely walk?" The man continued glancing at his companion.

"But her pedigree speaks for itself Raoul!" The second man, a dark blond with hazel eyes argued back. "Even if she can't be sold we should keep her for the foals she could give us." Wolfram stared at the man who must be Casper's father. This was the first time he'd seen him. He didn't know how old he was but he had a feeling Raoul's face was older than his years. Casper bore little physical resemblance to his father but he had his father's height. He looked fit and his skin was tanned and weathered from hours spent outside. He wore rough working clothes although Wolfram knew he could afford better from the expensive items in his house. Wolfram doubted fancy clothes were good for working with horses though.

"Would she even be able to carry a foal in her condition?" Raoul shook his head his arms crossed over his chest. "I know you've become attached to the filly Simms but the cost of looking after her and the special care she'll need outweigh any possible money we could make out of her foals, assuming she could have any."

"Is this about the bay and white filly?" Casper suddenly asked stepping towards the two men. Raoul gave a start as if he hadn't realised they were there. Wolfram saw those sharp eyes focus on him for a moment before turning back to his son.

"Yes, the filly born to Blackjack." Raoul nodded.

"It would be a great shame to put her down," Casper said sadly, "She is such a pretty thing."

"But her looks will not give her a home if she cannot walk." Raoul said firmly his eyes fixed on his son. "This is a business not a charity and I can't keep horses that don't earn their keep."

"Then how come Holly, Upstart and Bolt still around?" Casper challenged. From the way Simms grimaced Wolfram had a feeling that only Casper would dare speak to his father like that. Raoul was a man who behaved like someone who was used to being obeyed.

"Those three have severed me well for many years." Raoul growled making Wolfram shrink back although his anger was not directed at him. "Their years of loyalty should end when Mother Nature decides, not by a knife."

"So you would 'waste' money on them but not on Blackjack's foal? Simms is correct, the filly has good pedigree. I think you should give her a chance, maybe her leg will grow stronger in time?" Casper had his arms crossed over his chest in a mirror image of his father. It was the first time Wolfram had seen him get into anything close to an argument. The way Casper's eyes sparked in anger and his shoulders stiffened fascinated Wolfram. He already knew that Casper was no coward since he'd saved him from the bandits when he could have left him to rot, but he had never seen anything but gentle kindness from Casper before.

"I don't need to explain my reasons to you," Raoul snapped and that seemed to be an end to the conversation. Raoul glance sideways and spotted Wolfram lurking in the shadows. Wolfram straightened his spine and met Raoul's piercing gaze head on. Something told him not to show any weakness in front of this man. "Who is this?" Raoul asked abruptly but not unkindly.

"This is Wolf. I told you about him remember?" Casper sighed in clear annoyance. "You would know about him if you bothered to meet him in the seven weeks he's been here."

"Oh yes the boy you so nobly saved from the bandits who kidnapped you." Something about the way Raoul said that made Wolfram's hackles go up.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Casper snapped his eyes once again alight with anger. Wolfram got the distinct impression that most conversations between father and son turned into arguments.

"You know nothing about this boy and yet you risked your life to save him and then you brought him into our home! How do you know he won't murder us all in our beds? Or he might rob us blind, steal our horses! You were foolish." Raoul rounded on his son blue eyes snapping.

"I happen to think Casper was incredibly brave and selfless to rescue me from my tormentors and give me safe harbour in your home." Wolfram burst out before he could stop himself. "I think you should be proud of your son for showing such compassion! And I take great offense to your suggestion that I would steal from you."

"Forgive me for not caring if I offend you or not. I must put the safety of my livestock and my family first. I know nothing about you and from what I've been told you seem to have lost your memories, a tad convenient wouldn't you say? And you tell me I should be proud of my son? He could have gotten himself killed attempting to rescue you, then what would I have to be proud of?" Raoul glared at Wolfram who felt his cheeks heat up. It felt rather good to be having a good row with someone. Wolfram hadn't felt this alive since he could remember.

"I didn't attempt to rescue Wolf, I succeeded!" Casper pointed out sharply. Wolfram was rather enjoying seeing this side of Casper.

"By sheer dumb luck I would guess!" Raoul sniffed, "What good would you be to anyone dead in a ditch?" In a sudden flash of insight Wolfram realised that Raoul wasn't really angry. He was scared by how close he'd come to losing his only child. The problem was that Raoul didn't know how to express his fear so it came out as anger.

"Raoul Falken, I am indebted to your son for saving my life. I assure you I mean no harm to you, your son or anyone else. I know your son took a great risk in saving my life and I know I cannot repay him for this risk. I can only express my never ending gratitude for his kindness." Wolfram said formally. "You need not fret over my presence here as I plan to leave as soon as possible." Total silence met Wolfram's statement. Even the horses had gone quiet. Simms, who had been watching the whole thing looking worried, was staring at Wolfram as if he had proposed flying to the moon.

"What, but go where?" Casper squeaked before clearing his throat. "I mean, you don't remember anything do you?"

"No I don't but I'm not going to find any answers here Casper." Wolfram smiled at the boy who had become so close to him over the past weeks. "I am grateful for all you have done but I can't be your problem forever. I refuse to rely on someone for everything."

"Well I must say I am surprised." Raoul spoke as Casper seemed robbed of speech. "I assumed you were using my son to sponge off his wealth." Raoul held up a hand to stop Wolfram's protests. "I now see I was wrong about you. I apologise Wolf."

"Yes well, perhaps you should not judge people you don't know so harshly." Wolfram sniffed. A corner of Raoul's mouth twitched upwards in what Wolfram suspected was his version of a smile.

"But Wolf, where will you go?" Casper seemed forlorn and the sadness in his eyes made Wolfram feel guilty.

"I will go to the nearest Mazoku town. Maybe someone will know my face or perhaps it will help me to remember who I am. Do not worry about me Casper, I shall be fine." Wolfram smiled although he wasn't so sure of that. Casper certainly didn't look convinced.

"I don't know about you boys but I need a drink, come inside and let's discuss the best route to town for you Wolf. I have a friend who can put you up for a couple of days in the town before you move on or find someone you know." Raoul turned and walked into the sunshine with a bemused Simms following him.

"Oh so when you are getting rid of him you suddenly take an interest." Casper muttered as he followed his father. He paused just before stepping into the sunlight and looked back at Wolfram. "You really don't have to leave you know. You are still injured after all. You are welcome here despite what my father says."

"Thank you Casper but I really do need to leave." Before my conflicting feelings for you drive me insane, Wolfram kept that bit to himself. Casper nodded but he didn't look at all happy. He stepped outside and Wolfram followed him. The sudden brightness made Wolfram squint and the warm wind ruffled his blond hair making it float around his face like a golden halo. As Wolfram's eyes adjusted he noticed Raoul staring at him as if he had just seen a ghost.

"What is it Father?" Casper frowned at his father looking between him and Wolfram.

"I didn't recognise him before, the stable was too dark" Raoul said in amazement still staring at Wolfram.

"Wait, you know me?" Wolfram asked eagerly stepping forward.

"Of course I know you! I can't believe it though. They said you were dead. You are Wolfram Von Bielefeld of the Noble Bielefeld family and the Maoh's fiancé!" Wolfram froze his eyes wide as everything screeched to a halt.

"What?" Casper squeaked again. Wolfram said nothing. Suddenly it was hard to breathe as the air turned to treacle in his lungs. He started to feel dizzy and sick the world spinning around him. Someone was saying his name but Wolfram couldn't hear the words, they seemed to be coming from so far away.

Suddenly a flood of images hit him with full force. It was like being punched in the gut. Wolfram doubled up and fell to his knees as the images assaulted his brain. He heard Casper's frantic voice but he couldn't speak, couldn't breathe, past the images flashing through his mind. By saying his name Raoul had opened the door to Wolfram's memories and he couldn't have stopped them even if he wanted to. He saw everything in a great rush that took mere seconds to complete. He saw himself in a forest with three other people. Their names floated into his mind: Josak, Conrad and Yuri. They were on a secret mission in Big Shimaron but the mission was complete and they were returning home. He saw the bandits attack, he saw his group run and he relived the moment where he decided to stay behind and fight. That was how he was captured.

They tortured him. The pain, so terrible, but they wanted to know about Yuri and he had to protect the wimp.

Pain, never ending torment but he had to stay strong. He buried everything to prevent himself from caving under the pain. How long had he been gone? Was Yuri safe? Did they get back to the demon kingdom safely?

Pain exploded inside Wolfram's head and sparks flew across his vision. It was too much for Wolfram to take in all at once. As he passed out the last thing he saw where Casper's wide violet eyes staring into his own.

:-:

Casper didn't know what to make of the day's events. It turned out the dirty scruffy boy he had rescued all those weeks ago from the bandits was in fact one of the Ten Nobles, the ruling family of the Mazoku lands. His family owed its loyalty to one of those families as it was their land they occupied. His mother had had connections to the Gyllenhaal nobles through marriage and his father was a distant relative of the Kabernikov family although he had never met any of them. But to have one of Noble blood at their home and not to have known was a hell of a shock. Casper had known that Wolf, or Wolfram, was special but he never guessed for a moment how special.

He's the Maoh's fiancé as well. That put Wolfram well out of his reach. Why would he choose the son of a horse breeder over a King? The Maoh was a far better match for one of noble blood. Wolfram wasn't just any noble, he would be the head of the family once his Uncle died. Casper doubted the other nobles would allow a marriage between them even if Wolfram was mad enough to choose him. Casper swallowed as he wondered what the punishment for falling in love with the Maoh's betrothed was. Hopefully he would never have to find out. He hadn't said anything to Wolfram about his feelings. How would Wolfram feel knowing he had the unwanted affections of another when he was already promised to someone?

Casper sighed as he paced in his room. It was late but he couldn't sleep. Wolfram had blacked out for an hour after learning his name. After he woke he told Casper that somehow his name was the trigger for his memories. He remembered everything. Casper guessed he also remembered his love for his fiancé. Casper bit his lip and tried to force the jealousy away, it would do him no good.

Wolfram had recounted how he ended up a prisoner of the bandits and Casper felt shocked that the Maoh hadn't gone back for Wolfram. He kept his comments to himself not wanting to insult his King in front of his future husband. Casper couldn't help but think that if he had been the Maoh he would never have left Wolfram alone to face those bandits. Surely a King was gifted in fighting? Casper had heard stories of their new Maoh and his great powers were almost legendary despite his young age. There were also rumours that he was half human although Casper didn't know if that was true. He found it hard to believe that the chosen Maoh wouldn't be pure Mazoku. The Ten Nobles were proud of their bloodlines and he couldn't see them bowing before a half human.

Regardless of the Maoh's bloodline the important thing was that he was the Maoh and Wolfram wanted to go back to him. In fact he had demanded he leave at first light. Raoul had offered to send word ahead of Wolfram's return. Apparently rumour had it that the King had given up Wolfram for dead. But Wolfram wanted to see his family with his own eyes. He didn't want a letter to be misunderstood or disgarded as a ploy. Raoul had made the arrangements for his carriage to take Wolfram back to Shinmakoku tomorrow. Wolfram would leave and Casper wasn't sure if he would see him again. He had never been further than the nearest town, aside from his adventure in the human kingdom where he met Wolfram. He had never been to Shinmakoku before and he would not be of any use on the journey. But he wanted to go. If only to spend a little more time with Wolfram before he was lost to him for good. If they pushed the horses hard they could be in Shinmakoku within six days. Four days if they travelled at night as well. Wolfram seemed to be in a hurry to get back home. They could change horses easily enough on the way.

Casper stopped pacing and pressed his forehead to the glass in his window. Getting worked up was pointless. It was like what the old horse master used to teach him, when breaking in a wild horse you cannot expect it to happen overnight. Getting angry will only get in the way of the final objective. In this case, being hurt that Wolfram seemed ready to dump him to run off back to his fiancé at the drop of a hat was pointless. The Moah and Wolfram had been separated by events beyond their control. Neither of them had wished for it. Besides, he and Wolfram weren't a couple. It was absolutely right that Wolfram would wish to be with the one he loved.

Casper pushed himself away from the window and marched downstairs. He was too restless to sleep. He was still fully dressed but there had been many a time when Casper had been running around the farm in his nightwear to attend to a sick horse or new born foal. No one would look twice at him walking around the farm at night. He hoped the smell of the horses and the sound of them sleeping peacefully would help sooth him.

What Casper didn't expect to see was Wolfram sitting, fully dressed, under the brilliant moonlight. Casper paused in the shadow of the house watching Wolfram. The noble was sitting on the stone bench inside the garden staring out over the fence. Casper wondered what he was seeing. He seemed so peaceful Casper didn't want to disturb him. Maybe he knew he was being watched or maybe he made a sound, but Wolfram looked over his shoulder and smiled at him and Casper knew he had been found out. Feeling like a naughty child caught stealing biscuits from the jar, Casper walked over the moonlit gardens towards Wolfram. It was a full moon tonight and the sky was clear. The stars shone brightly as if a giant had scattered diamonds across the sky.

"Couldn't sleep either?" Wolfram asked quietly as Casper reached him. He looked different, Casper wasn't sure what it was but he no longer looked like 'Wolf'. He looked like a completely different person. Wolf had been no one, just a pretty young man with no memories. Wolfram was a powerful young man with responsibilities, a family and a fiancé. Casper wished he could stop thinking about fiancés for five seconds.

"No, there are too many thoughts going around my head, My Lord." Casper added hesitantly. Wolfram groaned and shook his head.

"Please call me Wolfram, Casper. And sit down I don't bite you know." Wolfram managed a weak smile. Casper smiled back and sat down making sure to put some distance between him and Wolfram. If it had been Wolf he was talking to he would have gotten as close as politely possible. There seemed to be a huge void between them now and Casper had no idea how to span the distance. It saddened him but he didn't know what to do. Wolfram was a noble and although he had family connections to the Ten Nobles he was anything but noble.

For a long time Casper and Wolfram sat and looked out over the grounds together. The silence was comfortable and broken only by the night time insects. The moon turned everything silver and Casper thought back to the daring midnight rush through the forest as he fled the bandits' hideout with Wolfram, tied unconscious to a saddle. The moon had been full back then too lightning the way to their freedom. Casper didn't know what had become of Rick and his gang and he really didn't care. They escaped and that was all that mattered.

"Would you like a reward?" Wolfram spoke jolting Casper out of his memories. Casper looked at Wolfram in surprise.

"A reward for what?"

"For rescuing me, of course. You took great risk in saving me and I feel that you should be properly rewarded for your efforts." Wolfram was still staring out over the farm and wouldn't meet Casper's eyes.

"I didn't rescue you expecting a reward." Casper said firmly, "I want nothing from you. It is enough of a reward for me to see you reunited with your family and loved ones." And your fiancé, Casper kicked himself. "Besides, who am I to put a price on the life of another?" Wolfram turned his head to look at him and Casper saw how red his eyes were. Wolfram had been crying. Casper ached to hug him but that wouldn't do. Wolfram was not his to offer comfort to. Wolfram smiled faintly and nodded.

"You are a good man Casper Falken."

"Are you alright Wolfram?" Casper frowned peering at Wolfram's face. It was difficult to make out his features in the moon's sliver light but he saw the shudder that ran through Wolfram's body.

"I remember everything." Wolfram said simply and Casper understood what he meant. He slid closer hoping his presence could bring some comfort. He found that talking to distressed mares helped calm them and Wolfram had responded well to his presence in the past.

"Can you talk about it?" Casper asked softly. He wasn't sure he wanted to know in detail what the bandits did to Wolfram but if it helped him to talk about it then Casper was willing to listen. Wolfram shook his head. "It might help chase the nightmares away." Casper whispered as he slid closer.

"Just…sit with me for a while. Would you do that for me Casper?" Wolfram whispered glancing up at Casper with large pleading eyes. Casper couldn't have said no to those eyes even if he had wanted to.

"Of course," Casper whispered back. Wolfram leaned against him, his head on his shoulder, and Casper felt his heart summersault in his chest. "Do you have to leave tomorrow?" Casper spoke before he even realised he was speaking aloud.

"I must go back home. If your father is right and my family think that I'm dead I must see them. And Yuri…" Wolfram trailed off but didn't try to move away from Casper. If anything he moved closer.

"I will miss you." Casper whispered hoarsely and he wondered if Wolfram understood the full meaning of those words.

"And I you," Wolfram answered just as softly. Casper felt his heart squeeze in his chest.

"If you must leave tomorrow, may I accompany you? I know I am not of much use with a sword but I am sort-of talented with a bow –" Casper stopped talking as Wolfram placed a finger on his lips without moving from his position against Casper's shoulder.

"I would like that very much." Wolfram answered with a small smile.

"Ok," Casper breathed. I'm in way over my head here, Casper thought to himself. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing that he didn't care.

-:-

(Shinmakoku – next day)

Yuri watched as Abby knelt down to sniff at a bright blue and red flower. She looked so beautiful and innocent in her dark blue dress with pale blue butterflies embroidered over the bodice. The sun was out and it shone down on her dark blond hair making it glow. Abby's pink lips turned up at the pleasant smell of the flower. Many men could only dream of having such a woman for his wife. If Yuri had met her under any other circumstances he would have dreamed of the relationship they could have had if only Wolfram hadn't been around. Yuri's eyes travelled to Abby's stomach. It was perfectly flat although Yuri knew it wouldn't always be that way. By the time she was five months along her pregnancy would be showing. By wearing loose-fitting fashions she might be able to hide it for another month but at some point the baby would be too big to conceal.

Abby sat back to turn her gaze to another flower, this one green and white. Since she arrived yesterday to claim she was pregnant by Yuri, she had been spending her time walking around the extensive gardens. Yuri hadn't spoken to her yet even though she knew he had been informed of her arrival and her claim. She would be waiting for his answer. Yuri wondered if she had already guessed his intentions since he hadn't thrown her out of his castle yet. She must know that her entire future, and the future of her child, rested on his decision. According to his advisors many women who became pregnant outside of marriage had the child in secret then abandoned the baby. Some women didn't survive childbirth and many babies were still born or died within hours of birth. Abby must have known this. She must have weighed her options and decided that pleading her case to him was worth the risk.

But today was the day that Yuri would ask Abby to marry him. He should have done it yesterday but he had chickened out. He had been told in no uncertain terms by his advisors that he must ask her today. A royal proclamation of their marriage had to be sent out and the ceremony itself prepared for. To marry so soon after proposing was unusual and would attract unwanted attention but it couldn't be avoided. The sooner Yuri actually asked Abby to marry him the better. Yuri took a deep breath of air heavy with the scent of flowers. Right now he wished he had some of Conrad's wisdom or Wolfram's courage. Yuri squeezed his eyes shut before opening them, squaring his shoulders, and setting off across the gardens before he lost his nerve.

"Abby," Yuri called his voice hitching. Abby looked up startled before she got to her feet and dropped into an elegant curtsy.

"Your Majesty, forgive me I did not hear you approach." Abby straightened up and raised her head to meet Yuri's eyes. Yuri looked into those blue eyes and wished they still didn't possess the power to captivate him.

"Abby, I guess you know why I am here." Yuri surprised himself when his voice came out even and strong. Inside he was shaking and his heart was going so fast he wondered if it would explode. Right now he wished his alter ego, the 'Maoh', would just take over and save him from having to say this.

"Yes," Abby looked nervous for a moment before she schooled her features into a blank mask. "I await your decision My Lord."

"I think you already know my decision Abby." Yuri said quietly. He gazed sadly at Abby and wondered how it had come to this. Yuri raised his hand and slapped Abby across the left cheek. The slap had none of the forceful rage that the slap he had given Wolfram all those years ago had contained, but it was still enough to force Abby's face to the side. Yuri paused as he studied Abby's wide eyes and her red cheek. He couldn't help but wonder if the slap had really been a marriage proposal or revenge against Abby for getting him into this situation. But that wasn't fair. If he hadn't drunk himself stupid or just said 'no' that night then they wouldn't be here. He was as much to blame as Abby. She may have seduced him but he let it happen.

"Your Majesty," Abby breathed in wonder turning to face Yuri her eyes lit up and a wide smile spreading over her face. "You wish for me to become your wife?"

"I don't really have much choice in the matter do I?" Yuri sighed, the words came out sounding bitterer than Yuri intended but he didn't take them back. Abby's face fell slightly at his words. She stepped closer and laid a gentle hand on his arm.

"This is not how I wanted our relationship to progress either Your Majesty. This is as much a shock to me as it is to you. But this is our baby," Abby took Yuri's hand and placed it over her stomach. "He or she was created by our love and will flourish from our love." Abby smiled her eyes bright and earnest. "I know I will be a good wife to you. I will give you as many children as you wish and I shall endeavour to rule this land beside you as your consul and confident."

"I have no doubt that you would be a good ruler Abby," Yuri said although he wasn't entirely sure of that, "But I would question if this child was created by love. Love takes time to form Abby and even longer to realise. We did not have that long together." Yuri looked away his face pinched in pain as Wolfram's face flashed through his mind.

"Love can start out as a tiny spark and grow into a raging wildfire of passion Your Majesty." Abby squeezed Yuri's hand between her two. "If we were not meant to be then this child would not be growing within me now. Of that I am certain. We are destined to be together my love." Abby kissed Yuri's hand her voice soft but confident. Yuri, on the other hand, felt like he was going to be sick. Abby was quite obviously madly in love with him. Any other time Yuri would have been giddy with happiness to find a girl who loved him, but right now he just felt shocked.

By asking Abby to marry him he was effectively confirming for her that he was her true love. Since he had no feelings for her he was basically lying to her. He was pretending to love her in order to protect her. Their love, their marriage, all of it would be a lie. How could they raise a child in that kind of atmosphere? It was all made worse by Abby's strong feelings for him. How could he possibly do this?

"Abby I don't –"

"I know you still miss your previous fiancé My Lord, but you need to let him go now. He is dead and he will not return no matter what you do. Are you going to live your life alone with no children because of a phantom?" Abby sounded scornful and her eyes had become hard. "If he was here what do you think he would say? Would he want you to never know the touch of a wife because he claimed you first?"

"I have a feeling I know exactly what Wolfram would say," Yuri muttered darkly. He was also sure Wolfram wouldn't have the time of day for Abby. He would have started screaming about cheating as soon as Abby put a foot in the door. Yuri was shamed by the knowledge that this time Wolfram wouldn't have been wrong.

"Your Majesty…you were not engaged to Lord Wolfram when you took me to your bed. You have done nothing wrong. You were free to engage in any relationship you wanted once your engagement was annulled." Abby's voice was soft again and her eyes understanding. Yuri wanted to believe her, he really did, but he couldn't help but feel that Conrad was right about him betraying Wolfram's memory. He should have waited longer, much longer, before becoming engaged again. He certainly shouldn't have gotten Abby pregnant. But what was done was done and Yuri couldn't do a damn thing to change it.

"Abby I have made my decision. Do I understand it that you accept my proposal?" Yuri was tired and just wanted it all to be over. A part of him realised that demanding an answer was hardly romantic but he didn't care. Abby paused, uncertain, before smiling and nodding.

"I accept Your Majesty. I would be honoured to be your wife." Abby leaned in and kissed Yuri on the lips. Yuri did not return her kiss but he didn't push her away either. He was going to have to get used to this. Mazoku, even half Mazoku, had long lives and now he was going to share his with Abby. Their child would be here in eight months and they had a wedding to prepare before that.

"I must go there are many things to be done." Yuri whispered as he pulled back from Abby's kiss. Abby stepped back and smiled.

"I understand Your Majesty."

"I feel it would be more appropriate for you to call me Yuri from now on." Yuri tried to smile but his muscles refused to obey.

"You are correct of course Yuri. I must contact my family and let them know of this development." Abby curtsied again before turning and walking back to the castle. Her step was light and carefree and Yuri knew if he could see her face, he would see her smiling. He just wished he could feel the same.

-:-

(Four days later – outside Shinmakoku)

Wolfram stared out of the carriage window his heart beating fast in anticipation. He could see Blood Pledge Castle rising out of the ground before him like a stone ship on an ocean of fields. Bad omen birds called to each other as they circled over the carriage. Wolfram had never been superstitious but he really hoped those birds were not a sign. He had no idea how long he had been gone or what sort of reception he would receive once he arrived.

They had travelled almost non-stop from the Falken Stud farm to Shinmakoku over the past four days and nights. They had changed horses every morning at the nearest town to keep up as fast a pace as possible. Since the farm could only spare one farm hand to drive the carriage, he and Casper had taken turns to guide the horses to allow the other to rest. During that time Wolfram had used as much opportunity as he could to exercise and try to re-claim some of his former glory but he knew it was a hopeless case. He would be returning home a mere shadow of his former self. Wolfram buried his face in his hands and wondered if they should just turn around and leave before anyone knew they were there.

"Wolfram, are you alright?" Wolfram didn't raise his head as he heard Casper's voice. Casper had been slightly distant since they started their journey to Shinmakoku. Not rude or anything, just less willing to talk than he was before. The silences between them often became awkward or uncomfortable. Wolfram was too wrapped up in his own worries to notice it much though. Even now Casper's voice sounded hesitant, as if he wasn't sure if he should be asking. He had never had a problem voicing his opinions before.

"I can't help but wonder if they will want to see me." Wolfram spoke, his voice muffled by his hands.

"Why wouldn't they?" Casper sounded shocked.

"I used to be a great soldier and a credit to my family name. Now I am nothing, broken, what will they think of me? What will Yuri think?" Wolfram wanted to scream and jump up and down but his limbs felt too heavy. Casper was silent for a long time. Wolfram tightened his fingers in his hair as he waited for Casper to speak.

"I do not know the man you used to be," Casper said at last. "But I do know you as you are now. There is nothing wrong with being injured in battle. If you were to turn and run from your responsibilities or give up on your life, then you will have failed. By facing your injuries and by overcoming them you will become even stronger than the man you used to be. As for your family and fiancé, I'm sure they will be delighted and relieved to see you alive. I'm sure they love you for the person you are, not for what you look like on the outside." Casper's voice was hard and firm as if talking to a stubborn child. It made Wolfram smile.

"I don't know if I can overcome this." Wolfram muttered reluctantly. He had to admit his weakness to someone otherwise he felt he might just break down and cry.

"You've already come this far haven't you?" Casper sounded amused this time. "Why quit now when the end is already in sight?"

"But this isn't the end is it?" Wolfram removed his hands to look at Casper who sat opposite him in the carriage. Casper smiled and his violet eyes twinkled.

"Every journey's end is the beginning of another." Wolfram snorted and Casper's lips twitched upwards. Soon they were both laughing although neither really knew what the joke was.

"We are approaching the city Sirs!" The stable hand, Robert, called down from the driving seat. "Where should I go?"

"Go straight to the Castle, I will speak to the guards to let us in." Wolfram answered confidently his eyes fixed on Casper's.

"Right then, the Castle it is." Robert called back over the sound of the horses' shod hooves and the carriage wheels over the well-worn grassy track.

"That was the correct decision."

"We shall see," Wolfram answered before turning his gaze out of the window. He had no idea what kind of reception he would receive but Casper was right, again. He couldn't just turn back now.

The next two hours felt like a lifetime to Wolfram. They passed through the city gates without incident but the carriage was designed for covering long distances so it was larger than the city carriages making navigation through Shinmakoku's busy streets difficult. Finally they were almost alone as they climbed the steep road to the Castle. The guards blocked the way as they approached and the horses drew to a panting halt. The day was hot and they had been travelling since dawn.

"Who wishes to be granted entrance to His Majesty's Castle?" The guard called out. Wolfram took several deep breaths and leaned forward to stick his head out of the window.

"I do, Wolfram Von Bielefeld." Wolfram announced with all the authority he could manage in his current condition. Unlike the stable hands at Casper's farm the guards recognised Wolfram at once.

"Lord Bielefeld! We thought you were dead!" The guard cried out in shock. He had gone very pale. His reaction seemed a bit dramatic but when Wolfram glanced at the second guard he saw that he had also gone very white.

"Well obviously you were wrong!" Wolfram snapped some of his old attitude coming back to him. "Now let me in at once! And send word to my brothers and the Maoh of my return!"

"Y-yes My Lord, at once!" The guard stammered standing out of the way beckoning another guard to fetch Wolfram's brothers. Robert flicked the reins and the tired horses plodded into the courtyard. Stable boys ran forward and took the reins as Robert leapt to the ground to open the door for Wolfram. Wolfram stepped out of the carriage and took a moment to look around him. Everything was just as he remembered it, with the grey stone walls and battlements and the banners snapping in the wind.

"Wolfram?" Casper stood at Wolfram's elbow watching him in concern. Wolfram breathed deep and let it out in a rush. It was as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

"I am fine Casper, better than fine, I am home." Wolfram answered glancing sideways at his friend. Casper smiled and nodded.

"Wolfram!" A young female voice cried out in delighted surprise. Wolfram spun around to see Greta rushing towards him her arms outstretched. Seeing her again made Wolfram's heart soar. He knelt to the ground and opened his arms as Greta rushed into his embrace with the speed of a charging horse.

"Steady there Greta," Wolfram laughed holding his daughter tight.

"I knew you were alive I knew it!" Greta cried out tears pouring down her face. "I never believed you were dead!" Greta hiccupped, her hands balled into fists against his shoulders.

"I'm sorry I was gone for so long Greta." Wolfram said solemnly. "I was very badly hurt and a prisoner of some very bad people. But my friend Casper rescued me and healed me. And now I am back with you." Wolfram held Greta tight. Up till now he had feared this was all a dream but Greta's warm body in his arms banished such thoughts. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too Wolfram." Greta whispered back. For a long moment they just held each other before Greta stepped back to look at him. "You look different," she said taking in his weakened body.

"I have been very ill for a long time Greta. But I am better now." Wolfram answered with a smile. "Is everyone here? I want to see everyone with my own eyes and I want them to see me." Wolfram chuckled. "In hindsight I probably should have sent word that I was coming but I just wanted to get home right away."

"Grandma Cecile won't be home till tomorrow but everyone else is here." Greta wiped her eyes dry and Wolfram felt guilty for the torment he must have put her through. At least it was all over now. "I'm so glad you have come back Wolfram, now Yuri won't have to get married!"

"Married? Honey what are you talking about?" Wolfram asked in confusion. Before Greta could answer him there was a loud shout that rang across the courtyard. Wolfram looked up and smiled to see Conrad and Gwendal standing at the top of the steps. Both of his older brothers were staring at him as if they couldn't believe their eyes. Wolfram stood up as Conrad rushed towards him his face one huge smile.

"Wolfram, you are alive!" Conrad cried out before grabbing his little brother in his arms and holding him tight.

"Ouch, go easy Conrad. Everyone keeps saying it so it must be true." Wolfram answered with a laugh. He hugged his brother back just glad to be home at last. "How long have I been gone?"

"Too long little brother, far too long." Conrad said gravely as he released Wolfram form his hold. Suddenly Wolfram had a very bad feeling.

"Wolfram," Gwendal rumbled, "it is good to see you." He had followed Conrad at a slower pace but now he took Wolfram in his arms and hugged him tight. Wolfram gasped out loud at the unexpected show of affection from his oldest brother. Gwendal released Wolfram and took his hands in his own. On Wolfram's wrists were several thin white and red scars. "You are injured."

"Yes brother, I was held captive by the bandits who attacked us on Big Shimaron. They hurt me to get information from me." Wolfram glanced briefly at Greta. "I would have died there but Casper Falken rescued me and took me to his homestead where his doctor healed me." Wolfram turned to smile at Casper who was looking rather overawed and nervous. Casper blushed when he realised everyone was looking at him and made a clumsy bow.

"It was the only decent thing to do My Lords." Casper stammered slightly looking flustered.

"You saved my brother from certain death," Conrad said as he placed a hand on Casper's shoulder, "I will forever be in your debt."

"As will I," Gwendal added. "Ask anything you wish and I shall grant it to you." Casper blushed even darker and nodded, seemingly robbed of speech.

"Brother, how much time has passed since my capture? I assume everyone got out of Big Shimaron alright? Is Yuri ok?" Wolfram glanced around the courtyard but there was no sign of Yuri. Where was the wimp? Should he not be the first to welcome his fiancé home?

"You were missing for ten weeks Wolfram." Gwendal said gruffly. Wolfram's eyes went wide in surprise. "Everyone returned safely from Big Shimaron but mother went back to search for you. As we found no body she could find no closure. She will be back tomorrow. It took a lot to convince her to give up her search and come home." Gwendal sighed heavily and Wolfram felt a fresh wave of guilt at the pain he caused his family.

"Perhaps we could get word to her of my return? I do not want to distress her further." Wolfram said quietly. Gwendal nodded in agreement.

"Wolfram, are you alright? Do you still feel pain?" Conrad asked worriedly.

"It will take a while until I am strong again but the pain is almost gone." Wolfram answered. "But there are some scars that I will always bear." Conrad's eyes darkened in anger but he too glanced at Greta, who was holding Wolfram's hand tight as if afraid he would disappear if she let go, and decided to question his brother further on his injuries when she wasn't around to overhear. She was too young to know of such horrors.

"I am sorry I was unable to rescue you Wolfram." Conrad said quietly. "Please forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive brother," Wolfram said just as quietly. "I am alive and I am home now. Let us not dwell on what cannot be changed." Conrad looked stunned before he smiled broadly.

"It seems Casper has been a good influence on you Wolfram." Conrad chuckled. Both Wolfram and Casper blushed this time.

"Where is Yuri?" Wolfram asked to steer the topic away from himself and Casper. He didn't want to have to explain his feeling's for Casper to his brothers. In fact if he got his way then no one would ever know about his feelings, not even Casper.

"I'm sure he is coming, he will be shaken to hear of your return and may need a moment to prepare himself." Conrad and Gwendal exchanged glances and suddenly Wolfram realised that something major had happened while he had been held captive.

"What's going on?" Wolfram demanded lifting his head and squaring his shoulders ready for bad news.

"Yuri blamed himself for your disappearance; he even sent letters to Lady Flynn and King Saralegui asking them to search for you as it was too dangerous for us to look for you ourselves." Conrad paused clearly uncomfortable. Wolfram frowned in incomprehension. That Yuri would ask their allies (maybe not ally so much in Sara's case) to search for him warmed his heart. He had half expected the wimp to give up straight away. "When they turned up nothing we feared you dead. Yuri became quite depressed on hearing this news." Conrad paused again still looking nervous.

"It was horrible!" Greta shook her head violently. She squeezed Wolfram's hand and he squeezed back but his attention was still on Conrad.

"Is Yuri alright?" Wolfram demanded thinking of all the stupid but noble things his fiancé might have done to find him.

"Wolfram, Yuri is –" Conrad never finished his sentence as at that moment Wolfram saw a figure appear at the top of the steps. Wolfram released Greta's hand and stepped past Conrad with a smile on his lips. It was Yuri. There was no mistaking his jet black hair and black eyes. He looked very pale and almost terrified but otherwise unharmed.

"Yuri!" Wolfram called. Yuri slowly descended the steps staring at Wolfram as if he were a ghost. Wolfram noticed that Greta, Conrad and Gwendal had all gone still. Wolfram glanced at them then back at Yuri. Something had happened that made everyone uncomfortable to be around him and Yuri. Wolfram was determined to get to the bottom of it.

"Wolf….how…I thought you were dead." Yuri whispered still staring at Wolfram wide eyed. Wolfram rolled his eyes and placed his hands on his hips.

"Do I look dead to you? And what took you so long to come and see me? I would have thought your fiancé returning from the dead would hasten you to me." Yuri twitched as if struck at the word 'fiancé' and suddenly Wolfram felt cold all over.

"Wolf I need…" Yuri's voice cracked and he stopped talking. His cheeks were now bright red and he looked ashamed. Wolfram was feeling panicked now.

"What is going on?" Wolfram asked again. "If someone doesn't answer me I'll run the nearest person through with a sword!" Wolfram chose to ignore the fact that he didn't have a sword and he was too weak to run through a cabbage let alone a person. His injuries prevented his Maryoku from working but that would come back in time.

"The Ten Nobles annulled our engagement Wolfram." Yuri said hurriedly as if concerned Wolfram really would run someone through.

"How dare they annual our engagement?" Wolfram exploded.

"Wolfram, everyone believed you to be dead. You had been gone twenty four days and we had heard nothing of you or from you. Yuri could not continue being engaged to a ghost, or so the nobles thought." Conrad pointed out. Wolfram blew out his cheeks in annoyance although the argument made sense really.

"Well if that is all then we'll just have to re-instate our engagement." Wolfram nodded but Yuri flinched and went pale again. There was total silence behind Wolfram. He turned to see his brothers looking uncomfortable. "What?" Wolfram asked feeling nervous again.

"Wolf, we can't get engaged again because…"

"Because Yuri is going to marry me," A female voice Wolfram didn't recognise entered the conversation. Wolfram turned to see a pretty young woman with dark blond hair and blue eyes march towards him. She wore a green silk dress with a sliver pattern of stars on the bodice and across the hem. Her words took some time to filter into Wolfram's head.

"What?" Wolfram asked stupidly.

"I am Abby Caz. Yuri proposed to me four days ago Lord Bielefeld," The woman said her voice almost rude in its intensity. "I accepted him. We are to be married within three months."

"No, that's not possible." Wolfram shook his head as the words sank in. Yuri was getting married in three months to this girl? "I was only gone ten weeks." Wolfram said softly. He couldn't believe this had happened. If he had been gone ten months he might have understood, but ten weeks?

"Your engagement to Yuri was annulled by the Ten Nobles. He was free to take another if he wished." Abby said shortly as she stood beside Yuri. Wolfram realised with a jolt of shock that she was calling Yuri by his name. "I am glad to see you alive but you are no longer Yuri's fiancé, I am." The world swam and for a moment Wolfram wondered if he was going to faint. Yuri had left him and become engaged to another, within ten weeks?

"Wolfram," Casper was suddenly there with a hand on Wolfram's arm. His touch anchored Wolfram to the present. He took several shaky breaths and his mind started to clear. At least the world had stopped spinning.

"Who are you?" Yuri asked, rather rudely in Wolfram's opinion.

"My name is Casper Falken Your Majesty." Was it just Wolfram's imagination or did Casper sound angry?

"He is the one who saved me from my imprisonment at the bandits' hideout in Big Shimaron." Wolfram spoke his voice angry. "He is the one who risked his life to save me even though he had no idea who I was! He is the one who brought me to his home and had his own doctors heal me! He is the one who stood beside me while I was too injured to even sit up!" Wolfram finished his rant his chest heaving. He glared at Yuri with all the hate he could muster. How could Yuri do this to him?

"Then I owe you a great debt Casper Falken." Yuri said rather frostily as he stared at Casper. Casper stared right back without flinching.

"Let me assure you, Your Highness, I want nothing from you." Casper sounded rather frosty too. In fact the two seemed to be having a staring contest. Wolfram noticed that Casper still had a hand on his arm. There was a long silence where Casper and Yuri continued to size each other up.

"If you all would excuse us for a moment, I wish to speak with Yuri alone." Wolfram praised himself on how level his voice was. Inside he felt ready to explode. Casper looked uncertain and Abby was sending death glares in his direction but Wolfram ignored them. His gaze was fixed on Yuri's face.

"Very well, I assume Casper will be staying with us for the moment?" Conrad asked arching an eyebrow at Casper. Casper paused and glanced questionably at Wolfram unsure how to answer.

"Yes Conrad, please see to it that Casper is given a room in the castle and that his stable hand and horses are cared for as well." Wolfram answered without taking his eyes off Yuri. Yuri was looking increasingly nervous as if he knew what was coming. Considering all the time they had spent together, Wolfram would have been insulted if Yuri hadn't guessed.

"As you wish Wolfram," Conrad smiled and turned to the stable boys and Robert. "Show this young man," Conrad indicated Robert with a sweep of his hand, "where to stable the horses and get a room ready for him. Casper if you would come with me I shall show you around the Castle while the maids prepare a room for you. Greta, come with me you can speak more to Wolfram after he has had time to rest." Conrad smiled gently at the little girl and she very reluctantly released Wolfram's hand.

"You are not going to leave again are you Wolfram?" Greta asked quietly. Wolfram broke his gaze with Yuri to give the girl a hug.

"No Greta, I am not going to leave." Wolfram promised. Greta hugged Wolfram back hard before stepping away and following Conrad. Casper hung back a moment and looked Wolfram in the eye.

"Will you be alright?" He asked a crease of concern between his eyebrows. Wolfram smiled at him and nodded. Casper seemed uncertain but he turned to follow Conrad shooting Yuri and Abby a cold look as he marched past. Abby remained beside Yuri, her body language was hostile and possessive. Gwendal cleared his throat his eyes fixed on Abby. She glanced at Gwendal her face pink before glancing back at Wolfram in clear distrust.

"Abby, please leave us alone for a few minutes." Yuri spoke still looking at Wolfram as if he couldn't believe he was really there. Abby looked shocked at the dismissal before she huffed and turned to march back into the Castle. Gwendal shook his head and muttered something about women before following her. Finally Yuri and Wolfram were alone.

"Let's walk," Wolfram said and turned towards the inner gardens where they would be able to speak more privately. Yuri said nothing as he followed Wolfram to the garden. All the flowers were out in full force turning the gardens into a riot of colour. Wolfram closed his eyes and breathed in the smell of flowers, a smell that was so familiar to him but seemed so distant.

"Wolfram I am so sorry!" Yuri burst out after a moment of silence. Wolfram stopped walking and stood with his back to Yuri. "I wanted to go back after you but Conrad wouldn't let me! I know it was dangerous but leaving you there…that was a terrible thing to do. Please forgive me." Yuri's voice trembled and Wolfram felt his resolve start to weaken. Yuri always did this to him. He made him want to do whatever Yuri wanted just to make him happy. His own happiness would be pushed aside just so Yuri could smile. Wolfram hated it.

"I understand why you did not return for me. It was the outcome I expected and accepted when I chose to fight the bandits." Wolfram answered in monotone. "I risked my life to save you and it would all have been for nothing had Conrad not taken you to safety. That was, is, my duty as a soldier."

"Wolf…" Yuri shifted nervously behind Wolfram. Wolfram took a deep breath and continued staring out straight in front of him. If he looked at Yuri's face he would crumble.

"What I did not expect was to return. And I certainly didn't expect to find that you had already courted another to replace me!" Wolfram's voice rose into a shout making the birds in the nearby trees take flight. "Did you really hate me that much Yuri? Did you despise me so much you would run to the arms of another as soon as you could?" Now Wolfram's voice had dropped to a low murmur. He wondered if Yuri had even heard him.

"I only met her seven weeks ago and I proposed to her because I had no choice in the matter!" Yuri burst out. "Wolfram, please understand that I didn't want any of this. I wanted to find you, I tried to find you but you were gone. What would you have had me do?"

"Seven weeks!" Wolfram spun around to glare at Yuri. Through sheer will power he forced the tears back. "You are getting married after only knowing her for seven weeks? We were engaged for four years and you never wanted to marry me! What makes her so special to you?" The hurt and the pain formed a whirlwind of confusion and doubt inside Wolfram's heart sucking any happiness he felt at finally returning home out of him, leaving only cold lonely blackness in its wake.

"Wolfram I have no choice but to marry her, you wouldn't understand." Yuri looked torn between going on the offensive or defensive. Wolfram felt rage boil inside him and threaten to overwhelm him. Yuri had no right to be hurt, no right all.

"I was held captive in the bandits' hideout for weeks. They tortured me for information about you. I never said anything because I remained loyal to you Yuri!" Now the tears had come Wolfram couldn't stop them. "The only thing that kept me alive was the desire to see you again. By knowing you were safe. If I had known you were off courting the first woman you clapped your eyes on…." Wolfram didn't finish his sentence but he didn't need to. Yuri knew damn well what he was insinuating.

"Wolf, God I'm so sorry. I'm sorry they hurt you and I wish I could turn back time and do this all again. I didn't mean to hurt you." Yuri was shaking his head. He had turned rather pale when Wolfram mentioned the torture and for a moment Wolfram considered showing Yuri his scars. The scars he would bear for the rest of his life for his loyalty to his King. He wondered now if it had been worth it.

"Well guess what Yuri, you did hurt me!" Wolfram snapped, brushing the tears away angrily. He did not want Yuri to see him so weak, not now. "Why are you marrying her?" Wolfram gasped out. He could see that Abby was beautiful but then many girls were beautiful. Some people even called him beautiful on occasion. Why wasn't he good enough for Yuri? Why was his love any less than anyone else's love?

"I have to," Yuri muttered. His eyes were downcast and his shoulders hunched.

"You keep saying that!" Wolfram yelled in anger. "What does it mean? Why do you have to marry her? Are you being blackmailed or something? Is she a foreign Princess who you are marrying to forge an alliance? Tell me!" Yuri just shook his head his black hair whipping back and forth across his face. "Then am I just to assume that I wasn't good enough for you? That you would take anyone as your partner as long as it wasn't me?" Wolfram's voice cracked and he wondered if he would start crying again. Everything seemed to have gone spectacularly wrong. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

"That is not true! I have feelings for you, just…not the feelings you wanted me to have. Are you saying that if you can't have me then no one should?" Yuri's head snapped up and he looked angry now. "Are you really so selfish you want me all to yourself?"

"Don't you dare take the moral high ground." Wolfram snarled. "You betrayed me not the other way around."

"Our engagement was annulled Wolfram! I was no longer your fiancé."

"Do you think that is all this is about? We were engaged for four years Yuri! Four years I waited for you to marry me! Or at least acknowledge me as your fiancé. Yet you would marry her within months of asking her? After I stood beside you for four years? That is the greatest betrayal I can think of!" Wolfram turned away from Yuri's angry gaze and stared pacing. His anger was so great he needed a way to burn it off before he struck Yuri. Yuri might be a prat but he was still his King.

"It was Gunter who said we should be married within three months. It was the soonest we could arrange a Royal Wedding." That was the wrong choice of words. Wolfram rounded on Yuri his green eyes flashing.

"The soonest? So you would be marrying her faster but you can't?" Wolfram shook his head. "I can't believe I am hearing this."

"I keep telling you I have to marry her!" Yuri snapped. "I don't love her and I don't want to marry her!"

"Then why are you?" Wolfram yelled so loud his voice cracked.

"Because she's pregnant!" Yuri yelled back. Wolfram froze his green eyes wide in shock. Yuri looked stunned for a moment then looked away guiltily. Wolfram realised with a thrill of horror that Yuri hadn't planned on telling him about Abby's condition.

"Pregnant? You got her pregnant?" Wolfram couldn't believe it. It just seemed too unreal to be true. Yuri was the shyest person he knew in regards to sex. Wolfram found it hard to believe he had taken Abby to his bed in such a short time and gotten her pregnant on a whim. "How did that happen?" Wolfram squeaked.

"The same way all women get pregnant." Yuri snapped.

"That is not what I meant and you know it!" Wolfram jumped forward and stabbed Yuri in the chest with a finger. "How could you do such a thing? You are the Maoh!"

"I'm only human! Can't I have a moment of weakness without everyone passing judgement on me?" Yuri glared back at Wolfram who felt like slapping his forehead.

"No! A Maoh is always strong and he is the one who sets an example to his people! You know this!" Wolfram walked away from Yuri and started pacing again. "I guess the baby is yours?"

"I don't know for sure but I am pretty certain." Yuri said sulkily.

"You are a fool." Wolfram stated bluntly.

"So everyone keeps telling me." Yuri refused to look Wolfram in the eye. For a long moment neither spoke. Wolfram clenched and unclenched his hands trying to process what he had just been told. If Abby was pregnant with Yuri's child it would explain why they were in such a rush to marry. It would be a huge scandal if the Maoh had a child born out of wedlock. He guessed Abby had flashed her pretty blue eyes at Yuri and pleaded her case to be his wife. Yuri would have fallen for it hook, line and sinker. She may even have told him stories how unmarried mothers could die in childbirth or that the baby could die. Such words would sway the kind-hearted fool that Yuri was over to her side at once.

"I should never have remembered." Wolfram said sourly.

"Remembered what?" Yuri asked glancing up at Wolfram with a frown.

"When I woke up after my capture I couldn't remember anything about my past. Casper's doctor said it was partly due to a head wound and partly an unconscious effort on my part to prevent myself from giving anything away during my torture." Wolfram shook his head with a humourless laugh. "If I'd never remembered then I never would have returned or have to know any of this."

"Who is this Casper person anyway?" Yuri asked his voice cold once again.

"He was also captured by the bandits who took me. He chose to rescue me even though I was unconscious at the time. He was extremely brave and selfless." Wolfram smiled at the memory of Casper recounting their daring dash through the forest at midnight.

"Oh very brave," Yuri muttered darkly. Wolfram glanced up and frowned. Yuri looked almost jealous.

"Would you rather he had left me there to die? Would that make everything easier for you Yuri? Much easier to marry your new bride when your ex-fiancé is dead isn't it?" Wolfram said scathingly.

"That is not what I meant Wolf! Stop twisting my words." Yuri tugged at his hair in frustration. "I am glad he saved you."

"Really?" Wolfram drawled crossing his arms over his chest. "You don't look too happy about it."

"I wanted to be the one to save you!" Yuri burst out suddenly making Wolfram jump. "I wanted to be the one who brought you home to your family and Greta. I wanted everyone to thank me for being the one who rescued you!"

"So you are jealous? If you weren't the hero of the hour then I should have never come back at all?"

"No, no, no I don't mean that!" Yuri protested. "I wanted you to come home so badly Wolf. Everyone missed you so much and the Castle was so empty without you. God, even our bed was cold without you." Yuri looked like he was about to cry. Wolfram licked his lips and forced himself not to feel pity or sympathy for Yuri. He didn't deserve his forgiveness just yet.

"You took every opportunity to let me know that my presence was unwanted, both in your bed and out of it!" Wolfram felt his heart contract painfully in his chest at the bitter sting of the memories.

"I know Wolfram and I can only ask for your forgiveness. I was wrong to treat you in such a way. I didn't know how I felt until you were gone. But I can't abandon Abby now." Yuri looked truly sorry and it dampened Wolfram's anger somewhat. There was a moment of silence before Yuri spoke again. "What is your relationship with Casper?" The question came out of nowhere making Wolfram's head spin at the sudden change in topic.

"What?"

"I saw the way he looked at you." Yuri said that strange jealous look passing over his face again.

"What has that got to do with you?" Wolfram snapped. They were heading into dangerous waters here. At least that guilty feeling he'd gotten whenever he thought about Casper in a romantic sense was because of his engagement to Yuri, even though he didn't remember at the time.

"Are you two together?" Yuri suddenly asked point blank.

"No we are not!" Wolfram protested his cheeks turning red. "What business is it of yours anyway? As you are so eager to point out, we are no longer engaged."

"So you like him?"

"He is my friend if that's what you mean." Wolfram really didn't like where this conversation was going.

"Does he like you?" Yuri pressed.

"How the hell should I know?" Wolfram snapped defensively. "Why do you care about him so much anyway?" Wolfram asked in exasperation. Yuri said nothing but by the twitching muscle in his jaw Wolfram knew that it bothered him. "I'm going inside now there is nothing left to talk about." Wolfram turned away from Yuri and marched back to the Castle.

"We are not finished yet Wolfram!" Yuri called after him as he grabbed Wolfram's arm.

"Yes we are Yuri, you saw to that." Wolfram said quietly and evenly. Yuri jerked back like he had been slapped. "Our relationship is over and its time we went our separate ways. Now if you'll excuse me, Your Majesty." Wolfram looked down at the hand clamped onto his wrist. Yuri let him go. Wolfram turned and walked away without looking back.

*End Chapter*

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