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White Crimson	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1109 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
***Warnings: Language, yaoi, violence

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter 10

Ludwig settled down on his bed with the journal in his lap. He stared at it momentarily, wondering what sort of information he would find there. He was curious to know the reasons behind Gilbert and Fredrick's relationship. Carefully, he opened the journal to the first or second page and read.

Summer Castle, Eagle Rock

'As I sit at my desk window, I cannot help but think of him. He is off fighting a battle for my kingdom, and I pray to the old spirits he comes back safely. The moon is gently rising in the sky, peeking its white form through the treetops. Its rays shined through the trees and dotted the earth beneath my window. Such subtle, silent beauty as I wonder if he is able to gaze easily upon the moon tonight. His absence from my company does nothing but fill me with loneliness. I have a handful of dutiful servants, a doting wife, and plenty of activities to keep me entertained. However, I wish only to have him in my company.'

Ludwig didn't care to finish the entry and flipped through to read another.

Autumn's Eve

'The Autumn Festival is my favorite time of the year. My Gilbert always enjoys the winter and spring the most, but for me, he fully indulges in the celebration. Together we drank cider, pumpkin ale, and dined on roasted chestnuts. There we proceeded to talk about various issues and delightful activities with a few of our friends. My Gilbert is always on my side; we're working for the same dreams and goals because our love comes first. If such times were different, then perhaps he would be sitting beside me on the throne, and we would share in the ruling of a mighty empire.'

Ludwig frowned at the word 'love', but skipped a few pages to glance at the words before stopping to fully read.

'My Snow Falcon, he is everything to me that is kind and good. Every day I am surrounded by people pledging their love and devotion to me, but none of them can compare to the fierce loyalty of my Gilbert. Regardless of my flaws, he makes me feel appreciated and adored, with or without a crown upon my head. I am always grateful to have such a loyal man I admire as much as I love. Duty and honor keeps me from surrendering to my urges. I adore the man who is always so rough and dangerous outside these walls, but turns in to a soft and gentle being when alone with me. It is a side of him that only I am allowed to see. I was shocked by my own jealous thoughts of another ever seeing him in that way; almost to the point of promising death to the perpetrator. Sometimes I am fearful of my passion for Gilbert because the need burns so strong. I worry if I can hold myself together when we are alone. He tempts me just being in the room.'

"What could they possibly have in common?" Ludwig asked himself out loud. Fredrick was crowned at age twenty-four and died at age forty-five. Gilbert was at least in his mid or late twenties, which meant there was about an eighteen-year age difference between them. It was not unheard of among the royals, but rarely was the younger one in love with the older one. "There has to be more in here." He continued scanning the pages, reading some more.

'My Snow Falcon has won his joust today, as I knew he would. Always he would ask for my wife's favor, but I knew it was me who's favor he wanted. It was always a joke between us, for only women held favors for jousting lances. Strangely, Gilbert ripped off a piece of his clothing, offering me the strip. He even gave the front bottom part of his tunic to the young knight Lord Eli, who proudly shared 'his' gratitude. Even with a black eye, my Snow Falcon was still handsome.'

Winter's Night

'I peer out my chamber window through the snow to the castle barracks, where my Snow Falcon lay nested for the night. He has just left my company to return to his fellow warriors, and soon my queen will be here. This night, he and I played a delightful game of chess as well as cards. We always have the most pleasant conversations together when alone like this. He may be young, but he is wise and mature in mind. He is a dependable male skilled in battle and war tactics, but is more than that to me. How I long to openly possess him. Hiding our feelings behind closed doors and secret meeting places only makes the passion grow hotter. A young, strong, and proud knight who should be courting young ladies or men is smitten with me. I am old and he is young, but I know he loves me as the simple person I am and not as the king. My Snow Falcon is never false.

His blush matches the shade of his eyes and the normal trademark smirk is an enduring, alluring smile. Skin white as milk is always covered from the sun to prevent easy burning, but its soft to the touch. Anyone who saw him at these particular moments would not believe he was the same Gilbert. I am the only man he will ever bend a knee for; he would do whatever I asked of him without question. He is saving himself for me, yet such a yearning could never come to be. But I will never give him up to anyone. Only I can feel that milky skin beneath my hands. Only in my bed can he lay upon. Only at-'

Ludwig had to stop it there for his own jealousy was starting to emerge. Apparently, there was a whole other side of Gilbert that he has not seen, or the man will not let it be shown. They may not have coupled when alone, but Fredrick knew Gilbert intimately enough to write such words. Ludwig slammed the book shut and angrily tossed it to the floor. He was jealous of a ghost; of a dead man. Whatever power this man had, it was enough to seduce Gilbert into pure devotion. Did Gilbert think of Fredrick during their sex? Was Gilbert wrapping those long, strong limbs around him or Fredrick? Ludwig seemed to recall Gilbert's eyes always being closed, so who was he thinking about?

No longer could he sit in his chamber pondering these issues. He needed to go straight to the source and wounded or not, Gilbert will provide him with answers. Never had his jealousy run so high before and he knew it was fogging his mind. He should have listened to his instincts and never have gotten intimately involved with Gilbert, a man he was still set to kill. If Fredrick could make Gilbert a celibate knight for his own selfish reasons, then Ludwig could do the same. Only his 'knighting' did not involve a vow and sword upon the shoulders; his was an axe set above the shoulders at the neck. His 'knighting' was final.

"You shame yourself!" Ludwig whispered to himself once the brutal thought was through. "There is always room for change, and Gilbert is only a man. I will not be threatened by a ghost!"

/

Gilbert awoke with a start, the vision still fresh in his head. He had dreamt of that night when Ivan confronted him about Alfred leaving for war. However, it did not end the way in the dream as it did in life. The end result was different, and he found to be playing it over again in his mind.

'GILBERT!' Ivan burst through the castle doors of his home, interrupting his dinner.

'Ivan? What are you doing here?' He barely had time to arise from his chair when the tip of Ivan's sword aimed at his throat.

'What lies of valor and grander have you been feeding my Alfred? You wish for him to go off to war? To fight your battles for you?' The tip pressed closer. 'He has stormed off in a rage, refusing to take my words into consideration! He rather have the words you promised him.'

Gilbert held up his hands but glared at Ivan. 'I said he could be a hero, and he will be once we win. Alfred made his own choice.'

'But you were coaxing him! He may be strong and undefeated for a young man, but he still has not seen the true face of battle!'

'He has to learn.'

'But not from you.' Ivan countered. 'Your cause is an admirable one, but it's stupid all the same. If anything happens to my Alfred, my own death will shortly follow, but I will come after you and I will destroy you from whatever afterlife there is'.

He stood from his chair when Ivan turned away. Within a second, Ivan spun around and shoved the blade through his stomach. He spat up blood and fell forward into Ivan as the man ran the blade continuously through his body, slicing away at the muscle. When the blade was removed, he collapsed to the floor, watching as his life's blood pool around him. The blood was warm but his body was cold. He looked up at Ivan who stood high above him with the blade dripping with dark red liquid. Ivan's eyes were missing, only two bloody holes remained.

'I have put an end to everything before it could start.' Ivan said in a haunting tone. 'With your life, I have saved many, including my beloved Alfred's.'

And that was when he jerked awake. Ivan's words had frightened him because they had made sense. If Ivan had killed him that night, then everything would have been different today. "What is going to become of me? I'm going fucking insane!" He said through grit teeth. The aching wounds in his back were the least of his worries, for he still feared the image of Ivan coming back into his cell. Nearly jumping out of his skin, Gilbert turned to the door when he heard its hinges groan loudly. "Who's there?"

"It's only me." Ludwig answered and stepped inside the room. "How are you feeling?"

"Just fucking dandy." Gilbert pulled the fur cloak around him. "What do you want?"

"I simply came to keep you company." He went over to the bed, wondering if Gilbert would shy away from him. Instead, the man glared at him as he approached. 'Did he ever glare at Fredrick like that?' Ludwig wondered. "How is your back?"

"Bandaged, but your company is appreciated." Gilbert really did not want to be alone. He took a deep breath and looked at Ludwig. "Sorry for treating you the way I did."

"It's fine." He sat on the bed beside the other. "You were heavily grieving, so it's understandable. I should apologize for whipping you, but I was not about to let that man do it. I let my words spoil it for me, so he was able to take over." Gilbert looked at him. "I didn't want anyone else to touch you." Fredrick had written those words, and Ludwig had shared in them.

Pink eyes widened a bit. "It's odd to say 'thank you' to something like that, but thanks all the same." Gilbert's plan to seduce Ludwig onto his side was starting to come into full bloom. Even though he did not feel like being coy or seductive, he still had his life to think about despite Ivan's words. "I'm lucky to have someone like you here with me."

Ludwig suddenly leaned forward and planted his lips on Gilbert's, giving the other a gentle kiss. He was thrilled when Gilbert did not pull away, so he moved to deepened the kiss. He couldn't stop himself from wondering if this was how Gilbert kissed Fredrick. Was the response he was getting from Gilbert true passion or was he just second best? The notion of being second did not settle well with him, and he grew more forceful. Gilbert made a sound of protest when he wrapped his arm around the narrow waist, crushing the other close to his chest. He wanted to fully possess this man, but another was hindering him. A dead man, one who says he owns Gilbert's heart.

He pulled away from Gilbert's lips to nuzzle the white ear and whisper, "my Gilbert…my Snow Falcon."

Pink eyes opened. "…what did you just say?" He pulled away to gaze at Ludwig.

"It's a pet name. Your skin is white like the snow, and your house symbol is a falcon. Do you not approve?" Ludwig was curious to see what Gilbert's reaction would be.

"Don't call me that." Gilbert pushed away from him. "Only Fredrick calls me that."

Blue eyes narrowed. "Why can't I call you that as well?"

Gilbert was looking flustered, unable to take back what he had said. He's trying to seduce Ludwig so he could keep his head, but now he just let on to the strong feelings he has for Fredrick. He was growing to like Ludwig, finding they had a lot in common aside from religious views, but Fredrick was his one and only. Judging by the severe look in those blue eyes, Gilbert knew Ludwig was suspicious of something. How did Ludwig find out, and how can he cover for it? "Ludwig, please, the name brings back horrible memories. That name was one of the few last words he said to me on his deathbed. Please, don't remind me of it."

"Then I am to call you something else, is that right?"

"I would…like that much more. You know, have something special that is related to us and what we have."

Ludwig grit his teeth. "Yet you prefer Fredrick, don't you?"

Gilbert's white brows furrowed. "I've only just met you, Ludwig. Fredrick I have known since I was a young boy. I owe him a lot, but he's no longer with me. But I am on death row…what could the two of us possibly have for the future? I am set to die."

"Then you are just using me."

"No!" Gilbert grabbed the other's shoulders. "Anything can happen! The Spirits are on my side, things can work out! I am taking a chance by becoming close to you." He moved his hands up to cup Ludwig's face.

"You would have me, then? Should you be found innocent or freed?"

"I would." He smiled, stroking his thumb along Ludwig's cheek bone.

"But I would still be second best, right?"

"What?" Gilbert's eyes widened, then he cried out in surprise as Ludwig shoved him back onto the bed. "Ludwig? What are you doing?"

Ludwig grit his teeth and forced his hands to squeeze above the iron collar to grip Gilbert's neck. His hands pressed up against the other's jaw bones and his thumbs pressed under the tender spot where the chin met Gilbert's throat. The man beneath him gasped and choked for air, but Ludwig would allow enough space to let Gilbert talk. "How will I ever be sure of your true feelings for me? Everyone knows you were in love with Fredrick and wished to be with him! Who do you think about when we are fucking on this bed? Do you see me? Or do you keep those eyes closed so you can pretend it is Fredrick bringing you the pleasure?"

"S-stop this-" he gasped "-Ludwig! Please!" He tried to push Ludwig's hands away, struggling beneath him.

"TELL ME!" Ludwig demanded

Gilbert grit his teeth and with a lift of his leg allowed for his knee to strike Ludwig's groin. The larger man let out a pained gasp but still kept hold of his neck. Gilbert used Ludwig's stunned state to backhand him with his fist. He had put all of his strength into the punch, succeeding in loosening Ludwig's thick hands from his neck. Moving the hands away, Gilbert then planted his feet flat on Ludwig's chest and with a heavy push, shoved the other from the bed. He watched as Ludwig's arms flailed in the air as he attempted to balance himself but landed on the floor. Gilbert quickly got up from the bed and stood over the fallen form. Ludwig was panting angrily, glaring as he tried to get up.

"Never lay a hand on me like that again." Gilbert warned him. "For if you do it again, any chance you ever have of winning me will be lost." He heard Ludwig sputter a bit, but the man said nothing. "Yes, I love Fredrick. I always have, but he is gone now and I miss him every day." He held out a hand to Ludwig, offering to help him up. "You've never had anyone whom you deeply cared about, so you do not understand the emotions of losing someone dear to you." Ludwig took his hand. "If you allowed people to get close to you as I let them, then you would have experienced this and sympathized with me." He pulled the other up, helping to steady him. "But you rather keep people away."

Ludwig rubbed his swollen cheek. "Yes, for reasons such as these. I get…carried away."

Gilbert gave a soft smile. "I didn't think you cared so much about me. It's because of how I look, I know." He said matter-of-factly. "You don't have to pretend it's something more."

"Gilbert, let me be honest with you." He had to sit down on the bed, rubbing his groin to soothe the ache. "I've never had these sorts of feelings for any person, man or woman. I don't know how to properly deal with or handle them. I don't know if it's simply lust for you, or if I want it to be something more. All I know is that I get very jealous when there are mentions of Fredrick or someone else looks at you. It seems more...territorial than anything."

Gilbert found himself chuckling after so many hours of depression. "Fredrick felt the same about me. Territorial. I'm honored you feel it as well." He bent at the waist to look at Ludwig. "I have only felt love for one man. One. I never wanted to experiment with anyone else. But morals can change, Ludwig." He rests his hands on Ludwig's shoulders. "Just like you have never opened up to someone, I don't know what it's like loving someone else. I'm willing to give it a try." He leaned in closer. "How about you? Maybe we can learn from each other."

"The only thing I want you to do is stop this rebellion so you can be free. I don't want to see you killed. What will your death prove? Only that you were a strong person with faith…but you can be viewed that way alive. If you let yourself die, people will grieve, then they will lose faith, and then they will forget."

Gilbert straddled Ludwig's lap, resting his knees on the bed. "What would you have me do? Abandon my pride? Everyone who has fought for me would have died in vain. This jackass king would have won, and then free people will be slaves to his forced religion."

'But you are the rightful king.' Ludwig wanted to say. 'You can restore everything.' "It's just religion, Gilbert. I'm sure people who have sworn to the new god still believe in the spirits."

"Only because they are AFRAID. They shouldn't be afraid, it's their right to believe what they want." He stroked Ludwig's cheek and he felt the man's arms wrap tightly around him.

"This heretic hunt will only get worse, Gilbert. Soon everyone will simply be put to death upon suspicion of heresy. No trial."

"Then I will think of something." Gilbert leaned forward and kissed him sweetly. "I'll just-" The loud but muffled sound of his name was heard beyond the wall and he pushed himself away from Ludwig.

"SIR GILBERT!" Came the holler, and Ludwig stood up as well, rushing to the door.

"Who calls?" Ludwig asked, opening the door to reveal a councilman and four Royal Guards. His brows narrowed. "Is there a problem? I was checking up on Gilbert."

The councilman folded his hands. "The king has issued for Gilbert to go for a little…ride."

"Why have I not heard of this?" Ludwig asked, glancing back at Gilbert.

"It was just issued. So, will Sir Gilbert come quietly? Or will I have the Royal Guards knock him around again?"

Gilbert answered. "I'll come." He wanted desperately to get out of the cell for awhile, yet feared what waited for him on the outside. The cold was going to be the least of his worries.

/

The guards allowed him to wear the fur cloak inside the iron cage cart. Its bottom was lined with old moldy straw. The straw did little to keep his freezing feet warm, and he huddled under the cloak. The wagon bounced and jerked him along the street. He peeked through his fur-folded arms to glance out from the square bars, looking at the people going by. Each one he could see had a look of fear or dread upon their features, and that only made his own grow. He tried to focus on the cold making his ears and head freeze, wishing desperately for a hat or hood.

Ludwig was unable to accompany them for he would have to walk, and the distance was too far for his knee. Gilbert wished he was here, though. Despite the strange happening in the cell, he was growing more fond of Ludwig's company. He believed that Ludwig was already in love with him, but the man did not know how to admit it to himself. Gilbert was unsure of his own feelings, but that answer would have to wait. In a matter of moments he would be forced to see or witness something that he knew would haunt his already guilty mind.

The wagon jerked to a halt along with Gilbert's own beating heart. What was it that lay outside this wagon? The door creaked open and two Royal Guards rushed in, each grabbing him by an arm. "Does it really take two fully armored men to restrain one freezing man?" Gilbert taunted. "You fear me that much?"

"Silence, fool." Said one, helping the other to drag him out. "It is YOU who will be knowing fear soon."

Gilbert narrowed his white brows as he was lifted and carried, grateful that his bare feet did not have to touch the snow. When he finally glanced up, the sight that greeted him stopped his breathing. His eyes widened and the area around him fell deathly silent. Ludwig had not been lying when he said the heretic hunt was going to become brutal. Just before him were two rows of tall pikes, each one speared with a body, man or woman. The bodies had not been dead for long and the cold helped to slow the decaying process. Gilbert just stared at the brutal carnage lining a street that led through a field and to the mouth of the wood. It seemed some even extended as far as the wood. There were not many he could see clearly, but the ones that he could are forever burned in his memory. No matter how gruesome the sight was, Gilbert found he could not advert his eyes.

"It is to be called 'Heretic's Hollow'." Said the second Royal Guard. "Anyone wishing to enter the kingdom grounds will see this lovely display and think twice about their conscience. And this is all in your name, Sir Gilbert. All these men and women here fully loved and supported you."

"And you see where that has gotten them. We're simply weeding out the world." Said the first Royal Guard.

Gilbert had seen dead bodies before, but the battlefield was different from this scene. The battlefield had its own unwritten laws of conduct while this was flat out murder. Or was it? These people, his supporters and followers, may not have had weapons but only their faith. They were fighting a spiritual war, and like any war, death was a common. It was almost expected. But this, this was unlike anything he had ever witness. Could the boy-king be giving such brutal orders? Or were these commands coming from somewhere else?

"What's wrong? Can't look away?" Said the councilman as he approached Gilbert. "This is all your doing, foolish man. You've allowed this to happen, so look upon your guilt and shame."

'Because of me?' He whispered to himself as he watched a crow land on one of the bodies. 'All this because of me?' Ludwig's words repeated in his head, 'What did you think was going to happen when you started this?'. He was right.

The scene was too much for him and his vision went black before slumping in the guards' arms.

/

'Gilbert…?' He heard his name being called softly, yet the voice sounded far away. 'Gilbert.'

'Fritz?' He echoed back, but only received the sound of his name again. 'Gilbert.' 'Who are you?' Finally, his eyes slowly opened and a blonde head of hair was looming above him. "Fritz? It's you!" Gilbert asked with excitement.

"Try again." Came Ludwig's voice followed by a grunt.

"Oh. Ludwig, I'm sorry. I saw the blonde hair and-"

"Enough. Please."

Gilbert's eyes started to come back into focus and the form of Ludwig did so as well. He was unable to fully read Ludwig's stoic expression, but the image of the bodies came flooding back to him immediately. All thoughts of Ludwig and his feelings were forgotten. Gilbert felt sick to his stomach as the images were stuck in his head. He even wretched a bit.

"I take it you saw what they did?" Ludwig asked him.

"Yes. That was…that was inhumane. It was brutal murder!"

Ludwig looked away. "I warned you that this heretic hunt was going to get worse."

"It is all my fault then." Gilbert looked down at his lap, staring at the white sheet. "I brought pain and suffering to these people…people who were fighting for my cause."

"But they were fighting for a cause they also believed in. That is what you told me. Maybe you just needed to see the consequences of your actions. Are you regretting now what you have done? Regretting having so many people die over something you have no proof of?"

"Don't talk like that." Gilbert softly warned him.

"You're thinking it. My words are finally making sense to you now."

"I said stop!" Gilbert lifted his head to growl at him. "You may have your doubts, but I have none!"

Ludwig just shook his head slowly. He sighed. "Then I will leave you with this. The king has stated that more and more heretics will be added to the pikes so long as you remain the head of the rebellion. End the rebellion, pretend to swear allegiance, and accept the new ways. Don't be stupid, you're anything but. Just stubborn."

"As are you." He grabbed Ludwig's arm as the other tried to leave. "Don't go. Stay with me, please?" After the scene in the city, he did not want to be alone with the guilty shadows. "Please."

"Are you begging?" Ludwig looked at him, thinking back to Fredrick's words about seeing a whole other side of Gilbert no one else got to see. Was this part of it? Gilbert did not respond, but his eyes spoke the words for him. "Very well."

Ludwig sat on the bed next to him and allowed Gilbert to pull him down. He thought the other was going to cuddle into him, but instead Gilbert straddled his lap. Ludwig looked up at him with curiosity, feeling his member begin to stir to life instantly. This was not the reaction he was expecting to get out of Gilbert after what the man had just witnessed. Judging by their last meeting, Ludwig thought the man would be out of his mind by now. Instead, Gilbert wore a soft, gentle smile that was eerily calm. He let out a little groan when Gilbert started to gyrate his hips.

"Just stay with me a little long?"

"You don't have to do this to get me to stay." Ludwig stroked the naked thighs.

"I know I don't have to, but I want to." He let out a little moan himself when he felt the tip of Ludwig's clothed erection poking at his entrance. He needed some positive physical attention; and something to help get his mind off of the brutality from earlier. Also, he had a use for Ludwig at the moment and wanted to have the man relaxed enough to where he will be willing to listen. "Don't question, just feel and enjoy."

Ludwig aided in the lowering of his pants by lifting his hips. The cool room air made his erection twitch slightly as it continued to grow painfully tight. It ached to be inside the other, even more so when Gilbert had began to prepare himself. This was a change that he liked, and looking upon the pale body when the other removed the tunic fully only excited him further. For a moment, he had to wonder if this was the sort of 'passionate play' Gilbert did with Fredrick, for he appeared to be well versed in the stripping. Ludwig had been to enough taverns and war camps to know the difference. Gilbert knew what he was doing, but Ludwig couldn't be bothered with fine details. The pink nipples had hardened in the cold, which were the same color as his eyes. Gilbert was not blushing yet like it was written in the book, but this description was his own. Ludwig had every right to believe that he now held claim to Gilbert, and he wouldn't die like Fredrick did.

"Don't abandon me, Ludwig." Gilbert suddenly said. "I need you here with me." He positioned himself above Ludwig's erection and slowly began to lower himself down.

Ludwig let out a pleasured groan at the tight pressure gingerly engulfing him. "I'm here."

"I needed this." Gilbert panted out once he was fully seated upon Ludwig's cock. "You seem bigger each time."

"Consider yourself lucky then." He gripped Gilbert's hips and proceeded to steady the other as they began to rock.

"Keep doing that." Gilbert groaned. "It's just the right speed."

"It would feel better if I moved faster." The tight heat engulfing him was making it hard to think. He let Gilbert move his hands away as the other proceeded to gently ride him. He allowed Gilbert to be in control, moaning deep in his throat while the other lifted himself upon him. The slow pace was strangely invigorating, and Ludwig felt the corner of his lips curl into a smile.

"I need your help, Ludwig." Gilbert asked with a moan while lifting himself up and down on Ludwig's cock. It was just the right stimulation he needed. "I need a favor." He gasped as Ludwig's tip grazed his sweet spot. "Don't move…stay just like that."

"What favor?" Ludwig let his hands slide around the milky narrow hips.

"I need you…to sneak in…sneak in Lord Roderich. In here."

Ludwig narrowed his brows and halted Gilbert's descent. "That's a fairly dangerous favor to ask. Just being seen among noblemen without permission could cause me some trouble." Gilbert just smiled at him and removed his hands. "Why?"

Gilbert lifted himself slightly and pressed back down, watching Ludwig's head lull back against the pillow. "I need to speak with him about some things. But he can't be seen coming here or knowing he talked to me." He gently started to speed up his rocking. "Will you do this for me?" He gave a little gasp. "Tell Elizaveta to deliver the message, then sneak him in."

"That could mean my head if the wrong person saw me." He groaned deeply when Gilbert's muscles squeezed around him. "Is it just one meeting?"

"Yes…it should be." Gilbert arched back a moment, resting his hands on Ludwig's thighs. "So will you? This could be a matter of life and death for me."

'Life and death?' Ludwig wondered to himself. 'What does he mean by that? Was he going to confess and give up?' "It's a risk…" the tight heat squeezed him again, and Ludwig obeyed. "I will. I'll figure something out." He lifted his hips, making Gilbert cry out.

"As soon as possible. This is important."

"So is this!" Ludwig rocked Gilbert more.

"Then I will stop talking and expect you to take over."

/

Ludwig shivered in the blowing snow while burying his face further into the fur shawl. The night was dark and the snow was not letting up. His small lantern had recently burned out, so he was forced to shiver and be blind in the chilling weather. He was waiting for Roderich to come while the rest of the castle grounds were fast asleep or hidden from the cold. After their four rounds of love-making, Ludwig had left to give the message to Elizaveta. Now that he had a response, he was outside freezing in the snow while waiting for Roderich. He should have been asleep hours ago, and it was very late in the evening.

Just went he thought his eyes would freeze and his nose would chip off there was the sound of crunching snow. His ears perked up and turned towards the sound, seeing a swinging lantern coming this way. "Who's there?" Ludwig asked once the lantern was close. He could make out a cloaked form.

"It is I, Lord Roderich." The other whispered.

"I'm Ludwig."

"Good. Please take me to Gilbert. Now. I'm freezing my limbs off!"

"Follow me, as silently as you can."

Ludwig led him into the dungeon hall, taking the lantern poll to light their way down the steps. He managed to get most of the guards drunk on wine and gambling. It would be easier for the both of them to move around freely in the halls without being caught. They did have to pass one room that was still alive with drunken laughter. Ludwig held up his hand to stop Roderich. "Move beside me on this side, we're going to move fast!" He gripped Roderich's arm and rushed past the open door without being seen. Roderich gave out a sigh of relief before Ludwig urged him to continue following.

When they came upon Gilbert's door, Ludwig took out the right key and opened it. "I will be waiting outside the door and keep an eye out. Try not to take too long in there, for all our sakes." He could barely make out Roderich's features in the dim lighting, but he saw the man give a nod.

"I will. Thank you for aiding me. You may also lead me out once I am done."

Ludwig was going to respond, but found the door was closed in his face. He grumbled, resting his back against it.

/

"Roderich!" Gilbert's eyes lit up and his face beamed with excitement when he saw his friend enter. Getting up from the bed, he ran to Roderich and embraced him. "My friend, so good to see you after so long!"

"Yes. I can actually say I am thrilled to see you as well. Come, we have much to discuss."

Gilbert led him over to the bed and both sat down upon it. "I need your advice and counseling, more than ever. It has to do with our rebellion."

Roderich gave a firm nod. "I want to speak to you about that as well. Our supporters have been suffering horribly at the hands of the king and lower council. I'm sure you are aware?"

"More than you." Gilbert said with a serious tone. "But…as much as this pains me to say…I want to stop this rebellion. Too many innocent people are dying over something that cannot be changed while I am locked up in here awaiting death. I can't let any more people die so brutally in my name."

"I understand." Roderich crossed his legs and lowered his hood. "However, I may have a solution to our problem. It has a lot to do on your part, but I am certain you will find pleasure in it. Some may be difficult and revolting to you, but once you see the significance of it, you will find it hard to refuse."

He leaned forward towards Roderich. "Tell me."

"The young king is beginning to realize that he is losing many of his so-called 'followers'. The kingdom is still torn and battles rage on. Currently, he is speaking with the High Council about finding a solution that will win over more hearts from the people. Judge Oswald, who is on our side and I've spoken to him, offered the young king this suggestion. Remove you, Gilbert, from the dungeon and marry him." Roderich was expecting the frozen look of disgust and humiliation on Gilbert's face. "Think about this, Gilbert. Think carefully. I want YOU to come to the realization yourself."

"I will not lay in the bed of a fake king. I am a Lunar Knight, I am not allowed to marry."

"Not anymore. If the king marries you, then the rebellion will end."

"I don't care if the entire kingdom and realm crumbles to ash, I'll not marry him."

Roderich rubbed his brows. "Ugh. Never mind. Let me put it to you as plainly as possible. Well, before I do that, perhaps I should let you in on the big news Arthur and I have discovered. It would appear that you, Gilbert of House Prussia, Knight of the Moon Spirit, are the rightful heir to the throne."

"W-What?" Gilbert stared at him, dumbfounded. "Have you been drinking?"

"How absurd! You know very well I only drink wine during special occasions! What I mean is, Arthur found a document written by Fritz. In the document, before he died, Fredrick had named YOU the rightful heir to the throne until his nephew came to age, which would have been eight years from now." Gilbert was still staring at him with a stupid look. "But we have reason to believe that the document was found and hidden by someone on the king's side. They knew about the document and hid it, which would make Fredrick's nephew the rightful heir immediately."

"K-King? Me? Me be king? King? As in, K-I-N-G?"

"Yes! King! By royal law, you are the rightful king to the realm. Now, let's use our head, Gilbert." He tapped Gilbert's forehead. "How do you propose we go about getting you on the throne?"

"Um, let people know the truth so they can overthrow the king?"

"No. I thought you would say something ridiculous like that. We need to proceed at a much slower, and sneakier pace."

"Ooo…I like sneaky." His smirk was heavy with mischief.

"But you may not like this part. You see, in order for us to proceed with getting you on the throne, you need to be out of here. Now, the only way to accomplish that is to confess your crimes, accept the new religion, and marry the young king."

"Why don't you just get a burning log from the fire and beat me with it?" He grumbled. "I can't do that."

"You can. Think of it this way-"

"No! All of my followers will feel betrayed if I leave them! Who will they have to lead them?"

"No one if you are dead!" Roderich hissed at him. "Listen to me, you stubborn ass! Yes, people will be mad at you. Yes, people will call you a coward and a traitor. BUT," he raised his finger "over a short period of time, you will ascend the throne and restore the old religion. To do that, you must marry the king and get close to him. From then on, the rest of us will start bringing our friends back to court. Once we have more information, then we can…'do away' with the young king."

"Do away with? You mean kill him." Roderich nodded. "Murder a fifteen year old kid? Roddy, you're losing it." Roderich frowned. "Where do I sign?" Gilbert grinned.

Roderich smiled as well. "Leave most of the talking to myself and Oswald."

"But, he is still just a kid. He IS of the age of manhood, just not kinghood."

"True, but surely you remember what being a fifteen year old boy who just reached the beginnings of manhood feels like?"

Gilbert smirked. "Oh yeah, my cock was always hard and my fists were always itching for a fight!"

"Charming." Roderich stuck his tongue out. "However, you will pose for a spiritual marriage. By a spiritual marriage, you and the king are only wed for business purposes and to be as close to this 'god', which includes no sex. You're 'together' spiritually."

"Yes!" Gilbert slapped his fist into his palm. "I don't think I could even pretend with a kid, and he wouldn't want me, being so much older."

"Yet you lustfully and passionately yearned for Fredrick." Gilbert frowned. "I rest my case."

"So, let me get this straight. I pretend to surrender, call off the rebellion and save lives, then slowly work my way into the king's trust only to 'do away' with him, then ascend the throne and restore order. Then everyone's deaths will not be in vain and we will have won. Is that right?"

"Those are the basics on your end. Name me your personal advisor and Elizaveta my lady, then you can keep your head." Roderich held out his hand.

"You have your own ambitions hidden in this plan, don't you?" Gilbert smirked as Roderich answered with a mischievous look of his own. "I love it when you're devious."

"I wouldn't be one of the richest lords in the kingdom if I weren't."

"Aren't I glad I don't have you as an enemy." Gilbert's only current fear of Roderich was on the man's wedding night after he would wed Elizaveta…and find out she is not a maid because of one wild night when they were young. Gilbert did not want to be in the city when Roderich found out (if he found out) about their one-night affair.

"Hmph. What about your friend? The one with the limp who led me here. Ludwig, is it?"

"Oh, he's coming with me." Gilbert smirked. "I need a trustful guard by my side." But would Ludwig's possessive jealousy cause trouble for them later on down the road with his plan? Knowing that 'his' Gilbert was going to married off may drive the blonde man mad. "He is technically my lover, and I need him near me."

"That's dangerous, Gilbert. If anyone sees you two together when you're supposed to be spiritually in love with the king, that is immediately punishable by death for both of you."

"Yes, but Ludwig is growing very fond and possessive of me, just as Fritz did. He may even kill the king himself out of jealousy and-"

"And our hands will be clean." Roderich smiled. "He has a good use, then. I will see to it that Oswald makes him a body guard for you and the king. Limp or no limp."

Using Ludwig for a purpose such as that left a bad taste in his mouth. Let Roderich think what he will, but Gilbert would do the honors of murdering the king. It was wrong to fell such joy about the promise of murder, but that only seemed to excite him more. What would lay in the days ahead? The man who was so close to death was going to rise once again…and rule over all.

End Chapter 10

***One more chapter left until Part One is finished! ^^***
- 9
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- 11
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White Crimson