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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
- 10
- 11
- 12
***Here's the final chapter of Part 1! Part 2 will shortly follow! Thanks so much for sticking with this story! You guys are awesome! Read on and enjoy!

***Warnings: Language

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

Chapter 11

'What could they be talking about?' Ludwig asked himself and tapped his foot impatiently. He was taking a massive risk of his own life by sneaking someone into a prisoner's cell to discuss certain matters. They could be plotting a war in that room, and Ludwig would be held responsible should they be found out. Apparently, the two did not care much for his life. But once Roderich left, Ludwig would hope that Gilbert could share what they spoke of. He assumed it had to do with the true reason why Gilbert was the rightful king, and they were trying to find a solution to make it happen. But if Gilbert were to become king, then where would that leave him?

Ludwig frowned. They would never be able to continue their relationship. He did not think that Gilbert cared strongly enough about him to even push for it. Ludwig knew that only a noble or a royal could be allowed to marry or sit on the throne. Gilbert would either have to remain single, marry a person of noble birth, or keep him as a 'lover'. 'Wouldn't that be something for the Town Crier to sing about.' Ludwig said to himself. 'Our King, Gilbert the Great, secretly fucks the royal executioner!' That might not even happen! Ludwig could picture Gilbert in nothing but his crown and kingly robes, stretched out on some fancy bed surrounded by topless women and drunk off ale. Yup, all hail the king. He may even make Ludwig his fool. Ludwig had to briefly wonder if they made stripped tights in his height and size.

"What am I doing even thinking that?" He slapped his cheek. "I must be out of my mind." He could not determine anything until he spoke with Gilbert after the conversation. If it would ever end.

As if on cue, the door opened and out stepped Roderich. He covered his head with the hood, handing the lantern to Ludwig. "We are finished here. You may lead me out, now."

"This way." Ludwig spoke not a word to the man as he guided him through the corridors and out to the main courtyard.

"I appreciate your help, sir." Roderich spoke to him. "You are going to prove quite useful in the next few days."

Ludwig raised a blonde brow. "Excuse me?"

"Good evening to you, Ludwig." He started to walk away in the falling snow. "Soon you will retire your axe for a sword."

He wanted to ask the lord what was meant by that, but Roderich was already out of sight. Ludwig closed the heavy door and proceeded back to Gilbert's cell. With luck, he would be able to get the answer of out Gilbert. Coming up once again to the dungeon door, Ludwig opened it and looked inside to see where Gilbert was. The man was once again seated in front of the fire, wrapped in the same fur cloak Ludwig had given him. He cleared his throat so Gilbert would know he was there. Pink eyes and a smug smirk turned to greet him, and Ludwig found himself smiling a bit. "I'm guessing everything went well with your friend?"

"Better than good! It was great! Well, some parts are great. Others…well, let's just say I wished there were more ways around this. Alas," he said dramatically "there isn't."

"Am I allowed to ask what was said?" He sat on the bed, needing to rest his knee.

Gilbert remained where he was on the floor but spun his body around to face Ludwig. "I'm going to be king soon."

"Of this I am aware. I overheard Elizaveta and Roderich speaking about it. I'm assuming you're going through with it?"

"Of course I am!" Gilbert gave a hearty laugh. "I would like nothing more than to be king! King Gilbert! I like it." He purred softly. "It has SUCH a glorious ring to it!" He looked at Ludwig and noticed the solemn look on the man's face. "Hey, don't get all worked up over it! You're coming with me!"

"I'm what?" Ludwig blinked in confusion.

"Yeah!" Gilbert grinned as he stood up. "You're coming with me! Your first task will be to tell a councilman that I wish to confess my crimes, repent, and sign the document promising myself to that other god. Also, I'm going to marry the boy-king."

Ludwig just sat there, trying to take in all the shocking information he was given in one sitting.

"Look, this is the plan in a nutshell!" Gilbert sat beside him, resting a hand on the other's thigh. "I swear my love and allegiance to the king and the religion. In return, the rebellion is called off and innocent people will not have to keep dying for me. From there, my men and I will start to conjure up a plan to get rid of the king, making me the sole heir. Little by little, we will bring back our friends from exile so our group can grow and become powerful in the realm once again."

"You? Marry the king? As in…marriage? As in, marriage bed?" Ludwig felt his brows start to drift together in a frown.

"Ah! You see, my friend, that's where the best part of this stupid religion of his comes in! We're going to push for a 'spiritual' marriage. Meaning, we don't have sex but are joined mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. A bunch of fucking nonsense, but at least I won't have to lay with the boy. I remember when I was his age…and if a handsome young bachelor such as myself lay in MY bed, you'd damn well expect me to put on the moves! But, I will play the proud Moon Knight once again, presenting the true and loyal aspect of celibacy."

Ludwig's frown deepened.

"Don't you want to know where you come in to play in all this?" Gilbert leaned his head closer to nuzzle Ludwig's ear with his nose. "I plan to make you my bodyguard, or a castle guard of some kind. Despite the risks, you and I will be meeting in secret places to fuck like rabbits!"

Ludwig gave him a serious look. "Do you know the penalty for a queen who is caught betraying their king?" Gilbert shook his head. "Burning is the most popular, then it's beheading, which you are already familiar with. Although…you would be one of the very few actual male queens…perhaps they would punish you differently."

Gilbert smirked. "Trust me, I'll be king before anything of that nature could be found out. Once I'm out of this cell and back in the royal courts, I'm going to set the realm on fire with my awesomeness! Just you wait!"

"I don't like this idea of yours at all, Gilbert."

"Well, it's what I'm doing. So either you are with me, or you're against me." He turned Ludwig's face to meet his. "Ludwig, listen to me. I want you by my side. You are the most trustworthy friend I have in this realm right now. I want you protecting me. I want you to be my eyes and ears. In the world of the royal court…there are dangerous vipers all about."

"Wouldn't your crew be considered 'vipers' then as well?"

"Yes, but we're the best vipers. We know what we're doing." He gave him a kiss. "So will you come with me?"

"I…" he sighed and pulled away "Gilbert, I'm a lame man who was cast here because I was not allowed to do anything else in the castle. Believe me, I tried. What king or queen wants a hobbling soldier by their side to protect them?"

"This queen right here. I don't care about your knee, I care about you."

"You do?" Ludwig sounded hopeful.

"Yes. When I learned that I had to marry the king before I could take his place, my first thought was of you. I need you with me, Ludwig. Please say you will do it? Do you really want to keep executing people for the rest of your life?"

Ludwig's brows went up and he let out a whispered gasp. "How long have you known?"

Gilbert gave a lopsided smile. "Since the first beheading. I noticed your stance and recognized it immediately. I've known all along it was you."

"Then…if you knew, why did you pursue me? I'm supposed to kill you."

"I thought I would make friends with my death." Gilbert smiled. "But more came out of it, and for that I am happy." He hugged him. "So will you do it? Will you come with me?"

Even though Ludwig knew there was a lot to consider, he found himself nodding. "Yes, I will go with you. However, I want to make one thing very clear." He held Gilbert at arms length, making sure the man was looking at him. "Don't ever think you will be free of me having to kill you. Anything can happen, but of this I am sure; be true to me and my axe won't find you. I'm growing very possessive of you. I know how you are and how you act. That, along with your unique features makes you a target of lust and passion from any man, or woman. The last thing I want to do is hurt you." He moved his hands away. "Forgive me for being harsh, but since we are both being honest, it would seem, this was necessary for me to say. Do you except my terms, Gilbert?"

"Wow, that's harsh." Gilbert was a little intimidated by Ludwig's statement, but answered the man with a soft kiss to the lips. "Ludwig, when I pledge my heart truly and honestly to one person, I will never be false. My 'love' for the king will be fake, so do not misread it."

"I understand…and I thank you for accepting my terms, harsh as they are. Try to remember, this is all very new to me, and I am giving this a chance. If you can try to change…then so can I."

Gilbert took Ludwig's hand and gripped it firmly. "As brothers and lovers in arms…let's go win back our kingdom!"

/

'I should have never agreed to this.' Ludwig said to himself as he stood outside the king's public appearance room. Here, the common people could enter one by one and voice their problems, fears, or concerns. Then the king would pass a judgment on their issue. Ludwig was waiting patiently in line, although he had to bring his walking stick with him to help balance. Standing for any long length of time made his knee ache and the muscle swell, so leaning his weight onto something else was a necessity. It was either wound the bit of man-pride he had left, or be in pain and make it worse. The answer was simple.

"NEXT!" Cried the man with the writing box. Ludwig was next and he stepped up to the man. "And what concerns do you wish to speak to the king about?"

"I come from the dungeons. I have news of Sir Gilbert. He says he wishes an audience with the king to repent and call off his rebellion." Ludwig saw the bored look on the man's face change instantly.

"Go right in! Please!"

Ludwig held his breath and used the walking stick to help him inside. The room was lit up bright by the stain glass windows surrounding its walls, and the stone floor was practically covered with carpets. A dais stood in the back center, where the king was currently seated. The boy-king appeared bored and worn out from a day's work. Ludwig bowed first, then lowered himself onto his good knee in front of the king. "Your highness."

"Hm? Hey, aren't you my executioner?"

"I am, sire. I come with news from Sir Gilbert. He sends word."

"Oh?" The boy-king perked up. "Go on, tell me more."

Ludwig stood up. "He wishes to confess his crimes, repent, and call off the rebellion."

"Really? He told you this himself?" Ludwig nodded. "Why you and not a guard? Or await a councilman?"

"I…" Ludwig was briefed with what to say "believe he has had a lot of time to consider his options and realize his flaws. Reality has finally reached him, and he wishes to accept the new religion. Too many people have died, and it has had a very large affect on him. He realizes that the old spirits are not saving their followers, which means they must be false."

"So, he has come to recognize the true faith." The boy-king smirked. "Very well. Bring my terms, then. Tell Sir Gilbert that I will speak with him here, as soon as possible. I will let my High Council know as well and shortly send for him. But do warn him, servant. Should he be trying to pull something, I will have him killed right on the spot. That pretty face of his will adorn my castle walls."

Ludwig bowed. "Yes sire. Thank you, for your time."

"No, no! Please, you have spoken the words I have wanted to hear!" The king reached into his pocket and took out a gold coin, tossing it to Ludwig. "For your good deed, sir."

He caught it. "It is greatly appreciated, sire."

"You are dismissed."

Ludwig turned from the room and left the castle, heading back to familiar grounds.

/

"Ah ha! So he was quick to accept my terms, eh?" Gilbert chuckled at Ludwig's nod. "Perfect! Watch me perform an awesome act with him! Every single word out of my mouth will be a bold-faced lie, but I will look sincere when speaking to him."

"I still don't like it." Ludwig crossed his arms, looking doubtful. "I sense trouble."

"That's called 'risk', baby!" Gilbert punched him lightly in the shoulder. "Ready to experience the royal life?" He grinned.

"As a guard or some house attendant?" He frowned. "Forgive me if I don't appear overjoyed."

"Don't worry. If the boy-king won't let me have you as a bodyguard, then Roderich said he would find a way to get you in. Most likely working as his guard or attendant…or groom."

Ludwig flashed a quick glare in Gilbert's direction. "I will never be a groom. Especially not for that guy! He seems a bit uptight for my liking."

"Hey, he will be one of our saving graces in all of this, so don't get on his bad side." He chuckled. "Trust me, you don't want Roderich as your enemy." Gilbert knelt under the bed and pulled out the pendant from Fritz. "Ludwig, could you do one last thing for me?"

"What is it?" Ludwig let the pendant be put in his palm.

"Keep this safe for me until I ask for it. Don't let anyone know it came from me! It belonged to Fredrick. It's practically all I have left of him."

"Yes. I will keep it safe." Ludwig decided to keep the journal a secret and never reveal it to Gilbert. He wondered why Roderich hadn't noticed it was missing. Regardless, Ludwig wanted his lover to forget about Fredrick, not fall in love with the ghost all over again when reading those entries. It worried him that he felt more threatened by a ghost than a fifteen year old boy who was alive. "They may be coming for you shortly. You should be prepared."

"I'm more than prepared!" There was a knock on the door and it opened. Gilbert smirked when he saw two councilmen and some guards step inside. He bowed quickly to them. "Sirs."

"Sir Gilbert, you are to be escorted to the castle throne room where you will speak to the king." Said the first councilman. The man looked at Ludwig. "You are to remain in these parts. Come along now, Sir Gilbert."

Gilbert looked back at Ludwig, never breaking their stare until they were both out of sight.

/

Grateful to be out of the cold and in the warm throne room, Gilbert walked the corridor with a smile on his face. In a short time, everything here will be his. He would be the king! Everyone would love and adore him, just as they should. Gilbert knew he was everything a king had to be, if not more so. Sometimes you had to start at the bottom and work your way to the top. In this case, he would have to be submissive in order to gain dominance. It will annoy him, but as long as he closed his eyes and pictured his handsome self on the throne, he could get through anything.

Still in chains, Gilbert entered the throne room, finding it to be empty save for a few guards and nobles, plus Roderich. The boy-king sat upon his throne, wearing a smug smile as Gilbert walked in. Gilbert had to keep a smile on his face when all he wanted was to curse out the faux idol. Like any loyal and dutiful noble of the realm, he lowered himself onto one knee before the king. "My lord."

"So, Sir Gilbert, you have come to terms with the true faith then?"

"I have, sir." Gilbert remained on the floor with his head bowed. Keeping his face lowered, as if to be humble, kept him from giving away any look of discontent for the boy. "I have been stubborn all this time and many have died in my name. The old ways and spirits have not helped those who were so true to them. If I hadn't started this rebellion…then many would still be here with us today." That last part was true.

"You speak mostly of young Lord Alfred. While he was a brave young man, he was still a rebel and a traitor to the crown. I have received word that his hacked up body has been brought back to the royal city to await proper burial in his family's tomb. Currently, there can be no eternal rest for him among his ancestors due to your little rebellion. However, call it off as you promised, and young Lord Alfred's body can be properly laid to rest upon my orders."

The description of Alfred's remains sent a wave of anger through his body, but he had to control it. There was nothing he could do now for Alfred other than say the words the king wants to hear. "I will call off the rebellion, your grace."

"Good. This pleases me." The boy cleared his throat. "I have another matter to discuss with you, Sir Gilbert. My High Councilmen and advisors have suggested the possibility of a marriage for me. Thanks to you, I am not the most favorable man in the realm. But, if we were to marry, in the spiritual sense, then our union can help to bring about the loyalty of the old believers. Seeing you here at my side will encourage many to convert. I think it is a wise choice on both our parts."

'Such compromise coming from a spoiled murderer.' Gilbert thought to himself, yet lifted his head to smile at the king. "A spiritual marriage would be one I could generously accept. For as a former Lunar Knight, grace, humility, and decency are part of my personality." He smirked. "Granted, some of those are touch-and-go, but when I am promised to a person as such, I will hold those values true. Always." 'What a load of shit!' "I forgive you for having me violated against my will."

"Hmph." The king tapped his fingers on the armrests. "It was necessary at the time, which is also why this has to be a spiritual marriage. I will not taint myself with used good. This is for religious purposes and for the peace of the realm, nothing more."

'Fuck you, brat.' "I understand entirely, sire. Also, it must be hard for you to even accept the fact that I am older than you." 'I have seen battles, killed people with my own hands, fought against foes that would eat you alive, yet I must humble myself to you.'

"In the eyes our god that means nothing. I want peace and prosperity in this realm. I can't have rebels leaving their fields unattended to fight a rebellion. So, will you accept my terms for a spiritual marriage? Everything you have done will be pardoned once you swear yourself to the one true belief."

"I greatly accept, your highness. Your majesty is much too kind, showing me more mercy than I deserve." 'He's a young brat, stroke his pride and ego, just as you would have liked at that age.'

"Let everyone see that I am a fair and just ruler, than even the strongest of foes can be forgiven for their crimes." The few people in the courtroom clapped softly for them. "Arise, Sir Gilbert."

Gilbert did so, smiling at the king even though it pained him to do so.

"Now, does this mean that you will forget about my uncle, Fredrick?"

"I will never forget him, your grace." He responded with honesty. "I know that he is dead…but he was still a great man that we all adore. Forgetting him would be a disgrace to his memory."

"Indeed." The king raised an eyebrow. "Well, now that we are to be wed, I am honor bound to give you a gift of your choice. Speak it, and it shall be yours."

This was the moment to mention Ludwig. "If it would please my lord, then I wish to have the executioner Ludwig as my personal bodyguard."

"The executioner? Really?" The boy-king laughed. "Are you mocking me, 'wife'?"

"I am doing no such thing. You said you would grant me what I wanted, and I want Ludwig as a bodyguard. These are dangerous times for both of us. We have enough enemies as it stands. I need a loyal guard by my side, the same as you."

"But he is lame. What use could he possibly serve in a fight? All he is good for is loping off heads."

"I believe he can be more. Please, give him to me? That is all I ask."

The king thought for a moment, then said "bring him to me! The man Ludwig! I will speak with him!" he looked at Gilbert "Until he arrives, I will take a short recess."

Gilbert wanted to glare at the boy as he left the throne, but kept a solemn look. He glanced briefly over at Roderich, who responded with a glance of his own. So far, so good. They all had to wait for a short while until Ludwig was finally brought to the throne room. Gilbert smiled at him, but Ludwig only wore a stoic expression. The king was brought back out once news of Ludwig's arrival had reached him. The king sat on his throne and looked at Ludwig.

"You are here again, it would seem."

Ludwig nodded and bowed. "Yes, your grace."

"My 'queen-to-be' has requested I give you a position among my guards. Or to be exact, HIS personal bodyguard. Which I find very strange, since you are the man who is suppose to kill him."

Ludwig gave an uncomfortable grunt. "It…surprises me too, your grace. Yet, Sir Gilbert is still my superior…so I will do as he says, if it pleases you."

"Hmm…I have a better use for you." The king smirked. "You are a skilled killer. I could use that in my realm. Therefore, I name you MY personal assassin and bodyguard. That way, my 'sweet' little wife gets what he wants but only under MY terms."

Ludwig looked at the king with bemusement. "A-assassin, sir?"

"Yes. You will assassinate or kill whomever I tell you to. Well, you do that already, but it won't be with a mask. Protecting myself and your queen will be your top priority. Do you accept?"

"I…" Ludwig looked at Gilbert. He wanted the answer to be 'no', but he did not want to be apart for Gilbert. There was no other way, it would seem, for him to be in Gilbert's company. The king's offer of a position, even if it barbaric, is still the closest he could get to his lover. He has killed many before, he can do so again. "I do accept, your grace. Allow me to protect you and the new queen."

The king smiled. "Good choice. You may have a limp, but if you are quick enough with a sword, you won't need your knee. And if you should fail us, or displease me, then I will either have you killed or stripped of your position. Keep in mind that I tend to lean more towards…death." The king gave Ludwig a mischievous smile. "I'm sure you know what happens to those who are born title-less?"

Ludwig gulped. "I do, sire." The risks in this plan continued to escalate, but it was too late to turn back now. Gilbert would have an easy death because of his status as a nobleman and a queen. Himself on the other hand, would be tortured, maimed, torn from his limbs, skinned alive, and death would be the easy part. Beheading, burning, hanging, left to die on a post, and anything of the sort. The better half of him was saying 'turn back now' while the other half was willing to take the risk so he could be forever with Gilbert. What was happening to him? "I will serve you both dutifully and honorably." 'Just get Gilbert on the throne, and then you will not have any worries.'

"Then I welcome you to my court." He stood up. "Have these two men brought to the proper places and prepared as such! We have a wedding to plan that shall bring about the peace of this realm!"

The people in the courtroom cheered and clapped for the king's words.

Gilbert looked to Ludwig and saw the doubt that plagued the handsome features. The king's word had bothered him, of that Gilbert knew. Ludwig was doing this because he cared for him, and that made Gilbert's heart feel whole again. This man was willing to sacrifice his own life to be with him. 'How much he has changed since the first time I met him…and I was the one who changed him. His heart was stone, yet I chipped away at it.' He smiled softly. 'Thank you for this, Ludwig. I promise you, when I become king, anything you desire will be yours. Anything.'

/

Ludwig hardly remembered leaving the throne room and being led to the barrack part of the castle, his mind in a fog. The barracks stood separate from the castle, but it was a very short walk between them. The familiar smell of leather, metal, iron, and steel brought him back to the present. It was as though he was on the battlefield once again with his brothers in arms. The smells even comforted him a bit, reminding him of older times when things were different. As he followed the guards, he looked around at the soldiers and men going about their daily lives. Some were sharpening their swords, others tending to armor, and some just sitting around in conversation. A few men turned to look at him with minor curiosity, but Ludwig paid them no mind.

"This is where you will sleep for the time being." Said the guard, showing Ludwig a small private room with a bed and table. "Since you are appointed to a noble post, you are granted such accommodations whilst in the barracks."

'My chamber at the dungeons was bigger than this.' "I thank his majesty for this gracious room."

The guard nodded. "I will alert the tailor and he shall bring you the proper attire to wear. Also, since you will be by the king's side, a royal breastplate with the family crest will be brought to you shortly. Whenever you are with the king, you will be expected to wear it."

"Thank you."

"Good luck to you, Ludwig."

Ludwig sat on the bed and felt the stale sheets under his palms. The bed was clean at least, lice and bedbug free. At least from what he could see. He stretched out his bad knee and rubbed the top of it, massaging into the aching muscle. What had he gotten himself in to? He could only hope that Gilbert becomes the king soon, but he had to kill any people. Ludwig was aware of what his new job entailed. Wherever the king or queen went, he would follow as protection. However, part of this job included murder, or as the king put it, 'assassination'. If someone offended the king in front of him, then Ludwig would have to kill the person if the king commanded it. This boy-king was ruthless and cruel, a person he could see making him kill just for pleasure. It shouldn't bother him, for he executed people all the time, no matter their crime or if they were found guilty. Ludwig never knew the reasons for the deaths, but he had always assumed they were judged decently.

Why did he suddenly have the feeling that Gilbert was going to be the death of him?

"Hey, you! Newbie!" Ludwig looked up to see a plump, middle-aged angry man with a handful of clothes. "Your clothes!" The man dropped them on the bed. "And your sword!"

Ludwig just looked at the man and said nothing, not even a thank you. This tailor was clearly a soul that did not like to be talked to or bothered. When he left, Ludwig proceeded to undress and replace his old clothes with the new ones. They were made of thick heavy wool and smelled fresh. It was refreshing, even the warm scratchiness of the material was welcomed. The barracks were cold, and his room had no hearth. The only fire pit was in the main sitting area, which he would head to shortly. That was until someone knocked on his open door.

"Hello there! You must be the new guy!" Ludwig looked at the young man with brown hair and wide smiling amber eyes.

"Uh, I am. I just arrived here. And you are?"

"Oh, I'm Feliciano, but you can call me Feli, everyone else does. I'm the head kitchen steward here! I make all the food you fighters put in your tummies!" He held out a wrapped piece of cloth. "Here, I made these not too long ago! It's a winterberry tart! It's warm and fresh from the oven! Try it!" Feliciano unwrapped it to show the puffed brown-crusted pastry.

Ludwig was hungry and heard his stomach rumble from the sweet smell of the tart. He took it from the steward, giving a small smile. "Thank you- Feli, was it?" The man nodded happily. "Thank you for the kind offer." Ludwig blew on it before taking a bite, feeling the sweet warm jam tingle his taste buds. The pastry was sweet, tart, and it hit the spot. Ludwig practically gobbled it up.

"Wow! You must have been really, really, really hungry! When you are rested, come by the kitchens and I'll give you your dinner and bread portion. See you soon, and welcome to our barracks."

Ludwig watched the other wave to him and responded with a simple wave back. The sweet taste of the tart was still lingering on his palate, craving for more. The promise of a freshly cooked warm meal excited him, so he left his room and asked directions to the kitchen. Only once did he take a wrong turn, but when he retraced his steps, all he had to do was follow the smell of warm food. His nose led him to a small dining area were guards were sitting on benches and talking amongst themselves. Ludwig searched the room for the friendly face of Feli but did not see him. He saw another entranceway across the hall and walked towards it, smelling the aroma of cooked meat. Upon entering the kitchen, Ludwig spotted Feliciano standing on a tall stool while stirring the contents in a large pot. The massive wooden spoon had to be the length of his own arm. But when the young man saw him, the stirring stopped.

"Wow, that was fast! You must really be hungry!" He laughed and jumped down from his stool. "I just put up a fresh batch, but there is still some left over that is warm. Would you like a bowl?"

"If it wouldn't be much trouble?"

"Not at all!" Feliciano went to another pot and ladled out some thick, creamy soup. "I hope you like chicken, for it's the main ingredient." He handed Ludwig the warm bowl. "It also has dried beets, carrots, potatoes, and corn. I hope you enjoy it." He gave a shy, soft little blush. "You have such pretty yellow hair."

Ludwig was too intrigued by the smell to respond and simply started scooping the soup into his mouth. The creamy texture made his body shiver with delight as it warmed his belly. The motion of spoon to mouth only increased the more he ate the soup. This soup was delicious and far tastier than anything he had ever eaten before. Growing up with his parents, their main food was cabbage and radishes, in everything. In the iron mines, gruel with strange lumps in it. While in the mercenary band he would scrounge for anything himself or someone else could muster up, if they were willing to share. There were some things he had eaten on the battlefield that should not have been edible. But it was either take the chance or slowly starve and get killed on the battlefield from lack of food. Currently, this was pure bliss.

"I want another." Ludwig gently commanded.

Feli gave him an uneasy smile. "I'm sorry, but only bowl to a man. They aren't my rules, but the king's rules."

"Well, I am the king's new bodyguard. That makes me entitled to another portion, doesn't it?"

"Ah…well…" he cleared his throat "I haven't heard anything about that…but…just one more bowl, okay? And please, don't tell anyone." He got Ludwig another bowl and handed it over.

"I am not lying to you. I'm sure you will find out soon enough. Can I take this back to my room?"

"You may, just try and remember to bring the bowl back. Oh! Here's your bread." A roll was given.

"Appreciated."

Ludwig turned away and went back to his room with the bowl and bread. Sitting down on the bed with the food, his thoughts wandered back to Gilbert, wondering what the man was doing now. Gilbert was most likely getting bathed and pampered, as fit for a nobleman of his status. He even started to wonder when they would have their first 'private' meeting together. Despite the king's warnings, Ludwig's lust and need for the other overrode any sensible thoughts. He found that he yearned for Gilbert more when the man was out of his grasp. Before he could just enter the prison chamber and do what he wished, now they had to sneak around. Their meetings would have to be more organized. It was always said that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but what about lust? Ludwig had never lusted after someone as much as he did Gilbert, so how will he fare with the man being out of reach? Who knows how long in between their secret meetings would be. Would the unsatisfied lust cause him to act rash? And how would he feel on the day of the wedding, when Gilbert had to promise himself to another man? What would he do?

He didn't want his soup to get cold, so the wanted need to eat was a welcomed distraction.

/

Gilbert resided in what used to be the queen's chamber, but now was his. He sat by the window and gazed out into the dark, watching the gentle falling snow. The white powder continued to pile higher on the windowsill, and Gilbert wondered just how long he had been sitting here watching it grow. His thoughts were focused on Ludwig and the man's new current position. Gilbert feared for Ludwig's sanity if the boy-king made him kill innocent people for the hell of it. He was not expecting such a cruel responsibility to be given to Ludwig. A knock at the door forced him to tear his eyes away from the snowy window. "Come in." He held the velvet robe closed at the base of his neck and stood from the chair.

From the door stepped Elizaveta, donned in a heavy green dress with gold trimming fit for a lady of her status. She closed the door behind her and stood before him as a proper lady. "Be honest, how do I look?"

Gilbert gave a lopsided smirk. "I like you better in men's clothes, but I'm not complaining. Just between old friends, that dress would look much better on my floor, if you know what I mean?"

She scoffed. "All the wine in the kingdom could not get me to take my dress off in front of you."

"Ah, yes, that is only for Lord Roderich now, am I right?" He grinned and started to taunt her playfully. "So, I'll spill my beans if you spill yours. Tell me, what kind of a man is Roderich like when he isn't flaunting his snobby ass?" A gentle but firm fist under Gilbert's chin stopped the man from speaking further. "OW!"

"That is none of your concern. A lady never speaks to a gentleman about what goes on behind closed doors."

He rubbed his chin with a small smirk. "Since when have I been a gentleman?"

She narrowed green eyes. "Scratch that. Don't forget, I can still beat you even in this dress."

Gilbert put his hands up. "You're one lady I know better than to tangle with. Come, let's share a goblet of wine. I wanted ale, but apparently 'queens' only drink wine. Some stupid virtuous status or something like that." He led her to the sitting area and poured them both some wine, handing her the goblet. "Have you heard anything about Alfred's body? Has the king returned him to his brother?"

She accepted the goblet. "Roderich told me that all is well, and Alfred's body will arrive by tomorrow morning. I think I will ride to House America for the funeral, to honor Alfred and support Matthew." She sighed and looked down at the wine. "That apparition of him crying at the foot of my bed is still fresh in my mind. It's the only thing that is frightening me."

"He was crying for Ivan and what was going to befall the man." Gilbert answered.

"Who knows. It is a shame Ivan cannot be buried with him…"

Gilbert pulled his chair up to sit beside her, his features solemn. "Ivan's body is already wrapped up in a white sheet and piled up with others of the like in a massive grave." He said darkly. "The spirits will see them together, so don't cry for them, Lizzy. I bet it's much more peaceful for them wherever they are. No chains, swords, wars…I wish I could go with you." He looked at her. "Say a prayer for them in my stead."

"I will." She held up her goblet. "To friends who are no longer with us." They clinked their goblets.

"To them." They drank. Gilbert rolled the wine on his tongue a bit before swallowing. Glancing out the window, he couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead in the days to come. He reached over and threaded his fingers with Elizaveta's, feeling the other squeeze back.

Everything would get worse before it could better.

End Chapter 11 Part 1 TBC

***So part one has ended! I will be introducing a few more Hetalia characters into part two. Also, the king will be an 'off-camera' character, meaning he will be mentioned and referred to, but will never actually appear in any situation. This is my first time doing an 'off-camera' OC, but I'm looking forward to doing it! I hope you enjoyed part one! Thanks so much for reading this far! ***
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White Crimson