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White Crimson	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1110 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
***Warnings: Language, violence

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

Chapter 12 Part 2

The dreaded wedding day had finally arrived, following three short days after Gilbert's promise to marry.

The ceremony had been private, allowing only sworn members of the religious order into the temple. Ludwig had to wait outside in the cold to help keep people from sneaking in. The cold was getting worse as they days grew shorter and the nights longer. Ludwig's knee was aching horribly due to the constant cold, but his body was not shivering. He was wearing so much decorative clothing and specialized armor that the cold could not reach his body. However, his wounded knee always responded to the current weather.

Yet the ache in his knee was not the worse of the day. This was Gilbert's wedding day to a fake king, getting married under false pretenses. The boy-king was too naïve in Ludwig's opinion, having forgiven his enemy so quickly. But the main reason for Ludwig's emotional discomfort was having to 'give up' Gilbert to another man. Even though he knew it was all a lie and well-thought out plan, Ludwig couldn't help but fear the young king would forget about his whole 'spiritual-marriage' promise. How could any healthy male deny Gilbert laying next to them? Or maybe those were only his thoughts. He himself would never be able to resist Gilbert if the man was beside him. And yet, how would he act when Gilbert began to charm the king? Gilbert had to make the boy-king love and adore him, and the pink-eyed male had already smitten two men. A third should be no challenge at all.

'Then I shall have to kill the king when the time is right.' Ludwig looked down at his gloved hand resting on the sword hilt. 'I will have to kill a young boy…all for the sake of having my Gilbert on the throne.' He glanced back at east castle walls. 'He will become king, and then I can always be beside him.' Ludwig smirked and looked up at the gray sky, blinking away the few snowflakes that tickled his eyelashes. 'Beat that, Fredrick.'

The chiming of wedding bells signaled the end of the ceremony and Ludwig had to be ready to escort them. The large wooden doors opened and the new king and queen exited to the sound of cheers and shouts. Ludwig couldn't keep his eyes off of Gilbert as the man stood on the step of the temple, waving at the crowd. The king was transparent to him, and Ludwig felt a smile form on his lips at Gilbert's attire. His Gilbert had entered the temple in a thick fur cloak, concealing himself from the public eye. Now Ludwig could see him entirely, and he thanked whomever that this ceremonial armor covered his lower parts. Gilbert was dressed all in red with a pure white silk cloak trailing behind. The doublet was a fiery red laced with white brocade designs of medallions. His gloves and boots were white, along with his belt. White was a main color of House Prussia and red was a typical royal color. But the crown caught his attention the most. It was all silver with small tiers, dwarfing that of the king's, which was larger and made of gold. These crowns had been passed down for generations, yet Ludwig was curtain no queen wore it more beautifully than Gilbert. The gems embedded were opals, the same as the pendant currently around his neck. He had promise to keep it safe for his lover, and that is what he would do.

'I will fuck him in only that crown.' Ludwig vowed to himself. If he could freeze time right now then he would have Gilbert in the snow on his back, thrusting madly into him. He could not wait for the first time they could be alone together; Gilbert wouldn't know what hit him.

It was time for the feasting and celebrating back at the castle. Ludwig had to ride alongside the carriage, making sure to always have Gilbert in his vision. He could see through the small window where Gilbert sat, smiling sweetly as he spoke to the king. The smile was fake, Ludwig knew, but it wasn't any less beautiful. It was then that Gilbert's eyes met his for a moment, and the smile grew. Ludwig felt his cheeks blush hotly beneath their already chilled and tinted pink. His cock ached as it swelled beneath his pants, forcing a little whimper to escape his throat. It would be a very long and agonizing ride back to the castle.

/

The feasting hall was alive with the chattering of nobles, the smell of delicious food, and seasonal music. Each pillar was wrapped in evergreen strands, adorned with boughs of holly, red berries, and pine cones. Above them hung thicker evergreen stands with the same decorations, yet encircled with elaborate beads. The same designs covered the base of the candles on the chandeliers and on the dining tables. The decorations were limited due to the weather, but the scenery was befitting for a queen such as Gilbert.

Ludwig had retreated to the rounded balcony of the feasting hall where he could better keep an eye on things. Up high, he could look down upon everyone and spot suspicious business. He had filled his belly with suckling goose, roasted goat, winterberries, and rabbit. Now he was settling his stuffed stomach with a goblet of warm wine. Ludwig was never one for massive parties and social get togethers, but the wine was making everything easier to handle. From here, he also had a clear sight of the king and queen at their dais feasting table. Gilbert was working his charms, as usual. The king was enjoying his company, laughing at whatever the white haired man was saying. Maybe killing the young king wouldn't be as difficult after all.

"Do you not enjoy festivities, Mr. Ludwig?"

Ludwig turned from his spot of leaning on the railing to look at Roderich. "Good evening, Lord Roderich." He responded. "I'm not very fond of social gatherings. I'm an iron mine worker and a soldier. These sorts of gathering are…a bit strange to me."

Roderich gave a small smile and stood beside him. "Did you never have any festivals or celebrations growing up in your village?"

"Oh, those I had, yes, but never like this." He returned his gaze to the crowd, noticing that Roderich had joined him.

"Do you know who any of these nobles are?" Roderich asked.

"I don't know them. I see many banners, but I do not know the houses."

"Many of them are our friends returned from exile. They have taken the oath just as Gilbert has, and await the day when we will finally rule again." Roderich took a drink of his own wine. "Do you see that man with the blonde hair and angry frown?" He pointed.

Ludwig nodded. "Yeah, what about him?"

"That is Vash of House Switzerland, or House Swiss, which it is commonly referred to. He and I don't get along very well, but he is critical to our cause."

"Oh, I have heard of that house. It is a very rich one, or so I have heard?"

"You've heard right. However, he is not independently wealthy, such as I am." Roderich boasted. "His family and house hold all the wealth. If you ever need a loan, he is the man to go to. Now to the far right sits Ambassador Kiku of the kingdom of Japan. His kind is much further west *~*East?*~* of us, but he has been staying here since Fredrick's death. He is a quiet and neutral man, so don't expect to get a straight answer out of him. Now, do you see that strangely dressed man way over there talking to the our royal ambassador?"

Ludwig followed Roderich's gaze and saw the man he spoke of. "Unlike Ambassador Kiku, he is from the West. That's Ambassador Sadiq, the royal ambassador from Kingdom Turkey. Our kingdom's ties with them are very strong, same as Ambassador Kiku's. For Gilbert's best interest, keep them as your friends, not as your enemies."

"Anyone else I should know?"

"Well, there is Lord Francis Bonnefoy and Lord Antonio Fernandez. They are very good friends with

Gilbert, but the royal side does not know that. So please, keep it to yourself."

Ludwig gave a nod, but his thoughts were different. 'Vipers, all of them.' He looked at Kiku. 'Viper.' Then to Sadiq, 'Viper', then to Vash 'Viper' and to the other two 'Vipers'.' He did not trust any of them.

"And I've heard that you have already met Lord Matthew of House America? Alfred's younger brother?" Roderich pointed to Matthew speaking with Francis.

"I have." 'He doesn't belong here.' Ludwig said to himself. 'This is a nest of vipers.' He knew better than to get close to any of these men. Roderich may think them his friends, but Ludwig was always suspicious of men in power. Everyone had their own ambitions and agendas. They would shoot for them if the opportunity would arise. He himself had his own plans while being here. Kill the king, marry Gilbert, and though he may not be able to help rule, he sure as hell would be an important person. "Lord Matthew is a gentle soul. If I were in your position, I would send him back to his home."

"I agree." Roderich responded quickly. "However, he also has an important role here. Unlike Alfred, Matthew has taken the oath and sworn allegiance to the king. That, of course, is a lie, but Matthew is the truest friend Gilbert has here at court. Alfred adored and admired Gilbert, so he has the full support and backing of House America."

Ludwig looked at him with a frown. "I am Gilbert's loyal guardian and-"

"Sh. I know." Roderich looked around. "I suppose I am stuck arranging for your 'secret' meetings together just as I had done when Fredrick was still alive."

Ludwig's eyes narrowed a bit. "Fredrick, you say?"

"Yes. If it weren't for my perfect articulate skilled excuses and prestige planning, those two would have been found sooner than later. All the time, helping them meet in the catacombs and behind the walls and-"

"Wait. Hold on." Ludwig moved closer to the other. "You speak of hidden doors and halls within these castle walls, correct?" Roderich gave a curt nod. "Then you can do the same for Gilbert and I. He is my lover, and I am his. Show me these hidden tunnels behind the walls and catacombs." The idea of fucking Gilbert over Fredrick's stone top coffin was making him aroused. Gilbert would be easy to get drunk to enable such an act to happen. The image of Gilbert on his back atop the stone coffin getting fucked brutally by him and the cum splattering all over the top brought a smile to his face. It was a dark smile, but a smile nonetheless. "You will show them to me, or I will have to break your precious legs."

Roderich leaned back in shock. "How dare you speak to me as such, sir!" He said with an angry huff. "Do not make threats against me, Mr. Ludwig! Or so help me, I will bring you down as fast as I have brought you up!"

"The king gave me this title."

"With ME whispering in HIS ear!" Roderich stated angrily and softly through grit teeth. "You do not want me as your enemy, Mr. Ludwig. Gilbert knows that, you would do best to take heed to my warning."

'You're a viper too.' Ludwig glared at him. 'They are all. Each one claims to be friends and supporters of Gilbert, but if there is one moment of weakness, their fangs will sink in to Gilbert's white skin.' Ludwig downed his wine. 'I am in a nest of vipers.'

/

'How did I get here?' Gilbert asked himself. 'What sacrifices I make for the sake of the spirits…yet they do not protect me or my followers.' He stared down at his own dark reflection in the wine. 'I don't like wine. I want ale…but ale is not proper for a wedding. My wedding.' He glanced at the boy-king. 'This is my husband…a boy much younger than I.' He sipped the wine. 'Please, Spirit's of Old, don't let him wish to desire me.' Gilbert had no trouble playing the innocent and pious Lunar Knight Queen who stayed truthful to their beliefs. Oh, it was under the 'new' god, not the spirits. 'Spirits help me…Fredrick, watch over me.'

Then he spotted Ludwig up high on the balcony, looking down at the people below him. Gilbert took one look at Ludwig in his royal armor and bulging form before he melted in his spot. His cock ached to be held tight in Ludwig's strong arms. He wanted Ludwig to walk up to him, ask him to dance, then fuck him raw on the dance floor. These lustful, wanton thoughts were not unfamiliar to him, but they were indeed stronger than anything he had felt for Fritz.

'Fritz…' Gilbert felt his mind wander and his pants tighten at the image of Fredrick. 'Old Fritz…my love…do you hate me now?' he had to ask, hoping for an answer but receiving no response. 'Do you even hear me, Fritz?' Fredrick may not hear him, but Ludwig seemed to read his thoughts. Gilbert made eye-contact with those blue orbs and gave a sultry smile. He saw the sudden tension in Ludwig's body language at the smile. 'He looks the same as Fredrick when I do that to him.'

The music was dying out from hearing and the festivities even faster. All Gilbert could think about was Ludwig and Fredrick. He imaged both of them approaching him, naked. They would adore and worship his body as they took control of him. Both men would take turns making him feel good with their bodies. One would take him from behind while he sucked off the other in the front. That would be acceptable.

'What am I thinking? Save these thoughts for when you're alone in bed, Gilbert!' He said to himself, then stood up. "Alright, I'm ready for some dancing!" He grinned and walked down the dais steps. "Ladies, don't all jump at once! I can dance all night!" This would be easier for him to get through the festivities. He did not want to be sitting up there with the boy-king, so dancing with all the noble ladies would help to pass the time. Also, he would be unable to get drunk off the wine that was served. For whatever reason, ale was not allowed at a royal wedding. He had to help distract himself from that, too.

So for a long while he danced with numerous noblewomen, not caring to remember all of their names. He was having fun grandstanding on the floor, but he much rather have a sword in his hand. Growing up as a young noble, he had to learn everything from dancing to swordplay to etiquette. His favorite without a doubt had been anything involving a sword, a joust, or a fight. One of his plans for the morning was to go and visit the barracks, maybe even challenge some of the men there.

When it was announced that the king was going to retire to bed, Gilbert bowed low with all the others, feeling thrilled. With the king gone from the room, he could finally enjoy himself. But it was short lived when he saw Ludwig had left with the king as well, having to escort him safely to the chambers with some other guards. Gilbert stood when the entourage was gone, hoping that Ludwig would come back to the celebration. He needed 'protection' too, but only in the abstract sense. So until then, he focused on enjoying himself while mingling with old friends.

/

'Curse this knee!' Ludwig hissed to himself while making his way back to the barracks. Going back to the celebration and standing next to Gilbert was simply out of the question. The king had given him permission to leave and rest, which is what he intended to do. Gilbert would be fine now that the king was away, and the man could easily handle himself. But, just as he was about to head to the barrack door, he had a change of heart. His duty was to Gilbert and to keep him safe in that nest of vipers. Will anything happen? Most likely not, but Ludwig would hate himself if something did. "Damn it all."

His knee ached the entire way back to the feasting hall, and he tried to hide the pain written clearly on his face. Now everything was grating on his nerves; the people chanting, the singing, the music, the smells, the heat, everything. He was annoyed, tired, in pain, and grouchy. Such long nights such as this one was something his body was not use to. 'I should have been in bed four hours ago.' Instead, he braved the three steps of the dais to stand by Gilbert's empty chair, waiting for the man to return. Ludwig scanned the room for that crown and white hair, finally spotting it in the middle of the floor. Gilbert had noticed him and smiled, making his way through the crowd towards him. Ludwig felt himself give a small smile despite his annoyance and pain. Yet Gilbert was still so alluring in that attire that he had forgotten all his anger.

"Is my husband, the king, safely seen to his chamber?" Gilbert asked him with a sarcastic smirk.

"Yes. I brought him there myself." Ludwig kept his eyes forward and his hand gripping the hilt of his sword firmly. He just wanted to take Gilbert into his arms and hold him.

"Your knee is bothering you, isn't it? Here, have a seat. Roderich, go find your fiancé. Let Mr. Ludwig rest his knee."

Roderich gave a narrowed glare from his 'special' seat at the dais beside the king's chair. "My own legs are tired from dancing."

Gilbert shared the same narrowed gaze. "I am your queen, and I say let him have your seat!" He said through grit teeth. Roderich got up with a roll of his eyes and a toss of his head dramatically before walking off. Gilbert smiled up at Ludwig then. "Have a seat. You are our royal protector after all."

Ludwig had to take the seat, giving a heavy contented sigh as the pressure of his weight was finally at rest. "Isn't this dangerous, though? To have me sitting up here on the dais?"

Gilbert drank his wine. "Everyone knows you are, excuse my language, but 'lame'." Ludwig frowned deeply. "But I promised to be a good, kind, merciful and understanding queen, so I am only helping you because you are in need. I want to do it, and it is also good for my image. So don't worry." He leaned in to Ludwig and whispered in his ear, "you don't know how fucking gorgeous you look in that armor. I can't handle it." He pulled away with a straight face so it would appear that they were simply 'talking', not flirting.

Ludwig caught on and leaned back over to whisper, "it is taking all of my willpower and strength not to take you right here. I've been aching since I first saw you leaving the temple."

Gilbert mentally shivered at those words. "Be careful what you whisper to me," he whispered back "I may one day not be able to control myself." He cautiously reached his hand under the table to rest it against Ludwig's groin, feeling the small bulge grow instantly bigger. "Retire to bed, Ludwig. I'll be fine here on my own."

Blue eyes widened at Gilbert's hand palming his crotch, trying to keep a stern straight face. "It…would be best…if I stay here and…and watch you."

"I'm surrounded by friends, don't worry. I have my own sword and food taster. I'll be fine." He rolled his palm on the tip. "Off to bed with you." He moved his hand away.

"Now I must sit here until 'this' goes away. You're a lusty, evil little thing." Ludwig frowned heavily.

Gilbert smirked and held out his goblet for more wine to be poured. "I know." He chuckled and sipped the newly poured wine. 'And I will continue to do these things to you so that when we meet in private, you will be like a wild stallion in heat.' "Go to bed. I'll be by the barracks tomorrow to get a look at all the soldiers. Go. You're dismissed, Mr. Ludwig."

Ludwig took the chance and stood up from the chair. The pain in his knee was unbearable for a moment, but it had helped to shrink his erection. It took a few wiggles of his leg to get his knee prepared for walking. He couldn't risk looking at Gilbert's perfect form as he left the dais. In a way, he was relieved that Gilbert allowed him to exit the feasting hall. He could not risk losing his control or having his knee suddenly give out fully. Rest and quiet was what he needed.

In the barracks…

"Are you serious?" Ludwig said out loud to himself when he heard the cheering, singing, and pitiful music of festivities coming from the barracks. As he entered the first part of the barracks, the soldiers were alive with celebration, ale, and prostitutes. Grumbling, he started to make his way through the lively crowd, dodging drunken punches, topless women, and flying ale. All he wanted was to go to bed and rest, but as it would appear, sleep would not happen. Suddenly, Ludwig felt himself trip with his bad knee and topple to the floor. The chest armor protected him from the fall but it had still shocked him. Looking back to the sound of drunken laughter, Ludwig knew one of the men had purposefully tripped him. He said nothing, allowing his dark, deadly and grumpy stare speak words for him. The drunken soldiers were not intimidated in the least.

"Hey Gimpy! How was the wedding?" Hollered one. "Do much dancing? Oh, right, you can barely walk!" The group laughed and hooted loudly, clanking their mugs together. Ludwig started to get up but another soldier kicked him back down. The last thing Ludwig needed was to start a fight with drunken brutes.

"How the hell did YOU get such a high position?" Asked one, his words followed by a mighty burp. "You can't even walk!"

"Yeah! Who did you have to fuck to get that title, gimp?" Said another.

'Keep calm, Ludwig.' He told himself as he got back onto his feet. 'There is no point in reasoning or talking to drunks.'

"Too good to speak with us now?" Said the first one that had tripped him, and he gave Ludwig a shove with his elbow.

"Exactly." Ludwig answered. "Now get out of my way."

"Hey, gimp! Can you do this?" One soldier stood on his own leg, balancing himself. Ludwig frowned as the other men repeated the movement, knowing he could not do it. They were mocking him.

"Get out of my way." Ludwig commanded, but he was blocked by the first man who had tripped him.

"You think you're better and stronger than us, gimp?"

"I don't think. I know." Came Ludwig's answer.

"Then put your money where your mouth is!"

"Can't this wait until tomorrow?" Ludwig asked plainly.

The man flared. "Don't talk to me like you're dismissing me! Let's arm wrestle! Even a gimp like you can do that! Or are your elbows broken as well?"

He could handle a quick arm wrestle. "I pushed iron carts in my younger days. Are you sure you want to challenge me?"

"Hell yes!" The man sat down at one of the tables, urging Ludwig to do the same. Ludwig limped over to the other chair and sat across from him. The man placed his elbow on the table and wiggled his fingers.

'I should be in bed.' Ludwig said silently, but gripped the man's hand in own. Another man counted to three and the war began. 'Pansy.'

Ludwig could feel how much force the other man was putting in to this little game. His own arm was barely moving from its place. Ludwig wanted to see how long the man would struggle to bring his hand down before actually putting forth full force. When he saw how red the man's face was growing and the neck veins bulging further, he decided to finish it. Now that the man had worn himself out, Ludwig made little effort to slam the other's knuckles to the table. Not once, but three times he banged the man's knuckles into the heavy wood, tearing away some of the top layer of skin. The man pulled back and cried out, holding his wrist to his chest.

"Maybe my leg doesn't always work, but my hands make up for it." He warned all the others as he stood. Ludwig said nothing more as he left the room, searching for someplace quiet. His room was too close to the celebration, so there had to be another place where the noise was less. The further he walked, the more distant the sounds became. He spotted the archway of the kitchens, feeling a soft and comforting warmth coming from the area. When he entered, he saw the dying embers in the hearth and Feliciano asleep in a bed roll in front of it. The other kitchen workers were scattered around the room, one on the potato sacks, another on some straw, and a few more lay on the floor. "This will do."

He walked over to the hearth and pulled the blanket up to cover Feliciano's shoulder. Quietly as he could he started to remove his sword belt and chest armor. The sounds, however, woke up the sleeping steward. Ludwig met Feliciano's half closed eyes and softly told him to go back to sleep. The young man listened and settled back into the blankets, curling up into a ball. Once his armor was off and placed against the wall, he was finally comfortable enough to sleep. Leaning up against the wall and sitting on the cold floor was a bit uncomfortable, but he had slept in worse. But he would not go to sleep without the sword nearby, so he rest it against his chest. The possibility of those soldiers hunting him down called for such a defense. Sleep came to him the moment his eyelids slid closed.

/

"LUDWIG! WAKE UP!"

Ludwig jerked awake and quickly grabbed his sword, but paused taking it out halfway when he saw Feliciano's worried face before him. "W-what? What's going on?"

"THE QUEEN IS COMING HERE! EVERYTHING MUST BE PERFECT!"

"Calm down. You don't have so much to fear with our new queen, I promise you." Ludwig stood up but nearly fell again when Feliciano ran past him twice. "What are you doing?"

"What if he wants to eat?" The steward whined. "My food is nothing like the royal kitchens'!"

Ludwig sighed. "Do not forget that our queen was once a knight and a soldier. He has shared in many hardships and eaten food much worse. I promise that he will like your food, so stop running around like a chicken with its head cut off!" He crossed his arms.

"But I can't not worry!"

"Ugh." Ludwig rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Then continue what you are doing, though I promise you he is not looking for a meal. Watch my armor."

Ludwig left the kitchens and took his sword with him, following the sounds of 'the queen' being shouted. Once in the main hall, Ludwig saw all the soldiers bowing down while Gilbert stood in the center, dressed all in white. He looked like a Moon Knight once again, but the symbols he wore were not the same. Leave it to Gilbert to be covered in jewelry as well. A silver chain-of-office adorned his shoulders. Each gloved finger bore a different size and colored ring. His belt was black with studded silver pieces and the opal crown sat perfectly atop his head. Ludwig was entranced.

"Good morning to all of you, fellow soldiers!" Gilbert shouted proudly. "You may stand and look upon your new queen, for I was just like you not so long ago." He waited for everyone to stand up. "I came to look upon all of you and give my gracious thanks to you men serving our kingdom. Do not ever hesitate to come to me with any concerns or issues you may have, for I understand what the life of a soldier and warrior is like. I will help as much as I can so long as it is within my power."

"TRAITOR!" Came a shout from somewhere within in the crowd.

Gilbert's eyes widened at the word, then his white brows furrowed darkly. "Who said that? Coward, come forth and show yourself!" He pulled out his sword. "Have the courage to stand and say that to my face!"

Ludwig readied his sword as well as someone started to push through the crowd. A single middle-aged soldier emerged from the group, glaring at Gilbert.

"Was it you, peasant, who spoke to me as such?" Gilbert commanded with a loud voice.

"I only speak the truth! You dishonor the souls of all those who have fallen in your name! For your crusade!"

Gilbert was growing angry. "Every day I regret what I have done, and I pray that they are safe in the afterlife! I pray that their lives there are more peaceful and serene than here on this earth!"

"My son was killed in your crusade! And now you stand for a new religion after promising the return of the old!"

"I am sorry for the death of your son, but he made his choice! I never begged or forced anyone to join my crusade!" The image of Alfred and Ivan immediately came to mind.

The man would not stop. "You are a liar and a traitor! A double-crossing, two faced snake who marries the enemy! Whore!"

"SILENCE, OLD MAN! OR I SHALL HAVE YOUR TONGUE CUT OUT FOR SUCH INSULT! I'M BRING PEACE TO THIS KINGDOM!"

"YOU BRING SHAME AND DISHONOR!"

"So be it, then!" Gilbert hissed. "LUDWIG!" He turned furious pink eyes upon blue. "Cut out his tongue and feed it to the dogs! Such insult will not go unpunished!" It killed Gilbert that he could tell no one the truth, but he couldn't bare to hear such things said about him. One could not rule with respect without a bit of fear from their subjects. He was also a mix of emotions right now, torn between anger, shame, fear, and hatred.

Ludwig had done this before, but it was still unpleasant. He took out his dagger from his belt and went over to the man. The man, of course, tried to run away but other soldiers held him still. This would be good for Ludwig as well, striking fear into the soldiers so a night like the last will not happen again. He also did not like how the man had insulted Gilbert. A insult to Gilbert was the same as an insult to him. His lover had a lot of weight on his shoulders, all a heavy burden he must secretly carry. Gilbert was sacrifices much for his people.

"NO! NO DON'T!" The man pleaded when Ludwig grabbed his chin. He forced the man's mouth open, swiftly and easily removing the tiny muscle. Ludwig dropped it the floor without a care and looked back at Gilbert as the man was carried off. He could see remorse in those pink eyes, and Ludwig suddenly felt it as well. Perhaps what he did and Gilbert's sentence for the man was not the best, but it was a necessary evil.

Gilbert took a breath and sheathed his sword. "I wish to never have to make such a decision again!" He told the soldiers. "All I want is for this realm to be at peace. I want my people to experience peace, wealth, and prosperity! My one wish is to bring everyone together so we can thrive as a whole!"

And it was true. Once he was king, he would allow both religions to exist, just as Fredrick would have done if he were still alive. He gave Ludwig one last look before leaving the barracks, with his back straight and his head held high. He really wanted to run, but kept an even pace until he reached the castle. As he made his way to the chambers, many nobles and guards bowed to him. Gilbert lightly acknowledged them, but his mind was many miles away. The man's words had cut him like a blade, and Gilbert knew he would have to continue to face such incidents until he was king.

Once safely hidden behind his chamber doors, Gilbert dropped his weapon to the floor and removed his cape. Tears threatened to fall, but he held them back. Rushing to the stone floor of the fireplace, Gilbert lifted a heavy piece of the marble to reveal a small wooden relic. Elizaveta had secretly brought it to him, a relic symbol of the Lunar Spirit. Its crescent shape and engraved lettering was to help bring him peace. Returning the stone, Gilbert held the relic to his lips for a moment, closing his eyes. No matter how much he tried, he could feel no peace from the object. When he opened his eyes, the room was suddenly full of shadows.

'They're back…and more have come with them.' They were the guilty shadows of all those who have died, friend or other. The man's words from earlier kept repeating in his head, and no matter how much he covered his ears, the words were still coming. The shadows began to grow too numerous, and all he could do was pull his knees up to his chest. Hiding his face between them, Gilbert silently prayed for the guilty shadows to leave him be.

End Chapter 12 Part 2 TBC
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