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A Storm of Sunflowers	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 4890 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or any of the characters. This story is strictly for fun and for the enjoyment of fans.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
Chapter 13

Alfred was right, the mountain road was bumpy and it was keeping him awake. The further they ascended the mountain, the more chilling the air became. Alfred had never been through the mountains before and he had no clue that people actually lived on them.

It started to flurry softly as they continued to climb and Alfred slid the window up with some difficultly to stick his gloved hand out. Usually, snow meant hardship, cold nights, and empty bellies. But now that he was living and working for Ivan, he did not have to worry about that. It also really surprised him how much different the weather was in the mountains than down on the plains. He thought it very bizarre and it was starting to come off as a whole other world.

The beautiful sights of the pine trees and boulders had freed his mind of the nightmare for a while. He could see small houses and cabins along the way with smoking chimneys and small farms. Gilbert had ridden by them a short time ago to let them know that they would be at Wolf Hall by early morning. Alfred usually told the time of day by the sun but because of the snow it was hidden so he could only figure it was the afternoon. Arthur’s voice startled him.

“What are you thinking about?” He asked and Alfred looked over at him. Arthur had a snoring Francis on his shoulder as he sat with his arms and legs crossed. “You haven’t said a word since we’ve started up the mountain. What’s got you worried?”

“Oh…it’s nothing. I just had a nightmare earlier this morning. You know me and silly nightmares.”

“Yes, I know them. You would always crawl in next to me after you’ve had one and making my night a living hell with your kicking and punching. The worst was when you would have them while already sleeping with me and wet the bed.” Alfred glared at him.

“I did that ONCE!” Arthur flashed him a humorous smile.

“Keep telling yourself that. The bed sheets and hay tell a different story. And you were at least eleven when you finally stopped.” Alfred was to annoyed and exhausted to argue with Arthur so he just changed the subject.

“Isn’t the snow pretty, Arthur? And we don’t have any actual work to do in it!” Arthur snorted and narrowed his eyes as he gazed out at the falling snow.

“I hate the snow.”

“I know you hate it, but you have to admit it is beautiful! And everything is so quiet when it snows.” Alfred always wondered why Arthur would get so cranky and short tempered when it snowed. He would never want to talk about it, no matter how many times Alfred nagged him. Alfred figured, since the Braginski house was still far away, he might as well ask him again. “Hey Arthur…why do you hate the snow so much? You’ve never given me an answer.” Arthur sighed heavily.

“Must you ask me this EVERY time you see snow?”

“I’ll stop when you finally tell me.” He made himself grin playfully at Arthur and when the man had agreed, his grin turned into a frown. Arthur was going to tell him after all these years?

“My mother died when the snow was falling very heavy from the sky. The snow was up to our knees and no one would come to help her, not that we could afford a doctor anyway. After her last stillborn she was never the same and never very healthy. I think it was the miscarriage that ended her life. She never came back from it.”

“You never told me you had siblings.” Alfred said and Arthur glared at him.

“Stillborn means ‘dead’, Alfred! It doesn’t just apply to animals. ”

“Oh…I’m sorry. But I thought your dad had left long a-” Alfred stopped at Arthur’s harsh glare. Alfred knew that Arthur’s father had left him when he was an infant so he had to piece together about his other ‘siblings’. “I’m really sorry, Arthur.” Arthur let his head fall back against the carriage wall.

“It’s not your fault. That’s just life and it happens all the time. It’s just…snow brings death. Crops, animals, people…” Alright, this conversation was getting to morbid and Alfred needed happy things at this moment.

“You know what, lets not talk about that.” He suddenly felt very uncomfortable right now after Arthur’s tale. “I’m actually going to try and get some sleep.” Arthur blinked.

“You lost interest fast…are you sure there isn’t anything bothering you?” Alfred just smiled and shook his head, trying to lay down as comfortably as he could in the carriage seat. Surprisingly, he had fallen asleep despite the bumpy surface from trying to stay awake to long. And more importantly, it was a light, dreamless sleep.

Alfred woke up when the carriage came to a halt and jerked him rather harshly. All three of them looked out the carriage windows to see a small stream with a bridge over it. The carriages were going over one by one and Alfred noticed that the road they were traveling had become much more level. He stuck his head out further as the snowflakes made it harder to see as it had gotten darker. After they crossed the bridge there was a small clearing before a stream of perfectly symmetrical line of evergreens on both sides of a gray stone road. Alfred watched as a large house, which could only be Wolf Hall slowly come into view.

There was no surrounding wall like in Ivan’s city manor but the courtyard was large with trimmed hedges. The surrounding wall could technically be all the various holly and evergreen trees that surrounded it. From what he could see the place wasn’t as high class or fancy as Ivan’s city house. Of course, it was hard to tell with all the snow and he bet it looked beautiful when it wasn’t snowing.

The carriages circled around a running fountain before stopping one behind the other. He heard Gilbert shouting that they had arrived and to exit the carriages. Alfred and Arthur were more than willing to get out of their small confinement and stretch their legs. Matthew came running to them and hugged Alfred tightly.

“Isn’t this place beautiful, Alfie! I never thought I’d be so happy to see snow!”

“Ah…yes, it is really beautiful.” Alfred replied but Francis cut in.

“Lets remember why were are here. The enemy army is preparing to invade the city. We have to hope the king gets his troops there in time so we all have something to go back to.” The three fell silent after that but it wasn’t long before all of them were ushered into Wolf Hall.

Wolf Hall was smaller than Ivan’s city home but it felt much more homey and comfortable. The house was less decorated but still held style. Alfred adored the long winding staircase that was covered with a purple velvet coating. A large chandelier of candles hung in the middle of the entrance and Alfred wondered if he jumped from the landing would he be able to grab the iron circle?

Ivan was standing beside Yao who refused to look at him or even hook their arms together. Yao had his arms crossed instead as he looked around. Alfred stared at Ivan and blushed a bit at how dashing he looked in his snow clothes. Then he remembered the same Ivan in his nightmare shoving a purple flame in his face. He quickly shook the image from his head and turned his attention back to scoping out the area.

“Little brother!” A young woman came running down one of the halls, holding up her light blue dress. Her breasts didn’t seem to fit in her corset and any respectable male in the room made sure their eyes were anywhere but.

“Katyusha, it is a pleasure to see you.” Ivan held his arms out for his big sister to hug him tight, rubbing her face in his chest.

“You don’t know how happy I am to see you! I wish the reason was for a better purprose-“ Ivan held his hand up and smiled.

“No need to discuss war and politics now. I’m just pleased to see you happy and healthy.” Katyusha hugged him again before turning to Yao.

“My dear sister-in-law! So good to see you again!” Yao was thrilled to see Katyusha yet he despised how she always called him ‘sister’ instead of ‘brother’. He hugged her back and kissed her cheek.

“Always a pleasure, Katyusha.”

“Big brother?” Ivan lifted his head to see Natalia in her favorite gray dress with lace trim and matching bow in her hair. Ivan made himself smile at her and hoped she wouldn’t embarrass him.

“Hello Natalia. You are looking well.” Natalia said nothing as she raced over to him and latched herself to his neck. “Natalia…you’re choking me…” Ivan gasped out and tried to remove her arms from his neck as gently as possible.

“Natalia! Don’t embarrass your brother!” Katyusha scolded her softly and Natalia looked at her with a slight scowl but let go of him. Natalia’s gaze immediately went to the man at Ivan’s side. Both she and Yao exchanged forced happy smiles at each other.

“Dearest ‘sister-in-law’ YAO, how delightful to see you again.” Natalia said through grit teeth and Yao mirrored her emotions.

“Always a supreme pleasure to see you, sister-in-law, NATALIA.” Everyone could see the thunderbolts exchanged between their eyes.

“I see your sleeves are still too long for your arms.” Natalia kept her forced smile.

“And your breasts STILL don’t quite fit into an average corset, my dear.”

“I heard there is a wagon leaving in a few minutes so why don’t you be under it?”

The two kept their torrent of insults going and ignoring all the others. Toris looked on at the two and trembled in fear as he pulled out a small bottle wrapped in leather and took a swing of the thick pink liquid for his nervous stomach. (1) This would be living on his belt for the duration of their stay here.’

“Eh…heh heh…” Ivan laughed nervously as he could feel the tension in the air weighing him down.

“Ivan, don’t just stand there! Introduce me to your friends here!” Katyusha smiled at the small group before her. “I recognize Francis, of course. Or Toris.” Francis smiled and winked, giving her a friendly kiss on the cheek.

“Long time no see, Katyusha.”

“I expect you to bake some of your delicious cakes while you stay here!”

“Consider it done, my dear.” She laughed happily and clapped. Natalia was clutched onto her brother’s side and surprisingly so was Yao. He was clasped onto Ivan’s arm and the two smaller forms were met at eye level. Ivan just stood there looking disheveled and uncomfortable as the tension started to orbit around him.

“Ah…of course, dear sister.” Ivan said softly. “This is-“

“I’m Feliks, the tailor of like, all these fine pieces of attire we are wearing now!”

“Oh! Very nice to meet you! You do lovely work! And you?” She looked at Kiku who stood straight and tall.

“I’m the gardener, Kiku. I care for, raise, and grow Lord Ivan’s sunflowers.” Alfred thought all those words were a bit unnecessary.

“Wonderful! My little brother loves those! And you?” She looked at Alfred who grinned.

“I’m Alfred and this is my little brother, Matthew! I’m Lady Yao’s personal groom and Matthew here…well, he’s just here!” Matthew’s shoulders drooped a bit. “And this is my brother from another mother and father-figure, Arthur!” He put his arm around Arthur’s shoulders who looked annoyed at Alfred’s word choices for his introduction, especially in front of Ivan.

“Oh no you’re not!” Yao tore his eyes away from Natalia’s to glare at Alfred. “My room door doesn’t say ‘Animal Refuge’ in bold print!” Alfred was ready to give a snappy comeback but remembered the nightmare and Yao’s face in purple flames made him think twice.

“I’m not anymore? Then what can I do while I’m here? I have to pull my weight around somehow?”

“I’m sure Ivan could-WAIT!” Katsyusha clapped her hands happily as she got an idea. “I know what you can do! I’m in desperate need of a nanny for my darling little Galina so I can focus more on running Wolf Hall more effectively. My little brother will need my assistance with many things, I’m sure.”

“That sounds like a great idea!” Alfred chirped up and Arthur immediately took his arm and pulled him away from the others.

“Alfred, you dipshit! Do you have any idea how to care for a child?! It’s not like taking care of a newborn lamb or baby chick! It’s a HUMAN!”

“You give me no credit at all! I’m awesome with kids!” Arthur hissed.

“You never dealt with kids! How many times have you lost Matthew just walking to the barn!?”

“Well if I can’t be with Yao I need to do SOMETHING!”

“I don’t agree with children watching children!”

“I am not a child anymore!”

“Then stop acting like one! You’re nineteen summers! Fucking act like it!” Alfred took his arm away from Arthur and walked back to Katsyusha, smiling.

“I accept the job, as long as it’s all right with Lord and Lady Braginski?” Ivan just chuckled softly.

“Ah…sister let me get back to you on that. Not that I don’t think Alfred would make a wonderful nanny to my niece-“ He wasn’t sure if it was Yao’s or Natalia’s nails digging into his sides. “But I must speak with my wife and Alfred about something first.” She looked a little confused but nodded.

“Well, okay then. Brother you can have your old room, obviously.” She smiled at the others. “I’m afraid we don’t have a lot of extra guest rooms so would any of you mind doubling up?” Francis put his arm around Arthur’s shoulders and winked.

“We’ll double up, no problem.”

“I like, need to have my own room so I can work.” Feliks said proudly. “You can’t disrupt an artist at his work!”

“I’ll room with Matthew!” Kiku said and quickly pulled the boy closer to him, not wanting to be the last one and end up rooming with Alfred. He did enjoy the man’s company but being in too close of proximity of him over time may aggravate him.

“B-but what about me?” Alfred asked and looked at Toris who put his hands up.

“I have my own room here. It’s too small.”

“You can stay with us until Lord Ivan decides where to put you!” Francis smiled at Alfred and he was reluctant to go with the two because of Arthur. Alfred looked at Ivan who seemed too troubled by the leaches on him to pay any real notice to him.

“Very good! I’ll have some of the servants show you to your rooms while I speak with my family. Dinner is being prepared now as we speak and someone will come and get you when it is ready.”

Katsyusha called for the servants to escort them to their separate rooms. Alfred took notice of how much smaller the halls were compared to Ivan’s city house. He got the feeling that this house was very old and it must have been in Ivan’s family for a long time. Francis was whispering things in Arthur’s ear who was lightly shoving him away each time. Alfred didn’t care as they turned a hall and was met with various painted pictures. He wondered who they all were but assumed it was Ivan’s relatives.

Alfred stopped at one particular picture of a family and he recognized Ivan immediately. Ivan appeared to be nine or ten in the painting, standing in between Katsyusha and Natalia. Katsyusha looked to be in her teen years and Natalia was still wearing a lacy bonnet with pink ribbons. She was the only one sitting poised on the floor while Katsyusha sat in a plush chair. Katsyusha was the only one smiling, Ivan had no emotion and Natalia was frowning. It would have been an adorable painting if the other two were smiling. Next to it was another painting of Katsyusha as she is now, holding an infant in her arms. Alfred raised an eyebrow and studied the painting carefully, noticing the paint on her right was a darker shade than the background, as if something had been painted over.

“ALFRED!” Arthur’s voice echoed through the hall and Alfred was startled out of his deep thoughts as he ran to catch up with the others.

Once settled inside their room, the three men started to relax themselves after the long trip. The bed was much smaller than the one Francis was used to and Arthur was not pleased that he would have to be lying even CLOSER to Francis than normal. Alfred had no choice but to use the short sofa for a bed that his legs hung over on one side. He was currently holding a pillow high above his head and spinning it around by its tassels.

“The older sister seems nice.” Alfred spoke up then, tired of hearing Arthur curse and argue with Francis. “That younger one is a bit…well, coo-coo.”

“Ah, yes, Natalia is a strange piece of work.” Francis said as he started to unpack and hang his clothes. “She’s Ivan and Katsyuha’s half sister, actually.”

“Really? You know, I thought something like that.” Arthur said. “Ivan and Kaysuha are both…kind of big and solid with the same hairdo and build. Natalia is small and skinny and more lady-ish.”

“What’s the matter, Artie? You find her cute? She’s your lady type anyway.” Francis gave Arthur a surprised look who just glared at both of them.

“Shut up, Alfred! I’ve had my fair share of women!” Alfred scoffed.

“Oh yeah, the milkmaid Sophia at Tino’s horse farm.” He rolled his eyes in amusement. “She counts as ‘fair share’.”

“Hey! She wanted me and I wasn’t going to say ‘no’! I was fourteen winters! How could I say no? It was a break from hard labor.”

“You’re seeing things my way!” Francis said happily as he tossed a pair of tights in the air to celebrate.

“And I would have gotten further with her if jackass over here didn’t interrupt me!” Francis laughed and looked at Arthur.

“Seriously? You caught him in the act? What were you? Like ten?” Alfred just laughed.

“Yeah, something like that! I was climbing up to the hayloft and there was Arthur with freckled-face Sophia bouncing up and down!” Francis threw his head back and laughed.

“What the hell is so funny?! I was a young boy growing into manhood! You mean to tell me, of Great Lover Francis, that you’ve never had a roll in the hay in your younger years?”

“Every other night.” He said with a wink at Arthur who just made a look of disgust and rolled his eyes.

“Hey, you know what Arthur told me when I caught them? He said he was just showing her how to ride a stallion.” Francis looked at Arthur and scoffed.

“Don’t you think you’re using the word ‘stallion’ a little loosely, there?” Francis was met with a cruel tug to this precious blonde locks. “AHH!”

“You weren’t complaining about it other night!”

“WHOOOO!” Alfred shouted out at Arthur’s comeback. Arthur finally let go of Francis’s hair after he was satisfied with the amount of rough tugs he had given it.

“How did we go from Ivan’s little sister to Sophia the milkmaid?” Arthur pointed out and sat back on the bed, crossing his legs and arms. “You said she was their half-sister, right?” Francis nodded, rubbing the back of his skull.

“Yes, their mother died a few years after Ivan was born and their father remarried with Natalia’s mother.”

“Now that baby of Katsyusha’s I might be watching, Galina, was it? That’s actually HER baby, right?” Alfred asked.

“Yes, Katsyusha was married about a year ago, I think, when she had Galina. I was there when she was born.”

“When you say ‘was’, that means she isn’t anymore. So where’s the husband?” Arthur asked and Francis looked a bit uneasy at the topic.

“Um…it’s not something we like to talk about in this household.”

“Oh, now you HAVE to tell us!” Alfred sat up on the sofa. “What happened to him? Come on, tell us! We won’t tell! I promise!” Alfred flashed him a big smile and held his hand up. “I swear it!” Francis let out a heavy sigh.

“Well, I guess the more you know about them the better you will understand them. It’s a bit dark, really. We didn’t know about it right away but apparently her husband used to beat on her a lot. She never told anyone and any marks she had were on her body where we couldn’t see. But shortly after the baby was born he had apparently gotten drunk, I think, and he really went off on her. She came crying to me in the kitchen and I could see how battered she was. I had to tell Ivan, she was too scared. Then the next thing we know…well, lets just say we all knew to close and lock the door of whatever room we were in. I just happened to be looking down the hall out of my own curiosity and saw her husband running and screaming while Ivan chased him, swinging an iron candle stand taller and heavier than he was.” Arthur was going to say he was full of shit but then he remembered Ivan’s strength when he lifted him with ease. So him lifting an iron candle stand didn’t surprise him.

“It was actually quite scary…hearing her husband banging on doors and begging for help but no one would let him in.”

“Why not?” Alfred asked, eyes wide.

“Ivan, of course. No one wanted to be exposed to his brutality if they could help it and everyone feared the same fate would befall them because they saw it. I assume you can figure out the rest. The candle stand was found and Ivan didn’t want to get rid of it. I believe it’s in his room now, actually. Still indented with…well… you know.”

“Wow…that’s really…really scary! Over protective and loving…but scary!”

“It’s fucked up.” Arthur said flatly. “Ivan’s a nutcase!”

“Did they find the body? Does Katsyusha know?”

“She assumes.” Francis said. “We don’t talk about it. At all. So mind your tongues. As for the body, the servants told me that Ivan had buried it in the walls somewhere.”

“EW!” Alfred cringed at the thought of walking down a hall and having a rotting corpse fall onto him from the wall.

“I haven’t found it yet, not that I want to, but you’d know it because the stones would be a lighter color than all the others.” Just for his own curiosity, Alfred made that a necessity for him to find the spot where the man was buried. “But I’ll let you two in on a secret. Don’t go telling anyone!” Both men nodded. “Since he’s her half brother, legally Natalia can marry him and she intends to do so. She’s very obsessive and can be very dangerous. Don’t take her lightly for she can be QUITE a handful. Ivan is disturbed by her obsession but as you will see he deals with it very calmly. And Alfred, you should watch yourself the most. Not only now do you have Yao on your bad side, but if Natalia finds out about you and Ivan, you’ll have her too.”

Alfred just collapsed on the couch, feeling like he wanted to cry out in frustration. He was already in too deep! Ivan had claimed him as his own, made him his mistress and his second wife. Now his half sister Natalia was just as much of a creep as her brother? Now he had to dodge a purple flame and a crazy skirt. Next time he’s in bed with Ivan the two had a LOT of serious pillow talk to do. But as fate would have it, a servant knocked on the door saying he was to escort Alfred to Ivan’s room. Francis and Arthur exchanged glances with each other before looking at Alfred. Alfred gave them a wave.

“I hope I see you guys again.” Alfred said with a small smile as he left the room to follow the servant to his impending doom.

As he entered Ivan’s childhood room, the place was smaller and less decorated. Ivan seemed to have a thing for iron decorations. His bed was not a curtained canopy like the other one but the fireplace was a lot bigger and burning bright. There was only one window in front of his desk and the snow was still falling lightly outside. Yao was sitting on the vanity stole, sipping some warm tea. He looked at Alfred with a frown then looked away again. Alfred just took a seat on one of the chairs and faced Ivan who was at his desk, his chair turned to face them. He had an opened bottle of vodka on his desk with a half filled glass of it. Yao disliked the smell but Alfred didn’t mind it. In fact, he wanted to ask Ivan one day if he could actually try some. But right now, trying new drinks was not the top priority.

“Alright now, someone tell me what happened. Yao, you go first.”

“Glady! I had every right to attack him because he’s sleeping with you! I’m mad at you too, Ivan, for going behind my back and cheating on me!”

“But that’s no reason for you to get into a fight with your groom.”

“He’s not my groom anymore! How can I let him brush my hair knowing you sleep with him!” Ivan sighed.

“We’re getting off topic.”

“No, I think we are right on topic.” Yao said with a frown and crossed his arms. Ivan looked to Alfred next.

“What exactly happened, Alfred?” He had to choose his words carefully.

“I can’t really blame Lady Yao for attacking me. I mean I shouldn’t have fought back like I did, that was wrong of me.”

“Oh please!” Yao rolled his eyes.

“I’m really sorry, Lord Ivan. I promise it won’t ever happen again. Lady Yao can beat me up whenever he feels like!” Alfred said with a smile.

“Don’t be silly, Alfred.” Ivan said. “You are dismissed. I will talk with Yao.” Alfred stood up and bowed before he left the room. He nearly slumped to the floor in relief at how quick and painless the meeting went. Of course, that didn’t mean he’s free of what is happening. Whatever the two talk about right now could go against him. He wanted to sit in front of the door and try to listen but knew the best thing for him to do was just to leave and save his skin.

“Yao, we’ve had this talk already. There really was no need for you to attack Alfred like that.” Yao turned around sharply to glare at him.

“Why is everyone saying I am in the wrong here!?”

“I’m not saying your reasons were bad, I’m saying you should have chosen a different action than fighting.”

“That’s what I wanted to do so I did! And I don’t regret it! Are you that sex crazed that you need to find another person to warm your bed? I know I don’t always like it but can’t you at least respect my wishes?” Ivan looked at him seriously.

“I respect you. Which is why I don’t do all the things I COULD do to you because I can. If you want I can start just taking you whenever I feel like it so I don’t HAVE to stray away.” Yao gasped softly before letting out a small growl and stomping over to him to stand before him.

“You wouldn’t dare!” Ivan nodded.

“You’re right, I wouldn’t. But I could. You dislike sex and you’re uncomfortable with it. I happen to enjoy it and I seek pleasure elsewhere. I’m not going to change who I am, Yao. I don’t expect you to change either. Once again, you’re making yourself feel angry and jealous for no reason.”

“Ivan…th-that’s not-“

“You know it’s the truth. Alfred does not get all the perks you do remember. He has no security or title.” Ivan smiled but Yao was still frowning. “Do you need more time to think about this, love? You’re a very smart young man so I know you understand what I am saying. And I’m sorry but Alfred will continue to be your groom.”

“What? Why? That’s not fair!” Yao stomped his foot as he fumed. “If you’re going to be fucking him the least you could do is keep him from my sight!”

“On the contrary, I think the more to get used to him the better off things will be.” Ivan smiled happily and Yao wanted to smack it off his face.

“Ivan, I don’t want him as my groom! I’ll take Kiku instead! There’s no flowers here for him to fiddle with so he can be my groom! Let Alfred-Fucking-Jones scrub the floors or something!” Ivan just let his head fall back and sighed.

“Yao, I really don’t need all this now. I know I will having a ton of paperwork to start doing and sending messenger birds, and who knows what else.”

“Then give me Kiku as a groom and I’ll leave you alone!” Yao gave him his demand with his arms crossed and foot tapping as he awaited an answer. Ivan looked at wife and decided to just give him what he wanted so everything would be easier.

“Alright, you can have Kiku as your groom.” Yao smiled with glee.

“Thank you!”

“But I will still take my pleasure with Alfred when I feel like it.” Yao’s face dropped again at the words coming from Ivan’s mouth. “I will come to you whenever you summon me for marital rituals, even if I am with Alfred. Don’t look at this as Alfred taking your place because he’s not.” Yao just turned away and started walking to the door, unable to stomach this conversation any longer. “Oh, and Yao, my sweet?” Yao stopped but didn’t look at him. “I know you don’t like to be held down by anything. So please, don’t keep forcing yourself because you feel like you have to.” Yao swallowed hard at those words before leaving the room without another word.

Ivan turned his chair around and gazed out the window, resting his cheek on his knuckles. He watched the snow float lightly down from the gray sky and a herd of deer walking through the field. Ivan preferred this room to the one in the city since he had a perfect view of evergreens and fields. It was quiet and safe here, with no threats of gangs or war. But it was very far from civilization and usually cold temperatures surrounded it.

He smiled as he thought of how Alfred would like his family home of Wolf Hall. Alfred is the type to enjoy playing in the snow and if dressed in the right furs or wool, he would look stunning in the snow. He was certain that he had some of his mother’s fur coats stashed away that would fit him just right. And there was enough snow on the ground for a pleasant sleigh ride. Of course, he would have to do two, one for Yao and another for Alfred. He was looking forward to the one with Alfred more. Ivan didn’t feel guilty about his relationship with Alfred while being married to Yao. He looked at their marriage as a business proposal and both men had agreed on that on their wedding day. Ivan had a strong feeling that Yao was worried about his reputation in the public eye and that of his family. But his wife already had rumors and talk about him because he had married Ivan. So he couldn’t quite figure out what Yao’s main problem was.

He wanted to show Alfred everything about his home at Wolf Hall knowing he would appreciate it more. Having come from nothing, this place must be like a fairy tale castle to him. Yao was used to all the nobility nonsense and really found no joy in it. His Little Rose was young and full of life, a joy to be around. Alfred was his virgin rose and he had claimed that body as his own and he would never give it up. Not for his king, his kingdom, or his marriage.

He had to admit that he wished he could have Alfred as his wife rather than Yao. Granted, he could easily request an annulment from the king and it would be given to him. Yao would be better off with someone else as a husband if only the man wasn’t so high strung. Yao would actually be more content if he wasn’t tied down to marriage and free to do what he wanted. If things play out right in the near future, Ivan may be able to grant him just that and marry Alfred in his place. Normally, peasants would not be allowed to marry into noble families but Ivan was fairly certain that no one would go against his decision without getting a pick ax to the face. Or, to make things easier on himself, he could have a double marriage and still keep Yao.

That would be more difficult to swing in the royal court as it was slightly frowned upon. However, that really didn’t bother him as long as he had the friendship and trust of the king. Plus, he had a way with words and was good at bullshitting. And Ivan couldn’t leave out the notion that a violent reputation spoke for itself. The fact that his very name and presence makes those yellow-bellied nobles shake and piss themselves was more than enough to bring a grin to his face. He rocked back on the two legs of the chair and let out a laugh as he swigged down the last bit of vodka in the glass.

“I always get what I want.” He said with a smirk and looked through the glass at the kaleidoscope of snow before him. “Everything.”

The rest of the day went by uneventful as everyone was settling in to their new accommodations and finding their way around. The Braginski’s and Toris ate in their family dining room while all the others ate in the servants’ quarters. Most them were too exhausted after their long travel to do much more other than on something steady. Alfred was deep asleep on the sofa as Arthur and Francis were just getting into bed together. Both men were dressed in heavier nightclothes and Arthur was thankful for that. Now he wouldn’t have Francis’s naked body humping him in his sleep. However, he did not deny spooning his body with the other man to keep himself warm. This is the first time he’s ever been warm on a snowy night.

“I heard what you were telling Alfred today in the carriage.” Francis said softly, wrapping an arm around his waist.

“Heard what?”

“About you and your mother.” Arthur opened his eyes and sighed gently. “I’m sorry that had to happen to you.”

“I couldn’t tell Alfred all of it. I had to bury my two siblings because my mother couldn’t bear to do it herself. In the part of the city we lived in the babies were buried by the reservoir near there. I hated when we had to pass it.” Francis nuzzled his nose into Arthur’s soft hair.

“So you were her only surviving child.”

“Not quite. She did give birth to a little girl after me. I was about six or seven at the time and I had to care for her while mother went to work for the nobles. She didn’t live for more than two months. Taking care of her was very difficult which is why I don’t want Alfred watching Katsyusha’s daughter. He’s got the mind of a toddler as it is.”

“But you were six at the time, Arthur. Alfred older than that.”

“Still…it will be me who ends up doing HIS job in the end.” He felt Francis pull him tighter to his body until he could feel his warm breath on his ear.

“I think I have you figured out.” Arthur gave a little snort. “You’re tired of taking care of people, aren’t you?” Arthur lifted his head just slightly from the pillow as he heard Francis’s words. “Think about it, your little sister, your mother, raising Alfred and Matthew, taking control of the farm…you’re just exhausted and worn out. You had to grow up right away to perform adult responsibilities. Even though I didn’t experience what you did as a child I can understand it. And I feel very sorry for you…I want to make it better.” He planted a kiss on Arthur’s neck.

“It’s in the past, Francis. Nothing can be done about it now.”

“I know, but now that you are here, someone else can take care of you. Alfred has Ivan supporting him and by the looks of Matthew he and Gilbert are getting ‘along’.” Arthur turned around in Francis’s arms to face him.

“I don’t need you to take care of me, Francis. I’ve done well enough on my own.” Francis just smiled sweetly at him.

“I think you’ll find that as time goes on you’ll learn to relax more and find enjoyment for yourself. You deserve it.” Francis kissed his nose and smiled.

Arthur really didn’t have anything to say for he was at a complete loss of words. Francis’s word meant a lot to him but he couldn’t let the pervert know that. Instead, he just cuddled more into Francis and rest his head under that stubble clad chin. Francis seemed to understand Arthur’s mood and said nothing more but just held him close. Arthur knew in his heart that he would never be able to stop caring for Alfred and Matthew. They were practically his family and Alfred was…’best to push that from my mind’. Arthur said to himself as he allowed a small smile to grace his face as he closed his eyes and fell asleep in the man’s arms. For the first time he felt calm and stress free inside Francis’s arms…and he liked it.

The next morning after breakfast, Katsyusha, Ivan, and Natalia approached them all in the servant quarters while they were getting ready to start the day. The snow had stopped outside and Ivan thought that today would be a good day to take the horses out for a ride. Since they needed to get around by sleigh most of the time the Braginskis owned a lot of horses. Katsyusha was very fond of riding and she usually didn’t have anyone to ride with. Natalia was worried about womanly superstitions and would not ride. Yao had fallen from a horse when he was boy and broke his arm and nose. After that he had refused to be near a horse unless it was attached to a carriage. Ivan enjoyed riding because it gave him a sense of freedom and he knew Alfred would share the same feeling about it as him. Then the two of them could go out often on rides together. He even had a gift for Alfred that he wanted to give to him privately and hopefully this ride today would allow him to do that.

“Good morning everyone.” Katsyusha said with a smile. Natalia said nothing but held on to her brother’s arm. “Ivan and I were going to go out for a ride and we were wondering if any of you would like to come along?”

“ME!” Alfred raised his hand with a big grin. “I’m an awesome rider! I love horses!” Ivan smiled at him and Natalia could sense her brother tighten a bit and give a little tremble of excitement. He usually did that when something really pleased him and she immediately zeroed in on Alfred, looking at him with pure suspicion.

“I like, don’t go out in the cold.” Feliks said from his spot at one of the tables, still eating a bowl of porridge.

“I would like too.” Matthew piped up from his spot next to Feliks and Kiku.

“No, you’ve just gotten over being sick.” Said Arthur. “Another time.” Matthew just pouted at him but said nothing. Kiku put his hands up and shook his head ‘no’.

“I would love to go on a brisk morning ride and I’m sure my lover would enjoy it as well.” Francis said with a wink to Arthur who gave him a little sneer. Ivan shared in Arthur’s sneer, not wanting to have the green-eyed man close enough to Alfred where he could thwart his plans.

“Wonderful!” Katsyusha clapped her hands together. “The servants are with Galina right now but when we come back Alfred, I would like to show you how to care for her.” Alfred gave her a thumbs up.

“Yes ma’me!” She smiled at him and then at her brother who nodded in approval.

“It’s settled then! Go get dressed nice and warm and we’ll meet you outside in the stables!” She said and left with her brother and sister. Natalia was still clinging to Ivan’s arm when she spoke.

“I don’t like the looks of that Alfred.” She said in a soft, but harsh tone.

“Nonsense, Natalia.” Ivan said, not meeting her eyes. “He is just a servant of mine. He’s too dense to be of any threat to our family.”

“That’s not what I mean.” Natalia dug her nails into Ivan’s arm but luckily his heavy coat provided him with enough safe padding.

“Natalia, what did I say about bothering brother with things like that? Do not be mean to our guests. Your bother knows what he is doing.”

“Yes sister.” Natalia said softly but she was not going to let this go. She would have to find out more about this Alfred and what he is to her darling brother. If he turned out to be a lover (which she already suspected) then she would have to add the man on her ‘to-do’ list right beneath Yao. Nobody was going to stand in her way of one day marrying her beloved brother.

Once everyone was dressed in the outside attire they wore from the carriages, the stable boys helped harness up their horses. Alfred was pleased with his dark brown mare as he mounted her and scratched behind her ears. Ivan mounted the gray and white spotted stallion next to him. The two exchanged looks and Ivan smiled at him as he sat perfectly poised on his horse. Alfred realized he was slouched a bit and straightened his back as well. Ivan just chuckled at Alfred’s attempt to impress him.

“I promise you will enjoy riding in these parts. The scenery is beautiful.” Alfred smiled.

“I’m sure it is. I got a nice taste of it while coming up here. I can’t wait to see more of your homeland, Lord Ivan.”

“Ah, yes, I suppose it does sort of feel like another world. I’m sure you are pleased to be escaping the heat?”

“Very much so. I-“ He stopped when Katsyusha walked up to them on her white mare.

“Are you two ready to go? Francis and Arthur are already outside the stable.”

“Yes, we’re ready.” Ivan said with a pleasured smile to Alfred who blushed softly.

They met with Francis and Arthur who were on almost identical brown horses. Katsyusha insisted on leading them first down her favorite riding path. The snow was not deep enough where the horses would have any trouble running through it. Alfred looked around at all the scenery before him, finding it more beautiful from atop a horse than through a carriage window. The snow was still falling softly and Francis spotted some deer running along with them. Alfred laughed in enjoyment at the sight of the small herd, never thinking he would have ever ridden along side deer. He had rode many horses at Tino’s horse farm but never like this!

“Isn’t this great you guys!” Alfred shouted behind him to Arthur and Francis. Arthur was struggling to hold on to his hat as he wanted to keep up with the others. “LOOK! NO HANDS!” Alfred let go of the reigns and Arthur nearly had a heart attack.

“ALFRED! GET YOUR HANDS BACK ON THOSE REIGNS BEFORE YOU BREAK YOUR NECK!” Arthur shouted angrily at him.

“IT’S ALL IN THE LEG POWER!” Alfred laughed but held on to the reigns again, looking over at Ivan with a smile of pure joy.

Ivan stared at Alfred’s face, the perfect picture of happiness and freedom. White suited him and Ivan would have to tell Feliks to make more clothing in the color for Alfred. He reminded Ivan of a mink (and a sexy one at that) whose fur is brown in the summer but turns white in the winter. He was brown in the city but white in the mountains and Ivan couldn’t decide which one he liked more. He had to quickly look away from his winter rose before he got an erection that would be quite painful while riding on a horse. It would also be extremely impolite while in his sisters’ presence.

He had to find a way to get himself and Alfred away from the others so they could be alone. Francis would keep Arthur from following them if the man forgot the warning Ivan had made very clear to him. His sister knew better than to follow him when he took off to do his own thing. Feeling confident in his party, Ivan chose to challenge Alfred to a race.

“I bet you can’t keep up with me, Winter Rose!” Ivan made his horse take a sharp turn and go in a different direction. Alfred laughed triumphantly as he accepted Ivan’s challenge.

“Lets just see if you can even get past ME!” Alfred followed after Ivan, kicking his horse into a faster run. The other three brought their horses to a halt and Arthur watched the two of them ride off, his face a mask of worry. Francis and Katsyusha both assured him that they would be all right but Arthur would have a hard time believing that.

Ivan and Alfred rode side by side just like they did in their first drunken race. Alfred couldn’t really remember all the details but this did feel familiar to him. Once Ivan figured they were far enough away, he called for a stalemate and considered them tied. Alfred had accepted and they brought their horses down to a calm walk.

“Lets stop and rest somewhere. The horses need a break.” Ivan suggested.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Alfred said and followed Ivan as they looked for a nice resting spot. Alfred was surprised at himself for not being more afraid of Ivan than he should be after that nightmare. But Ivan showed no signs of anger or danger, just simple humanly pleasures of life.

“This looks like a good spot. Wait there.” Ivan said and dismounted his horse, tying its leather reigns to a branch. He went over to Alfred’s horse and raised his arms to clasp his hand around Alfred’s waist. Alfred let out a little gasp as Ivan easily lifted him off the horse and planted him on his feet. “I have something for you.” Ivan smiled. “A gift.”

“A gift for me?” Alfred wondered what it could be for it was very rare that he ever got gifts. For a moment he had a wave of fear wash over him as he thought about the gift being something cruel and unexpected. After that nightmare he did some doubt in his mind about Ivan and how he went about things.

“Yes, it is a very nice gift that I know you will love. Come.” Ivan tied his horse as well as they found a nearby dry spot under an evergreen tree. Ivan sat down first and bid Alfred to sit across his lap. Alfred smiled softly and did so; hoping Ivan would mistake his trembling for just being cold rather than nervous. Ivan reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, flat rectangular box. “Open it.”

Alfred took the box and looked at it curiously. He pulled his leather glove off with his teeth so he could easily pull out the latch. When he opened it, he was greeted with a sight that put him into utter shock. His hands trembled as he held the box tightly, looking down at its contents. Inside the purple velvet lining was a pair of glasses and the same ones he had tried on in the store. Alfred’s eyes welled up with tears as he was still in complete shock at the gift before him. There they were; those thin lenses that let him see the entire world around him, far and near. Here they were, in his hands, all for him.

“I-Ivan…how-“

“I had Toris go to the same shop and ask the man about the pair you tried on.” Ivan smiled. “They’re yours, my Winter Rose. No more do you have save a little bit of money to buy them. This is my gift to you and you will accept them.” Alfred just looked from Ivan, to the glasses, and back to him.

“I..I-I-I..d-do accept! I do accept them, Ivan!” His hands still trembled as he gripped the box.

“Try them on.” Ivan picked them up from the box and handed them Alfred. Alfred dropped the box and took the glasses with shaking hands. He held his breath as he slowly put the device on his face, tucking the ends behind his ears. Even though he knew he could see things clearer now, his tears were keeping everything blurry. “They suit you.”

“Oh Ivan...” Alfred said breathless as he turned to look at him before wrapping his arms around that pink, scarf clad neck. “Thank you, Ivan! Thank you so much! This means the world to me! I can’t thank you enough! You’ve brought the world to me, Ivan! I can see everything now in all its glory! I just can’t thank you enough!” He kissed his cheek, the tears now streaming freely down his cheeks. “You’ve given me something I thought I would never have…something that was so far out of my reach…how can I ever repay you, Ivan?”

“Say you’ll marry me.”

End Chapter 13 TBC

(1) The medieval version of Pepto-Bismol (<== don’t own, don’t sue!)
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