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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
- 15
- 16
- 17
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia

Chapter 16

Francis and Arthur had finally arrived in town, which was more the size of a city. They rode the horse into streets and looked around at all the stores, buildings, and shops. They passed some interesting fur shops and Francis had to stop by a few others to gaze in their windows at what they were selling. Arthur had to keep reminding him that this was a dinner date, not a shopping trip.

Francis remembered a very nice restaurant he went to when he was last here and if he remembered correctly it was on this main road from the woods. He smiled when he came up to it, recognizing the wine bottle shaped sign and decorative paints.

“Aha! This place will be perfect! I’m sure you’ll love it.” Francis hopped off of the horse and tied it to one of the posts before helping Arthur down. Arthur looked up at the sign and peeked in the painted window to see well-dressed citizens eating at cloth covered tables. He gulped.

“Um…Francis, I don’t think I’ll be comfortable eating here. And it looks REALLY expensive!”

“Nonsense! I have a lot of money saved and I brought it with me! I said I was going to romance and court you, didn’t I? This place will be a perfect start.”

He linked Arthur’s arm with his own and walked him in to the restaurant. Francis spoke to the host while Arthur just looked all around in awe. The host brought them to a table and Arthur went to sit but Francis stopped him. He smiled and pulled the chair out for Arthur who just gave him a dirty look before sitting. If he weren’t in a public place he would have slapped the bastard right then and there. Francis carefully pushed him in and then took his own seat. The host handed them the menus and Francis immediately ordered a bottle of wine for them.

“Francis…these prices are ridiculous!” Arthur said softly over the menu. “Who in their right mind would pay five gold coins for pheasant? I used to hunt and trap those damn things. There’s nothing special about them that should cost that much!” Francis lowered his menu and chuckled.

“Stop being so cheap, Arthur. It’s the way they prepare and serve the pheasant that costs money. Why don’t you try it?”

“Let me finish looking over the menu…” Arthur still could not get over the prices for basic poultry and game. At least the fish was cheap.

“I know what I’m getting. How about you? Decided yet?” Arthur closed the menu and nodded.

“Yes, I think I will go with the pheasant.”

“Good choice. We’re both going game tonight. I’m having the duck.”

A waiter came over with their wine and poured two glasses for them before taking their order. Arthur felt like everyone was staring at him since he noticed he was dressed rather plainly. Everyone else was dressed to please while he was dressed to just get through the day. Francis lifted his glass and motioned for Arthur to do the same.

“To our bright new future.” Francis said with a wink and Arthur frowned but clanked the glasses together.

“I haven’t promised anything about a future yet.”

“You will.” They both took a sip of wine before putting the glasses down. “I told you I’d take you to a candlelit dinner. Now all you have to do is relax and let the romance take you.” He said proudly and Arthur just crossed his arms, looking away.

“I don’t belong here, Francis. I’m very uncomfortable in this environment and I swear that old guy over there won’t stop looking at me!”

“It’s because you’re so beautiful, love.” Francis assured him but Arthur wouldn’t buy it.

“It’s because I’m dressed like a house maid!” Francis’ eyes had a hint of sparkle in them and Arthur hissed under his breath. “Don’t even entertain the thought.” Francis smiled and reached over the table to take Arthur’s hands but the green-eyed man wouldn’t let him. Francis sighed.

“You’re quite difficult, aren’t you? Arthur, you REALLY need to loosen up and take a load off. Right now you have nothing at all to worry about. So relax and enjoy our evening.”

“I have a whole shit load to worry about.” He contemplated on telling Francis about Ivan and Alfred’s engagement. Francis would be able to keep a secret and he really needed to vent about this. “Listen…if I tell you something, you have to PROMISE not to tell anyone!”

“Oh? I promise I will not tell a soul. You have my honor.”

“Good, because it could mean my head. After Alfred had that panic attack you know I went with Ivan and Kiku to bring him to the room, correct?” Francis nodded. “Well, Ivan told me that he and Alfred are…engaged.” Francis just looked at him with both brows raised, hands perfectly folded before him. “He’s planning on telling everyone after he gets permission from the king. And he’s accepted me as a brother-in-law…” Arthur looked down at the table and then rest his temple on his fist, sighing. “I’m against this in all its forms.”

“Why? If Alfred said ‘yes’ he must have wanted to.” Arthur shook his head.

“No, that’s not it. I doubt Alfred expected his good deed would come this far. He has no choice in the matter he had to say ‘yes’. I really dislike Ivan and I can’t even find one good trait in him. He’s done horrible things to people and the world is terrified of him! I don’t want Alfred getting mixed up in politics and court and noble life and all that other nonsense! He’ll get eaten alive by those snakes at court if “Ivan the Wolf” doesn’t get to him first. And then there’s Yao to top it all off. Do you think HE will easy accept a double marriage? You can’t have two wives, especially if they are Yao and Alfred.”

“As much as that secret has fascinated me, I rather our special night together consist of just us and not the others. Especially Alfred.” Arthur looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. “I know you and Alfred have shared times together because I can see it in your eyes when you look at him.” Francis took another sip of wine. “You have to let him go, Arthur. The way things have ended up now…there is no way you can get him back. Ivan will never let him go. And I would like for you to give me a chance.”

Arthur lifted his head back up to study Francis’ calm yet hurt features. Their food had arrived and the decorative pheasant was placed before him. Both his pheasant and the duck smelt delicious and his mouth was already watering. He wanted to start eating but then remembered Francis’ feelings. Francis set to cutting up his duck, remaining silent. Arthur felt terrible about ruining the night with his talk of Alfred. He knew his time with Alfred was up but there was still a small part of him that wanted to hang on.

In reality, his feelings for Alfred could get them both into trouble with Ivan. The sooner Arthur forgot about his love for Alfred the better off they’ll be. He had to change his feelings of love for the young man into brotherly love instead. Accepting Francis is his best option right now but he wouldn’t just fall into the man’s arms. It took him a long while to fall for Alfred who had started putting the moves on him first. With a deep sip of wine, he decided to let Francis court him and see where his life goes from there.

“You may court me.” Francis lifted his head.

“What?”

“Don’t make me say it again. You heard me. But it won’t be easy.” He crossed his arms and looked away.

“Y-You’re actually giving me permission?” Francis’ face lit up and his eyes sparkled dreamily at Arthur’s words. “I will drink to that!” He took another sip of wine, unable to wipe the smile off his face. “I promise to court you with all the love and grace that I have.”

“I’m sure you will. Now I’m not going to waste this five gold coin pheasant. It looks good.” Arthur started picking at it with his hands and Francis cleared his throat. “What?” Arthur looked at him with slight annoyance and Francis dangled the fork and knife, one in each hand. He smiled at Arthur who flushed hotly and picked up his own utensils. “Right…polite company.”

Luckily no one seemed to notice and Arthur found he had to control himself from diving in and devouring the bird. It was the best thing he had ever tasted next to Francis’ food and decided that it was worth five gold coins.

After their delicious (but expensive) dinner, they boarded the horse at a nearby stable so they could walk the city streets hand in hand. For the time of night the city was still busy with people shopping around. Francis smiled at Arthur as the man gazed wide-eyed into every store window they past. He wanted to buy him something but his funds were low so he didn’t offer. It was probably to early for Arthur to accept a gift from him anyway.

Once they got away from main shopping streets the houses seemed to spread out more. There were more trees and snow around further out of the main drag. Francis saw a small cluster of trees by a bridge and he brought Arthur over to them. He had an idea that Arthur probably wasn’t going to like but he would do it anyway.

“What are we doing here?” Arthur asked as Francis made him sit on a tree stump.

“I’m going to carve our initials in this tree here! Right by the bridge so everyone can see it and smile.”

“That’s really lame, Francis. Cute, but lame.”

Arthur crossed his arms and legs and let Francis proceed with his carving. Francis took out a dagger from his belt and started hacking and carving at the tree. Arthur took the time to look at the star filled sky and watch the clouds start to roll in. So much for a clear night without any snow. He let his mind wander into nothingness and just stared at the sky until Francis called his name.

“Arthur! It’s done!” Arthur got up and went over to the tree with the carving. It was carve into a heart and it read ‘F.B. and A.B.’. Arthur frowned.

“My last name is ‘Kirkland’, Francis.”

“Not for long!” Francis grinned and Arthur glared at him.

“WHAT THE HELL?!” He shouted. “That’s not fair! You can’t just ASSUME I will marry you! And who the hell says I would take your last name anyway? I will ALWAYS be Arthur Kirkland! Not Arthur Bonnefoy! I will accept possibly being MARRIED to ‘a’ Francis Bonnefoy and nothing more!” Francis smirked and put his hands up in defense.

“Who’s got the higher ranking title here?” He wiggled his eyebrows and Arthur froze for a second before wrapping his hands around his neck and shaking him.

“YOU DOLT! I’LL KILL YOU!”

Francis let out a choked laugh as he easily pushed Arthur off of him and skipped off into the trees to hide behind one. Arthur went after him and Francis laughed playfully as he leapt from tree to tree. Arthur’s shouts of ‘come back here’ and ‘you’re in big trouble’ only fueled Francis to hide some more. As he continued hiding behind the trees he noticed that Arthur’s shouts had stopped. Francis peeked out from behind his current tree, searching for Arthur. When he couldn’t see or hear him, Francis started to become worried and came out from behind his tree. He looked around and considered calling out to him when something jumped on top of him from above.

“GOTCHA!” Arthur had climbed up one of the trees and waited patiently for Francis to hide behind it before attacking.

“HEY! NO FAIR!” Francis was laid flat in the snow with Arthur sitting on top of him.

“I’m an expert at sneaking and spying! You fell right into my clutches!”

“Okay, okay! You win! But I’m not fixing your last initial on the tree.”

“And why not?” Arthur remained sitting on top of him, crossing his arms.

“I’ll make a deal with you. If I can’t get you to agree to marry me, I will come back here and change the carving. If you accept my marriage proposal than it stays. Deal?” Arthur stood up from Francis’ back and helped him up.

“I will keep ‘Kirkland’ as my name though, Francis. I will accept ‘Arthur Kirkland-Bonnefoy’ but nothing else.” Francis dusted himself of the snow on his coat and smiled at Arthur.

“I can accept that.” He brought him into a hug. “I just want you to be happy, Arthur. Bonnefoy or Kirkland, I will still love you. I want to take care of you…I want your time of constantly helping others to lessen so you may focus on yourself. You deserve it, Arthur.”

Arthur let himself be hugged and slowly let his own arms wrap around Francis. Maybe one day he would be able to focus on himself but he still had Alfred and Matthew to care for. He would have to do it from afar with Alfred but someone needed to keep an eye on him. He couldn’t just abandon Alfred for himself, not until he knew the boy was safe, happy, and secure in his life. He wasn’t going to tell Francis that so instead he gave the man a simple ‘thank you’.

“Francis…lets go back to Wolf Hall.” Arthur suggested. “It’s getting cold and I wouldn’t mind a bit of snuggling tonight.” Francis smiled.

“You mean that, love?” Arthur nodded. “Then let us make haste! ONWARD!” Arthur just sighed as they started to make their way back to the stable.

Once they were done skating, Ivan had another idea that would prolong this perfect night. Alfred was taking off his skates and replacing them with his boots while Ivan took the blanket from the sleigh. He gently shook it in front of him to get the bit of snow off before slinging it over his arm. When Alfred was ready, Ivan linked their arms together and led him a short ways through some trees. They came upon a rocky ridge where they could see for miles away. Alfred smiled at the sight and moved closer to the ridge, looking out at the dark scenery.

“Oh Ivan, it’s beautiful up here! I can see everything! I’m like a bird!” Ivan laughed and walked over to him, wrapping an arm around his waist.

“Don’t lean too much, love. I don’t want you toppling over. Come here…sit.”

Ivan pulled him back a bit and they sat on a fairly flattened stone, wrapping the blanket around their shoulders. The snow was light enough where it wasn’t sticking to the rocks so it was safe to sit. Alfred pulled the blanket tighter around him and snuggled into Ivan more, tucking his head under his chin. Ivan held him close under the blanket and they sat in peaceful silence, looking out at the world before them. Everything around them was so quiet that Alfred thought he was going to doze off when something caught his eye in the distance. He lifted his head from Ivan’s body and looked out further, gasping softly at what he saw.

“Ivan…look over there! Is that fire?” Alfred pointed a bit to the west where there was indeed a fire. Another flame had just started to grow as well near it and Ivan’s body tensed.

“It’s the city.” He said softly. “The city is on fire…” Alfred gasped.

“Does that mean the enemy army broke through?” Alfred was growing with alarm but Ivan’s soft smile calmed him a bit.

“It could be a number of things, Alfred. It’s probably part of the battle, yes, but we can’t know for sure if the city is taken yet. It’s under siege though…we’d best get back to the castle. Lets go.” Alfred followed him back to the sleight.

“Do you think Ludwig is okay? If the city was stormed is it a result from his battle?”

“Most likely not.” Ivan said, helping Alfred into the sleigh. “However, I don’t think all is well on Ludwig’s battlefield.” Ivan walked around and got in, setting the horse into a run. “I’m still waiting for word on it.”

Alfred looked back in the direction of the city and hoped it wouldn’t be taken over by the enemy. His biggest fear was the enemy spreading out beyond the city and finding his farm. Berwald and Tino would be doomed right there on the spot. And the worse part of it was, he wouldn’t know if anything bad DID happen to them until they knew more about the situation. Then he would have to beg Ivan to send someone out to make sure they were all right. Their perfect night was ruined and all the happiness Alfred had felt had crumbled in a second. Everything now was so uncertain and that scared him the most.

Back on the battlefield, Feliciano took it upon himself to get Ludwig some food. His lover had been refusing to eat and it was starting to worry him. The scouts had not come back yet with word on that strange army and that was weighing on Ludwig’s mind. It was no wonder he wasn’t eating. When he found the cook he had to wait in a line for the soup. The soup smelled awful and Feliciano almost gagged when the man filled the bowl for him. Feliciano kept staring at it as he headed back to Ludwig’s tent. Maybe this was the reason he was refusing to eat.

“Ludwig! I’m back!” Feliciano slipped through the flap and went over to his bedside. The doctor had come earlier and cleaned his wounds. Ludwig was still showing the symptoms of the infection and Feliciano hoped with the herbal medicine they received would speed the healing process.

“What’s that?” Ludwig asked, looking at the bowl.

“Ve~ I can honestly say I don’t know. It looks and smells like…cabbage. Cabbage and some kind of broth…”

“…That’s what we call ‘Soldier’s Stew’. It’s cabbage and whatever animals we can catch.” Feliciano stuck out his tongue.

“Ew…normally I would say ‘don’t eat this’ but you have to keep up your strength, Wiggy. I really wish you would eat.”

“Mmm…I told you I’m not hungry, Feli.”

“I won’t hear it! You need to eat, Ludwig! Eat this soup or I’ll cry!” He threatened and puffed his cheeks out to show him he would do it. Ludwig sighed.

“Fine…I’ll eat it.”

“Ve~! I’ll feed it to you! Don’t bother getting up!”

Feliciano knelt on the ground beside his bed and proceeded to feed him the stew. Ludwig was too tired to argue so he just opened his mouth and ate it. Feliciano hummed a happy tune as he fed him and Ludwig hoped that he would fall asleep soon to escape the tune. He was in no mood for Feliciano’s happy songs.

“GENERAL! GENERAL!” A soldier rushed into the tent. “General, we have news on the army!” Ludwig forced himself to sit up.

“What is it? Friend or foe?”

“T-Technically neither, sir! They are an army of mercenaries! Lord Wang has hired them to fight for us! We stand a fighting chance now, sir!” Ludwig let out a heavy sigh of relief.

“Good…that’s what we need! Welcome them to camp and I will meet with the leader as soon as possible to plan an attack. Once we are done with the discussion I will need a letter flown out to Ivan.”

“Yes sir!” The soldier hurried out and Feliciano hugged him tightly.

“Ve~! This is great news, Wiggy! We’re going to be okay!” He landed various kisses all over Ludwig’s face. Ludwig tried to pull away but he was still too weak to put forth the effort. He just sat there and let himself be kissed to death.

A few days had passed and still no word from the king regarding the war or his marriage. Ivan stayed in his room for most of the time, waiting for the messenger falcon to come back. He had to keep the window open and the room was becoming unbearably cold. He hadn’t even seen Alfred after their special night together. There was too much on his mind at the moment.

But one snowy morning his luck would change when the screeching of a falcon roused him from sleep. The falcon stood on its perch with a container in his beak. Ivan quickly got up and put his robe on, rushing over to the bird. He took the container and put the mask on over the bird’s head. He sat down and uncapped the lid, tapping the papers out. When he unrolled one he found there were two and smirked.

The first one he read was from the king, stating that Ludwig’s army had won thanks to the mercenaries and Yao’s father’s generous ‘donation’. It also read that the opposing kingdom has called for a ceasefire that the king had readily agreed to. Ivan was still wary of the ceasefire as they can turn around on you if you are not careful. It would be peaceful for a little bit though.

Also, it stated that the king’s army had protected the city with only some minimal damages. Ivan slumped in his chair with a hearty sigh of relief before picking up the other scroll. This one was pertaining to his marriage request and his heart stopped beating when he began to read it. His lips slowly turned up into a grin the further along he read. The king had given his royal permission to allow Ivan to wed Alfred while still keeping Yao. The king also requested that Ivan bring Alfred to the royal palace to properly sign the marriage papers and so he could congratulate them.

Ivan laid the paper down and opened his desk drawer to take out his bottle of vodka, swigging straight from the bottle. He smacked his lips as he slammed the bottle onto the desk, startling the bird. He looked up at the ceiling as he thought about the long trip to the royal palace. He and Alfred would need to have the ceremony very soon so they could get on their way.

First thing would be to announce their wedding to the inhabitants of Wolf Hall. Second would be the ‘talk’ with Yao about the whole thing and he wasn’t looking forward to that. Third, Feliks would be working day and night to sew Alfred the perfect wedding attire. There was so much to be done in this time of peace that if he didn’t get started right away he feared he would burst. The first person he had to tell was Toris for he had a plan the man. Ivan skipped happily out of the room and went to Toris’ room, knocking on the door.

“Toris, my friend! Open up!” Ivan heard the lock clicking and the door opened to reveal Toris still in his sleeping clothes.

“L-Lord Ivan? It’s pretty early in the morning…”

“I know! And it’s a great morning, isn’t it?” He pushed past Toris to enter his room. Toris noted how happy Ivan was at the moment and it frightened him. An extremely excited and happy Ivan could be just as dangerous as an angry and insane Ivan. “Such good news has come my way and I have to share it with everyone! You are the first to know, well, actually the third, but you’re the first to know on THIS day!” He grinned and Toris just trembled slightly at Ivan’s mood.

“W-what news, my lord?”

“First off, the enemy has called for a ceasefire and Ludwig has won the battle. Also, our city is safe. Now for the BEST news!”

“There’s more good news?”

“Yes! The king has given me permission to marry Alfred while still being married to Yao! Isn’t that great! We will be heading to the palace soon to officially sign the marriage papers!” Toris felt like he was going to faint at the news and stumbled over to his vanity to get his pink liquid and quickly drink from it while Ivan gave him all the details.

“A-and what is my job for this, my lord?”

“YOU have the most important job of all.” He wrapped his arm around Toris’ shoulders. “You’re going to tell Yao the news!”

“WHAT?!” Toris nearly screamed and backed away from Ivan. “A-ARE YOU CRAZY! YOU WANT ME TO TELL YAO SOMETHING LIKE THAT!? YOU’RE HIS HUSBAND! YOU SHOULD DO IT! I’M NOT GOING TO BE THROWN OUT A WINDOW FOR THAT MESSAGE!” He clenched his eyes and drank down the rest of the liquid. When he opened them again he was face to face with Ivan’s grinning one. Ivan was bent slightly forward to match his height and let his arms stay neatly folded behind his back.

“I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I didn’t hear you correctly. I could have thought I heard you say you WEREN’T going to do what I ask you.” He chuckled. “I must have heard wrong, right?”

“Y-yes sir! Y-you heard wrong! Of course I will tell Lady Yao the news for you!” The wrath of Yao would be less painful than the wrath of Ivan.

“Wonderful!” He said cheerfully. “Get dressed and go tell him! I will spread the good news to everyone else!” Ivan whistled and skipped out of the room.

When he was gone, Toris wanted to just break down and cry on the floor. Oh why did all the difficult things have to fall on him? Why did he have to go and break the terrible news to Yao? And that’s what it was to him, terrible news. Yao wouldn’t take this lightly and a full out war will erupt. And then there is Natalia, who is passionately obsessed with her brother. Both of them he could see teaming up to get rid of Alfred. This wasn’t good for any of them. Their marriage would bring down the castle!

After a good long hour of laying face first on the floor and wallowing in his own pity, Toris finally dressed himself and made the long, long walk to Yao’s room. He stopped outside the door and gulped before lifting a trembling hand to knock.

“Who is it?” That was Kiku’s voice.

“It’s me, Toris. I need to speak with Lady Yao.” Kiku opened the door for him and Toris stepped in, seeing Yao standing by the lit fireplace. He looked at him and smiled.

“This is a surprise, Toris. You haven’t come to see me in awhile. What brings you here?” Toris gulped again and twiddled his fingers.

“I’m afraid I come with news that will be hard for you to hear.” Yao frowned.

“What is it?” Toris took a deep breath.

“I-Ivan has told me that he recently got permission from the king to marry Alfred as well. Alfred will be Ivan’s second wife. They will be traveling to the royal palace to sign the marriage papers as soon as they can.”

There, it was said. Kiku, already having heard the news, started to tremble out of fear of what Yao would do. Toris wasn’t any better, trembling from head to toe. Yao was perfectly still, eyes just staring blankly at Toris. The silence in the room was like a weight on their chests and they waited for the moment when it would finally sink in. Yao clenched his fists at his sides before turning full body to face them.

“What am I suppose to do about this then?” Yao asked them firmly. “How am I supposed to fight THAT? The king gives him permission to have two wives?” He put his hands up and shook his head, going over to the bed and sitting heavily on it. “What am I suppose to do? Truth is…I don’t really know.” He sighed. The two exchanged glances before Kiku walked over to the bed and sat next to him.

“Have you talked to Ivan about your feelings?” Kiku asked softly and he nodded.

“Yes…quite a few times. And what he keeps telling me is starting to make a bit of sense now.”

“What kind of things?” Kiku asked.

“Like how I’m jealous of Alfred because I feel like I have to be…how I told him in the beginning our marriage is a business arrangement to shut my parents up…how he knows I don’t really want this…”

“Well we all knew that from the beginning, Yao.” Toris said, coming around to their side of the bed. “On the day of your wedding you did not want to be there. And lets be honest, Yao. If your parents didn’t force all this on you things would be a lot easier.”

“I’m not going back to them.” Yao said firmly. “I’ll only get sold off again like livestock. I never did see what their problem was with me…but back to Alfred…why do I feel half angry and half ‘I don’t care’?” He looked at them.

“Hmm…I think you’re putting too much effort into being a ‘wife’ than just a companion.” Kiku pointed out.

“I know…Ivan has never held me back from anything I wanted to do and he lets me act how I want. I guess he was right in some ways. So what should I do?”

“Maybe you should take the time to sit down and talk to Alfred about all this. I know for a fact that Alfred wants you as a friend so maybe you could get the chance to know him.” Kiku suggested.

“And you know if you wish to leave Ivan, he would let you.” Toris reminded him. “Like you said, he wouldn’t hold you back.” Yao shook his head.

“No, I’m not leaving Ivan. I’m better off here where I’m free to make my own choices. Aside from his random bouts of craziness I can’t complain about his mistreatment of me. Except maybe for Alfred…it is a bit insulting.” He flopped back on the bed. “You know what else is bothering me? What all those bastards at court will say about the whole thing. It’s bad enough they talk about me as it is. Now with ‘Farmer Alfred’ and this double marriage, we’ll be the talk of the kingdom!”

“Oh Yao, the court will always talk even when there’s nothing to talk about.” Toris said. “You can’t go by that.”

“Yeah…you’re right. But it’s so annoying!” He sat back up. “So you guys think I should talk to Alfred?”

“Yes.” Kiku said softly but firmly. “Stop playing the role you’re expected to play. Lord Ivan doesn’t care about what is proper.”

“I agree with Kiku. Make peace with Alfred and try to work something out. And you have to remember above all else, Yao. We’ll be stuck here for awhile…and Natalia is here.” Yao eyes lit up with realization as he had almost forgotten about Natalia.

“You’re right. Okay, it’s settled. I’ll do my best to make peace with Alfred and see where things go from there!” He smiled. “Hey, you know what else? Ivan and I can probably get closer to one another if the three of us are together! If Alfred can bring a part out of Ivan we haven’t seen then I can probably do the same!” Kiku smiled.

“And I think you’ll be a lot happier, too.” He said and Toris wiped the sweat from his brow at how well things went. He really was expecting all hell to break loose but Yao handled it in a manner he didn’t expect.

“I’m glad we could come to a compromise on this, Yao.” Toris said with a smile. “And I know Lord Ivan will be pleased to hear it too. I think you’re making the right decision.”

“I can’t keep fighting this because it’s driving me crazy. And Alfred can do all the stuff with Ivan that he likes to do that I don’t.” Toris chuckled.

“Well, you and Ivan can have an intelligent conversation together whereas Alfred…well, given his upbringing, I don’t think Ivan would like to discuss political topics with him. Ivan always involves you whenever we have meetings.”

“Yeah that’s true.” Yao said, standing up from the bed. “I actually feel a lot better now!”

“And so do I!” Toris said and took his upset stomach medicine from his belt and tossed it into the fire.

Alfred was down in the kitchen with Francis and Arthur, helping them prepare breakfast. Alfred got to stir the porridge and grill the meats while Arthur was stuck with making the butter. Apparently, Francis had let Arthur attempt some cooking back in the city and he failed miserably. Alfred chuckled as he thought about it, wishing that Francis had spoken to him first about Arthur’s ‘talent’ for cooking. Arthur had a proud frown on his face as he shook the butter in the jar, waiting for it to get hard. Francis was just taking the fresh hot buns out of the oven when Ivan poked his head around the corner.

“Good morning everyone!” They all looked to him. “Something smells delicious!” He walked into the kitchen with the same grin plastered on his face. “I have wonderful news, Alfred! The king has given us permission to marry!” Alfred smiled at that and he ran to Ivan, hugging him.

“That’s great, Ivan! I knew it would work out somehow!”

“Wow…um, congratulations.” Francis said, trying to sound surprised.

“We have so much to work on and to plan!” Ivan said as he kissed Alfred’s forehead. “Once we hold a ceremony, we are to travel to the king’s palace to fill out all the legal paperwork. And then you will be Lady Alfred Braginski.” Alfred hugged him again but it was Arthur’s voice that broke the moment.

“I do have one thing to say that is concerning me.” Arthur put his butter jar down and looked at Ivan, who smiled.

“Oh? And what is your concern, Arthur? Please, feel free to tell me, we are family now, yes?”

“Yes. But the one thing that is concerning me is our home, the farm. Now that Alfred is marrying you, are you going to be supporting the farm? The whole reason Alfred came here was to get money to help pay the taxes.” Alfred looked at Ivan.

“I figured you would just keep sending them money.” Ivan laughed.

“Ah yes! You see, I’ve already thought about that.” He looked at Alfred. “With you being my wife, I can own that farm. It will be under my jurisdiction and I can lower the tax rate for them. I can’t get rid of it, but I can lower it.” Alfred’s face lit up and he looked at Arthur.

“Did you hear that, Arthur!” Arthur couldn’t hold back a smile.

“Yes, I did. A tax cut would suit them well!” Francis decided to cut in.

“Shouldn’t you just ask your two friends to come live here to? Lord Ivan has farm animals for them to care for.”

“Tino won’t go for it.” Arthur said. “We can suggest it, but I don’t think he’ll agree.”

“Well I want to try.” Alfred said and went back to hugging Ivan.

“I will send a messenger out right away to your farm explaining everything that has been changed. Oh! And there is more good news! The opposing army has called for a ceasefire! We’ll have some peaceful times ahead of us and the taxes won’t have to be collected as quickly.”

Alfred was near tears at all the splendid news he was getting this morning. Everything seemed to be looking up and falling into place. However, he was never expecting what came his way next. A soft knock on the kitchen door brought there attention to Yao, who was standing there and watching them.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Yao.” Ivan smiled at him. “Have you heard the news? If you want to talk we can go to my room now.” Yao shook his head.

“Not right now, but I would like to talk to Alfred alone.” Alfred gulped but moved out of Ivan’s arms to go to Yao. This was his time to try and talk to Yao about everything between him and Ivan. Alfred never thought he would get a chance to have a private audience with Yao so he could better explain himself.

“Of course, love.” Ivan said, not in the least bit worried about the two of them going off together. There was something different about Yao this morning that he picked up and he knew it was nothing he had to fear.

Alfred walked a few steps behind Yao as they headed up to Yao’s room. He needed Yao on his side. The image of Yao from his nightmare was still clear in his mind and he wanted to appeal to Yao’s better judgment in any way he can. He followed Yao into his room and they both had a seat on the rug in front of the fireplace. Kiku had already left them tea in anticipation for this meeting.

“Help yourself.” Yao offered him to have the first cup of tea. Alfred hated tea but he wasn’t ready to tell Yao that so he poured himself some.

“Thank you.” Alfred said and watched as Yao poured one for him.

“So…you’re now the ‘second wife’.” Yao looked at him and Alfred just nodded, blowing on the tea.

“I am. Ivan proposed to me and I said yes. I know you must be really upset about this.”

“Actually, I have some mixed feelings about it. Having all this time to think by myself and talk with a few people, I feel I’ve come to a decent conclusion. I think we should get to know one another better since we will be sharing a husband.” Alfred almost dropped the teacup in surprise and he couldn’t stop the grin stretching over his face.

“Oh Yao, I’ve wanted the same thing for a long time! I thought you’d never want to talk to me because of my relationship with Ivan.” Yao nodded.

“Yes, that was largely why I chose not to speak with you. But I do think we got off to a rocky start and we should try again.”

“I would love that, Yao! I’ve always wanted to tell you that it wasn’t my intention to ever take Ivan away from you! I just came here looking for work to help out my family! I never thought things would get this far! Arthur always said things just happen sometimes. But I never, ever wanted you to feel bad about anything, Yao.”

“Well, I have to be honest, I think it will take some time for our relationship to build but this is a good starting point. I was feeling really jealous because I felt like I needed to be.”

“I remember Francis telling me about your arranged marriage with Ivan. Your parents forced you to marry and Ivan was the only one who accepted you. I think that was really nice of him.” Yao sipped at his tea.

“Yes, I know I have it very good here being with Ivan. He is a good husband to me and he respects me, which is more than I can ask for. I always feared I would end up with a horrible noble like all those other wives. But I’m very thankful to have Ivan.”

“Yes, we both are. Ivan has helped us out a lot and that’s something we have in common. Yao…I would really like for us to be friends. I’m will to compromise with you over Ivan. The only person I don’t like sharing with is my brother.” Yao smiled at that.

“Although, we do need to make one thing clear. I’m still Ivan’s first wife and you’re the second. You could never be the first because you have no noble background or upbringing.” Alfred nodded.

“I understand and I accept that. I’ll do all the fun stuff Ivan likes and you can do all the political stuff! And hey! Maybe we can find things we all like to do together! OH! I have an idea!” Alfred almost dropped the teacup and Yao had to reach out to steady it.

“Whew…what is your idea?”

“Lets all go ice skating! All of us! The whole gang!” He wouldn’t say that he and Ivan went skating those couple of nights ago.

“I’m not very good at skating.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll teach you! We can take turns skating with Ivan so the other doesn’t feel left out! How does that sound? It’s something fun to do and we can get to know each other more. And with all the others around, it won’t be as awkward either! Please say ‘yes’? You have to do something fun other than staying cooped up in here!”

Yao looked at Alfred’s excited face and wondered what he had just gotten himself into. The man was very animated, more so than he thought. He was a bit pushy too. However, Alfred was very honest with him and he could truly believe that all this did happen without Alfred having planned it. Things just happened this way and they couldn’t be undone. Everyone else seemed to like him so there must be something he’s missing about the man. He wanted to take this slow where it would appear Alfred wanted to jump right in. But the idea of getting out of the castle and doing something fun was a promising idea. He was usually bored sitting around the castle or the manor anyway.

“Sure, we’ll go ice skating.”

“YES!” Alfred proudly gulped down his tea, despite its taste. “I promise we’ll become friends, Yao. We’ll probably be acquaintances for a while before we’re friends and I’m okay with that. How about you?” Yao smiled, relieved that Alfred had come up with the same feeling as he had.

“I feel the same. Only time will tell.”

Meanwhile, Ivan was pacing around the halls downstairs on the lower floor, waiting to hear about Alfred and Yao. No one had reported anything breaking or smashing so something must be going right. Ivan decided to sneak some breakfast early from the kitchen but on his way, he bumped into the last person he wanted to see.

“Ah…good morning…Natalia.”

“Hello big brother…I just heard the news about your engagement. I have some concerns of my own I would like to express to you.”

End Chapter 16 TBC
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A Storm of Sunflowers