White Crimson | By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1109 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic. |
***Warnings: Language, violence
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
Chapter 16 Part 2
Gilbert struggled to balance his sword and close his robe at the same time while running down the dark hall. He could faintly see the torch someway up ahead, yet it did nothing to help his vision. Gilbert had run into a few corner turns, the cold stone scratching his legs. He cursed and continued to follow Ludwig's voice. It was a relief when he saw the torchlight stop and two bodies standing still. Gilbert stopped to quickly tie his robe and ready his sword. He did not want to kill an innocent person, but there was too much at risk to let the man go. Ludwig was speaking with the man and Gilbert paused to listen.
"Feli, how did you get here?"
"I…I followed you!" Feliciano said in a sobbing voice, sliding down against the wall to the floor. "I saw you leave and thought it was so cold and dark out that you should be in bed!" He rambled. "I was just worried, that's all! I never meant to see you two! I promise I won't tell! I swear it! I swear it!" He trembled when he saw Gilbert approaching with the sword. "I PROMISE NOT TO TELL!"
"QUIET!" Ludwig hissed and capped a hand over Feli's mouth. "Don't be so loud!" He turned and saw Gilbert with the sword. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Ludwig, he saw us." Gilbert stated firmly. "We can't trust him not to tell."
"I WON'T TELL!" Feliciano cried out. "Please Ludwig, please! Don't let him kill me! I promise I won't tell! Honest!"
Ludwig turned to Gilbert with a frown. "We really do not have to fear Feliciano telling anyone." Feliciano nodded madly. "He's scared of his own shadow."
Gilbert shook his head. "I can't let him go, Ludwig. I know this man is your friend, but we still can't let him go. Even if he won't tell, there is no saying that it won't come out. What if things start to become suspicious with us, and the king sends his council out to question people? They pull off fingernails to get answers. This guy will crack the moment he is asked. I can't risk that. I can't risk having you killed and my cause going to shit because of a curious little mouse!" He aimed the point at Feliciano and the man shrieked.
"If it should come to that, then we will easily deny it. Feli is the head steward, nothing more. I still say we have nothing to fear."
Gilbert looked at the trembling man on the floor, considering what to do with him. If he killed Feliciano, then Ludwig wouldn't forgive him. If he kept the man alive, however, there was the chance that he would tell. "I can't take the chance, Ludwig. We're too important." He stepped towards Feliciano with the sword ready, but a large hand gripped his wrist, stopping him. "Ludwig! Let go of me!"
"I can't let you kill him." Ludwig said firmly. "I won't have it. Should something come out, we'll both deny it. Simple as that."
Pink eyes narrowed. "You certainly do care a lot about this man."
"Don't even start with that. Now lower your sword."
"No!" Gilbert pushed forward but Ludwig shoved him back. "We can't risk it, Ludwig!"
"You won't kill him!" Ludwig gave Gilbert a hard shove and the other went down, his sword skidding across the dark floor. Blue eyes glared into surprised but angry pink. Ludwig turned to Feliciano and yanked him up roughly by the arm. "Let's go. You will tell no one of this secret place nor of what you saw."
"I swear it, Ludwig! I really do! I promise!"
Gilbert picked up his sword and stood, watching the two men retreating. He was panting with rage, and just a hint of jealousy. That man didn't follow Ludwig out of concern, but rather for his own curiosity. Ludwig acted differently around this Feliciano too, which also made Gilbert suspicious. The two obviously had some sort of friendship that he did not know about. He did not fear Ludwig actually cheating on him, but he wasn't sure about the other man. While walking back, Gilbert decided to pay a little visit to the barracks tomorrow.
/
"I'm so sorry!" Feliciano whelped pitifully in Ludwig's arms. The crying man ended up needing Ludwig to carry him, due to being too frightened to walk.
"Please…just stop talking." Ludwig said with a frustrated sigh while carrying the man. A few people asked what was wrong, but Ludwig only told them that he fell and needed to be carried. He brought Feliciano to his room and sat the other on his bed. "How much did you see?"
"N-Not much."
"You're lying. You were there for a long while because you followed me."
Feliciano sniffled and wiped his eyes. Then he whispered to Ludwig. "Why, Ludwig? That's the queen! He is married to the king! Something horrible will happen to you if the king found out!"
"He is not going to find out, unless someone tells him. But that won't be you, right?"
"I won't tell, I won't!" He promised.
"Good. From now on, do not follow me and stay out of the queen's way."
Feliciano whimpered and gave a little nod. "A-are you two…lovers?"
"Yes. We are. But our relationship is not important to you, so keep it a secret." Feli nodded. "Now go back the kitchens."
He gasped. "No! I can't go alone! Can I stay with you? I'm afraid of the queen!"
Ludwig sighed. "I suppose you can sleep with me, but only for tonight."
Feliciano gave a little smile. "Okay, thanks Ludwig!"
Ludwig nodded and motioned for the other to get under the covers. He took off his boots and climbed in beside Feliciano, even though it was a bit tight. They had to lie very close to each other, which made Ludwig feel uncomfortable. However, something like this could work to his advantage. Openly showing his 'attraction' for Feliciano will lead others to believe they are a couple, which in turn will keep away suspicion. He would be able to keep Feliciano close to him as well. Gilbert would not like it at all, and Ludwig would have to be lying to Feliciano. Like Gilbert, Ludwig did fear them being found out should Feli accidently let it out. He didn't want to kill the man, but if it came to Feliciano having to tell, then Ludwig wouldn't hesitate to kill him. He decided to go with it.
"Feliciano? Are you awake?"
"I am."
"To keep anyone from growing suspicious, how would you like to pretend being my intended?"
Feliciano blinked, confused. "Huh? Pretend? You mean, pretend to be lovers?" Ludwig nodded. "But…but…" he looked ready to cry "what about the queen?" He whispered. "He'll kill me!"
"Not when I tell him my plan. You want to help us, right?" Feliciano bit his nail but nodded. "You see, if you and I pretend to be together, then no one will get suspicious about me and the queen. You'll be safe as well."
He looked nervous. "I don't know…" Ludwig glared "okay, I will!" He 'eeped'.
"Good. Now roll over and go to sleep." Ludwig took his own advice and turned the opposite way, fearing that Feliciano would cuddle with him. He wanted Gilbert cuddling into him, no one else. When he tells Gilbert of this, he'll be prepared for the man flipping out. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and thought back to their great sex they never got to finish. That made his eyes open with a glare, silently cursing the thin male behind him. 'Damn it.'
/
Gilbert looked at himself in the mirror, straightening his crown so it sat just right on his head. He chose to wear blue today with gray pants and his white fur cloak. Checking to see that all was in place and his boots were properly laced, he went to the jewelry box. He put his chain-of-office around his shoulders first, then the royal rings. Gilbert wanted to be decked out in all his finest to confront that Feliciano today at the barracks. It's been a while since he's had to 'lean' on someone, but he wouldn't have lost his touch. As a child, he was considered a bully, and would have to be one again today.
With one last twirl in the mirror, Gilbert had to compliment himself. "Not only am I dangerous, but I'm damn good lookin' too!"
After a short walk to the barracks, Gilbert let his presence be known by having guards shout his name. Every soldier dropped to one knee and lowered their heads, bringing a pleased smirk to Gilbert's face. Everyone recognizes his awesomeness with or without the crown. He rests his hand on his sword hilt and asked for directions to the kitchens. Someone offered to lead him and Gilbert followed, coming in to the kitchen. He looked around, searching for Feliciano. The said man was stirring a large pot and humming a happy tune. Gilbert cleared his throat loudly, gaining the attention of the kitchen workers. Everyone bowed low, and Feliciano nearly toppled off his stool and into the pot. Gilbert let a smug smirk cross his features when the man did indeed fall from his stool and onto the floor.
"MAJESTY!" Feliciano shouted, practically slamming his face into the floor.
"Everyone but Feliciano, out." The others rushed to leave the kitchen, and he looked at Feliciano trembling on the floor. It was pitiful to watch, and Gilbert's lip went up in a sneer. He checked to make sure they were alone before walking over and crouching in front of him. "You like Ludwig, don't you?"
Feliciano wouldn't look at him, still humbling himself and hiding his face. "Y-Yes. He's my friend!"
"No. I mean you REALLY like him. In a romantic sense." He watched the other shake his head and curl up into himself. "Look, do yourself a favor and spare my wrath, okay? Stay away from Ludwig and keep your mouth shut. Should you tell anyone I'll easily deny it, call you out on something else, and then punish you myself. Don't forget that Ludwig is not the boss. I am. Do I make myself clear?"
"Y-Yes sir! Yes sir! Yes sir!" Feliciano whimpered.
"Good. Now don't let me catch you following Ludwig around anymore. As queen, it is my right to whip you if you are to displease me in any way." Gilbert ruffled the brown tuff of hair. "And if anyone asks why I wanted to see you, just tell them that I am searching for some grooms." Feliciano nodded. "Good boy. Ta-ta for now." Gilbert got up and left, leaving the smaller man to tremble helplessly on the floor.
After leaving the barracks, his next stop was Roderich's office to discuss matters further and proceed with the king's death. He hoped Roderich was in his room and Elizaveta was with him. For whatever reason, Roderich did not want Ludwig present for their meetings anymore. Gilbert, of course, would have the time to ask him 'why', but he already had an inkling as to what it could be. Roderich's door was closed, meaning he was in there. Fixing his crown, Gilbert knocked on the door and let himself in.
"Rodddddddddy? The most awesome person in the world is here!"
"I'm afraid I do not know of such a person unless we are talking about me?"
Gilbert closed the door behind him. "Ha! You wish!"
Roderich looked up from his papers by the fire, tilting his head to the side. "You're dressed up nicely. What's the occasion?"
"I feel like it." Gilbert grinned and took the chair across from him. "So, quick question before we begin; why isn't Ludwig allowed to be with us?"
Roderich stuck his nose in the air. "He insulted me."
"Ugh, is that all?" Gilbert slapped a hand to his face. "Everyone insults or annoys you in some way, Roderich! That's hardly a reason to ban someone!"
"I need little reason to ban a man from my presence. But we will discuss matters of Ludwig at another time. I thought you would like to know that I have sent a bird to Ambassador Sadiq's territory for Arthur. Sadiq will bring it himself, but who will do it?"
"Ludwig will, he offered." Gilbert answered. "And I want no other but him to stay with Matthew until he is forever resting. By the way, have you thought of what will become of House America? Both brothers will be gone. I know for a fact their servants will humbly tend to it, but who do you have in mind to obtain it?"
Roderich shifted his papers with a sigh. "I have not thought about who should get House America as of yet."
"I have." Gilbert gave him a smug smirk. "And I'll give you a hint, it's neither me nor you."
A thin brown brow rose suspiciously. "Only I can offer titles and houses to the king, who must then grant them permission. Whom do you have in mind to manage such a household as America?"
Gilbert grinned and stuck the tip of his tongue through his lips playfully. "Why, my dear Ludwig, of course!"
Roderich just stared at him blankly. "Excuse me? I must not have cleaned my ears well this morning. Whom did you say?"
"You're an ass. You heard me; I said I want Ludwig to hold and manage House America."
"He is a peasant, not a noble."
Gilbert shrugged his shoulders. "Neither Matthew or Alfred would mind."
"Perhaps, but why would you even suggest something like that? Ludwig is a brute. A killer, soldier, mine worker, and now a bodyguard." Roderich crossed his legs. "Don't you think it would be a little TOO suspicious for the king to wonder why you want to bestow such grants on someone you just made your bodyguard?"
The other crossed his arms with a smile. "Now this is where my mental awesomeness comes in. Since Ludwig is of much lower birth, he will be a 'lord' in training, under your perfect guidance."
Roderich looked away. "No. I refuse. He is your bodyguard, leave him at that."
"I am the queen. I say otherwise." Gilbert wanted to laugh at the look Roderich flashed him. "I hope your face stays like that. I really do."
"Ugh," he slapped a hand to his forehead "I know what you are trying to do with this, Gilbert. You want him to be in training to rule a house so that after the king is dead, you can make Ludwig a noble or a knight."
Gilbert smirked. "You got it!"
"Then you're a fool. Now THAT doesn't seem suspicious at all, does it? Allowing your peasant blood bodyguard the rights to a noble house who suddenly becomes a lord after the king is dead? Huh. Funny." Roderich mocked. "Your plan is idiotic and I will have no part in it."
"Roderich, this is serious. Ludwig is tired of killing, and I don't blame him. I want Matthew to be his very last. Hopefully his last."
"Ludwig is a nihilist, a heathen. He believes in nothing."
"He believes in me." Gilbert's voice was serious when he spoke. "Ludwig has endured so much and dealt with more hardships than you or I put together. I want him to have something nice. And I believe Ludwig would be a very good lord! With the right guidance, he will be a strong and loyal lord."
Roderich silently considered it, and then shook his head. "No. I'm afraid I do not agree with this."
Gilbert unfolded his arms to lay them at his sides. His face was a mask of disappointment, but his pink eyes shined with determination. "Fine then. If you do not want to help me, then I will just have to get the king himself to do it."
"And just how do you-" Roderich froze. "oh, I'd rather you not."
"Why? It's easier for me to convince the king than you, apparently. With a few good words, the right touches and laughs…I bet the king will grant me my desire."
Purple eyes narrowed. "You would do that?"
"Damn straight I would. Ludwig is not going to kill the king; that's my job. The closer I get to fully earning the king's trust, the sooner my plan takes action."
/
"What do you mean we aren't acting anymore?" Ludwig asked Feliciano, watching the man stir the large pot. "I thought you agreed to it?"
"Veh~ I did, Luddy. Wholeheartedly. But…but the words the queen said to me scared me!"
"What did the queen say?"
Feliciano flinched. "That I…have to stay away from you or he would do something to me."
Ludwig sighed. "I promise to speak with him about it. For the time being, just let others know if they ask, that you desire me. That's all. It will do for now." He saw the other man nod, but knew he was scared. "Feli, I promise I will not let any harm come to you."
Feliciano gave him a pouty face. "You mean that?"
"I do. Just do like I told you. I'll be back shortly." Ludwig left the kitchens and the barracks, on the search for Gilbert. He was rather annoyed that his lover chose to bully Feliciano, going so far as to violently threaten him. Ludwig knew why Gilbert had done it, but the other should have just left it to him. He was certain Gilbert would be in the courtroom attending to various duties while the king was away. 'Getting him gifts.' Ludwig reminded himself.
Before entering the castle grounds, Ludwig noticed a large entourage outside an awaiting royal carriage. At first Ludwig thought that the king had returned, but upon further looking, it was Gilbert walking to the carriage. Ludwig frowned, wondering where Gilbert was going and why he wasn't told about it. With a hand on the hilt of his sword, Ludwig made his way over to the carriage party. There were a few guards on horseback to accompany Gilbert and see him to the carriage. Ludwig should be one of them. "Majesty!" Ludwig called out. Gilbert turned to look at him with a smile. Ludwig noticed that he was dressed all in black except for his crown. He had to stop and admire the man for a moment stepping up into the carriage. "Majesty, where are you going? Why was I not informed? Am I not the royal bodyguard?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Sir Ludwig, but I guess no one ever gave you the message?"
"Message?"
"I sent for you to also accompany me today." He turned and balanced on the carriage steps. "I am going to the 'Forever Strong' cemetery where all the kings and high nobles are buried. I wish to visit my family's tomb. Will you still come with me? You may even ride in the carriage with me. I need a strong sword by my side, as the king has spoken before."
Ludwig nodded and waited for Gilbert to climb in first before joining him. To keep the cold out, Ludwig pulled down the shades and looped them on the hooks. It also gave them a bit of privacy. The day was dark, so a small lantern hung in the ceiling's center. Ludwig just stared at Gilbert's form as the carriage jerked into motion. Gilbert seemed lost in his own thoughts, hardly noticing Ludwig at all. Black was not the best color on Gilbert, but it did not take away from his features. He wanted to remove the black hood that draped over the tiers of his crown and then knock it away to reveal just his Gilbert. Not queen or king Gilbert, but just 'Gilbert'. Or was he Fredrick's lover today? Ludwig knew that the late king was also buried there. Gilbert cared little for his family, so he was probably going to see the king's tomb instead.
"I actually didn't want you to come today, Ludwig." Gilbert suddenly spoke, turning to meet his gaze. "I'm going to see Fredrick's grave."
"I know…I figured as much." It was Ludwig's turn to look away. "Gilbert, would you weep and mourn for me like you do Fredrick?" He whispered, but Gilbert was able to hear.
Gilbert gave him a quizzical look. "Of course I would. Why would you think otherwise? A person can mourn for more than just one."
"I am aware…but I will never be buried in a nobleman cemetery. Would you come to visit my grave should I die?"
"What is this about, Ludwig?" Gilbert narrowed his gaze slightly, trying to make sense of Ludwig's words.
"In all honesty, let me just say that…sometimes I question your true feelings for me." He leaned over to the other. "I just need to know that you…love me." Ludwig spoke truth in his words and only hoped that Gilbert would answer truthfully.
A black gloved hand reached out to take Ludwig's own ungloved one. Gilbert gave it a little squeeze and smiled at him. "Let me be honest as well, Ludwig. I think it will help to put your mind at ease. Now I have known Fredrick for many, many years. Ever since I was a little boy. He was like a father to me, more so than my own. As I grew up and grew closer to him, I started to fall in love with him. And as you know, we shared the same feelings. While I do still love Fredrick, I do love you as well. Perhaps, at this moment, my feelings are not at their strongest, and I speak the truth in that. However, the more we stay together, the closer we will grow as a couple. I'm sure that after a time, my feelings for you will be equal to or even surpass that of Fredrick's." Gilbert brought Ludwig's hand up to give the knuckles a tender kiss as he would a lady. He felt confident enough in Ludwig's love for him that he could finally be open with the man about this.
Ludwig jerked his hand away with an irritated frown. "While your words hurt, I do understand. I've never cared about anyone before like I do you. So…it is understandable."
Gilbert let out a happy sigh. "Good, I'm glad we are being honest with each other." They were both silent for a moment, and then Gilbert decided to apologize about the other night. "Sorry for attacking your friend like that. I was just concerned about his loyalty towards you and if we can really trust him."
"Oh, yes, I was meaning to ask you about that. Why did you threaten Feliciano?"
Gilbert smiled. "I didn't 'threaten' him! I simply…gave him some 'very' good advice." He grinned. "Words to 'live' by."
Ludwig rolled his eyes. "Well, before you go scaring the pants off of him, let me tell you a little bit about my plan." Ludwig told his lover about his plans for himself and Feliciano. Gilbert looked extremely annoyed with a twitching brow. "I think it will work out for the best."
"Ugh! Fine! Do as you will." He grumbled. "It's a…good idea, I can't really lie about it. But that doesn't mean I have to LIKE it. What if he starts to REALLY grow attached to you? What then, Ludwig?"
"I will tell him 'no'."
Gilbert snickered. "Okay. You do that." Feliciano was no real threat to him anyway. He scared the kid enough as it was, and now Ludwig was going to stay even closer to him to keep watch. "Just go easy on the kid, okay?"
/
The graveyard eventually came into view when the two had opened the windows. Ludwig had never seen the noble cemetery, and as morbid as it was, he was eager too. Common folk were unable to enter the cemetery grounds due to the constant guards patrolling it day and night. Their entourage was able to enter, but only Gilbert actually entered the cemetery. Ludwig was the only guard allowed to accompany him. Ludwig stayed a few paces behind Gilbert, glancing around for any sign of danger or threat. He also took notice of the elaborate tombstones both noble and royal families had. The graves of the royals all had the castle crest chiseled into the surface, while the nobles had specific family symbols. Ludwig had to wonder just how much money went in to these gravestones; as well as the upkeep. He noticed there were many gravediggers and tomb tenders wandering around, cleaning the snow from atop headstones. Even the walkways were swept clean of snow.
"Here we are, the plots of House Prussia." Gilbert stopped before an old rusted fence encircling many small grave markers of simply stone. In the far back stood a large tombstone with a stone falcon placed on top of it, its wings spread wide. "Do you know why the falcon is in the back with his wings like that? Any guesses?" Gilbert asked the other.
Ludwig shook his head. "I don't know any reason other than it is your family symbol."
"Well, when the sun rises behind the falcon, its wings cast a shadow over the grave markers. It's a symbolic meaning, of course. It means that we of House Prussia, even in the spirit world, are guided and protected by our spirit animal. Even in death it looks down upon us, shielding us for all eternity."
"I see." Ludwig looked at the grave markers. "Why are they so small? Many other family plots have large stones."
"Ah, well, my family is always cremated. Their ashes are sprinkled on Prussian ground, forever keeping it strong and protecting it. These are just the markers of each family member to stand for that person. There are no bodies here. However, my grandfather told me that the bones of the very first House Prussian noble are buried within the large stone. As a child, I always wanted to break it and look inside."
Ludwig glanced at all the grave markers. "Then I must get cremated as well." He turned to meet Gilbert's gaze. "I always thought I would be buried in the ground…but knowing this…my burial must different."
Gilbert smiled at him. "Both of us have a VERY long time before such a decision has to be made." He turned back to the graves. "You don't have to join me, but give me this moment of nostalgia with no nihilist talk." Gilbert tucked his arms inside the large bell sleeves of the cloak and closed his eyes.
Ludwig did as he was told, remaining still and silent while Gilbert quietly prayed. He hoped the man didn't do it for too long because his knee was starting to ache from standing so long. Looking down at his wounded knee with a glare, Ludwig imagined what he would look like with his lower leg cut off. The idea was something he would have done when he grew old and the pain would intensify with age. The battlefield doctor had warned him of that, and even offered to remove it and spare Ludwig these problems. But Ludwig chose to keep his leg despite the words of the doctor to have it amputated. Ludwig just lay on that moldy bed of blood covered straw while he waited for his knee to heal. Some feared it would become infected while others thought it would simply rot off. Some even thought he would die from it. At that time of healing, the only battle Ludwig had was with the flies that threatened the bloodied bandages constantly. Ludwig recalled how ugly he looked back then, covered in old mud, blood, and dirt. Then he turned and looked at Gilbert's cloaked form.
Gilbert, while always running head first into battle, never emerged with anything less than some cuts, scraps, and bruises. At least, that's what Ludwig saw and heard while at the battle camps. Even when they were intimate together, Ludwig never noticed any dark scars. Only small, thin, and pale ones. This man beside him, while an expert warrior, hardly had any scars. Was Gilbert truly a magnificent and lucky warrior knight to host such little disfigurement? Ludwig had seen him fight, but did not experience each one. Was everything Gilbert boasted about true? It had to be, because if it weren't, then Fredrick would not have thought so highly of him.
"Alright, let's continue on." Gilbert finally said after he had finished his prayers, but Ludwig's next question stopped him.
"Teach me your sword techniques."
Gilbert turned around to look at the other. "My sword techniques? Why?"
"I wish to be a swordsman like you. I would like you to give me a knight's training."
Gilbert gave him a crooked smirk. "Would you like to become a knight, Ludwig?"
Blue eyes widened. "Well…I am not of noble birth…and my fighting days in battle are over." He motioned to his wounded knee.
"Ludwig, follow me. We'll speak on the way." They began their walk through the cemetery path. "A knight doesn't always have to see battle. Sometimes a knight does nothing but rule a household, serve a king loyally, and maybe joust. You defend the honor of your king; and women of all statuses. You don't have to see battle. A knight can even simply command a fleet of soldiers."
Ludwig looked down at the stone path as he walked alongside Gilbert. "I can't just give orders as a knight, Gilbert. I've been a soldier, and I would have to be out there with my men," He looked at Gilbert. "the same as you."
"I understand." He laughed. "Don't worry, Ludwig, I'll find a suitable title for you and teach you how to use a sword."
Suddenly, a sharp sound like that of a wasp wisped through the air and in a split second, Ludwig saw an arrow sticking out from Gilbert's chest. "GUARDS!" Ludwig shouted, catching Gilbert as the man stumbled. "GUARDS! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!" Ludwig saw another arrow coming towards them and he moved away with Gilbert, shielding the other with his body.
"DOWN WITH THE TRAITOR!" Someone's distance voice echoed among the air. Ludwig looked around for the source of the voice and watched the guards scramble to find the person as well. Ludwig had to drag him to the safety of a tall gravestone, holding the other close to his chest.
"Ludwig, I'm okay, really." Gilbert pulled the arrow out of his chest, which sported little blood.
"You're wearing chest armor." Ludwig noticed.
"Yes. I do have a little hole in my chest, but it's VERY tiny. I've started wearing chest armor under my tunics just for these sorts of incidents. Whoever attempted to assassinate me has bad aim. Probably a peasant." Gilbert suddenly squeezed Ludwig's hand. "We'll have to move faster with our plan, Ludwig. We have to move faster than ever, before I am hated by everyone."
Ludwig held him, relieved that his lover was alright and that he had not failed in protecting him. "You will be loved by your people again. You will."
"MAJESTY! WE'VE CAUGHT HIM!" Shouted one of the guards. Ludwig quickly let go of Gilbert and they stood up, coming out from behind the stone.
"Where is this man?" Gilbert called back, watching as two guards holding a struggling man came down a snowy hill. "Come with me, Ludwig." Gilbert leapt over the fence and Ludwig did the same, but with a bit more difficulty. "BRING THIS MAN TO ME!" The rest of the entourage gathered around him, but Gilbert put his hand up. "Don't worry, your queen is well." He smiled and pounded on his chest armor. "But who is this man before me who tried to do me harm?"
"Traitors to the Spirits should die!" Shouted the peasant man. "I spit on the traitorous whore!" The man spit at Gilbert's boots and one guard punched the man in the head, knocking him to the snow.
"Hold your fists." Gilbert told the guard, and then looked down at the man in the snow. He needed to try a new tactic other than having Ludwig cut something off. "The new god is forgiving, the same as the spirits. So I will forgive this cruel and dishonorable assassination attempt on me." The man looked up at him with frightened surprise. "Go back and tell your friends that their king and queen are all for the safety and health of their people. We hope to restore peace so that all may live together in harmony. Your queen has spoken. Be gone with you before I change my mind to punish you!"
The man got up and scrambled away, running as fast as he could.
"Was that wise?" Ludwig asked him.
"I should be feared and loved at the same time. Let him spread the word that I am so cruel as people make me out to be." He turned to his other guards then with a smile. "Your queen is well! I thank you all for your strength and loyalty while tracking down that man! For your great service, your queen buys a double round of hot ale for all of you!" The guards cheered and thanked him for his gift. Gilbert turned to Ludwig with a smirk. "You've got to give a little."
Ludwig frowned. "More assassination attempts will follow, your majesty."
"Oh, I know. But at least I'll always have you to shield me if I can't shield myself." Gilbert started to walk off with the other soldiers, each surrounding him as one human shield.
Ludwig crossed his arms and tilted his head to the side. 'Move the plan faster?' He felt a smirk creep across his lips. 'Yes. We can and will move things along much faster so Gilbert can finally be mine. No more sneaking around behind walls to see each other.'
So Ludwig followed behind the others, thinking of the best and subtle way to kill the king.
End Chapter 16 Part 2 TBC
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