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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
- 16
- 17
- 18
*** Sorry I took so long to update but I made it up to you! This is probably my longest chapter yet and I hope you enjoy it!

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia.

Chapter 17

“Ah…good day, Natalia.” Ivan said nervously, standing up from his desk. “A-are you here to give me your ‘congratulations’?” She just frowned at him and walked over to stand closer. Ivan’s first instinct was to step back but she would only keep pursuing him until he was backed into a corner.

“No, I have not come here for that. I’ve come here to let you know how upset I am over this ‘new’ marriage. Not only are you married to that Yao but you have also taken another…a common peasant of mongrel birth over your own flesh and blood. Even Yao is not as pure as our blood is. Brother…we should keep the bloodline strong…keep it pure…keep it free of any outside rabble! You can not sire heirs with men!” Ivan did take a step back then.

“W-we’ve already talked about this, sister. Galina will take over the Braginski name and family.”

“And let her marry someone who will bring destruction into this household? No, dear brother. That will not work…all ready to many dirty vermin have been allowed into this family. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to start over, brother?” She smiled madly at him. With pure blood comes great power and strength! We could be greater than we are! Join with me, brother! I can be ten times the wife THEY are!”

“Natalia! How many times have I told you not to talk crazy like that!” Ivan took a few more steps back. “You sadden your brother when you speak like this.” She kept the same mad smile on her face.

“I only wish to please my big brother…my big, strong brother…let us-“ There was a knock on the door and they turned to see Yao walking in. He saw Natalia and Ivan and he frowned.

“Oh…I didn’t know you already had company.” Yao narrowed his eyes at Natalia who straightened her back and folded her hands in front of her.

“Brother dear, the stench of this room is tickling my nose. I will speak with you another time.”

As Natalia walked out she purposefully bumped her shoulder into Yao as she passed him. Yao watched her go and quickly closed the door, locking it. Ivan sighed in relief now that she was gone but knew another fight was at hand with Yao. Still, he folded his arms behind him and smiled as calmly as he could at Yao.

“Yes Yao, is there something I can do for you? Are you here to discuss Alfred?” Ivan knew that is what Yao was here to talk about but he figured he’d ask anyway.

“Yes, actually.” He said and walked over to the bed, taking a seat. “As you know I talked to Alfred.” Ivan nodded.

“I hope everything went well?”

“Yes, as good as it could go I guess.” He looked at Ivan. “I had quite a few days of solitude to do some thinking. Four days ago I wouldn’t even look his way, but being stuck in this cold place with hardly anything to do will have anyone thinking deeply just to stay sane.” Ivan chuckled.

“Yes, if you are not used to the quiet and the snow, Wolf Hall can be a bit boring. But I am very interested in what you’ve been thinking about and how your meeting with Alfred went. May I sit next to you on the bed?”

“Wouldn’t you rather have Alfred next to you in a bed?” Yao said with a straight face and Ivan tilted his head.

“I’ve enjoyed many people in my bed but only two have been asked to come back. And I’m sure you’ve figured out you are one of the two.”

“I knew that.” Yao replied. “Let me just say a few things. I am hurt at the fact that you have taken another wife but some part of me seems to just…well, not care enough. I do care for you, Ivan-”

“As I do you.”

“-But I…we…both know it’s not love.” Ivan gave a curt nod.

“We’re an arranged pair, Yao. You know you have the freedom to do whatever you like. Just because we are married doesn’t mean we have do everything married couples do. I told you on one of our few courting meetings that you can do your own thing while I do mine when we’re married. You wanted freedom from your parents’ rule and I gave you that. They would have just been trying to sell you off to noble after noble if I didn’t bite.”

“So you pitied me?”

“I did. I felt that you were being wasted there and were not treated with the respect you deserve. Aside from that, your parents just wanted to get rid of you and that annoyed me.” Yao looked at the floor.

“So you didn’t marry me because you thought something could come of our union?” Ivan gave another curt nod.

“I can’t lie to you, Yao, and I don’t want you lying to me either. Arranged marriages are business arrangements to bring powerful families and houses together. Your parents have gained title and respect from the king because you are married to me. That’s what they really care about. I knew that from the beginning…we all want more than we have.”

“Obviously.” Yao looked up at him. “Ivan, tell me the truth. If I wanted to leave you and all this…would you let me?” Ivan moved to sit down next to him.

“I promised on our wedding day I would give you any freedom you wanted. If you want to leave, you may leave. I told you I would never hold you back from what you want to do. If you want to stay then you can, it’s your choice.” Ivan smiled at him and pat his thigh. “But I will be going through with my wedding with Alfred, so you have to accept that for what it is if you stay. Don’t stay and then complain and mope around when I giving you every opportunity to make your choice.”

“I know…I just don’t know what my choice is.” He said sadly and Ivan moved his hand to rub his shoulder.

“There is no rush for you to make a decision, love. I’ll support any choice you make as long as it is in reasonable means.”

“I appreciate that…I really do. I do have another question and I want you to answer really, really truthfully.” Ivan nodded. “Whatever it is you feel for Alfred…did you ever feel it with me?” Ivan gave a slight sigh and shook his head.

“I have to say no, Yao. I’m sorry, but you wanted me to answer truthfully and I did. And don’t pout…you have no passion for me and you can’t say you’re comfortable with me because you aren’t.” Yao raised a brow at him.

“Ivan…no one can REALLY be comfortable with you.” Ivan laughed merrily.

“True, true! But you both have your ways about you that are equally charming yet can be annoying! Let me put it to you this way: I wouldn’t bring Alfred to an important business meeting with me I would bring you. You do not like to share my bed and Alfred does. You balance each other out in some ways.” Yao narrowed his eyes.

“So you’re the one winning here.” Ivan gave him a grin.

“You could look at it that way.”

“Hmph. Then what if I happen to find another lover?”

“It’s your decision. I wouldn’t keep you from your freedom.” Yao grit his teeth and slammed his fists on the bed.

“Everything you’re telling me is good and yet it pisses me off too!”

“Love, don’t go getting upset now. We were doing so well with our little talk. You’re mad now because you’re confused and you don’t know what to do.” He took both his hands from the bed and held them. “Don’t be who you think you SHOULD be. I want you to be you, nothing else. Don’t rush anything; take your time sorting out your feelings. I’m here if you want to do anything, picnic, a walk, fishing, whatever, I’m here for that. And please, try to be nice to Alfred. Do your best to get along because I really think that will help you in your choices. And who knows, Yao? Maybe something good will happen…either between us or you and Alfred. Who knows, right?” Ivan smiled at him and kissed both his hands. “Time will tell.” Yao looked at him and sighed.

“You’re right. Time will tell…oh, and Alfred wants all of us to go skating.” He said softly and Ivan clapped his hands.

“That sounds like a perfect idea! We’ll go later this afternoon! Right after I get some work done.”

“But I’m not very good at skating.” Yao said pitifully.

“So? I’ll happily teach you myself. You were a little wobbly last time we were here but with practice you’ll do fine.” He kissed his cheek. “Run along then, let me finish my work so we can all have fun later.” Yao nodded and stood up, going over to the door but paused.

“Ivan? What we have…it’s not love right now, is it?”

“No, it’s not.” He said softly.

“Alfred said something like that too…about the two of you.”

“Yes, we’ve come to the conclusion that right now we enjoy each other’s company and we are happy. Alfred is overjoyed with marrying me and I can’t wait to have him as my wife. Our love will develop as we learn more about each other.” Yao swallowed softly and looked down at his shoes. “But Yao, I rather you be angry at me and not at Alfred, all right?”

“I made some peace with Alfred…we’re going to take it slow as well. We both don’t feel like ‘best friends’ yet…but…we’ll just have to see, right?” Ivan smiled.

“Right.”

“Everything is just so uncertain…” Yao said softly.

“But isn’t that what makes life interesting and worth living?” Ivan smiled at Yao’s retreating back as he left the room.

Alfred sat on the floor in Galina’s room, playing with the little toddler while Arthur was waiting patiently for the food to cool off. Francis was busy in the kitchen, teaching the cooks there how to properly prepare a meal and he had Galina’s food sent up by a servant. Matthew was with them, sitting in the rocking chair and wearing a look of concern as he clutched his bear. Alfred made funny faces at the little girl who squealed and laughed gleefully, clapping her little hands.

“Enough with the faces now, Alfred. Can you sit her in your lap while I feed her?” Alfred gave him a quick ‘sure’ and lifted the girl to sit in his folded lap. Arthur joined them on the floor and proceeded to begin feeding her the food.

“Matthew, what’s got you so upset?” Alfred asked his brother, looking over to the rocking chair. Matthew just sighed softly and played with the feet of his bear.

“Eh…nothing. Just thinking.”

“You haven’t been sneaking off to see Gilbert, have you?” Arthur glanced at him before turning back to the task at hand. Matthew didn’t reply for he had gone off to see Gilbert quite a few times but he wouldn’t get too close to him. “Your silence says otherwise, Matthew.” Arthur narrowed his eyes at him. “I don’t want you hanging around with him.”

“Bu-But why not? I hardly have any friends here. I get lonely when you are away with Francis and Alfred’s doing something with Ivan. I share my room with Kiku but he’s always so exhausted from tending to Yao.”

“Well he’s not a good friend to have.” Alfred said. “To party with, yes, but for any other reason, I would have to say ‘no’. And besides, you’re not allowed to be with anyone anyway.” Matthew pouted and whined.

“Why not!? It doesn’t seem fair! Gilbert said that those things you told me about my skin turning green were just lies.” Arthur stopped feeding Galina to look over at Matthew again.

“We told you that when you were thirteen, how the hell do you still remember it? And more importantly, why do you still believe it?” Galina whined and reached for more and Arthur quickly fed her more.

“Because I know you guys wouldn’t lie to me right?” Alfred laughed.

“Matthew, of course we lied to you! We just care about you so much that we don’t want anyone to snatch you from us. As far as I’m concerned and I’m sure Arthur will back me up on this, you are to remain a virgin until the end of your days.” Arthur nodded in agreement and Matthew continued to whine in protest.

“No! That’s not fair! Alfred gets to-“

“That’s enough!” Arthur said firmly and Matthew quickly closed his mouth. “I don’t agree with anything Alfred is doing at all, so don’t you follow in his footsteps.”

“Why not, Arthur?” Alfred asked. “This will be good for all of us! I can keep supporting all of you now that I’m going to be married to Ivan.” He smiled.

“That’s just it…I hate the fact that you are marrying him.” He said softly, purposefully keeping his voice down and for good reason. “I think you are making a very big mistake. You’re not even thinking things through, but then again you never think things through. That’s why you are always getting into trouble.”

“But Arthur…if you had been there the other night when Ivan took me for that evening sleigh ride…and the way he held me as we skating on the lake…” Alfred’s features softened as he thought back to it. “It was like…like something magical happened! That’s the only way I can explain it. I never thought I would actually ENJOY being in Ivan’s arms like that. He made me feel so safe and special…like I had nothing to worry about any longer and I was free. I saw a whole other side of him that I think others rarely see.” Arthur grumbled a bit as he continued feeding Galina.

“You’re talking like a love-sick maid, Alfred. There is no possible way you can HONESTLY believe that one little night can change everything that you previously thought. What about your dream? That nightmare you shared with us.”

“What nightmare?” Matthew asked curiously but the other two ignored him.

“Well, that still bothers me a bit, but I had a really good talk with Yao and I think we can become friends over time! Yao doesn’t seem so bad now that I’ve talked to him. I think I understand him better. Maybe most of my nightmare was more just the fear of uncertainty of things. And I’ve always had nightmares, Arthur.”

“I know, but this nightmare was so bad you actually had a panic attack.”

“Well I know now that Yao doesn’t have the ear of Ivan so I doubt he’ll be spreading lies about me. And I don’t even have a problem sharing Ivan with Yao. Ivan and I are starting to develop deeper feelings for each other, but we both agreed that it will still take time. So for the time being, I don’t mind sharing Ivan.”

“What about after?” Matthew asked and Alfred looked at him with a smile.

“I would obviously win.”

“How can you be so sure?” Matthew clutched the bear tighter.

“I just know. Yao is nice and all but I hold more life and adventure for Ivan than he does!” Galina finished the bowl of food and a bit dribbled down her chin as she burped. Arthur wiped it away with his sleeve and scooped her up from Alfred’s lap.

“I still think you’re playing with fire, Alfred.” Arthur said seriously. “Now that Yao knows Ivan is marrying you he might try to put more effort into winning Ivan’s attention. What if Ivan chooses Yao and not you? What if you and Yao start developing a passive-aggressive challenge for Ivan’s affection rather than basic mutual friendship?” Arthur pointed out and Alfred frowned at him, standing up from the floor.

“I seem to have more hope about this than you do, Arthur. I’m not a kid anymore! I’m nineteen or twenty, I don’t know, but I know I’m old enough to make my own choices!”

“So am I.” Matthew piped up but no one listened to him.

“Give me a break!” Arthur bounced Galina in his arms, trying to remain calm enough so he wouldn’t upset the toddler. “Alfred, you aren’t mature enough to do anything if I wasn’t here to watch over you! I always had to sleep with one eye open to make sure you didn’t wander off in the night or roll out of your bed! You’d forget your head if it wasn’t attached to your damn neck!”

“You give me credit, Arthur. Okay, you helped raise me and Matthew, and we love that. But you can’t be the boss of us forever.”

“Um…I agree with Alfred.” Matthew squeaked out but they didn’t hear him.

“Alfred, once again I’m just worried about you getting involved with the Braginskis’. Especially Ivan and that nutty younger sister of his. She’s a whack-a-do, that one.”

“Pfft, I’m not afraid of her. Plus, I have Ivan to watch over me now, Arthur. I think you deserve a break from me, don’t you?” Alfred smiled at him and Arthur shook his head.

“He can’t take care of you like I can.”

Only the heavens know how much he worked to give Alfred and Matthew a decently healthy and comfortable life. Arthur never let on how much he went through during his working career. After their escape from the farm they were allowed to stay at Tino’s family horse farm. However, Tino’s parents could not afford to pay them anything but gave them food and roof over their heads for their work. Alfred and Matthew had stayed on the farm to work while Arthur went to work in the city.

He was able to get work at a leather factory and would save the money for the three of them. To him, it wasn’t fair to depend entirely on Tino’s family and he wanted to be able to help out. He had just turned thirteen when he started work and things were going swimmingly until a new owner bought the factory and the workers. He had caught the man’s eye immediately since he was the only actual blonde in the factory. The other workers had coined him ‘butter head’ for it and he would try to wear a wool hat to hide it. But he would always end up taking it off because the factory would get so hot it would be unbearable.

The new owner started laying off some workers and Arthur remembered fearing for his job, being one of the few youngest ones. True, younger workers were in higher demand than old ones, but for this type of work there needed to be experience as well. That’s when it all started to get bad…when he ended up using his body to keep his job. He was paid two extra gold coins for his ‘services’ to the owner. Arthur had hated it, every moment of it but it was necessary. The chances of finding another job at that hard time were very slim. He would have to wait for everyone to leave before going into the man’s office and performing his ‘duties’ there. Sometimes he would be there late into the night. Arthur always pictured little Matthew coughing in the bed and Alfred crying for him because it was to dark. Those images would drive him to do the best he could so it would be over quickly and he could get back to them.

Then the day came when his ‘overtime’ was discovered by a few other workers and the news had spread. He had gone from ‘butter head’ to ‘butter slut’ and work after that was pure hell. He would be sexually harassed and was constantly experience as well. It would get worse and worse by the day until he was literally chased out and would never be allowed to come back. That was one of the worse experiences of his life; but it did put new clothes and shoes on Matthew and Alfred.

Arthur smiled for a moment while he was holding Galina and rocking her on his shoulder. He remembered one of the nights when he had come home from the factory late after being with the owner. He could still remember Alfred’s little voice.

“Arthur! Artie where have you been!”

“Arthur!” Alfred’s shout of his name broke him from his memory trance. “Where the hell did you trail off to? La-La Land?”

“No, that’s where you go.” Arthur said and carefully laid the now sleeping toddler into her bassinette. “But Alfred, I think you’re just getting drunk on all the attention and this lifestyle. It’s a classic ‘rags to riches’ story and I’ve told you plenty of them as a child.”

“Yes, and you also told me that if I didn’t eat my corn the scarecrow would come get me!” Alfred crossed his arms in annoyance. “I hated that scarecrow. Your stories always sucked anyway.”

“They worked on you for awhile!” And while they were having their little tiff, Matthew decided to calmly slip out of the room without them noticing, his motive being to see Gilbert. This was his chance. “They kept you in line for a while! But then again you never listened to me! I worked pretty damn hard everyday to make sure we would have at least a loaf of bread to feed our bellies! I know you’re just enjoying all these new things you see around you but I’m telling you it will get old FAST.”

“Pfft. Maybe it would for you because you don’t know how to have fun! Everything about this type of life is wonderful, Arthur! We don’t have to worry about if we’ll have food the next day! We don’t have to pay money anymore or work in the blazing hot sun!”

“It makes you humble, Alfred. I made sure you worked every day on the farm. Not just for yourself but for the greater good of everyone.”

“Yeah, and now my new life as Ivan’s second wife will help the ‘greater good’ of everyone too! We’ll get Tino and Berwald here somehow then we will never have to worry again! I have Ivan, you’ll have Francis, Matthew will have a doctor, everything! Can’t you see, Arthur! Things are going to be great! I know how to play my cards right and once I do, you will be down on your knees thanking me for my awesome heroism. For I, Alfred F. Jones, have singlehandedly saved my family and farm and have given us freedom of the common world!” ‘Where did the ‘F’ come from?’ Arthur quickly thought but then pushed it far from his mind.

“Stop talking like you know so much! You got to where you are NOW by spreading your legs!”

Arthur crossed his arms and looked away from him. How could Alfred be so stupid and so naïve? One minute he was fearing for his life and the next he was gloating about ‘good fortune’. Although, Arthur knew that Alfred could never stay with one particular thing for any length of time. The boy had always jumped from one extreme to another, whether it is from toys to games or even to fears. He remembered when Alfred feared that the large muscular rooster was going to be watching him while he slept, then worried about the cross-eyed sheep standing next to his bed. Whatever Alfred’s thought process was it had always boggled Arthur’s mind.

“Arthur…don’t talk to me like that.” Alfred said softly, his shoulders slumping. “I’m finally taking control of my life and doing something good. You always said I mess things up and can never do anything right…but I am doing good now! I’m saving all of us! Why can’t you be proud of me?” Alfred asked him sadly.

“Because you never listen to my warnings. You’ve never had! You were always getting me into trouble and even in our adult years you’re STILL doing it! I don’t want you saving everyone by becoming an illustrious whore!”

“I’m not a whore!” Alfred sneered at him. “Ivan is the only man I’ve lain with! If you weren’t so ‘high and mighty’ and talking down to me all the time and made a fucking move things probably wouldn’t be this way!” Arthur was a bit surprised by Alfred’s fierce comeback and didn’t make a move when Alfred moved closer to him. “Why didn’t you take me that day by the lake, Artie?” Alfred whispered to him, using his nickname. “I didn’t question your rejection but it always bothered me…why? You know I would have let you.”

“I’m done talking about this. I don’t even remember why I didn’t.” He lied. “But I’m ending this argument with this: I do not approve of your naïve attitude or your marriage to Ivan. I think you are making a big mistake.” Alfred just looked at him sadly and nodded, turning his back to him.

“Fine then. Think what you want but in the end you’ll be the one who is wrong. You’ll see! At least now I don’t have to worry about ‘being’ to close to you in fear of Ivan because as far as I’m concerned I’m fairly pissed at you.”

“Big deal. You always said you were mad at me but one moving shadow in the dark and you would be in my arms, hiding under the covers.”

“I have Ivan’s arms now though, don’t I?” Those words stung Arthur and it had felt like an arrow had just landed in his chest. Even if Alfred had just used those words to hurt his feelings, that didn’t change the fact that they stung. “And his arms are strong and they make me feel safe.” Alfred said and started walking to the door when Arthur’s voice made him stop.

“My arms are stronger, despite what you think. Remember, I held you first.” Alfred felt a single tear fall as he left the room. Arthur rests his hands on the bassinette and stared down at the sleeping face, sighing in frustration. Neither one of them noticed that Matthew had gone.

Matthew had met up with Gilbert in the castle while he was heading outside to the guard quarters. Gilbert said that he was coming in from training to have Feliks mend a tear in his tunic top. Matthew looked down at his bear and noticed that one of his ears seemed to be loosing its seams so maybe Feliks could fix him too! He accompanied Gilbert to Feliks room.

“So did you talk to your brother and Arthur about those lies they told you?”

“I did…they just said I should have known they were lies. And Alfred said I wasn’t allowed to see anyone because he said so. He’s overprotective of me.”

“Yes, and a little too much. It’s not good for a lovely developing mind to be hidden from one of the greatest experiences of life! We have to have a LONG talk about the birds and bees, Mattie.” Matthew smiled softly.

“I know a lot about birds and bees though.” Gilbert laughed.

“Trust me, there probably isn’t an end to learning about THESE birds and bees! New ‘facts’ seem to show up everyday!” They arrived at Feliks room and without even bothering to knock, Gilbert just opened the door. “And furthermore-“

The sight that greeted them was one they weren’t expecting, especially Gilbert. Feliks was sitting up on his sewing table with his naked legs wrapped around Toris waist as the brown haired man thrust into him.

“AHHHH! OH FUCK! MY EYES! MY EYES I’M BLIND!” Gilbert swiftly turned on his heels so his back was to the couple, his eyes clenched tight. “IT BURRRRRNS!” Matthew just stared at the two men who fumbled around trying to untangle and cover themselves.

“LIKE, WHAT THE FUCK, GILBERT!” Feliks screamed as he tugged his tunic down to cover himself and squeeze his legs together. “DON’T YOU KNOCK!”

“Gah! It still hurts! I think I’m gonna hurl!”

“That was completely disrespectful to just barge in!” Toris glared at him as he was able to quickly fix his pants.

“Just hurry up and get your damn pants on! It’s bad enough I saw Toris’ ass!”

“Now you like, know what a real ass should look like!” Feliks countered.

“How the hell would you know if you weren’t staring at my ass?!” He countered right back. Toris handed Feliks his pants so he could slide them back on.

“Like, what the hell are you actually doing here!? You’re never allowed in my room!”

“You can turn around now.” Matthew told Gilbert softly and he did so, carefully blinking open his eyes.

“Good, you’re both dressed! Who would want to see Feliks chicken legs anyway?” Feliks told him to fuck off and Toris tried to remain calm and dignified despite the position he was caught in. “I just came to ask you to mend my tunic top! I didn’t expect a show!”

“I’m like, not mending ANYTHING of yours! Dress in fucking rags for all I care!” Feliks was blushed an angry red as he was tempted to grab his fabric scissors and chuck them at Gilbert’s head.

“What the hell are you getting so embarrassed about? You’ve been fucked on more tables before!”

“Hey!” Toris shouted in protest to Gilbert’s accusation. “I don’t appreciate you talking like that to Feliks, to anyone really!”

“Now get out of here!” Feliks screeched out and pointed to the door. Gilbert was ready to fight back when Matthew’s hand gripped his sleeve and tugged.

“It’s okay, Gilbert. I know how to sew so I can fix your tunic.” Matthew turned to the other two men. “I’m sorry we barged in on you.”

“I could like, never be mad at you, Matthew.” Feliks stated. “That other asshole on the other hand…”

“Yeah, yeah, I know, I’m leaving! And good thing too! I need to get out of here before my eyes start to fucking bleed!”

Gilbert pulled Matthew out of the room and slammed the door behind them. Matthew didn’t know where Gilbert was taking him so he just let himself be led. He thought about Toris and Feliks having sex in the room. He knew at least THAT much because of all the animals on the farm. Tino had told him it really was no different in a sense. Matthew also noticed that their skin wasn’t turning green and no one was dying. That was proof enough for him so his brother and Arthur really were lying. Feliks wasn’t moaning in pain and Toris seemed to have a swell time doing the hard work. It honestly looked like fun!

“Sorry you had to see that. That is sex but what they were doing was like ‘old people’ sex. Sex can be so much more adventurous and fun if you know how to do it properly.”

“Then you know the right way to do it?” Gilbert grinned back at him.

“Hell yes! And you know, whenever you are feeling ‘up’ to it I can give you a pretty good demonstration!” Matthew smiled at him.

“Yes, I would like that…but my brother won’t.”

“Ha! What your brother doesn’t know can’t hurt him!”

By late afternoon, the news had spread about the ice skating trip to the lake. Everyone was going except for Katyusha who wanted to stay home with Galina. Alfred was stuck in the sleigh with Francis and Arthur while Natalia and Yao rode with Ivan. It was suppose to be both him and Yao with Ivan, but Natalia had beaten him to the seat. Toris drove the sleigh with Feliks, Matthew, and Kiku. Theirs was the only double-seated sleigh out of the three.

Gilbert chose to ride a horse and stay behind the sleighs so he could watch their surroundings. In the times of war and ceasefire, anything could happen. Not to mention that the Braginski house wasn’t called ‘Wolf Hall’ for nothing. Gilbert had also brought his sword with him just in case something like a wolf or enemy attack did happen.

They parked their sleighs near the lake and tied their skates on. Both Matthew and Feliks needed help tying theirs. Natalia was already dragging her brother out onto the ice while Alfred was still tying his skates. Ivan looked distressed and concerned to be skating hand and hand with his sister. It pissed Alfred off but he did promise to help teach Yao to skate better.

Arthur knew how to skate enough to pick up the mechanics of the bone skates. Francis linked their arms together as they attempted to try and skate in unison. But Francis was clumsier and he was throwing off Arthur’s balance, almost making them fall twice. Toris had taken Feliks by the hands and proceeded to teach him basic moves but for now he was just pulling him along the ice. Matthew was already shrieking as Gilbert stood behind him, pushing him along the ice. Matthew was too afraid to move his body or legs in fear of falling. Kiku was minding his own business, arms folded neatly behind him as he skated pleasantly along the ice.

Alfred and Yao were skating side by side, only to keep the smaller man from falling until he got his bearings on the ice. Both of them were more interested in watching Ivan and his sister with a ping of jealousy. She was latched on to his arm and looked to be leading him rather than the other way around. Ivan turned to look at both of them whenever he could without letting Natalia notice.

Matthew had begged Gilbert to stop pushing him along the ice and let him go off on his own for a bit. Gilbert agreed and skated away to go bother Feliks and Toris. He skated up behind them and mockingly stumbled into Feliks, nearly knocking him over. Feliks was holding on to Toris’ sleeve and the brown haired man would have gone down with him if he had fallen.

“OOOoooOOH!” Gilbert said in an obnoxious tone. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there!” He grinned at the angry couple.

“I fucking hate you.” Feliks hissed at him as his legs slipped outward from him and he almost had done a very painful split. “Seriously! Like what is your problem!?” Feliks let Toris help him back onto his feet.

“I was just skating by to say ‘hi’, that’s all! HA!” He skated away quickly, heading straight for Francis and Arthur who pulled away just in time to let a speeding Gilbert go between them.

“YOU IDIOT!” Arthur shouted at him and shook his fist.

“How are you doing?” Alfred asked Yao, now holding his hand to help guide him.

“I think I’m doing okay…I think I’ll try it without support.”

“Sure. Do you want me to follow behind you in case you fall?” Yao shook his head.

“Nah, I think I’ll be okay. Being thrown from a horse hurts more than landing on the ice.” He let go of Alfred’s hand and sought out on his own. Alfred wanted to skate with Ivan but it didn’t look like Natalia was going to give him up any time soon so he went to skate with Kiku. Matthew joined up with the two of them, just happy to be away from Gilbert’s high level energy on the ice.

“What do you think having sex on the ice is like?” Francis asked Arthur, now holding hands to make it easier to break away should Gilbert come back. Arthur glared at him.

“That’s both disturbing and disgusting! Why would you want to fuck on ice?!” Francis laughed.

“One probably wouldn’t be able to thrust properly. The force of the movements would just send them both sliding along the ice. Maybe we should try it, hmmm?” Francis moved in to nuzzle his ear and was met with two fingers up his nose, pulling painfully. “OWWW!” Francis pulled way, grabbing his nose with his gloved hand. “What was that for!?”

“For being a pervert when this is suppose to be a peaceful moment!”

“It is a peaceful moment! It’s just that my peaceful moments include good wine and sex!”

“Oh, so now we’d be DRINKING while ‘Ice Fucking’. You’re nuts!” Arthur skated away from him while Francis just rubbed his nose, checking for blood.

Yao continued gliding along slowly, paying more attention to his feet than what was in front of him. Alfred was nice enough to help him on the ice but he did had to get away from the young man’s babbling. Yao wasn’t sure if Alfred just talked to much in general or if he was nervous about something. Regardless, his voice was starting to grate on his nerves. He looked behind him and saw Ivan and Natalia still skating together. Yao hated the girl with a passion and knew she would start causing trouble the second the right moment arises. Toris was right in saying that his real competition and challenge was Natalia and she would be Alfred’s as well. Yao thought about giving Alfred a warning about her but he had a feeling the man wouldn’t listen. Better for him to figure it out on his own.

“Hello Lady Yao.” Yao turned to see Arthur skating by.

“It’s Lord Yao when I’m not in public noble company.” Yao told him and Arthur skated ahead of him.

“Oh, sorry about that. I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay. I had to get away from your ‘little brother’s’ babbling. Sorry to say.”

“Oh no, please, I understand completely. I used to shove my food in his mouth just to shut him up. Hunger was more appeasing than Alfred’s banter.” Yao laughed at Arthur’s words but then stopped as they heard a ‘cracking’ noise. “What was that?”

“I…I don’t know…” Yao looked down and noticed he could see the water beneath him and a large crack in the ice that started to grow bigger. “THIN ICE!”

Yao panicked and tried to quickly skate away but the skate slipped out sideways under him. Arthur had caught him and attempted to pull him away but the ice cracked more beneath them. They were far enough away from everyone but Yao’s screams had alerted their attention. With one final crack in the ice, Yao stumbled into the freezing water and pulled Arthur in with him head first.

“They’ve fallen in!” Alfred shouted, making his way over to them.

“Find some rope in the sleighs!” Ivan ordered to Kiku and Natalia, who were both the closest to the sleighs. The others skated on after Alfred and Ivan to the two struggling bodies in the water. Kiku practically tore his ice skate straps off to run to the sleighs. Natalia did the same but not because she actually cared or wanted to. She didn’t want to show her brother that she didn’t ‘care’ for his little wives. Kiku looked through the two sleighs but found nothing. Natalia opened up her brother’s seat and saw a rope there. Making sure Kiku wasn’t looking, she took the rope out and tossed it far away into the snow. She closed the seat and looked at Kiku.

“I don’t see any rope!” She said.

“I don’t either! NO ROPE!” Kiku shouted “NO ROPE! NO ROPE!” He flagged his arms and Ivan saw him.

“Shit!” Ivan hissed. “No one go near the ice!”

“ARTHUR!” Alfred and Matthew were screaming. Alfred wanted to reach for him and pull him out but knew it would only make things worse. Ivan pushed past Toris and jumped into the water where they were. He grabbed Yao first and pushed him over the edge of the ice. Gilbert lay on his stomach and grabbed Yao’s arms, pulling him up and out. Francis added some aid in helping pull Gilbert and Yao further away from the hole.

Ivan grabbed Arthur next and shoved him to the side of the ice as well. Feliks and Toris stayed with Yao while Gilbert went back and helped pull Arthur out. Francis immediately ran to Arthur along with Matthew but now Ivan was stuck in the freezing water. Alfred started to panic as he watched Ivan attempt to crawl out of the hole, his gloved hands slipping on the ice.

“DON’T COME NEAR ME!” Ivan shouted at Alfred for he knew what the man was going to attempt to do.

“You can’t pull him out anyway!”

Gilbert said to Alfred as he went back to the hole and got on his stomach again. He held out one hand to Ivan who took it in an icy grip. Gilbert grunted as he pulls his arm back as far as he could to help Ivan get some momentum to climb out. The edge of the ice did not appear to be breaking anymore so Ivan was able to climb up onto the cold surface.

“IVAN! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!” Alfred went over to him once they were far enough away from the ice hole.

“Y-yes, I’m alright. A…a bit…cold. How is Yao?” Toris had a trembling, blue-lipped Yao in his arms and covered up with his own coat.

“We need to get back right away.” Toris said and lifted Yao up in his arms. Francis had his coat wrapped around Arthur’s icy body as well, muttering soft words to him as he lifted him up as well.

“Ivan, are you alright?” Alfred asked him, holding his cold, wet arm.

“Yes. I’m fine.” Ivan said softly. “I’m pretty much immune to the cold…but that doesn’t mean I won’t be si-sitting in front of the fire with them. Lets hurry back!”

Alfred let Yao sit with Ivan and Natalia while he stayed with Francis, Arthur, and Matthew. Alfred took off his fur had and put it on Arthur’s wet head, hoping it would help to keep him warm. Francis had him held tightly in his arms, trying to keep his lover somewhat warm with his body. Matthew was able to drive the sleigh well enough to get them back to Wolf Hall.

Toris wasted no time in jumping out of the sleigh to run inside and start the servants heating three buckets of hot water. Ivan carried Yao inside quickly, followed by Francis with Arthur. The others followed suit to the main sitting room where the large fireplace was ablaze with warmth. They sat with the two freezing men in front of it.

“Get them out of those wet clothes.” Ivan ordered the others while he went to get some blankets for them. Matthew helped Francis undress Arthur, tossing the wet clothes to the side. Alfred and Feliks undressed the cold clothes from Yao’s small body and Kiku offered his coat to cover him up. Matthew did the same with his for Arthur.

“Arthur, can you hear me?” Francis looked at him with worry, rubbing the cold cheeks in hopes to get some blood flowing.

“Sss…cold.” Was all Arthur could manage to say.

“What did he say?” Alfred asked, coming over to them to kneel next to Arthur.

“Just that he is cold.” Matthew said softly. Ivan came back with Katyusha and blankets. He had taken off most of his cold clothes as well and brought the blankets over to them.

“Here, they’re all wool.” Ivan said, handing them out so both Yao and Arthur could be wrapped up tight in front of the fire.

“What on earth happened?” Katyusha asked her brother.

“They fell through thin ice, but they should be okay once the hot water gets here.” Ivan said. “We’re lucky it wasn’t too cold outside or they may not have made it.”

“Should I sent word for a doctor?” Toris asked and Ivan nodded.

“Yes, please do. By the way, where is Natalia? I don’t see her here with everyone.”

“She went up to her room because she was so scared by the events.” Katyusha said. “I should go and check on her.”

“She’ll be fine. I need you to go check on the status of the buckets of hot water. If we don’t get their feet in that heat soon there’s going to be trouble.” Ivan said as he watched Katyusha leave the room before going over to Yao. He knelt beside him, shooing the others away. Toris and Feliks left the room to send word for a doctor from town. Ivan brought Yao into his arms and held him close. He could feel the small body trembling against him and he pulled the blanket tighter around his wife.

“Is there anything I can do?” Alfred asked him, resting a hand on his shoulder. Alfred wanted to go help Arthur but he was afraid to do so with Ivan here. He wouldn’t want Ivan getting the wrong idea. Ivan looked up into his worried blue eyes.

“We’re fine for now. You can go and sit by your brother and Arthur. I want to stay with Yao.”

“Are you sure?” Ivan nodded. “Okay, just let me know if there is anything I can do.”

Alfred went over and sat next to Matthew beside Arthur. Right now, Alfred wanted nothing more than to just climb under that blanket with him and use his body to keep him warm. Arthur’s body had always kept him warm on cold nights and he wanted to return the favor but knew it was impossible. Oh how he wished he didn’t have a fight with him earlier today. He could have lost Arthur in that icy water and the last thing they would have done is fought.

But the two of them always seemed to be fighting about something. Arthur was always yelling at him for disobeying or getting into trouble. But no matter how angry Arthur was at him, he could never stay mad for long. Alfred would make sure of that. He knew how to butter Arthur up to get the man to forgive him. Now that this disaster had happened maybe they could just forget about the fight. ‘Buttering up’ Arthur won’t be as easy anymore now that he was with Ivan.

“He told me about your fight today.” Francis said softly. “It’s not your fault this happened, it’s mine. I guess I was being too perverted and he went off to get away from me.”

“It’s not your fault, Francis.” Matthew said. “It could have happened to any of us.”

“I know, but I will make it up to him. Tonight I’m going to hold him so close and so tight in bed that he’ll be begging to get away!” Arthur managed to open his eyes, still trembling, as he looked up at Francis.

“N-n-n-n-no…” He whispered out but Francis just ignored him.

“You’ll have no choice.”

Alfred frowned a bit at the fact that Francis was going to be holding Arthur tonight and comforting him. He really wanted to be the one doing it just so he could give back to Arthur all those times he held him. Was this how Arthur felt when Alfred told him that he now had Ivan’s arms instead? Alfred knew that what he felt for Arthur was a different type of love all together. It was more of like a bond they had together that he couldn’t explain. But all he wanted now was for Arthur to get better so he could apologize to him for their fight.

“Here comes the hot water!” Kiku said to the others as the servants brought in three buckets of steaming water.

“Good. Kiku, hold Yao for me.” Kiku got down on the floor and took Yao from him. “Gilbert, help me move the sofa over to the front of the fire.

“Sure.” He and Gilbert moved the sofa easily over to the fire while Francis placed Arthur on the cushion before helping Kiku with Yao.

“Bring the buckets over here.” Ivan ordered the servants who did so, careful not to spill them. One was for Ivan himself, just as a precaution since he was in the water too. Once both Arthur and Yao’s feet were in the hot water they both let out a sigh. “This will start warming up their bodies shortly.”

“I’ll go make us all some nice hot tea.” Francis offered, kissing Arthur’s cool hair and Kiku left with him to help. Ivan then removed his own boots and sat between them on the sofa, putting his feet into the bucket.

“Feel better?” Alfred asked him and Ivan nodded, pulling Yao a bit more closer to him.

“Yes, much. You’ll be sleeping in your room tonight so I can keep Yao warm.” Alfred nodded.

“Sure, I understand.” Alfred did want to sleep with Ivan tonight but knew Yao needed him more than he did. It did annoy him but it was for Yao’s health.

“Hey, I’m going to go get the sleighs all packed away.” Gilbert said from behind Ivan. “I’ll make sure to put in some ropes too.” Ivan nodded to him and Gilbert left to do so. Matthew then stood in front of Ivan with his hands behind his back. Ivan looked up at him and raised an eyebrow at how much Matthew’s face looked like Alfred’s.

“L-Lord Ivan…” He started softly. “I…I just wanted to…to say ‘thank you’ for saving Arthur.” Alfred moved next to his brother.

“Yes, I didn’t get a chance to thank you properly either.” Alfred said and Matthew bowed.

“He is like our big brother and he is considered family. Thank you again, Lord Ivan.”

“I appreciate your praise and your thanks. I know how important your Arthur is to the both of you.” Matthew nodded.

“He is very dear to us.” Matthew gulped and started to tremble. “Um…Lord Ivan? While I’m here now may I have your permission on something?” Ivan blinked and looked at Alfred who looked just as confused as he did.

“What is it?”

“M-May I have permission to stay in the guards’ quarters with Gilbert?” He said quickly and Alfred turned to him sharply.

“NO!” Alfred said firmly. “You are not allowed to stay with him! Ivan, don’t let him do it!”

“Please Lord Ivan!” Matthew begged and pleaded with him. “Alfred and Arthur won’t let me stay with him and I want to! Please, please, please!?”

“Someone actually wants to STAY with Gilbert?” Ivan smirked in surprise and chuckled at how angry Alfred was getting. He was cute when he was angry like that.

“You’re not allowed to stay with him! He’s an obnoxious pervert! You go with him and you’ll find your precious teddy missing an ear!” Alfred threatened him and Matthew gasped.

“NOT THE EAR THREAT AGAIN! WE’RE NOT KIDS!”

“I’ll rip it right off! It will make this sound! RIIIIIIIIIIIIP!” Matthew started to wail and cry softly at Alfred’s threats and taunts. Arthur was coming to a bit because he had heard the VERY familiar arguing and he pulled the blanket over his head to moan in distress. Ivan just let his laughter echo in the room to catch the brother’s attention.

“You’re funny! I never heard anyone threaten a stuffed animal before, Alfred.” Ivan looked at him humorously and Alfred just crossed his arms to look away. “And yes, Little Matthew, I give you permission to stay with Gilbert despite what your brother or Arthur says.” Alfred’s jaw dropped and Matthew stopped crying to smile brightly.

“Really! You mean it?” Ivan nodded with a bright smile of his own.

“Yes! And I will put your precious little teddy under my protection so no harm will come to him.” Alfred was shocked beyond words and Matthew jumped in the air and did a twirl of happiness.

“Thank you, Lord Ivan!”

“But…but…”

“M-make h-h-him ap-ap-apologize to the-the b-b-bear, too.” Arthur said with a chuckle and a sneeze from under the blanket.

“YOU HUSH UP!” Alfred yelled at Arthur. “Don’t you even CARE that Mattie is going to be rooming with Gilbert now?”

“Cold…too c-cold…to-to t-t-t-alk.”

“Bullshit!” Alfred hissed. “You just managed to say a full sentence!” Alfred looked at Matthew who stuck his tongue out at him. Matthew was more than happy to finally get one over on his brother. “Oh…oh you…” He narrowed his eyes at Matthew who laughed with glee and ran out of the room. Ivan just smiled at Alfred.

“I wouldn’t have said ‘yes’ if I had doubts, love.” Ivan said softly and ignored Alfred’s evil eyes.

“That’s my baby brother…I only wish to protect him from scoundrels like Gilbert!” Ivan chuckled.

“Gilbert is a scoundrel all right, but he’s not a bad person. Hard to handle? Yes. Hard to tolerate? Yes. But a bad person? No. I can promise you that. Now do me a favor, Winter Rose. Just sit down quietly and let me rest my eyes for a little bit.” Alfred muttered but went to do so, sitting on one of the extra chairs. Little did he know that Matthew wasn’t going to be his only problem.

A day of bed and a half of bed rest helped get Yao and Arthur back on their feet. Arthur had caught a cold but the doctor who saw them gave him some powdered medicine to help. Francis had made a batch of herbal chicken soup for both Yao and Arthur, mixing each different medicine into the proper one before having them sent up.

“Hey Francis?” Alfred said his name as he walked into the kitchen. Francis looked him up and down, noticing the cashmere tunic.

“Fancy getup there.”

“Ivan gave it to me. Hey, I was wondering if you could whip us up something yummy and sweet! Like one of your desserts! Arthur won’t admit to it but he really enjoys them! And I really like them too!” Alfred patted his belly and Francis chuckled.

“Are you sure you’re not just saying that about Arthur so I will make YOU some dessert?” Alfred grinned at him. “Of course I will make something sweet! And I have just the thing! It’s a bit late in the day for a fancy dessert but some fresh winterberry pudding will easily please the palate and conquer any of your tasty desires.”

“I feel like I was just pleasantly raped by food!” Alfred laughed. “Get to it then! I’ll let Arthur know you’re making some. Thanks again!”

Alfred left the kitchen and Francis went to one of the chairs to slip on his coat and gloves. He would have to go out and pick the winterberries first and if he recalled there were some bushes very close to here. As Francis opened the other kitchen door that lead outside to the herb gardens he didn’t see the small dark figure that slowly and carefully was lurking behind.

Francis hummed in a low, seductive tone to himself as he picked the berries from the bushes and put them in his basket. He was very careful to pick only the fresh and plump ones because the dim colored ones could be poisonous if too many were digested. As he moved along the bushes he caught sight of his reflection in the frozen water of a birdbath. He smiled down at his reflection, lost in admiring his himself from his perfect blue eyes to his luxurious wavy hair.

While he was admiring himself, he failed to notice the same dark figure going over to the berry bushes and picking the poisonous ones. Natalia smirked as she grabbed a handful of the berries, glancing over at Francis who was too caught up with himself to notice. She quickly hide on the other side of the bush when Francis turned to make his way back into the kitchen where he proceeded to make his pudding.

Natalia had been following Alfred when she heard him asking Francis for some pudding. She smiled smugly as she pat the small bottle of poison in her dress pocket. When she heard Francis say he was going to make it from some winterberries her smirk grew into an evil grin. She knew just the thing to do that would keep her hands ‘clean’ of this crime.

She silently waited for her chance in the foyer behind some old crates while Francis made the pudding. She hoped the man would leave soon before her perfect plan crumbled.

“Ah, while it’s cooling I’ll take a quick trip to the water closet.” He smiled down at the pudding. “Now don’t you go anywhere my plump, delicious little darling!”

Natalia rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out in disgust at Francis’ perverted talk. When he left the kitchen, she took a quick look around before dashing over to the stove. She first put the poisonous berries in the bowl with the left over ones, carefully mixing them up so they appeared to have been there already. Next, she looked at the steaming pot of berry pudding before taking another quick glance around to make sure she was alone.

Natalia reached into her pocket and pulled out a small vile. With a smirk, she carefully uncorked it and dribbled a few drops onto the pudding. Francis had left the wooden spoon in the pot so she gave it a quick stir to mix it in before laying it back right where it was. Francis would never even know anyone had touched it.

“You’ll thank me later for this, big brother.” She said softly and retreated out the back kitchen door just as Francis came back in, whistling.

“Yup! It’s just about right!” He hummed happily as he filled up only one bowl of pudding for Alfred. He would have to ask Arthur himself before he would waste any of this precious pudding on the fussy man. Poor Arthur was more than grumpy after the lake incident. So Francis called for a servant and two young ones walked in, a boy and a girl. They were about sixteen in age.

“Can we help you, Sir Francis?”

“Yes! You can, little cuties!” The girl blushed happily and gave a tiny giggle. “Could one of you take this pudding up to Mistress Alfred’s room, please? That would also be my room.”

“Yes Sir Francis, sir.” The boy said and took the pudding, leaving with the girl. The two servants stared hungrily at the pudding and the boy licked his lips.

“I think I’ll take a little bit!” The girl gasped.

“No!” She whispered. “It’s not right for us to take food meant for the lord or his lady!”

“But just one little taste won’t hurt!” He dipped his finger into the pudding and brought it to his mouth, savoring the taste. “Mmm…it’s so good! Sir Francis is a master at baking!” With mischievous giggles the servants continued on their way to Francis’ room.

Alfred was sitting on the sofa and working on reading and writing his ‘sight’ words as Toris had called them. Arthur was asleep on the bed, the medicine putting him to sleep. Alfred lifted his head when there came a knock on the door and he bid whomever it was to enter. He smiled when he saw the two servants walk in with a bowl.

“Oh! Is that my pudding?”

“Yes Mistress Alfred! Fresh from the kitchen.” The girl said with a smile but when she looked at the boy she noticed he had grown very pale and started to shake where he stood. Alfred saw the change in the boy as well and stood up.

“Kid? Are you okay?”

Alfred went over to him but leapt back when the boy suddenly leaned forward and spit up a large amount of white foaming vomit. The girl screamed loudly and it woke up Arthur, who immediately asked what was going on. Alfred watched in horror as the boy fell to the floor and started convulsing, the pudding bowl splattering everywhere.

“FOR FUCKS SAKE GET HELP!” Arthur hollered, getting out of the bed to run to the boy. The girl screamed and screamed for help outside of the room. Ivan had easily heard from Yao’s room, where he was currently checking up on him.

“Ivan! What’s wrong!” Yao said worriedly.

“Stay here!” Ivan commanded and he ran out of the room, following the screams. He saw the frantic girl screaming and crying outside of Alfred’s door and he grabbed her. “What is it?!”

“HE-HE’S DYING!” She cried and Ivan carefully shoved her away and rushed into the room. He saw Alfred standing above one of his servants and Arthur kneeling next to the body. Alfred looked up and saw Ivan and ran to him.

“Ivan! Something terrible just happened!”

“I can see that!” Ivan stormed over to the fallen body and knelt beside him as well.

“He just started convulsing and quickly died after.” Arthur told him. “If I didn’t know any better I would say it was poison.” Ivan looked the dead boy over and noticed the white foam bubbling from his mouth.

“I do believe you are right.” He stood up and turned to the girl. “You! What’s happened here?” The girl was completely terrified of Ivan and he had to storm over to her and snap his fingers in her face to bring her back. “Tell me what’s happened, girl!”

“I-I don’t know! He-he ate some of the pudding Sir Francis just made and then he died!” She covered her face and cried.

“Pudding?” Ivan turned to look at the splattered bowl of pudding surrounding the body.

“Yes, I-I asked Francis to make Arthur and myself some pudding.” Alfred said softly. “He said he was making ‘winterberry’ pudding for us.”

“Winterberry, you say?” Alfred nodded and he suddenly developed a deep, painful and nauseous fear in the pit of his stomach. Something is wrong here, it couldn’t have been Francis’ fault but with the crazed look in Ivan’s eye he feared dearly for his friend. “Get Toris to come in here, and grab Gilbert as well to remove the body! No one follow me!” Alfred and Arthur exchanged worried glances, unsure of what they could do right now.

“Damn!” Swore a soft voice from the shadows of the hallway.

Ivan stomped loudly down the stone steps as he made his way to the kitchen. He had to get to the bottom of this right away and he hoped he could do it in a very ‘calm’ manner. When he reached the door he begrudgingly kicked it open, startling Francis who was busy scrubbing the pots and dishes.

“GAH! Oh, Lord Ivan, it’s you. Was there screaming not to long ago? I thought I heard something but I figured it was the wind.”

“Oh no, someone was defiantly screaming.” His grin widened and Francis felt a chill travel through his body as he started to shy away from Ivan’s aura.

“W-Who was it? Are they alright?”

“Oh, everything is fine now. But tell me, Francis, have you ever made ‘Blood’ Pudding before?”

End Chapter 17 TBC
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A Storm of Sunflowers