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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
- 17
- 18
- 19
***This is another long chapter ahead so be warned and enjoy! xoxoxoxo

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia

Chapter 18

“B-Blood pudding? I-I’ve made it before…why?” Ivan just smiled and calmly walked into the kitchen, going over to the stove. Francis took a few steps back, wary of Ivan’s emotionless smile. Ivan looked at the bowl of berries and fingered through them, picking out a few of the poisonous ones. He turned to Francis and held out his hand, showing him the berries.

“Sleeping on the job, are we? Tsk tsk.”

“W-what?” Francis stared in shock at the berries. “B-But I made sure I only picked the good ones! Ivan, you-you can’t think I wanted to actually hurt anyone!?” Ivan kept his smile and continued walking towards him as the blonde man backed up.

“Oh, I know you wouldn’t have planned it but your careless mistake could have cost my Alfred his life. Now what are we going to do about this? Hm?” He grinned.

“L-Lord Ivan, please! I…I don’t know what happened! I could have sworn I didn’t pick any bad berries!” His back hit the wall and now there was no escape.

Where did those berries come from? He was absolutely sure that he had picked only the plump ones. He even doubled checked them before he put them in the pudding! How could he have missed one? It wasn’t making any sense! What if he had killed Alfred and Arthur over a stupid mistake? If it was even his but how could it not have been? What the hell was going on?

“I never thought I would have to discipline you, Francis. We are fortunate that servant boy chose to taste your pudding first. His death warned us that the pudding was tainted. You got lucky.”

Ivan backhanded Francis with his fist, knocking the blonde man to the floor. Francis held a hand to his mouth, tasting the blood on his tongue. He wasn’t sure what was bleeding, his lip, tongue, or teeth. With Ivan’s strength it would probably be all three. He pulled his hand away to see blood decorating his palm.

“Be more careful next time.” Ivan warned him, pressing down on Francis’ back with his boot. “Or else I will start having YOU taste all the food first.” Francis hissed as Ivan put more pressure on his back.

“Yes…yes I promise! I will be more careful next time! I promise!”

“Good,” He removed his boot from Francis’ back. “Because I could probably think of a thousand more ways to use kitchen utensils, if you catch my drift.” Francis only held his bleeding mouth and nodded frantically. “Oh, and best you get some ice for that cheek. It’s starting to swell and disfigure your pretty little face.” With that Ivan left Francis on the floor and left the kitchen, heading back up to the room. He passed Matthew and Gilbert on the way.

“Lord Ivan, I was summoned for an emergency?” Gilbert asked him.

“Ah, yes. There has been an accident and I need a body removed.” Gilbert raised an eyebrow and Matthew gasped softly, holding his bear tighter.

“A body?” Ivan led them into Francis’ room where the boy lay dead on the floor.

“Whoa…what the hell happened here?” Matthew covered his eyes immediately and Arthur went to him to hold him. Alfred was just staring down at the body knowing that it could have been him.

“Poison. Bad berries.” Ivan said. “Get the body out of here.” He commanded and Gilbert nodded, bending down to easily scoop the body up in his arms. Before leaving the room, Ivan whispered softly to him. “Bring the body to my room and get Toris and Kiku as well.” Ivan went up to Alfred and put his hands on his shoulders. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah…just a bit…freaked out I guess.” He was still staring at the spot where the body had been.

“Lord Ivan…do we know what happened?” Arthur asked carefully, still holding and comforting Matthew.

“Apparently Francis accidently used some bad berries that can be poisonous. He wasn’t paying attention to what he was doing.” Arthur’s eyes widened at the mention of Francis’ name. He knew right away that it couldn’t have been Francis and while the man was a flake sometimes he would never make a slip up like that! He would have to talk to him.

“What’s happened?” Came Yao’s voice from the door as he looked at the three worried faces. “What was all the screaming?” Ivan kissed Alfred’s forehead then went to Yao.

“There’s something I need to attend to right away. Arthur will fill you in.” He looked at Arthur. “And keep an eye on Alfred.”

“Certainly.”

Ivan left the room and started heading for his own where Gilbert would have brought the body. Something was not quite right about what had happened to that boy and the way it happened. It could have very well been a mistake on Francis’ part or by some odd chance it could have been something else. He had summoned for Kiku because the man was his gardener and he would know about plants and fruits. Right now he did not have time to comfort Alfred, he knew his lover was scared but he had to get to the bottom of this first. Once that was finished then he would call for his lover to reassure him.

When he got to his room, Gilbert had laid the body on the floor and was waiting patiently for him by his desk. There was a messenger hawk on the perch, one he recognized from the city. Gilbert had said he told a servant to fetch both Toris and Kiku and now they were just waiting for them to come. Ivan usually did not talk to Gilbert, preferring the company of his brother Ludwig. He went to the bird and took the message container, opening it for its contents and shooing it out the window.

“Does it say who it’s from?” Gilbert asked as Ivan opened the small scroll and read it.

“Hm…your brother and Feliciano have returned from the battlefield and stopped off at the manor. Everything seems to be in place there but the city is still swarming with guards and soldiers and gangs so it is unsafe. One of the servants told them where we went and this scroll says they will be joining us shortly.”

“Awww! Ludwig is coming back? That means you won’t let be Head of the Guard!” Gilbert pouted and Ivan folded the paper with a smile.

“That’s correct.” Gilbert mumbled under this breath but stopped when Toris entered the room with Kiku. “Close the door, please.” Toris did so behind them and they both looked down at the body on the floor.

“Swell.” Toris said flatly, knelling down to get a better look at the corpse. “This is what all the screaming was about?”

“What in the world happened?” Kiku asked, looking at the foam that still bubbled from the boy’s mouth.

“Poison berries. We think Francis accidently put some bad berries into the pudding he was making. This poor kid snuck some before it could get to Alfred. He apparently wanted some pudding for dessert.” Both Toris and Kiku looked at him in shock.

“Lord Ivan, you don’t think Francis would-“ Toris started but Ivan cut him off.

“On purpose? Of course not. But by accident is logical, which is why I chose to call you here with us, Kiku. You are familiar with fruits, correct? I have many in my city garden you tend to.” Kiku nodded and studied the body some more.

“What kind of berries did he use?”

“Winterberries, the ones we have growing in the herb garden.” Kiku nodded and knelt next to the body, carefully scooping up a bit of the foam with his finger and giving it a quick sniff.

“I thought so. This doesn’t come from simple berries.” Everyone’s eyebrows in the room went up. “If you did digest those bad berries, you would die from diarrhea and dehydration within a day. It wouldn’t kill you this quickly or as efficiently. And I know for sure that the contents used to make this poison weren’t cheap. Not many common poisons foam like this.” Toris stood up and looked at Ivan.

“That means someone with money planted the poison in the pudding.”

“Who the fuck poisons pudding?” Gilbert asked in disgust. “And I’ve had the guards on shift every time of the day and no one suspicious has been seen or reported.”

“But the thing is, I found the poisonous berries in the bowl with the good ones.” Ivan said, tapping his chin. “Which would mean…someone already KNEW that Francis was making berry pudding and planted them there to mask the poison.”

“Then this person already had a plan to poison the food but when they saw what ingredients Francis was using it only added on to their plan.” Toris added.

“But who would do all this?” Gilbert asked, crossing his arms. “Were they particularly targeting Alfred or were they just trying to get to all the people in power here? You’d think they’d go after Yao instead of Alfred, if that was the case.” Ivan took a seat in his desk chair and looked out the window.

“Lord Ivan, we have a few things to consider here.” Toris started. “You have MANY enemies at court since you are one of the highest ranking lords and favorite of the king. Now that the king knows about your second engagement and his plans to throw you a party will quickly spread among the court. And you’re marrying a no name farm boy. You know how fussy those nobles are when one brings commoners into the mix.”

“They would have nothing to gain by going after Alfred then.” Kiku pointed out. “They were either going for Lady Yao or Lord Ivan, not Alfred. He is no threat to anyone right now.”

“And he actually won’t be a threat at all.” Toris added. “Yao’s family owns quite a few titles and vast lands and armies. No one has anything to gain by harming Alfred.”

“Other than to get back at me.” Ivan said dangerously and the other three stopped talking. “You all know that my passion for Alfred burns hotter than for Yao. I may have made a mistake by telling the king too much about my feelings for my precious Little Rose. He is a big mouth and probably told many about how ‘infatuated’ I was. Perhaps I have not struck enough fear into the royal court as I thought I had.” His smile started to turn into a wide grin as he took a minute to think. “After our wedding ceremony and we travel to the royal palace, I think I will be doing some ‘investigating’ with the bastards there.”

Toris gulped in fear of this trip for he knew that he would be going as well. He was battling with himself to bring up the issue of the possible person being Natalia that set the whole thing up. To him, it would seem like something she would do and she was cruel enough to carry it out without regret. Only Natalia had a TRUE reason for getting rid of Alfred. Best now then later, while there were witnesses.

“Lord Ivan?” Ivan turned those violet eyes on him that were dancing with ideas of pain and violence. He gulped. “M-May I be so bold as to…as to…as to point your sister, Natalia, as a-a s-s-s-s-suspect?”

“That IS very bold.” Ivan said in a deep tone and Toris feared he had gone to far. He wanted turn and run as Ivan slowly stood up from the chair, never taking his eyes off him. “We Braginski’s would never stoop so low as to use poison to take care of our enemies. We use only blunt objects or weapons and go straight for the throat.” He smirked. “Your death comes with a smile, a friendly bow and a pleasant talk or walk. That’s how we have ALWAYS taken care of business.”

“Forgive me, sir.” Toris bowed his head low. “I went too far in my accusations.”

“I can see his point though.” Gilbert replied. “Natalia wants both Alfred and Yao out of the picture.” Ivan nodded.

“Yes, I understand that. But the method is all wrong. However, if someone is hiding in Wolf Hall, we need to find them right away. Gilbert, round up some guards and start searching the castle for anything and everything pertaining to this. And do something with his body.”

“Yes sir!”

“Kiku, I want you to stay very close to Yao. Be on the lookout for anything suspicious.” Kiku nodded and bowed. “Toris, I need you to factor together a budget for my wedding. I want to keep things moving normally and keep hysterics at a minimum. I will come to you later to discuss plans further.”

“C-Certainly, sir.”

“You’re all dismissed. I will be with Alfred for awhile, calming him.”

“By the way, his room is clean and ready.” Ivan smiled at Toris.

“Great! I will have him moving in very shortly. They cleaned my parents’ room, right?” Toris nodded. “Sounds good! Carry on, gentlemen!”

Yao was just leaving Francis’ room after hearing about the near death experience that Alfred had just encountered. He’s never had an attempt on his life before and wondered why Alfred was targeted instead of him. He guessed it was a good thing to not be the target of death attempts.

Kiku met up with him in the hall as they went to his room, locking the door behind them. Yao got back into bed, still feeling drained from the ice incident. Kiku kept asking if there was anything he could get for him as he tended to the fire but Yao declined each offer. He was too busy thinking about Ivan, his own position, and what he should do.

“Hey Kiku?”

“Yes, Lord Yao?” Kiku went over to the bed. “Is there something I can get you?”

“No…I just wanted to ask if you have heard anything new about Ivan and Alfred’s wedding?”

“Oh…yes well, Lord Ivan has asked Toris to start a budget for the wedding. But that’s all I’ve heard so far. I’m sorry I don’t know more.”

“It’s okay…I was just wondering. I think I’ll sleep for a little bit…and I don’t want to be disturbed.” Kiku nodded and went to the window to close the shudders.

Yao pulled the covers over his head and let out a sigh, rolling over onto his side. The wedding was eating away at his mind to the point where he had Kiku make him some sleeping potions so he could get through a thoughtless night. Talking with Alfred had eased his mind but it still didn’t change the fact that the young man was going to be a second wife. At this point, competing with Alfred would be a loosing battle. If Ivan were so infatuated with him then nothing he could do would really change his feelings.

He thought back to the time when he had first met Ivan during their courting days at his family’s home. It was all still fresh in his memory.

“Yao, my son! Come down here. Lord Ivan has come courting again!”

His mother called from the bottom of the grand staircase as Yao was slowly making his way down. He could never move fast enough for his parents. Both of them were standing in the center of the main hall with Ivan, dressed in his best lordly purple attire with his sash of badges and pins. Ivan smiled politely at him but the mere sight of the man made him cringe.

Ivan’s reputation for being violent and relentless had traveled far and wide around all the kingdoms. His deeds, some good and cruel, were usually the talk at the dinner tables. He had never lost in any joust or any challenge that came his way. If it weren’t for his frightening moods and violent reputation, he would be the most sought after bachelor in the kingdom.

Yao had had numerous suitors coming to court him but he had always sent them away or drove them to extreme annoyance where they left on their own. He knew they were only courting him for his parents’ titles and lands, not for him. And there was just too much work in talking to these fake men. He couldn’t even pretend to care enough. He just wanted them out of his home so he could get back to his normal life.

When he reached the bottom of the stairs his mother pulled him to the side while his father was discussing something with Ivan. He knew what her words were going to be and he would be able to repeat them in his head as she spoke.

“Now remember Yao, be on your BEST behavior! There are no suitors left for you in the whole kingdom except Ivan! He’s the only one who even agreed to the courting despite you not being a virgin.” Yao had done that to rebel against his parents’ for all the suitors they push on him. He did regret it but at the time it kept many eligible bachelors away from him because he wasn’t ‘pure’. It had been at his schoolhouse during an ‘end of the year’ celebration. There had been ale and wine supplied and he let himself drink until he couldn’t feel anymore. It was just the right time to pick one of his decent schoolmates and couple under the main staircase. At least that way he was able to get back to normal life without marriage proposals and just enjoy himself…until Ivan came along.

“I still don’t see how you can force your only son to go off with an insane and violent man. Don’t you fear for me?”

“You won’t have reason to fear Lord Ivan as long as you are obedient and sweet. You’ve proven time and time again that you are a very sweet boy so please apply it to Ivan! Now change your attitude and put on a nice smile for Lord Ivan! It’s a beautiful day, take him for a tour of the gardens or play a game of chess outside! Go!” She gently nudged him towards Ivan who stopped talking to his father when he saw Yao coming up to him. He turned to face him and gave his best noble bow.

“Lord Ivan…welcome to my home.”

“Lady Yao.” He said simply. “You look very lovely today.” It was springtime so Yao had on one of his pastel green silk robes on with only a few accent beads. He had thought it was rather plain and boring but Lord Ivan wasn’t going to say that.

“Thank you, my lord.” He was trying his best to keep his voice sounding sweet or a least normal. There was a hint of sarcasm behind his voice. Ivan stood back up and folded his arms behind his back.

“Lord Ivan has brought you a present, my son.” Great, it was probably some piece of jewelry or fancy headdress, things that meant absolutely nothing to him. Yao smiled.

“That is very generous of you, Lord Ivan. You may present it to me in the gardens while we share some cream and cakes.”

“A splendid idea!” His mother said proudly. “I will have the servants bring you everything you need! Run along now and have fun!” Ivan smiled and held out his large hand for Yao, who placed his smaller one in his palm. Ivan’s grip was a bit tight but Yao figured it was because the man did not know his own strength.

Yao led him to the gardens, which consisted more of flowering trees than anything. He remembered Ivan loving the white maple blossoms and the dogwood trees. There was a never-ending shower of various petals all around them and Ivan never seemed to mind. His other suitors found them annoying and they were always concerned with keeping their clothing clean. Ivan just let the petals fall atop of him without a care.

They sat at one of the many white iron table sets in the garden by the pond. The servants had brought out two trays, one for tea and cream and the other for cakes. Ivan did not care for tea but enjoyed fresh cream from the dairy cows, especially in the warmer weather. He was even fond of sweets and would eat them greedily, making a mess of his face. Yao would laugh and hand him a cloth napkin to clean himself. In many ways, Ivan came off to him as a really big child who could laugh and play with the simplest thing but also be mean and cruel. Like a child who doesn’t take kindly to being ‘it’ in tag or the first one found in hide and seek.

“Would you like your gift now?” Ivan asked him with a smile, drinking more cream from the teacup.

“Yes, I would. Thank you.” Ivan opened his jacket and reached into a pocket to pull out a wrapped rectangular object. He smiled and handed it to Yao.

“I hope you like it.” Yao carefully undid the ribbon and unfolded the velvet cloth to reveal a book. Yao blinked in surprise, not expecting something like a book. “I noticed when I was allowed in your room you had a lot of philosophy books but saw you did not have this one. I thought you’d be interested in reading it.”

“No suitor has ever given me a book before…”

“But you like books. Who wouldn’t give you them as a gift?” Yao rolled his eyes.

“Many other suitors who don’t like their ‘wives’ to read and be smart. Well I’m not batting my eyelashes and hiding coyly behind a fan. I will speak my mind when I want to. And I don’t do it in a mean manner, I like discussions.”

“As do I.” Ivan smiled brightly and drank more cream. “I would like to politely challenge your intelligence on philosophy, if you wouldn’t mind, Lady Yao?”

“You wish to have an intelligent conversation with me about my ideals and not my title…or what I would bring to a marriage?”

“Nope. I know all that stuff about you already. I want to find out things I don’t know about you. Please do not think I am courting you just for your title and lands, Lady Yao.”

“I know…my parents probably begged and paid you right?”

“Well, they did beg and it was quite revolting really, to see such a high and noble couple begging like paupers for someone to marry their son. I remember thinking to myself when the notion first came up; ‘What could be so bad about the Wang’s that they have to force their son to marry with such haste?’”

“I can tell you.” He said with a snort and crossed his arms. “They’re afraid I won’t be able to control the household titles and land because I’m too ‘book smart’. I bet I could change a LOT of things around here and make them better if I was allowed to! They just want to marry me off so they know someone like THEM will be in control of their precious lands. And as I’m sure you’ve heard, many men have come a courting and all have failed. I hate them and all their false talk and personalities.”

“Ah, yes, I have heard that and I agree with your description of them. Which is why your parents are scraping the bottom of the pan and they found me. You’re quite a tough nut to crack, I’ve heard.” Yao sipped at his tea.

“I just want to mind my own business and make a choice when I feel like it. I’m content being alone right now in my studies and my art.”

“Oh, you like painting?”

“I love it!”

“If it isn’t too much I would love to see some of your work sometime.”

“Finish your cream and then we will go inside and I will share with you.” Yao smiled and finished his own tea.

Yao led Ivan to his special painting room, which was a small little room that looked like it was meant for a special servant or a religious individual. Yao showed him all his paintings and Ivan complimented all of them, particularly liking the ones of flowers and the summer season. They even spoke about philosophy and literature and it was the most fun Yao had had in a long time.

When it came time for Ivan to leave, he did his noble bow and kissed the top of his hand, saying that he would be back another day. His parents were quite pleased with how the courting day went and they congratulated their son immensely. Out of all the suitors, Ivan was the most tolerable one and the smartest. When he had heard talk about Lord Ivan it was always how he was a large dumb brute, a cruel man-child, or at most, a demon.

He did not appear to be those in anyway once you sit down and talk with him. But Ivan did say that he does not like to share company with the other lords and nobles because he wishes to see them ‘screaming and bleeding’ before him. Those words had thrown Yao off a bit as it sounded like Ivan really meant it. Maybe he let himself come off as a big lug because it hid the fact that he was a little…insane? Mad? Off his rocker? Whatever it was, it had put him off. Ivan was full of mysteries and different personalities and Yao had to wonder which one was the real one.

For the next couple of months Ivan had come courting and their times had always been pleasant and carefree. Then came the hardest part…one rainy day in May…Yao knew that Ivan was going to come to propose to him. He had heard from his excited parents that Ivan had agreed to marry their son and was coming to do it properly. Yao just rest his face on his hand as he gazed out his window at the falling rain. Marriage…the one thing he had been dreaded all this time. There was no way out of it, either. It was Ivan now or someone else his parents would pay to marriage him. At least this way he still had some say in his future.

He did not want to marry Ivan, not in the least. Yao enjoyed the man’s company and out of all the suitors Ivan would be the best one to marry. They shared many ideals and points of view, but there was no spark there. Yao knew that arranged marriages could learn to develop into love over time. But what if that didn’t happen for many years and Yao was trapped in the married life? He would be bound to Ivan and the man was very possessive, (or so he’s heard) and would never let him go.

Would Ivan even allow him to do all the things he enjoyed or would he have a complete change in character and make him an obedient plaything? Ivan didn’t appear the type to keep him locked in a room and smother him to death. But he still didn’t know what to expect from Ivan or this marriage. Ivan wanted him to be truthful so he would be! He would tell Ivan his real feelings about how this was only an arranged marriage and nothing else. If Ivan was the type of man Yao hoped he was, Ivan would agree with him.

“And he did.” Yao said out loud to himself.

“Did you say something, Lord Yao?” Kiku asked when he heard Yao speak.

“No…just talking to myself.”

Yao pulled the covers off of his head and turned his body to gaze at the fire. Ivan had been nothing but good to him and given him every opportunity to do just what he wanted. Ivan would let them divorce if Yao asked him for one. A divorce? Yao repeated the word in his head and knew it would be the right thing to do. But something inside him said ‘no’, and he wanted to listen to that feeling.

No, he would not divorce Ivan. Yao was his true wedded wife and even though their marriage was arranged it can grow into love. If Alfred could make Ivan love him then so could Yao. He did not want to challenge Alfred openly, for he did enjoy the man and could see them developing as friends. But not for a long, long time.

Now Yao had to try and think about what it is that Ivan loves about Alfred. One, he was virgin and Ivan got to claim him. His husband was very possessive. Two, Alfred was naïve and pretty and full of spunk. Alfred enjoyed trying to new things and appeared to be just as childish as Ivan at times. Alfred liked to ride horses, Yao didn’t. Alfred liked to play rough, Yao didn’t. Alfred liked sex, Yao was…hesitant. Alfred was loud and merry, filling up the room with laughter and happiness. Yao was content with everyone just getting along and minding their own business, having pleasant conversations with one another.

However, Alfred was also very pushy and obnoxious. While he was loud and friendly, that type of person can grate on peoples’ nerves. Ivan may even tire of Alfred over time. But then again, Alfred’s bubbly personality was something Ivan seemed to be attracted to. From his talks with Toris, he would gather that Ivan found Alfred’s loudness to be refreshing and enjoyable. How was still a mystery to him.

But like Toris also said, Ivan couldn’t have an intelligent conversation with the blue-eyed man like he could. Yao knew how the court was run and the best ways to compromise. Yao could see Alfred offering everyone a drink and making up a stupid fairytale like answer to solve a problem. Alfred still couldn’t read or write and the court would just devour him.

The court. The royal court at the king’s palace would be a battleground for Alfred. While a double marriage was allowed in rare cases (and this was one) it wasn’t popular among the general public. If the Braginski’s weren’t hated enough, they will certainly be hated now. Yao wasn’t popular because he had a lot to say and never liked to mingle with the fickle crowd of nobles. Alfred would probably be better in social situations that he would.

That is, if the nobles ALLOWED Alfred to join them. He knew Toris would tell Alfred to make friends with the other wives and noble lords but Yao had a rough idea on what would happen. Alfred would be ignored or shunned from the cliques because of the double marriage. And to top it off he was a commoner ‘tainting’ their precious world. That thought did tickle his sides as he despised the noble ‘cliques’ and would sit back and watch them go into a frenzy about the ‘lowlife’ that was Alfred coming into the picture.

Yao wondered if Ivan was even THINKING about how the other nobles would act when they met Alfred. In this time of war, Ivan had to have meetings and discussions with other lords and they may refuse an audience with him because of the double marriage. The king may have said ‘yes’ but if over a time he sees the majority disapproves, he can overturn his ruling. Still, Ivan’s fist, iron candle stands, and morning star may say differently. Regardless, Yao knew that Ivan wasn’t thinking about his relationship with the other lords. He probably was more excited to prance Alfred around than think about what will come AFTER that. They all may be seeing “Evil Ivan” after his husband sees what the court will do.

Poor Alfred. Yao knew hard times were ahead for the young man. Yao had to remember that Alfred was nothing but nice to him when they first met, despite the fact they had that little…scuffle. Yao clenched his eyes shut at how childish he had been. He was just too angry and jealous and confused to think straight and the only thing in his mind was to tear that wheat colored hair out. Alfred didn’t hold back either and he was a fighter. Probably coming from where he did fights were common.

When Alfred had first come to his room to be his groom he had treated him harshly, but that was because he knew why Ivan had brought him here. Yao had just gotten over the last ‘mistress’ that Ivan was screwing and the horrible accident that was blamed on him. And just as he was getting over it, his husband thrusts in another mindless beauty. Yao had been furious and he did make things difficult for Alfred who took all the abuse silently.

Well, now things were going to be different. All that was in the past and you shouldn’t dwell on the past but keep moving forward. He would be friendly with Alfred and treat him like he would anybody else. However, Yao did plan to start working towards gaining Ivan’s love. He couldn’t tell if he felt this way just because Alfred came into the picture as a second wife, or he just wanted to be loved by his husband. Ivan had pitied him? Well, he could change that in a very peaceful and subtle way.

No more fights and glares, there was a better way to play this game than sabotaging Alfred. Even if it meant changing himself a bit and letting himself loosen up to Ivan’s interests. It was always in the back of his mind that Ivan was getting bored with him and Yao would just have to rekindle that. It would take some time of course, but he had to try. If he could win Ivan’s heart, then everything would work out. If he didn’t, then he could never say he didn’t try.

Then again…there was still Natalia who stood in their way and she was more dangerous than Ivan. She wouldn’t hesitate to kill them both if she had the chance. Alfred wouldn’t be able to handle someone like her and just out of natural human kindness he couldn’t let Alfred fall prey to her. No one should have to face that tiny little monster if they could help it.

Wait…there was one thing Yao didn’t factor into his ‘winning’ of Ivan’s heart. Sex. His lip went up as he thought about it and knew that was going to be his hardest attribute to compete with. Alfred apparently liked rough sex and Ivan enjoyed giving it. Yao groaned and covered his face with his hands. How was he going to swing that? Sex with Ivan was always uncomfortable because his husband was twice his size and his body was always cold. Perhaps he should ask Francis or Feliks if they had any tips on sex they could give him. That would be an awkward discussion to be having. But if it would help in the battle to win Ivan’s heart then he would do his best to stomach it.

“Kiku!” Yao sat up in the bed and Kiku came over to him.

“Yes?”

“I want you to summon Francis and Feliks to my room. Whenever they get the chance!” Kiku nodded and left to do so.

“Francis? What happened to your face?!” Arthur sat up in the bed when Francis came in, his face mournful and swollen.

“Ivan…”

“With the berries!? Francis, we know it’s not your fault!”

“I-I know…Toris came and explained it to me.”

“Then why did he hit you?!” Francis sat on the bed.

“Because I should have been watching…I left the kitchen and that’s when it all happened. I swore that from now on when I cook I won’t leave the kitchen!”

“That’s ridiculous. He can’t take his anger out on you!”

“Yes he can…and I actually don’t blame him. You and Alfred may have died because of it! I wouldn’t help but feel responsible!” He covered his face with his hands and Arthur wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

“Don’t blame yourself…it was perfectly planned out so you had no way of knowing. We just got lucky this time…well the servant boy wasn’t so lucky. But now we will be more aware of what is happening around us.”

“I don’t know what I would have done if you had died, Arthur…” Arthur was silent for a moment before he moved to hug him.

“But I’m not dead…I’m pretty tough to get rid of.” Francis chuckled at that.

“Will you lay with me tonight?” Francis looked at him. “I won’t try anything but I just want to hold you close to me…I just want to know that you are still here.” Arthur smiled at that and felt his cheek grow slightly warm.

“Sure…I think I can do that. Just keep those hands in one place.” He teased.

“Yes love.”

Francis wrapped his whole body around Arthur and pulled him close, falling asleep the moment his head hit the pillow. Arthur could tell he was exhausted from the day’s events. Normally he wouldn’t accept this but Francis’ stupidly sweet words got to him. He was almost as bad as Alfred with the sweet talk. Alfred…he wondered how he was doing. Ivan had taken him to his new ‘room’ and Arthur knew Alfred would be alone and scared. There was nothing he could do about it now…and Francis needed him now just as much as Alfred did.

“I’m here Francis…” He said softly and kissed his forehead.

Meanwhile, Ivan had taken a still shaken up Alfred to his parents’ room. He was hoping it would get Alfred’s mind off of what had happened today. Ivan knew he would have to have a long talk with Alfred about what was going on and how he should be careful. If Ivan couldn’t do a good job explaining things to Alfred to calm his fears then he would have to let Toris or Arthur give it a try.

“Here it is, are you ready to see your new room?” Ivan smiled and him and Alfred gave him a small smile in return.

“Yes…I can’t wait.”

“This is a room fit for a lord’s wife.”

Ivan opened the door and let Alfred walk into the room. Alfred looked all around in awe at the new things before him. Everything had been changed, right down to the bed spread and canopy! Many of his mother’s things were neatly placed on the vanity for him to use. He went to the wardrobe and saw all the clothes from the trunk were hung up along with some other ones he hadn’t seen before. Ivan watched with a smile as Alfred ran to the window and opened it, looking out at the woods before him. There was even a reading chair next to the window with a small table beside it.

“It’s beautiful, Ivan! Are you sure all this is mine?” Ivan nodded.

“Yes, it’s all for you. We will be spending our wedding night here...where we will be making love.” He wrapped his arms around Alfred’s waist, pulling him close. “I promise I will not touch you after this moment until our wedding night. I want it to be special…I want to remember it.”

“I can’t wait for our wedding, Ivan…but I have to admit I am a little nervous. I think it’s catching up with me and after what happened today…”

“Sh. Let me explain.” He picked Alfred up and sat them both on the bed. He carefully explained to Alfred what they had thought had happened. Alfred looked ready to cry and he started to tremble.

“Ivan…I was so happy at first but now…now I’m scared! Marrying you would mean that people would want to kill me!”

“No, no love. Not necessarily. Listen to me, as nobles, there is always someone after us for a majority of reasons. I will have a personal taster that will taste all our food before we eat it. Francis will make sure to not leave the kitchen when he is cooking. But I promise you that we will be all right. Gilbert will have all the guards posted around the castle. I don’t want you to worry about anything but our wedding.”

“But Ivan, I almost DIED today! I can’t stop thinking about that!”

“Alfred, listen to me. It’s over with now! There is nothing you can do about it right now so stop fretting! Tomorrow you will be spending most of the day with Feliks and getting your wedding attire sewn. It is quite a journey to the king’s palace and we need to get that taken care of. I’m going to have Toris come in to talk to you about the royal court, how you should act, and what to expect. That should get your mind off things.”

“But I-“ Ivan pressed his lips to Alfred’s, giving him a deep kiss before pulling away.

“There is nothing you can do about it now. Try and forget what happened today. Do you want your brother to sleep with you tonight? I want to wait until our wedding night to share this bed with you. Would you feel comfortable if your little Mattie was here?” Alfred nodded.

“Yes…Yes I would. But-“

“Do not ask me about Arthur. He cannot stay with you. I know he offers you fatherly protection but I don’t trust him with you.” Alfred looked down but nodded.

“Yes Ivan…I understand. I’ll just have Mattie sleep with me tonight…I wish I could have you though.” Ivan smiled and kissed him again, pushing his tongue past Alfred’s lips. Alfred moaned softly and rests his hands on Ivan’s shoulders. Ivan slipped his hand down to slide into Alfred’s leggings and palm his crotch. Alfred broke the kiss and let out a moan as he was touched and fondled. “Ahh…Ivan…” he moaned his name and let himself be kissed again, wrapping his arms around his neck this time.

“My Winter Rose…” Ivan whispered against his lips, stroking him into full hardness before removing his hand. Alfred whined and thrust his hips forward, seeking more of the pleasure.

“W-why did you stop?” Ivan smirked.

“To let you keep thinking of me and when we make love on our wedding night. I promise to be ever so gentle with you…to caress you like you were a precious piece of porcelain in my hands. I will worship every part of your body and mark it as mine. You need to belong to me…I need to own you.” Alfred looked at him, slightly confused.

“Own me?”

“If I don’t put some kind of ownership claim on you, I fear you will be taken from me. As a wife you will have legal protection…as a mistress you are fair game. I will not have you taken from me.” He gripped Alfred’s wrists tightly, making him cry out. “You are mine and the world will know it.”

“I-Ivan please! You’re hurting me!” Ivan let go of his wrists and Alfred rubbed them.

“I’m sorry…sometimes I get carried away with the things I care about.” He smiled and kissed his forehead.

“C-can you send Toris in now?”

“Toris has a lot of work to do today. Tomorrow I will send him in. Now please get some rest. I will send for your brother to stay with you. Rest well, my Winter Rose.” He kissed his forehead. “Come now, give me a smile?” Alfred gave him a small one and Ivan chuckled softly. “That is better than nothing. You’ll feel better in the morning. Goodnight, my love.”

“Goodnight Ivan.”

Alfred said softly and watched him go, closing the door. Alfred went to the door and locked it right away, fearing that whoever tried to kill would come into his room. He then went to the wardrobe and took out a nightshirt, quickly undressing and putting it on. He added more wood to the fire to keep the room warm before he crawled into the bed. The bed was fluffy and soft, unlike anything he had felt and he knew he would sleep well on it.

However, his mind was plagued by doubts and fears once again. Ivan didn’t do much to ease his pains or his worries. He could have if Ivan would share his bed, but he wouldn’t. And he couldn’t have Arthur to comfort him either. Matthew would be better than nothing, but he couldn’t protect Alfred from the monsters under his bed or worse, the ones haunting his mind. He kept picturing dark figures trying to kill him in various ways. First he feared for his life from Ivan and Yao, and now he had to fear outside people as well.

“Why would they want to hurt me? Why?”

Alfred whispered to himself, staring out the window from the bed. He thought back to the farm and how happy he had been there. Sure, times were hard and they were struggling to make ends meet, but the five of them were happy. Never did they have to worry about someone trying to kill them. The tax collectors would bully them but very rarely did they kill.

“Am I doing the right thing?”

Alfred sighed out, looking at the gray night sky. Hopefully Toris would have more answers for him tomorrow. Ivan seemed to rely a lot on Toris and what he does so he would have better answers. Still, he feared that what Toris could tell him would not ease all his worries. He remembered Arthur complaining about the nobles and the aristocracy that was destroying the kingdom…and now he would be part of that.

“Alfie?” Matthew’s voice came from behind the door and he knocked. “Alfie it’s me, can I come in?”

“One minute.” Alfred got up and opened the door to let Matthew in, locking it again behind them. Ivan had placed a guard at the bottom of the short steps and that gave Alfred some relief. Matthew was already dressed in his nightshirt, having come from Gilbert’s room.

“Brother…I know you are afraid. I’m afraid too.” Matthew held the bear tight and looked at Alfred sadly. “I’m scared for you. I’m scared for all of us.”

“I am too…but we’ll be okay.” Alfred smiled at him, not wanting his brother to worry too much. “Lets go to bed, it’s a cold night.”

Ivan was heading for his own bedroom when a door opened up nearby and it caught his attention.

“Ivan?” Ivan turned to see Yao standing at his doorway wearing one of the nightdresses he had bought for him as a wedding present.

“I haven’t seen you in that since our wedding night.” Ivan smiled and went over to him. “It still looks lovely on you.”

“Thank you, Ivan.” Yao smiled back.

“Is there something you needed? Or do you wish to talk more about our last conversation?” Yao shook his head.

“No…I think we’re past all that. I was just hoping that…well…I’m a bit frightened by what happened today and I was wondering if you would share my bed tonight?”

“Yao? You’ve never been one to scared of things like this.”

“I know…but since it was just so close to home…I guess it struck me. If it can happen to Alfred then it could happen to me as well. Please Ivan?”

“I can’t say ‘no’ when you are asking so nicely. Of course I will share you bed tonight.” Ivan entered the room and bent down to kiss his cheek. “Am I still allowed to kiss you?”

“Yes, you’re still my husband.” Ivan smiled at him before going over to the fire to through more wood in.

“So you wish to stay with me? Are you absolutely sure, Yao? Don’t feel pressured into anything.”

“Yes, I am staying with you because I think we can give this another shot. I thought long and hard about it and I want to see where things lead. I’m content to share you with Alfred. Just think about how pissed my parents will be when they find out. If they haven’t found out already.”

Ivan laughed and put the poker down from the fire and went over to Yao. Yao shrieked a bit when Ivan picked him up against him. Yao rest his hands on Ivan’s shoulders to keep from accidently being thrown over Ivan’s head.

“You are just so cute! I really thought you would be on the next carriage out of here but I am thrilled that you are staying!”

“But you do have Alfred.”

“True, but I also don’t want to loose you to your parents. I said I would support anything you choose but I really wouldn’t want you going back to them. I don’t mind having you here with me Yao. I told you I care for you and if I really, REALLY didn’t feel anything for you I would divorce you. But I don’t want to. I enjoy having you with me. Maybe our passion for one another isn’t as strong as mine is for Alfred, but that doesn’t mean something isn’t there. For you to accept this double marriage Yao just means the world to me! I can make both you and Alfred happy while pleasing myself as well.”

“So you want to have your cake and eat it too?” Yao smiled and Ivan smirked.

“Aren’t you doing the same? Freedom, power, security…a little shit on the side, but other than that, you’ve got it made, love. Free to voice your ideas and read until your eyes bleed and have me at your beck and call whenever you want! If you didn’t want that, you wouldn’t be here in my arms right now.” ‘And I may just win.’ Yao said to himself.

“Ivan, husband, you talk too much. Alfred rubbing off on you already?”

“Hey now, that’s going too far there!” he mock growled and carried Yao over to the bed, laying him down.

He stripped down to his undershirt before climbing in with his first wife. Ivan was surprised when Yao cuddled into him. Yao never liked to snuggle with him because his body was cold but now he didn’t seem to care. Ivan looked at Yao’s face and noticed how much more calm and relaxed it was. He wrapped his arm around Yao’s thin waist and it was the same as Alfred’s. Yao was shorter though than Alfred and he could say his second wife was really all leg. Ivan held the petite body tighter to his, feeling Yao snort in discomfort but he couldn’t help it.

As of now, he was very ecstatic and thrilled with how things have played out. Tomorrow he would be married to his Winter Rose and still keep his Yao out of the clutches of the kingdom. He had always hated how Yao was being haggled back and forth by his parents and being forced to do something he didn’t want to do. Ivan knew how hard Yao was trying right now and he was both pleased and surprised by it and Yao needed something in return.

He had already thought ahead. He did feel a little guilty about marrying Alfred knowing it hurt Yao’s feelings but he would try to make it up to him. He planned on taking Yao with them to the palace because he wanted to give Yao a gift of title. The king was always looking for more people to employ and he knew he would be able to find one suitable for Yao. Whether Yao wanted the position or not Ivan thought it would be a nice gesture anyway. It would give Yao more to do about the castle and feel more involved with the country. It was the least he could do for how accepting Yao is of all this. Ivan knew what Yao’s true intensions were and if they came to be, then so be it.

“Mmm…orange blossom. It’s always been your favorite.”

“Do you like it?” Yao asked him.

“I do.” Ivan buried his nose in his hair. “I’ve always enjoyed eating oranges in the summer.” He purred and it tickled the top of Yao’s head, making him laugh.

“Are you suggesting that you want to eat me? It’s not summer here, you know.”

“I can make it feel like summer.” Ivan purred again and moved to lay on top of him. He felt a tremor travel through Yao’s body and he gave him a kiss on the forehead. “I won’t do anything, love. Not unless you want it. I’ve never forced you and never will. I actually just want to go on an orange hunt.” Yao raised an eyebrow.

“An orange hunt?”

“Yes! I smell so many oranges on this bed that there are bound to be some under the covers.” Yao couldn’t help but laugh.

“You’re in a playful mood tonight!” Yao smiled at him as Ivan disappeared under the covers.

The next morning, Toris was up early with Ivan going over the wedding plans as well as a few more important documents (which Toris knew Ivan was previously neglecting). Ivan had wanted a very small ceremony, inviting only his sisters, Toris himself, and Arthur and Matthew. Ivan asked Toris if he thought Yao would like to come and Toris gave a him a strict ‘no’, which Ivan calmly agreed to. When he was done with Ivan, he then proceeded to Alfred’s new room to talk to him there. Matthew was just coming out of the room and he bowed to Toris as he passed him.

“Alfred, can I come in?” Toris asked.

“Yes, please do.” Toris entered the room and closed the door, seeing Alfred sitting by the window in a fur robe. He wasn’t even dressed yet.

“Good morning, Alfred.” Toris folded his hands behind his back. “Ivan said we have a few things to talk about?”

“Yes! Come over here and sit.”

“Don’t say it like that. You should say ‘Would you like to have a seat’?” Toris smiled.

“Oh…right. Um, would like to have a seat?” Toris nodded and sat down opposite of him.

“Have you been reviewing your words?”

“Yes I have, but I don’t care about that right now! Toris, you have to help ease my worries! Ivan tried but he didn’t do a good job!” Alfred looked at him desperately.

“Alright, I will do my best to ease your fears. I know you are troubled by what happened yesterday.”

“Yes I am. Ivan thinks that it’s people from the outside, his enemies, trying to kill me!” Toris nodded.

“I see why he would think that. Alfred, I’m not sure if this will ease your fears or make things worse…but I doubt it’s someone ‘outside’. All I can say is this: Be wary of the people INSIDE the castle.” Alfred’s eyes widened. “You don’t have to suspect any of your friends, and you don’t even need to think it is Yao. I promise you he has nothing to do with it. Just be alert from now on, take note of your surroundings, and keep a watchful eye on people. I can assure you that this person will not attempt something again any time soon. If you keep your eyes open…you’ll probably be able to spot whom. That’s what we’re doing.” He couldn’t tell Alfred that he suspects, no, KNOWS that it was Natalia. He just hoped that Alfred would have enough sense to put the pieces together.

“A-are you sure I don’t have to worry for awhile? As long as I keep my eyes opened?” Toris nodded.

“And I strongly suggest getting over this fear for your sake. You will be married tomorrow and Ivan expects a happy bride.”

“T-Tomorrow? So soon?”

“Well, Feliks was ordered to work all day and night on your outfit. He should be coming soon to get you fitted. Ivan wants to own you as soon as possible. It will be a very small ceremony. His sisters will be there, as well as your brother, Arthur, and myself. Ivan has agreed to let Arthur give you away to him.”

“Oh…that’s nice of him.” Alfred knew that would break Arthur’s heart. Arthur would probably hold on to him so tight that Ivan would have to pry him from the man’s arms. “Hey Toris? Ivan said last night that he wanted to marry me so he could own me. I thought he was marrying me because he was falling in love with me.”

“Ivan is a very hard man to read. Believe it or not, I don’t think Ivan even knows himself. I will say that he cares very strongly for you. Is it love? It may very well be. Ivan has a hard time expressing himself in words. But I can tell you that he is more smitten with you than he was with Yao. He cares for Yao but not like he does for you. You just came in and took over…like a storm.”

“That wasn’t my plan though! I just wanted to make some money to help pay taxes! I didn’t know I was going to be marrying a lord! When he proposed to me on that night…he was a whole different person. I thought I could save everyone now being married to Ivan and I myself can be happy.”

“Ivan can go from one extreme to the next. That is why he has been so successful in his career. He can be fiercely loyal yet cruel and unforgiving. He makes a VERY powerful ally but a deadly enemy. Ivan didn’t get to his ‘highest ranking lord’ title by being ‘nice’. He’s done many cruel things to scare his way to the top.”

“What has he done?”

“I don’t think you need to know all about Ivan’s history.”

“Please…just tell me. W-What did he do to win the title of a king’s favorite?” Toris sighed.

“Well, Ivan was a war general before he became a lord and he completely destroyed an entire colony of anarchists and gangs who were rebelling against the king. Ivan and his army were the only ones that answered to the call to protect the kingdom and they did. The king wanted the all the rebels dead to show that it was not wise to rebel against your king. No lords were willing to send their armies to massacre the rebels’ camp, but Ivan did.

“Not one person was left alive…it was a bloodbath…you couldn’t even walk there without the ground being wet with blood. Ivan tracked down the leaders and…well…lets just say he tortured the life out of them and brought pieces of their bodies, as well as their heads, back to the palace. What frightened everyone was how he was calmly carrying the heads and smiling…all three were threaded through a chain and slung over his shoulder, like he was just carrying a traveling sack. The king proudly put the parts on display in the town center as a warning to all. And to be honest, I think the battle that day was the beginning of this war.”

“So that’s how he got to where he is now? By massacring rebels?” Alfred’s hands started to tremble because he was a rebel in term. He hated the war and voiced it proudly that day on the farm when their cow was killed for it. Alfred disagreed with the war and that was disagreeing with your king! ‘Heed Arthur’s warnings and keep your big fucking mouth SHUT, Alfred!’ He told himself.

“Yes, just one of the ways. The king basically uses him to threaten others, which annoys me to no end. And Ivan LOVES it. He loves having people fear him. The king might as well just say ‘Do as your told or I’ll set Lord Braginski on you’. Childish to say the least. But Ivan looks at it like all fun and games.”

“That’s it…I’m dead.” Alfred slammed his head on the table.

“What makes you say that?”

“One slip up and I will be burned at the stake or impaled on a post!” Toris started to laugh.

“By Ivan? No no, I highly doubt that. Where did you get those ideas?” Alfred looked at him and gave him a quick rundown of his nightmare and how Natalia had matched it with her story. “Alfred, I can assure you that Ivan would NEVER kill you. I can’t lie to you and say you won’t anger him but if you piss him off enough you will get a sound beating. Besides, do you know what is INVOLVED with sending people to the pyre or to the noose?” Alfred gulped and shook his head.

“Before I worked with Ivan I was a judge on the king’s council. I was the one who signed the papers for the person’s death after their crimes were interrogated and found guilty. But before I could sign it, I needed approval from the king for the type of death that was suggested. The king would ask his private council and go from there. My point in telling you this is that Ivan would have to submit a whole paper to the court to get it approved to burn you if say, you cheated on him. I can promise you that the council will vote it down just to get back at him. And Ivan can’t touch the king’s personal councilors. So don’t worry about it.”

“But what if he does it without the king’s permission?” Alfred had tears in his eyes.

“He won’t. I promise you, he won’t. Right now he sees you as a precious golden treasure that he must have and own. He cares about you too much to kill you. Both Feliks and I have seen a change in Ivan since you’ve come here. He won’t kill you. Ever. He’ll beat the shit out of you, but he won’t kill you. And Yao would never turn around and send you to death, he’s not like that.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Like I said, be worried about some others INSIDE this castle. They are the ones who will REALLY do you harm. Besides, you could never do anything horrible enough for Ivan to want to kill you. And I’m sure Feliks has told you this but if you keep up what you are doing and win Ivan over you would never have to worry about a thing. You’ve already gotten him infatuated with you…you’re halfway there. And it’s too late to back out now.”

“So…win his love and I’ll be safe?”

“Yes. You’re already winning his heart. It’s so weird to say that but you are. If anyone takes you or tries to do you harm, rest assure Ivan will kill them.”

“I know…he promised me on that special night. I want more nights like that…the peaceful one that we shared. I saw a whole other side to him and I like that side!”

“He does have a good side, you just have to know how to find it. If you learn how to find it you can have that side of him all the time.” Alfred smiled at that.

“Yeah…”

“Listen, perk up because you have too. Once you are next to Ivan exchanging your vows all your worries will leave you. He has a beautiful wedding night planned, or rather I planned, for you and him. You’re going to love it, trust me. If Ivan is happy then all of us our happy, got it?”

“Yes, thank you, Toris. You’ll see a different Alfred tomorrow!” Alfred grinned.

“Good. Keep up with your studies then. And remember everything I said. I hope I have helped ease your fears?”

“Yes, you did. A lot. It’s just all…overwhelming.” Toris nodded in agreement with him and exited the room. Feliks was just coming up to get Alfred for a fitting and he smacked Toris’ ass as he passed him. “Don’t you know how to properly address your superiors?” Toris teased and Feliks winked at him over his shoulder.

“There’s like, only one superior I address like that at all. Consider yourself lucky.” Toris continued on with a light smile, thinking about Feliks when a servant came up to him.

“Excuse me, Sir Toris. There is a scout here to see Lord Ivan. Lord Ivan can’t be found right now so he said he could relay the message to you.”

“A scout?” Toris looked raised brow as he remembered the one Ivan sent out to the farm with money. “Oh, that one. Yes, take me to him.” Toris followed the servant to his office where the scout was waiting.

“Sir Toris, I’m afraid I have some grave news.” Toris folded his hands behind his back.

“Speak.”

“I went to the farm, sir, the one off of Locus Road like Lord Ivan said. When I got there, the place was completely burnt to the ground! The enemy army seemed to have retreated that way, just destroying everything in their path. The poor buildings near the forest road were also burnt.”

“Oh no…” Toris let out a breath, fearing how this news would hit Alfred. “Did you find any bodies at the farm?” Toris asked softly and the scout shook his head.

“None sir, only dead animals. I searched through the rubble and found nothing. Upon going back to the city, I noticed the slave traders were everywhere! Most of the cities good inhabitants had fled, now only the gangs, pimps, and slumlords gather there until order is set once again. If there weren’t any bodies, then I strongly assume that the slave traders picked up the men there.”

“Shit…I’ll let Lord Ivan know. Thank you. You can return the money on the desk.”

The scout did so and Toris dismissed him. This was bad…Alfred is going to flip out…and he couldn’t have that, not with the wedding a day away. It would have to wait until after the wedding and wedding night. If Alfred knows now then he will want to rush off to the city and it isn’t safe there now. Besides, he couldn’t even be sure if they WERE picked up by slave traders. They may have escaped or they may be dead.

Toris went to his desk and fished around in the drawers for one of Kiku’s upset stomach medicine. He let out a sigh when he found one and chugged it down. When he finished he sat in his chair and slammed his head on the desk.

“Maybe I should just start drinking…”

End Chapter 18 TBC
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A Storm of Sunflowers