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White Crimson	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1109 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
***Warning: Language, hunting

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter 18 Part 2

"Roderich, should you have said that to Ludwig?" Elizaveta asked him when they had stopped to rest their horses a moment. "Aren't you worried he might do something drastic?"

Roderich nodded. "Yes, I am fully aware of that." He scratched behind the horses' ear. "That is my plan."

"I'm afraid I don't understand."

"This is a test of Ludwig's control." Roderich turned his horse so they were now facing each other.

"Currently, Ludwig is a threat to our plan. Every day he grows closer and closer to Gilbert. I fear he may lead Gilbert astray, or pull our friend into something that will destroy all we have worked for. He is wary of me, and has a lot to say about my plans and procedures. I have full faith in Gilbert's loyalty and trust towards me, but I don't need that man feeding him commoner's logic either."

Elizaveta looked in the direction of the castle. "So you fear that Gilbert will choose to listen to Ludwig rather than to you?"

"That is part of it, yes. If Ludwig finds the right passage to the royal chamber and sees what could be happening, he may act out violently. If that ends up being the case, and something happens, then he will be put to death. When I said I wouldn't be able to save him from the noose, I really meant it would be me writing up his death warrant."

Green eyes looked upon him with worry. "But what if Ludwig kills the king? Gilbert will not sign his death warrant, you know that!"

"I do, and I've thought of that already. Should that be the case, I will have to remove Ludwig another way. We can't afford to have some passion play and jealousy tear apart everything we have worked for. If Ludwig controls himself and all is well, then I will give him my full blessing and friendship. After the king is properly killed, of course."

"Roderich?" She sighed heavily. "Forget it. It's nothing. I wish you wouldn't do this."

He inched his horse closer to hers. "Lizzy, I'm doing this all for us. For me, you, Gilbert, and everyone else. Why should one man destroy the hope and hard work of so many? Let us hope that the brute controls himself. He's more useful to us alive than dead, but like any dog, he has to know when to obey his master."

/

Ludwig wandered the secret halls with his torch held out in front to light his path. He had a rough idea of where the king's royal chambers were along the walls. It was just the matter of finding the right hidden door. At each one he came across, Ludwig would stand with his ear against the wall and listen for Gilbert's voice. It had taken at least three tries until the next door he came upon had the loud roaring laughter of Queen Gilbert. Ludwig's brow twitched, shocked that he could actually hear that obnoxious laughter through stone walls. However, if Gilbert was laughing like that then they must not be doing anything sexual. Quietly, Ludwig leaned his ear against the door and listened.

"And the queen takes control of the board again! You put up a valiant fight, your majesty, but it is clear on who the king is during our chess games!"

'They're playing chess? That's why Gilbert can't come out of the room? He's playing GAMES?' Ludwig rubbed the bridge of his nose. The king was speaking softly, so softly that Ludwig could not make out what he was saying. Gilbert, on the other hand, was nothing but loud.

"You don't have to worry about any assassination attempts against me, your majesty. I'll just have more guards around me and wear more armor when I go out into the city. Why would I want to leave you and our kingdom?" Ludwig frowned. The king softly responded, but he could not hear. "No, don't worry about that. You see, ever since I took the chance and tried to understand your god, the happier I've been! Soon everyone in the realm will be at peace as we continue to spread the word."

'Gilbert, you are lying straight through you teeth, yet you sound truly sincere.' Ludwig began to feel those familiar doubts again about Gilbert's true feelings to him. 'He plays the role of a tender, caring lover so well. No, don't think that way, Ludwig. Gilbert has proven that he cares for you on numerous occasions. He is just trying to get close enough to the king for an easier killing.

"Your majesty, I think you need some rest. You're overly stressed and tired. I still think it was silly of you to go out and get me such marvelous gifts!"

'Gift!' Ludwig slapped a hand to his face. He had meant to get Gilbert a special gift of his own. 'Damn, now what am I going to get him? It's too late in the city for anything to be opened.'

"Don't worry about me tomorrow! I love going on hunts! It's nothing new to me. I'll have our guards, a few lords, and Ludwig, of course. I'll be perfectly safe. And I bet I can snag the largest boar or stag you've ever seen!"

'A hunt? Huh, I've never been on a royal hunt before. And only Gilbert is going, not the king.' Ludwig moved away from the door with a sigh. 'They aren't having sex…only playing games and talking. The king really is nothing more than a young boy who needs constant reassurance. Best to just leave them be. I will only cause trouble if nothing is going on.'

Turning from the door, Ludwig walked back through the halls and out into the snowy night. He carried the torch all the way to the barracks. As he approached the main door, he noticed one of the soldiers standing outside and the man waved him over. Ludwig raised a brow and went to the man, holding the torch up to give them both light. "Is everything alright?"

"There's been some trouble in the barracks this night." The soldier started. "Some of the Royal Guards came in and insisted on having a meal and drinks with all of us. In truth, they ate most of our food on purpose and drank nearly an entire barrel of ale!"

"What does this have to do with me?" Ludwig asked him. "Am I to go and speak with these guards? My words will have little use against them."

"That's not it, Sir Ludwig. It's more or less the way they treated our serving boys and kitchen workers."

"Are they well? What about Feliciano? Is he alright?"

"I'm out here waiting for you to tell you about that. One of the Royal Guards got a bit rough with him."

"Rough how?"

The man fixed his hood. "He got backhanded for not bringing out another bowl of soup fast enough. The Royal Guard hadn't taken off his armored glove either. Currently, Feli's in your bed and asleep. He was scared out of his wits and some of the kitchen staff helped to clean him up. We know the two of your are…close…so I thought you should know."

Ludwig nodded. "I appreciate you telling me. Are the Royal Guards still here?"

"No, they left a short while ago. Good thing, too. All they do is belittle us and destroy our living areas. You are close with the king and queen. Maybe you should let them know what their Royal Guards are doing."

"I agree. I will speak to the king and queen tomorrow before the royal hunt. If you'll excuse me, I must see to Feliciano. Thank you." Ludwig entered the barracks and placed the torch back onto the wall. He saw some of the soldiers fixing benches and tables. The Royal Guards indeed trashed the place on purpose. Some of the men stopped to greet him, and Ludwig only gave a little nod in response.

Upon entering his room, he saw a small lump under the blanket. Ludwig approached the bed quietly and looked down to see a sleeping Feliciano curled up under the covers. The only part of him Ludwig could see was the brown hair. Gently, he moved the sheet down to see the damage to Feliciano's face. A large bruise and busted lip were on the left side of Feliciano's face. Ludwig had been hit with an armored hand before, and its mark could last for many weeks. At least word about their 'relationship' was getting around.

"mmm…" Feliciano moved a bit and opened his eyes. "Ludwig?"

"It's only me, don't be worried."

"LUDWIG!" He jumped up and hugged him tightly around the neck.

Ludwig couldn't help but hug him back. "I will talk to the king and queen tomorrow about what they did. They will be punished."

Feliciano was trembling against him as he nodded. "O-Okay…I was so scared, Ludwig!"

"I know. They're a group of overpaid bullies." He gently unwrapped Feliciano's arms from around his neck. "You can sleep in the bed tonight. I'll sleep on the floor."

"But why?"

"I want to make sure no one wanders in. Those guards may come back, and I want to be ready for them if they do." Ludwig took off his sword from the belt and sat on the floor, using the bed to rest against his back. He laid the sword in his lap. "Go back to sleep now. I'll keep you safe."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I'm very sure. I'm sorry this happened to you, but I was busy elsewhere."

Feliciano gave a little smile. "O-Okay…goodnight, Ludwig."

"Goodnight Feli. Try to sleep well."

Ludwig moved the sword to rest it against his shoulder and lowered his head to fall asleep. The floor was cold, but after the night Feliciano had, the young man deserved a warm bed. Ludwig had slept outside on the rocks and ground during down time on the battlefield, so he was accustomed to uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. Yet sleep came quickly to him.

/

Gilbert pulled his leather glove so it fit snuggly on his hand. He was dressed in his new hunting gear that the king had brought him. But it was not the only gift he had been given. The king also bought him some new furs and a sword. Today, however, he carried a bow and arrow rather than a sword. He planned on making a large kill and having it feasted on tonight before the mid-winter jousting tournament. Each year around the same time in winter, King Fredrick hosted a jousting tournament for all young knights and lords. Gilbert, for many winters, preformed the joust and the duel that came after. Every year he had won, but this year, now that he was the queen, he may not be able to participate. He would like to, but it all depended on the mental state of his husband. Through their long talks, Gilbert began to realize just how mentally troubled and stressed the young boy was. Whether it was from the stress of being king so young or a birth defect, it still didn't change the fact that he was losing his mind. It had bothered him at first, and he found himself doing whatever he could to calm his husband. He felt more like a big brother rather than a 'wife', but if anything, the king has his full trust now.

'He may even be better off dead, what with his mental state. No wonder he's done such horrible things to my people. He's whacky.' Gilbert thought with a sigh as he approached his horse and hunting party. He grinned when he saw that his two friends received his message of the hunt. "Lord Francis and Lord Antonio! My two favorite whores!" He threw his arms out. "Thank you for coming!"

Francis held a small bundle of dried lavender to his nose in a delicate manner. "I see you've hopped off your husband's lap to finally join us. How rude you are to be late for your OWN hunt!"

"I'm fashionably late! At least I don't look like a dummy that just fell out of a tailor's store. Antonio!" He smiled mockingly at the other on the horse.

Antonio just laughed. "You're just jealous because I'm always the first to buy the clothes after Francis prances around in them."

Francis flipped his hair back. "What can I say? Everyone wants to be just like me."

Gilbert rolled his eyes with a smirk. "When we need lessons on herbal face masks, we'll come to you!"

"Hm. Such ruffians! Let's get on with this hunt, then! I could use a new pelt for my shoulders." Francis said proudly ad Gilbert countered him.

"The last thing you need is another fucking pelt, Francis. You have enough of them to clothe the city!" Francis scoffed and Antonio laughed.

As Gilbert got onto his horse, he looked around for Ludwig, wondering what was keeping him. The stable boy came running and said that Ludwig had come, but had someone with him. Raising a curious brow, Gilbert saw Ludwig walking up to them, with someone cowering behind. Gilbert recognized the brown curl immediately peeking out from Ludwig's back, and his lip when up a bit in a sneer. He cleared his throat and sat tall upon his horse. "Sir Ludwig. You are late."

"Apologies, your majesty. But I have my friend and 'lover', Feliciano, here. I would like him to accompany us on our hunt today."

Gilbert frowned. "Why is that? He is a steward. He belongs cooking food for our soldiers, not riding about with the elites on a hunt."

Ludwig forced Feliciano out from behind him and lifted the man's face for Gilbert to see the bruise. "This is why I want him to come with us. He was abused last night by one of the Royal Guards."

Francis gasped. "Who could strike such a sweet little face?"

"He looks like a little puppy!" Antonio pouted.

"Your majesty, I rather him not be here alone without me should those Royal Guards come back." Ludwig said firmly. "I also request those guards being punished for ransacking the barracks, especially the one who struck my lover."

'Don't say 'lover'. Even though I know it's all an act, I still don't want you referring to anyone as 'lover' except me.' "Why should I? Feliciano is obviously fine. He wasn't beaten bloodied or raped. How do I know he wasn't provoking the Royal Guards?"

Ludwig glared at him, and Antonio gave Gilbert a raspberry. "I'm a noble lord," Antonio started "and I wouldn't mess around with those bullies you call 'guards'."

"Yes, my winter lily, be merciful to your underlings." Francis chimed in, taking another delicate sniff of his herbs.

'Oh, believe me. Once the king is dead, those Royal Guards will all be put to death. There will be no Royal Guards when I take the throne.' "Very well. Give me the names of the Royal Guards and I will see them punished for their unprofessional behavior and misuse of their authority. Does that please you, Sir Ludwig?" He smiled.

"It does."

Feliciano bowed his head. "T-Thank you, your majesty."

"You're welcome." Gilbert cleared his throat. "Find my private guard a horse!" He turned back to Ludwig. "You can't ride with Feliciano. Your main job is to protect me, and you can't do that with someone holding onto you. Let Feliciano ride with another."

"Me! Me!" Antonio waved his arms happily. "He may ride with me in the front! Come on up, then!"

Feliciano looked nervous, but Ludwig silently assured him that it would be fine. He brought Feliciano over to Antonio's horse and helped the smaller man up onto the saddle. Antonio sat him in the front and helped to secure him with his arms and the reigns. "There, a perfect fit!" Antonio laughed.

Ludwig got onto his horse and walked it over to Gilbert's. He leaned over and whispered, "I like you dressed like this."

Gilbert gave a little smirk. "As do I." He gave Ludwig a quick wink when no one was looking. "Now, let's go wreak havoc in the woods!"

/

Ludwig still could not get over just how many people came on a royal hunt. Not only were their average guards, but banner men as well. Next to them were a couple of stable hands and a servant or two. How could one hunt an animal with so many people around? The only thing about this part that made sense were the tracking hounds. Ludwig could no longer remain quiet, so he turned to Gilbert and asked, "why are there so many people?"

"This is how a royal hunt is usually performed. Being a queen, or king, I need to always have an entourage. Guards for protection, lords for friendship and witnesses, and servants to tend to me whenever I want. There is even a physician in case someone is hurt. However, I am the only one who actually does the hunting." He grinned. "Once there is an animal in sight, I will track after it until it is killed. You are welcomed to come with me when an animal is spotted."

"This all seems fairly stupid."

Gilbert chuckled. "You'll enjoy the picnic later."

Ludwig frowned. "There is snow on the ground."

"So? We have blankets, and everyone is dressed warm enough. I want to have a picnic, that's that."

"YOUR MAJESTY! A STAG!" Shouted one of the guards.

"I see it! Ludwig, follow me!" He shouted a command to the dogs that chased after the stag with himself and Ludwig riding close behind. "We're gaining on it!"

Ludwig didn't like how far they were getting from the hunting party following this stag. He looked over and saw Gilbert preparing his bow and arrow. The man was very balanced and skilled to fire an arrow on horseback. Gilbert missed the first shot and cursed under his breath before readying another arrow. But in an instant, everything changed. Ludwig didn't know what happened, but Gilbert's horse suddenly panicked and reared violently. Gilbert was bucked off the horse and landed on the ground. Ludwig pulled his horse to a violent halt and leapt off, hissing when he accidently landed on his bad leg.

The pain shot up his leg but it did not stop him from reaching Gilbert's fallen form. "Gilbert!" He fell to the ground beside him. "Gilbert! Gilbert answer me! Gilbert!" Ludwig couldn't see what was wrong, but knew he needed help and fast. Quickly, he pulled the hunting horn off of Gilbert's belt and blew, letting out a long bellowing sound. He blew it three more times before turning back to Gilbert's form on the ground. "Gilbert."

Ludwig laid the man perfectly straight and looked upon the pale face, which blended in with the snow. He looked dead, and Ludwig felt his body start to tremble with fear. He remembered Matthew's face, then Alfred's head, and then the three dead bodies inside the stone grave. If Gilbert died, the entire kingdom would mourn, but not as much as Ludwig would. This was his biggest fear of all, ever since he held Matthew's hand as the man slowly died. Gilbert was now Matthew, laying helplessly as death slowly took over. Then, Ludwig brought his hand to his face and felt a tear trickle down his cheek. It's wet stream froze on his face, as well as the next few tears that started to fall. Never had he cried so many tears in his life. His body and face were numb, staring only at the still form on the white snow. There was nothing he could do. Ludwig didn't even want to touch the other should the pale form crumble and break. "Gilbert."

It went against everything he believed. What he would do next wouldn't help to save Gilbert, but at this dire moment, Ludwig would try anything. Closing his eyes, he remembered Gilbert's form kneeling before the secret alter, and he mimicked it. Never had he prayed before. Never had believed in something you couldn't see or hear could actually help you. But at those times, Ludwig was always in control of the situation. Now, he was completely alone in the cold, in the middle of the woods, with his dying lover. Gilbert may already be dead; he didn't know. So he squeezed his folded hands tightly together and prayed to all the spirits to let Gilbert live. It was all he could think of to do. If these 'spirits' did not listen, then Ludwig feared he would let himself die right here beside Gilbert. 'This is useless.' Ludwig said to himself. He opened his eyes then, only to find a pair of pink ones staring back. Blue eyes widened. "G-Gilbert?"

"…Ludwig? I need to take a leak." Ludwig threw his head back and laughed loudly in relief. "Now you've gone insane too?"

Before Ludwig could answer, he turned to see the rest of the hunting party come riding their way, shouting Gilbert's name. Ludwig just sat back in the snow with a smile as the physician and two lords fawned over Gilbert. Feliciano came running over to him and hugged him tightly, asking if he was okay. Ludwig just nodded and closed his eyes, resting his forehead against Feliciano's shoulder. He could use a gentle touch right about now, and for some reason, he was exhausted.

"Gilbert, what happened?" Antonio asked.

"My horse threw me." He rubbed the back of his head. "Got a nice big bump too. Don't know what spooked it." The physician looked at the large bump.

"Your majesty is very lucky you did not hit a rock or tree. This could have been a fatal fall." The physician looked at Ludwig. "You. Guard. What did you see?"

"I…I saw nothing." Ludwig said from over Feliciano's shoulder. "We were hunting, he had an arrow ready, and the horse threw him."

The physician frowned. "Hm. Strange how neither of you saw what happened."

Ludwig frowned. "Are you suggesting something?"

Francis immediately spoke up. "Now stop it, everyone! Let's be thankful that Gilbert is alive and well! Horses are spooked easily! It could have been a mouse or a chipmunk, something they couldn't see. No one jump to unnecessary conclusions." He went over to Ludwig and held out a hand, helping the other stand. "Good thing you blew that horn as swiftly as you did. It was easy to find you."

"Yes." Ludwig remembered the pain in his knee now, finding it hard to stand. Both Feliciano and Francis helped him to walk back to his horse and into the saddle.

Gilbert was getting a bandage wrapped tightly around his head. "I've got a headache the size of Roderich's ego."

Antonio laughed and helped him to stand when the physician was done. "That's a pretty big headache!"

Ludwig frowned at the mention of Roderich's name then. 'Roderich. I'd almost forgotten about him. He gave me that information for a reason and told me where to find Gilbert. There had to be something more he wanted of Ludwig last night when told about that. Now that he knew Gilbert was alive and well, there was still the matter of Roderich to deal with. Once they were back at the castle and Gilbert was safely looked after, he would seek out Roderich. Somehow, Ludwig could tell that there was going to be trouble.

/

Back at the castle, Gilbert was sent to his chambers to rest for the reminder of the day and night. The feast was still carried on without him, and the king was in charge instead. The court was full of nobles and Royal Guards mingling, eating, and dancing. Ludwig wished he could be with Gilbert, instead he was stuck at the feast to protect the king. The boy king was already drunk after two cups of ale and didn't notice when he left the dais table. Ludwig knew that Roderich was around here somewhere, and it was only the matter of finding him. Throughout the search, Ludwig grabbed himself a mug of wine to help calm his anger. He feared that when he came face to face with the man, he may say something regrettable. What he really wanted to do was shove the smug man's face into the wall, but that would end badly. Just because Roderich and Gilbert were close friends did not mean Ludwig had to be friendly with him. The man certainly wasn't friendly to him.

'Because I am a threat.' Ludwig said to himself, then smirked. 'He knows that I can override anything he says because I am Gilbert's lover.' He finally spotted the man speaking with Elizaveta near the refreshment table next to a pillar. "Lord Roderich." He called gently as he approached them.

Roderich raised a thin brow. "Sir Ludwig. Good evening."

"Hello Ludwig." Elizaveta curtsied politely and smiled at him.

"I need to speak with your fiancé'. Would you please excuse us, Miss Elizaveta?" Ludwig noticed the slight look of concern on her face before she left them. Already, Roderich looked uninterested in his presence, which only infuriated Ludwig further. Before speaking, Ludwig took another sip of wine. "Are you relieved?" He saw the curious expression on Roderich's face.

"Relieved about what?"

Ludwig moved in closer to whisper. "That I did not attack the king when you baited me to do so?"

"Baited?" Roderich smirked and sipped his wine. "I think 'baited' is a bit of a strong word to use. I was merely trying to help you out."

"Bullshit." Ludwig rarely swore, but when it came to the arrogant man, it seemed necessary. "I know what your ambitions are, and I know you see me as a threat to you."

"Hardly." Roderich snapped back, then whispered, "You are a threat to our plan, Sir Ludwig. Your rage and jealousy may get the best of you. I can't have you doing anything…well…drastic, which would destroy everything. I was simply testing your control last night. That's all. Do not think so ill of me."

Ludwig narrowed his eyes. "That's a dangerous gamble on your end, Roderich."

"LORD Roderich, to you."

"I was never one to believe in titles. Roderich." Purple eyes narrowed at him now. "Gilbert calls you Roderich, and I am Gilbert's equal. So I will call you 'Roderich' as well."

Roderich moved closer to Ludwig until they were chest to chest. He had to tilt his head upward just a bit to meet the stern face and blue eyes. "Do you think to command me when Gilbert takes the throne? If so, you are poorly mistaken. I've known Gilbert since we were boys. We have seen the worse in each other and suffered through much. Just because you lay beside him does not give you proper entitlement to command those above you. And never forget that both you and I will always be second to Fredrick."

That struck a nerve, but Ludwig remained calm. "Gilbert is my only concern."

"As well as mine."

"I will not see him ruled by someone who hides in the shadows. Gilbert can make his own decisions without a snake hissing in his ear."

Roderich glared. "Mind your tongue. The only reason you are still standing is because Gilbert likes you."

"Gilbert 'loves' me."

"He 'likes' you. He 'loves' Fredrick." Ludwig suddenly let his fist fly and strike the pillar that Roderich was standing in front of. Roderich never flinched as Ludwig's fist and forearm were only an inch away from his face. "Common brute." The punch had a few people looking on in fear and curiosity.

Ludwig growled and moved his fist, rubbing at the now bleeding knuckles.

"A good dog learns his place in the pack. You'd do well to remember that." Roderich moved away from him. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to mingle."

Ludwig nearly ran after him when the man flashed a taunting smile as he left. The crowd was looking at him, but Ludwig just ignored them. He downed the rest of the wine and grabbed another goblet as he made his way back to the dais table. Someone reached out and grabbed his arm, yanking him to a halt. Before pulling his arm away, he turned to see who it was. Elizaveta had grabbed him with surprisingly solid strength, enough to stop him. "Miss Elizaveta?" Green eyes were narrowed dangerously at him.

"Never threaten Roderich like that again. If you do, the undefeated Knight Eli will see to it that it never happens again. You've been warned." She let go of his sleeve and spun sharply, letting her dress flow with her as she left him.

Ludwig just stared at her retreating back. The name 'Knight Eli' must be her man name for when she poses as one. Ludwig was more intimidated by her than Roderich. In his experience, women had the tendency to be ruthless in combat because they were quick to anger. They were usually the first to strike, and when they did, it was without fear, doubt, or thought. Elizaveta was the first woman he had met who posed as a male, and a knight on top of it. He had seen peasant women fight and defend their fallen men or children on the battlefield in the past. He should do his best to keep Elizaveta on his good side.

Still, he had to take his place at the dais table with the king even though he was still angry with Roderich. Hopefully the king would want to go bed early and Ludwig could leave this place to let out his rage in the barracks. The man had infuriated him beyond belief, and all Ludwig could do was growl and grind his teeth as he stood beside the king. Like a loyal dog.

/

"Who is the most devilishly handsome man of all? Why, Gilbert, of course!" Gilbert said to himself in the mirror. He was well enough to attend the tournament today, yet his husband was not. But he was wearing the white fur cloak studded with tiny diamonds along the shoulders. The crown covered the bandage around his head just right. Instead of white, he was dressed in solid red with black brocade designs on his doublet. On his belt, he carried the new golden hilt sword the king had given him. He wished he was putting on jousting armor. Instead, he had to wear common chest armor under his clothes to protect from an assassins arrow. "In time my people. In time." He smiled at his reflection again before leaving the chambers.

When he arrived at the front of the castle where the carriage awaited him, he noticed Ludwig atop the horse nearby. He should be in the carriage waiting to ride with him. Gilbert saw how distracted Ludwig looked as well. The man didn't even notice him walking to the carriage. Something was wrong with his lover, but there were too many people around for him to ask. He would have to find out what Ludwig's issue was when they were alone on the dais platform. Ludwig still did not look at him when he stepped up into the carriage, but Gilbert stared at him through the window. Now how was he to enjoy watching others get knocked off their horses with Ludwig in a rut? He closed the window shade and sighed, resting his eyes until they arrived at the tournament grounds.

/

Ludwig stood beside Gilbert's dais throne as he watched the knights in their jousting. He was still angered by Roderich's words to him and the situation he was put in. Roderich really did look down on him, and Ludwig didn't appreciate it. If Roderich viewed him as a threat when he wasn't, then that was his problem. Ludwig was confident in Gilbert that his lover would protect him from any kind of scheme Roderich may be planning. He didn't want to tell Gilbert about it either in fear of his lover confronting Roderich about it. The man despised him enough without Gilbert adding fuel to the fire. Should he end up tangled in Roderich's web, Gilbert would help to cut the threads away.

"Ludwig, are you well?" Gilbert suddenly asked him from the throne.

"I am well. Thank you."

"I know something is wrong. What is it? What is troubling you and how can I help?"

Ludwig looked at him. "There is nothing you can do. I'm just…not myself today. Please, your majesty, enjoy the tournament."

Gilbert rolled his eyes. "The only way I can REALLY enjoy it is if I am on one of those horses with a lance. While it's fun to watch others joust, nothing beats looking down the length of a lance as it smashes into your opponent. Is this your first joust?"

"My first royal one, yes."

Gilbert smiled. "Do you like it?"

"It's entertaining."

"Stars above, are you fucking boring today!" He gave a heavy sigh. "Lighten up, Luddy. This is a tournament! Enjoy the winter festivities, huh?"

"As you wish."

"Oh, fuck you." Gilbert sighed again. "Whatever has you down, I pray that it leaves you soon."

A trumpet sounded in the air after the two jousting knights left the arena and someone shouted. "MAKE WAY FOR THE ROYAL ADVISOR!"

Both Ludwig and Gilbert's brows went up in surprise as Roderich came walking out on horseback in minimal armor. Ludwig's gaze narrowed as the man approached the dais, sword at his side. 'What is he planning?' Ludwig wondered.

"To what do we owe this pleasure, Lord Roderich?" Gilbert said with a grin.

"I have been dormant in single-handed combat for quite some time, your majesty. My fingers are itching to hold a sword again while facing down an opponent."

Ludwig's anger grew as Gilbert's grin widened. "And just whom do you have in mind, my lord?" Gilbert asked him. "Who's pissed you off this time?" The other nobles in the stands laughed at that.

Roderich climbed down from his horse and sent it off to one of the squires to tend to. He gave a quick bow to Gilbert before saying, "I wish to challenge your private bodyguard, Sir Ludwig."

Gilbert's jaw dropped. Ludwig's fists clenched. The crowd whispered and murmured amongst themselves.

"Lord Roderich, I accept your challenge." Ludwig replied, watching as Roderich moved away to stand in the center of the arena. Now that there was to be a duel, the squires removed the jousting equipment to make room. He watched Roderich unsheathe his thin sword, performing some quick spinning tricks with it to show off his skill. Ludwig pulled out his sword as well.

"Ludwig, don't do it." Gilbert stood up and whispered harshly. "Roderich will make a fool out of you! That man is a skilled prodigy when it comes to a sword! I can't even defeat him! With your wounded knee, there is no chance you can keep up speed with him! Brute strength will not be your ally in this! His speed in uncanny, and he will use your size and strength against you."

"I'm sorry, Gilbert, but this is something I must do. Some men grow too arrogant and prideful for their own good. They should be reminded that they are still men, and can be defeated."

Gilbert glared at him. "Ludwig, Roderich is no joke!"

Ludwig ignored Gilbert's words of warning and made his way out into the arena. The crowd started to clap and cheer at the interesting duel they were about to witness. Gilbert just grumbled and sat back in his chair, cursing both men for doing this. Ludwig didn't stand a chance.

"So you have accepted my duel." Roderich gave a smug smile as he held up his blade. "You are a bigger fool than I thought."

Ludwig held his sword out, pointing the blade at the other. "It will be a beautiful sight to see your arrogant face with a mouthful of bloody snow. You will come to respect me."

"Ha!" Roderich slashed his thin blade through the air with one hand on his hip. "Let us set some terms, then. When I win, you will have to kneel before me with your sword hilt up and your head lowered, recognizing me as your superior. Keep looking at me like that, and I will see to it that you bark like a dog as well."

"I bow to no one but Gilbert, and least of all you. When I win, you will make me a lord and give me House America."

There was an eerie silence, and then:

"Deal."

Roderich's blade came fast.

End Chapter 18 Part 2 TBC.
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White Crimson