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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
- 18
- 19
- 20
***Whew, this chapter ended up being longer than I thought it would be. Anyway, we only have one more chapter to go after this one, folks! This chapter moves quickly and a LOT happens. Read and Review please! You guys are the best!

***Warning: Language

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

Chapter 19 Part 2

Ludwig barely had time to lift his sword to block the thin blade. Gilbert had not lied when he said Roderich was fast with his sword. The thinness of the blade made it difficult to see just where it was coming from. Ludwig had to depend on the reflection of the blade as well as Roderich's arm to effectively block. Roderich's speed was pushing him back, which put a lot of strain on his wounded knee. Ludwig needed to get in a few strikes soon or he would be face down in the cold dirt in minutes. He decided to use his wounded knee to his advantage, and let it slip out from under him so he could dash around Roderich. It had worked and the other man was force to spin, giving Ludwig time to bring his blade down. Now it was Roderich's turn to dodge his blade. Grunting, he slashed fast and hard at the man dancing and hopping out of his way. Gilbert had been right about that, too. Roderich's quick speed was making it nearly impossible to strike at all. What was worse, Ludwig was grunting and panting with exhaustion, while Roderich appeared to not be breaking a sweat. The man ever kept the same stoic look on his face, as if he were bored with the duel.

Ludwig's knee was beginning to throb with pain from the overuse and stress of the rapid movement. He was certain Roderich knew this, and the man was simply wearing him down until he would not longer be able to move. Roderich has had other type of sword training, a kind fit for one of his status. The man was not a field soldier, nor was he was warrior. His sword training was pretty dueling and parlor play. Yet Ludwig knew that if Roderich wanted too, that narrow blade could quickly kill without much force. Roderich had a much higher advantage, and he was using it. Ludwig could only grit his teeth at the pain in his knee as he forced himself to stay standing. One little stumble and he will have lost this duel.

The blades clashed, sparks flew, and dirt was kicked up. Roderich had the upper hand and Ludwig was starting to slow down. If his knee was not in this condition, Ludwig could have easily beaten this man dancing around his blade. But the pain in his knee started to blind him, and although he wanted to keep going, his whole leg gave out on him. Ludwig kept some of his dignity by catching himself with one hand and landing on his knees. His bad leg was stretched out to relieve some of the pressure, yet it did little for the pain. Defeated, Ludwig kept his head bowed so no one in the crowd could see his frustration and anger. He hated himself for this wound that would carry with him throughout his life. It was a curse, and always will be. However, as they agreed, Ludwig stuck his blade in the dirt and folded his hands atop the hilt. He had lost his chance of becoming a lord and owning land. He really did make a fool of himself by accepting this duel, just as Gilbert had warned him.

"You lasted longer than I thought you would." Roderich spoke to him, but all Ludwig could see was the man's boots. "In battle, you must have been a terrifying foe to face."

'Just shut your smug mouth.' Ludwig said to himself. He contemplated on jumping at the man and knocking him back, but that wouldn't be fair or just.

"Make everything easy on yourself and listen to me from now on. I will not steer Gilbert wrong. Find a better use for your brute force that does not involve a sword or an axe. Good day to you, Ludwig."

/

Gilbert tapped his finger on the chair arm while staring at Ludwig's kneeling form. He wished his lover had listened to the warning. Roderich had made a fool out of him. Ludwig had to be helped from the arena by two soldiers. Gilbert had whispered for a physician to see to Ludwig's knee. Despite his own feelings, Gilbert had to keep the joust going and pretend to be happy. All he wanted to do was get to Ludwig and be next to him. But, AFTER the joust, he would make a special little visit to Roderich's chambers.

And he did.

/

Roderich was writing at his desk when one of the servants rushed inside in a panic. "My Lord Roderich! The queen!"

Roderich raised a brow but stood from his desk when Gilbert entered the room. "Your majesty." He bowed his head and told the servant to leave. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

Gilbert placed his fists on his hips. "Why the hell do you think I'm here, Roderich?"

The other side and sat back down. "The duel today was between myself and Ludwig, dealing with OUR personal issues. It does not need to concern you."

"It does concern me! You lured him into a duel that you KNEW you could win easily! His knee kept him from fighting properly, and you used it to your advantage."

"I am not a knight nor a soldier like you are, Gilbert. My sword skills are different."

"Yes, and everyone here knows that. I did try to warn Ludwig, but he needed to find out for himself, I guess." He dragged his fingers over Roderich's papers. "So, about that lordship grant to Ludwig?"

Roderich jerked his head to Gilbert, purple eyes full of fury. "I am not giving up House America to him."

"And why not? You have the ear of the king, your own house and lands, plus Elizaveta's, and one more in the south." He smiled. "I'm sure you can give up ONE house."

Roderich stuck his nose up in the air. "I will not give it to him." He watched as Gilbert glanced over at the deed for House America and the entitlement paper.

"Were you going to write your name on that line, Roderich?" Gilbert asked, waving his hand through the candle flame on the desk.

"I was."

"I don't see why you should obtain the house." He picked at his teeth. "If I recall, I didn't see YOU delivering Alfred's frozen severed head to Matthew. I didn't see YOU digging up Ivan to bury him with Alfred. I didn't see YOU at Matthew's bedside while he slowly died. Oh, and I didn't see you helping Ludwig bury Matthew either." Gilbert smirked and tapped his chin in mock thought "So, just want entitlement do you think you have?" Roderich scoffed and looked away stubbornly. "Oh, I have already spoken to the king, and he has agreed to giving House America to Ludwig anyway." Gilbert grinned.

Roderich gasped in shock, his face a mask of pure annoyance. "That is not fair!"

"Oh, it's fucking FAIR!" Roderich stood up to glare at him.

"Everything I do is for US, Gilbert! I am securing your place on the throne and here in the realm! If it weren't for me, you would have been beheaded by now!"

"But not everything was YOU, Roderich! I went through a fucking LOT the past few months, and I kept a calm head through it all! I was the one suffering through hell, not you! We worked as a team, you and I. And I know you mean well, but mark my words, you will NOT always be the boss here! I have my own thoughts and conscience to follow!"

"Gilbert-"

"No, I'm not done yet!" He hissed and slammed his hands down on the desk. "Maybe you should think back to how YOU got here, Roderich! Fredrick could have had ANY advisor at his disposal after his current one died! There was a list of them to choose from, many which were older and more experienced. But I begged him to choose YOU, a young lord, to council and advise him. And I'm not complaining about your work, for it is always excellent and Fredrick spoke very highly of you. But I do think you're beginning to overstep your boundaries a bit…and I would like for you to start talking with me more rather than just making decisions."

Roderich chose to sit back down again and say nothing.

"Why do you hate Ludwig so much? What is your fear with him? Please, tell me. I need to know, Roderich. We're friends, you and I. Don't keep shit from me."

"Do you want to know? I will be completely honest with you. Fredrick was already an experienced king when we both came to him. I had full confidence in Fredrick and marveled at his ruling. But when you and him started to fall in love and get closer to one another…he changed. You never saw the papers, nor did you sit in at all the meetings. You didn't know what was going on. Fredrick's attraction for you started to overshadow the needs of the kingdom. This is what I worry about with you and Ludwig. I don't want your heart clouding your judgment. Ludwig will always voice his opinion to you, and I don't want you to go with it without consulting me. I just worry that Ludwig will bring you down. I am not fearful of him betraying you, but he is not a person like us. He has commoners knowledge…he's a soldier."

Gilbert crossed his arms. "I appreciate your concern, Roderich, but you're going overboard with it. In the end, it is MY decision that counts. Who says I need to agree with your or Ludwig? I have a mind of my own." He picked up the paper concerning House America. "I will order Ludwig to learn all about being a lord from you. You will be his advisor as well until he has mastered the skills and knowledge of properly running a castle. Until that point is reached, any decision Ludwig makes has to be approved by both myself and you." He handed the paper back to Roderich, looking at him with a serious expression. "Do what I say, Roderich. You queen demands it of you."

Roderich stared at him for a short moment before considering the other's words. Keeping a straight face, Roderich took the paper and signed in Ludwig's name, granting the man House America and the title of 'lord'. He did, however, purge his lips together when he folded the parchment to hand over to Gilbert. "As you command…your majesty."

Gilbert took the paper and smiled. "I know Ludwig will make a great lord, and I'm certain Alfred and Matthew are happy as well. Thanks for this, Roderich. Ludwig is going to learn from the best."

"Stop stroking my ego and get out of my sight before I change my mind." He tsked through his teeth. "That's all the good I do around here."

Gilbert laughed. "You don't have to LIKE Ludwig, but at least tolerate him for my sake." He came around the desk and brought Roderich's head into a crushing hug. "I wuv you!"

"I just hate you." Roderich answered with a sigh. "Now go away. I have work to do. Bring that paper to the king and he'll proceed from there."

"Got it! Thanks again, Roddy! Old buddy, old pal!"

Roderich casually waved him away with his hand.

/

In his room, Ludwig lay bedridden due to the wooden brace on his knee. He had to keep his leg perfectly straight and stay off of it for a few days. It didn't really bother him that he had to remain in bed, though. He wanted to hide away from the outside world for a while. Ludwig hated being useless like this. He feared the king would strip him of this position now that he had so easily failed a simple duel. Ludwig couldn't bear to be away from Gilbert if he lost this job. Now he feared that his knee would be worse than ever. 'I should have listened to Gilbert when he warned me. Why did I think I could win?'

"Ludwig? I brought you some soup." Feliciano entered the room. "Are you awake?"

He sighed. "I am, but I'm not hungry."

"Huh? But, that's not good! You need to eat to keep up your strength!" Feli whined. "You need to eat a LOT!"

"I said I'm fine. And don't speak so loud…I've got a headache."

"Oh, sorry." Feliciano whispered. "But you still need to eat."

'I need a morning star to the face is what I need.' He grumbled to himself. "Only a few spoonfuls, but that's it." He sat up and let Feliciano feed him the thick soup, all the while staring into nothingness.

Suddenly, one of the soldiers burst through into the room. "You guys, you won't believe this! Ludwig, you're being made a LORD!"

Ludwig's eyes widened, a bit of the soup dribbling from his mouth. "What? But…how can that be? I don't understand?" He had lost the duel to Roderich, so why would he still become a lord?

"The king has called for you! He's ready to give you the title!" Said the soldier.

"But Ludwig is bedridden." Said Feliciano. "He can't move yet."

"Yes, but the king is on his WAY." Said the soldier. "He's coming HERE!"

Ludwig knew right then that Gilbert had something to do with this. Roderich would have never handed over the lordship if Gilbert did not command otherwise. While this should make him happy, Ludwig was more annoyed than anything. This was just another reminder of how useless he was, and that he needed someone else to stand up for him. 'Damn it, Gilbert. I know you meant well…but still.' Ludwig flopped back onto the bed and stared silently at the ceiling for the king to arrive.

Long after his new title and lordship was granted to him, Ludwig's whole life had changed. His mind was in a foggy daze as he was carefully removed from the barracks and brought into a small room in the castle. He didn't remember when he was placed on the new bed, the candles being lit, the fire roaring, and his clothes being changed. Ludwig just sat there on the bed, covered up under thick furs, and propped up against pillows. The room was completely silent until the door opened, and in stepped not just Gilbert, but Roderich as well.

"Welcome to the realm, LORD Ludwig." Gilbert said with a grin. "You're one of us now."

"Indeed." Roderich chimed in.

"Who should I thank? You or Roderich?"

"Me." Both men said in unison, then they looked at each other.

"It was a team effort." Gilbert smirked and Roderich rolled his eyes. "But once your knee is better, you can make your way over there and we'll start primping you to be a lord! This is your teacher right here!" Gilbert slapped Roderich roughly on the back. "He'll teach you everything you need to know."

"Marvelous." Ludwig said flatly.

"Don't sound too enthused, Ludwig." Roderich noted the sarcasm in Ludwig's voice. "Anyway, the servants from House America are STILL living there, keeping up with the place. Which is very strange, since they aren't getting paid. So if you wish, you can keep them on as your servants."

"Okay." Ludwig was still in shock by all this.

Gilbert came over to him and sat beside him, smiling sweetly. "We'll have to stop seeing each other for a bit though, Ludwig."

"Why?"

"Well, there is going to be a secret meeting of our team at Sadiq's castle in a few days time. We are discussing a plan to kill the king, and most likely will come up with an answer that evening. To keep things calm, we can't be together until the king is dead."

"And maybe not even after that." Roderich said as he came closer. "Public knowledge of your relationship should not come out until some 'mourning' time for Gilbert is done. To keep suspicion low, Gilbert will be wearing black for a while and 'grieving' for his husband. Little by little, Ludwig, you can creep into the picture. In another week or so…things are going to become grim here in the castle."

Ludwig looked out the window at the night sky, and then turned back to them. "I want to take Feliciano to House America until this 'deed' is complete."

Gilbert narrowed his brows. "What the hell brought that on?"

"If murder is going to take place here, I want him out where no one will suspect him." He looked at the two men seriously. "Every servant, soldier, and guard will be questioned, of this I am sure. I want him safely kept away. He is still my faux lover, so it won't be suspicious on my end."

Roderich folded his arms, and then gave a nod. "In that case, perhaps you should stay in House America as well and not here in the castle. After we think of a plan, of course. Since you've JUST been made a lord, you will be thought of as 'suspicious' as well. Yes, this will work out nicely. Let everyone think you are just enjoying your new love nest with your steward 'lover'."

Gilbert plugged his ears. "La la la, stop talking about this!"

Ludwig looked at his folded hands on the bed. "Everything is going to change." He said softly.

"But for the better." Gilbert squeezed the other's hand. "We'll be together, and I'll be free of any marriage." He kissed Ludwig's cheek. "Maybe someday…you'll be queen instead of me."

"Hmph." Was Ludwig's only reply.

"I don't think they make dresses big enough for those bulky shoulders." Roderich spoke with a little smirk of his own.

Ludwig's frown deepened.

"Hey, we'll custom fit him into one!" Gilbert said with a laugh. "But seriously, Ludwig," he kissed him "everything will work out for the best. We'll take it one step at a time."

Ludwig leaned his head into Gilbert. "Yes."

"Oh, and Roderich is having a special cane made for you, aren't you, Roderich?"

Roderich's eyebrow twitched and he looked ready to vomit. "Y-Yes, that I am. It will…be…a nice…cane. One suitable for your…status." He almost squeaked out the last part.

"I thank you for that." Ludwig said to the other. "I am a little tired…could I get some rest?"

"Sure." Gilbert kissed him again. "We need you healthy to travel with us for the meeting. Roderich will ride out to House America tomorrow with Feliciano and start setting things up. Goodnight Ludwig, rest well."

Ludwig gave Gilbert a little smile. "Thank you." Gilbert winked at him before they left. He settled down into the bed and gave a heavy sigh. Becoming a lord was something way out of his thought process. This was really happening to him. He was going to become a lord. A lord, who owns land and a castle, has a place at court, and gets a very high pay. Ludwig couldn't believe how he had gone from an iron mineworker, to mercenary, to private bodyguard, and now to a lord. He always thought he would have died alone and forgotten. Now he would get his own tomb or grave. And even now, being able to love Gilbert would be much easier as a lord rather than a peasant. Ludwig's only wish was that HE had obtained the lordship, not had someone else do it for him.

Thinking about the new life that awaited him, Ludwig closed his eyes and swiftly fell asleep.

/

The night of the secret meeting had finally come, and Ludwig rode in the carriage with Gilbert, Roderich, and Elizaveta. Roderich had told the king that they were meeting with Sadiq to discuss land use in the foreign country. The king had been mentally unable to travel, so Gilbert had to go in his place. The others would all be meeting there in secret.

Ludwig was dressed in simple lords' clothes now. He was told to get more made later. He wore a simple black tunic and doublet with brown pants and boots. On his shoulders, he adorned the chain-of-office necklace. The fur cloak given to him by the king was made from wolves and lined with thick wool. The cane he was currently using was borrowed. Never had he thought he would be adorning the attire of a noble lord. Ludwig hadn't even gone to HIS house yet, but Feliciano was already there. After this meeting, he would be able to settle in to his new castle while the murdering of a king was carried out. In a way, he was actually thrilled not to be part of the murdering. At first, he wanted to take his axe and lop off the king's head. But after spying on Gilbert and the king that night, he had begun to think differently of it. It would be easier to let all these 'sneaky lords' get their hands dirty instead of him. 'I vow to always be an effective member of the realm. I will not act out behind the backs of others or wrongfully betray them. I will try my hardest.'

After they had arrived at the castle, Sadiq greeted them with a large feast and foreign music. The other lords had already arrived and seated at the table awaiting them. Gilbert took Ludwig's hand and held it as they walked in together, with Roderich and Elizaveta following behind. Everyone had already been eating when they arrived. Gilbert sat up high with Sadiq at the head of the table while everyone else surrounded them.

Ludwig's only issue was the style of the foreign furniture and how they had to sit on the floor with pillows. The last time he was here, getting up from the floor was a bit easier. This time, he feared he would need assistance in standing. He had hoped Gilbert would help him, but when the man saw Francis and Antonio, Ludwig had been pushed to the side.

"Here, Lord Ludwig, let me help you." Ludwig recognized Ambassador Kiku who was speaking to him. "Let me help you sit down."

"Oh…thank you." He let the smaller man guide him down and seat him comfortably on the floor. Kiku even gave him one of his extra pillows to keep his leg elevated.

"Congratulations on your new lordship." Kiku smiled softly at him. "Please, share in our food."

"Thank you again." Ludwig took a plate of various food offered to him as well as a mug of ale. The moment he attempted to sink his teeth into the leg of chicken, Gilbert's obnoxious voice echoed in the feasting hall.

"Alright ladies, listen up! Let's get our meeting started and done with so we can drink and party the rest of the night!"

"I second Gilbert!" Said Francis. "We all need to get a little drunk this night!"

Arthur covered his ears, having to sit next to the loud blonde. "You always act like your drunk, so what makes this night any different?" He cringed when Francis smiled and rests his chin on Arthur's shoulder.

"Perhaps you will end up in my bed."

"Don't make me poison you." Arthur growled out and shoved the other away.

"But first," Gilbert started, holding up his mug of ale "I think we should have a moment of nostalgia, for those who cannot be here with us on this night."

Everyone hung their heads in silence, except for Ludwig. He was slow to react, finding it useless to do, but did as the others were doing anyway. He had a brief remembering of Alfred's ghost by Matthew's bedside, and a chill went down his spine.

"And now, we drink to them!" Said Gilbert. "May the spirits continue to watch over them in the world beyond." Everyone toasted their mugs in the air and drank. "Now, who wants to start? I know that Roderich has a few ideas, and so does Arthur." Gilbert sat beside Sadiq and popped a nut into his mouth. "Roderich, would you like to start?"

"Yes, I would." He put down his mug. "Now, to start, I think- Antonio, stop talking!" He scolded, and the other man sat up straight from whispering over the table to Elizaveta. "The king is going to be having a private dinner party for all of his main supporters in this religion of his. It is some sort of feast to celebrate a religious holiday; one I don't care to go into detail about. It serves no purpose. Now, before these men eat, they all say a prayer and share in the same exact food. Everyone has the same. The feast only consists of soup, bread, and dried fruit."

"Now THAT'S a party!" Gilbert smirked with sarcasm. He covered his mouth when Roderich glared at him.

"I suggest we put a poison in the food, preferably the soup. This way, we can poison many of them and come out clean. This feast is public knowledge, so ANYONE outside the walls could, shall we say, have a 'hand' in it?"

Arthur put his mug down. "I suppose you want me to make the poison?"

Roderich nodded. "If you would be so kind?"

"Yeah, but I need the money to buy the good stuff. Poison herbs aren't cheap, you know. Who's paying for the poison?"

Sadiq looked at Gilbert. "I did it last time. I'm not doing it again."

Gilbert pointed a chicken wing at Kiku. "Let Kiku do it."

Kiku looked at them with a slight frown. "But…I helped to pay for this nice feast everyone is eating."

Gilbert looked at Sadiq who turned his head and whistled. "I can't do it in fear of the treasurer finding money taken out of the main account." Said Gilbert.

Arthur elbowed Francis. "Let the frog dig into those deep pockets of his!"

Francis gave him a raspberry. "You know my vineyards don't do as well in the winter! My income is always cut in half because of it."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Yet you find the money to buy new furs and go whoring."

Francis grinned and flipped his hair. "Not 'everything' requires you to pay with money."

"We're moving off topic!" Said Antonio. "I say we ALL put in for the poison. What say you all?"

Everyone looked to the other and nodded or murmured softly in agreement.

Roderich snapped his fingers to bring everyone's attention back to him. "Now that we have that part settled, let us move on. Where do we put this poison? I still say the soup."

"No, the wine." Offered Sadiq. "Everyone once in awhile you get a bad barrel, and the taste is already bitter. Hard to recognize a poison and easy to set a blame."

"Hell no!" Francis shouted. "I own the largest vineyards here in the realm! I don't want anything being traced back to me!"

"The soup." Roderich continued to push for it. "It's their main dish! They will all eat it, ensuring their deaths."

A few of them began to argue amongst themselves about the issue, until Ludwig spoke up.

"Roderich!" He said loudly, and everyone stopped to look at him. "Question, do they eat bread at this feast?"

"Oh, yes. They do some sort of 'breaking of the bread' ritual where they dip it in some liquid and eat it. That comes before the soup. Why?"

"Put the poison in the bread." Ludwig started. "When I was a young man, my first battle camp was stricken with plague. We came to find out that the bread in which was fed to the soldiers contained a fungus. It made everyone sick, and anyone who ate it did not live more than two days. I say, put it in the bread and blame it on a bad harvest. Grains tend to grow mold while being stored."

Arthur clapped his hands together. "That's perfect! It's MUCH easier for me to make a slow killing poison than a fast one. I can make it odorless and tasteless."

"Yes!" Gilbert grinned. "Then it can't be traced to us, only to a mold of some kind! Ludwig, my friend, you're a genius!"

Sadiq huffed. "He only built off of my idea."

"Arthur, how soon can you make the poison?" Antonio asked.

"If all the necessary ingredients are here, then I will have it by morning."

"May I say something?" Kiku asked, raising his hand politely. He was granted the permission. "While this plan seems foolproof, there is still the fear of Gilbert getting blamed for all of this. Since he is our leader and the queen, all fingers will point to him. How do we keep Gilbert from getting blamed?"

Gilbert blew Kiku a kiss. "I love you! But don't worry, Kiku. I've already thought of that!" He grinned. "I will also be present for this dinner party. I just won't eat the food, but if I'm there, I can't very well be blamed."

"Back it up." Said Antonio. "That's looks awfully suspicious, though."

Gilbert held up his finger. "Ah, while that is true, I have a plan for THAT as well. The morning of, I will complain of a toothache and wish to have the king watch over me. The king has to feel needed. I'll act all lovey-dovey with him so he will not suspect anything. No one will blame me for not eating with a toothache, especially the bread. It's always hard and stale anyway."

"Are you sure about this, Gilbert?" Elizaveta asked him. "It seems a bit dangerous."

Gilbert winked. "Don't worry about me. I'm more than capable of handling it. I'll even be the one to sound the alarm of the poisoning and hold the king in my arms."

"It's settled, then." Roderich said. "One last thing. We ARE killing a young boy here. If anyone feels any doubt for being a part of this, I ask you to silently hold your words. Every one of you is in on this too deep to quit."

"After all the innocent people he's killed?" Francis scoffed. "I wish we had thought of this sooner."

"The kid never hesitated to kill any of us." Arthur added in, then stood up. "I'm off to the apothecary here to see what we have. Good day, gentlemen and ladies." When he left, Francis stood up.

"We have the plan set. Let's have some fun!"

"WOOOO!" Gilbert cried out happily and raised his mug. "Let's dance the night away!"

Everyone jumped up to dance when the musicians began to play, mugs in hand. Ludwig just stared at the group of lords dancing around and making fools of themselves. Gilbert, Francis, and Antonio were the worst, but they were having a great time. Even Roderich and Elizaveta were dancing together properly. Ludwig was more interested in the deliciously flavored food anyway. However, he did notice that Kiku was still sitting next to him and Sadiq was still in his spot lighting up some strange object. He looked at Kiku.

"Why aren't you dancing?"

Kiku smiled. "I don't like to dance much. Besides, I don't want you to be the only one at the table, so I will keep you company. More ale?" Ludwig nodded and held out his mug as Kiku poured more of the dark yellow liquid. "I fear you and I don't really know each other that well, Lord Ludwig. I would love for you to come to my kingdom one day in the summer. I know you will enjoy it. You and Gilbert."

Ludwig took a heavy drink. "You are very hospitable. I will consider it. Thank you."

"Mind if I join you?" Sadiq asked, standing tall above them with his smoking structure.

Kiku smiled. "Not at all. Francis' seat is empty."

Ludwig frowned when the large decorative vase-like structure nearly toppled over his plate of food. He looked to his host and watched as the man blew out some smoke. "May I ask what that thing is?"

Sadiq held out the narrow part to him. "It's hard to say in your language. You like to smoke?"

Ludwig's nose wrinkled at the smell. "I never have…and I doubt I would like to. Thank you for the…offer?" Sadiq laughed at that and Ludwig popped a nut into his mouth. "Where's your massive beast?"

"My horse?" Sadiq fixed his mask. "He's in the stables. Actually, Gilbert, Elizaveta, and I have a date for an early morning ride. Either one of you care to join?"

Kiku held his hands up and shook his head. "I love to pet and own the creatures…but I rather not ride them."

"I will join you." Ludwig chimed in. "I really shouldn't because of my knee…but recently, Gilbert had a close call on our hunt a few days ago. He was thrown from his horse."

"Oh, my horses are tame." Sadiq said. "Well, the ones I have here, anyway. My breeds back at home are warhorses. The ones I have here are gentle mares and easily handled stallions. We'll all be fine."

Ludwig looked at him. "What need do you have of warhorses?" He saw the other man smirk and raised a blonde brow at it. "May I…ask something of both of you?"

"Of course, Ludwig." Kiku smiled. "What is it?"

"Both of you come from foreign kingdoms. Do you REALLY worship the same spirits as our realm? I do not believe in gods or spirits."

"I don't either." Said Sadiq. "Well, sometimes I do. Other times I don't."

"Besides," Kiku started "our 'spirits' all have different names. The process is the same, but their names are different. We all agree the world works together in an endless cycle. Isn't that right, Sadiq?"

"Right as rain." He took another drag of his smoke. "I should tell my musicians to play a different tune." He turned to Ludwig. "Has Gilbert ever shown you the dance I taught him?"

Ludwig's eyes widened slighty. His lips purged together. "What dance?" Out of the corner of his eye, Ludwig could see Kiku frantically waving his hands in Sadiq's direction…the symbol of 'no'.

"Dance? Did I say 'dance'?" Sadiq laughed. "Wrong guy. I meant…Francis!"

Ludwig glared. "No, you didn't. What dance? What can Gilbert do? What did you teach him?"

Sadiq suddenly stood up, holding his stomach. "Ah, intestinal distress. If you'll excuse m-"

Ludwig gripped the baggy pants and yanked the tall man back down to the pillows. He literally crushed their noses together, keeping a firm grip on the color of Sadiq's shirt. "Host or no host, you will tell me! Did you teach him something for Fredrick? Is that it?"

"What a splendid party." Kiku said nervously.

Sadiq put his hands up in defense. "Hey, I don't know what you two do behind closed doors." He pushed away from Ludwig. "Yes, I did teach Gilbert a seductive dance from my country when he was a bit younger. He's fairly good at it. Fredrick loved it. Gilbert would only perform it for him here at my house. If they did it in some other private time, then I don't know. But yes, I did teach him a dance."

Ludwig let Sadiq go and downed his ale quickly. He hated how each one of these men, all of them, were somehow connected to Fredrick. They all knew the late king. They all knew of Fredrick and Gilbert's secret relationship. Ludwig felt like the newbie in this group; he was the joke.

"Would you like to see it?" Sadiq offered. "The dance, I mean?"

Ludwig looked at the masked man. "I will ask him about it, but I rather him not dance in front of so many people."

"I agree with that, Ludwig." Kiku smiled softly. "You are a lot like Fredrick. Wouldn't you agree, Sadiq?" Sadiq nodded, taking another puff.

"What do you mean?" Ludwig asked. "How are we similar? I will let you both know that I hate when Gilbert speaks of Fredrick."

"For good reason." Kiku stated. "They had a secret relationship. We all knew about it. Ludwig, do you feel…intimidated by Fredrick?" Ludwig said nothing. "I see."

Ludwig poured himself more ale, starting to feel the beginning effects of a buzz. "I know he loved Fredrick." He downed so more. "What was it like? The day…Fredrick died?"

Kiku looked uneasy and Sadiq removed his mask to rub the bridge of his nose. "It was not a nice day, as you can imagine." Kiku started. "Gilbert was heartbroken."

Sadiq took another puff. "He walked right alongside Fredrick's coffin as it was pulled through the city streets. We thought that…that he would open up that lid and lay down and die right with him. And the rain…"

Kiku picked up from there. "It was a cold spring rain. The day was dark and gray…as if the spirits were crying as well for Fredrick's death. We were ALL there, even those who are no longer with us. Alfred, Ivan, Matthew, Yao…everyone was there at the funeral. The entire city was shut down."

"Farms paused in their work." Sadiq added.

"Soldiers lay down their swords and took off their helmets in pure respect."

"The city was dead that day as well." Sadiq added. "It was a horrible day…one we hope to never repeat anytime soon."

Ludwig stared at his blurred reflection in the ale. "Was he…murdered? Was he poisoned?"

Kiku shook his head. "No. Fredrick slowly grew ill."

"We don't know what killed him." Sadiq said. "His illness was…strange. It was new to all of us. But it was not poison."

Ludwig nodded. "I see. So…how am I like Fredrick?"

Kiku smiled. "You are strong and firm, yet gentle…and understanding. No wonder Gilbert loves you."

Ludwig grumbled. "Because I'm like Fredrick."

"I'm sure it's more than that." Kiku said softly. "Give Gilbert some time, Ludwig. He'll come around. That time was hard for so many of us."

"It was." Said Sadiq. "We lost a good king that day."

"That's what everyone says." Ludwig muttered.

"And Gilbert will be a good king as well." Kiku smiled. "Maybe even better…with the right person by his side."

Ludwig blinked and looked over at Kiku.

"SURPIRSEEEEE!" Francis flopped himself onto the table in front of them. "Hello there, handsome man!" He said to Ludwig.

Ludwig just frowned.

"Hey, Sadiq, your harem open?" Asked Antonio.

"If you know where to find it." Sadiq smirked. "My harem doors are open to you all."

"Harem?" Ludwig asked."

"Awwwwwww!" Antonio squealed. "He doesn't know what a harem is!" The man flopped on the table beside Francis. "It's a place where VERY pretty women all live together. They'll do things to you that you couldn't even imagine!"

"Of course…I could do things you couldn't imagine." Francis said and licked Ludwig's cheek.

"I'll pass." Ludwig said, wiping the bit of wet off of his cheek.

"Good. More ladies for us." Said Francis. "Party pooper." Ludwig frowned.

As the party raged on, Ludwig slowly drank himself into a drunken sleep. He had curled up on the pillows and blocked out the sound of fun. He awoke to someone shaking him and saying his name. Blue eyes opened to focus on pink ones. Gilbert was above him and smiling.

"Hey, ready to go for a ride with us?"

"A ride?" Ludwig sat up and held his head. "I…suppose."

"Good. It's only you, me, Sadiq, and Elizaveta. Roderich hates when she goes riding, so we're all sneaking out. It's early in the morning."

"Oh…right."

"Come on, I'll help you walk." Gilbert helped the other up and gave him his cane.

"Gilbert?"

"What?"

"Did Sadiq teach you a dance for Fredrick?" It had been on his mind all night.

Gilbert looked surprised, then smiled. "Would you like me to dance for you, Ludwig?"

"I would like to see it sometime."

"Then I promise, when we get a chance for a night long together…I'll show you my little dance."

Ludwig smiled and went with him.

At the stable, Elizaveta and Sadiq were already atop their horses and waiting for them. Gilbert and the stable hands helped Ludwig up onto his horse. Gilbert chose the whitest horse to ride and in all his white, he looked to be part of the horse.

"Let's hurry up and go before Roderich notices I'm missing." Elizaveta urged them.

"Ride behind me. I know where the horse path is even in the snow." Sadiq said and kicked his horse into a run.

The other three followed closely behind as they rode through the snow. Ludwig was the furthest back, wanting to keep his horse at more even and slower pace. The sun had not fully risen yet, so the area was still dark. The four rode silently to a spot up high overlooking the forest. From their viewpoint, they could see the king's castle and the royal city. The sky had begun to turn orange with the sunrise over the horizon.

"This is beautiful." Elizaveta smiled.

"I've never seen the sunrise like this." Ludwig spoke his thought out loud and the other three turned to look at him.

"Not many people do." Answered Sadiq. "I'm just lucky to know where this spot is to see it."

Gilbert shifted his horse closer to Ludwig's and reached out to take his hand. He threaded their gloved fingers together, rubbing his thumb along the side. "We'll see many sunrises together."

Ludwig looked at him and found himself smiling. "I will built us a tall tower overlooking the city and see the sunrise every day."

Gilbert laughed. "That's sooo romantic!" He brought Ludwig's hand up to kiss it. "Let's see if we can accomplish this in the years to come."

"Boys, don't go making sweet plans yet." Elizaveta said, pointing to the castle. "We still have a long way to go yet. The next few days are very uncertain, even if we have a plan."

"That's true, but I have no fear." Gilbert held his other hand out and put the castle between his fingers, pretending to squeeze it. "That's my realm right there and I'm going to take it back. Watch out, world! THIS AWESOME GUY'S TAKING OVER!"

Gilbert's obnoxious laughter echoed across the land.

End Chapter 19 Part 2

***Only one more chapter left, guys!
- 18
- 19
- 20
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White Crimson