Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

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
- 29
- 30
- 31
***Warnings: Foul language, slight violence

***Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 30

"We're the ones holding the whip, Braginski!" Starkling's voice spat at him as Ivan felt the swelling of his lip and tasted the blood in his mouth. The whip had been dead on and he had to admit the sting was a little painful. It was nothing he couldn't handle but it still was uncalled for. Ivan bent his head down his wrist where he could wipe at the blood since it was easier than lifting the weight. "Those weights must be getting heavy!" Starkling smirked and Ivan raised his eyes to meet his but made sure to smile.

"They sure are. I guess it must be easy for someone with such 'massive' balls like you to be able to carry them around, yes?" One of the guards snickered at that and Starkling threw the man a glare.

"Well I can agree with you there but without the sarcasm." Ivan rolled his eyes.

"Yes, because framing an innocent person and chaining him up in a dungeon is the manly way of doing things."

"Every one of us here knows you're far from innocent, Ivan!" Said Lord Avery.

"I'm just misunderstood." He batted his eyelashes.

"Enough of this bullshit! Now you are going to confess your crimes against the late king or else we will have to use more extreme measures!"

"Ooo, do you talk to your mother with that mouth?"

"ENOUGH!" Starkling cracked the whip again but this time Ivan was prepared and managed to lean back to avoid it. "You WILL confess your crimes!"

"I can't confess to something I didn't do." Ivan said with a happy smile. "We can let the high court handle this. Beating me will just show that you are as barbaric as I am."

"Ha! The almighty Ivan has finally tasted FEAR! Afraid of getting your ass beat down?" Starkling smirked and tightened the whip in his hands. "It's a wonderful feeling knowing that you are terrified of us! And to think you thought yourself invincible."

"Oh yes, I'm shaking my boots. The thought of four grown men beating up one chained man is considered pure bravery in my book." The other nobles glared or sneered at him but Lincroft was the first to speak.

"We're not cowards. We are being smart and practical. When handling a wild boar one must keep their distance from the animal. Outsmart the beast."

"Really." Ivan slowly stood up, his chains rattling softly and the weights pulling him down slightly. "Then put your money where your mouth is." He smirked. "Unchain me and try to outsmart me while I'm free. A boar is free while you hunt it, correct? So prove you're big brave men and fight me hand to hand."

"You are a criminal!" Avery shouted. "Unchaining you, a MURDER, would be against the law!"

"Just confess your crime so we can all go home." Lord Henry stated, moving to stand a little further behind the others.

"But I'm innocent. And I refuse to say otherwise. I know you are all behind this and I can guarantee you that I will be free from this place. I will be crowned king and then you can all bend to your knees and suck my cock."

The whip came at him again and this time he was unable to dodge it. The leather cut at his shirt and his shoulder started to bleed. Starkling continued his assault, ripping at his shirt and drawing blood with each snap. The weights kept him from lifting his arms to try and block but he would not give in. The best way to block would be for him to fall back on the bed where the weights would be resting on the surface. That tactic, however, was out of the question. He had his pride and he was going to bend to these men. With each snap against his skin and the weights pulling him down he was finding it harder to stand. The nobles kept shouting for him to confess but he held his tongue, enduring the pain until Starkling would give up. His whole body began to ache from the whip and a small semi circle of blood was surrounding his feet.

"Stop it!" Came Lord Lincroft's voice and Ivan could no longer hear the crashing sound of the whip in the air. "That's enough. He will confess in court when they find the evidence against him overwhelming! We need him alive!"

"I wouldn't let the bastard die! He deserves a fiercer death than just blood loss." Said Starkling. "I for one am pushing for a public burning. I want to see him screaming and thrashing against the pyre as the flames lick his body black!" Ivan slowly lifted his head and smirked at Starkling.

"Shall that be…your death after you are proven guilty in the court? These actions of yours would be high treason to the crown…and I won't go easy on you." Starkling gulped but kept his glare on him. "If you try to run I will track you down. And you wouldn't want this wild boar on your tail. They say two wrongs don't make a right but three rights make a left…and that left will lead me right to your family."

"You wouldn't dare! My family is innocent! You wouldn't stoop that low!"

"But you are. Just because I'm not a woman or a child doesn't justify what you are doing to me."

"This is why you can't be on the throne!" Lord Henry pointed out. "You're a monster! You should pick on people your own size!"

"Tough to find." Ivan chuckled. "And you mean like you, Lord Henry? I'll pick a fight with you any day."

"We're not getting anywhere with this." Starkling hissed. "We'll be back to get your confession! Make no mistake about that! So you better rest up good! And try not to get your cuts infected?" He mocked Ivan's bleeding body before he ushered everyone out. He looked over his shoulder at Ivan one last time before he closed the door.

"He didn't crack." Lincroft said as they walked the dungeon halls.

"Why don't we just kill him?" Avery spoke up and Starkling turned to glare at him.

"You fool! Don't you understand anything? If we did that then his fucking whore wife will be next in line! Or have you forgotten that the damn boar married a MAN instead of a woman! Didn't your read that document all the way through?"

"We can't just kill him too?" Lincroft asked.

"If we did that, so close after the death of Ivan, then the court will suspect us of having a hand in it. We're the only ones who would have the motive to do it. We're lucking out with Ivan because he's a rotten, filthy, murderous bastard whose track record beats him. We can't screw this up!"

"I insist we have a doctor treat Ivan's wounds." Henry offered. "I think it would keep us from looking like cruel bastards beating him up just because he's in our control. Let the court see that we are TRYING to get him to confess but not hurting him on purpose."

"You make a valid point." Starkling said through his teeth. "We'll wait for him to heal and then we shall tackle him again. The court hasn't issued a date yet so we have more time to get the information we need to him confess. Too bad he's a noble or we could easily rack him."

"But we can rack his wife." Avery pointed out. "Alfred is a peasant."

"Not anymore. He married into nobility and the king gave them his blessing. He signed the fucking document consenting to their marriage. Alfred is just as untouchable as Ivan is. But…we could get to Ivan through Alfred. He is obsessed with him and I believe we CAN look to family members to help draw out the confession. This is a case of royal murder…almost anything goes." He smirked. "We probably won't even have to torture Alfred. We can have him fucked right in front of Ivan and continue it until he confesses."

"Won't that prove us barbaric?" Lincroft asked.

"We won't be doing it. We can easily hire some nobodies from the city to do the job. The advisor is regent and he's on our side. It will be easy to get that request."

"I…I think that would be a BIG mistake." Avery paused in his walking, remembering how Ivan nearly killed him because he spoke ill of Alfred. The others stopped and looked back at him.

"Why is that?"

"He really, REALLY loves Alfred…he's madly obsessed with him. I almost got killed because I said something cruel about him. Ivan threatened to bite out my tongue! I think raping his wife in front of him would only awake the beast that we know is inside him! We'll be doomed."

"But one of us could be king! Think about that, Avery!" Starkling pointed out but Avery wouldn't buy it.

"I…I don't care about that. If y-you suggest that idea to the advisor and I will tell him that you're doing it on purpose! I'll tell the courts too!"

"You would let yourself become a traitor?" Starkling hissed at him.

"I just don't want to face Ivan's wrath! Raping Alfred is going TOO far with him! He will surely kill us all right there! He'll turn into a demon or something!"

"I have to agree with Avery." Said Henry. "Something like that is out of the question for me. Alfred did nothing wrong."

"Fine! Forget I even mentioned it then. I didn't know you'd all be such chicken shit about this! Come on, we have more work to do!"

"I still can't believe they took off!" Ludwig said angrily, pacing back and forth. Gilbert had come to visit them and he was lounging back on one of the chairs in the dinning room. The group watched him pace up and down the length of the table, listening quietly to his ranting. " 'We went to save the world', what kind of bullshit is that?" Matthew had ended up giving his letter to Ludwig out of concern and fear but didn't know the man was going to act like this. He was unable to calm down since he had gotten the note. "And YOU, Francis, you didn't do anything to stop them!"

"I didn't know Yao would be leaving as well! I trust my love to know what he is doing and the future queen will be safe with him."

"So that big lump on your head is his 'love'?" Gilbert pointed out and smirked at Francis' reaction. "Admit it, he yelled at you and you're too much of a pansy to stand up to him!"

"That's not it at all! He has every right to make his own decisions and take off on his own! Besides, he would rather have me here because I know more about Ivan and I can help keep an eye on Matthew!"

"I can take care of myself!" Matthew protested in earnest but no one heard his cries.

"I don't see what the big deal is." Feliks spoke out. "So they like, went on a field trip, so what?"

"That's the future queen on the open road where anything could happen!" Ludwig sneered at him. "How about I let YOU break the news to Ivan that something has happened to his wife?" Feliks turned a bit pale and gulped. "Didn't think so." Ludwig plopped down on the table and folded his arms before him, hanging his head. "Chances are they'll be fine but still…it was my duty to watch over him and protect him while Ivan is…in this predicament."

"Look, Alfred wanders off all the time." Francis started. "Arthur has told me stories about him. He'll come back and everything will be fine. Then the two can have a royal wedding and be crowned and have babies and- wait a second? How's THAT going to work? They need an heir!" Ludwig lifted his head up.

"You're right. I don't think Ivan's made that connection with Alfred yet."

"What? Does he think Alfred just has a long vagina?" Gilbert said calmly then laughed when Matthew hit him with his bear, his cute face flushed in embarrassment.

"That's not what I meant, you moron!" Ludwig growled at him. "They'll have to hire a surrogate!"

"But stranger things have happened!" Francis pointed out. "Remember a few years ago that lamb was born with two heads? It was all over the papers!"

"Did Gilbert sire it?" Feliks asked as he walked by the white haired man, patting his shoulder.

"Fuck you." Gilbert glared at him then turned back to his brother. "So what would you have us do?" Ludwig sighed.

"I guess nothing. There's no reason to endanger anyone else." Feliciano came up behind him and rubbed his shoulders, trying to soothe him. "Thank you…I guess we all just have to remain where we are and hope they come back soon."

"The court date is the day after tomorrow." Gilbert pointed out. "I wonder if they'll be back in time?"

Alfred gazed out the window of his room overlooking the city. They were still waiting for the king's answer on their proposal and it had been a day since they spoke to him about it. The three hadn't left the room since they were brought to it, even choosing to dine there. Alfred really did not feel comfortable among so many people he didn't know and he had no real protection here other than Arthur and Yao. They were still enemies in this kingdom and it wouldn't be farfetched for someone to want to do them harm. At least being safely hidden inside the walls with each other kept Alfred from becoming too anxious. Yao was quietly reading a book on the bed and Arthur was busy writing at the desk.

"Do you think we can do it? I mean, can we help all these people?" Alfred finally spoke; making the other two look up from their current activity.

"That's hard to say. By the time we get the crops growing and the livestock bred people here will still starve to death. If we open the fishing ports then that may be able to sustain them for a while." Said Yao.

"I just can't believe this war was started all because the late king wouldn't share. It's utterly ridiculous!" Arthur seethed. "Think of all the years we suffered on that farm, Alfred! Think of how much trouble and hard work we had to endure so we could pay that old windbag to finance his war! Expanding the lands for agricultural means will benefit both sides! Why didn't the king see this?"

"He was an ass." Yao stated flatly. "He cared only for himself."

"Still…I want to help them. I really hope the king says 'yes'. We made our point clear…he has to agree!" Alfred said and stood up. "Damn it, where is he? I need to know or else I'm going to burst!"

"Calm down." Arthur stood from the desk and went over to him. "Alfred…I don't want you to get your hopes up. There is a good chance the king will come here and tell us 'no'. I know you want to be the hero but you'll find it's not that easy. Sometimes you think you're doing something good and then it blows up at you. You can't always be a hero."

"I can, and I will be." Alfred said firmly. "I swear it."

"Alright…" Arthur said with a sigh. "For your sake, I hope you're right. A depressed Alfred is something I could never endure. I fear for you becoming queen."

"Why?"

"You will strive to do good and you'll want to please everybody but it won't always turn out the way you hope. I know how depressed and sad you get when things don't go your way…especially if you think you're doing the right thing." Alfred chuckled.

"I'll be fine, Arthur. I'm a big boy now! A queen even!"

"A queen who can't read or write." Yao pointed out. "I suggest you learn and learn fast, Alfred. The royal court knows you're uneducated and they can purposefully read or write something wrong cause trouble."

"I know. I know it's very important to read and write. I promise I will learn! I want to learn!" Alfred said proudly then quickly frowned as he realized something. "Uh oh…I don't know how to spell Ivan's last name! Jones isn't my name anymore."

"You will keep your name Jones!" Arthur scolded him. "Braginski-Jones, just like you've been saying! I'm soon to be Kirkland-Bonnefoy, notice my name is first."

"Why isn't mine first then?" Alfred asked.

"You're a queen, so it's a little different. But I will teach you how to write his name and mind you it is much longer than 'Jones'. You will have a very hard time with it. Teaching a dingbat like you will help pass the time. Who knows how long we'll be here."

Back at the palace, Vash was sitting at the desk in Ivan's room, helping Toris prepare the papers for the court. It would have taken longer if Toris had not known one of the judges and his friendship helped them reach a speedier accommodation. They had one more full day until the court date following so they had to get as much done as they could and there was no room for mistakes.

Kiku was helping the other servants clean out the king's room but also to look for anything strange. The room was very big and with so many people it was hard to try and search for clues discreetly. Just as he was cleaning out sweeping out some dust in between the end table and the bed something had caught his eye behind the leg. He reached his hand down to feel the piece of leather string peeking out from behind the bed leg. As he pulled on the mysterious thread a small leather pouch appeared with it. Without stopping to examine it he stuffed the pouch inside his tunic to look at it later. On first glance he knew it was something peculiar and he had seen it somewhere before. Once he got a chance to get away he would go straight to Toris and Vash to discover what he had found. He knew it was something that was going to help them.

He was unable to get out of the room at a decent time and he hoped that Vash or Toris weren't asleep. He held the tiny pouch against his chest beneath the tunic as he headed first for Ivan's room. With luck, the two men would be in there and they could discuss what he had found. When he was in front of Ivan's door he gently rapped on it and waited for an answer. He heard only Vash's voice as he was told to come in so he did. Vash was sitting at the desk by himself but Toris was nowhere to be seen. The only sounds in the room were that of the candle flickering at the desk and Vash's quill scribbling on the paper.

"Good evening." Kiku said softly as he closed the door behind him. "I believe I may have found something interesting in the late king's room." Vash turned around and stood up from his chair.

"What did you find?" Kiku held it out to him in his hand as Vash came over to inspect it. "It's a pouch."

"A very small one." Kiku responded, hanging it over to Vash who looked at it carefully.

"And uh…just what relevance does this have to our case?"

"Looking at it more now I have strong reason to believe that it is a poison pouch." Vash looked at him.

"How so?"

"Well, I've dealt with poisons in my earlier years when I was training to plant and mix herbs. I remember having to mix some poisonous plant parts together and fill them into these tiny little sacks."

"Why are they so small?"

"Of that I'm not sure. I never really asked my master about it…but I know it's made for poison."

"It's small for a reason…but where did you find it?"

"Behind the bed, while I was cleaning around it." Vash looked at it again then looked at Kiku.

"Are you willing to ride into the city and visit the head apothecary? His home and shop is near the wall."

"N-No, I don't mind."

"If you're scared I could send one of Gilbert's soldiers with you?"

"Oh, I'm not worried about that. I can do it without any trouble. But how do I get there?"

"You'll just follow the main street all the way down until the end. You'll come to an intersection and it's either a right or a left. I'm not quite sure which but the shop would be in the cheaper part of the city."

"Perhaps I will ask somebody when I get there where it is."

"No, that wouldn't be wise. We don't want anyone knowing that you are traveling there. It'll be bad enough that the apothecary will know what's going on but we don't have much of a choice." Vash advised him and Kiku nodded.

"Alright…I will also try to keep the conversation very subtle and not let on that it's for this case." Vash nodded.

"You're a smart one. Just pretend you found it on the street and you were wondering how much it would go for if you tried to sell it."

"Yes. I can do that. When would you like me to leave?"

"First thing tomorrow morning. I rather you not be riding out into the city at night. You'll reach it by the afternoon if the streets aren't crowded and be back by the following morning. We can discuss what you've found out. Can you do this?" Vash asked him once again to make sure Kiku was up to the task. "It's a lot of work, I know."

"I will do it. Lord Ivan kept me here because he has faith in my knowledge of plants and herbs. I should fulfill this duty to the best of my ability." Vash gripped his shoulders.

"Thank you very much for your dedication and help. Be safe on the ride there. I'll be waiting here for your return."

"I only hope I can bring you back something useful to use. I think what we have here is very important."

"I think so too. Now hurry off to bed and get some good rest. You have a VERY big job to fulfill."

Kiku thanked him again and tucked the pouch away, leaving the room.

The next morning, Kiku stopped by Yao's room to pick up one of the man's extra cloaks to wear while he rode into the city. He carried it with him until he reached the stables. The stable hands had already fed the horses and the animals were ready for use. Kiku politely asked for a kind, easy-going mare that wouldn't give him too much trouble. When the stable boy asked him why Kiku lightly responded that he was on an errand to fetch some exotic teas for the kitchen. The stable boy didn't appear to care enough so he saddled a horse for Kiku, helping him mount it. Kiku thanked the boy before gently tapping the horse into a light trot, holding the reigns in a white knuckled grip. He preferred smaller animals like cats and dogs to large animals like the horse or mule. Traveling by horse was the fast way to get where you were going so he had no other alternative but to ride. Lord Vash had set him an important task and he planned to see it through.

However, he couldn't help but keep the mare in a trot as they made their way down the main street. There were many people out and it just slowed him down more. At this rate he wouldn't get to the apothecary's shop by the afternoon like Vash had hoped he would. Kiku continued on his way, trying not to trample over anyone as he went. By the time he came to the crossroads he was certain he had developed a saddle sore of some kind. The feeling was unpleasant but he had to concentrate on his mission. He looked at the wooden road signs on the post. They had most of the paint scratched off but the words were still readable. He remembered Vash had said either left or right so Kiku looked at those streets. They both appeared to be the same and just before he chose a direction he saw a body wagon being pushed and pulled from the right. Sadly, that was the poorer part of the city so Kiku turned his horse and headed down that road.

As he came to another street he saw all the shops and houses lining the dirt-covered streets. Kiku found it quite interesting how much different areas in the city could be, even if they were right next to each other. The road before this one was clean and crisp. He decided to dismount and walk his horse the rest of the way, hoping he chose the right direction in this area. He could see himself hitting a dead end at this street with no apothecary and having to go back the other way. He had to avoid eye contact with the people in this area for they seemed shady and desperate. Lucky for him he didn't have anything on him that would give him away as a noble's servant. His eyes caught a colorful sign that had the word "Apothecary" painted on it and he quickly crossed the street toward it. He tied the horse to the post outside before opening the wooden door and entering the shop.

"Hello? Hello is anyone here?" The shop smelled of various flowers and herbs, as well as soaps. Kiku looked around and noticed there were some drying herbs he couldn't recognize. He lowered his hood and took the pouch out from his tunic. "Hello?" He called again, a little louder this time.

"Yes, yes, I'm coming!" Said an elderly woman as she came down some old steps into the shop. "What can I do for you?" She reminded Kiku of a witch he once saw in a book and it unnerved him a bit.

"Um…yes. Good afternoon, ma'me. I've happened to come across something peculiar and I was wondering if you could make sense of it. I think it is for poison but I can't be sure." He handed the old woman the pouch and she looked at it closer.

"Where in the world did you find this?" She asked him, turning her yellow eyes to gaze at him curiously.

"I just came across it in my travels. It's made from leather so it must be worth something, yes?"

"What you've got here is very interesting, young man. Yes, this is a container for poison. This necklace is so small because the wearer would have to hide it on their person as an emergency suicide." Kiku's ears perked up at that.

"Suicide, you say?"

"Yes. You see, many people who can afford it, mostly nobles and royals, always have one on them just in case they should be tortured or are facing death row. They would take the poison before anything could be done to them." She sniffed it and snorted. "It's some powerful stuff too. This stuff kills the moment it's taken. Very expensive."

"So if this poison is very expensive then only the rich would be able to access it?"

"Absolutely. The plants this powder comes from are very hard to get and they aren't always in bloom year round." She looked closer inside of it and stuck her pinky into the pouch. "There is still some residue along the walls. This was taken recently." Kiku's eyes widened.

"So someone took this and just died, correct?"

"Yes, that is what happened. Usually kings and queens keep these around. It's not uncommon for them to have these stashed away." Kiku smiled.

"Thank you, ma'me! You have been most helpful!"

"Would you like me to take that off your hands? I'll pay you for it."

"No thank you. I think I'll keep this for a little while longer. Thanks again!" He bowed to her and exited the store. When he looked for his horse he noticed it was gone and he gasped. "Oh no!" He looked frantically up and down the street for any signs of the mare. "This is terrible! Now how am I going to get back?"

Alfred woke up the next morning and his first thought was of the king and if he had made his decision. He sat up in the bed and rubbed his lower back with a 'tsk'. Yao was asleep in the bed with him and Arthur chose to sleep in one of the chairs. They must have slept in a bit late for the sun was already high in the sky. Alfred yawned and gently shook Yao awake. Yao blinked his eyes open and turned to look at him.

"Any news?"

"We just woke up. Nothing as of yet." Yao sat up in the bed and pulled his hair tie loose only to fix it.

"Then lets get dressed and ready in case them come. I'll go wake up Arthur."

Yao woke him up without any issue and the three started to dress themselves for another day of being confined to the room. The books and Alfred's education had kept them all busy and sane but they were really anxious to know if the king had taken them up on their offer. The sooner they knew the sooner they could get away from this place. Alfred hoped he would say yes. Their terms were just too good to pass over! What could he possibly be thinking so hard about? Arthur had stuck his head out and ordered breakfast for them. But instead of the food coming to their room they were greeted by one of the king's advisor.

"Good morning to all of you." The man said. "I have come to inform you that the king wishes an audience with you whenever you are available."

"We're ready now!" Alfred said with a grin. "Come on you guys!"

They followed the advisor through the castle and back to the meeting room where they had first met. The king sat at his spot but his wife was absent from his side. He did have a table full of advisors though and Alfred was made to stand with Yao and Arthur. The advisors looked at them, some with frowns and some with smiles. Alfred gulped softly, trying not to show he was nervous.

"Good morning to you all. I trust your stay here has been a pleasant one?" The king asked them.

"Yes, we have no complaints." Yao answered for them. "We have been treated kindly during our stay here."

"I'm pleased to hear that. Now, I'm sure you are dying to hear my answer?"

"We are." Alfred said, looking at the king with soft eyes.

"After long discussion and consideration, I have decided to take you up on your offer." Alfred smiled brightly and looked at Yao and Arthur.

"Oh your majesty! Thank you so much! I promise you won't be disappointed!" The king held up his hand.

"I'm not done yet. Whereas the terms printed here are agreed to, there is still one particular issue of mine that will need some justice."

"Which is?"

"The murder of my nephew." He frowned at Alfred. "My nephew, whom your husband murdered brutally. I know you've defended him and his actions but that's not an excuse for my sorrow. My dear sister sickened herself with grief of his death."

"So what would you like us to do for him?" Arthur asked.

"I want a personal, heartfelt apologize from Ivan. I want him on one knee before me, asking for my forgiveness. If he can promise to this then he has my full support."

"Consider it done." Alfred said firmly and Yao gave him a troubled look. "Ivan will apologize for murdering your nephew. He was ordered to do it but I can assure you he will apologize for it." Yao bit his lip for he knew Ivan better than that. The man never bowed to anyone that wasn't his king and he never had to do it in an apology.

"I will hold you to that and I want it in writing and signed by you. You are his queen." Alfred nodded.

"Yes, your majesty. I will gladly sign it." The king nodded and issued for his scribe to present them with the papers.

"This paper here is for you to sign, stating that your husband will apologize to me in the manner of which I request. This next paper is my written terms about agreeing to a peace treaty and sharing the land. This has already been signed by me and I would you to sign it as well." He pointed to Alfred.

"I will sign it with haste!"

"I want to read it first." Yao said and held his hand out from the paper. The scribe brought it over to him and Yao began reading.

"This is a great day for all of us, your majesty! Your kingdom will be able to heal and we can end the war! Everybody wins! I'm so happy we could come to this conclusion!" Alfred said proudly. "We can both rule in peace." The king nodded.

"And will you call off your barbarian warriors?"

"I've sent out a few scouts to deliver the message that they can go home. They've been paid already so their ships will leave your shores. Also, in that paper, I have stated that I will not agree to all of this unless Ivan is released from his prison. So if your people have any real sense they will support his freedom."

"Yes, I agree." Alfred said as he let Arthur read the other scribe about Ivan's apology.

"Everything seems to be in order here." Yao said, pushing the paper over to Alfred. "You may sign it, Alfred."

The scribe came over with a quill and inkbottle for him. Alfred took a deep breath and dipped the quill into the ink. This would be his first official time signing a document with his new married name. He easily signed his first name but when it came to his double last name he had a bit of difficulty. Arthur watched him with a frown as the letters were too close together and he had forgotten to capitalize the 'B' in 'Braginski'. Arthur gave him the next paper to sign but this time he helped guide Alfred's hand in spelling out his name. The king raised an eyebrow at them and Yao clarified it for him.

"He's still learning how to read and write. Peasant, remember?" The king nodded and waited for Alfred to be done. The scribe took the papers away and had them rolled before sealing them with wax.

"Of course, Ivan and I will have to discuss many things once he is rightfully crowned. I need the word of the king, not the queen." The king reminded them. "But these terms should see him out of jail and help get the crown on his head. These are issues between kings and council."

"I understand." Alfred said with a smile even though the comment had annoyed him slightly.

"I will send one of my advisors and two soldiers with you on your journey back to strengthen your case. I hope to hear from you soon that everything has worked out well and we can move on." The three of them bowed.

"Consider it done, your majesty! I can't express how relieved and thankful I am that you chose to agree to our terms! Everything is going to work out for the best! I just know it will!" The king smiled softly.

"Good luck in your husband's case. I can assume you are eager to get back?" Alfred returned his smile.

"Yes. I want to see my husband free."

"Then prepare yourself for travel. You leave the moment my soldiers and advisor are ready!" Alfred looked to Yao and Arthur with a satisfied grin and his face read 'success' loudly.

The day of the trial had arrived and anyone of importance was beginning to pile in to the royal courthouse. Toris chose to sit in the back on the benches were he would be less noticeable. Vash was up in the front with his papers set up on his table. He was browsing through them while he waited for the other judges to arrive. Starkling was at the other end of the court floor at his own table, prepared with his own papers. He glared at Vash who purposefully ignored him and focused on his own work. Starkling had to admit he was a little nervous about today's case but he had a few tricks up his sleeve. He had gotten a tip that Toris and Judge Heracles were old friends so he hired some thugs to 'prolong' the man's arrival. Any minute now the judge should be encountering them and he smirked to himself.

Meanwhile, on the road to the courthouse, Heracles was riding his horse slowly through the streets. He was never in a rush to get to the courthouse because just the introductions and overview of the case at hand were trivial to him. However, he was not prepared for the sudden jerking of his horse as it cried out while diving head first into the street. Heracles acting quickly and he leapt off of the horse, tucking into a roll so as not to hurt himself. He was then surrounded by a group of thugs, armed with either a blunt weapon or their fists. Heracles showed no sign of fear for he usually encountered situations like this weekly. Being a judge you find yourself surrounded by more enemies then friends. If someone doesn't like your verdict they like to express their displeasure with violence.

"How's it feel to be on the ground with the rest of us?" Said one thug. "Those are mighty nice robes you are wearing. I would like to have that material to sell!" Heracles did not respond but just looked at him casually.

"I bet you're on your way to a case right now but you won't be getting there!" The thugs all laughed but Heracles was still unaffected by them and they caught on to it. "Hey listen you little turd! We're going to bash your head in and take all of your stuff! I hope you like laying naked in the street!"

Heracles stood up and dusted himself off at the knees. He was saddened by the fact that his robes were now dirtied and he had to go among people. The thugs started to surround him, threatening him with their weapons of choice. Heracles had a weapon of his own in his heavy sleeve and patiently waited for one to make a move. One thug lunged at him with a chain but he easily ducked and pulled his weapon from his sleeve, driving the dagger into the man's belly. When the other thugs saw their comrade go down they all charged at him angrily, ready to kill. Heracles surprised them all with calm, cool movements that either wounded or killed them. His little dagger had done more damage then all their weapons put together. They clearly took him for a pushover and whoever hired them to attack also underestimated his ability. Heracles knew this was to keep him from Ivan's case, just like Toris had warned him. He stepped over one of the wounded men and continued on his way to the courthouse, leaving the carnage behind without a second glance. It wasn't that far of a walk left to make it to the courthouse. Won't the person who hired those thugs be surprised when he walked into the building.

"Please! You must let me in!" Heracles saw a small black haired man pleading with the row of front door guards. "I have to tell Lord Vash something about the case!"

"No low-lives are allowed in the courtroom when it has to do with a noble!" Said one guard.

"Oh please sir, you must let me in! I work for Lord Ivan! This is very important to the case!"

"What is going on here?" Heracles asked the guards and they bowed to him.

"Judge Heracles, you're a bit late!" Said one guard. "The meeting is already in progress."

"I ran in to a little trouble on the rode." He looked to the smaller man. "What is your name?"

"My name is Kiku. I was sent on a mission from Lord Vash! I have strong evidence that will help in Lord Ivan's case! I work for Lord Ivan and I wish to help but they won't let me in!" Kiku, despite having been stranded, hitched a ride on a wagon heading to the palace. They would pass the courthouse on the way and he jumped off from there. He was much later than he had promised Vash but at the moment it couldn't be helped. "I must be allowed in so I may speak with Lord Vash!"

"He is with me then." Heracles said and the guards were going to protest but he ignored them and took Kiku gently by the arm. "We don't want to hold up the meeting any more than it already is. Come with me."

Kiku thanked him and followed him inside where they could hear all the judges giving their introductions. Everyone turned when they saw Heracles enter with Kiku. Toris saw them and breathed a heavy sigh of relief for he did not know where Heracles was. Toris did notice that Lord Starkling was staring at his friend in an angered state of shock. Looking at Heracles' dirty robes Toris could conclude that someone was trying to keep him away from this case. The suspect was obviously Lord Starkling and he knew that his friend would bring up the issue during today's case. Toris also noticed that Kiku had run up to the front and started whispering to Vash, handing him something. Vash looked surprised and even had the hint of a smile on his lips at Kiku's words. Whatever the dark haired man had given him it provided Vash with more pride than he already had. He had stood up from the bench and waved Kiku over so he could sit with him. Heracles took his seat up high with the other judges and they whispered to him about his condition. Once Heracles had given his quick introduction, one of the judges stood up and shouted:

"BRING IN LORD IVAN!"

Toris turned to the main door and watched as six guards escorted in Ivan into the courtroom. He gasped softly at the weights and chains that Ivan was forced to wear and the courtroom audience started to whisper about him. Ivan was covered in dirt and dried blood as he walked slowly to the front of the court. He had to be helped walking up the few steps to sit in the accused chair. The six guards remained near him in case he tried anything. No matter how frightened Toris was of Ivan he felt tears well up in his eyes for his lord. Ivan was clearly whipped and left to infection of the filthy environment, which he was brutally kept in. Toris hoped that Vash would pull through and they could get Ivan out of that dungeon where he could be treated for his wounds. Toris focused his mind on the case at hand once he heard Judge Mercer's voice echo in the large room.

"Lord Ivan Braginski! You are here today on a murder charge pertaining to that of our late king. How do you plea?"

"I plea 'not guilty'."

"Do you also plea 'not guilty' to the accusation that poison was used and given to the late king by your own hand?"

"Yes sir, I plea not guilty." Ivan said weakly for his wounds were aching as some were already infected.

"You pleaded not guilty even under minor torture?"

"Yes sir. I am innocent." Judge Mercer nodded and then turned to Starkling.

"Lord Starkling, please present your case to the court."

"Certainly, sir." Starkling held up his piece of paper and read out loud Ivan's crime and how he went about it. Once it was read, Judge Mercer turned to Vash.

"Lord Vash, what is your take on this?"

"I have to disagree with Lord Starkling's claim. Ivan's personal chef, Francis, was there in the kitchen when this tea was being made. We spoke to all the chef's there and they all said nothing out of the ordinary had happened. The chef who always makes the tea said that he never left it alone and even tasted it himself to make sure it was the right taste and temperature. The chef then handed it to a servant who also can state that nothing was put into this tea." The judges looked to one another and nodded a few times.

"But Lord Ivan has the biggest motive!" Starkling pointed out. "He will be king when the king died so he would attempt to get rid of him! Ivan is a very cruel and barbaric man and it would be just like him to do something like this."

"I object for that is speculation!" Vash shouted at Starkling. "Sirs, I have been told by the servants who care for the queen's chambers say that Lord Ivan hadn't left his room since he sent his wife and company away from the palace. Lord Ivan knew something bad was going to happen because everything was beginning to turn upside down. Lord Ivan thought it would be best to remain in his room for as long as he could to avoid any kind of scandal or trouble. Unfortunately, these false accusations are not quite what Ivan expected." Judge Trevor nodded to Vash.

"We have heard Starkling's side, now how about yours?"

"Certainly. We have reason to believe that the scribe and guards were paid by someone to set this whole thing up. The last time Ivan talked to the king, he was very depressed and grief stricken over the death of his son. Ivan feared that the king would fall into a pit of despair and never want to rise from bed again. Lord Ivan never expected the king to die so suddenly and to be accused for it. It is easy to assume he did it because the king named him his successor to the throne. We SHOULD be looking to the council, for they all had the equal chance of being named successor. They wouldn't be the first group of men to be jealous about one's own rise to a higher status." Vash glared at Starkling who was turning beet red in the face with anger.

"That's speculation as well! We all loved the king and were saddened greatly by his sudden death! The doctors say he died of poisoning! Poisoning which we know would be from Lord Ivan! He is a ruthless killer!" Judge Mercer slammed his mallet on the high desk.

"We are not here to discuss his background. We want more hard evidence that Ivan was indeed involved in murdering the king, like you suggest."

"Sir, permission to speak?" Vash asked and the judges nodded. "Sirs, it has just come to my attention that we believe the king may have had a special stash of poison he kept just for emergencies." Everyone gasped and looked at one another. Starkling gulped harshly for he feared what words were going to come out of Vash's mouth.

"And how do you figure that?" Asked Judge Trevor. Vash held up the small pouch for all to see.

"I had a servant of mine find this under the king's bed. I told him to go to the city's apothecary to have it examined. He found that this small pouch held very expensive, rare, deadly poison that was recently taken. The apothecary said that this poison would kill instantly, the moment it was swallowed. They even said that the royals and some nobles carry these very tiny poison pouches around with them in case they are unable to escape from a dangerous situation." Judge Mercer nodded.

"Yes, I am quite familiar with those poison pouches." He said. "I wouldn't be surprised if the king did harbor some poison but I find it hard to believe he would kill himself over grief. He was a very strong willed man." He turned to look at Starkling. "Lord Starkling, do you have any other evidence suggested Ivan poisoned the king?" Starkling carefully shook his head.

"Not at this moment, sir." He said firmly.

"Very well then. Lord Vash, you brought forth very powerful evidence that has brought me to a single decision for this day." Vash nodded and folded his arms behind his back. "Let me discuss this quickly with my fellow judges."

Vash exchanged glances with Ivan and even gave him a small smile. Ivan smiled back but he was already heavy with fever from the infections so he wasn't his true self today. It actually worried Vash and he knew he had to get Ivan to a doctor immediately.

"We have made our decision." Said Judge Mercer, folding his hands before him. "This case will not be solved today. My fellow judges and I feel that there is not enough evidence presented from Lord Starkling's side about the poisoning. I said before I find it hard to believe a man like the late king would commit suicide. I do suspect something more is going on here. However, Lord Vash, you have brought forth evidence that does not warrant Lord Ivan to be locked up. Today's verdict, Lord Ivan is to be released from his binds and from prison. He is not allowed to ascend the throne yet until this case is fully cleared. He can continue to reside in the palace or remain elsewhere. As of now, Lord Ivan, you are innocent until proven guilty. Court adjourned." Judge Mercer slammed his mallet down to signal the end of the case for today.

Starkling hung his head and clenched his fists on the table. He did not expect Judge Heracles to arrive for he was on Ivan's side. The poison pouch and the information behind it were unexpected as well. However, he still had a strong case and he would find more ways to make sure he could see Ivan's head on a pike. Starkling made the mistake of turning to look at Ivan, who was getting his chains and weights removed. Starkling felt his blood run cold and his eyes were frozen on Ivan's icy gaze. Ivan gave him such a stare that it promised pain and death. Ivan's eyes were not angry, nor were they happy as usual. Starkling was still frozen in place and he felt his legs begin to shake as Ivan's gaze slowly changed. He watched as those silver eyebrows moved slowly downward into an angry arch, shadowing his eyes. His normal childish smile was a slight frown to match his evil glare. In that glare, Starkling knew what Ivan was thinking. Now that he was free from jail, Ivan would come after him to get revenge for all he has done and he would. Starkling knew he had to somehow get to Ivan before he got to him. But it was that glare. Those hard, icy purple orbs remained glued to him as the larger man stood up slowly, caked in his own dried blood that was caused by his whip. Starkling did not know what horrible things were awaiting him behind that crazed look.

End Chapter 30 TBC
- 29
- 30
- 31
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

A Storm of Sunflowers