A Storm of Sunflowers

***Thanks for all the reviews and emails everyone! I really appreciate it! Well, here is chapter 5 and 6! I hope you enjoy them!

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this story it is for pure enjoyment.

Chapter 5


Francis entered the kitchen with Arthur and told the morning chef that he was relieved of duty. Once the morning chef was gone Arthur shrugged his arm away and went to sit on the small stool at the island table. The smell of breakfast was still heavy in the air and Arthur wanted nothing more than to lift the lid of that large cooking pot and see what was left. Francis must have read his mind for he already took out a bowl and scooped up still hot porridge from the pot. Arthur watched hungrily as Francis mixed in some nuts and quickly cut up an apple to add to it.

“Now I know you’re hungry but you have to start being a bit more nice to me if you want this porridge.”

“So you’re threatening me with food now?” Arthur glared and watched as Francis took a deep sniff of the porridge.

“Sure smells good with those fresh almonds and apples.” His eyes twinkled as he waved it under Arthur’s nose, taunting him. Arthur growled and tired to reach for the bowl but Francis pulled it away.

“What the hell do you want from me?”

“Lets start with a kiss! A little one, right here on my cheek where you slapped me this morning.” Arthur blushed angrily and cringed at the payment for a simple bowl of porridge. Sweet…hot…delicious smelling porridge. His stomach grumbled in protest and despite all his pride he couldn’t pass up a free meal. Clenching his eyes shut, he leaned over the island and kissed Francis’s cheek. “See! Now that wasn’t hard!” He put the bowl in front of him and gave him a spoon.

Arthur wasted no time shoveling the porridge into his mouth and nearly choking on an almond or two. He loved how the warmth filled his belly after long-term periods of cold hunger. Sometimes he would lie awake at night from the hunger pains that stabbed at his insides. Most of the time he gave some of his portions to Matthew, the weakest of the five as he wanted to avoid the boy getting sick. Giving Matthew a few extra bits of food did make all the difference. Now that both he and Alfred were here there would be more food for the other three.

Arthur watched Francis buzzing around the kitchen as he ate. He was busy first with gathering all the cookware and spices he would need for the dinner. He unwrapped a piece of meat and started cutting it up into pieces to put into a pot. Next he added a few varieties of spices and some fresh herbs before moving to the produce baskets. Carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, and onions all piled on the cutting board before Francis set to slicing them.

“What are you making?” Arthur asked, nearly licking the bowl after he was done.
“Tonight’s dinner is beef stew with fresh baked rolls, cooked greens, quail eggs and tea cakes for dessert!”

“Sounds really good…so, you like to cook?” He wanted to try and make conversation instead of just sitting in silence.

“Obviously, since I’m the head chef here at Lord Ivan’s manor.” He chuckled. “You can be so creative with food! Spices and herbs are like artists’ paints, mix them together and you find new shades! In this case, you find new flavors! There’s just so much you can do with food! The possibilities are endless!” Arthur was going to respond but another voice cut in.

“Good morning, Francis.”

“Ah! Good morning, Kiku!” Arthur looked at the man ‘Kiku’ who had an armful of fresh cut sunflowers. Kiku looked over and noticed Arthur sitting at the island table.

“Um…good day to you, sir?” Kiku raised an eyebrow and Arthur wasn’t sure of what to say, since he wasn’t supposed to be here at all.

“Kiku, this is my ‘friend’, Arthur. He will be staying with me for a little while.”

“Oh. Hello Arthur.” Kiku said softly and Arthur gave him a silent wave. Kiku looked back at Francis. “Does Lord Ivan know about you keeping him here?”

“No, not yet, but I doubt he’d mind. As long as I’m with him he doesn’t have anything to fear from the man. Funny thing though, he knows Alfred, the new guy.” Arthur glared at Francis’s back as he started cutting the carrots.

“Alfred? Oh yes, that boy from yesterday. He’s working for Lady Yao now and apparently he’s fallen ill.” Arthur stood up from the stool.

“Fallen ill? What do you mean? What’s happened to him?!” Kiku looked at Arthur then back to Francis.

“Do tell us, Kiku. I would like to know too.” Kiku hesitated for a second, seeing the fearful yet angry glare of Arthur’s green eyes. He had heard what happened from Toris as they passed a short while ago in the hall.

“Well, Lord Ivan has ‘discovered’ Alfred and he made it quite known today in his office. Apparently his weakened body could not handle the stress and shock of their coupling and he came down with a fever. He’s staying with Feliks right now until Feliciano gets back.”

Arthur’s whole body went ridged and his blood ran cold. Did he just hear Kiku’s words right? ‘Coupling’ was a polite way of saying ‘sex’ so is that what they did? This Lord Ivan, who he hasn’t even seen, has had sex with Alfred? Kiku couldn’t be lying for he knew how these people in power treated their servants. Poor Alfred…he must have been so scared for his first time. His first time had been rape and he couldn’t picture Alfred giving in to anyone like that after two days. It took almost a year for him to even get frisky and playful with him! Now was the time he regretted not laying with Alfred when the opportunity came up. He never thought a situation like this would happen! True, he always felt like he would be taking advantage of Alfred’s virginity since they were the only likely partners around for miles .

Alfred was a gentle and loving spirit who gave his heart openly to those who deserved it. He didn’t want to be Alfred’s first and have him regret it later when he found someone he loved. He may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but his considerate and noble personality made up for it. He made everyone always feel like they were a friend and accepted them for who they were. Alfred would be true and loyal to whomever he chose as a mate, even if he was a bit flirty. Sometimes he would harass Berwald or playfully tease men at the market. Usually he was trying to get them to buy whatever they were selling. And it would work. Alfred could not have been flirty so quickly with Ivan! Arthur knew he had to be nervous enough already just coming to this ‘new world’.

“Is something wrong, Arthur?” Kiku asked with a hint of worry in his voice. “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” Francis put his knife down and went over to Arthur, placing a hand on his shoulder. Surprisingly, Arthur did not shrug it off or try to move away.

“They’re friends. They live together.” Francis said seriously, sensing Arthur’s aura of mixed feelings. Kiku balanced the heavy flowers better in his arms.

“We’ll take you to see Alfred once we know how things are going.” Kiku said. “Feliks has people in his room all the time and Ivan won’t think anything of it.”

“Please, I want to see him now.” Arthur demanded. “He’s probably so confused and scared and lonely right now! He needs a familiar face! At least let me go talk to this Lord Ivan about it!” Both Kiku and Francis’s eyes widened as they shook their heads ‘no’.

“Bad idea.” Francis said.

“If Lord Ivan has ‘lain claim’ to Alfred, then you must not let on that you have romantic feelings for him.” Kiku stated.

“W-what? How did you know? And it’s not quite ‘romantic’ feelings…it’s something else.”

“I could just tell by your reaction. If you are wise, while you are staying here, keep a safe enough distance AWAY from Alfred. Lord Ivan doesn’t know you yet so he will view you as a threat…and that’s when things get scary. He already knows that Franics and I aren’t threats to his ‘property’.” Arthur grit his teeth.

“Alfred is not property! He is a human being!” Arthur flared with anger at the thought of Alfred being some sexual plaything for a power hungry pervert.

“Arthur…do not act rash.” Francis said in all seriousness. “You want to keep your head.” Arthur raised a brow at Francis’s words and to prove his point more, the chef demonstrated with cutting an apple in half. The quick, loud ‘CHOP’ of the apple echoed in his ears and his eye twitched. “He’s not to be taken lightly.” Arthur rubbed his throat, looking pained.

“I’m very attached to this head.” Francis laughed at that and Kiku gave a small smile of amusement.

“Well, I need to bring these sunflowers up to Lord Ivan’s office.” Kiku said, straightening them in his arms. “Then I will go and check on Alfred for you and see how he is doing. If all is well, I’ll come and get you here.”

“Thanks…I appreciate it.”

Arthur watched and Kiku left the kitchen and took his seat at the island again. Francis went back to preparing the beef stew but not before giving Arthur another bowl of porridge. As he ate, Arthur thought about how he was going to act with Alfred now that he knew Lord Ivan and a possessive maniac. He would have to stay low and just treat Alfred like a regular manor acquaintance. Not only would this keep his head on his shoulders but it would also make life easier for Alfred. If he had to put up with Ivan’s barbaric, possessive nature everyday it was best time to be openly affectionate with him. Not that he ever really was on the farm but he could see Alfred becoming excited and giddy about his stay here. He had to watch himself, for Alfred’s sake and his own.


After a long, long day of shopping with Yao, Feliciano slumped heavily as he walked the halls to his room. He wanted nothing more than to just flop on his bed and sleep until it was time for dinner. The two had stopped for lunch at a respectable inn (while their guarded escorts stayed outside, of course) and Feliciano had stuffed himself full of hot pasta. Sadly, Yao only let him have one glass of wine to wash it all down with. And of course, he himself didn’t buy anything. He did buy a little pink carnation flower from a little street girl and it was currently behind his ear.

“Ve~ so unfair…and I’m tired!” He whined to no one in particular and rubbed his shoulder, still sore from carrying those damn packages. He stopped when he heard a familiar sound coming from the courtyard. Feliciano smiled as he heard the familiar sound of his Ludwig yelling at the troops in training. He skipped over to one of the windows and carefully turned the latches. He pushed them opened and leaned over the windowsill to his lover yelling at two soldiers and apparently hitting them with something he couldn’t make out.

“It’s left, left, right, right, left, right, left! Not left, right, right, left, left, right!” Ludwig hollered at the two cowering troops and Feliciano couldn’t help but feel sorry for the two. ‘We get the picture, love.’ Feliciano thought to himself, even though he himself wasn’t really following the marching pattern. “ONCE AGAIN! GET INTO FORMATION!”

Feliciano watched with pure love as Ludwig continued to abuse the troops. They had been together a few months now, ever since Yao came to marry Ivan. They’ve known each other for at least two years working at the manor but those years had been little sideways glances and coy flirting. The second day Yao was married to Ivan was when they openly confessed their love for one another. The biggest reason was because Feliciano was assigned to Yao as a personal groom. The two of them wouldn’t be able to see much of each other.

Once they were openly sharing a relationship was when Yao had forbidden Ludwig to visit him during Feliciano’s after hours. The part of the manor where Yao’s chamber was consisted of a bedroom, another small sitting room and the grooms sleeping quarters. Ludwig was banished from the chamber area and it had broken Feliciano’s heart. When he begged and pleaded with Yao not to keep Ludwig away from him was when he found out the reasoning for it. Yao had told him, in all truth, that he was jealous of them when they were together and it made him think of his relationship with Ivan and it saddened him. Feliciano couldn’t fault him on that and even though it upset him to no end he did understand.

So now, at night (sometimes), Ludwig takes a chance and slips into the chambers to see him. Strange as it may be, they had never made love in a bed. Feliciano’s bed always squeaked just changing positions so sex would be a dead giveaway, especially the way Ludwig made love. Usually the floor or the wall was best for them (and once the doorframe). He damned himself for not jumping Ludwig’s bones like he wanted to but he had listened to Francis and played hard-to-get. But Feliciano knew he was just trying to help out for there was no way he could have known about Yao’s jealous feelings.

But now, with this war going on Ludwig’s work time was doubled and it made seeing each other almost impossible. And there was always that deep, dark fear of Ludwig being called away to fight in the war. He couldn’t even think about it for it put him into such a state of depression that he couldn’t function properly. Whatever god or spirit was listening he prayed every night for that fear never to be made real.

“Feliciano!” He was jerked from his thoughts as Ludwig called his name. Feliciano smiled and waved down at him, leaning out far enough where he could possibly fall. Ludwig could only wave back with that stern face of his that he put on for the soldiers. Feliciano knew the man wanted to smile lovingly at him so he took the carnation from his ear, kissed it, and tossed it down to Ludwig. He laughed at his lover’s stupefied face as Ludwig caught it and tossed it about as if it were hot. He finally managed to hold it by the stem without bruising he petals to much. Ludwig glanced from side to side as he carefully put the flower to his lips where Feliciano had kissed it. A soldier passing by to get some drinking water looked at him with brows raised and Ludwig turned an angry bright red.

“WHO SAID YOU COULD BREAK FOR WATER!” The soldier nearly fell to the ground trying to run back into formation. Feliciano covered his mouth as he laughed with good humor, wiping a tear from his eye. He waved daintily at Ludwig who stuffed the carnation in his uniform pocket before turning back to abuse his troops.

“Feli!” He heard his voice called from inside. Feli!” He quickly closed the window to see Toris waving at him. “I need to speak with you!” Feliciano walked to meet him in the hallway.

“What is it?” Toris explained what had happened between Ivan and Alfred while he away. “Oh no…poor Alfred! I can’t believe Lord Ivan would do that to him! Is he alright?!”

“He’s in Feliks room resting now. He developed a fever and we would like for you to take over his care so Feliks can get back to work.”

“Of course! I’ll take him back to our room and care for him there. Lets go get him.”


With the help of Feliks and Toris the three managed to get Alfred back to the grooms’ chambers. They helped him into bed and Feliciano thanked them before shooing them out. He always had fresh cold water in his room so he dipped the cloth again and placed it on Alfred’s forehead. He pulled up one of the chairs and sat by his bedside, looking at his sad and troubled features. Feliciano felt his cheeks and they seemed to be cooling down so the fever would break shortly. It took a little while before Alfred opened his eyes and moaned.

“Alfred! You’re finally awake!” Feliciano smiled brightly. Alfred blinked his eyes around the room before settling on Feliciano.

“Hey, Feli…” He said softly, sitting up and letting the cloth drop from his head. He immediately hissed at the singing feeling in his backside and all the memories of this morning came flooding back. After the pain of sitting up had subsided he then felt pleasing sore and that thought brought a bright blush to his face. Aside from remembering the pain he also remembered the pleasure he had never felt before and it made his lower belly tingle. “What happened?”

“Um…well you came down with a fever and was out most of the day. I just brought you from Feliks room.”

“Who?” Alfred wondered.

“Oh, Feliks works here as Ivan and Yao’s personal tailor. While I was gone he took care of you and cleaned you up.” Alfred had a good idea of what ‘cleaning him up’ meant and his body gave a little tremor. Feliciano put his hands over one of Alfred’s. “Are you doing okay?” He asked with concern.

Alfred didn’t quite know how to respond to Feliciano’s question since he wasn’t sure himself. His body ached all over and he was upset over it but for some reason he couldn’t figure out what the last part was. He did feel guilty about giving his virginity to someone other than Arthur. Even though Arthur had told him before he didn’t want to take him just because he was the only one around. But Alfred had always figured he’d end up with Arthur anyway, or that the sex would just happen. And Arthur would never be considered a mistake. He looked back at Feliciano.

“I’m not sure…I feel guilty…and scared…but most of all I feel confused.”

“Confused? Why? Tell me about it, maybe I can help.” Alfred gave him a little smile and sighed softly.

“I wish I knew. I mean, one would be angry at themselves if they gave something up that they could never get back for the sake of others. I should be mad, but I’m not. I have four people who are counting on me and one is my younger brother. I won’t stop Ivan if that’s what he wants to do to with me as just a…a side bonus. I don’t want to get on his bad side...so I have to do as he says.” Yao wasn’t afraid of Ivan and they’ve been married and had sex so there had to be something about the man that was sweet.

“Ve~ I can understand that. It’s a very unselfish thing you’ve done for the sake of your family. I think you are very brave.” Feliciano smiled at him and Alfred thanked him.

“I feel like I should be more upset about this but I’m not. I mean…at first he wasn’t gentle and the pain was unbearable! But after a little while it started to feel good.” He looked down at the sheets. “Does that make me a slut?” He still heard Arthur’s words repeating in his head.

“No! No not at all! Don’t even think about yourself that way! Our bodies are meant to feel pleasure! Eating, drinks, sex, it’s all the same. It gives us pleasure. And when it comes to sex sometimes you can’t control the amount of pleasure you feel. It is a very strange thing but that’s how our bodies are made up. It’s human nature. We seek pleasure and sometimes that’s all we have. It might not be the best but in these hard times, simple pleasures like that give us hope, don’t you think?” Alfred looked confused but nodded.

“S-So I shouldn’t feel bad?”

“I’m not saying that but…well…” Feliciano was at a lost for words, giving them all up in his last speech. “Well you just need time to sort things out. You can just rest, lay down.” Alfred did so, sighing in relief as the pressure in his backside subsided.

“Hey Feli? Now that I’m his ‘Virgin Rose’ or whatever…does that mean Yao will hate me?” Feliciano looked at him.

“I don’t want to lie to you…but Lord Yao will find out about your relationship with Ivan. He always does. But please, try not to blame him for his feelings. I know jealously is a nasty thing…but wouldn’t you feel bad if your husband was neglecting your bed for the company of others? Don’t forget he was taken from his house and kingdom and tossed into this one for political benefits. And not one of his choosing.”

“Yes…I would feel the same way as Yao and I do feel sorry for him…but I’m doing this for the sake of others, not for myself.”

“Hmm…well, I would have to see how Lord Ivan is treating you. He might toss you aside in a day or two…or you can expect to become his Mistress.” ‘Mistress Alfred’? Alfred said the title in his head and it made him nauseous. “I’ve seen Lord Ivan be very romantic and gentle and sweet when he wants to be.”

“Sweet? He said no one was allowed to touch me, that I was his, and that he would KILL anyone who tries something with me! And I know I have to bite my tongue and be loyal to him and do as he says.” Feliciano smiled at him.

“You are so very brave, Alfred. I wish I had that kind of courage.”

There was a knock at the door and before Feliciano could say ‘who is it’, the door opened and in stepped Ivan. Feliciano immediately bowed on one knee and lowered his head. Alfred shivered at those violet eyes as they view him on the bed. He remembered those violet orbs staring into his as the man was pounding into him. Ivan held a very sweet and content smile as he stood at the doorway, hands behind his back.

“Thank you, Feliciano. You may leave us now. I will call you back in.” Alfred didn’t want Feli to go but he had to do as he was told so he left the room, closing the door. Ivan walked over to him with that same cheerful smiled on his face. “Came down with a little fever, did we?” Alfred flinched as Ivan put his hand on his forehead. “It’s breaking, that’s splendid news.” He put the hand back behind his back.

“H-hello, sir.” Was all Alfred could stay to him at the moment and pulled the covers closer to his chin.

“I have something for you.” Ivan pulled out a small bouquet of roses, all different colors just like the ones Alfred saw in the garden. “Sit up.” Alfred did so, masking the pain he felt and took the bundle of roses. He couldn’t help but smell them and smile.

“Thank you sir…they’re beautiful.”

“Just like you.” Alfred blushed again. “You’re so cute. I’m sorry I got a bit carried away earlier.” ‘A bit?’ Alfred thought to himself. “I was just taken aback by all your charms and alluring nature. I couldn’t help myself, I had to have you.”

“Um…it’s okay.” Was all Alfred could say, still nervous in Ivan’s presence. Ivan just smiled and stroked his hair, frowning when Alfred jerked away from the touch. “I-I’m sorry!” Alfred said quickly when he saw Ivan’s face. Ivan’s features softened then.

“I guess I can’t really blame you. I did just jump you and took your innocence in the blink of an eye. But you’ll get used to it.” Alfred gulped at those words, holding the roses closer. “Oh, and here, I have more surprises for you. Put the roses down.” Alfred did so and watched as Ivan reached into his pocket and pulled out two small, red velvet sacks. “This is your week’s pay to send to your family farm.” He placed it in Alfred’s hand.

Alfred grinned from ear to ear, feeling the heavy weight of the gold coins in the pouch. This was it! These coins would feed Arthur and the others and helped pay the taxes! He would have to send them right away! The sooner the better!

“Thank you, sir! Thank you! My family really appreciates it!” Ivan smiled and then placed the other pouch in his free hand.

“And this is for you and only you.” Alfred noticed it was money as well and he looked at Ivan with a raised brow. “That’s YOUR gold. Tomorrow I want you to out to the city market and buy yourself something nice. Take Feliciano with you. I plan to take my wife out for a nice picnic down by the lake. He will have no need for both of you tomorrow.”

“This money is for me? But…I don’t need anything. Can’t I send it with this money to my family?” Ivan’s eyes narrowed at him.

“You’d better not. I’m giving you that extra money to treat yourself to a few nice things of your choosing.” His features softened again. “You deserve something nice for all your sacrifices and I want to give them to you. Right now, you are the purest thing in my life. Your ability to toss all your morals and joys aside for the sake of others is something that I haven’t found in this life. I have always been out for myself, which is how I’ve gotten to the position I am in now. I know I could never do it myself but seeing it through your eyes is just as good. Which is why I can’t let any body else have you.” Ivan pushed him down on the bed and climbed on top of him, staring down into Alfred’s fearful eyes.

“S-sir…”

“When we are alone like this, call me Ivan.” Alfred tried to stop his trembling body as the larger man rest his weight on top of him.

“I-Ivan.” Alfred said the name softly and he gasped a little when he felt Ivan grow hard against him. ‘No! No, not that again! No!’ His mind screamed in panic and he felt the tears start to sting the back of his eyes.

“Don’t be afraid, my little rose. I know you must be raw and sore from our coupling this morning and I wouldn’t dream of hurting you like that again. Unless you do something to anger me then you would have to be punished.” He smiled happily as he said the last sentence and Alfred trembled as he knew those words were true. That happy, childish face above him with a toothy smile, no doubt, was more frightening then having Ivan ravish him unmercifully again. At least with that he knew what was coming. But that sweet face and those violet eyes hid something wicked and perilous behind it.

“I hope to never anger you, Ivan.” Ivan’s features softened again and he nuzzled Alfred’s neck, right on one of his ‘love’ bites.

“You’ve intrigued and bewitched me, little rose. Uncorrupted. That is my favorite part about you.”

He took a pink rose from the bundle and stroked it along Alfred’s cheek. Alfred loved how soft the petals felt against his skin. He found it strange that Ivan was being so gentle with him after the way he was this morning. This must be the ‘sweet and romantic’ side of him Feli was telling him about. His eyelids shuttered a bit at the treatment and he felt the corner of his mouth twitch up in a smile. Ivan crushed the rose in his hand and sprinkled the petals over Alfred’s face, one landing on the fading bruise. Ivan blew it off with a quick ‘poof’.

“Who did that to you?” Ivan asked him and Alfred had to come up with an excuse quick.

“Some men on the market road coming here. I made the mistake of traveling at night and got jumped.” Ivan bought the story and picked up one of the rose petals, placing it on Alfred’s lips. Alfred wasn’t quite sure what Ivan wanted him to do so he just kissed it. It must have pleased him for Ivan brought it up to his own lips and planted a kiss as well.

“A kiss from a rose.”

Alfred blushed again at this adoring attention he was getting from Ivan and that tingling feeling in his lower stomach came back when Ivan pressed their groins together. That same tingling feeling went straight to his own and he was ashamed of his own body for betraying him like this. This is the same man who raped him this morning so why was he feeling excited by his close presence. Ivan chuckled.

“I do believe you’re getting aroused, Alfred.” Alfred didn’t think he could flush anymore but his face grew hotter with more embarrassment. “Don’t be so alarmed, it’s a VERY good thing.”

They were stopped short by the sudden sounds of horns blowing in unison nearby. Ivan immediately got off of Alfred and hurried to the window. Alfred sat up and clutched the sheets to him, worried about what those horns might mean. He remembered the sounds of horns from yesterday on the farm. It chilled his bones.

“Victory horns! My army came back victorious!” Ivan said proudly and smiled at Alfred. “Everyone gets the night off when my army comes back with a win. I make it my priority to spend the whole night with Yao, work free.”

“I’m sure he’ll like that. Congratulations on the win too, Ivan.”

“Thank you, Alfred.” He went over and kissed his cheek. “Remember to buy something for yourself tomorrow, okay? I’ll send Feliciano back in.” He kissed him again before leaving the room and soon Feliciano came in.

“How did it go?” He asked and Alfred just looked at him with confusion.

“I really don’t know…he was being all romantic like you said he could be. He brought me roses.”

“Ve~ they’re beautiful! You know, Lord Ivan’s favorite flowers are sunflowers.”

“I kind of got that from the garden and the vases in his office. Kiku has to tend to that monstrous yellow jungle!” They both chuckled a bit before Alfred spoke again. “Feli, Lord Ivan paid me already and I need to get it back to my family on the farm. Do you know anyone I can trust to safely deliver these coins to them?”

“Ludwig would be the only one I would fully trust with money. But hearing those victory horns, no one will be heading out tonight.” Feliciano smiled happily and danced from foot to foot. “PARTY NIGHT AT THE BARRACKS!”

“P-party night?” Alfred had never been to a party before.

“Yes! You see, Lord Ivan always gives everyone the night off and the wines and ales are on him! Except his vodka…that’s only for him and Yao. Sometimes they show up at the parties after they have their private dinner.”

“Ivan likes parties?”

“Ve~ yes he does. I think it relaxes him to see everyone having so much fun together. From what I’ve heard, Ivan is used to being alone a lot so this must bring him some joy. And to top it all off it’s Gilbert’s army that is coming back and he knows how to throw an awesome party!”

“Gilbert?”

“Ludwig’s brother. He’s also one of Lord Ivan’s generals. When you meet him he will be a little…well…I’ll leave it up to you to make your judgment! If you are feeling up to going, that is?”

“Yes, I’ll be going. I feel much better.”

Alfred couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go to a party. Many times in the market place, as he was searching for a place to set up, he would see inns or taverns having some kind of celebration. The merriment of those gatherings always made him jealous. He never had the money or the friends to have any type of celebration. And free wine? Arthur hardly ever let him drink wine, since it was VERY expensive. The only time he had it was when a new wine shop opened in town and the owner was giving away free bottles of his cheap stuff.

All five of them had some and Alfred wanted more. But that nagging Arthur told him he wasn’t allowed to drink anymore. But tonight was going to be different! Arthur wasn’t here to stop him from having fun! He was going to drink wine and get drunk and eats lots of food! Throwing the covers off, he stood up and ignored the pain in his backside.

“When does this party start?” Alfred matched Feliciano’s grin.

“Right after we raid our wardrobe and the first star of the night sky appears! In other words, we want to get there early! Put on some pants and we’ll go tell Francis and sneak a bite to eat! We want full bellies if we will be gulping down wine tonight!”

“Bring it on!”


End Chapter 5