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Tempus Vernum	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1527 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I'm making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
Chapter 5

“I would rather have a sword in my hand than a knitting needle! I’m not a woman!”

Gilbert sat across from Arthur with his arms crossed and wearing an angry frown. He couldn’t believe the demands Arthur was putting on him, almost like the king was trying to change him into a woman! There was no way he would agree to such terms.

Arthur rubbed his temples. “Oh my stars above…I’ve forgotten how much you are like Alfred. Stubborn as a jackass.” Green eyes glanced upwards. ‘Green Mother, give me strength to deal with these horrible children!’

“I’m not saying ‘no’ in full, you know! I just don’t want to walk around and sing a pretty song like some princess! I’m a fighter! A warrior! A soldier! I wish to be treated and taught as if I were a knight, not a lady. I’m anything BUT a lady.”

“I know.” Arthur was not amused. “However, you are forgetting one thing; Alfred is a noble and you are not. Alfred is your superior, as am I.”

Gilbert shrugged his shoulders. “Pardon my language, but that is a bunch of bullshit, your majesty. I never believed in the whole ‘a person is better because they were born into a noble family’ nonsense. We’re all the same. We eat, sleep, drink, bathe, shit, piss, shave-“

The king put up his hand. “I get it. You can stop now.” Arthur sighed heavily. “I suppose training you in the way of knighthood would be better than the rebellious attitude you have now. Let’s say that I- “ the doors burst open and in flew Alfred “ALFRED!”

“I’m hereeeeee!” He laughed joyfully at his father’s angry expression. “So, what did I miss?”

“EVERYTHING!” Arthur sneered at him. “Sit down, right now! You’re in the presence of your future husband!”

“Huh?” Alfred looked to Gilbert, and at first gave a sneer then a hearty laugh. “Gilbert? I’m to marry GILBERT?” He lowered himself into a chair adjacent to his father. “Surely you must be joking?”

“I’m not! These are Roderich’s terms and I am agreeing to them. Gilbert is to be your husband, or wife. Whichever! Would you rather it have been a stranger?”

Alfred looked at Gilbert, who looked equally unimpressed. “I suppose not. Gilbert’s cool. So I guess they could have offered up someone worse.”

While he and Gilbert had a hard time getting along they never actually hated each other. They had more similarities than differences, yet the only thing holding them apart was their arrogance. Both men needed to top the other: to be the hero, to be the best, and to be the winner. Their competitive nature stood in the way of their friendship. However, there was the issue of ‘consummating’ the marriage, which Alfred found made his lip go up in a tiny sneer. He couldn’t deny that Gilbert was easy on the eyes, but it didn’t necessarily mean Alfred wanted to jump into bed with him. Alfred figured he’d be drunk enough from the ceremonial dinner where the act would be easy to perform. He also knew that Gilbert would agree to one-time sex only. As another perk, Alfred was certain that he could still fuck around with other fairies if he wanted to. Gilbert wouldn’t mind. But he did fear how Gilbert would take the news of the prince getting that perk and not him. And all this was to please his father more than themselves.

“All this because Elizaveta isn’t pregnant.” Gilbert pointed out and Alfred agreed.

“Hey!” Arthur glared at them both. “You both seem to forget that I have both genders within me. The whole baby thing isn’t that easy; it’s a delicate and difficult state that has more bad issues than good. Never fault a noble woman, or any woman for that matter, who can or cannot have a baby. There’s a lot of pressure put upon them and horrible judgment is always past, especially for a noblewoman. Neither of you will ever understand, so do not speak as if you know of it.” Alfred rolled his eyes.

“You can be SUCH a girl sometimes, father! Man or not.”

“Don’t forget that WE shared a body, Alfred!” Arthur hollered at his son watching as Alfred had to plug his ears.

“DON’T REMIND ME! I REFUSE TO BELIEVE IT! I came from a star beam, not from your body.”

Arthur gave a snort. “Arrogant and ungrateful little toad that you are! You never respect me for the greatest gift I’ve given you…the gift of life!”

Gilbert burst out laughing. “My mom said that to me all the time when I was unruly!”

Arthur flushed angrily and cleared his throat. Sometimes his genders mingled with each other, and not always for the greater good. “Gilbert, your mother must have done something horrible in her time for the Green Mother to dispose a child like YOU upon her.” Gilbert puffed out his cheeks. “Of course, I’m one to talk. The Green Mother bestowed this pride and joy upon me.” He jutted his thumb towards Alfred.

“Hey!” Alfred frowned.

Arthur cleared his throat. “Now, let’s get serious about this marriage. Joining together will help both courts immensely. I know both of you very well, and I know how you are. All I ask is that when in public, try to act like decent gentlemen. Just put on a show for the public, that’s all I ask. I put on a show every day when I enter court or ride through the city. It’s troublesome and annoying, but something that is necessary. Whatever you choose to do behind closed doors is your own business.” He stood up from the chair. “Now then, I leave you two to discuss a few matters of your own. I am allowing this privacy, but I will ask both of you, separately, what conclusions and compromises you have come to. Happy talking.”

Both Gilbert and Alfred watched Arthur flutter out of the room with the servants closing the door behind him. Now that they were alone, the two looked at each other in silence for a moment until Gilbert decided to speak.

“How good are you at acting?”

“Better than you.” Alfred countered.

“You’ve never seen me act!” Gilbert stuck his tongue out. “My acting is so good that you just might fall in love with me!”

“Ah, back it up, old friend! Chances are you’ll fall in love with MY acting!” Alfred stood proudly. “Everyone falls in love with me because I’m the hero! I’m noble and strong!”

Gilbert rolled his eyes. “You’re a loud mouth! And besides, when I walk into a room, head’s turn and jaws drop.” It was Gilbert’s turn to be proud and smug. “I can charm the pants or dress off any person!” ‘Or robe.’ He thought of Ludwig.

“As can I! So I think we have a little problem here.”

“Which is?”

“Obviously, we’re both awesome and like to do things our own way. We like to be with whom we want and not stay tied to one person. And this marriage is only arranged for political purposes, so if you don’t mind it, and as long as I’m discreet, I can sleep with whomever I want so we don’t have to. Does that make sense?”

Gilbert smirked and tapped his finger on the table. “Oh, it does, except for one teeny-tiny matter that bothers me. What’s all this ‘me’ shit when you’re talking about yourself? So only you get to fuck whom you want and I don’t? That’s not fair in the least, Alfred.”

Alfred was trying to hide his laughter. “Well…that’s because, you’re technically the ‘wife’ and I’m the husband. I’m the prince and you’re the commoner. I’m entitled to more.”

“The hell you are!” Gilbert growled. “You’re no better than I am! I want to do the same as you! I can be just as secretive and discreet, as well as act like I’m ‘deeply’ devoted to you.”

Alfred scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Ugh. Fine. Just don’t get us in trouble! Well, actually, YOU’LL get in trouble! My father will only yell at me, but he will send you back to Roderich, who will be furious.”

Gilbert’s lip went up in a sneer. “You’re a pompous ass. I am NOT having sex with you. We’ll just have to make it sound like we are.”

“Oh! I didn’t think of that!” Alfred grinned, for this worked out better than he had planned. “Sounds good to me. What the public doesn’t know can hurt them! So it’s a deal then! We act like lovers in public to please everyone, then behind closed doors, we play however we want!”

“Do I have your word on that?” Gilbert asked, standing up and holding out his hand. Alfred reached over and grasped it tightly, giving a hearty shake.

“You have my word. It’s a done deal!”

“But what are we going to tell your father?”

Alfred thought. “Hmm…he likes tradition…so we’ll tell him we plan to stay true to one another, act nice in public, and…and…hm, and that we’ll do our best to get along?”

Gilbert grinned. “Sounds good to me!”

///

‘Now I’m lost!’ Ludwig said to himself while wondering through another hall he had just been through. The castle walls were all black and the ceilings had the structure of a cavern or cave. Some of the torches along the wall glowed different colors; the only colors to dance off these black walls. Ludwig knew that if he spent too much time in a place like this he would grow depressed rather quickly.

“Lost?” Came a voice.

Ludwig turned to see Arthur walking towards him dressed in all black with a green cloak. For a king he appeared rather causal most of the time, unlike Roderich, who was dressed to the tooth with lace, embroidery, patterns, and jewelry. “I am. I lost my way from the portrait hall where I met an explorer fairy named Francis.”

Arthur just smiled. “We have a very long line of fairy rulers, bigger than even Roderich’s.”

“I have not seen Roderich’s.”

“You’re not missing much.” Arthur smirked. “Come walk with me in the gardens where we can talk. There are a lot of changes being made and you are a stranger here. I take it you don’t know much about fairies and have many questions.”

Ludwig followed alongside Arthur. “I know very little about them but I am willing to learn, since I will be spending a great deal of my time here.” He followed the king out through an open archway that led to one part of the gardens.

“Feel free to ask me any questions you may have.” Arthur stopped to pluck a purple rose and sniffed it. “I’m sure you’re curious about my other half, the female half. If you’ve seen the paintings then you know already.”

“That is rather…peculiar. Why is it that only you can do it? How rare is it?”

Arthur played with the petals and Ludwig noticed some sort of pattern on the fairy’s skin that looked like scales. “It’s extremely rare, and only one born every hundred years will be blessed with the gift. That fairy child was me.” He plucked off a petal. “You can only imagine how my parents felt when I changed into a girl. I came into this world a boy first.”

Ludwig touched one of the black roses with curious interest. “That is very unique. Now about your sons…may I ask why they don’t, look the same?”

Arthur’s eyes turned a brighter shade of green. “Whatever do you mean?”

“I mean, they look very different, especially Alfred. He was born with horns and black wings but Matthew has no horns and his wings are fairly small in comparison to you both. I’m just wondering if fairy genetics work the same or differently in humans.”

Arthur chuckled. “Alfred has horns because he is a rotten little demon who threatens to drive me mad. Actually, he has MY horns.” Arthur took off his crown with one hand and separated his hair on the left side to show Ludwig where the flat stump of a horn had been. “I got them sawed and burned off when I was young. My parents were shocked enough that I could change into a girl, so no reason to make me stick out more than with horns as well.” He put his crown back on. “Matthew was born without horns, but he actually has a tail. That comes from my grandfather. He wraps it around his waist under his clothes so no one sees. Our little Gilbert used to pull his tail quite often. Most fairy genetics work the same as humans, but since I am very unique in my genes my children come out differently. Notice how Alfred is a major loudmouth and Matthew is sweet and soft-spoken? I raised them BOTH the same, and yet they are polar opposites.”

Ludwig gave a nod and accidently pulled off a petal. “I apologize. We don’t have black roses in my world so I was curious. How do they grow?” He turned to look at Arthur.

“I make them grow. Everything here you see alive is maintained by my magic.” Arthur glanced over to one row of bushes near the fountain that sprouted bright blue roses. It was a row of flowers created by Francis, and the row held five bushes in total, one for each of their children, alive and dead. “Do you see those blue roses over there?”

Ludwig followed Arthur’s gaze and laid eyes on the bright blue roses. How could he have missed those? They were the ONLY bright color in this whole garden. They were almost the same light as the blue sky. “I do. Why are there so few? Are they magic?”

“They are grown by magic, yes, but they are there for a reason. They are there for Alfred and Matthew’s late father, as well as a child I lost during the birth right after Alfred. She was a sweet little girl.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” ‘You mean Francis’ children.’ He stared at the bushes. ‘There are five bushes with blue roses the shame color as Francis’ eyes.’

“I wanted you to hear it from me before your ears are plagued to vicious rumors.”

“About your sons not being of noble and royal blood.” Ludwig knew he shouldn’t have said that and it had just slipped out. Yet Arthur didn’t appear upset or angry by what he had said. It was a known rumor anyway.

“That rumor is always floating around, but pay it no mind. They are of noble blood and not of a commoner. Blood is everything if you want power in this realm.”

Ludwig noticed how Arthur’s smug features had softened to sorrow and sadness, but the look disappeared as quickly as it had come. He had no doubt that King Arthur loved that fairy Francis and probably wished they could rule side by side with their sons standing proud. He had to wonder just how much of Arthur was an act? The king had agreed to Gilbert even though he is a commoner, the same as Francis. Still, Ludwig was very distrusting of the Dark King, for that constant cynical attitude and smug aura about him said a lot for his personality. It was no wonder why he and Roderich could never come to a proper agreement face to face.

“Don’t you ever think that those ideas sound a bit ridiculous?” Ludwig asked him.

“Oh, they are ridiculous. They’re useless, disgusting, and cruel! It’s stupid!” Ludwig could see Arthur’s eyes turn snake like and he took a step back. “A cruel way to make you run your life so as to not be judged harshly by others!” With his sneer Ludwig was able to see some fangs. “But it is tradition.” The snake-like features suddenly disappeared. “Forgive me for losing my temper. It’s very hard to be a king and rule over a land when everything threatens to work against you.”

Ludwig gulped. “I’m sure it is.”

Arthur crossed his arms and smirked at Ludwig’s concerned face. “Did I frighten you?” Ludwig just looked away and didn’t answer him. “It’s all part of my unique form. I even have a deadly poison in my body; it’s in my blood and teeth. I can easily transfer it to my enemy and have them killed instantly.”

Blonde brows drew together. “Please do not take this a threat of any kind…but why have you not…done away with Roderich if you have such an ability like that?”

“Good question.” Arthur picked up another rose, this one being red. “My poison does not work on fairies. It only works on creatures, monsters, and” he glanced at Ludwig “humans.”

“Is that true?”

“It is.” He crumpled the rose in his hand. “And it’s not just through biting. If I have sex with a human male or female my semen will kill them. If they have sex with me then the same applies.”

“But why? Forgive me for saying but…it all seems rather unnecessary for a powerful being such as yourself, or any fairy, to need such a defense like that.”

Arthur threw his head back and laughed. “Perhaps I should educate you along with Gilbert! You see we have never really cared for humans, us fairies of the Dark Court. We were always more powerful but the Green Mother seemed to favor humans above all others.” He looked towards Ludwig. “This was a very, very long time ago. Longer than any books we have now about it. It’s all word of mouth, but the humans have always tried to be superior to us using their primitive ways. The Green Mother granted defenses for us so we could protect ourselves from humans. And humans were given the knowledge of charms and the like to defend against us. Yet a defense like mine is very rare and carried through by old, old blood. Much like Sadiq, who I’m sure you’ve met already?” Ludwig nodded. “No one has my ability, and I thank the Green Mother that my sons don’t possess it.”

“And as far as you know, King Roderich doesn’t have anything like you?”

“No. He’s nowhere near as unique as I am.”

“But if it is word of mouth and there are no records of it…then how do we know it hasn’t been changed or lost in translation?”

Arthur smirked. “I like you, monk. However, you ask too many questions and those who seek too much knowledge often end up dead.”

Ludwig folded his arms behind his back and stood up straight. “It’s just a philosophical question, your highness. Of course you would know more about this than I do, being a fairy and all.”

“Ludwig, I’m not saying you are wrong in your questioning, but that is just between us. I’m simply warning you about your stay here. You never know who may be listening,” he whispered “and there are many members in my kingdom that are from the pure blood.”

He cleared his throat. “I’m guessing that terms holds the same as it does in my word?”

Arthur shrugged his shoulders. “It means the same. I’m of the old blood, but not quite the ‘pure’ blood. I was excused from all that after I was born with my unique ability.”

“I see.” He cleared his throat. “I will do my best to heed your warning. Is there anything else I should know?”

The Dark Fairy king moved to sit on the edge of a fountain. “Don’t fall in love with a fairy because we outlive humans by hundreds of years.” He chuckled. “So don’t let Gilbert fool you because he’s at least over a hundred years old, and will still look as he does now when you’re old and gray. He won’t want you then. So that’s one thing I will tell you.” He crossed his legs and rests his folded arms on his knee. “How old do you think I am?”

“Um…I’m really not good with these sorts of questions. You’re part woman so…you may get offended, and I also don’t know the perfect age for fairies.”

Heavy brows lifted, and then Arthur laughed again. “Just give me a guess. Come on. Humor me. I deal with dull and boring nobles who have a lot to say but don’t want to do anything to make things better.”

Ludwig muttered, “Over…three hundred?”

Arthur smiled. “Oh, I could just kiss you! Yes, I’m about that old.” He laughed out loud.

Ludwig rubbed the bridge of his nose. ‘I’m surrounded by oddities.’

“FATHERRRRRRRRRR!” Came Alfred’s echoing cry.

“FATHER IN LAWWWWWWWWW!” Gilbert’s cry followed after.

Arthur covered his ears. “Stars above…what have I gotten myself in to?”

“You and me both.” Ludwig said, slumping his shoulders as the two fairy males came flying over to them.

“We’re all set!” Alfred gave a thumbs up. “Let’s get this all talked out so I can go out and have some fun!”

“We’re a loving couple!”

Arthur rolled his eyes. “Let’s work on your acting a bit more first.” He stood up from the fountain. “Alright. Alfred, come with me and we’ll talk. Gilbert, you and Ludwig go get your rooms settled. It’s getting late and I rather you both not be out. We will speak more in the morning.”

Gilbert’s brows furrowed at the king. “Why is Alfred allowed out and I’m not?”

“Because anyone who tries to kidnap Alfred will send him back IMMEDIATELY before a ransom note can be put out. Once he opens up that big mouth, they’ll send him back WITH gold.” Alfred growled and Gilbert snickered.

“As funny as that is, and probably true, it’s still not fair to me.”

Ludwig cleared his throat. “King Arthur was educating me on fairy culture. Perhaps you can further my education?” The look in Gilbert’s eyes made Ludwig regret the last thing he said. ‘I walked right in to that one.’

///

Their bedroom was the same guest one as before, even though Ludwig nearly begged to have a room of his own. Kiku, the fairy who had first greeted him, insisted it would be safer for Ludwig to stay with Gilbert. Currently, Ludwig was sitting at the little desk silently praying for the strength to get through this night without an erection. He did wonder if it would be better to just sleep with Gilbert BEFORE he was married and get it out of his system now before something drastic happened. Ludwig couldn’t see himself taking advantage of Gilbert for that wasn’t in his nature. Even if he did the fairy would have some sort of counter attack that could give his private parts frostbite! Of course, there was still that fear of being found out in the human world. Each time he grew hard that noose continued to creep closer and closer. So he folded his hands together and silently prayed to the Green Mother to give him strength from the smoldering incubus on the bed beside him.

“Luddy, come to bed already! I can hear you praying all the way over here!”

Ludwig opened his eyes. “Please let me finish. I have so much on my mind right now that I’m surprised to still be awake and functioning.”

“Pfft. Well praying isn’t going to do anything. Now come to bed, I’m cold.”

He turned to look at the white fairy in the bed. “You’re a Winter Fairy. How can you POSSIBLY be cold?”

“It’s pillow talk. Just come here! Didn’t you say you want me to ‘further’ your education?” White brows wiggled with seduction.

“Not about THAT. I want to know more about the fairy folk, especially these ‘pure bloods’ King Arthur speaks about so often. Do you know of them? I have a feeling they will prove to be an obstacle in this whole marriage matter.” ‘And in my life here as well.’

Gilbert patted the spot beside him. “Come lay next to me and we’ll talk. I’ll tell you all I know.”

Ludwig sighed and obediently did as he was told, climbing in to bed beside the fairy. Gilbert wasted no time in rolling over onto Ludwig’s body to straddle his lap. Ludwig froze, feeling his body stiffen completely in ALL areas; and all the fairy did was sit on him. The Winter Fairy saw his blush and no doubt felt the erection.

“Someone’s eager.”

“Not me.” Ludwig said in a whisper. ‘What a stupid thing to say!’

Pink lips smirked and narrow hips began to rock against him. “Why do you keep denying yourself, Ludwig? Who in the human world would know if you screwed a fairy?”

“It’s just not right.” He moaned at the warm pressure of Gilbert’s lower body. “It’s unnatural.”

“Bullshit. Sex is natural, and it doesn’t matter who or what you are!” He stretched his body out over Ludwig’s, pushing their noses together. “I want you, Monk Ludwig.”

The monk swallowed. “Do you want me only for lust and to rebel against your nature? Or do you want something more to come of this?” Gilbert didn’t answer but only stared in to his eyes as if seeing through to his soul. “Arthur told me that fairies age much longer than humans. I will be old and you will be just like this. Surely you know that, so this is just lust on your end, is it not?”

“What about you? If you weren’t lusting after me than this erection wouldn’t be bulging through your robes. So what does it matter if it’s lust or love?” Gilbert gave a smile and nipped the tip of Ludwig’s nose. “Did you ever hear of something called, ‘companionship’? As in, just wanted to be with another warm body, share in your likes, dislikes, fears, and wants? Someone to be a shoulder to cry on or help to lift a burden?”

Ludwig just gazed at him, surprised to hear such a strong sentiment come from a rebellious fairy like Gilbert. Is that really why Gilbert keeps pushing himself onto him like this? Was he just looking for companionship? Is he lonely? Ludwig is told that Gilbert is always surrounded by friends and is popular, but maybe there is something in all that the fairy is lacking. Or what is wants he can’t have, so he’s making up for it in other ways. “Gilbert, out of ALL the people you could have, man or fairy, why do you come after me? I am a monk and I have duties as a servant of the Green Mother.”

Gilbert folded his arms over Ludwig’s chest and huffed. “I am a servant of the Green Mother as well. I help to change the seasons. But you, Ludwig…you’re different than most. I just felt something for you when we first met. I can’t really explain it but,” he smiled “I think you and I will have a lot going for ourselves. Together we can change things…and of course, have a little fun along the way.” His sweet looks turned seductive and mischievous again.

“Gilbert, please-“

“Tell you what; let’s a deal.” He moved his lips so they were right above Ludwig’s. “If you can lose this erection by the time we’re done making out then I promise to leave you alone. Fail to do so and moments like this will continue.”

“Kiss?” Ludwig flushed again, but before he could protest, those pink lips were pressed against his. They were warm to the touch and incredibly soft. Instantly Ludwig kissed back, although he was a bit clumsy at it, the monk found he couldn’t resist the urgent need. How quickly he had lost all his reserve in a second to a mere simple kiss…that was quickly becoming heated. He found himself rolling them over so he could rest on top, pressing the soft white body against the plush mattress. Ludwig knew it wasn’t right, and what he should do is get up and leave before it could lead to ‘something’ else. Yet when he felt those long legs wrap around his waist and squeeze tight, he no longer wanted to leave.

///

“Did anyone see you come in?”

Francis stretched under the covers, naked and thoroughly satisfied. “Nope. Not a single person.” He looked over at an equally naked Arthur slipping from the bed to put on his robe. Francis rolled over onto his side and gazed at the other. “One day I’ll steal you away from all this.”

“Steal me?” Arthur finished tying his robe. “And take me where?” He gave Francis an amused look while leaning on the curtained bedpost. His fingers fiddled with the purple silk. “It’s high treason and punishable by death to kidnap a royal, especially a king.”

“Ah, but you know you want nothing more than to sail away with me on one of my adventures. To be completely free of all things political and just be a regular fairy enjoying life.”

Arthur’s hand moved to fiddle with the purple tassel. “While that is all very enticing and highly appealing, you know damn well that I am needed here. For our sons.”

Francis flopped onto the pillow. “But once Alfred is mature enough to rule-“

“I’m not leaving my boys.” Arthur replied firmly. “Besides, Alfred can’t run a kingdom on his own. He’d forget his head if it weren’t attached to his neck.”

“But, you would consider it.” Francis smiled at the look of mischief on Arthur’s face.

“Of course I would. I bet I would mop the deck with you, Mr. Explorer. Who, may I remind you, only received the title of ‘explorer’ because I granted it to you? Before that you were nothing more than…what do the humans call them? A pirate? A rogue? A nave?”

He scoffed. “Only after I charmed the shimmer out of your young wings.”

Arthur gasped in offense. “I still have shimmer!” He spread his wings and shimmied them, but when he saw Francis’ skeptical (and amused) look he hissed, baring his fangs. “Maybe not as much as Gilbert, or say Matthew…but enough to still be considered young.”

“Yeah. Okay.”

“Get out of my bed!”

Francis sat up and held his arms out to Arthur. “My angry little king, come here.”

“No.”

“Arthur, come on. Come in to my loving, hairy embrace.” He chuckled but it was cut short when Arthur moved in to his embrace.

“You’re the only thing here keeping me sane, Francis. I want to go on adventures with you…and see what you see with my own eyes rather than hearing about it. But…our children come first, and they need me here. It’s a necessary sacrifice, but one I am willing to make.” He pulled back then to glare at Francis. “And you never charmed the shimmer out of my wings! You couldn’t get enough of me because I was the first to snub your pompous behind!” Francis nuzzled Arthur’s cheek. “Ouch! Your stubble! Watch the stubble!”

“I apologize.” He giggled. “But don’t you remember the day we first met?”

“Sometimes I like to forget it.”

Francis just rolled his eyes with a smile. “You fell in love with me the moment you saw my gorgeousness sailing in on that ship, standing proud and tall on the bowsprit as I made port, blonde wavy hair blowing in the wind.”

Arthur rolled his eyes. “Yes, you were ‘oh-so-charming’.

“Do I detect a hint of sarcasm, my sweet?” Arthur gave a snort but said nothing in return, which Francis knew meant that his lover was worried about something. “My king, what is it? I can sense your distress.”

Arthur sighed. “I just worry that one day…you might not come back. I know it’s easier for fairies than humans…but there is still that ‘what-if’. I fear losing you, for if I do…I may just go mad.”

Francis held him close. “You’re not going to lose me any time soon. I’ll die in your arms at an old age while we’re making love.” He tried to lighten the mood because he has this fear as well. “I would never leave you and the boys. You know very well I’d lay down my life for all of you.”

“I know that you big dummy! I also know it’s better for you to be gone for long periods of time to lessen suspicion. As far as ANYONE knows, you are simply sharing your adventures with me and we’re plotting to expand.”

“And we will. Once we have control of both kingdoms there will be no stopping us. When you are the solitary ruler we can sit beside each other on the thrones. If all else fails, I steal you away.”

“You know that if this ever got out we’d all be dead. The pure bloods would find a way to get rid of us. How foolish of me to let a commoner impregnate me and be allowed to sit on a throne as my equal.”

Francis growled. “Those damn bastards! If I were able to do it I would see them all killed!”

“Francis-“

“No, Arthur! You’re never allowed to have any real freedom of your own without worrying about those pure blooded bastards!”

“We need them to keep believing that Alfred and Matthew are of noble blood. It’s fine for Gilbert not to be because of his bought title, given to him by a pure blooded Light Fairy. But should it ever be found out-“

“It won’t. And if it does, then you’ll turn in to the most ferocious monster of the likes we have never seen!”

“Roar.” Arthur leaned up and kissed him. “We shouldn’t talk about this stuff. We rarely have time for one another like this. And what about that princess we’re suppose to have?”

Francis raised a blonde brow and looked at him, surprised. “Are you considering it? I mean…even after Matthew? I would love it but it’s up to you.”

“I’ve almost forgotten what it was like to have Matthew…and when I DO remember, I always reconsider it. But we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. Another child would work in our favor since Queen Elizaveta hasn’t had a child of her own yet. I blame Roderich.”

Francis had to cover his mouth to shield his laughter. “Well, I’ve always said that about him. Or maybe she rather fight and lead an army than be a mother. No shame in that.”

“Absolutely not. I would love to find out her motives or reasoning.” He smirked as he thought of an idea. “Wait a minute…perhaps we can find out! Ludwig is our neutral envoy! I’m sure he can find this out for us!”

“Aren’t we putting a lot on Ludwig as it is?” He held Arthur close. “You know, I spoke to him today while in the portrait room. I think he suspects us. I saw that look of realization in his eyes. He’s by no means stupid, that one.

“Oh really? He suspects?” Arthur gave a little sneer. “If he’s smart then he’ll take my warnings to heart and ask no more questions…or else my fangs will find him.”

///

Outside in the darkened forest, Ivan, in his dog form, prowled the night in search of food. He had to take his anger out on something because he was still furious about Gilbert’s quick dismissal of love. Ivan wanted the fairy for his own and was determined to have him. If only Gilbert would consider him as a possible life mate, and then Ivan could take the fairy back to his world where there would be freedom. Ivan only remained in this realm for Gilbert. He had a contract with King Arthur only to secure his place here, for if he had no master, then the others of his kind would force him back. Ivan stopped to glance back towards the distant castle, staring at the small glowing lights coming from its windows. Somewhere in those rooms was Gilbert, and if his intuition were right, the fairy would be with Ludwig.

‘Ludwig.’ He scoffed. ‘As if a human could ever have the abilities of a mystical world creature like myself. Gilbert will soon bore of the monk, and then he will be right for the taking.’ Ivan pawed at the ground. ‘I fear nothing from that obnoxious moron, Alfred. I’d like to sink my fangs in to those wings and rip them to shreds…just because I don’t like his face.’ He grinned madly with his dog mouth and his red glowed bright. ‘Maybe I’ll chomp through his bones instead!’ To emphasize his own power, Ivan leapt up to snap his jaws on a thin branch, and easily break it in two. ‘How long does it take to consume a fairy, I wonder?’ His ears perked with the sound something walking nearby. ‘Who follows?’ Ivan looked around, snarling and growling in warning for whatever else was out there.

A dense white fog began to seep through the trees, inching its way closer and closer. It was in route to the castle. Ivan gasped, knowing full well what was coming their way. To warn the others to prepare for a fight, Ivan let out a loud and mighty howl that could make even the Green Mother shudder in fear. Some of the fog started to creep towards him and the only thing he could do was run. Fighting this on his own would be suicide, so he raced against the mist to beat it to the castle. He had to protect Gilbert.

End Chapter 5 TBC
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Tempus Vernum