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Storm of War	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1886 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. This fic is for fun. I'm not making any money off of this fanfiction

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
***Warnings: Foul language, suggestive themes, violence.

***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia.

Chapter 7

Alfred struggled wildly under the bulk of the man as he desperately tried to get free. Sadik’s hands had his wrists squeezed painfully together and thought he could hear the bones rubbing together. He would not cry out or make a sound of fear although his body was racked with it. All he could hear was Sadik’s voice mocking him with a laugh and could picture his smug face. Alfred knew his struggling was getting him nowhere so he had to quickly think of a different approach. If he ceased in his struggles then perhaps Sadik would loosen his hold and leave an opening for Alfred to strike. It was worth a shot at least. Gritting his teeth he let his body relax in Sadik’s hold and swore he could hear the man’s confusion behind him. Alfred’s lip curled up in small smirk and was prepared to lash out when his legs were suddenly spread open by the other’s knees. Alfred’s body went ridged and all thought escaped him for a moment as his mind started to register the current situation. Now he was completely pinned under the bastard with no chance of gaining a foothold.

“What a splendid portrait you would make right now, Alfred. Ivan’s queen, face down on the floor with his legs spread ready to accept the ‘invasion’ of his opponent! If only all politics could be handled this way.”

“Get off of me! I swear, if you don’t remove yourself from me I’ll-“

“You’ll what? You seem to forget that I’m the one on top. But let’s just leave this at, shall we say, a wrestling match?” He let out a chuckle and released Alfred’s wrists. Alfred immediately leapt to safety and turned to give him a death glare. “I wouldn’t have taken you just now.” He said with a smug smirk, going back to his chair. “The more I thought about my offer for your body, I realized that it would be simply appalling to be where Ivan has been.”

“Do you wish to resort to childish insults, you disgusting cockroach?” Alfred sneered and Sadik narrowed his eyes.

“Keep barking, little puppy, and see where it gets you. You’re soiled fruit. I only take fresh and ripe fruit.”

“I guess now I know not to touch the cantaloupe!”

“Shouldn’t you be nursing your husband like a good little wife? I’m paying out of my own pocket for more of the needed herbs to keep him alive. I would be very careful if I were you. I still think it’s disrespectful the way you are accusing me of such sabotage.”

“I see a side of you that no one else seems to notice.”

“Where is your proof, oh Merciful Queen Alfred? What PROOF do you have that I set all this up?”

“I don’t need proof! I just know!”

“Tsk, tsk, speculation shows poor judgment. Perhaps you are not as intelligent as I thought you were. Just remember whose house you are currently residing in and the status of your husband.”

“Eat shit and die!” Alfred flipped one of the side tables over and stormed out of the room, hearing Sadik’s laughter behind him. Alfred had just started down the hall when he saw Ludwig jogging up the way towards him.

“There you are!” Ludwig stopped in front of him. “Lovino came to my room saying you were fighting with Sadik? And it appears you were…” Ludwig noticed the slight bruise on Alfred’s lip and the finger marks on his wrists. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” Alfred said with a huff and brushed his bangs back.

“Where are your glasses?”

“Shit! I must have left them in there!” Alfred looked at the door at the end of the hall and his eyebrow twitched at the thought of going back in there. He may just take Ludwig’s sword with him and gut the bastard. Maybe after three years Ivan’s choice of bloodshed was beginning to rub off on him.

“Let me get them for you.” Ludwig offered and Alfred let him. He watched as the tall blonde made his way inside and emerge only a minute or so later with the glasses in his hands. “They don’t appear damaged.”

“Thank you.” Alfred put them on and cleared his throat. “So…um…how are things with…everything?”

“With your husband down for the count we haven’t been doing much but thinking about his health.”

“Fair enough. Keep an eye on things, Ludwig. I’ll be depending on you to keep peace and order around here. Everyone should be extremely cautious when they step outside of the guesthouse. I suggest you keep a particularly close eye on Feliciano. You know how flighty and air-headed he can be…he’d fall for any trick.”

“Is that what you think, Alfred? You think everything has been set up?”

“Haven’t you come to the same conclusion? I know we don’t have fucking ‘proof’ but I have a very strong feeling that I’m right in this matter. Whatever. Don’t leave Feliciano too long…I’m highly suspicious of any Madylian resident here.”

“Yes sir. Should I accompany you back to your room?” Alfred smirked.

“Thanks, but I can make it there myself. I dare someone to try and stop me.”

In Feliciano’s room, Lovino sat on the bed while holding a heavily tasseled paisley pillow in his arms. He had the beaded part of a tassel in his mouth and he was grinding it between his teeth. Feliciano just sat next to him, looking confused as he tried to think of something to say to his would-be twin. Feliciano was worried about Alfred being in that struggle with Sadik and he could only hope that Ludwig got there in time to help. He had to wonder if the similar man was angry or jealous at the idea of Sadik ‘possibly’ having his way with Alfred. The way Lovino was reacting to it seemed to point in that direction when Feliciano was certain that he did not like his husband. With a gulp he decided to try and guess what Lovino was livid about.

“I’m sure nothing like ‘that’ is really truly happening between my queen and your king. You don’t have to be jealous or-“

“JEALOUS?” Lovino shouted the word and turned to Feliciano with a look that could kill. Feli made a frightened ‘eeping’ sound and took refuge behind a pillow just as Lovino swung his own at him. “What makes you think I’m jealous of that fucking bastard having his way with another? He cheats on my left and right and I say ‘good’! I rather it be someone else than me! The more he strays the happier I am!” Feliciano peeked out from behind his pillow, trembling slightly.

“D-Does he hurt you?”

“Every fucking second of my life. And are you that dimwitted? Surely you remember me telling all of you how I want out of this hellhole?”

“I do…and I feel really bad for you, Lovino, that you are in a loveless marriage.”

“A FORCED marriage, remember? I was taken away from my stupid idiotic lover back home. And you believe you’re in a loving marriage? With that guy who has a stick up his ass?” Feliciano smiled.

“Ve~ That’s my Ludwig! We love each other very much!”

“He doesn’t show it.”

“He’s just like that, especially in public! But believe me when I say he really is very sweet and tender…like a really big teddy bear!” Feliciano hugged his pillow tightly, imagining it was Ludwig in a teddy bear form.

“So he never hurts you?”

“Hurts me? No, why would he? I mean he does yell at me sometimes for being too careless or clumsy, but he’s never raised a hand to me. What about your lover at home, King Antonio? The way you speak of him I would think you really like him.” Lovino scoffed.

“Bah. He’s better than nothing. I don’t need him and I don’t need anybody! I don’t need his stupid, asinine songs or love poems or tomato dishes!” Feliciano stared at Lovino before he smiled sweetly and clutched the pillow.

“Hmmm…you really like all that stuff though, don’t you?” Lovino tried to hide his blush in the pillow.

“I don’t!” He mumbled.

“Ve~ of course you do! I wish Ludwig would sing to me but he sings like a frog and sometimes only the dogs respond. I would sing to him but he always pinches my lips together to keep from doing so!”

“I will do the same if you don’t stop babbling!” Lovino hissed at him. “And Antonio’s songs are stupid! Who the hell wants to hear about ‘budding flowers’ and ‘summer riding’ and all that other stupid nonsense he spurts through tunes?”

“I’ll bet all his songs are written just for you. Does he sing about you?”

“Yeah…I have a couple of songs about me that he composed…” he blushed. “But they all stink!”

“So his voice is bad?”

“It’s not going to set the world on fire but he’s good…I guess. Do you know how many times I wanted to just relax in the gardens without him approaching me with that stupid lute of his? I swear, one day I’ll bash it over his head! OW!” Feliciano pulled on Lovino’s matching curl.

“The more you complain like this the more I’m starting to see that you truly like what he does for you and you love him.”

“Shut it! You don’t know what you’re talking about! Seriously! You may look like me but you don’t think like me!” He stood up and dropped the pillow to the bed. “I need to check the messenger falcon anyway.” Lovino headed for the door just as Ludwig was walking in. He shoved passed the tall man and grumbled a curse as he took off. Ludwig watched his retreating form before closing the door.

“Is Alfred okay?”

“Hm? Oh yeah he’s fine. What’s his problem?” Feliciano looked sadly at his husband.

“He was telling me about his Antonio and how unhappy he is being here with Sadik.

“Hm. Yeah, he’s fine, don’t worry. You two look very much like but you’re both very different from one another. He’s always angry and you’re constantly cheerful.”

“Ve~ I don’t think he’s ‘always’ angry but we should be nice to him anyway. I think he is regretting being mean to his Antonio now that he is trapped here. He is missing all the special things Antonio did for him that he took for granted. Poor Lovino…we have to get him back to his home.”

“I understand, Feli, but we can’t leave until the rains come and both Ivan and Gilbert are healed.”

“Are you doing alright, Wiggy? I mean with Gilbert…”

“I told you I’m fine, Feli. Gilbert has been in worse brawls than this and he heals fast. I’m not worried. However, I am worried about Ivan.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Staying safe is what I want you to do. Alfred and Yao can handle caring for Ivan. If you need to, spend time with Matthew. I’m sure he’ll need help with Gilbert from time to time.” Ludwig suddenly found himself wrapped in Feliciano’s arms, nuzzling his back.

“I have a good man here. A little rough around the edges but he’s a very good man and I will never give him up! He’s all mine!” Ludwig gave a little smile and turned around in the slim arms to pull the other closer to him. “Ve~”

When Alfred returned to his room there was only Yao and their apothecary present. Ivan was still out cold on the bed and Gabe was whining in his crib for some attention. Alfred asked how Ivan was doing while he scooped Gabe up from his bed to cradle him. His condition had not changed and the apothecary was changing the herbal salve on the bite. Alfred cradled Gabe to his chest as he walked over to the bed to see Ivan. Gabe whined a bit and reached a chubby hand out, grabbing for his father. Alfred had to use his free hand to push Gabe’s away for he did not want the boy so close to Ivan yet. He put his son down on the floor and let the boy toddle around for a bit.

“Alfred, are you alright?” Yao asked him. “You look like you’ve been in a fight.”

“Something like that. But I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” He stroked Ivan’s damp bangs from his eyes. “He still has a fever.”

“That should go down as long as we keep feeding him the herbal tea. We must stay on top of the liquid feeding for if his fever goes too long it can overheat his body and kill him.”

“So this is going to be a fulltime job just watching him and giving him what he needs.” Yao said and the apothecary nodded.

“Yes, I would suggest taking shifts between yourselves and maybe some of the others.” He finished re-bandaging Ivan’s hand. “There, that should do it for another two hours.”

“Then you are both dismissed.” Alfred ordered softly and both men turned to look at him. “What? I said you’re dismissed. I can take care of Ivan and Gabe for a while. I will call you if I need to switch, Yao.”

“Your majesty, I would suggest-“

“I don’t want to hear it!” Alfred glared at the apothecary. “Do as you are told. I am in charge while the king is indisposed and I demand order!” Both men and even Gabe turned to look in surprise at his sudden outburst. “I’m…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap like that. Nothing is your fault.”

“Forgive me, your highness, I’ll say no more.” The apothecary stood with a bow. “I will come and check on him later.” Alfred watched as the man left before turning to Yao.

“I want you to summon Arthur in here…I want to speak to him. And just him, not Francis.”

“Alfred, you can’t take on Ivan’s care all by yourself and especially not with a toddler on your hip.”

“I don’t need your lectures, Yao. I asked you to do something and I would appreciate it if you hurried and did so.” Yao put his hands on his waist.

“Listen here, Alfred. I know you’re upset over what has happened in the last few days but that doesn’t give you the right to-“

“The right to what?” He glared at Yao. “Don’t think you still hold power over Ivan. You are no longer his wife, I am. I’m the queen and I’ll be damned if I let you order me around! Now do as I say!”

“Forget it! Not with that attitude!”

“Stop being a stubborn jackass and follow my orders!” Gabe began to cry from his spot on the floor and Alfred went to console him, lifting him up in his arms.

“I’m here to help Ivan! Or have you forgotten that he and I had spent some time being married!”

“Three months doesn’t add up to three years! I appreciate your help but at the moment I don’t need it and I want to speak with Arthur! Now go get him for me or so help me I will banish you from this room until Ivan is well again!”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Try me!” He rocked the boy in his arms as the toddler continued to cry, unused to hostile aura of his ‘mother’.

“Fine! Be a brat! You and Gabe can keep stuffing your faces with those cakes while everyone else does the work for you!”
“Just what is that suppose to mean? Are you implying that Ivan and I don’t do things for ourselves? That’s what YOU and the others get PAID for! Believe me, if you want to quit then we’d be happy to scribble out your name and anyone else’s on the payroll!”

“Something happened just now! What happened to you while you were gone! This isn’t like you, Alfred. Tell me what happened! Why won’t you confide in me?”

“BECAUSE I WANT ARTHUR NOT YOU!”

“That’s cruel, Alfred!”

“It isn’t! I went to see Sadik and-“ He growled low and shifted Gabe’s weight in his arms. “Nothing. Forget it!” Yao gasped softly.

“Did he try to force you?” Alfred said nothing. “You should tell Ludwig so he can defend your honor!”

“Fuck that shit, Yao! That kind of stuff only works in the civilized societies that we know but it doesn’t work HERE! Politeness and honor doesn’t mean shit in this kingdom so we have to find another way of dealing with things! I’ve always kept things peaceful and fair but now is the time to change all that! If Sadik won’t listen to my reasons and demands then he will listen to my army! I walked right in there and slugged him in the face!”

“That wasn’t the best approach to your concerns, Alfred.”

“If he wouldn’t listen to speech then he could listen to my fist! Ivan’s right, sometimes rough force is what people need.” He pulled his necklace out of Gabe’s grasp. “I really should watch myself and my outbursts...currently Sadik holds all the cards and I never know which one he is going to play. He’s already threatened to hurt you and others if I make too many ‘mistakes’ so I have to be more careful with how I approach things. Damn it all…”

“…I’ll go get Arthur for you.”

“Thank you…just…give me some slack here, okay? I’ll probably calm down in a while.”

“Yes, see that you do.”

Alfred waited for him to leave before going over to the bed with Gabe. The boy continued to reach for Ivan but Alfred did not want him having free range of the bed. Ivan’s body was sensitive right now and Gabe was in his ‘hitting everything in sight’ stage. Instead, Alfred held the boy near Ivan’s face where he bopped his nose. Alfred lightly scolded the boy, thinking he would kiss Ivan like he always did. The pressure from the bop managed to stir a little sound from Ivan’s throat and Alfred hoped that Ivan was waking up.

“Ivan? Ivan, can you hear me?” Purple eyes opened to small slits but the whites held a grayish tint.

“Alfred?” Alfred smile widened.

“Good, you’re responsive! How do you feel?” Alfred had to hold Gabe tightly so he didn’t slip out and bother Ivan.

“Mmm…I can’t move very well…I feel stiff. Stiff and hot.”

“You’ve been poisoned…that’s one of the side effects. But don’t worry I’ll be taking very good care of you! With the medicine we have you should be back to normal in a couple of days.

“I don’t like leaving you alone for that long…especially in this place.”

“I’ll be alright. We really can’t do anything until the rains come so we’ll just be hanging around…and staying out of trouble if we can. I think this bug bite was a setup, Ivan.”

“I think so too…everyone needs to stay on their guard. You and Gabe should always have an escort.”

“Yes, I know. But just try to rest as much as you can. We’re holding things down well enough and we all want you to get better. Here, lets give kisses to daddy.” Alfred moved them both closer to Ivan’s face so they could kiss his cheeks. Gabe giggled and bopped him in the nose again but Ivan didn’t seem to mind. Ivan closed his eyes and immediately fell asleep and Alfred sighed. “Your poor father…poor us, really.” He looked at Gabe. “I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Gabe’s answer came with a bit of spittle. “Thought so. I’ll have to order us some food.”

He placed Gabe down on one of the floor cushions by the low table where there was a bowl of blackberries. Before Gabe could reach for them Alfred shook the bowl violently to surface any ‘bugs’ that may be inside. He even stuck his hand in and moved them around to double check. When the bowl came up clean he let Gabe have the berries to munch on. There was a knock at the door and Arthur voiced his presence. Alfred went over to the door and unbolted to let him enter. The moment the door was closed and locked Alfred pulled Arthur into a tight hug.

“Alfred, what is it?” Arthur stroked his lower back. “Come on, now…you’re a big boy.” He tried to make a joke of it.

“What are we going to do, Arthur?” Alfred asked when he pulled away from him. “We have almost five days to stay here and with Ivan the way he is…what are we suppose to do? I know I’m acting regent but I’m not in my own kingdom and we’re surrounded by danger!”

“There’s not much we can do but just be on our guard and keep things civil. One thing we really SHOULD do, in my opinion, is to not show Sadik that we are frightened while staying here. We shouldn’t give him that kind of power over us. I was planning to tell the others to continue to enjoy themselves here with the games and atmosphere. It will keep Sadik from becoming suspicious of us. If we’re always behind closed doors he’ll assume we’re plotting.”

“Yet we are.” Alfred said and went to the window, crossing his arms. “I went to Sadik’s office and attacked him…not too long ago.”

“What? Alfred, are you serious?”

“I know all that has happened so far has been a setup and I wanted to confront him on it. Of course he denies everything but I know this is all a plan. And we got into a bit of a physical fight and…well at least I don’t have to worry about him trying to get in my pants. He tried to early but he didn’t do anything…saying he didn’t want to be where Ivan’s been.” Arthur went over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Are you fairing well after that? Believe me, I know how uncomfortable it can be when you’re in a situation like that and it can stick to you for a while.”

“It’s not really bothering me because the man is nothing more than pervert. If he thinks he can hold power over me that way then he’s wrong.”

“Just keep strong, Alfred, and hold your head up high when you are around him. As the queen and current regent you can’t really avoid him for there is still business to discuss.”

“So that’s really what I should do? Keep things…normal and professional?”

“You don’t have to be as sweet as pie to him but try to be like…well, try to be like me.”

“Like you?”

“Yes. You noticed that when I talk business my voice is at a very even level, I keep my facial expressions neutral, and I make plenty of eye contact.”

“So I have to be extra boring?”

“Yes- wait! No!” Arthur glared at him. “Being professional is different from being ‘boring’!” Arthur would have taken his defense to the next level but seeing as Alfred was going through a hard time he would let it slide. “I think you should- ALFRED! Look at what Gabe is doing!” Alfred looked at the table where blackberries were smashed and smeared all over table. Not only there, but Gabe’s face, hands, arms, and hair were stained a reddish purple. Alfred held a hand to his mouth and chuckled softly. “It’s not funny! Look at the mess he made!” Arthur picked him up and held him at arms length while the boy squealed happily.

“There’s nothing wrong with staining Sadik’s tables!”

“Do you have any idea how hard blackberry stains are to wash out?” Alfred continued to chuckle and Arthur went over to drop the boy in the water basin. “Honestly, Alfred! This is the young prince and he shouldn’t be rolling around in blackberries!”

“The kid was hungry, Arthur.”

“He really is YOUR kid, Alfred. I don’t care if you and Ivan slept with his mother but this boy is all you. Even when you were little I had one hell of a time keeping you out of the blackberry bushes! Any berry bushes for that matter.” He took a bar of soap and proceeded to wash the stains from Gabe’s skin.

“I needed a good laugh!” Alfred smiled at them before turning back to Ivan, his smile dropping to a frown. Arthur looked over and noticed Alfred’s solemn expression.

“Would you like me to take Gabe tonight? The sun is close to setting and I think you need some rest.”

“Sure, that would be helpful. Yao and I will be taking shifts all night since Ivan’s salve needs to be replaced often. I don’t see myself getting much sleep these next couple of days.” Alfred smiled softly.

“Just don’t let yourself get sick. Lack of sleep can weaken your immunity and leave you open for sickness.” He lifted Gabe out of the tub with the drying cloth. “I will give him a proper bath in our room.” Alfred went over and kissed Gabe’s forehead.

“You be a good boy for Uncle Arthur, okay?” Alfred poked his little nose and Gabe’s hand latched on to his finger. “He’s so precious even when he’s covered in blackberry goop!”

“Remember, try to rest, Alfred. If you need anything don’t hesitate to call me. Although I’m not quite sure why you called me here in the first place.”

“Well…I just needed…I guess I just needed someone to hug. If something were to happen to you or Matthew I don’t know what I’d-“

“Nothing is going to happen. I promise you. Now, take care of Ivan and try to keep yourself relaxed. If you stress too much you’ll get gray hairs. I see one right now.” Alfred gasped and gripped his hair, trying to look up to see it.

“WHAT! WHERE? WHERE IS IT?”

“Relax, I was only teasing. Of course, all my gray hairs are named ‘Alfred’ ever since I spotted the very first one. Maybe one or two are named ‘Francis’.”

“You’re a jerk!” Alfred pouted at him. “Don’t you have your own husband to be annoying?”

“Fair enough. I’ll come and visit tomorrow.”

Alfred waved ‘goodbye’ to them and walked over to the bed where Ivan was still sleeping. He removed his sandals and sashes before slipping into bed beside him. Alfred could feel the heat coming off of Ivan’s body due to the fever but his body was also shaking with chills. Ivan’s trembling started to settle once Alfred’s own body heat started to warm him. He placed his hand on Ivan’s chest and lightly stroked the area, wondering if the man could feel his touch. He was tired and wished to sleep but he was afraid to leave Ivan unsupervised. Hopefully Yao would be coming back soon then he could catch up on some rest.

Lovino finished dressing in his nightshirt while he got ready for bed. Sadik hadn’t come yet and he would be able to have some free time to himself. The falconer’s falcon had brought a letter that was addressed to Ivan about their plan while an undercover servant brought the other ‘note’. For the months that he had been gone from Antonio they had written letters back and forth to one another. He wanted to read the current one before Sadik came to bed so he couldn’t waste time. Lovino reached under the bed and lifted up a floorboard that he used to hide the ‘love’ letters. He reached in and pulled out the one on top, which was the current letter. He reached in again and took out a thin, circular box. He slid the lid off of the top and there was a small painted portrait of Antonio inside. They both had one of each other that were small enough to travel around with and Lovino enjoyed looking at his stupid face while he read the letters. He sat on the opposite end of the bed away from the door for extra privacy. Even though he had locked the door he didn’t want to take any chances. Slipping his finger under the fold, he popped the waxed seal symbol of Antonio’s kingdom and unfolded the letter.

My Sweet Lovino,

Not a day goes by where you haven’t cross my mind and how I wish they were happier thoughts. I worry for you being trapped with that tyrant and long to have you back in my arms. I am looking at the moon right now as I write this from my window and I wonder if you look up at it as well and think of me. I often think of our first night together in my garden when I played a song for you. My lute has been lonely and collecting dust in my chamber for there has been no song in my heart worth playing if you are not here. I miss your sweet voice calling me names and those soft hands smacking me in the head. When I finally have you back I promise to give you anything and everything you could possibly want! You will become my queen and rule by my side just where you belong. This I promise you.

If things go accordingly I swear to you that I will have Sadik’s head on my block without trial. I will have his head wrapped in the sheet he viciously sent me and have it tossed in the ocean. You may even do the honors yourself if you so wish. Please continue to be strong, my love. With the way things are going we will be seeing each other shortly. I pray that time will travel quickly so we can be together once again.

With All My Heart and Love,

Antonio

Lovino held the paper to his chest and looked out at the moon in the sky. He felt his eyes sting with tears but he wouldn’t cry over some sappy words. But one thing was for certain, this particular letter had to be burned. He always saved the letters but this one had too much information in it and he couldn’t risk it being found. He walked over to the fire and tossed it in the flames, watching it swivel and burn quickly to ashes. It took him a moment to remember the sheets Antonio spoke of. The first night he had wed, Sadik brutally consummated the marriage and sent the blood-speckled sheets to Antonio to mock him. It was near impossible for him to walk the next morning but the hurt from packaged sheets was ten times worse. Lovino went back to the bed and knelt down to grab the portrait when he heard the door open. His body went stiff and his blood cold. He could have sworn he had locked the door!

“Lovino?” It was Sadik’s voice and Lovino saw his floppy boots from under the bed.

“Sorry! I just dropped something!” He struggled to put the portrait box back in the floor but the board made a noise as he lowered it.

“What was that?”

“I bumped my hand! That’s all!” He nearly screamed when Sadik knelt down and looked at him from under the bed.

“Just what did you loose that is oh so important?”

“I…um…one of my jewels! I think it rolled under the bed but I can’t be sure!” He chuckled nervously. “I’ll look tomorrow in the daylight! It was one of the black ones…you know, very hard to see in the dim lighting!” Sadik narrowed his eyes suspiciously at him and took notice of the floorboard, which wasn’t laid properly.

“Huh, that board is loose. I’ll need to get that fixed.” He reached for it.

“NO!” Lovino flushed angrily at his outburst and cursed himself. Maybe Sadik wouldn’t have noticed. Lovino felt all the color and warmth drain from his face as he watched that smug mouth curl into a smirk.

“What are we hiding, my love?”

“I-I’m not hiding anything! I don’t want you to move the bed to fix it! You’ll scratch the floors!”

“You’re lying. Get up. I’m moving the bed.”

‘Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!’ Lovino stood up from the floor and moved out of the way as Sadik slid the bed over to reveal the floorboard. Lovino clenched his fists at his sides and grit his teeth knowing that disaster was in store for him. He was too frightened to do anything other than stand there and watch as Sadik kicked away the board.

“Papers? Are we plotting something, dear wife?” He reached down and picked them all up including the portrait box. “Hmm…these all have Antonio’s symbol on them.”

“Stop it! Just…stop it!” He hissed through clenched teeth. Sadik ignored him and went over to the bed, placing the letters on top of it. He opened the portrait box and gave a little chuckle.

“Such a stupid face.” He tossed it on the bed and started skimming through the letters. Lovino was still glued to his spot with fear. He wished that he could run but that would only get him into more trouble then he already was. “Aw, how sweet.” He laughed. “You two have been exchanging love letters. And here I thought the loser was actually plotting. He’s head over heels for you, isn’t he? Your little, what did he say you call him? ‘Tomato-face’ or something?” Lovino just shook in fear and anger. “Who’s been delivering these to you, Lovino?” He walked over to the fireplace with the letters and portrait.

“NO! NO GIVE THEM BACK!” Lovino found himself shouting and he ran to Sadik, grabbing his arm that held the letters. Sadik easily shoved him away and Lovino lost his balance, colliding with the floor.

“You should have thought of this before you decided to write him back!” With that he tossed the letters and the portrait into the fire, which flared brightly as the contents were burned.

“NO!” He continued his tantrum mantra of ‘no’ as the letters crackled and the portrait box melted.

“I’m pretty sure I know which servant has been delivering these. We’ll start the morning with a hanging.” Lovino just glared at him from his spot on the floor. “Unless there is more you wish to tell me and I will spare their life?”

“Nothing. I have nothing to say. You bastard, they were simply letters!”

“Letters from another man! And from that asshole Antonio!” Lovino stood up from the floor.

“You can’t possibly think I love and respect you!”

“I don’t, but I expect you to do as you are told! How has Antonio’s words helped you thus far?”

“Fuck you! STAY AWAY FROM ME!”

The guards outside the room took the sashes from around their waists and rolled them up tight to tie around their heads. The purpose was to shield their ears from the shouts and noises that often came from the bedroom. Ludwig and Feliciano had been taking a stroll through the palace after they had visited Gilbert in his room. They passed into the royal chamber hallway where Sadik’s room was and Feliciano noticed the guards with their ears covers. Not only that but he could hear the familiar voice of Lovino shouting and screaming for help. The guard shouted something in his language at the two, most likely telling them to move on or go away. Feliciano looked at the door with a worried frown before glancing up at Ludwig. He squeezed the man’s large hand in both of his, silently pleading for him to do something. Ludwig made a soft grunt and started to pull Feliciano away.

“Hey! Wait, Ludwig!” Feliciano pulled at him to get the man to stop walking. “What are you doing? Lovino needs our help!”

“It’s none of our business what Sadik does with him in the privacy of their own chamber.”

“How can you say that? He’s probably taking advantage of him or beating him! How can you not want to help?”

“This is not our kingdom and Lovino is not our queen. Sadik has full control with how he runs his kingdom and marriage. It’s horrible what is happening to Lovino but it is beyond our control. We don’t want to start trouble at this time, do we?” Feliciano looked at him with teary eyes before latching onto his arm. “I know it’s hard. Come, let’s go back to our room and I’ll order some warm milk for you.” That would calm his lover down for if not then he would have a sleepless night filled with whining and tears.

The following morning, Gilbert considered himself healed enough to get out his bed and find some action. He already had a plan for the day and that was to get back at those soldiers who tried to poison his brother. It wasn’t technically poisoned because he survived but he was certain that whatever it was intended to make the ale stronger. And it had worked. Gilbert couldn’t even remember what happened after he sipped from that mug but his battered body gave him a rough idea. He was so used to being brutalized and beat up that it hardly bothered him. The couple days of rest were more than enough to get him back on his feet. All he had to be careful of was his bruised rib, which he also has had before. Many times.

“You just can’t keep me down!” He smirked at his reflection in the mirror.

“I really think you should stay in bed.” Matthew said softly.

“Nonsense! Ivan is hurt and I can’t leave Ludwig to wander around by himself! I have to go see him.”

“Why can’t he just come here? Why must you go out? I’m afraid to be alone, Gilbie.” Matthew hugged the pillow to him.

“Then I’ll just escort you to Alfred’s room and you can stay there. I have very important work to catch up on, Mattie. It can’t wait.”

“Hmm…somehow I don’t believe you.” Matthew frowned.

“Sweetheart, when have I ever lied to you about where I was going?” Matthew raised his eyebrows. “Okay, bad example. Just trust me on this love, okay?” He kissed him.

“You are still wrapped in bandages…”

“So? I look more dangerous, don’t I?”

“Um…I guess?”

“Listen, how about tonight we have a nice little dinner in the room and then we’ll have a little bit of…fun.” He winked and Matthew blushed.

“You promise?”

“I promise. And I’ll come back in one piece.” He kissed him again. “Lets get you to Alfred’s.”

After Matthew was safely dropped off, Gilbert took to the barracks in search of those guards. He could remember their faces and beards so they were easy to spot. First, he had to disguise himself as a normal soldier so he looked around for easy pray. There was a soldier relieving himself into a bucket and Gilbert pretended to be doing the same thing after he approached the man. The second the soldier looked at him, Gilbert’s fist shout out and cracked his nose. The force of the surprise blow sent the soldier to the floor and Gilbert quickly drug him into the stool closet. His rib protested but he ignored it while he undressed the soldier. Gilbert was actually thankful for their feathered hats and various sashes. It made disguising yourself incredibly easy.

Once he was fully dressed he left the man in the stool closet and continued on his way. A wise man would have just let this go but Gilbert was not that type of man. He didn’t take kindly to his baby brother being threatened and he sure as hell did not like getting beat up while under the influence of drugs. Letting those feathered bastards think him weak was something he had to change. He would find out just how ‘strong’ these elite soldiers were without the barrier of alcohol one at a time.

The other soldiers didn’t take any notice of him, even with his slight limp. He had to be careful of how he scanned the room because his unique eyes would give him away in an instant. Gilbert stopped when he spotted a small party of the elite soldiers sitting at a table. There were only four but Gilbert wouldn’t be able to take them all on at once. First he had to make sure the one who egged him on was among the four. Gilbert carefully examined each one and smirked beneath his veil as he recognized that the said man was among them. He decided to sit and wait for them to make a move before he made his own. It was some time before anything happened and Gilbert had almost dozed off while waiting. A servant had brought a letter to the leader and after reading it the man stood up to leave. Gilbert waited a few seconds before getting up to follow him but not before taking a dried out torch he had spotted on the floor. He remained a few steps behind the man while concealing the makeshift club along his arm. When the corridor was completely empty, Gilbert took off in a run and bashed the man in the back of his head. The soldier let out a grunt and went crashing to the ground, banging his teeth on the tiled floor.

“Where’s your bartender now, asshole?” Gilbert gave him a swift kick in his already busted mouth, knocking out a few teeth. “You don’t fuck with us!” He kicked him in his gut. “You chose to fight like a coward so that gives me every right in my ‘Book of All Knowing’ to kick the shit out of you!” The man sputtered incoherent words at him but Gilbert only answered by crushing his foot down on the man’s groin. “I’m sorry, what was that? I’m afraid I couldn’t hear you!”

“Y-YOU!” Came a gurgled reply.

“Yup, me baby. Me.” Gilbert removed his foot. “Time to rock with my cock out.” He reached into his pants and set to urinating on the soldier, paying particular attention to his face. The man coughed and tried to move his face away but to no avail. “Why so glum? You should be honored to receive a golden shower from the awesome me!” He smirked and finished up before stuffing himself back into his pants. “That’s how we roll in my turf, bitch!” He said proudly and gave the man another swift kick to the face before quickly taking his leave.

He waited until he was far away from the barracks and near the guesthouse before stripping himself of the soldier clothes. He tossed them inside a large decorative piece of pottery before ‘hobbling’ his way inside. Anyone who saw him would just think he was out for a little walk to stretch his wounded body. He didn’t ‘appear’ to be someone who could take down an elite soldier. And Gilbert had just proven that those ‘elite’ soldiers were like any other man and could be taken down. As a group they would be a force to reckon with but individually they were nothing special. Now he could rest easy knowing he had avenged his little brother. They may have thought Ludwig was stronger and more dangerous than he was but they never factored in that he may just be a dangerous big brother. And of course, if he were confronted he would simply lie. His battered body would confuse the accuser and he planned to use the same ‘speculation’ card that Sadik keeps playing. That would shut anyone up. He had everything planned out just right and nothing could go wrong.

Meanwhile…

“Antonio is all for our plan.” Toris said to the others present that were Vash, Heracles, Ludwig, Feli, Feliks, and Kiku. “He will be waiting at the drawbridge wall with a small army ready to attack Sadik’s forces should we be pursued.”

“It would appear to me that Antonio and Lovino already had this escape route planned out before us.” Vash pointed out as he looked over the small papers that were sent along with the map.

“Word probably got around that he had taken Gabe and his ‘parents’ were on the way.” Heracles suggested. “If Lovino has had contact with him since he was married then they would have known. They may have just thought of this plan incase we were kind enough to bring them back together and take down Sadik’s kingdom.”

“I am looking over this recipe for said ‘firepower’ and it is definitely going to be difficult to make.” Kiku said. “I’m not certain about a quarter of these minerals at all. They are unfamiliar to me.”

“Don’t bother with that right now.” Ludwig told him. “Our biggest issue right now is Ivan’s health. We are all fairly certain that this was a planned attack yet we have no proof. Yao has approached me with the…condition…of Alfred’s attitude. We are safe to say that Sadik rather have Alfred acting as regent than actually having to deal with Ivan himself. I suggest we all work diligently with Alfred and help him make the right decisions. We know he is upset with Ivan being hurt and like Arthur has told me, we can’t let him act rash.”

“HE actually declared this war.” Toris stated. “I would have thought Ivan before Alfred.”

“Sadik is the most difficult person we’ve had to deal with while expending our realm.” Started Heracles. “Everyone else had rolled over without much of a fight and now Alfred’s pride is hurt. We can all admit that Alfred’s terms always won the kingdoms over, not Ivan’s.”

“He would force them into submission if he had his way.” Said Feliciano.

“Regardless, I will send a reply to Antonio saying that we approve of his terms and assistance.” Toris pat the top of his writing box. “We’ll be out of here soon, people. Keep acting like nothing is wrong and go about your daily lives as we reside here. I can’t stress that enough.”

“Can I point something out?” Feliks spoke softly. He was able to speak more easily now but it still pained him to do so.

“Of course you can. Take you time.” Toris held his hand.

“Looking out…at the…the countryside…it doesn’t appear to be the…like, the woods we’re used to.”

“Feliks is right.” Vash second him. “It’s not a forest but more of a wet climate atmosphere. I believe it’s referred to as a ‘jungle’ or something like that. It would be natural in this tropical climate.”

“Wahh! So you’re saying we might meet up with scary things while we’re making our getaway?” Feliciano whimpered out as he moved closer to Ludwig.

“We may not run in to anything. We’ll all be armed and we’re a big group so we should have nothing to fear.” Answered Ludwig.

“Then I can safely call this meeting to an end. I will let Alfred and Yao know of our plans. The rest of you can fill in Lovino and the others.” Toris banged his hand twice on his writing box as he officially called the meeting to an end.

In Ivan’s chambers, Alfred and Yao were completely exhausted from their difficult night of caring for Ivan. On one of Yao’s watch Ivan had his first seizure, which frightened the two men even though they thought they would be prepared for it. Ivan’s strength was intensified during it and it took the both of them to hold him down. They actually had to use all of their body weight to keep Ivan from flopping out of the bed. It may have been a short one but it felt like an eternity for them.

Currently, Ivan was half awake and trying to stomach the herbal soup Alfred was feeding him. Yao was on the other side of the bed reapplying the salve and bandage. Alfred blew on the soup before carefully feeding it to Ivan. Without the use of headboard they had to make do with a pile of pillows to elevate him. Yao had mentioned that once Ludwig came in to see them they would ask him to move the bed against the wall. Just as Ivan was finishing the soup the apothecary came in with a large bowl of hot water that smelled horrific. Behind him was Arthur, who was holding Gabe, and Francis.

“Changing of the guards.” Francis said with a smile. “You two should get some rest. We’ll take over from here.”

“What’s in the bowl?” Alfred asked.

“A herbal bath.” Replied the apothecary. “This special formula will penetrate the skin to help heal the poison within. I know it is very smelly but it will help our king. I know Lord Yao does not approve of bleeding so this is the next best thing.” Yao nodded at him and stood up.

“I will be back later after I rest.” He told the others.

“Alfred, you can have our room.” Arthur offered to him.

“I want to give him the herbal bath.” Alfred said firmly. “Then I will rest.”

“Alfred, your night was just as bad as mine.” Yao told him. “The bags under your eyes are worse than mine! You need sleep.”

“I said I’m fine. I’ll take a nap after I give him his herbal bath. Go and rest, Yao. You deserve it just as much.” Yao looked at him but gave a curt nod.

“They will tell me if you don’t rest.” Yao warned him before leaving.

“Alright, now lets get him sitting up on the bed.” Ordered the apothecary. Alfred and Arthur took one of Ivan’s arms and slowly yanked him into a sitting position. Francis chose to sit behind Ivan and anchor the man’s weight with his own so he wouldn’t fall back. Ivan’s body was too stiff for him to hold up by himself. “It’s a simple sponge bath so it won’t take long at all.”

“No one else is allowed to touch him.”

Alfred said jokingly as the apothecary held the bowl for him. Arthur undid the front ties of Ivan’s undershirt and slipped it over his head. He took the time to fold it properly before taking his place at Gabe’s side to keep him out of trouble. Alfred dipped the sponge into the hot water and rung it out before placing it on Ivan’s arm. Alfred held his arm straight as he started to rub the scented liquid against Ivan’s skin. The smell was so strong in the room that Gabe had to let out a sneeze and cover his nose. Arthur got up and opened the balcony doors to let some fresh air in to combat the smell. As Alfred moved further up Ivan’s arm he noticed his husband staring tiredly at him. He gave a small smile as the sponge encircled the strong shoulder.

“What?” He asked him sweetly.

“I’d kill for you.” Ivan said in his hoarse voice.

“You’ve already done that.” Alfred teased.

“I’d do it again…I would never stop.”

“Hush. Save your strength to fight the poison.” Alfred whispered to him and wet the sponge once more before cleansing his chest.

“You should…do this for me more often. When…I’m better…you will wash me like this once again.” Alfred gave an amused smirk; Arthur sent them both a glare and Francis let out a whistle. The apothecary chose to ignore it.

“Change of subjects, please.” Arthur said with an annoyed snort. “Does anybody know what all that commotion was outside early this morning?”

“A hanging.” Replied the apothecary.

“A hanging?” Francis repeated. “Who was hung?”

“I believe someone close to Queen Lovino. The man may have been a spy for Lovino’s kingdom and was caught sometime in the late evening.” Everyone in the room froze.

“Um…do we know what this was for?” Ivan managed to wheeze out.

“Something about letters. Love letters, actually. Apparently Lovino and the other king have been secretly sending messages back and forth. Sadik happened upon the saved letters and hung the man who was doing the delivering.”

All four men had the exact same thought as the other. If Lovino’s unrelated ‘love letters’ were found out then that would mean Sadik’s suspicion would be on the rise. He would be watching Lovino much more closely and that would make it harder for them to exchange messages. Now what were they to do? Sadik would most likely put Lovino under close watch now that these letters were found out. No one said anything else as Alfred simply continued with Ivan’s sponge bath. Just when things were beginning to look up they got knocked down a few steps. Now they had to think of a whole new plan.

“Who is it?” Ludwig called to the bedroom door. He and Feliciano were currently having a late breakfast in their room when it was interrupted by someone knocking.

“S-Sir Ludwig? I have a message from King Sadik and Queen Lovino.” Feliciano looked at Ludwig with worry and began trembling with fear. Ludwig simply stood up and went to the door.

“You may relay the message to me through the door. What is it?”

“Sir, my king and queen wish to speak with your wife. Queen Lovino insisted quite intently and the king has agreed to let this be so. They want to speak with your wife alone.”

‘What would they possibly want with Feliciano?’ Ludwig thought to himself. He began to sweat as he slowly turned his head to meet with Feliciano’s trembling, tear filled eyes. ‘He’ll blurt out everything!’

“W-What is this pertaining to?” Ludwig asked. “Why must they see him alone?”

“L-Like I said…Queen Lovino insisted to see him. I’m not sure of the reason, sir. But these orders come directly from the king and queen themselves. Please be wise and obey.”

Ludwig looked back at Feliciano and the color drained from his face.

End Chapter 7 TBC

***I know this chapter was short but I had to tie up some loose ends. The next chapter may possibly be my longest one yet for this fic. So please give me time to write it. ^_^ I will work as quickly as I can! It will be a very epic chapter!

***I’m waiting for a perfect moment for Alfred or Gilbert to go ‘Scarface’ on somebody or someone. The opportunity most likely won’t appear but it came to me today and I got a very good chuckle out of it!
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Storm of War