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White Crimson	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1110 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
***Warnings: Language, yaoi, violence, disturbing scenes, minor character death

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

Chapter 8

The sword had missed the boy-king when another Royal Guard had jumped in its path to shield him. Ivan's sword hit the large shield and bounced off, clanging loudly to the floor. The king shouted for the guards to seize him, but Ivan pulled out his second sword, which was smaller than the other but nonetheless deadly in the right hands. The noblemen cried out in terror and quickly scrambled out of the room as Ivan went into a berserker mode. The large man tackled any Royal Guard head on with nothing more than the small sword and his strength. Roderich was unable to move as his eyes, focused in a frozen stare as Ivan killed without thought. Guard after guard came after him, but Ivan would slit them in half via face, chest, throat, or belly. Warriors ran at him, but Ivan would easily cut them down. The large man laughed manically as his blade cut through flesh, spilling life-blood across the floor. Some guards slipped in it; others avoided it and the man who speckled the floor.

"I denounce the realm!" Ivan roared loudly, his voice and cry echoing in the large ceiling. "Death to the king and his subjects!"

Arthur tugged at Roderich's tunic sleeve. "We have to go, Roderich! Now! We have to hide! Ivan may tell them everything! It's our heads or his!"

Roderich shook his head clear and nodded to Arthur. "Yes, we have to leave. Come with me to my chambers, we'll be safe there for a time."

"Ivan will kill us all if we stay." Arthur said to him. "He still blames us, and if he escapes these shields, his blade will soon find us!"

"Then ride to my family's vineyard in Vienna to House Austria." Roderich said as he led Arthur out of the bloodied room. "I must stay here and continue to protect Gilbert. Send word to Matthew, let him know what has happened to his brother."

"But-"

"There is no time! Take a horse and go! Don't look back until I send word." Roderich brought him to the stables and paid a stable boy to ready a horse. "Ride like the wind, and stop for no one." Arthur mounted the horse.

"Will you tell Gilbert of what has happened?"

"Elizaveta will."

Arthur had fresh tears welling in green eyes. "Gilbert will be heartbroken when he finds out."

"No time for that now! RIDE!" Roderich slapped the horse's backside and it neighed before taking off into the city. Roderich could still hear screams echoing off the castle walls. 'Have your lies ready, Roderich.'

/

Gilbert flopped next to Ludwig, his chest heaving and his body writhing in afterglow. They had just finished their third round of love making, and both men were equally spent. Gilbert rolled over to cuddle into Ludwig, letting a pale hand toy with a dusky nipple as his head burrowed under the other's neck. Ludwig's rough hand stroked Gilbert's back and traced the scars littered there. Gilbert closed his eyes and moaned at the gentle touches, resting a leg over Ludwig's own. He turned his lips to Ludwig's collarbone and nipped at the skin, ringing a moan of delight from the other. Ludwig was putty in his hands right now, and Gilbert could easily begin to mold him.

"I should be going." Ludwig said. "It's not wise for me to stay here."

"Don't go," Gilbert pleaded "stay with me a bit longer, please? The room is so cold and your body is so warm against mine." He nuzzled him. "Please don't leave me…"

Ludwig stroked the white hair, but suddenly moved the head away from his chest and onto the pillow. He sat up on the bed and fixed his hair, looking back to see Gilbert's saddened and confused face. "We can't have people questioning us, Gilbert."

"I will say that I wanted you…that I am lonely for companionship in this place."

"Then others will come to try and 'comfort' you." Ludwig's features turned dark for a moment. "Don't make me have to kill anyone."

'You are a killer.' Gilbert said to himself and shrunk into the white sheets. "You don't know me so well as to make such heavy swears, Ludwig."

"I will do what I want." He stood up and cracked his bad knee. "I need to be heading out for a bit. I have work that needs tending to."

Gilbert looked at him. "Will you come back soon?"

"I will." Ludwig smiled sweetly at him. "I will come back to you."

Gilbert smiled as he remembered Fredrick saying those same words to him every time he left for a battle. 'Gilbert, my falcon, come back to me.' 'I will come back to you.' That would always be his response. "Hurry back then, Ludwig." He smiled at him, and Gilbert saw the tender look upon those hard features.

"I will." Ludwig dressed himself and left he chambers, leaving for his own to rest his weary legs and body. Little did he know of the dreadful news that would be coming his way; news that would change everything.

/

It was evening when Ludwig arose from his bed and went to the kitchens to gather Gilbert's food. Everyone in the kitchen was strangely silent, but Ludwig paid it no mind nor did he ask. He took the tray from the table and headed back to the dungeon chambers, eager to see Gilbert once again. It had only been a couple of hours since their extensive love-making, but Ludwig felt well enough to go another round. He wanted those pale wrists tied to the headboard while he thrust in and out of the supple body. The image made his cock harden and his mouth water the closer he got to the chamber. However, on his route, he came across Elizaveta sitting against the dungeon hall wall, not far from Gilbert's chambers. She had her knees brought up to her chest and her face was buried in her folded arms. She was upset; her shoulders were shaking silently as she cried. Ludwig stopped in front of her. "Eliza? What's wrong?"

She turned tearful green-eyes up at him. "Ludwig…it's…it's horrible! Just horrible!"

"What's happened?"

"I…I can't even say! Oh spirits!" She sobbed and choked. "I can't say it again! I can't! I can't, I can't, I CAN'T!"

Ludwig put the tray down on the floor beside him and knelt in front of her. Gently, he gripped her shoulders. "What has happened? What can't you tell? Tell me, please." If it affected Gilbert, then he had to know.

"I can't!" She sobbed. "I just can't! Not again! He is so sad…so torn!" She wiped at her eyes with her sleeve. "Speak to him…please?" She begged Ludwig. "Don't make me say those horrible words again!"

Ludwig was confused, but he cautiously brought out his hand to stroke her brown hair. The touch was uncomfortable to him. "Go to my chambers and rest there. Calm yourself. I will speak to Gilbert." She thanked him and Ludwig picked up the tray to continue on to Gilbert's room. What happened to have brought a strong woman like Eliza to tears? He was curious to find out.

/

'Alfred.' Gilbert said the young man's name in his head again while gazing out at the gray sky through the window. He thought back to the last time he had seen the boy, who had just turned seventeen a few days ago. Gilbert had always liked the boy because he reminded the knight of himself when he was that age. Strong, brave, daring, risky, proud, charismatic, energetic, loyal, friendly, but a bit naïve in the ways of the world. His lover, Ivan, was the same as Ludwig and did not care about the religious order. The fight between the two men had left Alfred angry as he rode off to lead his army. After the boy had left, Ivan confronted him at sword point, blaming Gilbert for filling Alfred's head with thoughts of grander. Their duel was brief, with Roderich having broken it up. Now with his death, Gilbert knew Ivan would continue to blame him.

There was a knock, but Gilbert did not turn to the door. "Enter."

"It's me." Ludwig said as he entered the room. He looked at Gilbert standing by the window, wrapped in his bed sheet. Their previous intimate relations came flooding back to him the moment he set his eyes on the other. However, when Gilbert turned to face him, Ludwig's arousal faded once he saw the look of guilt and sorrow on those bruised features. "Take my pelt, you must be cold." Ludwig placed the fur pelt around Gilbert's shoulders. "Eliza is upset…tell me what has happened."

Pink eyes lifted to look at him briefly before they lowered again. "Her name is Elizaveta…and Alfred of House America is dead."

Ludwig had to think for a moment, but was distracted when Gilbert leaned into him. Carefully, he wrapped an arm around Gilbert's waist. Alfred of House America was a young lord whom Ludwig only saw from far away. "I believe he was one of the war leaders for you?"

Gilbert nodded against Ludwig's chest. "Yes. He was very dedicated to Fredrick and believed strongly in my cause. He's dead now because of me. Alfred was a promising young man that would have served the realm well…and he's dead now. They brought back his head in a leather sack…no respect at all for the dead."

Ludwig stroked his lower back. "Since when are you guilty for Alfred's death? You didn't force Alfred to fight in this crusade, he wanted to. It was his choice. If he could lead an army, then he would have known the risks of battle. You did not kill him." He felt Gilbert pull away from him, and watched as the other walked to the fire.

"I shouldn't have let him go…but he was a skilled fighter…and the people loved him. But he was a young man and belonged here, with the others." He squeezed his forearms. "Ivan will be put to death as well…I killed his young lover. Too many people are dying for me."

"What did you expect when you started this crusade?" Ludwig spoke firmly. "Are you really that naïve? Did you not think your followers could die while fighting for a cause that is considered a crime punishable by death?" He grew angry when Gilbert did not look at or answer him. "Or could it be that you are realizing your rebellion has gone too far?" Ludwig saw Gilbert's body tense up at that. "If that is true, confess your sins now, sign that damned document, play the fool, and continue on worshipping your spirits in silence. You do not need to be in this situation. Fredrick left no document stating that you should lead a crusade to keep his beliefs." Gilbert still would not look at him. "I'm right, aren't I?"

"No, you're wrong." Gilbert turned to face him. "You know nothing about my cause." There were tears in those hard pink eyes. "The old ways need to be restored, or the new king must allow freedom of religion. The Spirits of Old keep our world strong so that we may live and prosper. They guide and protect us."

"Go speak your words to Alfred's severed head. If it could talk, I doubt it would agree with you."

"That was uncalled for. Just because you have lost faith-" Ludwig cut him off.

"I never had faith and look at me, I'm still standing because of it!"

Gilbert growled. "Get out of my room! Now!"

"You don't command me! I'm trying to get you to wake up, Gilbert! Your followers are dying, you've lost one brutally in battle and now another is to be hanged for avenging his lover. Who will be next? Elizaveta?"

"SHUT UP!" Gilbert shouted at him. "Never speak of her like that!"

"Then don't go around this room moping and feeling guilty! More people are going to die in the name of the Spirits and for your cause. If you didn't want that, then you shouldn't have started it."

"GET OUT!" Gilbert threw a piece of wood in Ludwig's direction but the man ducked it. "GET OUT BEFORE I KILL YOU!"

Ludwig headed for him, but Gilbert backed away all the while glaring at him. He took advantage of Ludwig's knee, which made the man's movements slow. Ignoring the pain, he rushed towards Ludwig and slid past him, missing the large arms that moved to grab him. The sheet had fallen from his body and only the pelt remained. He moved to the other side of the bed, using it as a barricade between him and Ludwig. He could not believe the words Ludwig had just spoken to him. Gilbert knew there was truth behind them, but he did not want to actually admit it to himself.

"Gilbert, listen to me." Ludwig said softly but Gilbert would not hear him.

"No! How dare you fucking mock me! Who the hell are you to preach to me? You know nothing about anything! The Spirits have abandoned you!" Gilbert knew he was speaking out of grief, yet could not stop himself. Ludwig tried to speak again, but Gilbert sneered at him and went to kneel in front of the window. Folding his hands together, he held them against his forehead and began to pray to the Spirits.

This angered Ludwig, so he was determined to start showing Gilbert the error of his ways. He stormed over to the kneeling man and fisted a hand in the white hair. Gilbert continued to pray softly as Ludwig yanked him up roughly by the hair, which only infuriated him more. Ludwig swore under his breath as he tried to gather the limp man in his arms. He wanted to see how far he could take this before Gilbert started to fight back. Gripping the man under the arms, Ludwig dragged him over to the bed and with a grunt, tossed him upon it. Gilbert attempted to move away, but Ludwig grabbed his ankle and pulled him back. The moment he had Gilbert on his belly, his arousal started to stir and grow. Gripping the narrow hips, Ludwig pulled the other back towards him so Gilbert could feel his erection. Curious for a response, he was surprised when none came. Gilbert let his head and upper body lay flat on the bed, his hips raised in the air.

Ludwig's lust got the best of him, and without warning, he gave his cock a few strokes before slowly pressing inside. Gilbert's body twitched under his movements, but he could tell the man was trying to hold in his cries. Ludwig groaned at the familiar warmth surrounding him, urging his cock further until he was fully seated. His knee was starting to ache, but this sex would not take long. It was just for him since Gilbert did not want to be an active participant. Lust and need blinded him, so he began his series of rough thrusts. In and out he moved from that tight heat, waiting to see just how long Gilbert's stubbornness would be able to hold out.

Sudden penetration was not what Gilbert had been expecting, but it was helping to keep his mind off the current situation. He shouldn't be letting Ludwig do this because of the man's words to him, yet Gilbert could not deny the pleasurable feelings. Unable to keep quiet once that special spot was struck, Gilbert allowed himself to submit to the other and starting rocking back against him. The fast pace never wavered and Ludwig's cock never softened, only grew bigger when nearing completion. The man was rock solid within him, and soon Gilbert found his hands twisting in the sheets as he came. He could feel his muscles tightening around Ludwig and the other man reached completion a few thrusts after. Gilbert groaned at the hot semen filling him and lowered himself to the bed. He felt empty when Ludwig pulled out of him, but remained lying straight on his belly. Gilbert had to blink away some tears while he tried to catch his breath and noticed Ludwig sitting on the edge of the bed. The broad shoulders were slumped as well as the blonde head.

"I shouldn't have done that." Ludwig finally said. "I'm sorry." He linked his fingers together and rests his forehead against them and thought, 'stop with all this 'spiritual' nonsense…I don't want to have to kill you.' Ludwig feared this would happen to him if he chose to give in to temptation and couple with Gilbert. Now he was hesitant to have to kill him. Refusing to carry out the death sentence would mean death for him as well. If he could start working Gilbert away from his spiritual beliefs, then perhaps the man would choose life over pride.

"I didn't complain." Gilbert responded, but didn't move from his spot. "I'm more angry by your cruel words than fucking me."

"Gilbert…" he sighed "I shouldn't have said what I did while you were feeling vulnerable over Alfred's death. However, I can't hide what I really feel…or conceal my true beliefs. I know they are not what you want to hear, but-"

"I envy you, Ludwig." The interruption made Ludwig turn to face him. Gilbert lifted his head slightly to gaze back at him. "It is so easy for you to live life because you don't allow yourself any personal connections with other people. You love nobody, so in turn you escape the possible pain of losing them. You keep people away on purpose. No wonder your life is so easy. You don't allow yourself to love." Ludwig looked away from him. "And I think you have the right idea."

"There is truth in your words."

Gilbert sat up then, but remained in his spot. "Losing Fredrick…was the worse feeling in the world to me. Even more so than when the plague took my family. Now I have Alfred's death on my hands, and his lover is in mourning. If only I could keep people away like you can…then maybe I wouldn't be in this room right now."

"Then, spare you life and give up this rebellion before more people are killed. It's easy when people die and you don't know them, but everything strikes home when it's one of your own. Am I right?"

Gilbert gave a little smile. "You're right. And Alfred did die fighting for what he believed in. But I cannot help feel guilty about it." The guilt he felt now was not the same as when Fredrick neared the end of his days. How Gilbert wished he could heal the man right there in that bed, to see the person he loved most in this world back up on their feet. At least at those last moments Gilbert was there with Fredrick, keeping the dying man company. If he had been fighting alongside Alfred, then maybe he could have blocked the weapon that removed the young's man head.

"There is nothing you can do about it now. Alfred is dead, and soon Ivan will be joining him."

Gilbert suddenly moved closer to Ludwig and wrapped his arms around the man from behind. "If you care about me…then…would you do me a couple of favors?"

"Anything." Ludwig was feeling his own guilt now, and the touch of Gilbert's hands made him melt right there.

"Go and speak to Ivan. Give him my regards and let him know how sorry I am for Alfred's death. Tell him I grieve along with him, as do all of us." Ludwig nodded. "Then…out of respect for Alfred's bravery, please, I ask you to remove his head from that pike and deliver it to his brother, Matthew. Matthew lives in House America, he signed the king's religious paper so the house is safe. But bring Alfred's head back to his home, where he can be buried with his family." He kissed Ludwig's shoulder. "Will you do this for me?"

After he had just technically raped him and almost broke his religious spirit, how could Ludwig say no? "I will. Alfred was a soldier just like us."

"We share a bond."

"I will do it for you. But promise me one thing," he covered Gilbert's hand with his own "think carefully about my words. Think over this rebellion very carefully, and decide if you want to choose life over death after all that has happened."

"I promise." He lied.

/

Ludwig lit the torch at the top of the steps and proceeded down the stairs to the deepest part of the dungeon. A guard nodded to him and opened a large door to allow Ludwig entrance. Before he entered the door, he asked the guard which cell Ivan had been placed in. The guard gave him a number, and Ludwig thanked the man for his help before entering through the door. He hated this part of the dungeon. It was always damp, cold, and smelled of tortured souls. This part of the dungeon is where criminals of lower birth are kept. They are chained to the wall naked and slowly starved to death, if they aren't tortured first. In these dark parts, there was no hope of survival. Ivan Braginski had been put down here because of his brutal attack against the king and the Royal Guards. He was an acquaintance of Gilbert's, but not a friend. However, Gilbert insisted that he go and speak to this Ivan about Alfred.

Ludwig counted the doors and came upon number five, the room where Ivan was being held. Opening the door window, Ludwig held the torch to the bars and peered inside. The stone cell was dark with only a small slither of moonlight from a chipped spot in the stone giving light. Ludwig saw the toes of a foot in that sliver; toes that belonged to this 'heretic' Ivan. Opening the door, Ludwig entered with the torch first, and the light of the flames shined upon the naked bound body of Ivan. The man's turned his head when he heard Ludwig enter. A bandage was wrapped around his bloodied eyes. Ludwig knew the man's eyes had been burned as a punishment and the dripping blood stained the pale cheeks, but death would quickly follow. The man laughed before giving a white-toothed grin.

"Hello there." Ivan said in a strangely chipper voice.

Ludwig's brow twitched, but he responded with a simple 'hello' of his own. He closed the door behind them and walked over to the bound man, holding the torch above his naked body. "Ivan Braginski, I presume?"

"Yes, that's who I am. Who are you?" Ludwig stared at Ivan's body wrapped up entirely in chains and bound to the wall by his wrists and ankles. The chains had rubbed his skin raw; a pool of blood laid around him yet the man could still smile. A madman's smile.

He cleared his throat. "A friend of Gilbert's." Ludwig knelt down beside him. "Gilbert asked me to come here. He said he is heartbroken by the news of Alfred and sends his regards. Like you, he is bound and locked up as well. Gilbert asks for you to forgive him."

Ivan chuckled sweetly and licked his dry lips. "I don't care if all the Royal Guards, the king, and the High Council fuck him raw; I will never accept his apology. My Alfred is dead because of that stupid rebellion sung by the golden tongue of that pale sow!"

Ludwig kept his features stern. "He did not wish for Alfred's death."

"No, but he played a large part in it." Ivan chuckled manically. "That white demon bastard…that white rat…that siren whom entranced my dear sweet little eagle with promises of grander and victory." Ivan leaned closer to Ludwig and the blonde could hear droplets of blood spitting against the floor. "Do you know how they brought my Alfred back to me?"

"His head was in a leather sack."

Ivan growled. "They took it away from me. I said I would happily go to these holdings if I could have my beloved's head with me…yet they took it. They ripped it out of my arms and said they would put in on a stake for all to see."

"And they have." Ludwig told him. "I have been asked by Gilbert to go and remove it from the pike and deliver it to his brother at House America to be properly buried."

The look on Ivan's face turned to a mask of relief and happiness. "Yes…yes, please, do that. Do that for my Alfred."

"I am doing it for Gilbert." Ivan's response came with a snap of his jaws in Ludwig's directions.

"Do not mention that name in my presence. It is because of Gilbert that my lover is dead. I swear, by the old spirits and the new god, that if there is a way to haunt that white demon, then I will gladly give up my place in the afterlife to torment him. I will never let him know true happiness again. Every waking hour I pray for his head to be removed from his shoulders and placed on a pike…it belongs there. My Alfred's head should…should…" Ivan turned away from him. "Why did I have to holler at him?" He whispered and Ludwig leaned closer, curious as to what he had just heard.

"What do you mean? Hollered at him for what?"

Ivan turned his head back around to blindly gaze at Ludwig. "My Alfred…he was so young. Only a young man of seventeen before he chose to join in Gilbert's crusade. Like myself…and you, he was a strong young lad with hopes of becoming a true knight and having his name live on in songs and ballads. He dreamed of a brighter world where everyone would be free. A world that GILBERT had promised him should he chose to aid in the bastard's crusade. My Alfred had never lost a joust, a fight, or a tournament. And he has never lost a battle…until now…when someone brutally struck him down." Ivan turned away again, his lips curling into a smirk. "That night before he left…we had made love, but he was preparing for war. He put on his armor and helm, prancing around the mirror like a war god. I did not want him to go…I knew it would end badly. He was young and I was older. I had been through the heart of battle and he had not. You and I can remember what it was like at his age…"

Ludwig looked down at the moss-covered floor. "Yes…I understand that boyish pride. Nothing could harm you. We were unstoppable, and such a demise was for other people, not for us."

Ivan nodded. "Yes, that is how my beautiful Alfred thought. Oh how I wish we did not fight before he left. I screamed at him…and he screamed back. Such venom was passed…I was angry he was going to leave…he would ride off to his death fighting for a world that may never be. I wonder now if he had hated me for yelling at him. Now he's dead…and I wonder if…the last thought on his mind…was a thought of me? I wish my last words to him were not so…cruel."

Ludwig felt remorse for this man before him. Ivan was like him, living life day to day without worrying about what tomorrow would bring. Religion and sacrifice meant nothing to him; all that mattered was his beloved coming home to him. Ludwig had seen many tearful goodbyes from mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers as their children went off to war. He had watched some of them when he first joined a mercenary band. Ludwig remembered how he wished to have someone to see him off, someone to say 'come back home safe' or 'come back to me'. His parents were dead or moved away, and all he had was himself, a sword, and a chest plate. No one would miss him if he left and no one would be waiting for him to return. Besides, he had nothing to return to. No one would feel loss or regret for him.

"I promise that I will bring his head to his brother. You have my word as a soldier."

Ivan smiled. "Make haste when you do. I am told that I am sentenced to death in a days' time."

Ludwig cleared his throat and stood up. "Death by hanging, I am told."

"I don't want that." He lifted his bloodied bandaged eyes to Ludwig. "I want to die the same way as my beloved. Replace his head with my own on that pike."

"You wish to be beheaded?"

"I do."

Ludwig was silent as he stared down at the bound man, then "if that is your final wish…we shall see."

"Oh, and don't worry, I won't say anything." Ivan grinned. "I won't say a word about what I know. I'm doing it only for Alfred, because that's how he would have wanted it. Tell Gilbert he can consider himself lucky."

"I will let him know. Good day."

"Ta-ta."

/

In the dark of night, Ludwig dressed in his warmest furs and borrowed a black cloak from a fellow dungeon worker. Instead of walking in the snow he chose to take a horse from the stables. No one questioned him as he mounted the large animal and rode it out of the castle grounds to the main city gates. The streets were dark and quiet as he rode, the horses' hooves clinking against the road. Snow had just begun to fall and Ludwig cursed his luck for it would make seeing in the dark difficult. Hopefully the snow would stop before morning and he could travel faster. Alfred's manor wasn't more than a day's ride away, but Ludwig did not want so many people to know how long he was gone so time was of the essence.

When he arrived at the gate the snow had started to fall harder, blurring his vision. Snowflakes fell in his eyes as he tried to look up at the abnormally numerous severed heads. He had only seen Alfred once during a jousting tournament, so identifying which one was his would be no easy task. Ludwig looked around the ladder, which was lying up against one of the watchtower walls. He steadied in the snow and shook it, making sure it was still before starting to climb. At the top, he studied the first three heads he could see, but none of them had Alfred's unique shade of wheat colored hair, which was all he could remember. So he climbed down and moved the ladder again, trying to move quickly so no one would catch him. The next set was not him, nor the next. Ludwig slapped a hand to his face, figuring that Alfred had been the last one placed here, so he would be at the end. Moving the ladder, Ludwig came upon the last one and nodded.

"That's him." Ludwig recognized the hair and gave a sigh of remorse as he removed it from the spike, placing it carefully in the saddlebag. "Poor kid." He climbed down and strapped it to the horse, taking off into the snowy night.

Ludwig rode the path all night long, following signs specifically to House America. It wasn't until mid-morning when the snow had stopped and the castle came into view. The castle was still in tact and no guards were posted anywhere, meaning that this place had not been ransacked like Gilbert's was. Trotting through the snow, Ludwig lowered his hood and came up to the main gate. "HELLO!" He called up to the window watchtower. A moment later, a man stuck his head out and asked what business he had here. "I need to see Lord Matthew! It's about his brother, Alfred!" The man disappeared and Ludwig took the moment to dismount with the saddlebag.

Bringing someone the severed head of their family or friend was by no means pleasant, and when Ludwig saw the large innocent eyes and sweet face of Lord Matthew, he felt terrible. The boy must be younger like Alfred and already looked at if he were going to cry. Ludwig began to feel uneasy as he gripped the saddlebag straps in his hands. "Um…you are Lord Matthew? Alfred's brother?"

The young man gave a timid nod. "I-I am." Soft purple eyes looked at the saddlebag. "Y-you have some…some news about…about my brother?" Matthew gulped and started to shake, pulling the fur cloak around him.

"I'm afraid that I come with grievous news. Your brother Alfred has fallen battle." He saw the look of shock spread across Matthew's sweet face and tears began to well up in his eyes. "Due to his crime against the realm…his head was brought back." Matthew's hands flew up to his mouth and Ludwig couldn't help but feel miserable. "Instead of having it on a pike, Gilbert and Ivan wanted you to have it so he could be properly buried. I'm afraid only his head was brought back, not his body." He let Matthew take the saddlebag from him with shaky hands.

Matthew looked at it and slowly reached for the toggle loop when Ludwig stopped him. Purple eyes looked up at him, all forlorn. "W-why are-"

"Don't look at it." Ludwig said firmly, his face stern. "Keep the memory of what he looked like when he rode off to fight…not how he looks now."

"O-Okay…" Matthew held the saddlebag to his chest "thank you for…for bringing him home to me. I-I really appreciate it." Silent tears began to fall on soft pale cheeks. "I will say a stranger came to deliver him to me."

Ludwig gave a curt nod. "Thank you. Again, I am sorry for your loss. He was young, but died fighting for what he believed in."

Matthew nodded sadly. "W-What about Ivan? Does Ivan know?"

He cleared his throat. "Ivan does know, but he attacked the king and the Royal Guards. He is sentenced to death." Matthew's eyes clenched shut and he fell to his knees in the snow. Ludwig frowned, never being fond of extreme grieving. He did not know the proper way to handle it, so he simply remained firm and strong. "Do you have something you wish to say to Gilbert? I will relay the message to him."

"Yes. Tell him that I don't blame him for Alfred's death…and tell Ivan that he should not blame Gilbert either."

"Very well. Again, sorry for your loss."

Ludwig could hear Matthew's soft sobs as he mounted his horse, however, he did not look back at the man. Turning his horse, he continued his ride back to the castle, his duty done.

/

The evening had come, and Gilbert had seen no signs of Ludwig. He assumed the man either got delayed on the road coming back from Matthew, or he was simply too ashamed to face Gilbert. Someone had brought him his food, but Gilbert hadn't an appetite. He drank only the water to soothe the ache in his throat. He saved the last bit of water for his face, using the cool liquid to rub against his stinging eyes. After Ludwig had left, Gilbert allowed himself to cry into the pillow. He thought about Ludwig's words and how much they affected him. They even had Gilbert questioning his reasons for the rebellion. Would Fredrick have wanted him to risk his life like this? Soon he would be joining his beloved king the afterlife, but how would Fredrick greet him? Would the man be angry with him? Would he welcome him with open arms, or dismiss him? Was this rebellion really for himself, or for Fredrick?

'Why will no one give me a sign?' He asked himself. 'I can't abandon everything yet. Alfred's death was terrible, but the young man wanted to see the new king dethroned. 'There is still a chance that we can win. And when we do, the sacrifices of the few will live on in ballads, songs, and books.' He lifted his head from his spot on the floor and smiled. 'I won't give up. Not yet. I have to be strong. Everyone is looking to me…I must never forget myself or-'

There was cheering coming from outside the window. Gilbert looked up at it in confusion, wondering if Ivan execution was already happening. With his breath caught in his throat, Gilbert scrambled to push the trunk under the window. Fearing what he would see, he stepped onto the trunk and peered into the courtyard. Surrounding the platform was a crowd of cheering people, and standing on it was none other than Ludwig, masked and armed with an axe. Gilbert felt tears of guilt and remorse welling in his eyes as he watched Ivan approach the platform. The large man was bound in chains as he was lead up the steps, a bloodied bandage over his eyes. Gilbert felt his heart drop into his stomach. 'Ivan…forgive me.'

He continued to watch as Ivan was guided onto his knees, his head laid carefully along the block. Gilbert was surprised by the fact that Ivan was not fighting, but could only assume the man wanted to be with Alfred. That night when Ivan confronted him, he said 'if anything happens to my Alfred, my own death will shortly follow, but I will come after you and I will destroy you in whatever afterlife there is'.

Gilbert could already feel Ivan's words beginning to take affect. Ludwig raised the axe and Ivan remained still. The axe came down, and Gilbert wailed.

End Chapter 8 TBC

***So no one is mad, right? O ^ O
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White Crimson