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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
Chapter 8

Ludwig left the head monk's office feeling an uncomfortable tightening in his chest after their little talk. He was shocked to know that the other monk had seen Gilbert as well; there was no mistaking the description. At least he was not alone in this, for the most part anyway. His biggest problem now was Supreme Monk Jasper Wiles lurking the halls of this temple. There were going to be changes around here, bad changes, and Ludwig was unsure of how he would approach them. He was a dutiful monk dedicated to his faith and would accept whatever the temple chose to teach. But in his heart he knew the dedication would be false, yet if he protested then Monk Jasper would have him tied to a pyre. Ludwig had to pause a minute in his walking to lean against the wall, holding his head as it throbbed with all the stress and secrets it was carrying. He was biting off more than he could chew and someone keeps refilling his plate. Ludwig wouldn't be surprised if he started to go gray early.

He had to find Daniel and somehow try to get the boy to understand without letting on what he knew. Hearing the boy sprout such hatred wounded him, so he had to make it right. He figured Daniel was in his room with the other children where they would still be having their breakfast. Ludwig approached the room, took a breath, knocked, and slowly entered. "Good morning everyone." The children replied with 'good morning Ludwig'; at least they were all happy to see him. Daniel was seated on his bed, facing the wall with his arms crossed. Ludwig strolled over to him and took a seat behind the boy. "Good morning, Daniel."

"Go away!" Sniffed the boy.

He was never good at expressing himself but children were easier to talk to than adults. "I'm sorry for what I said back there. But understand, these are dangerous times and I don't want to see you taken away from here."

"But you lied!" He spun around to narrow hurt, teary eyes at Ludwig. "You lied to them! You guys always say lying is bad, and then you do it! That's not fair!" The other children were looking and Ludwig assured them everything was fine and that they should continue with their breakfast.

"Daniel, why don't we make this our little secret? Let only us speak of this in private, okay? That way, you won't get hurt."

The boy gazed up at him. "But…telling secrets is bad and pretending is-"

"In this case, the Green Mother will make an exception." 'I'm such a hypocrite right now.' He rubbed the bridge of his nose. 'But it's for both our safety.' "So please, don't talk about it to anyone else except me, okay? Pretend you don't believe in them when you're around other people. I don't want to see you leave."

Daniel rubbed at his eyes. "Okay Ludwig. I…I don't want to leave either. I won't say anything."

"Good boy." Ludwig ruffled the dark hair and stood up from the bed. "Now, I'm going to-" He froze when he noticed two of the children, outside, looking at a circle of mushrooms. Ludwig flew to the window to make sure what he was seeing was real. Those children shouldn't be outside playing this early! And not with a Fairy Circle! Ludwig ran through the temple as fast as he could and bolted out the back door to where the children were hitting the mushrooms with a stick. "You two!" Ludwig called to them and they stopped to look at him. "What are you doing out this early?" He asked them, trying to act stern and keeping calm.

"We just snuck out to pick some flowers before the frost kills all of them!" Said the little girl. "And then we found this!"

"Yeah!" Cheered the boy. "It's a circle of mushrooms! It's really neat, right Ludwig?"

Ludwig looked at the circle of mushrooms, remembering Sadiq's large one and what Heracles had said about it. "Well, perhaps we should leave it alone."

"But why?" Asked the girl. "I wanna jump in it!"

"NO!" Ludwig shouted, frightening both the children. He cleared his throat and softly apologized. "It's something the Green Mother wants to grow like…that. I think you should leave it be."

"I think Ludwig is afraid of mushrooms!" Teased the little boy. "Ha ha! You're scared of mushrooms!"

Ludwig's blonde brows furrowed. "I am not afraid of mushrooms." 'I just view them differently ever since I sat inside one.' He said the last bit to himself. The boy started fishing through Ludwig's belt pouch and took out his leaf necklace, which he only wore for sermons. "Hey!" The boy tossed it in the center of the circle and grinned. Ludwig's face fell.

"Ha ha! Now you go get it!" The boy giggled, along with the girl.

Ludwig growled softly. 'I have no issue with disciplining naughty little children!' He stared at his pendant in the center of the Fairy Circle, and gulped. If he didn't receive his pendant, then the children would poke fun at him and step inside the circle themselves where something could happen to them. While they are teasing him about being afraid of 'mushroom circles' it would alert the attention of the other monks. Ludwig needed to be discreet. But, there was one thing he thought of. He WAS the neutral envoy of the fairies, so they wouldn't do anything 'magical' to him that would result in death. Yes, that would work out nicely. So with a smirk at the little boy, he reached over the circle and took the pendant. "I believe you owe me an apology?"

The little boy stuck his tongue out at Ludwig and gave the monk a raspberry. The little girl laughed and clapped her hands excitedly. "Look Ludwig! Look! Butterflies!"

"Butterflies?" Ludwig looked around them and sure enough, a swarm of colorful butterflies started to surround him. 'Oh no…'

"Pretty!" Clapped the girl. "Pretty butterflies!"

"What butterflies?" Ludwig said flatly, even as one landed on his nose. He silently turned away from the children, and in a lost daze, just starting calmly walking away…with a trail of butterflies behind him. One of the monks was outside sweeping the walk when he noticed Ludwig and the stream of butterflies.

"Ludwig?" The monk stared at him as he slowly passed by. "Ludwig, why are there butterflies? It's too cold for butterflies!"

"Butterflies?" He slowly turned to look at the other as a beautiful green one perched on his ear, and three more rainbow ones landed on his head. "What butterflies?"

The monk just stared, his mouth dropping open. "Uh…the ones that are following you? And…surrounding you?"

"You must be mistaken." Ludwig gave him an uneasy smile. "Must be the cold getting to your head. Carry on." He calmly walked away, keeping his stoic composure, until he was out of sight behind the south temple wall. With an angry growl, he roughly snatched a yellow butterfly by its wings and hissed out, "Listen, you big-hat wearing mushroom dweller! Keep your damn butterflies away from my temple! If this is your fairy idea of teasing and joking around with humans then it has to stop!" He tugged lightly on the wings. "I may just have to take a pin to your torso and nail it to a board! Do you want to see me lose my head?" Once he let the butterfly go, it frantically flapped away to join the others. That was when the butterflies started to merge together to form one large, multicolored butterfly. "Oh sweet Green Mother…no…" 'I'm as good as dead.'

"Veh-POOF! It's me!" The large butterfly burst into not one, but two fairies. Feliciano appeared first, followed by Sadiq, who looked a little miffed. "Good morning to you, Ludwig!"

Ludwig just stared at them, his blue eyes wide with disbelief. Why were they here? "Are you two insane? What are you doing here?"

"Don't like my hat, huh?" Sadiq hissed, "Well, I don't like your face!" he flew over to flick Ludwig's nose.

Ludwig had to shield his eyes from the sunlight shining through the multicolored wings. "Do you want me killed? You have to go! If they see me talking to air-"

"Veh~, we're here to get you!" Feliciano twirled in the air. "The wedding exchange will be happening shortly and your presence is requested!"

"But…but I just got back." Ludwig almost whimpered. "The exchange is already happening?"

"Yes," Sadiq replied "and we think it's important you speak to Gilbert first, since you'll be giving him away in Roderich's place."

"I will?"

"Yup!" Feliciano held out his hand to Ludwig and smiled. "So, are you ready?"

"But-"

"We'll take that as a 'yes'!" Sadiq snapped his fingers and a stream of butterflies appeared to lift Ludwig from the ground.

"WHAT THE-!"

Feliciano sat on the butterflies as well in front of Ludwig and Sadiq took the back. "Hold on tight!"

"TO WHAT?" Ludwig hollered, not feeling very secure being seated on a wave of butterflies, especially when they took off in the air, wavering and flying like a serpent into the sky. 'Heavens help me!' Ludwig couldn't bear to look down. He prayed that he was invisible to all eyes at this very moment.

"VEEEEEEE!" Feliciano laughed happily as they rode through the sky. "Isn't this great, Ludwig?"

"No! We need to go back for my staff!" That was a good excuse to go back.

"Way ahead of ya!" Sadiq clapped his hands and the staff appeared in his own. "Can't stop the ride now, Ludwig! Sit back and enjoy!"

But Ludwig wasn't having any fun at all. First, he feared someone in the temple was seeing this. Second, he didn't care to be so high in the sky on a bunch of insects. Third, the constant 'up and down, up and down', 'spin, turn, spin, turn', 'loop, straight, loop straight', threatened to bring his breakfast back up. The heavy motions had him turning green. 'I hate my life…'

/

Gilbert lounged in the bathtub, staring blankly at the mosaic wall with the design of a fairy prince and princess. For a moment, he pictured himself and Alfred as the two fairies flying together amongst the stars. And then, he replaced Alfred with Ludwig, which brought a smile to his face. Although, Ludwig wouldn't be one for dancing in the sky and having fun like Alfred would do. But seeing Alfred doesn't give him the same feelings like the monk does. The HUMAN monk. Gilbert shifted in the water, bringing his knees up to peek out of the water. 'I shouldn't be thinking of someone else just hours before the exchange. He kept thinking more about Ludwig and less about Alfred, who he was going to marry in just a day's time. The plan was to pretend to be in love with Alfred when they were in public, but Gilbert feared he wouldn't even be able to do that. Unless, he thought about Ludwig every time he had to interact with Alfred and that would make him smile. 'I'm smiling because of a human. When the hell did this start? Just because he said a few words to me couldn't have the power to change so much. Could it?' "Gah!" He grabbed his head. "Gilbert, you dope! Start acting normal!"

Deciding that he had been in the bath long enough, Gilbert removed himself from the fragranced water (which was the same oils Roderich used). He wasn't thrilled to smell like the king but he had no choice in the matter; Gilbert wanted to call himself 'Little Roderich'. This may as well be Roderich's wedding instead of his. He mumbled a bit and shimmied his wings to dry them off before toweling the rest of his body. The exchange outfit he had was more to his liking but it still constricted his movements. If he were to engage in a fight he would have to strip off most of it. Gilbert even refused a private groom, assuring the king that he was able to dress himself. He didn't need an entourage of servants dressing him like Roderich did; one to button, one to straighten, one to fluff the collar, one to buckle, one to tie, one to polish the boots, and so on. To Gilbert, the whole idea of it was ridiculous. One man did not need that many people pampering him…but this was Roderich he was talking about. He gave raspberry at the thought of the king as he removed the light blue vest from the wardrobe, along with a white shirt, pants, and boots. It was more traveling attire, which made little sense to him since all fairies could just FLY where they needed to go. But no, not here in the Royal Fairy Realm. Everything had to be done 'in style'.

He put the pants on first in front of the mirror, and then frowned when the material was too tight around his waist. He wasn't fat; there was just a lot of muscle from decades of battles. No way would he tell the tailor to fix it now. Gilbert was content to be uncomfortable if it meant avoiding standing on a stool for hours. That was, until he had to tuck in the white shirt. Tighter than before, Gilbert tried to ignore it as he put the vest on next. The silver brocade line design in the middle matched the hook and eye closures that buttoned it ease. The vest fit him nicely, enough to where he had to admire himself in the mirror.

"I'll have to wear more blues from now on!"

"Mr. Gilbert!" Came a voice accompanied by a knock. "Monk Ludwig is here to see you."

He blushed. 'Ludwig?' Gilbert swallowed hard and ran to hide behind the changing curtain. "S-Send him in!" He heard the door open and close.

"Gilbert?"

"Hey Ludwig!" He answered from behind the curtain. "I'm just finishing up getting dressed! What brings you here?" His face was on fire! Stupid, stupid, stupid!

"Well, apparently I am giving you away at the wedding and accompanying you during the exchange. I was told you might want to talk to me?"

'Who the hell told him I wanted to talk? I don't want to talk!' "Um…well, I wasn't planning on talking to you about it, but since you're here I might as well."

"Are you going to come out any time soon?" Ludwig asked. "Do you need help dressing?"

'Undressing, maybe- NO!' Gilbert slapped a hand to his face. 'You sound desperate again!' "No, I'm all finished." It was now or never. Gilbert came out from behind the curtain and faced Ludwig with a smile, hoping his blush was somewhat gone. "Hey. I'm a…little embarrassed by the outfit. Not usually my style."

Ludwig just stared at the Winter Fairy as he emerged from the curtain, unable to stop the look of admiration he knew was plastered on his face. Gilbert looked stunning in that outfit, enough to stop Ludwig's heart from beating. "You look…nice."

"I do?" Gilbert managed to scoff. "I look like fucking Roderich! I would have never chosen to wear this if I had a say in it!" He went back to the mirror to look himself over again, anything to distract his attention from Ludwig. "Hey, Ludwig? At your temple, since you're only a simple monk, do you get to make your own decisions?"

"What do you mean?" He took a seat on the fainting couch.

"I mean, are you allowed to do what you want or do you have to listen to your head monk? Like do you get a choice in what to wear and eat?"

"Rarely." He laid the staff beside him on the couch. "I'm from a very strict order of monks where they make all the rules and we follow."

"Doesn't that bother you?"

Ludwig shook his head. "Not at all. I have to admit that I like structure and order. Having a routine and rubric to follow is the best way to learn discipline. We have a humbler life style than most, where we learn to live peacefully with only what we have. Our food is chosen for us based on the earthy calendar. Watered down wine suits as our evening drink before the nightly sermon. There are different levels of monks so each one wears a different colored robe. I am still a young monk, so I wear the typical brown representing my position. We must wake up at dawn every morning, have our beds made, attend the morning sermon, enjoy a silent breakfast, and then proceed with the day. Each monk has their own list of chores and responsibilities that-"

Gilbert opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue. "BOOOORING! And why a silent breakfast?"

"It represents the small window of time where the dawn chases away the night and everything is silent. Night creatures go to sleep while day creatures are just waking up. We are a part of nature as well, so it is our duty to-"

"Still boring!" Gilbert interrupted him again and looked at the monk through the mirror. "You really find the same thing day after day to be enjoyable? You LIKE being told what to do and what to say?"

"I- " Ludwig paused in his speech, thinking back to the conversation he had with Jasper about that new 'Green Book' of his. "I'll admit that I may not always agree with some things, but it is not my place to say."

"That's where you're wrong, Ludwig. You should be allowed to voice your opinion openly!"

"Gilbert, what is this really about? How is my way of living relevant to the issue at hand?"

The fairy flew over to him, remaining in the air and glared. "I was just curious, that's all! You are a commoner like me! Why is it that I, a full grown, strong, and capable fairy warrior is denied a great position just because I do not have a title or was born with the power of all four seasons? I'm the one getting married yet I have no say in ANYTHING that goes on! Everything I'm wearing had to be chosen and approved by Roderich! He tells me that I am representing him and the Light Court so I must look the part! The part that HE wants me to be! There is absolutely nothing that I am getting out of this! Roderich promises to make me a Fairy Knight, but first I have to either divorce Alfred or wait until Elizaveta has a baby before that can be done! That could be another fifty or hundred years from now!"

Ludwig squinted his eyes at the fairy. "You should have thought this all the way through before signing Roderich and Arthur's documents. Everything is legal now and you have no power or status to break any contracts. You should have never jumped in to such a big decision without looking at every aspect, considering each possible outcome, and seeing that you have all your pegs in a row. You didn't do that." Ludwig put his hands up to the side of his face. "See, this is you. Tunnel vision. All you see and hear is, "Fairy Knight". Everything else, you are blind to."

Gilbert flew away from him and back to the mirror. "They teach you how to be bastards over at that temple as well?"

"You don't handle criticism very well, do you? Can't take the truth, either. Instead, you should learn from your mistakes and accept the truth. Now that you know the truth, how can you fix it?" Ludwig saw Gilbert's entire body slump to the floor; even the wings lay limp and almost lifeless down his back. Concerned, Ludwig shot up from the couch and hurried over to Gilbert, choosing to sit down beside him. He wasn't sure what to say to Gilbert or how he should act, but the first thing would be to ask what was wrong. "What's the matter? Are you alright?"

Gilbert turned his head to look away from Ludwig. "You did it again."

"Did what? What did I do?"

The albino scoffed and smiled. "Telling me exactly what I need to hear." He looked at Ludwig. "You said some other things the last time we spoke…and you just did it again."

"I did not mean for them to be hurtful."

"Oh, I know. You're a 'straight to the point' kind of guy. Normally someone like that would piss me off; yet when it's coming from you…it seems to all make sense." He gave a cheesy grin. "Kinda stupid, huh?"

Ludwig was unsure of what Gilbert was feeling, but from what he could tell the fairy was coming to terms with his flaws. For whatever reason, Gilbert was taking his words to heart, and it showed on the pale face. Or was that…something else? Ludwig felt himself blushing as well, and that embarrassed him, which made the color deepen. Gilbert could see his red face in the mirror.

Gilbert wanted to tease Ludwig about being a 'blushing' and 'horny' monk yet knew the man would shut down if he did. Instead, Gilbert reached his hand over to take Ludwig's in his own and squeeze. Surprisingly, he felt Ludwig squeezing back, which at that moment added a whole new-fangled spark to the feelings he already had for the monk. The surge of heat he felt flow up his arm and into his heart that exploded into a million tingling particles. If he were to take off his vest and shirt right now there would be a sparkling spot over his heart to show his growing feelings for Ludwig. This only happened when a fairy first fell in love and craved the feeling in return from the other. Once a love and bond has been established then the sparkling goes away only to be replaced by the red thread. Gilbert never thought this would, or could, happen to him. And with a human no less! A forbidden relationship. But these feelings can't be denied, and if Ludwig doesn't return them…

"Gilbert?"

He swallowed hard. "Y-yeah?"

"You're…squeezing my hand really hard."

"You don't seem to want to let go of mine." Gilbert answered plainly. "Any particular reason?"

"It's…making my arm feel strange."

Gilbert's eyes widened slightly. Could Ludwig be feeling the same sparks as him? That was impossible for a human! "I…I'm sorry. I'll pull away." Yet when he tried, Ludwig's grip only tightened. "Ludwig!"

"I didn't say-" Ludwig turned away "I never said I didn't…like it. I shouldn't like it. You are a fairy; and I, a human."

Gilbert tried to remove his hand again, and this time it slipped out of Ludwig's hold. His heart was still raging with the tingling sparks, the same ones Ludwig had felt. How could a human be feeling the magic of a fairy's heart? Human hearts were so much different from a fairy's! What is it that makes Ludwig so different? Gilbert wished he could ask someone, but feared letting anyone know of his affections for a human. He knew that human emotions of love take a longer time to build, whereas a fairy's heart, if the bond is meant to be, make them fall in love in the blink of an eye. This wasn't fair.

"You're right. We're too different from each other…and it is forbidden." Gilbert turned to the left, and Ludwig to the right.

"But not without good reason."

"I suppose."

They fell silent, neither one wanting to speak for fear of what may be said.

"We should…be going." Ludwig finally spoke, breaking the silence and changing the subject. "King Roderich will be displeased if we are late."

"Oh Roderich! He can go sick on a tack for all I care!" Gilbert stood up from the floor, his confused embarrassment now turned into rage. "Let's get this damned thing over with! I'll be happy to leave the Light Court for a while!"

Ludwig got up, grabbed his staff, and turned to Gilbert. "May I speak one last thing in private before we leave?"

Gilbert's heart stopped, but he gave a nod.

"Perhaps you are not gaining the title of Fairy Knight right away. Yes, you are being used as a bargaining chip between two powerful courts that can't seem to come to a peaceful agreement by words alone. You do have to marry someone you don't love just to please others. However, you, Gilbert, still have a very important job. It is YOU who will be keeping the peace between the two courts. A simple peasant fairy will be elevated to the title of 'prince', which is much more than the average common fairy, and human, could wish for. The fairies of the Dark Court will be looking to you to lead the kingdom out of their poverty. I've seen the dark world…it is nothing compared to that of the light. YOU can help to change all that." He saw that Gilbert didn't seem to believe him, so he tried another tactic. "I was always taught, since I was young boy entering the monkhood, that no job should be frowned upon. Everybody's job holds a certain meaning, whether it be a prostitute or an assassin; a simple stone mason or a farmer. There is no job that doesn't hold its downfalls. They all have their ups and downs. Your new title will come with many jobs and responsibilities. All of these things will be for the greater good. You may not think it holds an important meaning, but it does."

Gilbert just sighed, and then his shoulders shook in silent laughter. "Ludwig, you should write a book. "The Logic of Ludwig"."

"Har har." Ludwig frowned. "Let's just get out to the carriage!" 'That's all the good I do!' He huffed.

/

The carriage of solid gold decorated with undying roses and wisteria wobbled this way and that over the uneven road. Inside sat King Roderich, Queen Elizaveta, Ludwig, and 'Prince' Gilbert. Gilbert was mortified that he had to sit next to Ludwig after the exchange of feelings they had in the chamber. Ludwig sat perfectly straight and tall, not a single hair even out of place. No one spoke a word to the other throughout the ride until they reached the drop off point; the land border separating the two courts. When the carriage door was open, Queen Elizaveta exited first in her long flowing green dress of gold ivy and pink roses. King Roderich followed, dressed all in royal purple decorated with gold brocade paisley designs. He wore his rose crown and carried a small scepter in his right hand. Gilbert was the next to step out, shortly followed by Ludwig. Along for the ride were Knights Vash and Berwald, Sadiq, and Toris, along with a handful of servants.

"Now where are they?" Roderich said with a hint of annoyance in his voice. "They're late!"

"Perhaps they ran into trouble?" Toris offered.

"Anything that would destroy them would be a blessing." Roderich responded.

"Don't speak ill of my 'family', your majesty." Gilbert said sourly. Roderich just ignored him and looked around Gilbert to his wife.

"Did I say anything wrong?"

Elizaveta just giggled politely. "Everyone, try to get along and put on a happy face. For our 'guests' are now arriving."

All eyes were on the black carriage, which was pulled by two large black horses with claws for feet instead of hooves. Roderich had to made a polite gagging noise at the sight. To him, the Dark Court Royal carriage looked to be a dungeon cell nailed to an axis. It too was black with tall pikes and cheesy designs of demons and flowers. However, the carriage was rocking back and forth as King Arthur could be heard yelling. Gilbert knew he was yelling at Alfred. Ludwig slapped a hand to face. Roderich's eyebrow was twitching as the carriage came to a halt. Elizaveta smiled sweetly as the carriage door opened on the other side of the border. Alfred practically jumped out of the carriage, dressed all in red with his black wings flapping madly. Arthur exited, dressed in his normal black kingly attire while still scolding Alfred. As Matthew was trying to step down, Arthur closed the carriage door, shutting him inside. It took a moment for him to realize that his other son was still inside.

"Mattie! Love, I'm so sorry!" He opened the door for his youngest.

"It's okay, father." Matthew said softly. "I'm just pleased to-"

"Hahahaha!" Alfred cut him off with his trademark triumphant laugh. "The Prince of Darkness has arrived!"

"Which one does he mean?" Roderich leaned over to whisper to his wife before sticking on a plastic smile to greet Arthur. "King Arthur, glad to see you are well."

Arthur slapped on a fake smile as well as he moved to take Roderich's hands in his own. "Fond greetings to you as well, King Roderich."

Ludwig could see the bolts and sparks of hatred traveling between their plastic gazes. He would need to use his staff to cut through the tension in the air.

Arthur moved from Roderich to kiss Elizaveta's hand. "My Queen."

"It's nice to see you again, King Arthur." She said politely and curtsied. "How was your trip?"

"Bumpy, but completely uneventful." Arthur turned to Gilbert and Ludwig next. "Gilbert, are you ready to go?"

Gilbert responded with a silent nod, glancing over at Roderich and Elizaveta.

"Ludwig, will you be coming?" Arthur asked the monk.

"Yes, your majesty. I am to help Gilbert get settled and give him away at the wedding."

Arthur raised a thick brow at Roderich. "Any reason why you are not attending?"

Roderich politely cleared his throat. "I'm afraid duty calls so I must remain here. I have full trust in Ludwig and-"

"Me." Elizaveta piped in. "I will be coming to the wedding." Her husband flashed her a stunned look. "Yes, I've decided that I would like to attend the wedding."

"But who will be escorting you?"

"I'm not sure yet. Either I'll go by myself or I'll just grab someone at the last minute." She smiled at Gilbert who was clearly relieved that someone from here would be attending.

Arthur gave a bow of his head. "Then we look forward to seeing you." He looked over his shoulder to his sons and waved Alfred over. "Alfred, don't you have something to say?"

Alfred grinned happily and took Roderich's hand in his own to roughly shake it. "Thanks for giving us Gilbert, your highness! We'll take good care of him!"

"You're…quite welcome?"

Arthur had to slap a hand to his face. No matter how often he went over the appropriate words to say with Alfred the boy STILL couldn't get it right. He was actually surprised with how well Gilbert was behaving. "Well then, we shall be on our way. Gilbert, do you have all your things?"

"I don't really have anything."

"Nonsense." Roderich clapped his hands and the servants carried over some trunks, four in total. "These are Gilbert's things generously given to him by me as wedding gifts. Everything he will need should be in those trunks." Within his hands, a bag of gold coins appeared. "And here, as promised, is his first care payment." He handed it to Arthur. "Should he need anything else please let Ludwig know so he can report it to me."

Alfred snickered. "Wow, you obviously want to get rid of Gilbert!" Roderich glared and Arthur sneered at his son, who quickly pretended to 'button' his lips.

Arthur smiled, tucking the money away in his cloak. "Then it is done." He moved over to Gilbert next. "Say farewell to anyone here you wish to so we can be on our way. There is still much to do."

Gilbert looked around, seeing that there was no one he actually cared about to bid farewell to. If Ludwig weren't coming with him than he would have been the only one. So without a word, he 'dutifully' went to stand alongside Alfred to be led to the carriage.

Ludwig followed after them as the Dark Court fairies gathered into the carriage with Gilbert. Ludwig chose to ride with the driver, fearing that if he went inside the carriage as well Gilbert may say or do something that would cause suspicion. After that strange display of feelings and affection in the chambers, Ludwig wasn't taking any chances. The carriage turned around and began to make it's away further from the border…with Prince Matthew flying after it. Ludwig realized that they had forgotten the other fairy. He told the driver to stop the carriage so Matthew could enter inside, where Arthur could be hearing apologizing ten times over. The exchange had gone smoothly; much better than he had expected. Gilbert was strangely quiet throughout the whole exchange and Ludwig wondered if anyone else had noticed it. He hoped that what went on between them in the chambers wouldn't start to cause any issues. Ludwig had enough on his plate as it was.

/

"Did Gilbert seem different to you?" Roderich asked his queen after they turned away from the Dark Court entourage.

"In what way?"

"Hm…he just seemed…off. He was very quiet, barely said a word, and behaved like he should."

"So what's wrong with that?"

He sighed. "Nothing, I suppose. But I could tell there was a definite change in him. I just worry if it is a good change, or a bad change."

Elizaveta's brows furrowed a little. "Yes…I wonder?"

/

Gilbert said not a word as the carriage had begun to pull away. He kept his attention at the window, staring blankly out through the foggy glass. He couldn't even pretend to be happy, not at this moment. Roderich quickly handed him off, hiding his 'generosity' behind hundreds of gifts full with what the king would THINK (or should) like. The king didn't bother to ask him what sort of items he would want. When first hearing about becoming a prince he was ecstatic, and then he grew angry, and now he was depressed. He knew why he was depressed: because his fairy heart was beating for Ludwig and for no one else. The feeling was so strong that it was near impossible now to pretend. The biggest part of this that bothered him was Ludwig's feelings, and how the human would act towards him. Based on Ludwig's natural reactions in the chambers one would assume he too had feelings for him. Ludwig had felt the same spark that Gilbert had felt, and seemed to know what it was. Or at least he had figured it out. But how could he hide all this from everyone else when he was supposed to be happy? He was supposed to act 'in love' with Alfred, yet the actual thought of it made him nauseous. Alfred's sudden yawn startled everyone.

"Nothing like a silent carriage ride to make you sleepy! Ha ha ha ha!"

"Be quiet, Alfred." Arthur softly scolded him, and then turned his green eyes to Gilbert. "Gilbert, is something the matter? You're awfully quiet."

'Uh oh, busted!' He looked at Arthur and quickly came up with an answer. "I'm just pissed off at King Roderich."

Arthur snorted. "Join the club."

"I don't know what I was expecting to come of the exchange…but he sort of just…shoved me away."

"Of course he did. You're my problem now and no longer his. He wanted you up and gone." Arthur replied with little care. "But you'll get over it. It's not like he's your father or brother; he's just your king."

"Father," Matthew started softly, "you could be a little nicer to Gilbert after-"

"Sometimes the truth is necessary, Mattie." He pats his son's knee, and then turned back to Gilbert. "What did Roderich promise you when the issue of marriage to Alfred was brought up?"

Gilbert was taken aback by the question. "What?"

"You heard me. What did Roderich promise you for your service to me? Service as in a Royal Marriage." Arthur ignored the strange looks from his sons who did not know what his plans were. Roderich had written in one of the documents what Gilbert had asked for, knowing full well that the Light King would not hold true to his word. His plan was to have Gilbert learn to trust him and look upon him as a father figure. Arthur was prepared to try and give Gilbert more than what Roderich would give him. And the first step in this plan was to make Gilbert realize the truth so the Winter Fairy could start to doubt Roderich. It was a cruel trick to be playing on the young fairy, but he had his kingdom as well as the safety of his sons to watch out for. There were always sacrifices that needed to be made. "Well? Did he promise you anything?"

"Uh…he-he did say…" Gilbert was stumbling over his words, hesitant if he should answer truthfully or make something up.

"Well, you've always wanted to be a Fairy Knight ever since you were a little boy pulling on Matthew's tail." Matthew blushed sweetly and hid his face behind the stuffed bear. "Did he promise you that? The title of Fairy Knight?" Gilbert appeared surprised that he knew, but the fairy just gave him a nod. Arthur flashed him a laughing smile. "And you honestly THINK he will allow you such a title? You, who are a lowborn, single season fairy? Come now, Gilbert, surely you have more sense than to believe that?"

"But…but he promised! He said that if I do this then I earn the title of 'prince' by marriage and then I can become a Fairy Knight!"

Arthur crossed his legs and folded his hand over the knee. "I never took you for a naïve fairy, Gilbert. You are still only a single season fairy. Roderich is a very strict and orderly fairy who likes everything to be 'just right'." Arthur rolled his eyes at the last part. "Someone like you gaining such a high position like that would throw off the beauty that are his 'perfect soldiers'." He saw Gilbert lower his gaze to look at his lap. "Haven't you noticed what type of knights he has? They are all like Vash and Berwald. You could never be like those two."

"Who'd WANT to be like those two?" Alfred added in.

"Maybe Gilbert can be like them." Matthew shyly added, finally contributing to the conversation. "He needs time."

"You're not going to change your mind now, are you, Gilbert?" Alfred asked him, a little concerned with how this conversation was going. Gilbert was his meal ticket to gain the Light Court's throne and if the fairy dropped out now, they would be back at square one.

"He can't." Arthur answered for him. "We all signed the contract. What's done is done."

Gilbert held his head. "I think I'm going to be sick." The truth was that he did know about all this but just didn't care to think any further into it. Ever since that moment in the chambers, everything was changing!

"Gilbert," Arthur started, silently asking Matthew to switch spots so he could be directly in front of Gilbert "listen to me." He took Gilbert's hands in his own and made sure those pink eyes were focused on him. "Roderich has never had any children of his own, so he doesn't know how important and strong that love bond is. Do you think he'd still be on that throne if it weren't for Elizaveta? She who knows how to properly shower love and still maintains control over her people? That's not the type of person Roderich is. Granted, he is a very strong ruler and I cannot deny that he is a brilliant strategist when it comes to war. His people respect him, but they do not 'love' him." Just saying these words were like a knife in his gut. Arthur had tried for centuries to get his people to love and respect him, but they never have. When he came to the throne, his father, the previous king, basically handed him a bag of shit and said, 'it's your problem now'. He was always jealous of Roderich in that aspect; Light was handed gold and Dark was given shit. "But I am different, because I have sons and I want to see them happy."

"We are happy, father." Matthew spoke softly, but no one seemed to hear him.

"Gilbert, you're marrying into our family and that makes you a part of it. Between you and Alfred I have a stronger chance of going gray early, but in a way I am looking forward to it. Things will be different for you at the Dark Court and I hope you come to love them, as we have come to love you. Right boys?"

"Yes father!" Matthew piped up excitedly, and Alfred just gave two thumbs up.

Gilbert smiled at their emotional generosity, but it still left out the issue of him becoming a Fairy Knight. It was a long shot, but he had to ask. "So…does this mean I'll be nothing more than Alfred's wife- or husband- until the end of my days?"

"No, not at all." Arthur pats the top of a pale hand. "Things always have a way of changing. Perhaps I can try and persuade Roderich to keep true to his word. And remember, if the Light Court King and Queen ever have a baby you can technically be free of all your duties."

White brows drew together in anger. "So not only am I a bargaining chip but I'm also just a fucking 'stand in' until a pure blooded royal heir comes around?"

"Didn't you already figure this out?" Alfred asked him, looking slightly annoyed that Gilbert seemed to have lost all his sense.

"That's enough, Alfred!" Arthur sneered at his eldest. "He's just stunned because there is so much going on right now. It's a lot to take in." he turned back to Gilbert. "Everything will work out in the end. You'll see."

Gilbert sighed. "I hope you're right, your highness."

"In private, you may call me Arthur, or father. Whichever you wish."

Alfred and Matthew exchanged curious glances. Gilbert finally gave a small, but genuine smile.

"Okay!"

/

The BIG day…

Ludwig wanted to get this day over with as fast as possible. He hadn't seen much of Gilbert since the exchange, having been so busy with paperwork for both sides. Keeping away from Gilbert was probably a good thing considering that 'strange event' they shared in the chamber. He found that he was always thinking about Gilbert ever since that odd spark of emotion traveled through his body. Now Gilbert was always on his mind, even when he was doing paperwork. The Winter Fairy was haunting his thoughts; but now it was the big day, the wedding day. Ludwig felt numb over the whole thing. HE didn't feel quite feel jealous, nor did he feel joy or anger. He was just numb.

He stared at himself in the mirror, looking over his wedding attire generously given to him by Roderich. Heracles had made it but it was shoved inside of Gilbert's trunks. Heracles had kept with the traditional brown and green colors of his temple. The floor length under robe was a simple woolen brown with a high neck collar, long sleeves, and simple toggles that stopped at his waist. The bottom was split in the center to make walking easier yet the back dragged behind slightly like a small train. His pants and slippers were brown as well with the only bit of color being the green leaves and vines embroidered around the cuffs, neck, shoulders, and bottom hem. The long vest was a forest green with a hint of gold trim lining the folds of the split. In a sense the outfit did not appear to be the standard 'wedding attire', but it was simple enough in design where Ludwig felt fully comfortable wearing it. The last item to add was his special leaf pendant from the 'Order of Nature', a simple touch of his own world and faith.

Now content with his appearance and ready to tackle the 'joyous' occasion, Ludwig took his staff to begin his way to Gilbert's room. He was to pick up the 'bride to be' and escort him to the ceremony hall. Ludwig found himself wondering what Gilbert's wedding outfit would look like? If Roderich had designed it then one would figure it was some sort of brocade pattern with a million roses and gold trim. Gilbert was very vocal about how much he hated Roderich's designs and style in clothing.

When he reached Gilbert's door, Ludwig took a deep breath, gathered his thoughts, and knocked. "Gilbert? Are you ready?"

"Come in." Came Gilbert's call.

Ludwig opened the door and closed it behind him, looking around the large room for signs of Gilbert. Gilbert stood up from the vanity seat and smiled at Ludwig, complimenting on his outfit. Ludwig, however, found that his mouth had gone dry and he was unable to answer. He just stared at Gilbert, dressed in gold and pearls from head to toe. It was certainly Roderich's design, but the fairy king had done a remarkable job. Gilbert positively glowed in the shade of gold. Ludwig swallowed hard as he felt his body responding to the fairy…in a very uncomfortable way. It was getting harder to maintain his control, wiping away the little beads of sweat forming at his temples. Gilbert must have sensed his change in character for he began to blush darkly. Neither one of them could move or speak but stood there, feet frozen to the floor, and faces on fire. Ludwig's heart was racing in his chest and his body ablaze with lust. It was a sin to be feeling this way and he should be ashamed for letting his body succumb to lust. He MUST maintain control at all times; that is what the monks and the 'Order of Nature' had taught him. To lose control was to- and then there was a flash of silver, followed by a pair of hot lips on his own.

And that was it.

He had lost all control over his mind and let his body take over. Gilbert was kissing him roughly, something that Ludwig had never engaged in with such force. There was little he knew how to do so he let Gilbert to have full control over the kiss. The other's arms wrapped around his neck and using his shoulders as leverage, he felt Gilbert jump and wrap long legs around his waist. Ludwig gasped into the hot mouth devouring him while forced to grab Gilbert's bottom to keep them from toppling over. He wasn't sure if it was his strength or the fairy wings, but Gilbert was light enough to hold even though he didn't appear it. Ludwig crossed his arms under Gilbert's rump for better leverage and spun them around so he had the others back against the nearest wall. He moaned deeply as their clothed erections pressed against one another, and Gilbert had to break the kiss to voice his own pleasure. Blue eyes met pink as sweat damp foreheads pressed against one another.

"You're not…a bad kisser." Gilbert panted with a smirk, his face still flushed a coy pink.

"We shouldn't be doing this." He couldn't help but press his erection into Gilbert's, making them both give out a gasp of delight. "You shouldn't have kissed me."

"How could I not when I saw how you were looking at me? I knew you had feelings for me!"

Gilbert kissed his cheek and squeezed his arms tighter around Ludwig's neck. Within his chest he could feel his heart beating and the tingling of emotions shoot through his veins. There was no mistaking Ludwig's erection pressed against his; the hard and hot muscle resting against his own. He had yet to see Ludwig naked at all, but from what he could feel the monk was well endowed and probably rippling with muscle (maybe even more than him!). Now that he had Ludwig kissing his lips, neck, and chin, all the fairy wanted to do was drop his pants and let the other fuck him against the wall. The thought of being Ludwig's first (and hopefully only) lover excited him in an intimate manner he had never felt with another fairy. Gilbert had been with virgins before, but none of them would compare to Ludwig. To break a stoic and celibate monk concentrated to the high deity sparked another wave of lust in his body, especially in his nether regions. Ludwig would be a forcefully first-timer, of this Gilbert was sure. The monk was set in his ways, wanting everything to be 'just so' and follow a strict order of conduct. Also, Ludwig would have to be in control, something that Gilbert felt obligated to give up; but only to the monk. All thought flew from his mind when Ludwig started actually thrusting against him, forcing their erections to rub together and creature a sensuous friction. Oh how he wished they were naked right now! Ludwig was panting and grunting like an animal that had been kept locked up during its heat, ready to ravage the first thing in sight. Gilbert was delighted to submit.

*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*

They paused completely.

"Monk Ludwig?" Came an unfamiliar voice from the other side of the door.

Gilbert closed his eyes, trying to keep his heavy breathing quiet.

Ludwig swallowed hard and answered, in a hoarse whisper, "What is it?"

"Sir, the guests are all here and piling into the ceremonial hall. Is Lord Gilbert ready?"

'Fuck.' Gilbert hissed to himself. In these last few moments his mind had been completely void of his duties. He was to be married shortly…and here he was in the arms of another, whom he craved, silently wishing to be fucked.

"Yes. He is." Regretfully, Ludwig lowered Gilbert back to the floor. "We'll be down momentarily. Give him another minute or so."

"Yes sir."

Ludwig looked at Gilbert for a second and then turned away from the fairy. "This was wrong…I'm very sorry."

"Sorry? What for?" Gilbert whispered. "I loved it, Ludwig! I really did! I know you enjoyed it too!" Gilbert reached out and took Ludwig's wrist but the human pulled away from him.

"Humans and fairies shouldn't be together. What we are feeling right now is…is animalistic lust…because we are creatures of feelings."

'It's not just lust for me, Ludwig.' Was what Gilbert wished he could voice to the monk, but he had to remember that a human's heart was different. Ludwig's affection for him would have to slowly build, whereas he himself was ready to marry the monk and swear his undying love for him. He only felt his way around Ludwig, no one else. Ludwig seemed to bring out a whole other fairy within him. "It doesn't always…have to be lust?"

"It can't be anything else. It's not safe for either you or me." Ludwig felt comfortable enough to turn around and face Gilbert. "We should be leaving now. Your husband-to-be is waiting."

"R-Right."

/

It was an agonizingly long walk for the both of them. Ludwig had his arm linked with Gilbert's, the proper way, to escort a new 'royal'. There was a mix of feelings cluttering up in his chest, each one more surprising than the first. He was angry that their moment together was cut short by the call of duty. He was ashamed of himself for so easily forgetting his vows to the temple. He was jealous that Gilbert was going to be with another man tonight. He was torn between what was right and what was wrong. Ludwig strongly felt for Gilbert, but he wasn't sure if they were feelings of 'love' since he had never felt it before. He's read about it, heard all the songs and fairytales, yet knew that those words were just an exaggeration that did not speak for EVERY person and their love life. They inspired hope and happiness but never mentioned reality and the complications that come with real life. Gilbert seemed to be more in love with him than he was with the fairy. Knowing that he lusted after this beautiful man on his arm made him feel dirty and ashamed. He almost 'had his way' with the new bride just a short time before the ceremony. Sinful.

After what Elizaveta had told him, allowing Gilbert to get too close to him would do the fairy a grave injustice and that was not fair to Gilbert. Of course, anything could happen over time, but could he really forget his vows and promises? Did he want to become a fairy? Did he want to remain human? All of these questions without answered helped to keep his erection hidden away. But he did wonder what Gilbert was thinking.

'Stars above, I hope I don't blow it.' Was Gilbert's constant thought running rapid in his head.

In a few moments he would be walking down the aisle with a thousand eyes on him towards his future husband; while thinking about another man. He was supposed to pretend and act the part of a loving wife and lover, but after feeling Ludwig's burning passion for him the charade seemed impossible now. He didn't want to be with Alfred at all! The only one he wanted to be with was Ludwig. But he had 'royal' duties now, and there was still the possible 'promise' of becoming a Fairy Knight. While Arthur's words rang true, Gilbert still believed things could change, just like Ludwig's feelings could change for him. He wanted to be with the human monk; yes, he wanted a forbidden relationship. The idea of it made his lower belly tingle with lust and it brought a small smirk to his lips. What was becoming of him?

As they drew closer to the ceremonial hall, the court advisor was shouting out the names of the important guests that were attending. A small group of people are standing by the entrance, waiting their turn to be called in. Ludwig searched the small group for a familiar face, and his eyes landed on Queen Elizaveta. She was to be the next one called in. "Queen Elizaveta of the Light Court, escorted by the royal weapon maker Sadiq Adnan!"

"That's who she came with?" Gilbert laughed. "I'm sure Roderich was thrilled. I bet that put his golden panties in a bunch knowing she was going with someone not quite 'noble'!"

"The Royal Light Court Advisor, Toris!"

"Who invited him?" Gilbert said with a snort.

"Behave yourself." Ludwig reminded him. "All eyes will be on you tonight and…and your life is going to change."

Gilbert lowered his eyes, squeezing Ludwig's arm tighter in his own. "I know." He took a deep breath and held it for a moment, and then exhaled.

"You have to do this." Ludwig almost couldn't get the words out. "Just…do the best you can."

"NOW PRESENTING, THE WINTER FAIRY GILBERT, NEW PRINCE TO THE DARK COURT!"

That was there cue, and both men had cold feet. A nudge from a guard behind them forced the pair to begin the long walk down the aisle on lush purple carpet. All eyes were on them, yet not one set seemed to have a friendly look. Gilbert made himself smile, but noticed how unhappy and…disgusted everyone looked. The fairies from his court, all three of them, were smiling at him. But the others made him extremely uncomfortable and he tried not to show it. He held his head up high as they approached the alter, where his new 'husband', brother-in-law, and the Dark King stood. Alfred was on the right, Matthew on the left, and Arthur in the middle. Apparently the king would be marrying them. Arthur was dressed in a black cavalier shirt with a laced up neck and slashed sleeves, the lining being a deep velvety green. The king's usual crown adorned his head but a black veil hung low on each side of his face. Alfred wore a red surcoat with black beaded trim on the wrists, collar, front, and bottom. He too wore a crown, but it was much smaller than his father's. The crown was black with all curved tiers of the same length and size. The smaller tiers only enhanced the size of his horns, giving him a much more defined appearance of a demon. Matthew was dressed simpler, wearing a long blue tunic with black hook and eyes all down the front to stop at his waist. The youngest prince wore a fur shawl that covered only his top half and the hood was delicately placed on his head. Unlike this father and brother, Matthew wore a silver tiara with a teardrop shaped sapphire in the center. Gilbert felt Ludwig's arm slip from his and it seemed like another side of him was suddenly gone. Ludwig left, leaving him without a feeling of warmth. IT was Alfred who held out his arm next, an arm Gilbert hesitated to take, but did so anyway with a small smile. Oh, how he despised this moment.

Ludwig went and stood beside Elizaveta, Sadiq, and Toris near the alter. His eyes were focused solely on Gilbert, looking like a golden god up there next to the dark fairy. Arthur was saying some words, but they went in one ear and out the other. Ludwig felt the urgent need to race up those steps, snatch Gilbert from Alfred, and run away with him. It was a stupid idea; one he was ashamed that he could have even had conjured up. He had a duty to perform, and so did Gilbert. Ludwig made a promise and a vow to this realm, and as a disciplined male, he could not abandon the mission entrusted to him. Especially not for 'love' or 'lust'. But if that were true, then why was his heart beginning to ache? The ceremony had suddenly ended with Alfred and Gilbert sharing a chaste kiss. They were announced as 'Duel Princes' and the courtroom of nobles clapped, cheered, and flapped their wings in celebration. Ludwig didn't even hear them. All he could see was Gilbert's false smile as the fairy proceeded down the steps with his new 'husband', one who was drinking in all the attention shamelessly. Someone tugged on his arm, and he turned to see it was the queen.

"Ludwig, what's wrong with you?"

"Yeah," added Sadiq "you look like you're ready to throw up."

"Huh? Oh, um…I'm not. I'm not going to. It's just…whew, it's hot in these clothes. It's hot in here."

"It's all the people." Elizaveta answered for him. "Come, they are all heading to the feast fall to celebrate, eat, and dance! Isn't that excited?" She linked both her arms with Ludwig and Sadiq.

"I know I'm ready to drink it up!" Sadiq said with a tilt of his head to fix his large hat and plume.

Ludwig was certain that he would be needing a few goblets of wine as well if he was going to make it through the rest of the night.

The feasting hall sat ten tables lined with dark fairy nobles, all eating and drinking and laughing. Ludwig and Elizaveta were seated upon the dais table with the other royals. Alfred and Gilbert sat in the middle, with Arthur and Matthew on his right. To Gilbert's left sat Elizaveta and Ludwig. Gilbert barely touched his food, but he was drinking a lot. Alfred was drinking as well, but he was content in eating the food…plate after plate of chicken, beef, and bread. Arthur was speaking to Matthew, keeping his youngest and most innocent away from the sips of wine the little prince was trying to steal. Elizaveta spoke kindly to Gilbert about this and that, simply engaging in polite conversation. Gilbert wasn't having any fun at all and Elizaveta was trying to lighten his spirits a bit.

Ludwig swallowed another big gulp of ale, holding out the mug for a servant to refill it again. The thick ale made his head hazy, which had helped to ease his nerves. He used this silent moment to gaze around the courtroom, watching all the dark fairies whispering to one another. His eyes fell on Sadiq, those massive butterfly wings impossible to miss. The fairy held a long thin pipe in his hand as he casually spoke to some dark fairies. The eye mask hid his half of his face, so Ludwig was unable to read the emotions there. Everyone from the Light Court acted fake with the Dark Court residents. Then, he noticed Toris far off at the end of the feasting hall by a fruit table. The advisor seemed to be doing the same as he, examining the crowd. Ludwig took another gulp of ale and swallowed hard. To his horror, Elizaveta stood up and tugged on his arm, asking for him to dance with her. The band had started to play, and Alfred was already leading Gilbert to the center of the dance floor.

"Come on, Ludwig! Loosen up a bit!" She laughed. "Have some fun!"

"I…I don't dance, your highness."

"Nonsense! Everyone can dance!" In the end she won, with a defeated Ludwig following her to the floor. "This is an easy dance, you'll catch on quick!" Everyone was joining hands in a large circle, including Arthur, Matthew, and Sadiq.

"W-What are we doing? This is a group dance?"

"Yes. We alternate man, woman, man, woman. The dance formula is easy! It's two steps to the left, two steps to the right, repeat twice. Then, we step to the full right. Four steps in total. After the forth, you lift the lady up and repeat the same steps. Got it?" Her explanation was fast, and Ludwig hadn't caught on to it for she could tell by his blank face. "You'll catch on!"

The music started and the circle began to move, with everyone following the dance steps Elizaveta explained to him. Ludwig looked across the circle at Gilbert, mortified, as he was forced to join in this dance. But, he was still focused on giving it his best, and in his head he spoke out the formula. 'Two steps to the left' done 'two steps to the right' done 'two steps to the left' done 'two steps to the right' done. 'Step. Step. Step. Step. Lift?' Elizaveta twirled to face him with her hands on his shoulders and jumped slightly to land on the other side of him.

"Next time hold the lady's waist as she jumps!" Elizaveta whispered. "You don't have to do so much lifting, just guide her."

'Someone kill me.' Ludwig caught on face, though. The next fairy noblewoman was a little heavier than Elizaveta, but Ludwig nailed the move with ease, and continued to do so. This dance wasn't half as bad as he thought it was. It was simple and enjoyable, nothing extreme. Although, it was a shock when the next 'noblewoman' turned out to be a man and Ludwig found himself lifting Sadiq without noticing. Not right away. Somehow the butterfly fairy snuck his way in to the ladies side to make the others laugh. Ludwig felt as if his hands were burning from touching him. He'd rather be lifting Gilbert.

When this dance ended, everyone started to break off into pairs, with Gilbert and Alfred leading in the center with a waltz. King Arthur went back to the dais table with Matthew, and Ludwig wanted to follow. He pushed Elizaveta off on Sadiq to make his way back to the table, away from the festivities of dance. With a lift of his mug a servant refilled it with the ale. He needed to drink.

/

Gilbert stood at the drink table after the waltz, gulping down another glass of wine as some dark fairy nobles were speaking to him. They all looked at him with disdain, asking him things like, 'where do you come from', 'how old are you', 'why is a commoner allowed to marry royalty', and so on. Gilbert, as he promised, answered every question with a kind smile when inside he was really aching to spit in their faces. They were judging him on many levels, from intelligence to sexuality. He couldn't stand it any longer and excused himself from their circle, diving through the crowds to look for Alfred. He needed to get out of here before he passed out from the wine and heat. Also, he felt so dirty and guilty doing all this with Ludwig in the room, watching him. Gilbert found Alfred laughing with a young male fairy, casually sipping his wine.

"Alfred…can we go now?" Gilbert asked him.

"Go? So soon? But it's still a party!" Alfred grinned and flapped his wings. "It's our party! Our wedding!"

"Y-Yes but…but don't you want to do the…'fun' stuff?" Gilbert put on his best 'come hither' stare, knowing that Alfred was too tipsy to notice that it was put on.

The young prince hiccupped, a light blush over his nose, and he chuckled. "Ooooh, I get it! You want us to make the bed bounce!" Gilbert slapped a hand to face. "Well then, shall we proceed?" Alfred let out a laugh and darted up into the air. "CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE?" When all eyes were on him, he let out a hiccup and then, "I'LL BE BACK IN A BIT! I'M OFF TO BED MY NEW 'WIFE'!"

"INAPPROPRIATE!" King Arthur shouted, but his son ignored him. "ALFRED!"

Alfred lazily tossed the glass and took Gilbert by the hand, forcing the Winter Fairy to fly with him. "Let's go hit the sheets!"

"I…I…" Gilbert was speechless and stunned as he was flown out of the room. The only person on his mind was Ludwig, and what the human monk was thinking right now. Would he be sad? Angry? Jealous? 'Ludwig…forgive me. I will not enjoy it.'

/

Ludwig couldn't stand the atmosphere any longer, especially when Gilbert had to leave with Alfred. The consummation of their marriage was starting, and he would not be in this castle while it was happening. Without a word to anyone, Ludwig took his mug with him as he found his way outside to the gardens. He felt sick to his stomach and once again his heart was aching. Yearning for another man's 'legal' wife was another sin he was unwillingly committing. Earlier today he had Gilbert's hot body pressed against his own while their erections rubbed together. He imagined Gilbert naked for Alfred when he had never seen the fairy unclothed himself. It felt a lot like jealousy; jealousy for the man who was seeing Gilbert naked before him. And since when did he CARE about something like that? Gilbert was not a virgin, so it wasn't as if his first time was being taken away. Ludwig did not fear Alfred doing anything to hurt Gilbert; not in the least! It was just the thought of them together, in bed, with Gilbert's forced limbs tangled around Alfred's body. The image made him cringe, shudder, and hiss in anger.

'Pull yourself together, Ludwig! These feelings of yours are starting to get out of hand!' He took a deep swig of the ale, finishing off the rest and tossing it to the ground in anger. That was when he noticed someone lurking in the purple rose bushes. Raising a blonde brow, Ludwig went over to the person. "Hello?"

"Ah!" Francis jumped up, cloaked in heavy black. "Oh, Ludwig, it's you. You startled me!"

"I'm sorry. What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be inside?" 'Come to think of it, I haven't seen Francis all night.'

Francis lowered his hood and smiled sadly. "I'm not allowed to be present at my first-born's wedding. Not even as a guest."The fairy wings buzzed as Francis flashed him an amused look. Ludwig chose to say nothing, shocked at how easily Francis let that confession roll off his tongue. "Don't act so surprised. I know you know." He replied softly.

"Still, you should have been invited as a guest."

"Arthur didn't think it was safe." Francis looked towards the dining windows. "I only saw some parts of the wedding…I'm sure Alfred looked proud and noble." He looked to Ludwig with a woeful expression. "You will not tell, right?"

Ludwig frowned and shook his head. "I have no reason to tell, nor would I ever tell." He looked to the feasting window as well. "It is a sin that you and your lover should be separated so much because of 'expectations'."

"Quite so."

He whispered "If I may ask…do you ever regret being with Arthur and siring his children when you cannot be near them the way a father should?"

Francis buzzed his wings again. "You know what, sometimes I do. The boys know me as their papa, but I could never engage with them as a father should. It was too dangerous." He walked over to the blue rose bushes, and Ludwig followed him. Francis cupped a blue rose in his hand, looking at it thoughtfully. "I love my boys so much…yet I fear siring them the way we did will one day be the death of them."

Ludwig did not deny that, but he wouldn't say it to the fairy.

"You see this bush here? This is the one I planted when I heard of Arthur's stillborn. Our child." His shoulders slumped. "I wasn't allowed to be there with her to comfort her as the father of the baby should. She had the midwife and other women in there to serve her…I was not allowed. I couldn't even show up to the funeral…all I could do was visit the tiny grave and leave a flower or two. So I planted this bush in the child's place." He sighed. "Yet these are all pains I've brought on myself. Now my son is married and soon to be the new heir…and here I am…out in the cold watching from a distance."

Ludwig folded his hands behind his back. "I am terribly sorry to hear your tale of woe. I say, in truth, that I cannot understand what you or King Arthur had gone through, but I know it must be hard. Even unbearable."

"You're a smart boy, Ludwig." Francis smiled, stroking the tips of the blue petals with his finger. "I would gladly lay down my life for my boys and my love."

"That is very noble of you." Ludwig looked back to the window of the feasting hall. "Would it be too much to ask if I could stay out here with you? Just for company. I was getting…too hot inside that place."

Francis nodded. "Of course. I would enjoy the company as well. It's a sad night for us both."

Ludwig didn't answer him, and from that point on the two stood in silence among the blue roses. Somewhere in the distance, a long, low, sorrowful howl echoed through the night.

End Chapter 8 TBC
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