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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
- 8
- 9
- 10
Chapter 9

Atop a hill…

Ivan howled one last time to the moon as the fireworks of Gilbert and Alfred's union exploded far off in the sky. He was not invited to the wedding, and even if he were, he wouldn't have gone. Standing up on all fours, his dog ears lowered and lay back against his head as he continued to watch the fireworks. Ivan understood why Gilbert accepted the offer to marry Alfred. Gilbert was a fairy who craved greatness and yearned to be a knight, something he was constantly denied because of his birth. Marrying Alfred would open up the door for greater opportunities and it was what Gilbert deserved. Ivan understood that, but just because he accepted it didn't mean he had to like it. He despised Alfred on many levels, and now that he was Gilbert's 'husband' it only made Ivan's hatred grow. Thinking of the Fairy Prince Alfred caused him to growl and make his dark hackles rise viciously. He has had his troubles with Alfred in the past, mostly when the prince was a young fairy coming of age. Ivan was a much older entity then he was, but that never stopped the little fairy prince from ordering him around and using him; like his father, the king. Now Gilbert was marrying into that family; they will make him one of them.

'I pray for the day when I may sink my fangs into Alfred's throat.' Ivan growled and barred his teeth. But, he would never be able to kill Alfred so long as he was still under Arthur's control. One of the spells Arthur had put on him when he was claimed was that he could not harm his children in any way. Only with Arthur's death or a breech of contract could the spell be broken. 'Even if Gilbert declared his undying love for me…King Arthur would never let it be. Arthur saved me that day, and now I must serve him. But I never want to leave Gilbert either…' Now Ivan wished to be back home in his realm, in his universe; but he was stuck here forever until the binding spell was broken, with or without Gilbert. He liked to tell himself that Arthur was securing his place here, but that was half the truth.

He sat back down and looked up at the moon. 'My duty is never finished, yet I hoped that Gilbert would have wanted to be beside me throughout it all.' He looked back at the fireworks. 'But, he is still MY Gilbert, no matter whose ring he wears or what creature he is in love with.'

And then his thoughts were redirected to Ludwig; the human monk who was the Fairy Court envoy. Ludwig was a curious creature, one that Ivan couldn't read. He sensed the man had great inner strength and an iron will, which made him the perfect candidate for an envoy. Especially in this corrupted fairy realm. Ludwig is neutral being working in a prejudice-fueled world; just like him. Ivan felt he was able to connect with Ludwig on a human level in this aspect. But the human was still a threat to him, for Ivan knew the man harbored hidden feelings for Gilbert. Ivan was certain Gilbert felt something for the human as well, but then again, Gilbert had said that about him. Before they had slept together, Gilbert had found him 'charming', 'funny', and 'interesting', saying he was attracted to 'mysterious beings'. Ivan's tail had never stopped wagging after he heard those words, and after their first time together he vowed to love Gilbert until the end of time. But a fairy's heart was different from his, and so was that of a human. He, Gilbert, and Ludwig were three separate beings.

Ivan stood up again, gave another long howl, and leapt from the ledge. He ran through the woods, dashing around trees and boulders. It wasn't fair that he had to stay away from the castle this night! It was Alfred and Arthur that he hated, not Ludwig or Gilbert. Thinking about the two men again forced him to come to a sliding halt. He should hate Ludwig because the human felt for his Gilbert, but he loved the fairy male more than anything. But Ivan knew, deep within his heart and soul that he and Gilbert could never be. Ivan wanted nothing more than for Gilbert to be happy. Sure, he wished the fairy could be happy with him, but Ivan wasn't going to lie to himself. If Gilbert chose to love Ludwig then it would be HIS duty to look out for the human; for Gilbert's sake. But maybe, just maybe, there could still be a change for Gilbert to love him, or at least care for him. Gilbert was always the only one who could understand him in this lonely prison.

Ivan didn't want to lose him.

'I will accept your human lover, if you choose him, so long as you still wish to keep me near you.'

Ivan continued on his way to the castle.

/

Arthur looked at his naked self in the mirror, spreading out his wings to give them a shimmy and a shake. He frowned deeply and heavily slumped his shoulders as the shine of young age had faded since the last time he's done this. His body was still strong and agile; a mature body, full of faded scars from battles…and that damn scar under his belly from when they removed Matthew from him. It was worse when his body changed to that of his female form and he had to wear flowing dresses that flared out from the waist to hide it. It was a scar that had hindered him from keeping his well-sculptured belly as a young warrior. But he wouldn't trade Matthew for anything; not for all the shimmer and gold in the world.

"What are you doing, love?" Called Francis' tired voice from the bed.

"Just looking at myself…thinking back to the times when I was young with a warrior's body like Alfred…before YOU came along and destroyed all that!"

"Sure, blame me." Francis rolled over in the bed and yawned. "Spare me your insults this night, Arthur. I just had to stand outside of the palace while my eldest son was married without me being there. Give me a break, alright?"

Arthur frowned. "I apologize. I know it was hard for you. Trust me, I wanted you to be there, more than anything." He looked at himself in the mirror again. "Francis? Do you remember when we were their age? Alfred and Gilbert's age, I mean."

A chuckle. "That was very long ago, Arthur. You're younger than me."

"But not by much." He stretched his bat wings, looking at their faded shine. "Did I ever look like Gilbert? Or Matthew? Or even Alfred?"

Francis, confused, sat up in the bed and blinked suspiciously at Arthur. "What are you going on about?"

Arthur gave his reflection a sour look. "Seeing Gilbert sparkling like that made me feel…well…a little jealous. And our son has grown into a fine young fairy male. Arrogant? Yes, but Alfred is full of young strength and hope…and Gilbert practically shines like a star beside him. Looking upon that annoying Winter Fairy this night…I just wonder if…if I ever had that kind of allure?"

Sensing where this was going, Francis stood up from the bed and went over to Arthur. He wrapped his arms around his love from behind, resting his stubbly chin on Arthur's shoulder. "Physical 'allure' is all Gilbert has going for him. Unlike you, who is so unique and beautiful on so many different levels." He kissed Arthur's neck, making the other tilt his head for better access. "To me, you don't look your age in the slightest. When I look at you, this beautiful fairy king in the mirror, I still see the most gorgeous being standing on that dock. You are just as handsome and as beautiful since the very first day I laid eyes on you." He kissed Arthur's shoulder. "So what if Gilbert has more sparkle and shimmer? He doesn't have what YOU have; what you can give." Francis rests his hand on Arthur's belly scar. "The most beautiful thing a lover could ask for; a child. You've given me many."

"I've given you two."

"Five."

Arthur glanced away sorrowfully.

"I'm sorry to have brought it up. That was stupid of me. But it doesn't matter what Gilbert has or what Alfred has! What matters is what WE have. You and ME!" He turned Arthur's body to face him. "You are the mother of my children and my Fairy King." He lifted Arthur up and carried him back to the bed. "Your wings don't have to shine to make me love you." He placed a smiling Arthur on the bed before moving to lie down beside him.

"What would I do without you, Francis?" He reached his hand up to stroke the stubbly cheek. "You are really the only one here keeping me sane." He frowned then. "But your eyes are different tonight. They are flat…and dull. What's troubling you?" Arthur brushed a strand of wavy blonde hair away from Francis' face. "I know that look. Is it the wedding?"

Francis sighed and rests his head on Arthur's chest, his free hand stroking the narrow waist. "I was just thinking about…about our children. Our sons; Alfred and Matthew. I still fear that I…that I have helped to bring all this misfortune upon you and the boys. If only I were able to control myself…then perhaps things could have been different."

"Francis-"

He closed his eyes. "Back then I cared nothing for consequences or what the future would bring. I only believed in the here and now! How long was it, Arthur? How long did we have to wait before we could become one?"

Arthur wrapped his arms around Francis' back, flattening the others wings. "Too long."

"I couldn't deny my passion for you. It was as if you were a forbidden piece of fruit…a rare gem…a treasure. I remember that day; you in your female form, walking through the court in an emerald green flowing dress and a black crown. I had already known you personally that day…yet all I really wanted was to take you right there in the aisle for all to see and declare my love for you. And claim you as mine!"

"Love-"

Francis pulled him closer. "All these decades, having to run around in secret and never show my face! Staying away on a voyage was the safest way for me! For if I were here for the births…I swear to the Green Mother and all the stars in the sky that even the strongest warrior in the realm would not have kept me from you."

"Please, stop talking of this." Arthur knew his lover was being overly emotional due to the wedding and having been bottling things up inside for far too long. Now it was all flowing out.

"Your first stillborn…I was here…hidden, lurking in the castle; unable to be with you in fear for our lives. I heard your cries…cries of pain, and then later…sorrow." He squeezed the other tightly, making Arthur gasp out in pain. "I watched as some…some SERVANT, carried our dead baby away. It should have been ME carrying our baby! Not some stranger!"

Arthur, with angry tears in his eyes, violently snapped his jaws at Francis, which forced the other fairy off of him. Francis looked upon his lover with his own tearful eyes. "Why bring that up? Why?" Arthur hollered. "It's hard enough I had to mourn alone at the early hours of such devastation! I endured it all to keep your head on your shoulders and the laughing smile of my baby boy alive." Arthur stood up from the bed. "I know what you're getting at, Francis. I understand how you feel." He turned from him. "And it's not all you. I choose the welfare of our children and my duty over that of my own happiness." He walked away from the bed. "You are blameless."

Francis, unable to take the sorrowful tension any longer, left the bed and dressed. He saw Arthur watching him from the mirror even though the fairy's back was turned to him. Going to the balcony, he checked to see that the coast was clear, and then took off into the night.

Once Francis was gone, Arthur dropped to the floor, shielding his vulnerably with his wings as he cried silent tears into his palms.

/

The sun shone through his chamber window, making his blue eyes squint at the sudden sting of the bright rays. Ludwig was sitting at the edge of his bed, still fully dressed in the wedding attire and having not slept a wink all night. His eyelids were heavy from the lack of sleep, but it was his wandering mind filled with images of Gilbert that kept him awake throughout the night. The most frequent image was of Gilbert with Alfred, wondering what they were doing for their 'wedding night', as if he didn't know. Some part of him hoped that the two fairies only pretended to consummate the marriage and instead just fell asleep. The rest of him saw how pleasingly drunk Alfred was with the way the fairy was hanging on everyone. Being drunk sometimes helped to make you bold. With any luck Gilbert had shoved him away, or defended himself against any type of sex. It would be in Alfred's legal right to do what he wanted, but the fairy male didn't come off that way. Alfred may be loud, obnoxious, dim-witted, and adventurous, but he wouldn't cause Gilbert any harm, and Ludwig was certain of that. It was just the 'jealousy' factor coming into play now; jealousy over Alfred claiming Gilbert.

Ludwig got up from the bed and walked over to the window to pull the dark curtains closed. Normally he enjoyed the bright rays of the sun, but after a night like the last, he wanted the darkness. It wasn't just the images of the two fairies in their marriage bed making him lose sleep but also his own feelings of shame and dishonor. What he did to Gilbert right before the wedding was wrong. Very wrong. He had lost all control of his mind, allowing it to respond to the rush of harbored lust he felt for the fairy. But was it lust for Gilbert; or was it just his body reacting naturally to what his spirit craved? It had to be Gilbert and nothing else. The fairy awakened old feelings hidden away deep inside his soul, keeping them from judgmental eyes. Gilbert was right when he said that the laws of man and monk do not hold power here. While staying here, Ludwig would be allowed to sleep with whichever male he wanted. Same sex coupling was not a sin here; nor did anyone seem to care enough about it. There system of love and togetherness depended on an invisible thread noticeable only to whom you are meant for, be that a man or a woman. Ludwig wondered if that sort of relationship were accepted in the human world, would his father have given up to the monks? That question brought him back to an old memory he had suppressed for years. It was a sad memory; the day he left his home and parents to live with the monks.

Eleven year old Ludwig sat outside the office door of the Head Master Monk, whom his father was currently speaking to. Ludwig tried to listen to their words but the wood of the door was way too thick to hear anything. He knew something was different when his father, after having not spoken to him after that slap in the work place, took his hand and said to accompany him for a walk. Ludwig wanted to tell his mother he was leaving but his father urged him to follow, so like a dutiful son, he did. Now he was sitting in a temple with butterflies in his stomach, wondering what the two men were talking about in that room. And he would find out when both of them came out to stand in front of him. Ludwig jumped up and stood straight, looking up at both of them.

'Such good manners your son has. Very respectable.' The monk, who was older than his father, smiled gently at him.

'Thank you, sir.' Ludwig responded.

'Ludwig,' his father started 'You're going to be living here with the monks from now on.'

'But father-'

'Ludwig, this is important!' His father raised his voice, instantly making Ludwig hang his head in shame for questioning his father. 'You will be much better off here than with your mother and me. There are many…bad things happening and we want you to stay here, with the monks. They will make you into a great man, and that will please your mother and me immensely. Isn't that what you want? To be a great man?' Ludwig looked up at him and gave a silent nod. 'Your mother and I will come and visit as often as we can. Listen to the monks, do everything they say and work hard to be the very best at everything. For that is what makes you great.'

Ludwig held back the tears that threatened to fall, not wanting to anger his father more than the man always was. He knew why his father was leaving him here. It was to keep him from looking at the other boys in the work fields and learn to be a real man. It was a great honor to be a monk from the 'Order of Nature', but it wasn't what Ludwig had wanted to do with his life. But he had nowhere else to go, and more than anything, he wanted to please his parents and make them proud. His father stroked his hair and said 'goodbye' before exiting the temple entrance, with Ludwig standing silently in the doorway with the Master Monk. He watched his father leave through the iron gate, never even looking back at his son. Ludwig clenched his hands at his sides, trying to control the violeny trembling of his body as it was filled with anger, hurt, sadness, and rage. But with the gentle touch of two large hands on his shoulders the trembling stopped and he began to feel peace. He turned to look up into the aging face of the Master Monk.

'What is upsetting you so much, child? Is it because you must live here from now on?'

'No sir.'

'Do you know why your father wants you to live here?'

He nodded. 'Because I'm a bad person.' The monk moved to kneel in front of Ludwig, meeting him at eye level and smiled.

'What makes you think you're a bad person, Little Ludwig?'

Ludwig adverted his eyes, looking at his dirtied shoes. 'Because…I'm just a bad person and I should be a good person. I should do the right thing and not the wrong thing.'

'But WHAT is it that makes you think that?'

'Because I was…looking at other boys in a not good way and it made my father very angry. I don't know why I did it, sir, I just did.'

The monk gave a little amused smile at Ludwig's words. 'Were you mean to these boys you looked at?'

'No sir.'

'Did you hurt them in any way?' he shook his head. 'What about, calling them names?' another shake of his head. 'Did you ever make them feel bad or decide to be a cruel to them?' Another shake. 'Were you a friend to them and treated them as your equals? As fellow men?'

'Yes sir.' Ludwig looked at him with curious interest.

'Then tell me, Little Ludwig, where in any of those answers does it claim you are a bad person?' Blue eyes widened, and the monk smiled. 'If you spend your life helping people and being a good person,' he started, standing up and holding out his hand for Ludwig to take 'Then there is no sin.' Ludwig took his hand and walked back into the temple with him.

'But sir, father said-'

'The only thing that matters is what the Green Mother says and no one else. We monks speak for her here on Earth. We speak with her voice and help to spread the word of love, light, and nurture.' They stopped in front of a large tapestry with the image of the Green Mother. 'She is opening her womb to release everything into the world. We can see people,' he pointed them out 'animals, trees, fish, fairies, unicorns, even the sun and the moon.' Ludwig looked at the tapestry, taking in all the images and color with childish awe. 'We all came from the same belly.' The monk lightly poked Ludwig's belly, making him giggle softly. 'That makes us all the same. And if the Green Mother loves us all the same, no matter what we are, then shouldn't we do the same in her honor?'

Ludwig smiled and gave a firm nod. 'Yes sir!' He brought a finger to his lip in thought. 'But, Master Monk, sir, why doesn't everyone be nice like this? Why do some people want to see these things as bad?'

The monk sighed. 'Oh, well, THAT' he emphasized 'is a very broad topic for another day. Perhaps when you are a little older.' He smiled down at the boy. 'Not everyone likes to think in kind ways, or use kind words. They're just grumpy. And as I'm sure you already know, the world is not all kind. There are many people out there who choose not to be kind and ignore the Green Mother's teaching of love, nurture, tolerance, humbleness, and acceptance. It is up to us to keep their spirits high and help guide them back to the light and to do only good deeds.'

Ludwig nodded. 'I understand, sir. Love and nurture is very important.'

'Yes. But Ludwig, you must know that we monks are not allowed to marry anyone when we grow older.'

'Why not?'

'Well, our duty is to the Green Mother. In a way we are married to her. We must spread her love and kindness to everyone, not just to one single person. We are a brotherhood. We are a family. Everything we are is only for the Green Mother. All this you will come to learn and accept in time.'

And how right the old monk was. Ludwig stared up at the ceiling as the memory ended, not having any recollection of what came after it. As he grew and studied the world, he began to learn the harsher truths about the Master Monk's first words to him. The man was speaking to a little boy, and was keeping the philosophy as simple as possible. He hid everything 'bad' about the people and the society they lived in. For some years, Ludwig literally believed that the 'mean people' were just 'grumpy'. But he couldn't blame the monk for sugarcoating a dark world. Yes, he kept Ludwig from exploring his interest in men. And yes, he tried to keep Daniel from talking about fairies. All this he did while claiming that being a good person was all that matter and nothing else. But Ludwig knew why he did it. It was to protect them from the evils of society. Even the monks had to hide what they really were and what they really thought to protect themselves and others. So the only vow he broke thus far was ALMOST engaging in sex with another person.

He flopped face first onto the bed. "Do my vows count in this realm as well?" He wanted to answer himself by saying 'yes', but it would go against everything he stood for. "A real man keeps his promises and honors his vows! I must not allow myself to be led astray!" Satisfied with his own pep talk, Ludwig felt ready to tackle the day ahead. He stood up from the bed, proud and strong, with his staff right beside him. "I must be strong, and resist temptation. Gilbert is a…married fairy now." If he held his vows so true then why did they help to make him feel empty inside?

/

It wasn't possible for him to sleep anymore.

Gilbert flopped around in the bed for the hundredth time since waking up after Alfred (noisily) had left the room. He was resting his mind and body from the events of last night. The promise of 'no sex' was broken when Alfred stuck his hand down the front of Gilbert's pants. Alfred had drunk to the point where promises and logic didn't really matter, but what followed wasn't entirely unpleasant. There was pleasure in their consummating, but Gilbert wasn't fully present during the act. His mind was filled with images of Ludwig in Alfred's place, which may be the reason why he had felt sexual pleasure. Alfred himself had some skill; Gilbert would give him that. The fairy was probably downstairs in the courtroom right now bragging about what a great lover he was. That brought a smirk to Gilbert's slightly swollen lips. Gilbert was mainly responsible for his own pleasure last night. However, this was the first time he laid with a Dark Fairy and if the numerous bite marks on his skin weren't an indication of how rough they were then he didn't know what was. Alfred hadn't bitten hard enough to draw blood but Gilbert saw he had noticeable red marks all over his body. The red rings shone like a beacon on his milky white skin, and there were even some claw marks along his thighs and hips. Yet the one question on his mind was, as he looked at all these marks, what kind of lover would Ludwig be? Would he be rough and fast like Alfred, or slow and gentle?

He sat up in the bed, stretched his wings, and cracked his neck. Best he start getting ready to make his appearance to the world for everyone will be asking about the wedding night. Now he was officially a prince by marriage, all because Alfred stuck his dick in him. The irony of it made him let out a laugh, which was a relief after all the depression he went through last night. Yet he would continue to put on a happy face as best he could, and that would be easy if Ludwig wasn't around. Gilbert was eager to see the monk, but not looking forward to what his heart might do. And what if Arthur could sense it? If the king knew of his attraction for Ludwig then things to could ugly for the both of them. Even if Roderich found out there would be hell to pay. Gilbert would have breeched all the contracts and there would be punishment on both sides. Feeling depressed again, he let his body hang limp as his wings struggled to carry his dead weight to the wardrobe. Should he wear all black and be in mourning for his lost at love? Roderich DID have a black outfit made, but only so he could fit in with the Dark Court. It would be appropriate today. What was he mourning; the fact that he was in love with a celibate human monk. He and Ludwig never got to talk after the incident in the chamber…when the monk was forcing their erections together. Gilbert shuddered in delight as he was putting on his pants and almost toppled when his feet became tangled. Luckily his wings stopped him in time and he used the levitation to help finish with the pants, which now had to conceal the beginnings of a hard-on. Things just weren't going his way.

By the time he had finished dressing and had placed the new crown on his head, Gilbert was ready to jump back into bed. The covers seemed like an appropriate place to hide from the world. But his stomach was rumbling and he now had 'royal duties' that needed attending to. He didn't know what they were but if he were indeed the 'wife' of the marriage, then his jobs would consist of charity crap and running royal events.

"Whoopie." Gilbert groaned. "Be happy, Gilbert. Just try and be happy. Maybe your life here won't be so bad. King Arthur is nothing like Roderich, and at least the Dark King gives me a little more freedom! Stupid Roderich." The chamber door squeaked as it opened, causing Gilbert to yelp in startled surprise. He turned to see that it was only Matthew peeking in from around the door.

"G-Good morning, Gilbert." Matthew greeted softly.

"Hey Mattie! Good to see you! Come on in and close the door! I haven't spoken to you!" Gilbert was pleased to see Matthew, a very friendly face in this dark court.

Matthew smiled. "I know. I didn't get a chance to congratulate you last night…so I came to do it now. A servant said you were still asleep. Are you…all right? Was Alfred kind to you?"

Gilbert loved Matthew's ability to be so naive and caring at the same time. "Alfred was fine. You don't have to be your father's spy, you know!" He chuckled and ruffled Matthew's hair. "We got along fine last night, so don't worry about it. I'll be coming down now, so I hope there's still some breakfast left for me?"

"Of course. Father and Alfred are still down there now having it. Father wanted me to make sure you were feeling well. Shall we go down together then?"

"Lead the way, my little Mattie!" Gilbert linked his arm with Matthew's, a simple gesture that made the younger fairy flush prettily. He had always felt bad for poor Matthew because the boy had to walk in Alfred's shadow. Matthew was the second born, the heir to the throne IF something happened to Alfred. Gilbert knew all to well of King Arthur's over protection for the boy, even though would forget about Matthew on a daily basis. Matthew was a sheltered prince with nothing to his name but the purity of his body and spirit. It seemed to Gilbert that Matthew belonged in the Light Court and not the Dark. His spirit was too warm and gentle for such a place as this. Sweet little Matthew.

"Oh, good morning, Ludwig." Matthew smiled at the approaching man.

Gilbert froze in place as his eyes locked on with Ludwig's. The monk had stopped too, dressed in his human monk robes, and staring right back.

Ludwig's face grew a dark red.

Gilbert's knees turned to water, threatening to buckle out from underneath him.

Ludwig swallowed a hard lump in his throat, feeling the beads of sweat decorate his temples.

Gilbert's heart began to pound and thump viciously in his chest.

Matthew just looked at them both in confusion, but spoke each one's name to get their attention. "Gilbert?" Gilbert looked at him. "Ludwig?" Ludwig did the same. "If you are done…greeting each other…then may we go to breakfast?"

"Oh, yes, of course." Ludwig replied. "I have already eaten and now I'm making my way to the courtroom for the daily audiences. I'm sad to say that we have a traitor and a criminal asking for an audience with the king, which the king had granted permission."

"What does it pertain to?" Matthew asked.

Ludwig squeezed the staff in his hands. "It has to do with your legitimacy, Matthew. And Alfred's."

Matthew's wings drooped. "Oh."

Gilbert nudged him gently. "You don't have to be there, Matthew. I'll be present now so you don't have to sit through these audiences anymore. I know they upset you."

Purple eyes glanced up at him. "Only the mean ones. Father gets very angry and does…cruel things."

"Prince Matthew," Ludwig started "I will do whatever I can to help keep your father's anger in check. I pray that he may listen to my words of wisdoms and accept them. Do not forget that I am also a neutral advisor."

Matthew smiled at him. "Okay, I trust you, Ludwig!" He began to pull Gilbert along. "Come on, Gilbie! Let's go eat!"

Ludwig and Gilbert never looked away from one another as their paths crossed; until both were out of sight.

Gilbert had to pretend he was interested in what Matthew was saying right now about the candles to slow his rapidly beating heart. Would this happen every time he saw Ludwig from now on? What was he going to do when they were in the courtroom together? Both his husband and the king would be sitting there with them, and would notice the pleasurable tension in the room. Gilbert was surprised Matthew didn't sense it already, or he was just too shy to say anything. He didn't want to destroy everything when it had just started.

'Green Mother, give me strength to control my fucking urges!'

/

Ludwig stood beside the king's throne on the left, while Alfred and Gilbert were seated together to the right. He was offered a chair, but Ludwig declined saying he preferred to stand with his staff. They had been through three audiences already with Arthur making acceptable judgments. Ludwig was fortunate that his mind was able to focus on the people talking to the king rather than on Gilbert, who 'had' to sit with his hand on top of Alfred's. He just couldn't look at them for any length of time in fear of getting aroused by the sight of the Winter Fairy. It helped when Arthur softly asked for his advice on a peasant's matter, and Ludwig always delivered an appropriate answer. Arthur had yet to disagree with him. But when it came time for the criminals to appear, Arthur had a dark, threatening look on his face. Even Alfred, who for the most part had been half asleep all this time, chose to stand up from his chair and open his bat wings. The tactic was to make themselves appear more threatening and weaken the spirit or resolve of the accused. The tactic was working, for one of the fairy men was shaking in terror, but the other was holding strong, glaring at the royals and baring his teeth. Both men were being held by chains and at sword point by a handful of guards.

"Jack Fair and Lawrence Benzoa," Arthur started, "You both stand accused of speaking out against your king and that of his sons, your princes." Arthur smiled darkly and threaded his fingers together, tapping his long nails on his palms. "I will speak plainly from here on out. Whatever it is you wish to say, please, now is the time to say it to my face. Your sovereign prince and I are right here in front of you, so please, say what you will."

Gilbert and Ludwig glanced at one another for a moment before turning back to the two accused.

"We want true heirs!" Shouted Jack, the one who was unafraid. "Your sons are born from a commoners' seed, just like the rest of us, and yet we live in slums! We pay our taxes so that illegitimate prince can sit on his throne!"

Alfred growled and showed his fangs. "I am of noble blood, you disgusting city dweller! I do as much as I can to help-" Arthur motioned for his son to stop, and he did.

"Your majesty, give us a true, pure bloodied heir and we the people will let you keep your bastard sons! Those are the terms on our end! One is a glutton and the other is a weakling! They cannot properly represent the Dark Court!" Jack's brown eyes turned to glare at Gilbert. "And now you have let a Light Court fairy whore into our kingdom, just more proof of your children's illegitimacy!"

"SILENCE!" Arthur's command echoed in the large cavern room. He stood up from the throne and his body began to glow with a dark purple hue. Ludwig took a step back from him. "To speak such lies and question the king's judgments is punishable by death! Death at the hands of the king himself!"

"Then do it!" Shouted Jack. "My death will serve as proof of your lies!"

Ludwig spoke up then. "Your death is foolish." Everyone stopped to look at him; Arthur with a glare, and Gilbert and Alfred with surprise.

'Did he really just say that?' Gilbert asked himself. 'Is he out of his mind? Arthur will filet him alive!'

"What is it that you speak of, monk?" Arthur asked.

"Forgive me, your highness, I mean no disrespect to you or your sons-" he looked at the accused "but as a monk of the 'Order of Nature', it is my duty to try and keep such evil thoughts from the minds of men."

Arthur smirked. "And just what do you want to say to this criminal?"

Ludwig looked to Jack, who was still glaring at him. "To give up your life so easily is foolish. Foolish and stupid. Your asking for death is only proof of your unhappiness in something that you cannot control. Instead of living your life to do good, and working to help your fellow fairies and your king prosper, you choose to listen to lies, gossip, and slander. Those are not the teachings of our Great Mother, who has given us all the chance at a happy, prosperous life. But unless you and your people can rise above such primitive nonsense and see the beauty in the world, then I can promise you that your court will be a much better place."

Alfred rolled his eyes and Gilbert was simply transfixed on Ludwig's words. The monk was such a great speaker! Oh how he craved him!

"Don't not speak of the Green Mother as if you knew her motives, human!" Said Jack with a manic laugh. "There is no 'supreme being'! There is only us!"

"Father, kill this bastard!" Alfred demanded. "Not only is he defying you but our advisor as well, who only means to do the right thing."

'Oh, shut up, Alfred.' Gilbert sighed to himself.

Arthur turned to Ludwig. "I respect what you tried to do, Ludwig. But you must learn that most beings, human or fairy, could care less about deities and moral laws, no matter how true they are. And so, Jack Fair; I, King Arthur of the Dark Court, sentences you to death by beheading!" The fairy Jack tried to pull away from the guards as Arthur descended the dais stairs, taking with him one of the guards' board swords. The two guards holding Jack shifted his position so that his neck and head were bared to the king.

Ludwig watched the scene unfold before him, where Arthur raised the sword and swiftly removed the fairy's head from his shoulders. The other man, Lawrence, started to shout, scream, and sob in fear of the same happening to him. The man begged and pleaded with Arthur as the king stepped towards him. That was when the fairy called out to Ludwig, his sobbing voice desperate with the plea for mercy. "SIR MONK! PLEASE! PLEASE TELL OUR KING TO FORGIVE ME! I HAVE DONE NO WRONG!"

"You've spoken out against your king." Ludwig replied smoothly. "A king, who, but ancient royal blood, is chosen by the Green Mother herself. To speak out against the king is to speak out against her."

Alfred grinned. "I like that one."

Gilbert stared at Ludwig. 'Damn he looks good when he's being defensive!'

"THEN PLEASE! PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON ME! I WILL REPENT FOR MY DIRTY DEEDS! I SWEAR TO NEVER QUESTION THE KING OR HIS SONS AGAIN! I BEG OF YOU! SIR MONK!"

"Keep him still and hold out his arm." Arthur commanded the guards who moved to do so.

"NO! NO PLEASE!" He fairy sobbed.

"Be thankful I'm letting you live, scum!" Arthur hissed like a snake and raised the sword to lop off the fairy's arm when Ludwig's shout of 'no' made him freeze. He turned to glare glowing green eyes at the human who was now descending the stairs towards them. "Monk?"

Ludwig bowed. "My king, permission to speak and pass judgment on this man."

Arthur raised a heavy brow, and then looked down at the sobbing man who had thrown up and soiled himself out of fear. "Very well. What is it that you have in mind, oh merciful monk?"

Ludwig said the fairy's name and a woeful face of silent pleading met his gaze. Ludwig kept his features calm and stern. "Listen to my words carefully. Take back my words and policies to your people. Tell them of what happened here, and let them know how they can help to make some changes that do not require lies and violence. Speak of the mercy we have shown you here today. For remember, it is this king here who keeps all of you safe and hidden from the cruelties of the Light Court as well as other dangerous beings. It is this king who makes the sun and moon rise and set so you all may feel like you are living outside in the world. This is the king who weakens himself to put up a magic barrier and keep out all those who threaten to do your people harm. Go now, and let these words be known."

"Oh, thank you, good monk! Thank you!"

"BUT!" Ludwig's voice turned harsh. "Should we ever hear of your crimes again or see you in this spot then I promise that you will lose more than just your arm. You will lose your life." He slammed his staff on the floor, making the fairy shriek in fear. "Mercy can only go so far before punishment becomes a necessary option. We will have order in this court when I am around." Ludwig turned to Arthur.

The king closed his eyes and waved them off with his hand. "Let him go, and see him out of here!" The guard escorted the sobbing man out of the courtroom while a handful of servants came to clean up the mess.

Alfred hissed at his father when the king returned to the dais. "You let him pass judgments and not me? That's not fair!"

Arthur dramatically flipped his cloak and sat back down, crossing his legs. "That's because I don't trust in your judgments. Ludwig, however, made many valid points." He smirked at the monk. "I like having you around here. You're merciful, but you're tough as well." He turned back to his son. "You can learn from Ludwig, Alfred." Alfred gave Ludwig a raspberry. "Gilbert, you've been awfully silent this morning. Is anything the matter?"

Gilbert shook his head. "Not at all. I guess I'm just…trying to get used to the change of atmosphere and living. You know, all this is a bit strange to me, even if I did spend time here." He scoffed. "But I was a little boy, then. Things are different now as an adult."

Ludwig looked at the Winter Fairy. "I'm surprised you did not try to defend yourself when that Jack spoke out against you. That was a horrible insult."

"Yes," Arthur's eyes narrowed at Alfred "That's when my SON should have stepped in to defend his 'wife'."

Alfred smiled proudly. "Gilbert's not a lady, he can fend for himself. Isn't that right, Gilbie?"

Gilbert gave two thumbs up. "He's got it! I chose not to attack the guy because that's not the status or reputation I'm going for as a 'prince by marriage'."

Arthur raised a brow, and both of Ludwig's went up in interest. "Care to elaborate on that?" Arthur asked.

"Well, Alfred and I are to only act like lovers in public, so that means I have to be all nice and…well, and be more like Matthew in front of people. Standing up for myself and killing the guy wouldn't say anything good about me. Or in case you've all forgotten, the royal family is not very popular with the people."

Alfred looked down and Arthur nodded. "You're correct. Now that we have a Light Court fairy in our family and a human monk at our side, the people are going to hate us all the more." He rests his head back against the throne. "Why can nothing ever be easy?"

"That is what tests our strength and spirit to continue living." Ludwig offered.

"Okay, this guy is boring me." Alfred gave Ludwig a thumbs down. "You're cool and all, Luddy, but I got some training work to do over at the military base!" he grinned and leapt into the air. He purposefully flapped his wings heavily so the wind would blow in Ludwig's face. Ludwig paid it no mind, taking into consideration just what type of fairy Alfred was and how it was in their nature to abuse and tease humans.

"Alfred! Show some respect!" Arthur scolded. "You could probably learn a few good things from Ludwig if you listened to him!"

"Sorry! But 'fun' is calling! If I want to have fun chanting some scrolls and prayer, I'll seek you out, Ludwig!" He laughed happily and flew out of the courtroom, doing a few flips and swirls to make a dramatic exit.

Arthur just swore under his breath. "Can you believe I gave birth to that thing? THAT THING, came out of me. I should have eaten him like the animals do to their young."

Ludwig looked embarrassed and Gilbert threw his head back to laugh. "Your highness, don't blame yourself for Alfred." Gilbert said with a laugh. "He's in a league of his own!"

"Gilbert is right. You have raised both boys pretty much the same and Matthew has grown into a very respectable fairy. Alfred just…got lost along the way."

Arthur chuckled behind his palm. "Well, that's not entirely true. Gilbert, you remember when all of you were little? Just how much different was Matthew to Alfred? Let's enlighten our human monk a bit, and let him know just what kind of family he's getting involved in!"

Ludwig frowned. "Is this necessary?"

Gilbert grinned "Yeah, it is! Oh, wait, let me tell you about the first time I came here to play! I wasn't 'allowed' to leave the Light Court, but I did anyway for obvious reasons." He snapped his fingers. "No one tells me what to do! So I stumble upon this castle and I'm invited in to play by Alfred. Now we're roughly the same age, although I'm about ten years older than him. And so-

'My name is Alfred! Prince Alfred! And this is my baby brother, Matthew!' Matthew peeked out from behind Alfred, wiggled his fingers in a wave, and hid behind him once again. 'What shall we play?'

'Let's play dragons and unicorns!' Gilbert offered.

'Yeah! That's awesome! I get to be the biggest dragon!' Alfred claimed.

'No, I get to be the biggest dragon! I'm older!' Gilbert also claimed.

'No, me!'

'NO! Me!" Both boys growled and pressed their foreheads together, trying to scare and threaten the other.

Matthew, holding a teddy bear about the same size as him, piped up with 'you can both be big dragons?' They ignored him. 'Um…can I be a dragon too?'

Alfred answered him. 'No matter, only big cool guys your big bro can be dragons! You can be the unicorn!'

Matthew beamed. 'Okay! What do I do?'

Gilbert smirked. 'The unicorn just sits under a tree and watches the big dragons play.' Alfred snickered as well.

'Oh…okay then. I go over there. Just call me in when it's my turn to play?'

'Yeah, sure.' Alfred shooed his brother away and Matthew dutifully took a seat under a tree, watching as the others played.

'Is it my turn yet?' No answer. A few minutes later, 'Can I play now?' Still no answer. He puffs his cheeks. 'I want to be a dragon!' He shouted softly, but no one heard him. 'Okay then! I'm just gonna charge in!' Matthew put the bear down and ran to join in with the fun. However, he ran right into Gilbert's back and fell back, landing on his side and scraping his elbow. 'Ow!' He squealed softly. The other two didn't hear him, and both actually stumbled over him, hurting him further. 'Ah! Ow!'

'Oh no! Mattie! Are you okay?' Alfred ran to him. 'No! No, no, no Mattie! Don't cry! Please don't cry! I make it all better!' Alfred kissed his bloody elbow. 'See? All better!'

Matthew just cried, very, very softly, but it was clear he was scared and in pain.

Gilbert scratched his head. 'Wow, a mouse cries louder than him! What's the big deal anyway? Let him cry, he'll get over it.'

Alfred gulped. 'No, you don't understand! My mommy can hear Mattie's cries from far away and-' there came a loud flapping from up above. 'Uh oh!'

Gilbert watched in wide-eyed awe as a female dark fairy landed in front of him and Matthew. She had long blonde pigtails and wore a green dress that tried to show off her small chest. Her eyes were glowing green and her body was covered by a dark purple aura. Gilbert feared she would go onto all fours like a wildcat and attack him. She even had some green scales! Gilbert gulped and cowered as she glared at him while scooping Matthew into her arms.

'What is the meaning of this? Why is there a Light Fairy here, Alfred? What happened to your brother?'

Alfred sniffled. 'Sorry mommy, but this is Gilbert and he came to play and we accidently knocked into Matthew! We didn't mean it!'

When she turned to look at Gilbert he nearly yelped. 'You! Do your parents know you are here?'

'N-No ma'am! My parents don't care where I go! But I'll leave now!' 'Please don't eat me!' He said to himself.

'Can Gilbie stay, mama?' Matthew asked through his tears. 'We were playing nice.'

'He can play with Alfred, but you are coming back with me! You need to heal your wound. You can play in your room where it's safe.' She flapped up into the sky. 'Mind yourself while you are here, Winter Fairy! I am the Queen of the Dark Fairies! I will eat you if you hurt my son!'

Gilbert gasped as she flew away while clutching Matthew tightly to her breast.

'This place is crazy!'

When Gilbert finished, his shoulders were shaking with laughter. "It wasn't often Matthew got to play with us! King Arthur always had him locked up safely in his room!"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "If you're ever a parent someday then you will understand." He turned back to Ludwig. "I thank you again for your help with that audience, Ludwig. I may consult you more often on such matters."

Ludwig bowed. "Your grace is too kind."

"And you speak so well." Arthur stood up and looked at Gilbert. "Gilbert, come walk with me for a bit. I wish to discuss a few things."

"Oh, alright." Gilbert left with Arthur, but glanced back at Ludwig only to see that the monk had turned away to leave as well, using a different exit. Gilbert's heart dropped to his stomach, and he wanted to run after the monk and walk with him instead of the king. But duty called. If he could somehow break away from Arthur, then he would run to Ludwig's side. He just needed to be with the man for a few moments to talk about their feelings for one another. After seeing Ludwig's somewhat calm reaction to him this morning he feared what the answer may be.

/

After spending a little bit of time in the library, Ludwig chose to take a stroll through the gardens and admire the roses. He stopped at the blue ones, thinking back to last night and his conversation with Francis. Their story was a sorrowful one; something that Ludwig wished could be different for them. Francis mentioned wanting to take Arthur away from the kingdom to live a free life where he can live only for himself. Francis had even explained to him how important Arthur was for the security of the Dark Court as if the king was the only thing keeping the kingdom alive. The Francis he spoke to last night was completely different from the arrogant one that he first met. It just amazed him at how strong people were in hiding their true selves. Ludwig gently plucked one of the roses, but when he held it between his fingers, the thorns extended and poked him painfully. He hissed and dropped the rose, which then turned brown and disappeared into a pile of dust. Ludwig looked at his hand, seeing four or five small red thorn pricks in his skin. One was even stuck in his palm and he easily pulled it out. Damn roses.

"Ludwig?" It was Gilbert.

"Gilbert?" Ludwig turned to the direction of the voice and saw Gilbert on the other side of the blue rose bush. The monk flushed softly at Gilbert's smile.

Gilbert flushed prettily as well. "I just wanted to say that you were really good in there today. You handled a tough situation with gentle, but stern force. I guess you really don't need to be a fighter, huh?" He chuckled. "Do you still want me to teach you some moves with that staff?"

The monk looked away. "Yes, I would like that." Ludwig was looking around to make sure no one was there to see or hear them speaking. "Shouldn't you be with the king?"

"We just spoke of last night, that's all. Everyone seems to forget that I'm not a virgin, unlike some people here." He teased, making Ludwig blush further. "And…that's another reason why I'm here. Why I sought you out."

Ludwig gulped. "We should not speak of such things." He whispered.

"But you can't deny what we feel for each other, right?" Gilbert whispered back, his face and heart full of hope.

Ludwig closed his eyes. "No, I cannot." Gilbert grinned, feeling his heart soar. "But I'm afraid it can not be." He looked at the Winter Fairy, watching as those beautiful pale features fell in sadness. "You are married now…it is not fair to your husband, the prince, and the future king of this court. You are a fairy, and I am a human. The differences are just too great."

Gilbert growled low. "But I don't care about that!" He whispered harshly. "Ludwig, I cannot deny the feelings for you in my heart! The feeling is strong!"

"The feeling will fade so long as we stay away from each other."

"It's not that easy!" Gilbert felt tears welling up in his eyes. "My heart is different from yours!"

Ludwig gave a slight nod. "Precisely. Gilbert, it is so early in your feelings for me that I know the yearning in your heart will fade over time. It would be for the best. I am a monk; I took specific vows and I plan to keep them. I am a man of my word."

"But you are not in your world! Ludwig, your vows mean nothing here!" Gilbert pleaded, but Ludwig just ignored him.

"They mean something to me." He looked around again and then leaned closer to Gilbert. "Gilbert…I will not lie. When I see you my blood boils with wanton lust." He saw Gilbert shudder in pleasure, and the fairy even let out a little gasp. "I want to devour you and possess your body in every way possible. I want us to become one; for you to be mine and only mine." Gilbert blushed with love and want. "You are beautiful, and strong; and I know that you are good person. I want to continue on from where we left off in your chambers, but that is something we can never do."

"Why not?" Gilbert was back to tears again. His heart was aching and shooting a stinging pain throughout his body. "Ludwig…please…love is not something to be ashamed of! Don't listen to those monks and their-"

"I am not ashamed to be in love." Ludwig stated simply. "But I do hold my vows in very high regard. People look to me to guide and help them." He smiled softly, looking down at his leaf pendant necklace. "I'm to spread my good deeds and love to everyone, to keep them healthy and happy. Keep them on a path that is straight and true. I need to be their strength."

Now Gilbert's tears had turned to ones of anger. "So your heart is not allowed to beat for one person? You can't love one person as well as those you must serve and guide?"

Ludwig shook his head. "I have a duty in my world. I cannot leave it to live here. Gilbert, if I were a different man and if I were free, I would run away with you in a heartbeat. No second thoughts."

"But if you love and desire me like you said you do, then why hold back? Ludwig, Alfred and I promised that when we married we could sleep around if we wanted! Alfred won't care!"

"It's just not right. I'm sorry, Gilbert. Let's just…try to forget our desires and go about our lives normally."

Gilbert glared at him. "I am a fairy, Ludwig. My heart is different from yours! I cannot just shut off my feelings and desires for you like you can! My heart is much more complex than that!"

Ludwig walked around the rose bush to stand in front of Gilbert. "Our passion for one another runs high…but we must maintain our composure and willpower to look beyond it. We can love one another, but the passion play between us can't be. I took my vows…and I will honor them." He saw the hurt on Gilbert's face. "Just like I will honor my feelings for you and none other."

Gilbert's pink eyes were filled with hope once again. "Then we can be together! We can enjoy each other's company and-"

"No, we can't. You know what might happen if we are alone together. I might just have my way with you."

"I don't mind!"

"But I do!" Ludwig's tone was firm now. "If you love me as you say you do, then shouldn't you respect my wishes?" Gilbert looked away from him, choosing not to answer. "Your silence only exposes your stubbornness."

"It just makes no sense…" Gilbert whispered with tears rolling down his cheeks. "Why should love allowed and not sex? Sex isn't needed, I agree, but there's nothing wrong with it! It's the greatest way to love one another! It's a way to love each other that's only for you and you alone! How can that be denied?"

Ludwig rested his weight on his staff and looked at Gilbert's sorrowful face, wanting to wipe the tears away and kiss those trembling pink lips. "Because sex clouds your judgment. It drives people to do horrible and crazy things. It can alter them completely. Lust is a strong and violent feeling if used incorrectly. Sex brings two people closer, but it also helps to weaken ones' resolve and composure. It is kept from us so we learn to indulge in the simple things life has to offer. I wish you could see that. You still use sex in a way to make yourself feel love and wanted, but I already feel that way for you. We don't need a physical act to prove it. Besides…that ring on your finger symbolizes you are a married fairy…and are off-limits to anyone else. I am forbidden to lay with a married person."

"I can't believe I'm hearing all this! Ludwig, you're breaking my heart!" He tried to hold in his tears but they silently started to fall in rapid rivers. And it was true. Gilbert could feel his heart being ripped in two. Here Ludwig proclaimed his love for him, but wouldn't allow them to be together; all because of some vows and a ring. It wasn't fair!

"In the end it's for the greater good." He turned away from Gilbert, feeling his own heart aching in his chest. Tears stung behind his eyes but never would he let them fall. If Gilbert' couldn't be strong, then Ludwig would be strong for the both of them. "I'll see you around, Gilbert." He said and walked off, knowing that behind him Gilbet's heart was probably shattering into a million pieces…and his own heart may just do the same. 'This is for the best. You cannot lust. You cannot go against your vows. Love is not a crime, it is not a sin, but the physical act is. I must be strong; strong for the both of us. So many dangers are lined up before us. Should we be found out then both of us will die. I can't let that happen. Both Gilbert and I are much too needed to be gone from our worlds. My happiness in return for Gilbert's safety. Gilbert…please, forgive me.'

Gilbert watched with a broken heart as Ludwig disappeared from sight, the words echoing over and over again in his head. He wouldn't give up on Ludwig! No, not by a long shot. Ludwig just needed to realize that his vows could be broken and that nothing would happen should he give in to wanton desire. Gilbert knew he couldn't go on if Ludwig decided to never be with him. Ludwig admitted to feeling a primitive desire for him, but it was those vows holding him back. 'I must make him see the silliness of his vows!' He clenched his eyes shut. 'I love him. Damn it all!' He spun on his heel- "I love him!" and plowed right in to someone.

Pink eyes widened and he gasped out, "Ivan!"

End Chapter 9 TBC
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