To Turn the Other Cheek; part twelve
Title: To Turn the Other Cheek
Author: Niko
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: YurixWolfram
Genre: Angst/Romance
Chapters: 12/?
Comments: End of series spoilers. Beta read by Karyx. Crossdressing.
Wolfram spent the next few weeks at Lord Frederick Ackart’s side, entertaining his requests for dinner, walks along the grounds, and evenings in his parlor where they would discuss such things as music and art. It seemed almost impossible to slide in references of Shin Makoku, a place that Wolfram had to pretend he’d never been. Frederick spoke a great deal about his love for his lands, but never chose to elaborate when asked where he felt his alliance fell. It was curious enough that he did not automatically respond with Shin Makoku, whose colors he flew. It was obvious something was amiss, but without details, there was nothing to send home about. Having spent nearly a month under cover, it was an embarrassing lack of information. Lord Ackart hid his secrets well, and Wolfram was beginning to wonder if they’d ever come to an understanding.
It was another night in the parlor and Wolfram cautiously petted the ruffles of his skirt down to keep his own secrets safe. He had to wonder at Yozak’s lack of proper attire. Then again, that he possessed spare dresses in Wolfram’s size also was a bit odd. He took a cream puff from the tray on the table beside where he sat on the love seat and nibbled at the side as Frederick sipped his liquor in the chair across from him. It had been a quieter evening than Wolfram was accustomed to. Something was weighing heavily on the Lord’s mind and it made him wary to sit in his presence.
“Would you think less of me, Miss Jennifer, if I were to speak frankly with you?”
Wolfram shook his head, watching Frederick bring his glass to his lips, pull it away, then bring it back as though unsure whether he needed more of the liquid courage.
“I have been thinking of late...my life has been so much more enjoyable since you arrived. I’d forgotten what it was like to be in the company of such a lovely woman as yourself. I am flattered beyond all sense that you humor me and sit with me like this.” He looked up and smiled, setting the glass to the side. “I understand if it’s too soon for you to consider marriage but...it is my desire that you remain here. You can give birth to your child in this home and raise it with all the comforts of nobility.”
Wolfram didn’t know whether to feel sick or embarrassed. It wasn’t all that surprising in truth, but suspicion and a blunt acknowledgement were two different things entirely. On their walks, Frederick would often hold his hand for as long as Wolfram would allow, and with recent talks on cradles and patterns for a child’s room, his interest in the future was quite understood. “Frederick, that’s a very considerate offer, but I’m afraid I must decline,” he said quickly. He had become much better at his role, he felt. Though it was not his intention to be the most convincing pregnant human girl ever attempted by an eighty two year old mazoku male, he was confident he’d managed to slip some more feminine qualities he knew from his mother into his personality while in costume.
Frederick smiled gently at him, moving from his chair to sit next to him on the love seat, taking one of Wolfram’s hands and holding it to his heart. “I understand if you’re worried about reputation and propriety, but I would rather you be here in safety and security than living somewhere else and me not knowing how you are faring.”
Wolfram wanted to rip his hand back but allowed him to keep it pressed to his chest. He could feel his heart beat even through the layers of clothing he wore. “Lord Ackart, I assure you I will be more than alright. I...plan to continue north to Shin Makoku and see about taking up residence in one of their towns.”
“Shin Makoku?” Frederick’s face turned slightly sour. “Why so far from your home and people?”
“They impressed me with their help in Caloria. I want to live within their borders. I want to raise my child inside their strong kingdom.”
Frederick’s frown grew as he brought the hand to his lips and kissed it gently. “Why must you be so brave? I wish there was something you wanted from me.”
Wolfram took a deep breath, feeling himself shudder slightly under the intense stare of the other man. “It’s not that I don’t want anything from you...you’ve done a lot for me and my sister...but it wouldn’t be right.”
“If you’re referring to the deception you and Betty have played out, be assured that I’m not offended. I know. I’ve known for a long time.”
“What deception?” Wolfram asked sharply, feeling very much on edge. The Lord’s close presence did little to calm him.
“I know that you’re not who you say you are.”
Wolfram stared at him, terrified. There simply wasn’t any way he could know that. He’d done everything Yozak told him to, even gone so far as to wear the ruffled panties he’d packed in case an updraft caught his skirts. They had both been too careful for Lord Ackart to know.
Frederick scooted closer to him, their knees touching on the burgundy-upholstered seat. “You don’t have to be afraid. I’m not angry. I understand why you felt you needed to lie to me.” His hand came to his face and caressed Wolfram’s flushed cheek. “Betty is not your sister. She’s your personal servant. You are of noble birth, I could tell so from the moment I saw you. You hold yourself with regal bearing. There is no motion you make that does not speak volumes of your breeding. You’re in hiding because of the child, aren’t you? Gone into hiding to save your family’s name from dishonor.” He held Wolfram’s face in his hands, tilting it just slightly to the side. “It doesn’t matter to me that you are having another man’s child. From what you’ve told me, he cares nothing for you to cast you aside. I will keep you here as my radiant flower and shower you with all the praise and love you deserve.”
Wolfram knew he should pull away, but he couldn’t. It wasn’t Frederick’s hands on his face that kept him from reacting but rather the twinge in his heart and the flutter in his stomach at the human’s words. Their lips met, softly at first, testing the willingness to continue. Wolfram leaned into the kiss, tasting the liquor on his breath. It was unlike Yuri’s kisses in more than just that respect. It wasn’t necessarily better or worse, but it was not Yuri’s kiss.
Frederick’s hands moved to his arms, leaning him back against the arm of the seat before beginning to explore his body over the pink layers of clothing he wore. His hands felt down his back and sides, drifting down to Wolfram’s bare thighs and up through the ruffles of his skirt.
Wolfram sat up quickly, pushing Frederick away at an arms length. “I can’t!”
The Lord turned his head, looking ashamed of himself and displeased by the advances he’d made. He pulled back to the far end of the love seat and nearly curled in on himself in guilt. “Of course you can’t. I apologize for my rude behavior. I must profess, in the moment I felt your lips consent, I lost my better judgment. It shall not happen again.”
Wolfram nodded, standing up on shaking knees. “You’re very good with words, I’ll give you that. You made me forget myself.”
“Then it’s true? You are a runaway noble woman?”
Wolfram paused. It couldn’t hurt anything to tell him he was right. He already had some suspicions it seemed and it would be best to allow them to be settled in the easiest of fashions. “Yes. I am a runaway noble. Everything you’ve said is true. Please don’t ask me to explain it in any more detail.”
“Never, my Lady. I shall help you keep your secret.” Frederick stood, bowing deeply before him. “You shall be my Princess all the same, for your pride reminds me of royalty. Will that be alright to call you by?”
“Lord Ackart.” The pair turned their attention to the door, both surprised to be interrupted. Yozak’s cheerful smile made Wolfram hide his face quickly, hoping against hope that he had not been standing there long. “Your sister has just arrived, sir. Shall I have her join you?”
Frederick's demeanor picked up again, becoming the energetic and powerfully charismatic person Wolfram was becoming very accustomed to. “Immediately! This is wonderful news. I’ve been longing to introduce Miss Jennifer to my family.”
Yozak nodded and stepped aside to fetch her. Wolfram felt Frederick take his hands again and turned his attention back to him. “Don’t let my sister frighten you, my dear. She is a painfully sweet and thoughtful girl, but I’m afraid our parents may have spoiled her too much.“
The excitement was becoming more than Wolfram could handle and he was coming very close to telling Frederick as much. His knees still hadn’t stopped shaking since he’d pushed away from the kissing and petting moments before. Before that he’d nearly thought their cover had been blown and their mission ruined and now he was to meet Lord Ackart’s spoiled little sister?
“Freddy!”
“Emma!”
Wolfram turned in time to see the young woman fly past him and into her brother’s arms. Frederick spun her around, holding her tightly as they both laughed together at their reunion. He put her down with a large smile on his face and beamed at Wolfram in turn.
“Emma, I’d like you to meet my very special guest this summer. She’s been staying here with me since last month: Miss Jennifer.”
Their eyes met and Wolfram felt sure his heart had stopped.
Lady Emily Ackart. Her family name had been Ackart.
Her eyes darkened for a moment as she looked hard into his face and then down his body. Wolfram waited for her to shout at him and expose him for the lie he’d woven, remembering the way she had looked at him when they’d first met at Blood Pledge Castle. Her intelligent eyes seemed to bore right through him.
“Brother, are you to have me believe that I am to be the aunt to your bastard?”
Wolfram flinched before she had finished her sentence and now that her words hung in the air, he stood very still, eyes wide. She didn’t recognize him. By all that was wonderful in the world, she hadn’t recognized him!
“Emma! That is very rude and quite untrue. Miss Jennifer is a widow who arrived with her sister in need of work. She is a very respectable young woman and I would like for you to apologize to her for your harsh words.”
Emily looked a lot like her brother when she frowned, Wolfram noted. She bowed her head in respect. “Forgive me. It’s been a long ride home and I was surprised. My brother doesn’t get many strange visitors.”
“Apology accepted.”
Wolfram watched her eyes grow dark again as he spoke. Yozak had told him to not bother disguising his voice, as it would be the first thing he’d forget to do in public, but he wished he had now that her eyes were on him again.
Frederick seemed immune to the tension in the air. “My sister has been at Blood Pledge Castle for a time. As you might have heard, their king has recently come of age. I feel sorry for the poor man. Every woman in the world now has their eyes on the mazoku king.”
“I see.” Wolfram forced a smile. “You must be very fortunate to get an audience with the king, Lady Emily.”
“He’s absolutely wonderful. A little short but I’m told he’ll grow,” the Lady said with a dreamy look. “Oh, Frederick, the castle is simply amazing. We went riding and took picnics and his daughter Greta is adorable. She let me read to her every day and even started to teach me to knit. She’s absolutely beautiful. Yuri keeps telling us how good we look together.”
Frederick looked very happy for his sister. “I take it by your arrival that we are to make ready the preparations to entertain royalty?”
Emily nodded, hardly able to contain her excitement. “I told him to give me three days to get everything ready. He wants to meet my family and, well, that means you, big brother.”
The Lord’s smile grew until his attention turned to Wolfram.
“My dear, you’re crying. Is everything alright?”
Wolfram touched his cheeks, only mildly surprised to find them wet. “Oh.... Sorry. I was thinking of...my late husband.... I’m sorry, I’m going to turn in for the night. It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Emily.”
With that, Wolfram ran from the room. It didn’t matter if Emily’s suspicions grew, all that mattered was getting out of that room. As he ran he heard heavy footsteps behind him but he didn’t dare stop to let them catch him. He didn’t want to take comfort in Frederick; he’d taken advantage of him enough for one evening. He burst into his room and made to slam the door but an outstretched hand halted its movement.
“Boy, what do you think you’re doing?”
Wolfram fell back, watching Yozak enter the room and closed the door behind him. “They could be discussing what we need to know in the room right now and instead of staying put and doing you job, you run away? What kind of sense does that make?”
“Has he proposed?” was all Wolfram could think to say.
“What, his majesty?”
“Has he proposed to her?” His voice was tight and desperate sounding, even to him.
Yozak sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder. “No, he hasn’t proposed to anyone. Word from Gwendel is that he prefers Lady Ackart to all the others, though. That’s why we were sent. Could be, as they had been part of a larger human nation; that this is all a plot against Shin Makoku and Yuri is walking into a trap. Wouldn’t be the first time.”
Wolfram wiped away the tears on his face, shaking his head. “Frederick’s not like that. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt Yuri.”
“Which one are you trying to protect?” Yozak gave his shoulder a squeeze then let it go. “I’m going back to see what I can overhear. You may as well go to bed, you made a big enough scene about it.”
“She has my life, Yozak.”
“You’re living your life right now, kid. She’s living your fantasy. Learn to tell the difference.”
“This is not my life!” Wolfram began to rip his dress from his body, taking handfuls of lace and throwing them to the floor.
Yozak grabbed him again and threw him to the bed, pinning him onto the mattress. Wolfram struggled, wanting to rip the other man’s arms from his torso and watch him flail around as helplessly as Wolfram felt. The sting on his right cheek came as a surprise. Wolfram ceased his struggles, staring, instead, up at the other man’s furious face.
“I am going to write to Gwendel and recommend you never be assigned to another risky operation again. You obviously can’t handle the stress and are too wound up in your own life to give a damn about those around you.”
“You never told me this was her home. No one said anything about spying on Yuri’s prospective bride.”
“Makes it more fun though, huh?” Yozak pointed out. “Now it’s your job to dig up dirt on her and let other advisors tell Yuri not to marry her.”
Wolfram hadn’t thought of it like that. It didn’t so much make it better, though, as it made it seem less bad. “Tell my brother whatever you want. After this, I’m not doing any more military work.”
“Oh no?”
“No.” Wolfram pushed himself up now that Yozak wasn’t forcing him down. He felt calmer now, though for the slap he wished to strike Yozak right back. “I’ll ask Yuri if I can take Greta for a cruise and see about traveling with my mother.”
Yozak laughed at him. “You really are home sick to want to spend any amount of time on a seafaring vessel. Glad to hear you aren’t planning to stay here and marry Lord Frederick though.”
“I can’t, can I? He’s in love with someone who doesn’t exist.”
“That’s the only reason? Kid, you’re so wound up, I’m amazed you can buckle your own shoes.” Wolfram glared as Yozak flaunted his supposed superior intellect. “You’re not any more in love with him than I am.”
“I never said I was in love with him anyway!” he spat at him like venom.
“You didn’t have to, kid--I saw that sly little scene in the parlor earlier. How far up your skirt did you let him get before you pushed him away?”
Wolfram’s color became flame red. “If you dare insult me like that again, I will see you outside with swords drawn.”
Yozak flippantly ignored the threat. “I know your type. There’s plenty of them in the village I grew up in. Half mazoku, half human children can lose their parents for several reasons, mostly due to prejudice. They spend their whole lives looking for someone to hold them and validate their existence with affection. You’re much better off running home to mommy than into Lord Ackart’s bed, kid.”
“Shut up.” Wolfram felt himself shaking with rage. “Leave. Now.”
Yozak shrugged and left without another word.
Author: Niko
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: YurixWolfram
Genre: Angst/Romance
Chapters: 12/?
Comments: End of series spoilers. Beta read by Karyx. Crossdressing.
Wolfram spent the next few weeks at Lord Frederick Ackart’s side, entertaining his requests for dinner, walks along the grounds, and evenings in his parlor where they would discuss such things as music and art. It seemed almost impossible to slide in references of Shin Makoku, a place that Wolfram had to pretend he’d never been. Frederick spoke a great deal about his love for his lands, but never chose to elaborate when asked where he felt his alliance fell. It was curious enough that he did not automatically respond with Shin Makoku, whose colors he flew. It was obvious something was amiss, but without details, there was nothing to send home about. Having spent nearly a month under cover, it was an embarrassing lack of information. Lord Ackart hid his secrets well, and Wolfram was beginning to wonder if they’d ever come to an understanding.
It was another night in the parlor and Wolfram cautiously petted the ruffles of his skirt down to keep his own secrets safe. He had to wonder at Yozak’s lack of proper attire. Then again, that he possessed spare dresses in Wolfram’s size also was a bit odd. He took a cream puff from the tray on the table beside where he sat on the love seat and nibbled at the side as Frederick sipped his liquor in the chair across from him. It had been a quieter evening than Wolfram was accustomed to. Something was weighing heavily on the Lord’s mind and it made him wary to sit in his presence.
“Would you think less of me, Miss Jennifer, if I were to speak frankly with you?”
Wolfram shook his head, watching Frederick bring his glass to his lips, pull it away, then bring it back as though unsure whether he needed more of the liquid courage.
“I have been thinking of late...my life has been so much more enjoyable since you arrived. I’d forgotten what it was like to be in the company of such a lovely woman as yourself. I am flattered beyond all sense that you humor me and sit with me like this.” He looked up and smiled, setting the glass to the side. “I understand if it’s too soon for you to consider marriage but...it is my desire that you remain here. You can give birth to your child in this home and raise it with all the comforts of nobility.”
Wolfram didn’t know whether to feel sick or embarrassed. It wasn’t all that surprising in truth, but suspicion and a blunt acknowledgement were two different things entirely. On their walks, Frederick would often hold his hand for as long as Wolfram would allow, and with recent talks on cradles and patterns for a child’s room, his interest in the future was quite understood. “Frederick, that’s a very considerate offer, but I’m afraid I must decline,” he said quickly. He had become much better at his role, he felt. Though it was not his intention to be the most convincing pregnant human girl ever attempted by an eighty two year old mazoku male, he was confident he’d managed to slip some more feminine qualities he knew from his mother into his personality while in costume.
Frederick smiled gently at him, moving from his chair to sit next to him on the love seat, taking one of Wolfram’s hands and holding it to his heart. “I understand if you’re worried about reputation and propriety, but I would rather you be here in safety and security than living somewhere else and me not knowing how you are faring.”
Wolfram wanted to rip his hand back but allowed him to keep it pressed to his chest. He could feel his heart beat even through the layers of clothing he wore. “Lord Ackart, I assure you I will be more than alright. I...plan to continue north to Shin Makoku and see about taking up residence in one of their towns.”
“Shin Makoku?” Frederick’s face turned slightly sour. “Why so far from your home and people?”
“They impressed me with their help in Caloria. I want to live within their borders. I want to raise my child inside their strong kingdom.”
Frederick’s frown grew as he brought the hand to his lips and kissed it gently. “Why must you be so brave? I wish there was something you wanted from me.”
Wolfram took a deep breath, feeling himself shudder slightly under the intense stare of the other man. “It’s not that I don’t want anything from you...you’ve done a lot for me and my sister...but it wouldn’t be right.”
“If you’re referring to the deception you and Betty have played out, be assured that I’m not offended. I know. I’ve known for a long time.”
“What deception?” Wolfram asked sharply, feeling very much on edge. The Lord’s close presence did little to calm him.
“I know that you’re not who you say you are.”
Wolfram stared at him, terrified. There simply wasn’t any way he could know that. He’d done everything Yozak told him to, even gone so far as to wear the ruffled panties he’d packed in case an updraft caught his skirts. They had both been too careful for Lord Ackart to know.
Frederick scooted closer to him, their knees touching on the burgundy-upholstered seat. “You don’t have to be afraid. I’m not angry. I understand why you felt you needed to lie to me.” His hand came to his face and caressed Wolfram’s flushed cheek. “Betty is not your sister. She’s your personal servant. You are of noble birth, I could tell so from the moment I saw you. You hold yourself with regal bearing. There is no motion you make that does not speak volumes of your breeding. You’re in hiding because of the child, aren’t you? Gone into hiding to save your family’s name from dishonor.” He held Wolfram’s face in his hands, tilting it just slightly to the side. “It doesn’t matter to me that you are having another man’s child. From what you’ve told me, he cares nothing for you to cast you aside. I will keep you here as my radiant flower and shower you with all the praise and love you deserve.”
Wolfram knew he should pull away, but he couldn’t. It wasn’t Frederick’s hands on his face that kept him from reacting but rather the twinge in his heart and the flutter in his stomach at the human’s words. Their lips met, softly at first, testing the willingness to continue. Wolfram leaned into the kiss, tasting the liquor on his breath. It was unlike Yuri’s kisses in more than just that respect. It wasn’t necessarily better or worse, but it was not Yuri’s kiss.
Frederick’s hands moved to his arms, leaning him back against the arm of the seat before beginning to explore his body over the pink layers of clothing he wore. His hands felt down his back and sides, drifting down to Wolfram’s bare thighs and up through the ruffles of his skirt.
Wolfram sat up quickly, pushing Frederick away at an arms length. “I can’t!”
The Lord turned his head, looking ashamed of himself and displeased by the advances he’d made. He pulled back to the far end of the love seat and nearly curled in on himself in guilt. “Of course you can’t. I apologize for my rude behavior. I must profess, in the moment I felt your lips consent, I lost my better judgment. It shall not happen again.”
Wolfram nodded, standing up on shaking knees. “You’re very good with words, I’ll give you that. You made me forget myself.”
“Then it’s true? You are a runaway noble woman?”
Wolfram paused. It couldn’t hurt anything to tell him he was right. He already had some suspicions it seemed and it would be best to allow them to be settled in the easiest of fashions. “Yes. I am a runaway noble. Everything you’ve said is true. Please don’t ask me to explain it in any more detail.”
“Never, my Lady. I shall help you keep your secret.” Frederick stood, bowing deeply before him. “You shall be my Princess all the same, for your pride reminds me of royalty. Will that be alright to call you by?”
“Lord Ackart.” The pair turned their attention to the door, both surprised to be interrupted. Yozak’s cheerful smile made Wolfram hide his face quickly, hoping against hope that he had not been standing there long. “Your sister has just arrived, sir. Shall I have her join you?”
Frederick's demeanor picked up again, becoming the energetic and powerfully charismatic person Wolfram was becoming very accustomed to. “Immediately! This is wonderful news. I’ve been longing to introduce Miss Jennifer to my family.”
Yozak nodded and stepped aside to fetch her. Wolfram felt Frederick take his hands again and turned his attention back to him. “Don’t let my sister frighten you, my dear. She is a painfully sweet and thoughtful girl, but I’m afraid our parents may have spoiled her too much.“
The excitement was becoming more than Wolfram could handle and he was coming very close to telling Frederick as much. His knees still hadn’t stopped shaking since he’d pushed away from the kissing and petting moments before. Before that he’d nearly thought their cover had been blown and their mission ruined and now he was to meet Lord Ackart’s spoiled little sister?
“Freddy!”
“Emma!”
Wolfram turned in time to see the young woman fly past him and into her brother’s arms. Frederick spun her around, holding her tightly as they both laughed together at their reunion. He put her down with a large smile on his face and beamed at Wolfram in turn.
“Emma, I’d like you to meet my very special guest this summer. She’s been staying here with me since last month: Miss Jennifer.”
Their eyes met and Wolfram felt sure his heart had stopped.
Lady Emily Ackart. Her family name had been Ackart.
Her eyes darkened for a moment as she looked hard into his face and then down his body. Wolfram waited for her to shout at him and expose him for the lie he’d woven, remembering the way she had looked at him when they’d first met at Blood Pledge Castle. Her intelligent eyes seemed to bore right through him.
“Brother, are you to have me believe that I am to be the aunt to your bastard?”
Wolfram flinched before she had finished her sentence and now that her words hung in the air, he stood very still, eyes wide. She didn’t recognize him. By all that was wonderful in the world, she hadn’t recognized him!
“Emma! That is very rude and quite untrue. Miss Jennifer is a widow who arrived with her sister in need of work. She is a very respectable young woman and I would like for you to apologize to her for your harsh words.”
Emily looked a lot like her brother when she frowned, Wolfram noted. She bowed her head in respect. “Forgive me. It’s been a long ride home and I was surprised. My brother doesn’t get many strange visitors.”
“Apology accepted.”
Wolfram watched her eyes grow dark again as he spoke. Yozak had told him to not bother disguising his voice, as it would be the first thing he’d forget to do in public, but he wished he had now that her eyes were on him again.
Frederick seemed immune to the tension in the air. “My sister has been at Blood Pledge Castle for a time. As you might have heard, their king has recently come of age. I feel sorry for the poor man. Every woman in the world now has their eyes on the mazoku king.”
“I see.” Wolfram forced a smile. “You must be very fortunate to get an audience with the king, Lady Emily.”
“He’s absolutely wonderful. A little short but I’m told he’ll grow,” the Lady said with a dreamy look. “Oh, Frederick, the castle is simply amazing. We went riding and took picnics and his daughter Greta is adorable. She let me read to her every day and even started to teach me to knit. She’s absolutely beautiful. Yuri keeps telling us how good we look together.”
Frederick looked very happy for his sister. “I take it by your arrival that we are to make ready the preparations to entertain royalty?”
Emily nodded, hardly able to contain her excitement. “I told him to give me three days to get everything ready. He wants to meet my family and, well, that means you, big brother.”
The Lord’s smile grew until his attention turned to Wolfram.
“My dear, you’re crying. Is everything alright?”
Wolfram touched his cheeks, only mildly surprised to find them wet. “Oh.... Sorry. I was thinking of...my late husband.... I’m sorry, I’m going to turn in for the night. It was a pleasure to meet you, Lady Emily.”
With that, Wolfram ran from the room. It didn’t matter if Emily’s suspicions grew, all that mattered was getting out of that room. As he ran he heard heavy footsteps behind him but he didn’t dare stop to let them catch him. He didn’t want to take comfort in Frederick; he’d taken advantage of him enough for one evening. He burst into his room and made to slam the door but an outstretched hand halted its movement.
“Boy, what do you think you’re doing?”
Wolfram fell back, watching Yozak enter the room and closed the door behind him. “They could be discussing what we need to know in the room right now and instead of staying put and doing you job, you run away? What kind of sense does that make?”
“Has he proposed?” was all Wolfram could think to say.
“What, his majesty?”
“Has he proposed to her?” His voice was tight and desperate sounding, even to him.
Yozak sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder. “No, he hasn’t proposed to anyone. Word from Gwendel is that he prefers Lady Ackart to all the others, though. That’s why we were sent. Could be, as they had been part of a larger human nation; that this is all a plot against Shin Makoku and Yuri is walking into a trap. Wouldn’t be the first time.”
Wolfram wiped away the tears on his face, shaking his head. “Frederick’s not like that. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt Yuri.”
“Which one are you trying to protect?” Yozak gave his shoulder a squeeze then let it go. “I’m going back to see what I can overhear. You may as well go to bed, you made a big enough scene about it.”
“She has my life, Yozak.”
“You’re living your life right now, kid. She’s living your fantasy. Learn to tell the difference.”
“This is not my life!” Wolfram began to rip his dress from his body, taking handfuls of lace and throwing them to the floor.
Yozak grabbed him again and threw him to the bed, pinning him onto the mattress. Wolfram struggled, wanting to rip the other man’s arms from his torso and watch him flail around as helplessly as Wolfram felt. The sting on his right cheek came as a surprise. Wolfram ceased his struggles, staring, instead, up at the other man’s furious face.
“I am going to write to Gwendel and recommend you never be assigned to another risky operation again. You obviously can’t handle the stress and are too wound up in your own life to give a damn about those around you.”
“You never told me this was her home. No one said anything about spying on Yuri’s prospective bride.”
“Makes it more fun though, huh?” Yozak pointed out. “Now it’s your job to dig up dirt on her and let other advisors tell Yuri not to marry her.”
Wolfram hadn’t thought of it like that. It didn’t so much make it better, though, as it made it seem less bad. “Tell my brother whatever you want. After this, I’m not doing any more military work.”
“Oh no?”
“No.” Wolfram pushed himself up now that Yozak wasn’t forcing him down. He felt calmer now, though for the slap he wished to strike Yozak right back. “I’ll ask Yuri if I can take Greta for a cruise and see about traveling with my mother.”
Yozak laughed at him. “You really are home sick to want to spend any amount of time on a seafaring vessel. Glad to hear you aren’t planning to stay here and marry Lord Frederick though.”
“I can’t, can I? He’s in love with someone who doesn’t exist.”
“That’s the only reason? Kid, you’re so wound up, I’m amazed you can buckle your own shoes.” Wolfram glared as Yozak flaunted his supposed superior intellect. “You’re not any more in love with him than I am.”
“I never said I was in love with him anyway!” he spat at him like venom.
“You didn’t have to, kid--I saw that sly little scene in the parlor earlier. How far up your skirt did you let him get before you pushed him away?”
Wolfram’s color became flame red. “If you dare insult me like that again, I will see you outside with swords drawn.”
Yozak flippantly ignored the threat. “I know your type. There’s plenty of them in the village I grew up in. Half mazoku, half human children can lose their parents for several reasons, mostly due to prejudice. They spend their whole lives looking for someone to hold them and validate their existence with affection. You’re much better off running home to mommy than into Lord Ackart’s bed, kid.”
“Shut up.” Wolfram felt himself shaking with rage. “Leave. Now.”
Yozak shrugged and left without another word.