Whispers from the Rye: Chapter 1. Part 1.
Series Title: Whispers from the Rye
Part Title: Chapter 1
Fic Rating: Nc-17 (Sex between men, Adult Language, Violence, Squick, Peripheral Character Death)
Chapter Rating: Nc-17
Setting: Post Season 2
Focus Pairing: WolframXYuuri
Side Pairings: Anissina/Gwendal, Greta/OMC, Conrad/Yuuri, SageXShinou, MurataXShinou, AU!Sara/Yuuri, OMCXOMC, OMC/past!Wolf, Gisela/Flurin, Yozak/Conrad
Author: somniumquiesco
Beta: melusine474
Summary: Yuuri finds himself engaged to politics while Wolfram has troubles of his own.
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Go back to the very beginning
Go back to the Previous Part
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Shin Makoku
Temple of Shinou
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Yuuri was back. The way was so clear. Clear water. Cold marble against his fingernails-- drawing closer-- replacing the overly smooth porcelain of their small tub on Earth. Sun through the water. Patterns rippling on the surface-- closer.
Air. Breathing and Exhaustion. Home.
They were in the temple courtyard. The sun was bright in a clear blue sky and Yuuri was home.
Another splash behind him, sputtering for air. "In a bit of a hurry, Shibuya?" Murata's hair was stuck to his glasses. He struggled to stand with all of the bags mother had insisted they bring in addition to his own research materials. "You could have killed us-- going so fast-- of all the reckless--"
"Don't start-- We got here, didn't we?" Yuuri's face was already stuck in a grin. His his heart was racing. He was back.
Of course, Wolfram might be mad-- might not be so excited to see him at first. Wolfram had a right to be mad-- but even if he was-- Yuuri was back. He would get to see Wolfram-- finally try to do something right.
"Your Majesty!" Ulrike's flustered voice as she rushed to greet them, followed by a small entourage of female guards. "You're earlier than expected-- The others should be arriving shortly-- You must accept our apologies for not being able to prepare a proper greeting."
"Don't be silly, Ulrike." Yuuri smiled. "I'm just glad to be back."
Ulrike did her best to return his smile, but worry lingered around her eyes. "Gracious as always, Your Majesty."
"And what about your favorite Sage?" Murata bowed and flashed a grin to one of the guards. "Everyone is as beautiful as ever, I see."
The small woman crossed her arms and huffed. "This afternoon. Your message came not an hour ago saying His Majesty would be arriving this afternoon."
Murata grimaced. "I didn't quite anticipate Shibuya's... enthusiasm."
Ulrike sighed. "Well come inside then, both of you. The exhaustion will be coming soon, but some time beneath the falls should lessen it. I have a feeling His Majesty will be wanting all his strength." She turned. "There is much to be discussed."
Yuuri stepped out of the fountain, pausing to pick up his own small load of plastic-wrapped boxes and place them on dry ground.
"How have things been progressing?" Murata began. "Has--"
"How long were we gone?" Yuuri interrupted, earning himself a glare from Murata.
"Two months," Ulrike answered simply, her back still facing them as she led them through them temple's cavernous halls toward the main chamber.
Two months.
How could just a few days on Earth-- Two months...
Wolfram must be furious-- and Yuuri-- he should have been here. Helping Wolfram in any way he could... not running away... such a wimp... How would he ever be able to make things right?
Yuuri could hear their footsteps on the marble-- feel the occasional splash of sunlight against his face from the high windows. Murata and Ulrike were talking. Their voices mixing in echos. It was so dark all of the sudden. Or had he just closed his eyes...
* * *
Yuuri woke wet with the sound of water crashing in his ears-- echoing off the high ceilings of the main chamber of Shinou's Temple. It was cold. Yuuri shivered and struggled to stand against the weight of soaked clothes and the steady stream of water pushing against his shoulders.
A hand on his arm. "Easy, Shibuya." Murata was sitting beside him-- leaning against the wall behind the thin rush of the falls. "Just a bit longer."
Yuuri groaned. He had wasted more time. "How long?"
"You've been out for less than an hour. Ulrike left a few minutes ago to escort the others. They've just arrived."
Wolfram.
Yuuri was soaking wet-- must look awful-- but Wolfram was coming--
"I have a feeling Lord Voltaire will have a lot to talk to us about. I hope they managed to make some use of my advice about our so-called plague." Murata was talking to himself, water running over his cheeks as his eyes narrowed in thought.
His words pulled Yuuri from his own selfish thoughts.
Oh.
Yuuri had forgotten again. Somehow with all Murata's talk of having found the solution Yuuri had forgotten to really worry about the plague. About all the innocent people who had been dying for months and months. A city close to panic. All he had been able to think about was Wolfram--
And if Wolfram ever knew-- Another instance of his failure.
Yuuri was sure he would have time alone with Wolfram later. Soon. Now that he wasn't engaged to Sara, he and Wolfram could go back to sleeping in the same room. Everything would be normal-- good-- again. Yuuri would have time to really talk to Wolfram then. Tonight he would be able to talk to him and find out the things Yuuri wasn't sure he wanted to know about Wolfram's terrible journey. But he needed to know. Yuuri needed to try to make things better. But before all of that-- Yuuri had to not be a wimp.
Yuuri had to be a good king now. Make Wolfram proud. He would listen to what was going on with the plague-- Do what he could to help his kingdom. And if he thought about his impending Time Alone with Wolfram before that-- Well, he would probably only humiliate himself by starting to cry with relief or, worse, having any number of embarrassing physical reactions being so close to Wolfram before that...
Wolfram would know what to do. Wolfram would make everything better once they had time to talk. Yuuri just had to be patient first.
Be a good king and make Wolfram proud.
Yuuri could feel his body temperature rise. Time Alone. In a room with a Wolfram who would be so proud of him. Memories of an embarrassing-- exciting-- system of rewards. Kissing.
Yuuri was suddenly glad the water was so cold.
The door across the chamber opened.
Yuuri would have stood if Murata's grip on his arm hadn't tightened. But-- even from so far away--
Wolfram wasn't there.
Conrad and Gwendal-- and almost hidden behind the taller man was Greta. But no Wolfram.
"What?" Yuuri breathed. Had something terrible-- Had Wolfram gotten sick-- Not recovered-- Was he-- Was he...
No.
This couldn't be happening. Yuuri couldn't move-- could hardly breathe.
Just a few seconds-- The others came closer-- Close enough that Yuuri could see how deep the lines in Gwendal's forehead had become. See his daughters misery.
But Conrad smiled.
The smile held hesitancy and exhaustion, a touch of sadness. But-- But if anything-- If Wolfram wasn't alright Conrad could never have smiled. Wolfram wasn't--
A breath of relief.
Yuuri gave Conrad a small smile in return.
Greta's grip on Gwendal's sleeve tightened as the three came to a stop before the falls.
"Welcome home, Your Majesty," Conrad spoke, voice large in echoes against the roaring water in Yuuri's ears.
"I'm glad to be back-- I'm sorry I was gone for so long." Yuuri couldn't wait any longer. "Greta?"
His daughter stiffened against his gaze-- shifted closer to Gwendal. She kept her eyes to the floor.
Yuuri swallowed a lump in his throat. "Conrad, Gwendal, what's happened? Where's Wolfram?"
Conrad's small smile faltered.
Greta's face went red. "Not here."
Quiet. Tears sliding down red cheeks.
Yuuri all but leapt from the fountain-- stepped forward-- knelt before Greta to take her in his arms. She was taller.
Greta flinched-- but didn't try to run away. Yuuri squeezed her tight-- his daughter's hot tears on his neck.
"I can't believe you. You just left-- You left again-- You left." Choked whispers. Her arms still didn't come up to hold him. Fists at her sides. "I'm so--" She moved away-- glaring at the space between them. "I'm so mad at you, Yuuri."
Yuuri was almost in tears himself. That familiar ache in his chest coming up to drown him. "I'm so sorry, Greta-- I didn't want-- I didn't mean to be gone for so long."
Greta humphed and wiped her tears against the back of a wrist, recomposing herself in a way that could only have been Wolfram's influence. "Wimp," she huffed.
"Wolfram is in Caloria," Conrad finally answered softly. "He hasn't returned since..." his voice trailed away.
Yuuri couldn't take his eyes from Greta's face. She must have been so lonely-- without either of them. Just another way in which he was a disappointment.
"Caloria," Yuuri echoed, trying to make sense of it all. "But why?"
Gwendal made a noise of irritation. "Wolfram is doing what he needs to." His hand moved to rest on the top of Greta's head.
"But--" Why wouldn't anyone just explain what was going on? "But is Wolfram alright? What about his magic? Is he going to recover? Has he? Why does he need to be in Caloria? What about..."
What about us?
Conrad stepped forward to put a hand on Yuuri's shoulder. "You're soaked. We'll spend all night catching you up on things if necessary-- but you shouldn't stand here in wet clothes. We'll talk more on the way back to the castle. Alright, Yuuri?"
Yuuri frowned. Everything was taking so long. Everyone was still treating him-- like a child. As if he wasn't king. But... What Conrad said was true. Yuuri was cold and wet-- The front of Greta's dress was dark in places from their short contact.
"Some dry clothes sound wonderful, Sir Weller." Murata's cheerful voice came from behind.
It was all Yuuri could do not to turn and glare. How could Murata be feeling anything but miserable? And-- so much of this was Murata's fault. For not trusting him-- not letting Yuuri say goodbye.
Yuuri's hands drew into fists. Now wasn't the time. Complaining would only make everything take that much longer. Yuuri would wait. But once he knew what was going on-- why Wolfram was in Caloria-- As soon as Yuuri was on the way to bring Wolfram back and put their lives together again-- Then he could set things straight with everyone.
A nod.
There was no time to waste. Yuuri had already spent far too long wasting time.
* * *
The ride back to Blood Pledge Castle was one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences of Yuuri's life.
He had decided to ride back in a carriage alone with Greta. After two months Yuuri felt like he owed it to her. But no matter how hard he tried to get her to talk to him-- look at him--
Yuuri didn't think Greta had ever been this upset with him before.
It was hot inside the carriage-- sun tinted blue from the thin curtains over the windows. The fabric kept away the glare, but made the wooden compartment stuffy. Hard to breathe.
The carriage rocked uncomfortably along the well-traveled grooves in the dirt road. Yuuri could never get used to it. It seemed so much less comfortable than riding outside. The wheels squeaked. The sounds of bugs and birds and hoofs beating against ground trickled in.
Greta was silent. Wouldn't speak to him. But there was a soft clicking.
Greta's fingers played with a bracelet on her left wrist. Beads colliding as she spun it. Round and round.
"It's a pretty bracelet," Yuuri tried. "Is it new?"
Greta's fingers stopped-- pressing one of the smooth stones against her wrist. Denting skin.
Yuuri reached across to stop her-- hold her hand.
"Wolfram sent it to me." Her voice was just above a whisper. "For my birthday."
Her birthday.
It must be mid-summer now. Greta's birthday was on the cusp of spring and summer. Yuuri opened his mouth to apologize.
Greta continued. "He wouldn't even come back for my birthday. I asked..." She closed her eyes. "I asked so many times. But he wouldn't-- He won't come back." When she opened her eyes they were full of tears but she wouldn't let them fall. She tried to blink-- look away.
Yuuri couldn't take it. He pulled her forward-- against him. And once again she was in his arms. His little Greta. They shifted until she was in his lap. "I'm sorry." It was the only thing he could say. "I'm sorry." Whispered against wet cheeks and brown curls. Silent tears. But as much as his heart broke to see her like this-- she had been acting so cold-- made him feel like she didn't really need him anymore-- it felt good to hold her-- wipe her tears-- know she needed him.
But still.
It didn't seem right. Wolfram adored Greta. She was more Wolfram's daughter now than she was his in ways. Wolfram had never been able to deny Greta anything. Why hadn't Wolfram come back? What was he doing in Caloria that was important enough to put their daughter through so much pain?
Yuuri held her tighter. "I'll bring him back. I promise. I promise I'll bring him home."
Greta only nodded.
Yuuri looked down at the stone bracelet around his daughter's fragile wrist. It was a collection of stone beads, none the same or perfectly round, but all dark-- all smooth. Tossed by water. Yuuri moved to run his fingers over the stones, warm from Greta's skin.
"They're from everywhere." Greta touched the bracelet with him, lingering on one stone after the next. "Even the human countries... Suberela," she said, focusing on a reddish stone. "Shin Makoku, Karbelnikoff, Gael... Belefield."
Yuuri wasn't surprised that the green stone was from Belefield. Wolfram's eyes.
"He had it made... asked other royal families... sent his scouts to Shimeron's coasts at night-- Wolfram felt bad for not coming. He wanted me to know that no matter what-- no matter where-- he's still..."
Yuuri squeezed her close. "You know Wolfram loves you, Greta. He loves you so much."
Once again, his daughter only nodded.
Yuuri spun the polished stones around his daughter's wrist as he tried to think of what to say. He wanted desperately to know everything he could about Wolfram, but Greta was upset enough already. Yuuri didn't want her to feel interrogated.
"Where is this one from?" Yuuri asked instead, his thumb stopping on the darkest stone.
"Lesser Gael," Greta answered softly. "He hasn't-- he hasn't gone yet-- to try and get his magic back. He says he has other things to do but..." Greta looked up at him. "I think he's scared... If it doesn't work..." Greta looked down again. "Then it's like there's nothing left to hope for."
Yuuri blinked. When had his daughter gotten so perceptive? "Did Gwendal tell you that?"
Greta shook her head. "And don't you tell Gwendal either, Yuuri." For a second she bit her lip. "It must have been bad-- I remember what they did to Hube... But whatever happened to Wolfram-- no one tells me-- Wolfram won't even say anything."
Yuuri furrowed his brows. "But how... how are you talking to him?" It wasn't as if Shin Makoku had cell phones.
"He writes every day." Greta answered simply. "Sometimes the birds take a while, but he sends one every day."
"Greta..." Yuuri started, not knowing how to ask. If he could read what Wolfram wrote-- know how he was-- what he was doing-- Yuuri was sure he would be able to learn more than what the others were telling him--
"I won't let you read them, so don't ask," Greta snapped. "Wolfram made me promise."
Oh.
Yuur felt at a loss. "Does he-- write to everyone?"
"Only me." Greta paused. "Well hardly to anyone else, anyway. I think he talks to Gwendal about things sometimes. But only when he has to."
The carriage shifted a bit, signaling the final hill up to the castle.
"Anyway," Greta continued. "When we go and bring Wolfram back I'm sure he'll be glad to see me." She looked up at Yuuri with a grin.
Greta? Coming with him to get Wolfram? "Greta..." Yuuri started. "It's dangerous..."
"But I'll have you to protect me, Papa Wimp." Greta scooted closer, using her big eyes against him. "Wolfram's mad at everyone else, but he never says no to me-- not when I'm there, anyway. I'll make sure he comes back!"
"Greta..." Yuuri tried again. He just-- couldn't imagine doing what he needed to in order to bring Wolfram back and having to worry about Greta at the same time. "I don't think it's a good idea..."
"Why not?" Greta pouted. "You can't keep me locked up in the castle forever, Yuuri."
"I'm not trying to lock you up, Greta. It's just that now isn't the best time for you to be traveling--"
The carriage stopped.
"But I have to go, Yuuri! It's not fair--!" Greta moved away from him-- yelling. "You can't just leave me all the time! It's your fault I'm here! You're the one who wanted me!" Greta sat across from him again-- fists tight on the cushion beneath her. "You can't just dump me on other people-- If you don't want me you should just say so--!"
"Greta, stop it! That's not it at all--!"
"Then let me go! Let me go with you!"
"Greta..." It was so hard to say no to her.
Conrad opened the door. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty, but--"
"You weren't interrupting ANYTHING!" Greta screamed, tears welling in her eyes. "I already knew what he would say." And with that she jumped from the carriage-- ignoring Conrad's helping hand and running up the castle steps at breakneck speed.
Yuuri swallowed thickly. It had all happened so fast... Greta...
"She's getting to a difficult age, Your Majesty," Conrad offered. "It's hard to--"
"It's Yuuri, Conrad." Yuuri nearly snapped himself. "How many times do I have to tell you?"
"Yuuri..." Conrad's voice was strained.
"I'm sorry... Let's just go." Yuuri let Conrad help him to the ground.
Conrad nodded, and squeezed Yuuri's hand before letting go, trying to reassure him. Normally something like that would have made Yuuri feel better, but for some reason it only added to the ball of anxiety growing in his gut.
"Gunter is preparing the conference room, as well as a small welcome dinner. Things have been a bit hectic so the spring tapestries were still up. Gunter is--"
"Being Gunter." Yuuri sighed. "When will he learn I could care less about the tapestries?"
"You are kind to indulge him, Yuuri." Conrad smiled.
"Where did Gwendal go?" Yuuri wondered aloud.
"He and the sage went to continue their talk in his office before the formal meeting begins. They want to be sure to tell you all you need to know as quickly as possible." Conrad fell into step behind him as they walked down the main hallway.
"I'm sure," Yuuri huffed. It was more likely they were deciding what not to tell him. Yuuri's hands tightened into fists. Later. First he would find out-- "Conrad. Tell me what's going on with Wolfram. Tell me everything-- I'll order you if I have to! Just tell me what's going on!" Yuuri was out of breath.
Conrad's face had hardened. "Alright."
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Greta had known all along that Yuuri would say no. No matter how many ways-- how many times she ran the conversation through her head. It always ended up the same.
And she had been right.
Yuuri had said no. Only it was worse than that-- She could tell he didn't want her to come with him. Yuuri didn't want her.
Greta reached her room out of breath and sticky with tears. Wolri jumped from the bed as she slammed the door shut behind her, scampering under the bureau at the sudden noise. She was so-- She hadn't meant to cry-- to let Yuuri see. Greta threw herself on the duvet with a huff-- face buried in blankets-- breathing in hot air until exhaustion overcame the need for tears and she had to turn her face to the side to breathe. Cool air.
Wolri jumped back onto the bed. The black kitten walked tentatively around her for a moment before pawing at the lacy ribbons that held up her socks below the knee.
Greta sighed. She didn't know how she would have made it these past few weeks without Wolri. Her little friend-- her family. She shifted, reaching down to pull Wolri into her lap. His fur had gotten so soft. The maids always complained-- fussing that it got everywhere, especially her clothes, but Greta hardly cared. It was worth it to have something soft and warm to hold. Something that loved her-- needed her.
Greta hated how lonely she felt-- how dependent on other people she had become. There was a time-- so long ago now-- that she hadn't needed anyone. She used to know how to survive alone. But then had come Hube. Yuuri-- Wolfram. They had made her weak and sad and alone.
Wolfram wouldn't come back. Not even for her. It wasn't fair that he had made her love him so much more than he loved her! There was nowhere Greta wouldn't have gone for Wolfram.
She had even tried. But Greta hadn't even made it past the final castle gate before she had been caught. It had been one of Wolfram's guards too-- familiar uniform. She had been so angry! Didn't this soldier know that Wolfram needed her? If she could only get to Caloria...
But Wolfram wouldn't come back.
And his letters-- Not one of them had ever really said why. She could guess of course-- reading them over and over-- listening to Gwendal talk with the others-- but they were only guesses.
She just wanted-- Greta just wanted him back.
Greta let go of Wolri and moved to the floor beside her bed. She crawled underneath-- something that was getting harder to do now, but she could still fit. Her sword was still here-- handle where she could reach from the bed-- but farther underneath Greta had cut a small slit in her mattress. A little hiding place. Her secret. Greta reached in, pulling out the stack of letters before returning to her place on the bed.
All of the letters had been kept in order-- nearly sixty of them-- sixty-three today. The birds usually come late though, not for another few hours at least.
With all the excitement of Yuuri's return she hadn't had time to write a new letter yet. It was most efficient if she could just trade letters when the bird came.
Greta squeezed the pile of letters in her hands for a moment, feeling their weight, the way the air moved away and only paper remained between her fingers. There was so much paper, so many feelings.
But so few words.
Wolfram was keeping himself busy. In the beginning-- In the beginning he had written more. The letter he and Yuuri sent at the same time-- reassurances. But now... Even when he did write, Wolfram seemed to avoid everything. All her questions, pleas for his return. Her angry-- scribbled-- long letters that sometimes held too much.
Wolfram's letters were always clean, neat, and reasonable.
Love, Papa Wolf
Always.
Always the same. He said he loved her-- but he still treated her like a child-- He didn't understand how much she thought-- needed-- hurt.
Greta scooted up the bed to lean against the headboard while she wrote. One of the political tomes resting on her bedside table made a sturdy backing for the flimsy paper. And then everything was set. Book nestled in her lap, quill in hand. All that was left was writing.
Wolfram would have insisted she use her desk-- do things properly. But Wolfram wasn't here. He should be happy she had been bored enough to keep up with the readings he assigned her.
Greta sighed at the blank page in front of her and dipped her quill into the pot of ink resting beside her bed. At least Wolri had learned by now that the quill wasn't a toy... He had ruined so many of her letters by being playful.
She closed her eyes, replaying Wolfram's last letter in her mind.
It was hot in Caloria now, and even though the plague had been slowing thanks to Gisela and the advice the sage had left, Flurin was grateful for the help. Wolfram had gone to the capital for a few days, and said hello to Beatrice and her father when they had come to visit Flurin. Wolfram had promised that once he came back Beatrice could come visit her as well. The letter had been short-- He was getting ready to return to his encampment in the east.
Greta missed being able to spend time with Beatrice, but now all she could think about was how much she missed Wolfram. And if Beatrice came... Beatrice was so pretty-- older-- and Wilfrido...
Greta shook her head. No point. Wilfrido was only interested in horses and being impossible-- and besides...
She was writing a letter.
Wolfram, she began. Her letters had been getting more casual-- Wolfram would just have to come home and remind her how to be more proper if it bothered him.
She continued, Yuuri came back today. Wimpy as ever. He only wants to talk about you.
Greta paused. Should she tell Wolfram that Yuuri was coming after him-- doing what she should do... But Wolfram was being so stubborn-- If he knew Yuuri was coming, he might think of ways to say 'no'. But Wolfram could never say no to Yuuri. Because... Because he was Wolfram and Yuuri was Yuuri and Wolfram-- maybe Wolfram loved him too much to say no.
And of course, Yuuri was king. If he ordered Wolfram to come home he would have no choice. But... If Yuuri was just going to do that, then he could just send a letter. He didn't have to go and get Wolfram in person. Yuuri must have something else in mind-- something he didn't want Greta there to see.
Ever since Greta had begun to understand the imbalances in Wolfram and Yuuri's relationship, she had always hoped that Yuuri would start to love Wolfram back the same way Wolfram loved him. Wolfram was always-- always sad-- somewhere inside. Greta supposed it was because she had always been so alone when she was younger, that she was able to recognize that same feeling in her father.
And that's part of why she felt so close to Wolfram-- closer to him now than Yuuri. Yuuri loved her-- but-- Yuuri loved everyone else, too. Wolfram... Wolfram only loved a few people. It made her feel more special to be one of them.
Yuuri seemed to have always been loved-- always been wanted. But Greta and Wolfram-- They knew what it was like to be overlooked.
Fresh tears started down Greta's cheeks. Yuuri didn't understand. Wolfram needed her. She should be with Yuuri to go after Wolfram. It wasn't fair!
Yuuri would just-- What if he ruined everything? What if he still didn't love Wolfram right-- drove him further away!? Greta wanted to believe that Yuuri would go and tell Wolfram he finally loved him-- make them all a family again.
But...
With Yuuri... Things with Wolfram were never that easy.
Greta wiped her cheeks and took a deep breath. She didn't know what to tell Wolfram about Yuuri... And who even knew-- if Yuuri used one of Anissina's inventions he might arrive before her letter.
Another sigh.
Wolfram,
Yuuri came back today. Wimpy as ever. He only wants to talk about you.
It was short. Her shortest yet. But.... Greta didn't know what to say. And so she ended the letter the way she always did.
Please come home soon. I need you.
Love,
Greta
Greta folded the letter and moved to lie on the bed next to Wolri.
The little cat began to rumble as she petted him.
"Meh," Greta prompted before Wolri made a little noise of his own, rolling over on his back to let her stroke his stomach.
Greta smiled and scratched behind his ears.
* * *
Yuuri didn't come to apologize.
It had been almost an hour. Normally whenever they fought-- even over something stupid-- Yuuri would always come to try to make her feel better... make himself feel better.
But Yuuri didn't come.
It made sense if she thought about Yuuri as king, as a person who had responsibilities beyond just being her father. But Yuuri had always put her above his political responsibilities when he was in Shin Makoku... Planning picnics with her and Wolfram... baseball with Conrad.
Yuuri must be getting ready to bring Wolfram home. It was the only thing that made sense but...
Greta wasn't going to wait for him any longer.
By now there was sure to be a guard outside her door, but Greta had figured out that if she climbed out her bedroom window it would take them up to a few hours to notice she was missing. And besides, it wasn't as if she was going far. They always knew where to find her this time of day.
In the early afternoons Wilfrido's father would be busy away from the royal stables, overseeing the soldier's horses a half mile away from the central palace. Wilfrido would be in charge of feeding Ao and the others while he was away. After weeks of persistence on her part, Greta had finally managed to convince him that with her help his chores could be done in almost half the time, giving them time left over to play.
Wilfrido... It had taken Greta so long to even come close to understanding him. He could be so nice to her at times. She could spend the afternoon just laughing with him over silly things... But sometimes he would yell at her. Be almost intolerable. Sometimes it was like he was two different people entirely.
But even on the bad days, when he acted like he didn't want her there, Greta could catch him smiling when he thought she wasn't looking. And so it wasn't really a suprise that slowly Wilfrido had become her best friend.
No matter how annoying he could be at times, Greta always found herself thinking of him. His guarded smile. She was glad he wasn't popular with the servant children-- that he never played with anyone else. Wilfrido was hers.
But today... today when Greta went to the stables Wilfrido seemed to be more annoyed than usual.
"What's wrong?" Greta asked as Wilfrido took out his aggression on a pile of hay, moving it into the feeding trough with a growl.
Wilfrido scoffed. "Did you tell anyone where you went, Princess? Do your father's soldiers know where you are?"
Greta blinked. "No, I--"
Wilfrido came over-- so much closer than he usually ever got-- hands on her shoulders. Shaking her. "Are you trying to get me in trouble? Are you really that stupid--"
Greta backed out of his grasp-- blood rushing to her face at the same time anxiety gathered in her gut. "What are you talking about? I don't tell them so you won't--"
"--look like I'm getting you into... into trouble!" Wilfrido's hair was wild-- bits of hay stuck in his braid-- dark circles beneath his eyes. "I have enough to worry about without you making things worse." He moved to slide down the wall until he was sitting, face in his hands. "Just leave me alone."
Greta didn't move. Feet stuck in place. "Is that really what you want?" A whisper. "I'm not trying to--"
"I know," Wilfrido groaned, still not looking up at her. "I know."
Greta moved slowly to sit beside him. Their shoulders were nearly touching-- She could feel his heat.
Wilfrido was the one who shifted. Shoulder to shoulder. "I'm sorry, I'm just... sorry."
Greta's heart was almost racing out of her chest. Wilfrido smelled like outside and dirt. She wanted to lean her head against him. "I wish you'd let me help. I want to help, not make things worse."
Wilfrido never told her what was really going on. Greta had always suspected his father might be doing something... She knew about other children who got hit by their parents. Wilfrido had had more injuries when he'd first arrived, though... But maybe she just wanted an excuse to tell someone something... get Wilfrido taken away... make things better for him. But Wilfrido loved his father-- kept his hair the same. Greta didn't want to do anything that might make Wilfrido upset with her.
"I know," Wilfrido sighed and bumped her with his shoulder. "Thank you."
Greta leaned forward to hide her grin in her knees. Her skirt had slipped down to bunch above her waist, Greta was sure even the back of her underskirts would be brown with the dust of the stable floors. The scolding she would get from the maids later hardly mattered now. Her stockings were rough against her cheek as she smiled. "We're friends, right?" Greta mumbled, somehow afraid to look at him. "I mean-- neither one of us has anyone else-- and I'm good at helping you here." She paused, drawing courage. "I just don't understand why you never tell me anything."
An arm wrapped around her shoulder-- breath against her ear. "You're father's men warn me to stay away, you know. My father could lose his position here. He would be-- upset. And I would have to leave too. I-- I don't want to have to leave."
Greta could hardly breathe. Wilfrido had never been this open... this close...
"I don't want you to leave either," Greta whispered back.
Wilfrido's palm was pressed against her arm. Greta could feel it sweating. "I know." Then he moved away-- returning to his original position against the wall beside her. "You'll be the death of me."
Greta looked up at him and smiled. "Don't be so dramatic. I'll talk to Yuuri. I'll make sure he--"
Wilfrido laughed-- a high, panicked sound. "His Majesty?! You should know better than that, Greta."
She blinked. "But Wolfram's in Caloria."
"And at least some of his men are here-- Following you and giving me threatening messages."
Greta crinkled her nose. "Well, I'll talk to him, then. He's being silly anyway. Wolfram only wants me to be happy-- not lonely. You're my best friend. There's nothing for him to worry about. Especially since I'm keeping up with my studies."
Wilfrido sighed.
She smiled. "See, nothing to worry about."
Wilfrido only nodded.
Greta stood, shaking the dust from her dress before turning to look down at Wilfrido. "So, shall we get started?" If they didn't get Wilfrido's chores done soon, he was sure to get in trouble when his father returned.
Wilfrido hugged his knees-- cheeks red. "In a bit."
Greta put her hands on her hips. "Well then, what do you want to do?" Lately they had been using sticks to practice fencing when they had any time to spare. Wilfrido had learned some when he was younger, but he still couldn't compare to her, even if he was three years older-- or rather, two, now that she had had her birthday.
Wilfrido stayed where he was.
Greta leaned forward to frown. "Then what--"
"Don't do that!" Wilfrido snapped, making Greta jerk up in surprise. "It's not-- helping."
Greta pursed her lips. "Not helping what?"
"Nothing," Wilfrido groaned. "Look, Greta, can we do this tomorrow? Now... well can you do me the favor of writing that over-protective father of yours a letter? Let him know I'm not up to anything indecent with his little princess."
Greta bit her lip. She had come here to get away from thoughts of fathers. To not be miserable for a few precious moments. But-- But Wilfrido had been so wonderful-- finally opening up to her a bit. She supposed it wouldn't be fair to hope for much more in one day. "Alright." She nodded. "But... see you tomorrow, okay?"
Wilfrido smiled up at her, cheeks still slightly pink. "I'll be waiting."
********
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Go on to the Next Part
Part Title: Chapter 1
Fic Rating: Nc-17 (Sex between men, Adult Language, Violence, Squick, Peripheral Character Death)
Chapter Rating: Nc-17
Setting: Post Season 2
Focus Pairing: WolframXYuuri
Side Pairings: Anissina/Gwendal, Greta/OMC, Conrad/Yuuri, SageXShinou, MurataXShinou, AU!Sara/Yuuri, OMCXOMC, OMC/past!Wolf, Gisela/Flurin, Yozak/Conrad
Author: somniumquiesco
Beta: melusine474
Summary: Yuuri finds himself engaged to politics while Wolfram has troubles of his own.
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Go back to the very beginning
Go back to the Previous Part
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Shin Makoku
Temple of Shinou
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Yuuri was back. The way was so clear. Clear water. Cold marble against his fingernails-- drawing closer-- replacing the overly smooth porcelain of their small tub on Earth. Sun through the water. Patterns rippling on the surface-- closer.
Air. Breathing and Exhaustion. Home.
They were in the temple courtyard. The sun was bright in a clear blue sky and Yuuri was home.
Another splash behind him, sputtering for air. "In a bit of a hurry, Shibuya?" Murata's hair was stuck to his glasses. He struggled to stand with all of the bags mother had insisted they bring in addition to his own research materials. "You could have killed us-- going so fast-- of all the reckless--"
"Don't start-- We got here, didn't we?" Yuuri's face was already stuck in a grin. His his heart was racing. He was back.
Of course, Wolfram might be mad-- might not be so excited to see him at first. Wolfram had a right to be mad-- but even if he was-- Yuuri was back. He would get to see Wolfram-- finally try to do something right.
"Your Majesty!" Ulrike's flustered voice as she rushed to greet them, followed by a small entourage of female guards. "You're earlier than expected-- The others should be arriving shortly-- You must accept our apologies for not being able to prepare a proper greeting."
"Don't be silly, Ulrike." Yuuri smiled. "I'm just glad to be back."
Ulrike did her best to return his smile, but worry lingered around her eyes. "Gracious as always, Your Majesty."
"And what about your favorite Sage?" Murata bowed and flashed a grin to one of the guards. "Everyone is as beautiful as ever, I see."
The small woman crossed her arms and huffed. "This afternoon. Your message came not an hour ago saying His Majesty would be arriving this afternoon."
Murata grimaced. "I didn't quite anticipate Shibuya's... enthusiasm."
Ulrike sighed. "Well come inside then, both of you. The exhaustion will be coming soon, but some time beneath the falls should lessen it. I have a feeling His Majesty will be wanting all his strength." She turned. "There is much to be discussed."
Yuuri stepped out of the fountain, pausing to pick up his own small load of plastic-wrapped boxes and place them on dry ground.
"How have things been progressing?" Murata began. "Has--"
"How long were we gone?" Yuuri interrupted, earning himself a glare from Murata.
"Two months," Ulrike answered simply, her back still facing them as she led them through them temple's cavernous halls toward the main chamber.
Two months.
How could just a few days on Earth-- Two months...
Wolfram must be furious-- and Yuuri-- he should have been here. Helping Wolfram in any way he could... not running away... such a wimp... How would he ever be able to make things right?
Yuuri could hear their footsteps on the marble-- feel the occasional splash of sunlight against his face from the high windows. Murata and Ulrike were talking. Their voices mixing in echos. It was so dark all of the sudden. Or had he just closed his eyes...
* * *
Yuuri woke wet with the sound of water crashing in his ears-- echoing off the high ceilings of the main chamber of Shinou's Temple. It was cold. Yuuri shivered and struggled to stand against the weight of soaked clothes and the steady stream of water pushing against his shoulders.
A hand on his arm. "Easy, Shibuya." Murata was sitting beside him-- leaning against the wall behind the thin rush of the falls. "Just a bit longer."
Yuuri groaned. He had wasted more time. "How long?"
"You've been out for less than an hour. Ulrike left a few minutes ago to escort the others. They've just arrived."
Wolfram.
Yuuri was soaking wet-- must look awful-- but Wolfram was coming--
"I have a feeling Lord Voltaire will have a lot to talk to us about. I hope they managed to make some use of my advice about our so-called plague." Murata was talking to himself, water running over his cheeks as his eyes narrowed in thought.
His words pulled Yuuri from his own selfish thoughts.
Oh.
Yuuri had forgotten again. Somehow with all Murata's talk of having found the solution Yuuri had forgotten to really worry about the plague. About all the innocent people who had been dying for months and months. A city close to panic. All he had been able to think about was Wolfram--
And if Wolfram ever knew-- Another instance of his failure.
Yuuri was sure he would have time alone with Wolfram later. Soon. Now that he wasn't engaged to Sara, he and Wolfram could go back to sleeping in the same room. Everything would be normal-- good-- again. Yuuri would have time to really talk to Wolfram then. Tonight he would be able to talk to him and find out the things Yuuri wasn't sure he wanted to know about Wolfram's terrible journey. But he needed to know. Yuuri needed to try to make things better. But before all of that-- Yuuri had to not be a wimp.
Yuuri had to be a good king now. Make Wolfram proud. He would listen to what was going on with the plague-- Do what he could to help his kingdom. And if he thought about his impending Time Alone with Wolfram before that-- Well, he would probably only humiliate himself by starting to cry with relief or, worse, having any number of embarrassing physical reactions being so close to Wolfram before that...
Wolfram would know what to do. Wolfram would make everything better once they had time to talk. Yuuri just had to be patient first.
Be a good king and make Wolfram proud.
Yuuri could feel his body temperature rise. Time Alone. In a room with a Wolfram who would be so proud of him. Memories of an embarrassing-- exciting-- system of rewards. Kissing.
Yuuri was suddenly glad the water was so cold.
The door across the chamber opened.
Yuuri would have stood if Murata's grip on his arm hadn't tightened. But-- even from so far away--
Wolfram wasn't there.
Conrad and Gwendal-- and almost hidden behind the taller man was Greta. But no Wolfram.
"What?" Yuuri breathed. Had something terrible-- Had Wolfram gotten sick-- Not recovered-- Was he-- Was he...
No.
This couldn't be happening. Yuuri couldn't move-- could hardly breathe.
Just a few seconds-- The others came closer-- Close enough that Yuuri could see how deep the lines in Gwendal's forehead had become. See his daughters misery.
But Conrad smiled.
The smile held hesitancy and exhaustion, a touch of sadness. But-- But if anything-- If Wolfram wasn't alright Conrad could never have smiled. Wolfram wasn't--
A breath of relief.
Yuuri gave Conrad a small smile in return.
Greta's grip on Gwendal's sleeve tightened as the three came to a stop before the falls.
"Welcome home, Your Majesty," Conrad spoke, voice large in echoes against the roaring water in Yuuri's ears.
"I'm glad to be back-- I'm sorry I was gone for so long." Yuuri couldn't wait any longer. "Greta?"
His daughter stiffened against his gaze-- shifted closer to Gwendal. She kept her eyes to the floor.
Yuuri swallowed a lump in his throat. "Conrad, Gwendal, what's happened? Where's Wolfram?"
Conrad's small smile faltered.
Greta's face went red. "Not here."
Quiet. Tears sliding down red cheeks.
Yuuri all but leapt from the fountain-- stepped forward-- knelt before Greta to take her in his arms. She was taller.
Greta flinched-- but didn't try to run away. Yuuri squeezed her tight-- his daughter's hot tears on his neck.
"I can't believe you. You just left-- You left again-- You left." Choked whispers. Her arms still didn't come up to hold him. Fists at her sides. "I'm so--" She moved away-- glaring at the space between them. "I'm so mad at you, Yuuri."
Yuuri was almost in tears himself. That familiar ache in his chest coming up to drown him. "I'm so sorry, Greta-- I didn't want-- I didn't mean to be gone for so long."
Greta humphed and wiped her tears against the back of a wrist, recomposing herself in a way that could only have been Wolfram's influence. "Wimp," she huffed.
"Wolfram is in Caloria," Conrad finally answered softly. "He hasn't returned since..." his voice trailed away.
Yuuri couldn't take his eyes from Greta's face. She must have been so lonely-- without either of them. Just another way in which he was a disappointment.
"Caloria," Yuuri echoed, trying to make sense of it all. "But why?"
Gwendal made a noise of irritation. "Wolfram is doing what he needs to." His hand moved to rest on the top of Greta's head.
"But--" Why wouldn't anyone just explain what was going on? "But is Wolfram alright? What about his magic? Is he going to recover? Has he? Why does he need to be in Caloria? What about..."
What about us?
Conrad stepped forward to put a hand on Yuuri's shoulder. "You're soaked. We'll spend all night catching you up on things if necessary-- but you shouldn't stand here in wet clothes. We'll talk more on the way back to the castle. Alright, Yuuri?"
Yuuri frowned. Everything was taking so long. Everyone was still treating him-- like a child. As if he wasn't king. But... What Conrad said was true. Yuuri was cold and wet-- The front of Greta's dress was dark in places from their short contact.
"Some dry clothes sound wonderful, Sir Weller." Murata's cheerful voice came from behind.
It was all Yuuri could do not to turn and glare. How could Murata be feeling anything but miserable? And-- so much of this was Murata's fault. For not trusting him-- not letting Yuuri say goodbye.
Yuuri's hands drew into fists. Now wasn't the time. Complaining would only make everything take that much longer. Yuuri would wait. But once he knew what was going on-- why Wolfram was in Caloria-- As soon as Yuuri was on the way to bring Wolfram back and put their lives together again-- Then he could set things straight with everyone.
A nod.
There was no time to waste. Yuuri had already spent far too long wasting time.
* * *
The ride back to Blood Pledge Castle was one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences of Yuuri's life.
He had decided to ride back in a carriage alone with Greta. After two months Yuuri felt like he owed it to her. But no matter how hard he tried to get her to talk to him-- look at him--
Yuuri didn't think Greta had ever been this upset with him before.
It was hot inside the carriage-- sun tinted blue from the thin curtains over the windows. The fabric kept away the glare, but made the wooden compartment stuffy. Hard to breathe.
The carriage rocked uncomfortably along the well-traveled grooves in the dirt road. Yuuri could never get used to it. It seemed so much less comfortable than riding outside. The wheels squeaked. The sounds of bugs and birds and hoofs beating against ground trickled in.
Greta was silent. Wouldn't speak to him. But there was a soft clicking.
Greta's fingers played with a bracelet on her left wrist. Beads colliding as she spun it. Round and round.
"It's a pretty bracelet," Yuuri tried. "Is it new?"
Greta's fingers stopped-- pressing one of the smooth stones against her wrist. Denting skin.
Yuuri reached across to stop her-- hold her hand.
"Wolfram sent it to me." Her voice was just above a whisper. "For my birthday."
Her birthday.
It must be mid-summer now. Greta's birthday was on the cusp of spring and summer. Yuuri opened his mouth to apologize.
Greta continued. "He wouldn't even come back for my birthday. I asked..." She closed her eyes. "I asked so many times. But he wouldn't-- He won't come back." When she opened her eyes they were full of tears but she wouldn't let them fall. She tried to blink-- look away.
Yuuri couldn't take it. He pulled her forward-- against him. And once again she was in his arms. His little Greta. They shifted until she was in his lap. "I'm sorry." It was the only thing he could say. "I'm sorry." Whispered against wet cheeks and brown curls. Silent tears. But as much as his heart broke to see her like this-- she had been acting so cold-- made him feel like she didn't really need him anymore-- it felt good to hold her-- wipe her tears-- know she needed him.
But still.
It didn't seem right. Wolfram adored Greta. She was more Wolfram's daughter now than she was his in ways. Wolfram had never been able to deny Greta anything. Why hadn't Wolfram come back? What was he doing in Caloria that was important enough to put their daughter through so much pain?
Yuuri held her tighter. "I'll bring him back. I promise. I promise I'll bring him home."
Greta only nodded.
Yuuri looked down at the stone bracelet around his daughter's fragile wrist. It was a collection of stone beads, none the same or perfectly round, but all dark-- all smooth. Tossed by water. Yuuri moved to run his fingers over the stones, warm from Greta's skin.
"They're from everywhere." Greta touched the bracelet with him, lingering on one stone after the next. "Even the human countries... Suberela," she said, focusing on a reddish stone. "Shin Makoku, Karbelnikoff, Gael... Belefield."
Yuuri wasn't surprised that the green stone was from Belefield. Wolfram's eyes.
"He had it made... asked other royal families... sent his scouts to Shimeron's coasts at night-- Wolfram felt bad for not coming. He wanted me to know that no matter what-- no matter where-- he's still..."
Yuuri squeezed her close. "You know Wolfram loves you, Greta. He loves you so much."
Once again, his daughter only nodded.
Yuuri spun the polished stones around his daughter's wrist as he tried to think of what to say. He wanted desperately to know everything he could about Wolfram, but Greta was upset enough already. Yuuri didn't want her to feel interrogated.
"Where is this one from?" Yuuri asked instead, his thumb stopping on the darkest stone.
"Lesser Gael," Greta answered softly. "He hasn't-- he hasn't gone yet-- to try and get his magic back. He says he has other things to do but..." Greta looked up at him. "I think he's scared... If it doesn't work..." Greta looked down again. "Then it's like there's nothing left to hope for."
Yuuri blinked. When had his daughter gotten so perceptive? "Did Gwendal tell you that?"
Greta shook her head. "And don't you tell Gwendal either, Yuuri." For a second she bit her lip. "It must have been bad-- I remember what they did to Hube... But whatever happened to Wolfram-- no one tells me-- Wolfram won't even say anything."
Yuuri furrowed his brows. "But how... how are you talking to him?" It wasn't as if Shin Makoku had cell phones.
"He writes every day." Greta answered simply. "Sometimes the birds take a while, but he sends one every day."
"Greta..." Yuuri started, not knowing how to ask. If he could read what Wolfram wrote-- know how he was-- what he was doing-- Yuuri was sure he would be able to learn more than what the others were telling him--
"I won't let you read them, so don't ask," Greta snapped. "Wolfram made me promise."
Oh.
Yuur felt at a loss. "Does he-- write to everyone?"
"Only me." Greta paused. "Well hardly to anyone else, anyway. I think he talks to Gwendal about things sometimes. But only when he has to."
The carriage shifted a bit, signaling the final hill up to the castle.
"Anyway," Greta continued. "When we go and bring Wolfram back I'm sure he'll be glad to see me." She looked up at Yuuri with a grin.
Greta? Coming with him to get Wolfram? "Greta..." Yuuri started. "It's dangerous..."
"But I'll have you to protect me, Papa Wimp." Greta scooted closer, using her big eyes against him. "Wolfram's mad at everyone else, but he never says no to me-- not when I'm there, anyway. I'll make sure he comes back!"
"Greta..." Yuuri tried again. He just-- couldn't imagine doing what he needed to in order to bring Wolfram back and having to worry about Greta at the same time. "I don't think it's a good idea..."
"Why not?" Greta pouted. "You can't keep me locked up in the castle forever, Yuuri."
"I'm not trying to lock you up, Greta. It's just that now isn't the best time for you to be traveling--"
The carriage stopped.
"But I have to go, Yuuri! It's not fair--!" Greta moved away from him-- yelling. "You can't just leave me all the time! It's your fault I'm here! You're the one who wanted me!" Greta sat across from him again-- fists tight on the cushion beneath her. "You can't just dump me on other people-- If you don't want me you should just say so--!"
"Greta, stop it! That's not it at all--!"
"Then let me go! Let me go with you!"
"Greta..." It was so hard to say no to her.
Conrad opened the door. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty, but--"
"You weren't interrupting ANYTHING!" Greta screamed, tears welling in her eyes. "I already knew what he would say." And with that she jumped from the carriage-- ignoring Conrad's helping hand and running up the castle steps at breakneck speed.
Yuuri swallowed thickly. It had all happened so fast... Greta...
"She's getting to a difficult age, Your Majesty," Conrad offered. "It's hard to--"
"It's Yuuri, Conrad." Yuuri nearly snapped himself. "How many times do I have to tell you?"
"Yuuri..." Conrad's voice was strained.
"I'm sorry... Let's just go." Yuuri let Conrad help him to the ground.
Conrad nodded, and squeezed Yuuri's hand before letting go, trying to reassure him. Normally something like that would have made Yuuri feel better, but for some reason it only added to the ball of anxiety growing in his gut.
"Gunter is preparing the conference room, as well as a small welcome dinner. Things have been a bit hectic so the spring tapestries were still up. Gunter is--"
"Being Gunter." Yuuri sighed. "When will he learn I could care less about the tapestries?"
"You are kind to indulge him, Yuuri." Conrad smiled.
"Where did Gwendal go?" Yuuri wondered aloud.
"He and the sage went to continue their talk in his office before the formal meeting begins. They want to be sure to tell you all you need to know as quickly as possible." Conrad fell into step behind him as they walked down the main hallway.
"I'm sure," Yuuri huffed. It was more likely they were deciding what not to tell him. Yuuri's hands tightened into fists. Later. First he would find out-- "Conrad. Tell me what's going on with Wolfram. Tell me everything-- I'll order you if I have to! Just tell me what's going on!" Yuuri was out of breath.
Conrad's face had hardened. "Alright."
********
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Greta had known all along that Yuuri would say no. No matter how many ways-- how many times she ran the conversation through her head. It always ended up the same.
And she had been right.
Yuuri had said no. Only it was worse than that-- She could tell he didn't want her to come with him. Yuuri didn't want her.
Greta reached her room out of breath and sticky with tears. Wolri jumped from the bed as she slammed the door shut behind her, scampering under the bureau at the sudden noise. She was so-- She hadn't meant to cry-- to let Yuuri see. Greta threw herself on the duvet with a huff-- face buried in blankets-- breathing in hot air until exhaustion overcame the need for tears and she had to turn her face to the side to breathe. Cool air.
Wolri jumped back onto the bed. The black kitten walked tentatively around her for a moment before pawing at the lacy ribbons that held up her socks below the knee.
Greta sighed. She didn't know how she would have made it these past few weeks without Wolri. Her little friend-- her family. She shifted, reaching down to pull Wolri into her lap. His fur had gotten so soft. The maids always complained-- fussing that it got everywhere, especially her clothes, but Greta hardly cared. It was worth it to have something soft and warm to hold. Something that loved her-- needed her.
Greta hated how lonely she felt-- how dependent on other people she had become. There was a time-- so long ago now-- that she hadn't needed anyone. She used to know how to survive alone. But then had come Hube. Yuuri-- Wolfram. They had made her weak and sad and alone.
Wolfram wouldn't come back. Not even for her. It wasn't fair that he had made her love him so much more than he loved her! There was nowhere Greta wouldn't have gone for Wolfram.
She had even tried. But Greta hadn't even made it past the final castle gate before she had been caught. It had been one of Wolfram's guards too-- familiar uniform. She had been so angry! Didn't this soldier know that Wolfram needed her? If she could only get to Caloria...
But Wolfram wouldn't come back.
And his letters-- Not one of them had ever really said why. She could guess of course-- reading them over and over-- listening to Gwendal talk with the others-- but they were only guesses.
She just wanted-- Greta just wanted him back.
Greta let go of Wolri and moved to the floor beside her bed. She crawled underneath-- something that was getting harder to do now, but she could still fit. Her sword was still here-- handle where she could reach from the bed-- but farther underneath Greta had cut a small slit in her mattress. A little hiding place. Her secret. Greta reached in, pulling out the stack of letters before returning to her place on the bed.
All of the letters had been kept in order-- nearly sixty of them-- sixty-three today. The birds usually come late though, not for another few hours at least.
With all the excitement of Yuuri's return she hadn't had time to write a new letter yet. It was most efficient if she could just trade letters when the bird came.
Greta squeezed the pile of letters in her hands for a moment, feeling their weight, the way the air moved away and only paper remained between her fingers. There was so much paper, so many feelings.
But so few words.
Wolfram was keeping himself busy. In the beginning-- In the beginning he had written more. The letter he and Yuuri sent at the same time-- reassurances. But now... Even when he did write, Wolfram seemed to avoid everything. All her questions, pleas for his return. Her angry-- scribbled-- long letters that sometimes held too much.
Wolfram's letters were always clean, neat, and reasonable.
Love, Papa Wolf
Always.
Always the same. He said he loved her-- but he still treated her like a child-- He didn't understand how much she thought-- needed-- hurt.
Greta scooted up the bed to lean against the headboard while she wrote. One of the political tomes resting on her bedside table made a sturdy backing for the flimsy paper. And then everything was set. Book nestled in her lap, quill in hand. All that was left was writing.
Wolfram would have insisted she use her desk-- do things properly. But Wolfram wasn't here. He should be happy she had been bored enough to keep up with the readings he assigned her.
Greta sighed at the blank page in front of her and dipped her quill into the pot of ink resting beside her bed. At least Wolri had learned by now that the quill wasn't a toy... He had ruined so many of her letters by being playful.
She closed her eyes, replaying Wolfram's last letter in her mind.
It was hot in Caloria now, and even though the plague had been slowing thanks to Gisela and the advice the sage had left, Flurin was grateful for the help. Wolfram had gone to the capital for a few days, and said hello to Beatrice and her father when they had come to visit Flurin. Wolfram had promised that once he came back Beatrice could come visit her as well. The letter had been short-- He was getting ready to return to his encampment in the east.
Greta missed being able to spend time with Beatrice, but now all she could think about was how much she missed Wolfram. And if Beatrice came... Beatrice was so pretty-- older-- and Wilfrido...
Greta shook her head. No point. Wilfrido was only interested in horses and being impossible-- and besides...
She was writing a letter.
Wolfram, she began. Her letters had been getting more casual-- Wolfram would just have to come home and remind her how to be more proper if it bothered him.
She continued, Yuuri came back today. Wimpy as ever. He only wants to talk about you.
Greta paused. Should she tell Wolfram that Yuuri was coming after him-- doing what she should do... But Wolfram was being so stubborn-- If he knew Yuuri was coming, he might think of ways to say 'no'. But Wolfram could never say no to Yuuri. Because... Because he was Wolfram and Yuuri was Yuuri and Wolfram-- maybe Wolfram loved him too much to say no.
And of course, Yuuri was king. If he ordered Wolfram to come home he would have no choice. But... If Yuuri was just going to do that, then he could just send a letter. He didn't have to go and get Wolfram in person. Yuuri must have something else in mind-- something he didn't want Greta there to see.
Ever since Greta had begun to understand the imbalances in Wolfram and Yuuri's relationship, she had always hoped that Yuuri would start to love Wolfram back the same way Wolfram loved him. Wolfram was always-- always sad-- somewhere inside. Greta supposed it was because she had always been so alone when she was younger, that she was able to recognize that same feeling in her father.
And that's part of why she felt so close to Wolfram-- closer to him now than Yuuri. Yuuri loved her-- but-- Yuuri loved everyone else, too. Wolfram... Wolfram only loved a few people. It made her feel more special to be one of them.
Yuuri seemed to have always been loved-- always been wanted. But Greta and Wolfram-- They knew what it was like to be overlooked.
Fresh tears started down Greta's cheeks. Yuuri didn't understand. Wolfram needed her. She should be with Yuuri to go after Wolfram. It wasn't fair!
Yuuri would just-- What if he ruined everything? What if he still didn't love Wolfram right-- drove him further away!? Greta wanted to believe that Yuuri would go and tell Wolfram he finally loved him-- make them all a family again.
But...
With Yuuri... Things with Wolfram were never that easy.
Greta wiped her cheeks and took a deep breath. She didn't know what to tell Wolfram about Yuuri... And who even knew-- if Yuuri used one of Anissina's inventions he might arrive before her letter.
Another sigh.
Wolfram,
Yuuri came back today. Wimpy as ever. He only wants to talk about you.
It was short. Her shortest yet. But.... Greta didn't know what to say. And so she ended the letter the way she always did.
Please come home soon. I need you.
Love,
Greta
Greta folded the letter and moved to lie on the bed next to Wolri.
The little cat began to rumble as she petted him.
"Meh," Greta prompted before Wolri made a little noise of his own, rolling over on his back to let her stroke his stomach.
Greta smiled and scratched behind his ears.
* * *
Yuuri didn't come to apologize.
It had been almost an hour. Normally whenever they fought-- even over something stupid-- Yuuri would always come to try to make her feel better... make himself feel better.
But Yuuri didn't come.
It made sense if she thought about Yuuri as king, as a person who had responsibilities beyond just being her father. But Yuuri had always put her above his political responsibilities when he was in Shin Makoku... Planning picnics with her and Wolfram... baseball with Conrad.
Yuuri must be getting ready to bring Wolfram home. It was the only thing that made sense but...
Greta wasn't going to wait for him any longer.
By now there was sure to be a guard outside her door, but Greta had figured out that if she climbed out her bedroom window it would take them up to a few hours to notice she was missing. And besides, it wasn't as if she was going far. They always knew where to find her this time of day.
In the early afternoons Wilfrido's father would be busy away from the royal stables, overseeing the soldier's horses a half mile away from the central palace. Wilfrido would be in charge of feeding Ao and the others while he was away. After weeks of persistence on her part, Greta had finally managed to convince him that with her help his chores could be done in almost half the time, giving them time left over to play.
Wilfrido... It had taken Greta so long to even come close to understanding him. He could be so nice to her at times. She could spend the afternoon just laughing with him over silly things... But sometimes he would yell at her. Be almost intolerable. Sometimes it was like he was two different people entirely.
But even on the bad days, when he acted like he didn't want her there, Greta could catch him smiling when he thought she wasn't looking. And so it wasn't really a suprise that slowly Wilfrido had become her best friend.
No matter how annoying he could be at times, Greta always found herself thinking of him. His guarded smile. She was glad he wasn't popular with the servant children-- that he never played with anyone else. Wilfrido was hers.
But today... today when Greta went to the stables Wilfrido seemed to be more annoyed than usual.
"What's wrong?" Greta asked as Wilfrido took out his aggression on a pile of hay, moving it into the feeding trough with a growl.
Wilfrido scoffed. "Did you tell anyone where you went, Princess? Do your father's soldiers know where you are?"
Greta blinked. "No, I--"
Wilfrido came over-- so much closer than he usually ever got-- hands on her shoulders. Shaking her. "Are you trying to get me in trouble? Are you really that stupid--"
Greta backed out of his grasp-- blood rushing to her face at the same time anxiety gathered in her gut. "What are you talking about? I don't tell them so you won't--"
"--look like I'm getting you into... into trouble!" Wilfrido's hair was wild-- bits of hay stuck in his braid-- dark circles beneath his eyes. "I have enough to worry about without you making things worse." He moved to slide down the wall until he was sitting, face in his hands. "Just leave me alone."
Greta didn't move. Feet stuck in place. "Is that really what you want?" A whisper. "I'm not trying to--"
"I know," Wilfrido groaned, still not looking up at her. "I know."
Greta moved slowly to sit beside him. Their shoulders were nearly touching-- She could feel his heat.
Wilfrido was the one who shifted. Shoulder to shoulder. "I'm sorry, I'm just... sorry."
Greta's heart was almost racing out of her chest. Wilfrido smelled like outside and dirt. She wanted to lean her head against him. "I wish you'd let me help. I want to help, not make things worse."
Wilfrido never told her what was really going on. Greta had always suspected his father might be doing something... She knew about other children who got hit by their parents. Wilfrido had had more injuries when he'd first arrived, though... But maybe she just wanted an excuse to tell someone something... get Wilfrido taken away... make things better for him. But Wilfrido loved his father-- kept his hair the same. Greta didn't want to do anything that might make Wilfrido upset with her.
"I know," Wilfrido sighed and bumped her with his shoulder. "Thank you."
Greta leaned forward to hide her grin in her knees. Her skirt had slipped down to bunch above her waist, Greta was sure even the back of her underskirts would be brown with the dust of the stable floors. The scolding she would get from the maids later hardly mattered now. Her stockings were rough against her cheek as she smiled. "We're friends, right?" Greta mumbled, somehow afraid to look at him. "I mean-- neither one of us has anyone else-- and I'm good at helping you here." She paused, drawing courage. "I just don't understand why you never tell me anything."
An arm wrapped around her shoulder-- breath against her ear. "You're father's men warn me to stay away, you know. My father could lose his position here. He would be-- upset. And I would have to leave too. I-- I don't want to have to leave."
Greta could hardly breathe. Wilfrido had never been this open... this close...
"I don't want you to leave either," Greta whispered back.
Wilfrido's palm was pressed against her arm. Greta could feel it sweating. "I know." Then he moved away-- returning to his original position against the wall beside her. "You'll be the death of me."
Greta looked up at him and smiled. "Don't be so dramatic. I'll talk to Yuuri. I'll make sure he--"
Wilfrido laughed-- a high, panicked sound. "His Majesty?! You should know better than that, Greta."
She blinked. "But Wolfram's in Caloria."
"And at least some of his men are here-- Following you and giving me threatening messages."
Greta crinkled her nose. "Well, I'll talk to him, then. He's being silly anyway. Wolfram only wants me to be happy-- not lonely. You're my best friend. There's nothing for him to worry about. Especially since I'm keeping up with my studies."
Wilfrido sighed.
She smiled. "See, nothing to worry about."
Wilfrido only nodded.
Greta stood, shaking the dust from her dress before turning to look down at Wilfrido. "So, shall we get started?" If they didn't get Wilfrido's chores done soon, he was sure to get in trouble when his father returned.
Wilfrido hugged his knees-- cheeks red. "In a bit."
Greta put her hands on her hips. "Well then, what do you want to do?" Lately they had been using sticks to practice fencing when they had any time to spare. Wilfrido had learned some when he was younger, but he still couldn't compare to her, even if he was three years older-- or rather, two, now that she had had her birthday.
Wilfrido stayed where he was.
Greta leaned forward to frown. "Then what--"
"Don't do that!" Wilfrido snapped, making Greta jerk up in surprise. "It's not-- helping."
Greta pursed her lips. "Not helping what?"
"Nothing," Wilfrido groaned. "Look, Greta, can we do this tomorrow? Now... well can you do me the favor of writing that over-protective father of yours a letter? Let him know I'm not up to anything indecent with his little princess."
Greta bit her lip. She had come here to get away from thoughts of fathers. To not be miserable for a few precious moments. But-- But Wilfrido had been so wonderful-- finally opening up to her a bit. She supposed it wouldn't be fair to hope for much more in one day. "Alright." She nodded. "But... see you tomorrow, okay?"
Wilfrido smiled up at her, cheeks still slightly pink. "I'll be waiting."
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