Chapter Text
"Lean into it more!" Wolfram shouted while easily blocking the oncoming blade with a loud clang. Metal slid against metal until his edge slammed into the cross-guard of Yuuri's sword and sent it flying across the practice grounds.
"Damn it, Wolfram! That's the third time this afternoon." Yuuri wiped the sweat and dust from his face and turned to retrieve his sword from Yozak, who was thoughtfully recovering it from the dirt. The redhead and his commander had been standing under a nearby tree, watching the practice and providing direction when needed.
"That was too easy for me," Wolfram called to his back as he walked away. "You know how to execute a proper thrust. You're just not paying attention!"
"He's right, you know," Conrad reminded him. "I've seen you master that move when you're in the right frame of mind."
"I'm trying to pay attention! He's just faster then I am." Yuuri had tried the same move over and over again, but Wolfram or Conrad almost always bested him. He'd come to think that the only times he got it right were just sheer luck.
Yozak jogged toward Yuuri and laid the sword across his raised forearm, presenting it grip-first with Morgif's mouth well away from his hand.
"Thanks, Yozak," he said quietly as he took the sword. After almost two hours of practice Yuuri was wearing down. He waved his hands in the air, the sword sweeping out a dangerous arc, and cried out to no one in particular. "I'm tired! Do I need to remind you, again, that I didn't grow up doing this like all of you did?"
"When someone's coming at you with a blade, they're not interested in your life story," Wolfram said coolly as he sheathed his sword with a snap of his wrist and headed to the water bucket.
"I know, I know…" Yuuri didn't want to give up his sword training. He couldn't let his loved ones be the only ones providing his defense in the outer world. They were the experts and he trusted them completely, but he had to contribute something.
"Keep it up, Heika. You're form is getting better even if Bielefeld still gets the upper hand with your sword most of the time," Yozak slapped Yuuri on the back and winked, "but I imagine you're used to that by now."
Conrad chuckled quietly from his vantage point.
"Whaat?" Yuuri gaped. Stammering and blushing at the double entendre, he stumbled backward, nearly landing on his ass. Before he could get in a good comeback, Wolfram was taking him by the arm and steering him toward the castle.
"Come on, Yuuri. Let's call it quits while you're still ahead. We need to get cleaned up before dinner anyway."
"Still ahead?" Yuuri grumbled. "Whipped is more like it." He looked over his shoulder as Wolfram pulled him along. Conrad and Yozak were still chuckling and clearly enjoying their joke.
The polished marble tiles felt cool under his feet as Wolfram walked across the room to the edge of the bath. Dropping his towel on the floor, he eased himself onto one of the lower steps leading into the steamy pool. Warm water lapped around his waist while he alternately curled and spread his toes appreciatively. He waited patiently while Yuuri rinsed himself under the shower.
Wolfram's mind was still on the practice. In spite of Yuuri having his sword knocked from his hand repeatedly, it had been a good session. The young Maou was still trying to "fight" his way out of tough situations and hadn't really mastered the underlying movements. Wolfram recalled he was like that himself when he started, though he had been much younger.
Yuuri wanted to learn and he had an athlete's determination; both those traits were in his favor. He and Conrad would help him as much as possible. Yuuri was quite teachable and was showing steady improvement, although Wolfram rarely mentioned it in order to keep him from getting complacent.
Wolfram had trained enough men to know that Yuuri had the physical potential to master swordsmanship, but he still wondered whether Yuuri had the will to adopt it as an acceptable means of combat. He was such a pacifist. Even as things were he was mainly learning defensive moves.
Yuuri was much better at controlling his water element these days, but when he was pushed too far, his fully dark Maou persona emerged with a vengeance. At that point he didn't need something as insignificant as a sword. Even so, there were still many reasons a person in his position needed to be competent with a hand weapon. Sometimes magic just isn't the first or best choice.
The water splashed beside him as Yuuri waded into the pool. Settling between Wolfram's knees, he rested his elbows on Wolfram's thighs.
"Aaah, man does that feel good!" Yuuri cried with glee. Wolfram could see he was beat. It had been a long practice. He cupped warm water in his palms and raised it above Yuuri's back, letting it splash over his sinewy shoulders.
"Mmmm… Thanks. I'm really tight."
"Relaxing is an important part of staying in shape," Wolfram continued to bathe his back in streams of water. "It helps you stay limber and not stiffen up."
"Can you rub my shoulders a little?" Yuuri leaned against Wolfram's chest and looked up with large hopeful eyes.
"You're getting spoiled," he scoffed. Wolfram gripped his shoulders firmly and pushed Yuuri forward with a gentle nudge. He had every intention of spoiling him further. With expert hands, he kneaded the taut muscles until he felt them begin to release. Yuuri often tensed up during sword practice precisely because he was still learning.
"Ah, perfect, perfect. Right there…" Yuuri relaxed into Wolfram's touch.
Wolfram continued to work the tissue, digging deep with his strong fingers, until Yuuri's muscles felt soft and malleable. "There. You're much looser. Lean against me."
Yuuri leaned back and rested his head against Wolfram's shoulder. His chest rose and fell softly with each breath. Wolfram sluiced water across his stomach and admired the way droplets formed on his smooth skin.
Bliss. That was the only word Wolfram could think of for these times with Yuuri, when they could be alone together in their own private rooms.
Wolfram slid his hands over Yuuri's chest, circling his nipples with slick, wet palms and listened with satisfaction as his husband groaned and stretched.
Yuuri's breath grew ragged, "Wolf, are you sure there's enough time?"
"Don't worry," Wolfram whispered in his ear. "All you have to do is relax." Wolfram loved holding Yuuri in his arms and having him all to himself. Knowing that Yuuri finally wanted him and responded to his touch meant everything to him. Their marriage was a great thing, but it was the emotional and physical bond they shared between them that made it meaningful.
Wolfram slid his hands down Yuuri's stomach until he was running his fingers through the curly black hairs between his legs. Yuuri's cock twitched and strained against his stomach, yearning for a more direct touch. He turned his head to the side and nuzzled Wolfram's hair as he kissed his ear and neck.
"That tickles," Wolfram admonished, though he loved the feeling of Yuuri's warm breath on his neck.
"But I have to touch you somewhere," Yuuri whined. Wolfram's erection nestled against the base of his spine and he rubbed against the prodding hardness.
"You just stay where you are," Wolfram instructed. "This is for you. We can deal with me later." Wolfram enjoyed taking care of Yuuri, even if he was still often oblivious to how much effort went into keeping him happy. He knew that Yuuri depended on him. It had taken a long time, but the worst of the hurdles were over and Yuuri was his now.
Yuuri's head rolled back and forth against Wolfram's shoulder as his blond spouse encircled his waist to pull him closer with one arm, and took his erection firmly in hand with the other. With slow even strokes Wolfram led Yuuri toward his release until his voice rose in a strangled cry.
They lived each day fully, working hard and making love. Their life together was richer than Wolfram ever dreamed it could be in the dark days before they both realized what they could be to each other… and they were still learning.
Yuuri and Wolfram showed up for dinner late, with flushed faces and damp hair. Both young men ruffled Greta's hair as they slipped into their seats on either side of her at the table.
"Mother, Conrad, Gwendal," Wolfram nodded in greeting to his family.
Yuuri looked up to meet the knowing looks of the adults at the table. Somehow, he got the feeling that each of them was making up their own scenario for what they'd been doing.
Cecilie was the first to speak after the tardy pair was settled. "Wolfram, you always have such a rosy glow after a healthy workout."
"Mother, do you have to say such things?" he huffed.
Conrad came to her defense. "She's just admiring her youngest… and her prettiest," he added.
Wolfram snapped at Conrad. "What is it with you today? You've been making weird comments all afternoon.
"Yeah, Conrad," Yuuri reached for his napkin. "You and Yozak were laughing pretty hard at our expense." He thought for a second and then mumbled, "…although I think it was mostly at my expense."
"I'm sorry to have troubled you, Your Majesty… Yuuri," he added to prevent the Maou's protest.
Gwendal examined the details of his wine glass as if it were the most fascinating thing in the room, determined not to get involved in this particular line of banter.
Greta, however, couldn't wait to talk. "Yuuri, you should be careful about staying in the bath too long. Mama Cheri tells me that you can faint if you get overheated."
"Mama Cheri?" Yuuri blurted out, "Why Mama? Why not Grandmamma?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Cecilie chided. "Do I look like anyone's grandmother? I think it's adorable." Cecilie jumped from her chair and hurried over to hug Greta around the neck.
Yuuri just shook his head in resignation. The women of Blood Pledge Castle were formidable indeed. He patted Greta's hand with a reassuring touch. "Yes, Greta, you can faint in hot water if you stay too long, but we were just running late. No need to worry."
"Well, I suppose if one of you fainted the other one would catch him, so that's okay." The idea seemed to please her and she eagerly turned her attention to the soup that had been placed in front of her while she was talking.
Cecilie returned to her seat and everyone began their dinner. Instead of meddling in Yuuri and Wolfram's affairs, they finally changed the subject to sword practice, Greta's lessons and Cecilie's latest travel plans.
Just as they were all standing up from the table Yuuri turned toward Greta and tickled her ribs. "Whose turn is it for a bath now?"
Greta shrieked with laughter and squirmed away, running to hide behind Wolfram. "Yuuri, you're going to spoil her," Wolfram said.
"Like father like daughter," he winked and flashed one of his radiant smiles.
Wolfram lit up inside. Sometimes it was still so hard to resist his charm. Shaking his head at Yuuri's silliness, he took his daughter's hand to lead the way. "Come on Greta. We'll take you to your room so you can get ready for your bath. Then we'll come in to read to you later."
They all three started toward the door, but Gwendal interrupted them with his deep voice. "Wolfram, could you please have one of the maids help her with her bath. Something has come up and I need to speak to all of you in my office."
Sensing that something was off, Wolfram knelt down to Greta's level, "Can you run and ask Doria or one of the others to help get you ready?" He smiled. "We'll be in after you're done."
"Mmm!" Greta nodded eagerly and ran off.
Wolfram stood up and turned to Gwendal, crossing his arms expectantly. "You've been quiet all through dinner. What's on your mind?"
Gwendal glanced nervously at Cecilie before continuing. "We've received some news by courier from Bielefeld this afternoon. It really concerns you the most, Wolfram, but we should hear it together. I wanted to wait until dinner was over so as not to upset Greta and give people a few minutes peace."
He turned to leave the room. "If you would please accompany me to my office, I think it's best we discuss it there."
Wolfram hesitated for a moment, still processing his brother's words.
Yuuri touched Wolfram's arm. "Do you want me to come with you?" he offered. "I understand if it's family business."
"What do you mean?" Wolfram grabbed his hand and started walking. "Where do you get these ideas? You are family. You're also the king. I want you there. Whatever the news, I want you to hear."
As they all filed into the study, Yuuri stuck close to Wolfram and stood next to his chair when he took a seat in front of Gwendal's desk. Gwendal's demeanor throughout dinner was even less communicative than usual which often meant he was holding something back. Yuuri hated it when they kept things from him, but he knew Wolfram hated it just as much when his family protected him because he was the youngest.
Gwendal chose not to walk behind his desk, but instead stood in front of it, near Wolfram's chair. "Wolfram, there's been some bad news concerning your family in Bielefeld," his voice faltered and he was visibly shaken.
Yuuri sensed Wolfram stiffen next to him.
"Who? What's happened?"
Gwendal cleared his throat. "I'm sorry to have to tell you this. Your cousin Jakob and his wife Ilyse were killed in a carriage accident. They went off the road along a ravine and were killed instantly."
Cecilie gasped and covered her mouth with her hand.
Yuuri saw the blood drain from Wolfram's face. Jakob was the only son of Wolfram's uncle. He knew Wolfram and his cousin were good friends. They'd spent many summer visits together in Bielefeld as children. He'd met Jakob at the wedding, though his wife had stayed home because she was still caring for their newborn at the time.
"What about their son, Franz?"
"He was not with them," Gwendal hastened to reassure him.
"And Uncle?" Wolfram gripped the arms of his chair and held his posture rigidly upright. His voice was strained. "How is he?"
Gwendal handed him the letter. "Not well, and he's asking for you to come. You won't be able to get there in time for the funeral, but the letter says they also need your help with decisions about the estate and various legal matters pertaining to your family lands."
Wolfram nodded stiffly and scanned the letter, but it was obvious he could barely focus on it. "I see the letter was written by cousin Diedrich." Wolfram tossed it on the desk, watching it flutter from side to side as it came to rest on the surface.
"He addressed it to me so I could give you the news in person," Gwendal explained, "That seemed to be proper."
"Yes," Wolfram said, "everything is proper…" His eyes searched the room dazedly as if he was looking for something he couldn't find. "I was hoping to see all of them this summer."
Yuuri put his hand on Wolfram's shoulder to steady him.
"Diedrich sends his condolences and asks that you come to assist," Gwendal continued. After your uncle, now that Jakob is gone, you are the oldest von Bielefeld male."
Wolfram looked like he might keel over. Yuuri was frightened at how pale he was and glanced from Conrad to Cecilie, seeing the same worry and concern on their faces.
"I'll have to go… there's so much to do," he stood suddenly, knocking the chair over in his haste, and started walking toward the door. His eyes were unfocused and empty.
Yuuri blocked his way and took his arm to steady him. "Wolfram, listen to me carefully. You've had a shock. You need to wait until you calm down before you do anything."
"Calm down?" Wolfram cried out. "There's no time. I need to hurry…" His voice caved in on itself and he couldn't go on.
Cecilie rose from the divan by the window and walked straight to her son. She enfolded him in her arms and after a moment's hesitation he willingly laid his head on her breast as his unseeing eyes finally filled with tears.
"Shhh, Wolfram. There's nothing you can do for Jakob now and your uncle is well taken care of." He let her rock him gently in a way he hadn't allowed since he entered the military academy. "All you can do now is help them sort things out."
Yuuri had never given Cecilie much credit for her mothering skills, though he knew she loved her sons dearly, but there are times when no one can comfort like a mother.
Wolfram had lost friends and comrades to the war, but to lose a relative and close childhood friend, along with his wife… Yuuri was worried. This was going to be hard on him.
Yuuri turned to Gwendal. "I'll go with him, of course."
"I'm afraid that's not going to be possible, Your Majesty." Gwendal reached for some documents on his desk. "You forget that we have a treaty to negotiate with one of Die Shimeron's small protectorates that seceded. They explicitly require that the negotiations involve the Maou in person. This is a strategic alliance that we've been working on for almost a year. Your absence could cause irreparable damage to the negotiating process and regional stability."
"To hell with the alliance!" Yuuri stepped forward, reaching for the documents. A soft voice and a firm hand on his arm made him stop.
"Yuuri, he's right. You'll need to stay here." Wolfram stood next to him, having regained his composure. "I'll take my personal guard with me. You can come later if there's time. It's better this way."
"But…" His voice trailed off. Yuuri felt his responsibilities closing in on him.
"Wolfram," Conrad called from his place by the door, "Do you want me to come?" Conrad knew how Wolfram's family felt about mixed-bloods, and being half-human he knew they still had reservations about him, but it was more important to support Wolfram at the moment.
"Thanks, Conrad," he shook his head and shot him a slight smile to soften the impact of what they both already knew, "but it would probably complicate things. It's better if you can stay here and help Yuuri during the talks."
Yuuri clenched his fists at his sides and took a step forward, "Then I want Yozak to go with you."
"It's not that big a deal, Yuuri," Wolfram's hair bounced as he shook his head. "It's just a normal trip and there are no reports of trouble along the route."
"I think His Majesty may have a good idea," Gwendal interrupted. "Your new position makes you an extension of the Maou and therefore a more strategic target. I don't doubt your abilities, but you can't just think of yourself anymore."
Yuuri caught Gwendal's eye and nodded gratefully.
"But, I told you… A few guards and I'll be fine."
"Just give it up, Wolfram," Yuuri placed his hand on Wolfram's shoulder. "It's my command."
Wolfram narrowed his eyes at Yuuri, then after a few seconds he acquiesced. "I accept, but you know, you can't command me every time we disagree."
"I don't think I'll have to, but it sure saves time," Yuuri chuckled.
Wolfram rolled his eyes indulgently and huffed as he headed toward the door.
Even though he was the king and had come to understand the weight of responsibility better than most, Yuuri admired Wolfram's attitude. In times like these it was second nature for the former prince to step into his official role and do what was needed. As a key member of a noble family with extensive lands and responsibilities, Wolfram had to uphold his duty no matter what. And for that very reason, Yuuri's heart went out to him.
The rest of the evening was filled with hurried arrangements and packing, followed by prompt preparations for bed so Wolfram could get up as early as possible to start on his journey in the morning.
Yuuri was folding down the covers when a pale pink blur darted across the bedroom, drawing Yuuri's attention away from his task.
Wolfram hiked his hem as he climbed onto the bed and a flash of pale, smooth thigh caught Yuuri's eye.
"Why the nightgown?" Yuuri asked, noticing for the first time what Wolfram was wearing. He hadn't seen that sheer, flowing gown for some time. The skirt hung from a narrow band of fabric around Wolfram's chest – what they called an Empire waist in his European history lessons – in a way that made it swirl gently around his legs at mid-calf when he walked. And there was that hint of lace trim around the low neckline and cuffs that gathered softly above his elbow…
"You won't see me for a few weeks and I don't want you to forget me." Wolfram was direct as usual, even a little brusque, but Yuuri could still read the underlying grief in his voice. Something inside seemed to be shutting down.
Yuuri shook his head while plumping the pillows and trying to recover from his sartorial trip around Wolfram's body, "I don't need a nightgown to remind me of you, unless maybe I can curl up with it at night while you're gone."
"Do whatever you want with it," Wolfram said indifferently. He slid the light fabric up his smooth legs until the edge came to rest at the top of his thighs. "I just know that you do look at me differently when I wear this, whether you admit it or not."
Yuuri stared at the downy fair hair dusted across those slim strong thighs and felt his skin flush. Wolfram would be able to hold this nightgown-business over him for a long time. He had denied a lot of things about the Mazoku prince in the beginning, but that was impossible any more.
"It's nice of you to try to make me feel better when you're about to go away, but shouldn't I be doing that for you? Don't you want to talk about your cousin? Or maybe you'd feel better if you didn't." Yuuri suddenly felt awkward and wasn't sure what to say.
"I really don't want you to forget me," Wolfram said in a quiet stubborn voice. He dropped the fabric and looked down.
"As if I ever would… I'm guessing it'll only be a few weeks." Yuuri placed his hand over Wolfram's and waited to see if he would say anything else.
Wolfram raised his eyes and met Yuuri's gaze. "Jakob was older than me, even though his father was younger than mine. Uncle married and started his family earlier than my father, like you and Shori." Yuuri found the comparison unsettling.
"My uncle always treated me well and, to tell the truth, he spoiled me during my visits when I was a child, but he didn't approve of my marrying you because you weren't full Mazoku. That's why he didn't come to the wedding."
"You never told me that," Yuuri said.
"I didn't want to give you any more reasons to hesitate," Wolfram raised an eyebrow. "I understood how he felt, I felt the same way at first, but you completely blindsided me. Things between you and I became complicated. My feelings have changed so much, I don't know if he'll ever understand now."
Yuuri's smile was slightly worried, "Has it made things difficult for you?"
"Not really. We're always cordial, but this issue is a sticking point. Some of them on that side of the family think a proper Maou should be nothing less than full Mazoku. Under the circumstances I could never agree with them. We in Shin Makoku have sworn to support you. They can grumble all they want, but Bielefeld will always pledge allegiance to the Maou or they will answer to me!"
"I had no idea your family felt that way," Yuuri's furrowed his eyebrows as he considered this new bit of information.
"Well, I wouldn't worry about it," Wolfram replied more calmly, "It's mainly snobbery. They're more likely to gossip about it than take any political action."
Wolfram rubbed his forehead and ran his hand through his hair. He looked exhausted. "Jakob was my friend and he supported me when he learned of our engagement. In fact, Uncle didn't approve of Jakob's marriage either because of Ilyse's background."
"Why? Was she half human too?" Yuuri stacked the pillows behind him and leaned back to get comfortable.
"Oh, no," Wolfram shook his head. His eyes stung, but he refused to cry any more. He was having a hard time referring to Jakob and Ilyse in the past tense. "Ilyse was a full-blooded Mazoku, but she was a double-black."
Yuuri was confused. "But I thought people liked that here."
"We do admire your features, they are very striking and rare, but my uncle was concerned with keeping the family blood line as pure as possible. He wanted Jakob to marry one of his distant cousins. Fair hair, light eyes… you see where I'm going with this?"
"Oh," Yuuri said quietly. This clan business ran much deeper than demons and humans. "There are plenty of people like that where I grew up too, only I'm considered one of the normal ones there."
"Don't get me wrong," Wolfram stretched out on his side next to Yuuri, digging an elbow into the pillow so he could rest his head in his hand, "I love my uncle. He's always been really good to me. It's just that I started to see things differently over time. You gave me lots of reasons to change my mind," he added in a soft voice.
Yuuri shifted on the bed so they were both facing. When Wolfram said things like that, with his angelic face, Yuuri wanted to melt into a puddle. He coughed. "Did they ever resolve things before the accident? "
"When Jakob visited for the wedding, he told me that Uncle started to soften up as soon as Franz was born. It was so obvious that Ilyse was a good wife and mother it was hard to maintain his objections. He really wanted to be involved with his grandson, but I think there was still some lingering tension because he's always so stubborn and opinionated about his beliefs."
Yuuri listened patiently and tried not to pry too hard for fear of breaking the spell. He'd never heard Wolfram talk about his family this much.
"Jakob was next in line to head the family after my uncle." Wolfram plucked absent-mindedly at a loose thread on Yuuri's pajama cuff. "I was so young when Father died it was easier for everyone to leave Bielefeld under the care of my uncle. My father always traveled so much anyway; it wasn't that much of a transition.
Because of my ties to Shin Makoku, as I got older, I didn't feel the need to assert any claim over the territorial governance there. My uncle devoted his life to the well being of Bielefeld. I never had any worries in that area. I inherited plenty of property and income so the rest of it wasn't important to me. Besides, Jakob was an accomplished soldier and he had the training to become a great statesman. He was well loved by all; a natural leader. He would have been perfect…" Wolfram voice tightened and fell silent.
Wolfram's hand hovered over Yuuri's wrist and went still. Yuuri sensed he still had more to say so resisted reaching out to hold him, though that's what he wanted most to do.
"What about Diedrich? He's you're cousin too, isn't he?" Yuuri tucked his knees up under his chin and wrapped his arms around his legs.
Wolfram's fingers resumed their unconscious exploration of interesting creases along the bottom edge of Yuuri's pajama top. "My father and uncle had one sister, although she's no longer alive. Diedrich is her son." Wolfram took a deep breath, "He's about the same age as Jakob, but he's not in the direct Bielefeld succession. I would be called on before him."
Yuuri had never considered Wolfram's responsibilities outside of Shin Makoku. It felt odd to think of him having obligations to the other side of his family. He realized with a jolt that these people were his in-laws. "That letter was on official stationery. Is he in the government?"
"It's just like him to send a letter about a death in the family as if it was business correspondance," Wolfram said with distaste. "He's a born bureaucrat."
Wolfram left off playing with Yuuri's pajamas, "He never went through basic military training because he always had some kind of exemption. I think it was because my aunt was overprotective and used her influence. Even you're better with a sword than he is."
"What do you mean, even me?" Yuuri said, rising to the bait.
Wolfram ignored Yuuri's injured tone and continued. "Anyway, to answer your question, yes he's in the government. He's one of my uncle's advisors on finance and law."
Wolfram sighed and laid his head on the pillow. His eyes slipped shut. "I may think he's dull, but he's still part of the family."
"Wolfram?" Yuuri brushed his blond bangs off his forehead. "You don't have to talk anymore if you don't want to. It's getting late and you're probably tired."
"Mmm. Yeah. Come here." Wolfram reached out to Yuuri and pulled him close until they were curled up next to one another.
"Thanks for telling me about them," Yuuri murmured. "I still have a lot to learn about your father's family."
"I thought they'd all be together for a long, long time," Wolfram rubbed his chin against Yuuri's hair. "Everything's changed in an instant."
Yuuri raised his head to kiss Wolfram. They comforted one another with their bodies and passed the night in a blurred succession of drowsing and waking, each reaching out to the other to confirm his presence with a touch.
Frost crunched under their boots as Wolfram and Yuuri walked out to the stables in the early morning. The rising sun caused them to squint as it glinted off the icicles hanging from the eaves. Spring was beginning to show itself with timid buds and warm afternoons, but winter had yet to release its hold on the earth.
The chill clung to them, even as they walked through the building. The horses were lined up in their stalls, stamping and shaking their heads; their warm breath creating foggy clouds of condensation in the cold morning air.
The stable boys already had Wolfram's horse saddled and waiting for him, but as usual he double checked all the tack himself and made adjustments.
Wolfram had a strong flashback of other cold mornings not that long ago when he watched loved ones ride off to war. He'd been on countless outings since then. It was unnerving for such memories to surface at this particular moment.
Yuuri stood alongside, handing Wolfram his pack and other items for the trip. "I don't like letting you go without me like this."
Wolfram readjusted the cold leather cinch around the horse's middle, giving the strap an expert tug and buckling it neatly. "We've gone over it every way we could think of and everyone agrees you need to stay here." He tried to reassure his anxious husband.
"But this is a hard time for you. I don't want you to be alone."
Stepping close he slid his fingers into Yuuri's hair and gently gripped a handful of the black mass. "I'll be fine. Try not to worry," he said, and kissed him deeply. The few stable attendants nearby averted their eyes to give them some privacy.
They leaned their foreheads together to calm themselves then gave each other a tight hug. Wolfram withdrew and held Yuuri at arms length. He smoothed the fabric across the shoulders of his king's coat. "Take care of yourself, Yuuri. I won't be here to look after you, so try not to get in over your head with the negotiations by acting impulsively."
Yuuri scowled, "You sound like my mother."
"No I don't. I sound like a concerned husband. That's what I'm supposed to do," Wolfram leaned in and fixed him with a stern glare, "and try to stay well clear of the negotiating team's flirtations. They may have seceded, but they were part of Dai Shimeron for a long time so the men, and some of the women, have an arrogant sense of entitlement that I don't want extending to my husband."
Yuuri was taken aback by the idea, but he nodded. "Ah, no worries there. I'm married now… hehe," he laughed nervously.
"Hmpf. Make sure you remember." Wolfram gave Yuuri's arms a quick squeeze, then withdrew and took the reins of his horse. They walked together to the main gate where Yozak and three of Wolfram's guards were assembled with their horses and ready to go.
"Good morning Heika, Your Excellency." Yozak nodded to Yuuri and Wolfram while stroking his horse's neck to calm him. "Everything is ready."
The rest of his family, plus the royal household, was gathered to see Wolfram off. Greta ran up to Wolfram and he lifted her into his arms. She clung to his neck with a fierce hug.
"Be good and take care of Yuuri while I'm gone," Wolfram whispered to her.
"Mm hmm. You can count on me. Come back soon," she said and then kissed him on the cheek.
He sat her down lightly next to Yuuri who clasped her hand tightly in his.
Cecilie stepped forward, "Be sure to give your uncle my condolences, Wolfram, and take care of yourself." She kissed him on the forehead and gave him a long hug.
Then he turned to Gwendal and Günter. "Help him with the strategic points. He'll need that."
"No need to worry," Günter reassured. Gwendal nodded.
"And Conrad," Wolfram said, "Keep him on track.
"Hey!" Yuuri objected weakly, but he was barely noticed.
"I'll do my best," Conrad replied, "You just take care of your uncle and let us know if you need anything."
With handshakes and hugs all around, Wolfram mounted his horse. "I'll be in touch. I'm counting on all of you for the alliance." He looked at Yuuri and they nodded to each other.
With a wave of his hand he turned and trotted through the gate with his officers and Yozak falling in behind. The clattering of shod hooves on stone grew fainter as they rode down the hill.
"Well, that's that." Gwendal gestured toward the castle in invitation to Yuuri. "Shall we retire to the planning room, Your Majesty? Today is a perfect time to start going over the key points for the negotiation."
Yuuri sighed and looked mournfully at Greta's cheerful eyes for encouragement before following Gwendal up the stairs. It already felt like it was going to be a long and lonely separation.