Summary: A deadly sickness has struck the kingdom and the only known cure lies at the hands of a foreign family. But what will be their bargaining price? Yuri must become the King that he was always meant to be, and Wolfram; a stranger to all. Difficult decisions and grave sacrifices must be made if the Demon Kingdom is to survive.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kyo Kara Moah or any of it's characters. I am not doing this for money, nor am I making any.

A/N 1: + future warnings: light cursing, very angsty, highlights of humour, mild horror and goriness (nothing too scary), depression, unhealthy coping mechanisms, friendship, hurt and family love.

A/N 2: Mainly Wolfram-centric. OOC and angsty Wolfram.

A/N 2: Yuri is 20 at the moment

A/N 3: Greta is 14 at the moment, about to turn 15. I don't know when Greta's birthday is so I just made one up: March 18th.

A/N 4: Slightly poetic sometimes, sorry I couldn't help myself =D

A/N 5: A few years have passed since the anime, Wolfram has matured slightly but is still a brat sometimes, at the beginning at least. This will definitely change later on.

A/N 6: Important, or you'll likely get confused: Characters thoughts are in italics

A/N 7: IT HAS BEEN SO LONG, FORGIVE ME! I have tried to pick up this story where I left off, please let me know if you spot any inconsistencies.

Chapter 5: Impasse

"Murata wait!" The King ran down the hall the catch up with his friend, who could walk surprisingly fast.

"Shibuya." The Sage said in greeting, noticing the King was unaccompanied he asked, "Where is Lord Weller?"

"He left." Murata simply raised one eyebrow, this was really beginning to annoy the King. Why don't you just say whatever it is you're thinking!

"I see." Was all the other man said.

"And I knew he'd want to speak with Jaecar Karlyn. But that's not what I wanted to tell you." Yuuri glared at him. "How could you?!"

"How could I what?" The other man asked calmly. Here it comes...The Sage thought as he mentally prepared himself for the inevitable onslaught.

"You've turned Greta's birthday into some kind of political game!" The other fumed.

The Great Sage squinted at the young man, since they stood around the same height, Murata lifted his head so he could look down at his friend.

"Shibuya I'm going to tell you something, not Sage to King, but friend to friend."

His friend looked at him expectantly, still clearly annoyed.

"You need to grow up."

"Excuse me?!" Yuuri shot back offended. "I have grown up, but what does this even have to do with Greta's birthday celebration?"

Murat flared his nose in an uncharacteristic manner.

"Alright, let me lay it out for you, we have an incurable disease on our hands, if this disease spreads it could potentially kill millions."

"I know that!"

"Do you understand how serious this is?"

"Of course I do! I didn't come here to be belittled!" Yuri replied hotly, outraged at the idea that Murata thought he didn't understand the seriousness of the situation.

"Well, you are asking for it!" He spat out.

Yuuri looked momentarily taken aback by his friends anger, he couldn't recall ever seeing his friend like this.

"This Kingdom is on a verge of a crisis and you seem more concerned about not hurting your daughter's feelings."

Before Yuuri could speak Murata rudely cut him off, "I understand this is unfair, I don't want to have to do this to Greta. But how can you be so thick headed? We need to keep everyone calm or we have already lost, if we suddenly call all the heads of the noble houses together on a whim, do you not see why this will alarm the people when they see everyone rushing to the castle?"

"Murata, will you listen to me."

His words were like vemon, sharp and fast "No! You need to listen to me now, we don't have time for you to be like this, you are going to have to make many difficult decisions in the near future, you need to get used to this now." Said Murata calmly, although his voice had a cutting edge to it. "As I said, Greta's birthday is the perfect opportunity to call in a number of significant people without making it seem like there is something horribly wrong."

Yuuri unconsciously lessened the look of severity on his face as everything was beginning to truly sink in.

"Greta's birthday ball will put everyone in a good mood. People have been preparing for weeks for this, they are even selling mini Greta shaped biscuits in town, let everyone enjoy the bliss of ignorance for a little while longer."

Yuuri remained silent, glaring at his friend for a little while longer before he reluctantly bobbed his head up and down.

"Hopefully by then, when we get around to making a public announcement about this disease, we will have some good news to report as well."

Yuuri looked at his friend sadly, trying his best to keep his voice steady and the hurt tears at bay. "I know that Murata, I don't think I can ever get the hang of this." Yuuri said vaguely, not really referring to anything in particular, his anger had suddenly deflated.

"Well you'll have to." Murata said coldly. "Greta already has."

Yuuri looked up at this.

"She's a smart, educated and kind young woman, she knows what is expected of her, she's not child anymore. I thought you understood and respected this when you allowed her to stay on at the meeting against Lord von Voltaire's wishes."

Yuuri's eyes widened with realization. He was significantly calmer now than he had been less than a minute ago, his anger had subsided and he was left feeling like a depressed beached whale.

"Look. " Murata stepped forward trying to decide whether he should or should not place his hand on his friend's shoulder, he eventually decided against it and sighed. "I don't know if it ever becomes easier, especially when its people you care about that have to make the sacrifices…but I do know these things must be done for the greater good."

Yuuri looked at his friend sympathetically, knowing he was probably speaking from personal experience.

"Shibuya, the fact that you care so much isn't a bad thing; it's one of your best qualities. I've always thought this." He offered a small smile before adopting a more serious expression. "But it becomes a weakness when it stops you from doing what must effectively be done."

"Murata…" He stared at his friend, unsure of what to say.

Murata sighed again, taking in the distressed look on his friend's face. This time he reached out and squeezed Yuuri's right shoulder, "It's been a long day. Get some sleep, you don't need to say anything, just think about what I have said."

The moonlight spilled onto the ground below painting the everything it touched an icy pigeon blue. Wolfram couldn't help but shiver as he looked out into the garden.

Following Gwendal's meeting, he slowly wondered the castle, vaguely noting he should go have a wash. He thought he was heading in the direction of the baths, but somehow managed to find himself sitting on the cold steps leading down to the garden.

All the while he walked he kept thinking, I need to talk to Greta, I need to talk to Yuri.

"Oh gods, Yuri." said Wolfram quietly. The engagement…what the hell am I supposed to do now?

Wolfram roughly ran his hands through his hair in frustration, nails digging into his scalp. He held back a hiss as lifting his arms over his shoulders sent a stabbing pain through his side, reminding him of his earlier fall and bruised ribs.

He hunched forward in hopes it would alleviate the pain, acutely aware of how pathetic he must look, sitting alone in the dark. Should I talk to Gwendal about this? Is now even an appropriate time to end the engagement with this whole mess?

And this disease…its not that bad right now but...

Wolfram involuntarily shivered again.

Why does it leave such a cold feeling my stomach?

Right from the moment that Gwendal described Widow's Cry, Wolfram had noted with silent alarm a sinking feeling he couldn't quite shake, like something grinding away at the very core of his bones, not too unlike how he felt when the Luttenberg division was sent out to the front lines during the war. Conrart was going to die, it was a wretched fact but he quietly accepted it. He had pushed down the feelings of guilt and sorrow that threatened to consume him, and only let show his anger in lieu of the depression and hopelessness that he felt. Except now, Wolfram didn't feel like being angry, he just felt cold and dejected with an undeniable undercurrent of self-pity.

Wolfram looked at the glaring silver moon, grimacing under its brilliant light. I really am selfish, there are people dying and even now I can only think of myself.

He laughed humourlessly. I am so fucking pathetic.

He didn't know how long he sat there staring at the night sky, numbly drinking in the silver rays. A monstrous grey cumulonimbus cloud covered the moon and half the night sky in Wolfram's vision. The sudden darkness seemed to drag on as the cloud seemed to engulf the stars and the moon, it was enough to shake him out of his trance.

Wolfram blinked rapidly, noting how dry his eyes had become.

He sighed tiredly. I really should go have a wash, I can't sit here forever.

His body protested at being still for so long, his legs ached begging to be stretched, but Wolfram's mind was slothful.

The hushed chatter of the maids not so far away was the last push he needed to convince his mind to comply with his body, he pushed himself on to his feet and made purposeful strides towards the baths hoping to avoid anyone along the way.

He frowned, one question playing on his mind. Where should I sleep tonight?

Wolfram briefly stopped by the Royal chambers to pick up a change of clothes, thanking Shinou that Yuri hadn't been in there.

He stopped at the door and longingly looked at the room as if he were taking it in for the first time, it felt so hollow. He sighed, not wanting to risk staying in there longer than he needed, lest Yuri walked in.

I wonder how he is doing? He looked so broken up last time I saw him.

Not wanting to dwell on it anymore, Wolfram shook his head vigorously and left the room quickly.

"Yuri's probably in the Royal baths." He said quietly, with that thought, Wolfram took the long route and walked quietly towards the less frequently used baths on the other side of the castle.

Wolfram stopped by a small stone room conveniently connected to the bath hall, there he took off his clothes and wrapped a towel around his waist. He picked up a wooden brush, some scented oil and a bar of soap off the stone shelves. He stopped suddenly when he recognized the wax paper nestling the soap bar. It was cream coloured with pale yellow and ivory flowers that Wolfram didn't quite recognize, "Magnolia and Vanilla" it read in elaborate cursive English writing.

He couldn't help but allow a small smile as he bought the soap up to his face and smelt the sweet gentle fragrance through the wrapper. So this is where they hid the soap.

Jennifer had once sent a gift basket of about fifty bars of different Earth soaps after Yozak had complimented her on smelling nice. Günter and Cäcilie had stolen about ten bars each leading to a bitter row, each accusing the other of taking too many. After this spat, Yuri had given everyone a bar each, he then asked the maids to hide the rest.

Wolfram entered the steamy room, his problems momentarily forgotten. This particular bath was about half the size of the Royal baths and lacked the same grandeur. The hall itself was tall and plainly decorated with a few pillars and sheer curtains. The water in the square shaped bath appeared turquoise but that was due to the blue marble that sat atop heated terracotta bricks that lay at the base. It was warm and humid, pleasant smells wafted through the air.

Even before he stepped into the water, Wolfram could feel some of the tension leak out of him. He closed his eyes and dipped his foot in and took in the temperature of the water, he hummed agreeably. What many people did not know about him was that he in fact loved the water, travelling via water being the only exception.

"Wolf?"

Wolfram swiftly retracted his foot, snapped his eyed open and took a step back, he immediately tensed up as though he had been dunked with ice cold water.

"Yuri!" He exclaimed, not quite believing what he was seeing. There was his King, wide eyed and soaking in the middle of the bath like a sad soggy bread pudding.

Before Wolfram could think further on the matter, Yuri shouted again.

"Oh my goodness! Wolfram!" He moved hurriedly towards where Wolfram stood, his eyes trained solely on the other's chest, "Your ribs!"

"My ribs?" Wolfram mumbled meekly and looked down at himself and his eyes widened when he caught sight of the angry plum purple bruise on his left side, it covered a good third of his chest.

Shit, how did I not notice?

"Wolf?" Yuri said, suddenly sounding much closer. "Come here." Yuri beckoned the other into the water. There was no room for argument in his voice.

Before Wolfram could even acknowledge what he had done, he had lowered himself into the water. He stood there with his back against the smooth terracotta bricks of the bath. He was trapped as the other stood directly in front of him, less than an arm's reach away.

"I am going to heal you." Yuri said determinedly. The King reached out and placed his palms on the ex-prince's chest, a green glow began to emanate from the King's hands. Despite the warmth of his palms, Wolfram couldn't help but shiver as they touched his skin. Yuri briefly looked down into his eyes and Wolfram simply stared back at the other numbly.

How did I find myself in this situation? Wolfram felt a sense of irritation building up inside him. The very reason I came to this bath was so I wouldn't have to see you!

Wolfram vaguely acknowledged the pain in his side dissipating, Yuri frowned all the while healing the other.

Is he angry with me? Wolfram stomach swirled at the thought.

A few minutes passed and no one said anything, eventually the healing light from the King's hands abated until Yuri was left with his palms placed firmly against the other's chest. Wolfram felt cornered and couldn't help but feel vulnerable under the other's gaze.

Yuri stared into the other's eyes meaningfully.

At this distance Wolfram had to crane his neck back to look up at Yuri's face, he could smell Yuri's signature scent; sandalwood and musk. He greedily breathed in the aroma.

Yuri carried on frowning lightly, looking lost in thought.

Wolfram resisted the urge to shrink under his stare. He consciously made the effort to not look away submissively.

Say something! Wolfram mentally screamed.

"What are you doing here?" he eventually said. Wolfram needed to say something, anything to distract his mind from how very close they were and how very naked they were.

What is wrong with me? We've had baths together a hundred times. Wolfram scolded himself. Stop being such a wimp!

Instead of answering him, Yuri stated calmly "You should have seen Gisela."

Wolfram wanted to huff in annoyance. Not this again.

"Thank you for healing me." He settled for diplomatically.

Yuri gave him a short disapproving look but then like the flip of a coin, he smiled pleasantly. "You're welcome."

And just like that Yuri spread out his arms and half walked, half swam back putting some distance between the two of them.

Wolfram felt his muscles relax and he sagged against the edge of the bath. He looked down at his chest and gently ran a hand down the side as he admired Yuri's work, the purple bruise on his side was now only ever so slightly pink. The pain had almost completely disappeared.

"I am here to have a bath obviously" Yuri said suddenly.

"What?"

"You asked why I was here."

"Oh right." Wolfram said distractedly. "But why aren't you using the Royal baths?"

"Why aren't you there?" Yuri countered.

"I…" Wolfram started, unsure of what to say.

Yuri laughed, but it sounded hollow.

"I guess you also heard your mother was there." He tried to say lightly. "Conrad told me when I went to grab my things." Yuri smiled but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Warned me rather." He flayed around in the water much like a child.

"Oh" Was all Wolfram could manage. "What's wrong Yuri?" He said suddenly, hating the way the other was acting.

Yuri looked at Wolfram skeptically. "It just sucks you know…" he said distractedly.

Wolfram waited for him to elaborate although he could guess what his King was referring to.

Yuri sunk down so only everything above his lips were peeking out the water. "This disease...Greta..." He practically whispered, but Wolfram heard him nonetheless.

"Everyone going behind my back." He eventually worked his way up to a shout "Its not fair! Its not right!" Yuri violently swung his arms in exasperation disturbing the length of steam rising out the water.

"Oh Yuri." Wolfram said solemnly. Although Wolfram himself could think of a few things he could critique about his King's performance that evening, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.

"I know they mean well! I know they're just doing what they think is right, but the way Gwendal and Murata act sometimes just pisses me off!" He fumed uncharacteristically. "And everyone just goes along with it." He whined. "I am the King, I should certainly get a say."

Yuri dramatically lay back on the water as though he were a plank of wood.

Wolfram sighed and looked away so he wouldn't see the other's naked body floating on the water. "But you do get a say…" Wolfram started, not quite knowing how to continue. "You just have to do it your way."

"That is what I am trying to do Wolf!" Yuri glared at him, Wolfram understood that his King was not truly angry with him but it still stung to see the other looking at him that way. "But how can I when people have already started plotting behind my back."

"Plotting?" Wolfram echoed distastefully. He was more than aware that Gwendal could be overbearing, especially when it came to protecting those he cared about. And while Wolfram himself often times felt frustrated with his oldest brother's penchant for control, he would never describe his brother's action as mutinous.

Yuri sighed heavily. "I didn't mean it like that."

"As the head of the Demon army, Gwendal has had to bear a heavy weight on his shoulders for a long time." Wolfram started, feeling the need to defend his brother. "He's a good leader, he is where he is today because he is good at his job." Wolfram stated proudly.

"That's just it! How can I be a good leader when someone else is making the decisions for me?" Yuri fumed irately. "How can the people have faith in such a King?"

"In his own way, I think Gwendal and even the Great Sage are just trying to protect you, they just have a hard time loosening the reigns…" Wolfram trailed off. "You just have to trust them."

"I do trust them! That's not the issue here." Yuri shot back defensively. "How would you feel if you were in my shoes?" Yuri asked, not really expecting the other to answer him back.

Wolfram's mind went blank, never mind his own head was reeling with unaddressed feelings and uncertainties, he was completely unprepared for a conversation like this. He felt physically drained and his head buzzed unpleasantly.

"I know they mean well…" Yuri said again, but much more calmly this time.

"You just have to be more…assertive." Wolfram wanted to be supportive, he had a nagging feeling he was starting to sound a lot like a people pleaser, that he was just saying anything that came to mind because he wanted Yuri to be okay. He wanted his King to be his usual boyish happy-go-lucky self, not this moping man battling so many negative thoughts and feelings.

Yuri looked at Wolfram searchingly. For a moment Wolfram wondered if he had offended his King with his last words. Wolfram may call Yuri a wimp, but deep down Wolfram knew his King was anything but a wimp when it came to protecting his kingdom. On matters of the heart however, well that was another issue entirely…

"I'm just venting Wolf, you don't have to say anything." He said eventually.

"Oh." Was all Wolfram could manage but he wanted to say so much more. He couldn't help but feel like he was a child intruding on an adult conversation, a bubbling sense of uselessness began to simmer in his stomach. He curled his toes in irritation.

A thick silence fell between them and Wolfram tried desperately to think of something to say. A voice at the back of his head taunted him, pointing out what a failure he was being as a friend never mind fiancé.

Should I punch him until I knock some sense into him? Wolfram considered this seriously, but dismissed the idea as being childish. I just can't stand seeing him like this. What would Weller do? Wolfram thought grimly, he was annoyed at himself for thinking about how his brother would act, but the ex-prince's desire to see his King in a better mood outshone his injured pride.

I should say something reassuring or comforting.

"I just need to clear my head." Yuri said interrupting his thoughts.

"Oh okay." Wolfram said rather pathetically, he wanted to slap himself on the face. "I can go if you like." He added quickly.

Coward. A voice whispered in his ear and Wolfram couldn't deny it. A part of him wanted to jump out the bath and run all the way to the other end of the castle and hide, another part of him wanted to hug Yuri, borrow into his arms and cry his heart out like a baby.

Either one of those actions would be truly embarrassing. Wolfram smiled wickedly to himself, he felt ashamed.

"No you don't have to go." Yuri replied sounding as though he were a million miles away.

"Do you want me to wash your back?" Wolfram asked hopefully.

"No that's okay." Yuri replied casually.

A long silence fell between them. Wolfram watched Yuri seemingly entranced by something high above. Wolfram followed his line of vision and looked towards the ceiling and searched for the ceiling painting of the garden of Zesta he knew to be up there, he could just about make out the vivid blue of the sky and vibrant green of the trees but the painting was mostly hidden behind a thin layer of steam that danced above their heads.

"Do you want to talk about Greta?" Wolfram said suddenly, knowing this would jar Yuri out of whatever daydream he was currently visiting. Wolfram knew this was a sensitive subject, he too was annoyed at the way his daughter was being used, it didn't sit well with him but he also understood why things were the way they were. He was a Prince after all. He could sympathize and connect with Yuri through his subject, all the while hoping to make him see reason even if Wolfram felt just as sour about the situation.

"No Wolfram." Yuri said sternly. There was a warning in his voice that Wolfram wanted to challenge even if just to get a rise out of his King.

He felt a spark inside him ignite. Greta, sweet Greta, she will always be our connection.

"We should talk about this." Wolfram said evenly. "Its important that we talk, I know you're not happy, I'm not happy either, I think-"

"I just said I didn't want to talk about it!" Yuuri replied hotly.

"She's my daughter too!" Wolfram glared at him. A rush of flaming anger and adrenaline shot up through his system so fast it left him lightheaded.

"I never said she wasn't!" Yuri shot back. "I said I don't want to talk about this with you."

"Yuri." Wolfram started venomously, his teeth grinding.

"Wolfram." Yuri bit back equally stringently. "If you're going to be like this, then I'm just going to leave."

"What?" Wolfram was not expecting that. "Just because you don't-"

Whatever he was going to say died on his tongue as he watched the other man inch towards the edge of the bath on the other end. This only fueled Wolfram even more. "You wimp!" He's running away.

"Yuri!" Wolfram waded through the water and moved towards Yuri who got out the bath and swiftly wrapped a towel around his waist.

This momentarily caught Wolfram off guard as he caught sight of the other's bare backside. Wolfram stood in the middle of the bath, mouth hanging open like a fish.

I can't deal with you when you're acting like a petulant child. Yuri's faced soured as if recalling something unpleasant. I know you're upset too Wolf, but I need some space right now. I can't pander to your every need and mood. Yuri thought sadly, though he didn't dare say it out loud. I'm sorry for being a bad friend, Wolf.

"Its been a long day, I'm gonna head to bed." Yuri started tiredly. The center of the bath was the deepest point, Yuri couldn't help but think Wolfram looked so small standing shoulder deep in the water.

Wolfram winced when he heard how defeated the other sounded, his anger simmered down.

Yuri looked at him expectantly, as though he were waiting for the other to say something. Just leave before he does say something and this gets out of hand. Yuri convinced himself that he was doing the right thing. "I guess I'll see you around Wolf." He tried to say casually and offered what he thought was a friendly smile before he promptly exited the small bath hall.

Wolfram felt his insides clench at how forced Yuri's smile was, and just like that, the heat he felt inside had been doused leaving him feeling hollow and with something that felt like cold lead in the back of his throat.

Wolfram mechanically started to wash his skin with the wooden brush. Why must things be like this?

He picked up the magnolia and vanilla soap let out a choked sound as it reminded him of the man that had just left. Wolfram screwed his eyes shut and bit back a sob that threatened to escape his lips. I just drove him away.

The sweet scent seemed to cling to his skin like a rash.

I am sorry Yuri.

A/N: There you have it! I am sorry it has literally been years since I revisited this story.

This coronavirus pandemic we're facing now reminded me of this story. I will try not to leave it so long between updates, I actually have the next eight chapters planned out.

As always, this story has not been second read so let me know of any spelling/grammar mistakes and I will update accordingly.

Thank you to all those who followed and reviewed my last chapter. You're all awesome!

Let me know what you think of this chapter and stay safe out there!

Xx