The good
The evening was warm, the air filled with the rich aroma of roasted pork and spices wafting from the dining hall. Elsa had spent hours in the kitchen with one of the maids, preparing Friedrich's favorite dish—*Schweinebraten* with crispy crackling, served alongside *Knödel* (potato dumplings) and tangy red cabbage. The meal was a masterpiece, its flavors perfectly balanced, and Friedrich couldn't help but smile as he savored each bite. The Serpent captains, seated around the table, were equally impressed, their usual stoic demeanors softened by the hearty meal.
"This is exceptional," Friedrich said, raising his glass to Elsa. "You've outdone yourself, my love."
Elsa blushed, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I wanted tonight to be special. You've been so busy lately, and I thought you deserved a proper meal."
Friedrich reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "It's perfect. Thank you."
The meal continued with laughter and lighthearted conversation, but as the dishes were cleared, Friedrich noticed a messenger waiting at the edge of the room. The man held a sealed letter, its wax imprint unbroken—a sign that its contents had not been tampered with. Friedrich excused himself, gesturing for one of the Serpent captains to join him as he stepped into the study.
The letter was from Otto. Friedrich broke the seal and read it aloud, his voice growing tense with each word. The king ordered him to prepare for war against the British, who were rapidly advancing into Prussia. Otto had handpicked an army for Friedrich—15,000 undertrained soldiers—and instructed him to leave in two days. Friedrich was to meet the Prussian army and hold the line until Otto and Klaus arrived with reinforcements later in the week.
Friedrich cursed under his breath, crumpling the letter in his fist. "I can't even enjoy my honeymoon before being sent back to war," he muttered. "Otto's timing is impeccable."
The Serpent captain frowned. "The British are a formidable enemy. This could be a suicide mission."
Friedrich's jaw tightened. "We took down Napoleon. We'll take down the British too. But first, we have other matters to attend to."
He descended to the basement, where the princes were being held. Nova and Louis looked up as he entered, their expressions wary. "I'm leaving for war soon," Friedrich said, his tone brisk. "Before I go, I'll transfer you to a hidden location. It's too risky to keep you here while I'm away."
Louis's eyes narrowed. "And what about our mother? You promised to free her."
Friedrich sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know. I'll rescue her before I leave. Otto's growing suspicious, and her fate will be decided soon. I can't risk leaving her in the castle."
The princes exchanged glances, their relief palpable. Friedrich turned to the Serpent captains, who had gathered in the room. "We'll infiltrate the castle tomorrow night. I'll lead the mission myself—I know the layout better than anyone. It's not my first time sneaking into a castle, after all."
One of the captains smirked. "Let's hope it's not your last."
Friedrich chuckled, but his expression quickly turned serious. "This must be done in secret. If Otto finds out, it won't just be chaos—it'll be war. And even with the Serpents' protection, we can't hold off Otto's massive army. We need to be swift and precise."
The captains nodded, their usual humor replaced by grim determination. "We'll get it done," one of them said. "But you'd better come back in one piece. The Serpents aren't the same without you."
Friedrich clapped the man on the shoulder. "I'll be fine. Just make sure the queen is safe."
He returned to the bedroom, where Elsa was waiting. She sat by the window, her golden hair catching the moonlight, her expression soft but tinged with worry. Friedrich crossed the room, taking her hands in his. "You waited?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Elsa smiled, though her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Forever. I always will."
Friedrich's heart ached at her words. He sat beside her, his voice slow and deliberate as he broke the news. "Otto's sending me to war. I leave in two days. I'll be leading an army against the British in Prussia."
Elsa's breath hitched, but she nodded bravely. "I knew this day would come. Just promise me you'll stay true to me, and write to me often. And come back to me in one piece."
Friedrich cupped her face in his hands, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "I promise. You're my heart, Elsa. Nothing will keep me from coming back to you."
Their lips met in a tender kiss, the warmth of their connection melting away the weight of the world. Friedrich's hands traced the curve of her waist, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened. Elsa's fingers tangled in his hair, her breath hitching as he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed.
The night unfolded in a symphony of whispered promises and lingering touches. Friedrich's lips trailed down her neck, eliciting a soft gasp as his hands explored the delicate curves of her body. Elsa arched into him, her fingers tracing the scars that mapped his chest—each one a testament to the battles he had fought and the life he had lived. Their movements were slow, deliberate, as if they were trying to memorize every detail of this moment, knowing it might be their last for a while.
When they finally lay entwined, their breaths slow and steady, Friedrich pressed a kiss to Elsa's forehead. "Sleep, my love," he murmured. "I'll be here when you wake."
Elsa nestled against him, her head resting on his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulled her into a peaceful slumber, her dreams filled with the promise of his return. Friedrich held her close, his mind racing with the challenges ahead, but for now, he allowed himself to bask in the warmth of her presence. The night was theirs, and for a few precious hours, the world outside ceased to exist.