Title: The Falcon of Falzenhurst

Author: ani

Rating: R for future chappies.

Warning: probably OOC, I've only seen the 1st season and it's my first time here.

Disclaimer: it's Tomo Takabayashi's dimension, I'm only playing in it.

Summary: An old friend returning to Blood Pledge Castle has some drastic consequences for everyone, especially for Gwendal.

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~* - means different place, same time.

Chapter 1: The Past Does More Than Haunt

"Heika please pay attention. These trade regulations could have a profound effect-" Gunter tried as he stepped between Yuuri and the windows.

"But it's too nice to stay inside," Yuuri whined as he turned back to his desk.

"If Your Highness would focus on your work, you could get it done and enjoy the rest of your day," Gwendal glared when Yuuri opened his mouth, "These papers need to be approved by the Maoh himself."

He chuckled nervously, rubbing the back his head, "Right..."

A sharp knock on the door made Yuuri perk up even as Gwendal growled, "Enter."

One of the guard stepped in, bowing quickly, "Pardon me Commander, but General von Himmel has just arrived."

Gwendal only nodded, dismissing the soldier. "Excuse me Heika," he bowed towards Yuuri before leaving.

Gunter rushed after, "Gwendal why wasn't I informed that the General was visiting?"

"Because it's not a visit," he said as he kept going, huffing when he saw Yuuri following too.

"Who's this General?" Yuuri called to Gwendal's back as he rushed after, stopping at "YUURI!!! Where are you running off too? Chasing after some hussy?!?!"

"Wolfram calm down," Conrart started as they came up behind him, "I'm sure Yuuri's got a good reason to be skipping his work."

Yuuri nodded as he kept following Gunter. "General von Himmel just got here," he paused with the smiles on both their faces, "Who is he?"

"Miki's here," Wolfram perked up, running ahead.

"I wonder why she's come," Conrart said as they stepped into the courtyard.

"She?" Yuuri froze at the site.

Gwendal and Gunter stood beside a carriage with their backs to them, talking to someone he couldn't see in front of them. Wolfram ducked around Gwendal, calling out "Miki!" A giggle could be heard in response.

Gwendal turned to the guards that were unloading the carriage, "Take the General's things to her old rooms."

The giggle returned, "Would you stop doing that Gwendal, I haven't been called by my rank in years. It sounds so weird. Especially now."

"This General's a girl!" Yuuri suddenly exclaimed, making everyone turn to him. He jumped back into Conrart, "And she's gonna pop!"

A beautiful young woman with long silver hair stood there in a simple blue dress rubbing her belly, "I've got about five weeks left Heika." She tried to smile.

"Well that explains the carriage," Conrart started as he and Yuuri joined them, "You always preferred horseback."

"I wish I could have, but it was hard enough getting in and out of this thing," she replied with a laugh, smiling at someone behind them.

Gwendal stepped up, offering his hand to her, "Heika, let me introduce General Mikaela von Himmel."

Stepping up and taking his hand, she placed her right hand on her belly and smiled, "I hope you'll forgive me if I don't salute, Your Highness."

Yuuri laughed nervously, "Of course. There's no need to be so formal, please call me Yuuri."

"And you can just call me Miki," big brown eyes smiled, "My cousin Markus actually holds the title, so no 'Lady' okay Yuuri?"

He rubbed his neck nervously, "Okay... Miki."

Gunter stepped up, "I wish you would have informed me you were coming Mikaela. This informal welcome is most unbecoming of your rank."

"You didn't know?" she turned, confused, "Gwendal ordered me to report to the castle as soon as I could." Miki turned back to Gwendal, "You didn't tell them?"

He looked her in the eye; not a word was said, nothing changed on his face, but she nodded once before turning back to the others. "You've forgotten a major part of His Highness's lessons Gunter."

"What do you mean? Heika's progressing well in all his lessons. I've left no topic untouched, we've covered everything from the history of our glorious kingdom to politics and protocol. I've answered every question to the best-" he sputtered, suddenly fawning all over Yuuri, "Oh Heika, I'm so sorry, your loyal servant has failed you in some way. I'm not sure how-"

"Would you stop. It's not him Gunter." Gwendal cut him off.

Mikaela smiled knowingly, "It's him," she pointed.

"Wha-wha?" Wolfram gasped, "What do you mean me? I'm a highly trained warrior, what more do I need to protect this wimp."

Conrart added, "Why would Wolfram need lessons Miki?"

She turned accusing eyes on the Royal Adjutant, "You go out of your way to train the Maoh and completely forget his Consort." They both stared in shock as it started dawning on Gunter. "I'll concede you've had to teach him about this world, his lands as well as his title. But to forget Wolf's position completely..." she shook her head, "You can't expect his mother to teach him. All the previous Maoh could teach him is how to throw an over-extravagant ball."

"That sounds like Mother," Conrart agreed.

Mikaela nodded, "So Gwendal called me back to teach Wolfram what being the Lady of the House entails."

Every gaze but one went to her waistline.

"von Himmel, huh? So you went back home when he died Miki?" Yosak put in, walking up behind them.

She forced a smile as Gwendal moved her hand to his elbow, "I wasn't welcome there."

"You must be tired from your journey Mikaela," Gwendal started, leading her inside, "Excuse us."

Not a word was said as they absently walked the halls, completely ignoring the servants and guards, their shock and whispers at her sudden arrival. Walking right in, Mikaela immediately dismissed the maids that were unpacking her things.

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

"Well that explains a lot," Conrart said once Wolfram dragged Yuuri away and out of earshot.

"Yes... he has been very terse lately," Gunter added.

"What do you expect?" Yosak started...

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

Gwendal stopped halfway in, releasing her hand. She took a deep breath before walking to the bed. "My Lady," he said, bowing formally to her back, turning to leave.

One hand flew to her face, she pursed her lips at his words. "Don't do this Gwendal." He stopped a few steps away as she turned to him. "Don't hate me for this. I had to do it to protect Lukas."

"I'm not mad at you," he hung his head, looking from the corner of his eye at her.

"Please Gwendal, don't take your anger out on him. It's not his fault," she started walking towards him.

"I don't hate him," his gaze dropped to her belly then snapped away.

"Gwendal..." she barely touched his back.

He raised his head, glaring straight ahead, "I hate myself," he growled before walking away.

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

"The only woman he's ever loved - still loves - is pregnant with another man's baby." Yosak turned away from the castle, "I'd be ticked too."

AN: i know what you're thinking, but believe me this is nothing like that. that's all i can say right now...