It is currently 6:00 am and Lawrence is calmly sitting on a log. He is staring at the picture of his father inside his pocket watch. Suddenly he hears footsteps coming towards him and he looks up and notices Frederick.

Lawrence starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Lawrence: Good morning Your Majesty.
Frederick: Good morning Lieutenant.

Frederick gently grabs a necklace that has a small silver sword attached to the jet black thread out of his pocket. Lawrence stares at Frederick with slight confusion as Frederick tries to hand Lawrence the necklace.

Frederick starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Frederick: Someone a long time ago wanted me to give this to you.
Lawrence: Who wanted me to have it?
Frederick: Your father. He told me to give it to you if you and I ever met.
Lawrence: Why didn't he just give it to me when I was younger? Before he was killed.
Frederick: He said that he would give it to you when he returned home. But on that day he knew that he wasn't going to live to see you again.
Lawrence: I see.

Frederick gently puts the necklace around Lawrence's neck. Then he smiles at Lawrence. He then begins to walk away from Lawrence.

Lawrence starts speaking in a calm voice.

Lawrence: Your Majesty I want to know who my father was.

Frederick stops and he quietly sighs to himself. Then he starts speaking in a calm voice.

Frederick: Lawrence I'm sorry but I will have to tell you another time.
Lawrence: I understand...
Frederick: I promise you that you will find out about your father Lawrence.
Lawrence: But when will I know Your Majesty?
Frederick: Unfortunately I don't know when the time will come for me to tell you who your father was.
Lawrence: I understand.

Frederick calmly walks off leaving Lawrence alone on the log. Lawrence gently takes the necklace off and holds it in his hand. Then he notices some letters etched into the blade of the small sword.

*Lawrence in thought*

A.S those must be my father's initials.

L.S they are my initials.

A.S could be any name.

Why didn't His Majesty just tell me my father's name?

This is honestly like a puzzle.

I only know my father's last name because well I share his last name.

But his first name could be anything.

Like Aaron.

Or Albert.

Or possibly even Alan.

Or maybe Anthony.

Does His Majesty want me to figure out this puzzle myself?

Why is he keeping this secret from me?

I don't understand.

Meanwhile in Prince Henry's tent. Prince Henry is calmly writing something. Frederick then calmly enters the tent and Prince Henry stares at him.

Prince Henry starts speaking in a calm voice.

Prince Henry: Is something wrong Frederick?
Frederick: I just don't know what to do.
Prince Henry: Do about what Frederick?
Frederick: Lawrence keeps asking me about his father.
Prince Henry: So he's the boy that General Sundermann wanted you to protect?

Frederick: I knew that it was him when I met him that day. He looks just like his father. He also acts in a similar way his father did.
Prince Henry: How much does he know Frederick?
Frederick: It seems that he doesn't know much. I don't think he even knows the name of his father. I gave him the necklace his father wanted him to have and I thought he would possibly know his father's name by looking at the initials. But he doesn't know.
Prince Henry: You are going to have to at least tell Lawrence the name of his father Frederick. He deserves to know.

Frederick sighs to himself out of slight frustration. Then he starts speaking in a calm and slightly frustrated voice.

Frederick: Henry I don't know when to tell him.
Prince Henry: You will know when to tell him, Frederick.
Frederick: Henry I'm worried that he might get annoyed at me for hiding this from him.
Prince Henry: I understand Frederick. Some people don't like secrets being kept from them.
Frederick: I just feel like I should have told him when I first met him. But I just couldn't. I didn't want to make the situation awkward.
Prince Henry: I understand that Frederick.

Frederick: I also wasn't really expecting to see Lawrence so soon I thought I would have to wait longer before I would tell him.
Prince Henry: That is understandable Frederick. But this might be the only chance you get. Just at least tell him his father's name, Frederick. He should know.
Frederick: You are right Henry...I will try and tell him tonight.
Prince Henry: Good.
Frederick: I shall leave you to do your work, Henry. Also besides I have work to do as well.
Prince Henry: Alright Frederick.

Frederick calmly exits the tent and Prince Henry continues calmly writing something. Meanwhile, at the log, Lawrence is still looking at the necklace.

Suddenly he hears footsteps coming toward him along with a cheerful voice.

Voltaire: Good morning Lawrence.

Lawrence looks up and smiles at Voltaire. Then he starts speaking in a calm and slightly cheerful voice.

Lawrence: Morning Voltaire.
Voltaire: What is that you have?
Lawrence: It's a necklace that my father was meant to give to me before he died.
Voltaire: Oh...How did you get it then?
Lawrence: Frederick gave it to me.
Voltaire: I see...

Voltaire calmly sits down next to Lawrence. Lawrence starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Lawrence: It has my father's initials on it along with mine.
Voltaire: Do you know your father's name?
Lawrence: No I don't. I only remember his face.
Voltaire: Have you tried asking Frederick to see if he knows?
Lawrence: I have but it seems that he is too busy to tell me about my father.

Lawrence carefully puts the necklace on and he quietly sighs to himself. Lawrence starts speaking in a slightly frustrated tone.

Lawrence: I just want to know about my father. Like I at least want to know his name.
Voltaire: I understand Lawrence.
Lawrence: Voltaire could you possibly do something for me?
Voltaire: What do you want me to do Lawrence?
Lawrence: Could you please tell the King that I want to talk to him tonight.
Voltaire: Alright...

Voltaire calmly gets up off the log and begins walking to Frederick's tent. A couple of minutes later he enters the tent.

He notices that Frederick is happily writing something. Voltaire starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Voltaire: Frederick.
Frederick: Yes Voltaire?
Voltaire: Lawrence wishes to speak with you tonight.
Frederick: Fine I will speak to him. Besides, I do have something important to tell him.
Voltaire: Alright. I'm going to go write some poetry.
Frederick: Take care, my dear.
Voltaire: You too my love.

Voltaire happily exits the tent. A few minutes later Voltaire reaches the lone oak tree on the hill. He then notices Wellington sitting under the tree.

Voltaire calmly approaches Wellington and he starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Voltaire: Are you alright?
Wellington: No...I've lost my brother. He has betrayed me. I still love him even though he hates me.
Voltaire: I'm sorry that has happened.
Wellington: I wish I had something to remember him. But I don't have something to remember his kindness before he betrayed me.
Voltaire: You can still remember his kindness...You will always remember his kindness no matter what.

Wellington: But I will also remember how he hurt me and that he tried to kill me.
Voltaire: Unfortunately we sometimes only remember the bad things that have happened. Instead of the good things.
Wellington: I'm still hurt by what he did. I just want this pain to go away.
Voltaire: The truth is that the pain you are feeling won't go away. It will still be there...

Wellington quietly sighs to himself out of frustration and slight sadness. Voltaire starts speaking in a calm voice.

Voltaire: It's best to focus on the good things. Instead of the bad things.
Wellington: Whenever I do try to focus on the good things that my brother and I did. It hurts me.

Tears begin to form in Wellington's eyes and they start to slowly stream down his face. Voltaire sits down next to Wellington and he gently puts his hand on Wellington's shoulder.

Wellington starts speaking in a quiet and sad voice.

Wellington: He blames me for what happened. I feel like it is my fault. But at this point who's fault is it.
Voltaire: Don't blame yourself it will make the pain you are feeling worse.
Wellington: I just want him to come back so I can ask for my forgiveness.
Voltaire: I understand that...
Wellington: I don't even know if he will come back...I just hope he is alright and that the French didn't kill him.

Voltaire: I'm sure he is alright...
Wellington: I'm going to go back to doing my duties.
Voltaire: Alright. But remember to take a break if you need to. I know what it's like to work a lot. But we all need breaks to take care of ourselves.
Wellington: Alright...

Wellington gently wipes his tears away then he smiles a little bit at Voltaire. Then he gets up and begins walking back to the British camp.

A few minutes later Voltaire is calmly writing some poetry. Suddenly the paper he is writing on is violently snatched from his hand which causes Voltaire to drop his quill.

Voltaire looks up and notices Ronnie Watson glaring at him. Ronnie starts speaking in an annoyed tone.

Ronnie Watson: Stupid French bastard! I know that you are spying on us!
Voltaire: I am not a spy!
Ronnie Watson: Why do you come so far from the camp and begin writing things alone then!?
Voltaire: I am a poet and I'm just writing poetry! I am not spying on anyone!
Ronnie Watson: You lying filthy French bastard!

Ronnie Watson suddenly starts tearing up Voltaire's piece of poetry into tiny little bits out of anger. Voltaire silently watches out of shock and also begins holding back tears.

Ronnie Watson then throws the tiny pieces of paper onto the ground in front of Voltaire. Suddenly Lawrence runs over and puts himself between Ronnie and Voltaire.

Ronnie Watson starts yelling at Lawrence out of annoyance.

Ronnie Watson: Just go away Lawrence you filthy bastard! I don't understand why you are protecting a stupid Frenchman!
Lawrence: Ronnie just leave Voltaire alone he has done nothing wrong!
Ronnie Watson: Him being here is wrong! He was clearly sent to spy on us for the French! Why would you protect a spy!?
Lawrence: He is not a spy and he is my friend!
Ronnie Watson: You are friends with this French bastard!?
Lawrence: Yes I am!

Ronnie Watson goes to push Lawrence out of the way. But Lawrence pushes Ronnie backwards. Ronnie starts speaking in an irritated tone.

Ronnie Watson: Where did you get that ridiculous looking necklace?
Lawrence: I got it from the Prussian King. Our father was meant to give it to me before he died.
Ronnie Watson: Of course, he wanted to give something like that to you. I swear you were his favourite.

Ronnie Watson suddenly tries to grab Lawrence's necklace. But Lawrence firmly grabs Ronnies wrist and glares at him. Then he starts speaking in a calm but serious tone.

Lawrence: I suggest you just leave Ronnie. You have caused enough trouble here.
Ronnie Watson: Fine you can be with your stupid French friend. I don't want to talk with you anymore right now anyway.

Lawrence lets go of Ronnie who then walks away feeling quite annoyed. Lawrence turns around and stares at Voltaire who is looking at tiny pieces of paper while quietly sobbing.

Lawrence kneels down beside Voltaire and gently puts his hand on Voltaire's shoulder. Lawrence starts speaking in a comforting voice.

Lawrence: Voltaire it's alright he is gone now. I wouldn't have let him hurt you.
Voltaire: He destroyed my poetry...
Lawrence: I'm sorry that he did that.
Voltaire: It was going to be such a masterpiece and now it's destroyed.
Lawrence: Voltaire...It's alright.
Voltaire: It's not alright Lawrence!

Voltaire gets up and quickly walks off while still crying. A few minutes later, Voltaire reaches Frederick's tent. Upon entering the tent he notices that Frederick isn't there.

Voltaire strolls over to his bed and sits on it. Then he continues quietly crying and whimpering to himself with his hands covering his face.

A couple of minutes later Frederick enters the tent and notices Voltaire crying. Frederick starts speaking in a calm voice.

Frederick: My love what's wrong?
Voltaire: They destroyed something that I was working on and they are always being rude to me for no reason...They also keep wanting to hurt or kill me...

Frederick walks over to Voltaire and sits down beside him. Then he gently wraps his arm around Voltaire and starts speaking in a comforting voice.

Frederick: I won't let anyone kill you, Voltaire. You are very dear to me.
Voltaire: I wish I could protect myself. But I can't I keep getting too scared to defend myself. I don't want to kill anyone.
Frederick: I understand that Voltaire...I was like you before I had to become a soldier. I wanted to live a peaceful life. I just wanted to write poetry and play my flute. But my father wanted me to learn to lead Prussia.
Voltaire: I see...
Frederick: My father broke my first flute. He just saw me playing an instrument and writing poetry as unmanly. Since I was heir to the throne he thought I should be doing more manly things. But I didn't want to be a King who causes war I wanted to be a peaceful ruler. I hope to be that after this war is over.

Voltaire: I also hope for peace Frederick. I also hope that after this war we will be able to spend a lot of time together.
Frederick: I'm sure that we will be able to spend plenty of time together once this war is over my love.
Voltaire: I love you a lot, Frederick.
Frederick: I also love you a lot, Voltaire. I promise that whoever destroyed your work and has been threatening to kill you I will not allow them to kill you.

Voltaire suddenly starts passionately kissing Frederick. A couple of minutes later Frederick gently breaks the kiss and wipes away the last of the tears streaming down Voltaire's face.

Frederick starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Frederick: You can stay here to do your poetry Voltaire. So you can be safe.
Voltaire: Yes also I just want to be with you. I like being in your company. Your presence is comforting to me.
Frederick: I feel the same about being in your presence Voltaire. I just haven't met many people whose presence is so comforting.

Frederick gently kisses Voltaire on the cheek and Voltaire smiles at Frederick. Frederick then gets up and sits down at his desk and begins happily working.

Meanwhile, at the lone oak tree on the hill, Lawrence stares at the many grassy hills and plains. Suddenly, he hears someone approaching him.

Glancing to his left he notices Victor Nyland quickly walking up the hill. Once Victor gets to the top of the hill he stops and stares at Lawrence.

Victor starts speaking in a calm and serious voice.

Victor Nyland: You alright Lawrence?
Lawrence: I'm alright it's just that I had to deal with my brother again.
Victor Nyland: Well if you need me to deal with him you can just ask.
Lawrence: I don't want him dead he is still my brother even though I don't like him that much.
Victor Nyland: That is understandable.

Victor Nyland then notices the necklace around Lawrence's neck. He starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Victor Nyland: Where did you get that necklace, Lawrence?
Lawrence: The Prussian King gave it to me it was my father's. According to the King, my father was meant to give it to me after he came back from war. But that didn't happen he didn't return.
Victor Nyland: I helped your father make that necklace. We made it only a couple of weeks before your father's passing. I wasn't expecting to ever see it again. I thought it would have been lost in the battle.
Lawrence: I'm glad to have another thing to remember my father.
Victor Nyland: Your father would be happy that you now have the necklace that he wanted to give to you. You deserve to have it. I shall be off then I have some hunting to do.
Lawrence: Alright Victor.

Victor Nyland calmly strolls off leaving Lawrence sitting under the tree alone.

*Lawrence in thought*

I didn't know that Victor helped my father make this necklace.

I also still hope that the King tells me the name of my father.

I don't want to be going through the rest of my life not knowing who my father was.

I still don't understand why the King didn't tell me about my father earlier.

Why did he wait so long to tell me it makes no sense to me.

He did say when we first met that I remind him of someone. Why didn't he tell me about my father that day?

I guess I should wait till tonight then.

A few hours later it is now 9:30 pm and Frederick is happily sitting on a log near a campfire. He is staring into the dancing orange flames.

Suddenly he hears someone approaching him with a calm and pleasant voice.

Lawrence: Your Majesty I want to talk to you about something.
Frederick: I know what you want to talk to me about so, please sit.

Lawrence calmly sits down on a log opposite Frederick. Frederick starts speaking in a calm and serious voice.

Frederick: I know that you want to know something about your father. But I'm not going to tell you everything because that would take a while. But I will tell you everything eventually but that will probably be after this war is over. Now ask me what you want to know Lieutenant.
Lawrence: I noticed my father's initials on the necklace you gave me. I wish to know my father's name, Your Majesty.
Frederick: Your father's name was Alexander. He was a very good friend of mine and I still miss him dearly.
Lawrence: What was my father like as a General?
Frederick: He was loyal to the Army he was in. He was loyal to his country and its ruler. Most importantly he was loyal to his family and friends. I will miss him for his loyalty.

Lawrence: I will also always stay loyal to the British Army, my country, my King and most importantly my friends and family.
Frederick: You are a good man and a great soldier Lawrence. Just like your father. I'm sure that one day you will make a great General just like your father.
Lawrence: I doubt that there will be another war for me to fight in after this. So it might take me a while to become a General Your Majesty.
Frederick: We all hope that the peace will last...But peace doesn't always last forever. I have learnt that the hard way.
Lawrence: That is true Your Majesty. But we can hope that the peace will last a long time.
Frederick: Indeed Lawrence. But I suggest you go get some rest now. We have some more travelling to do tomorrow.
Lawrence: Yes Your Majesty.

Lawrence calmly gets up and begins walking through the camp. A few minutes later he reaches the lone oak tree and notices Victor Nyland gazing at the stars.

Victor Nyland starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Victor Nyland: Why are you still awake Lawrence?
Lawrence: I found out my father's name. The Prussian King told me.
Victor Nyland: I knew that Alexander was friends with the Prussian King. They were quite good friends according to Alexander. The King was probably quite saddened by his death.
Lawrence: I still don't know why the King didn't tell me my father's name earlier. Like when we first met he said that I remind him of someone.
Victor Nyland: I don't know either Lawrence. But I suggest you go get some rest, Lawrence.

Lawrence: Good night Victor.
Victor Nyland: Good night Lawrence.

Lawrence calmly walks off back to the Prussian camp. A couple of hours later it is now 11:30 pm and Voltaire is lying in bed staring at Frederick who has just finished working.

Voltaire starts speaking in a calm and slightly tired voice.

Voltaire: Did you tell him, Frederick?
Frederick: I did tell him I was already planning to tell him. He needed to know I didn't want to keep it a secret anymore.
Voltaire: It's getting late my love you should rest. You work a lot.
Frederick: I know.

Frederick happily walks over to the bed and he gets into bed. Then he gently kisses Voltaire on the lips. Voltaire then kisses him back. Frederick starts speaking in a pleasant voice.

Frederick: Good night my love.
Voltaire: Good night my dear Frederick.

They both gently close their eyes. Frederick enters his fantasies. Then he slowly opens his eyes and he notices Doctor Reinhart staring at him. Frederick also notices Alexander sitting on a wooden seat next to him.

Frederick starts speaking in a calm voice.

Frederick: Doctor what happened to me? Why am I here in the medical tent?
Doctor Reinhart: You were almost killed saving your brothers Prince Henry and Prince Augustus. General Alexander Sundermann carried you here.
Frederick: Thank you, General.
Alexander: You are my friend Your Majesty. It's my pleasure to have saved you today.
Frederick: Where are my brothers Doctor? Are they alright?
Doctor Reinhart: They said that they would be here soon Your Majesty.

Suddenly Prince Augustus and Prince Henry enter the tent and quickly walk over to Frederick. Prince Augustus starts speaking in a calm but slightly anxious voice.

Prince Augustus: Frederick are you alright?
Frederick: Augustus I could be better. But I care about your safety and Henry's safety as well. You two mean a lot to me. I would sacrifice myself any day to save you two.
Prince Henry: Can you walk at all Frederick?
Doctor Reinhart: I wouldn't suggest walking for a while, Your Majesty.
Frederick: Why what's wrong doctor?
Doctor Reinhart: Both of your ankles are badly sprained, Your Majesty. I would suggest resting and not walking around.

Frederick: Any other injuries I need to know about doctor?
Doctor Reinhart: Just a lot of bruising and a couple of cracked ribs. You need to rest Your Majesty.
Prince Henry: I will take over your duties while you rest Frederick.
Prince Augustus: I will be Henry's second in command.
Frederick: Don't cause trouble, Augustus.
Prince Augustus: I won't Frederick.

Prince Henry and Prince Augustus notice Alexander sitting next to Frederick. Prince Henry starts speaking in a calm voice.

Prince Henry: Who are you, sir?
Alexander: I'm General Alexander Sundermann and I'm the one who saved the King, Your Highness.
Prince Henry: I thank you for saving my dear brother General Sundermann.
Alexander: Your welcome Your Highness. I will always protect the King as I am his friend.
Prince Augustus: I also thank you for saving my brother General.
Alexander: Your welcome Your Highness.

Frederick: I suggest you two go do your duties you will have a lot of work to do.
Prince Henry: Yes Frederick.
Prince Augustus: Yes Frederick.
Frederick: Also Henry make sure Augustus doesn't cause any trouble.
Prince Henry: Alright.
Prince Augustus: I promise that I won't cause any trouble, Frederick.
Frederick: Good now go do your duties.

Prince Henry and Prince Augustus promptly exit the tent. Alexander starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Alexander: I best go do my duties as well Your Majesty.
Frederick: Yes General.
Alexander: I shall see you later perhaps Your Majesty.
Frederick: Yes General.

Alexander calmly gets up and exits the tent. Doctor Reinhart starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Doctor Reinhart: Get some rest, Your Majesty.
Frederick: Yes doctor.

Frederick suddenly wakes up and gently grabs his pocket watch out of his pocket. Upon opening the golden pocket watch he notices that the time is 3:45 am.

Frederick quietly sighs to himself and gently closes his pocket watch and puts it away. Frederick then gently closes his eyes and enters a deep and peaceful sleep.

To be Continued...

A shout out to romance_lover16 for making this amazing banner for Blood Secret. Also, a thank you to them for giving this story an amazing review. Unlike many reviewers who constantly have bashed my writing style or have just hated my cover.

So thank you again romance_lover16 for giving me this amazing banner which I will be using for the rest of my story. Also for giving Blood Secret an amazing review. ❤