Disclaimer: There will be some violence in this chapter so you may skip if you are sensitive.

It is currently 6:00 am. Frederick slowly opens his eyes allowing them to adjust to the warm morning sunshine. Looking over at Voltaire Frederick notices that Voltaire is starting to wake up. Frederick starts speaking in a soft and warm voice.

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

Frederick gently kisses Voltaire on the cheek. Voltaire slowly opens his eyes and cheerfully smiles at Frederick. Voltaire then starts passionately kissing Frederick on the lips. A couple of minutes later Frederick gently breaks the kiss. Frederick starts speaking softly to Voltaire.

Frederick: I will always love you...
Voltaire: I will always love you too.

Frederick notices a couple of strands of hair in front of Voltaire's face. Gently moving the strands of hair out of the way Frederick then kisses Voltaire on the lips. Prince Henry enters the tent and he starts speaking in a calm and pleasant tone.

Prince Henry: Morning you two.
Frederick: Good Morning Henry.
Voltaire: Good Morning Your Highness.
Prince Henry: I'm sorry about last night.
Frederick: No it's fine Henry...I understand that you had to give me the orders. However next time, please tell me when you need to see me before you enter if I'm in the middle of something.
Prince Henry: Yes Frederick.
Frederick: Now why are you here Henry?
Prince Henry: I need to talk to you, Frederick.
Frederick: Alright.

Prince Henry calmly exits the tent. Frederick starts speaking in a warm and soft voice.

Frederick: We will talk later Voltaire.
Voltaire: Yes.

Frederick gently kisses Voltaire on the cheek. Then he gets out of bed and calmly exits the tent.

*Voltaire in thought*

I'm still slightly tired...

Although I need to get work done.

No rest is more important...

I can work later.

Voltaire slowly closes his eyes and enters a deep and peaceful sleep. Meanwhile over in the British camp, Wellington is still sleeping peacefully. Colonel Fraser quietly enters the tent and notices that Wellington is still sleeping.

Benedict Fraser: Wake up sir!
Wellington: Not now Kitty...
Benedict Fraser: Do I sound like a girl!? Jesus Christ wake up!

Benedict Fraser calmly leaves the tent. Lennox Fraser walks up to Benedict with a cheeky smile on his face. Benedict Fraser starts speaking in a mischievous tone.

Benedict Fraser: I know what you are thinking Lennox...
Lennox Fraser: Time to call in the boys for the wake up call?
Benedict Fraser: Yes bring the bagpipes some drums and perhaps a bugle.
Lennox Fraser: Should I also bring some gin?
Benedict Fraser: Sure.

Lennox Fraser quickly strolls off and Lord Uxbridge walks up to Benedict Fraser. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a calm voice.

Lord Uxbridge: What are you boys up to?
Benedict Fraser: You will see in a minute, sir.

A couple of minutes later Lennox Fraser comes back with a few soldiers in tow. Benedict Fraser stares at Lennox with slight confusion.

Benedict Fraser: Where did you get someone with a flute?
Lennox Fraser: It seems we are making good friends with the Prussians. He decided to join in the fun.
Benedict Fraser: Alright ready lads.

The soldiers begin playing their instruments. After a couple of minutes, Wellington comes out of his tent and sighs out of slight annoyance. Benedict Fraser starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

Benedict Fraser: Good Morning Sir.
Wellington: Again with all this...
Benedict Fraser: Well we don't want you sleeping through the whole day sir.
Wellington: Excuse me...I do not sleep that long.
Lord Uxbridge: Honestly this music is not that bad.
Wellington: Uxbridge...
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir?
Wellington: Why are you here?
Lord Uxbridge: I was coming to check on you, sir. You were up quite late sir.
Wellington: Me being up late is nothing unusual Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: I see...So you are telling me that you being awake at 4 o'clock in the morning isn't unusual.
Wellington: Yes. Also Colonel, please take your band somewhere else.
Benedict Fraser: Yes sir. Come on boys.

Benedict Fraser, Lennox Fraser and the rest of the soldiers calmly stroll off. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a slightly confused tone.

Lord Uxbridge: Why were you awake that early sir?
Wellington: I...I don't feel comfortable explaining it.
Lord Uxbridge: I see.
Wellington: I'm going to take a walk Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: Alright sir.

Wellington calmly strolls off and begins walking around the British camp.

*Wellington in thought*

I can't tell him about my nightmares...

I don't want to be seen as crazy.

Besides, they aren't real and Kitty and my boys are safe.

Although I'm still questioning why the French dared to attack London with only three ships...

Why would they do that?...

Also, I can't wait to get another letter from Kitty...I also hope that my brothers send me some letters soon I wouldn't mind their advice on the situation of me becoming Prime Minister.

I also am wondering how Kitty feels about me possibly becoming Prime Minister...

I need to go and relax...I have heard that there is a lake nearby.

A couple of minutes later Wellington enters the Prussian camp and begins heading to the lake. Suddenly Lawrence calmly walks up to Wellington. Wellington starts speaking in a calm but serious tone.

Wellington: Morning Lieutenant.
Lawrence: Morning sir.
Wellington: I see that you have good relations with the Prussians.
Lawrence: Yes sir.
Wellington: Well, I shall be off to the lake Lieutenant.
Lawrence: Do you need help with finding it, sir?
Wellington: No I can manage to find it myself, Lieutenant.
Lawrence: Yes sir.

A few minutes later Wellington arrives at the calm rocky shore of the lake. Suddenly Wellington enters the darkest part of his mind as he notices Kitty standing in front of him holding a knife. Wellington starts speaking in a slightly anxious tone.

Wellington: Kitty how are you here?
Kitty: You left me alone Arthur!
Wellington: I'm doing what's best for the country!
Kitty: Do you care about me!?
Wellington: Yes of course I care about you...

Kitty starts slowly approaching him and Wellington starts nervously backing away from her.

Wellington: Kitty...Don't hurt me I love you...
Kitty: Well why did you leave me then!?
Wellington: You know that my duty is to the country and also you and our boys.
Kitty: It seems that you care about fighting in a war more than caring for your family Arthur!

Kitty suddenly tackles him roughly to the ground. She then roughly pulls the medal off his coat and throws it onto the ground. Pointing the knife at his throat she starts speaking in a hurtful tone.

Kitty: You just joined the Army to impress me to make me love you. Because I would see you as a hero!
Wellington: Kitty that's not true I have loved you since we were young.
Kitty: You just wanted to be a hero!
Wellington: No... that's not what I wanted.

Kitty puts the knife closer to Wellington's throat and digs it in a little bit causing it to draw blood. Wellington feels the warm crimson liquid gradually sliding down his neck. Wellington starts speaking in an anxious tone.

Wellington: Kitty please don't do this...
Kitty: Of course, you are pleading...You are so weak, Arthur why do I even love you!?
Wellington: Kitty stop you don't want to kill me I'm your husband!
Kitty: Why should I even be with you...You don't care about me! You just care about the war.
Wellington: Kitty I do care about you!

Wellington suddenly starts hearing a different voice which is more calm and soothing.

Lord Uxbridge: Sir...Your alright. Wake up.

Wellington slowly opens his eyes and notices that Kitty is gone. He also notices that he is sitting up slightly and that Lord Uxbridge is gently massaging his shoulders. Lord Uxbridge continues speaking in a calm and soothing voice.

Lord Uxbridge: I feel like you need to get more sleep, sir...
Wellington: Uxbridge I'm fine...
Lord Uxbridge: No sir you are not fine...Your lack of sleep is affecting you. It's messing with your mind.
Wellington: I also can't sleep because I'm worried about Kitty...
Lord Uxbridge: You need to rest sir...I will take over your duties for today and let you rest.
Wellington: Uxbridge I can't sleep I'm just stressed...
Lord Uxbridge: I understand that you are stressed, sir...But you need to sleep. Your mind needs to rest sir.
Wellington: Fine...But don't tell anyone about this. Also just wake me up at dinner.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir. But let's head back to the camp and allow you to rest.

Wellington gradually gets up and gently brushes off his uniform. They start calmly walking back to the British camp in awkward silence. A few minutes later they enter the camp and calmly walk inside Wellington's tent. Wellington comfortably lies down on his bed. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a calm and pleasant tone.

Lord Uxbridge: Rest sir you need it.
Wellington: Yes Uxbridge I know...Now go sort out the things that I was meant to do.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir. Also, sleep well sir.
Wellington: Thank you Uxbridge...
Lord Uxbridge: Your welcome sir.

Lord Uxbridge calmly exits the tent. Wellington slowly closes his eyes and enters a deep and peaceful sleep. Meanwhile, in the Prussian camp, Voltaire is happily sitting under a tree writing another part of his story. Suddenly he notices someone approaching him so he looks up from his work and notices Prince Henry approaching him. Prince Henry stops and smiles and starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

Prince Henry: I'm glad my brother found love...After he lost Katte he wasn't the same. But you Voltaire have filled that empty space in his heart.
Voltaire: At first I thought he wouldn't accept me. But it seems that he knew all this time that someone close to him would love him in that way.
Prince Henry: I'm glad to see him that happy again.
Voltaire: Well I'm glad that I can make him happy and make him feel love again.
Prince Henry: Well, I shall be going back to my duties.
Voltaire: Alright Your Highness.

Prince Henry cheerfully strolls off. Voltaire continues happily writing a piece of his story. A few minutes later Voltaire hears a loud rustling behind him. Ignoring the noise Voltaire continues writing his story. Suddenly he hears a calm but serious voice.

Ronnie Watson: Who are you, sir?

Voltaire looks up at the man sitting on his horse along with the other two soldiers standing beside him. Voltaire starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Voltaire: I'm a friend of the Prussian King sir...Im, not a soldier sir just his friend.

The soldiers notice Voltaire's slight French accent. The two soldiers standing beside Ronnie point their muskets at Voltaire. Ronnie Watson starts speaking in a slightly irritated tone.

Ronnie Watson: Lying French spy!
Voltaire: I am not a French spy!

Voltaire grabs his pistol off his belt and points it at Ronnie Watson. Voltaire starts speaking in a slightly annoyed tone.

Voltaire: I'm not afraid to hurt you, sir!
Ronnie Watson: Don't threaten me I am not afraid to kill you and all your other French friends...
Voltaire: My only friend is the Prussian King.
Ronnie Watson: The only reason you are friends with him is so you can steal information!
Voltaire: That is not true! He saved my life, sir!
Ronnie Watson: I swear all you French do is lie...
Voltaire: I am not lying!
Ronnie Watson: Boys do your job and get rid of this filthy lying French bastard...

*Voltaire in thought*

Just shoot him!

No, I can't do that I can't kill someone that's wrong!

Besides, the other two men will kill me for killing him!

Just run!

Voltaire throws everything onto the ground. He goes to get up and run away. But both of the soldiers shoot him in both of his legs causing him to collapse onto the ground in shock. Suddenly Voltaire hears horses galloping over along with someone yelling in a commanding voice.

Ferdinand May: Get back to your camp you bastards! Boys deal with them, please!
Ronnie Watson: Shit run!

Ronnie Watson and the two soldiers hastily run off with four Prussian hussars chasing them. Voltaire suddenly hears someone getting off their horse along with a calm and soothing voice.

Ferdinand May: Your alright they are gone...
Voltaire: Get Frederick...
Ferdinand May: You want the King to see you.
Voltaire: Yes get Frederick!
Ferdinand May: Alright...

Ferdinand May gets back on his horse and quickly trots off. A few minutes later Voltaire hears someone quickly approaching him. Suddenly he notices Frederick kneeling down beside him. Frederick starts speaking in a calm but serious tone.

Frederick: Major General May who did this?
Ferdinand May: Two British soldiers and it seems that this other British soldier who was also there was in charge of the act.
Frederick: Diese verdammten bastarde. (Those fucking bastards.)
Ferdinand May: What should I do Your Majesty?
Frederick: You shall do nothing, Major General May I will sort this out personally.
Ferdinand May: Yes Your Majesty.
Frederick: You may go back to your duties.
Ferdinand May: Yes Your Majesty.

Ferdinand May gets back on his horse and calmly trots off. Frederick starts speaking in a warm and soothing voice.

Frederick: Voltaire can you move at all?
Voltaire: I'm hurting Frederick I don't want to try and move...
Frederick: Alright, I will pick you up and gently carry you to the doctor. Those bullets need to be removed.
Voltaire: Frederick...
Frederick: Yes?
Voltaire: I'm scared...
Frederick: Why are you scared?
Voltaire: I'm scared that more of the British soldiers will try and hurt me...
Frederick: They won't I will sort this out. Now let's get you to the doctor alright.

Frederick gently picks Voltaire up and holds him in his arms. Staring into Voltaire's eyes Frederick notices the tears forming in his eyes. Frederick starts speaking softly to Voltaire.

Frederick: It's alright to cry. Your hurting it's normal.
Voltaire: It's not just that I'm also scared for my life and my safety Frederick...
Frederick: I understand...

Frederick starts calmly strolling to the doctor's tent while gently holding Voltaire in his arms. A few minutes later Frederick enters the doctor's tent. Doctor Reinhart stares at Frederick with slight concern and confusion. Doctor Reinhart starts speaking in a concerned tone.

Doctor Reinhart: What happened Your Majesty?
Frederick: Two British soldiers shot him...
Doctor Reinhart: Scheiße...(Shit)
Frederick: I'm alright if you are wondering.
Doctor Reinhart: Put him on a bed I will sort it out. You may stay if you wish to comfort him while I take the bullets out.

Frederick calmly walks over to one of the beds and gently places Voltaire down on it. Voltaire starts speaking in an anxious tone.

Voltaire: Doctor how much will this hurt?
Doctor Reinhart: Most likely it will hurt a lot. Although it depends on how high your tolerance to pain is.
Voltaire: I see.
Doctor Reinhart: Look it's alright if you cry trust me, I have seen many people cry while getting this kind of thing done.

Frederick calmly sits down on the wooden stool next to the bed that Voltaire is lying on. Frederick starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Frederick: I will stay here Voltaire. You may hold my hand if you need to.
Voltaire: Thank you, Frederick.

Doctor Reinhart calmly strolls over with a pair of tweezers. He begins trying to pull out one of the bullets. Voltaire starts crying and whimpering due to the pain rushing through him. Suddenly he roughly grabs Frederick's hand and begins tightly squeezing it. Frederick starts speaking in a calm and soothing voice.

Frederick: Your alright Voltaire. It will be over soon.
Voltaire: I want it to stop...
Frederick: It will be over soon...

A couple of minutes later Doctor Reinhart finishes pulling out the second bullet. Voltaire suddenly passes out from the pain. Frederick stares at Voltaire with concern. Frederick starts speaking in a nervous tone.

Frederick: Is he alright?
Doctor Reinhart: Yes he just passed out from the pain. That's sometimes a normal reaction. Just let him rest for a while. He's probably still in shock from being shot and from having to get the bullets out.
Frederick: I understand doctor. Thank you for helping.
Doctor Reinhart: I'm always here to help when needed.

Frederick gently picks up Voltaire and begins carrying him to their tent. A few minutes later Frederick calmly enters their tent. Gently placing Voltaire down on the bed and tucking him in with the warm jet black blanket. Frederick suddenly hears a slightly concerned and confused voice behind him.

Prince Henry: What in the hell happened to Voltaire?
Frederick: Two British soldiers shot him. He had to get the bullets removed and currently he is in a state of shock and needs to rest.
Prince Henry: Why in the hell would two British soldiers shoot Voltaire!?
Frederick: I don't know but I will sort this out later personally with Wellington.
Prince Henry: By God, if I find out who did it I will flog them till they bleed myself!
Frederick: Henry! You will not do that. We do not want to ruin our relationship with the British in this war. Only Wellington can order the punishments for his men, not you!
Prince Henry: He better punish them. Make them bleed.
Frederick: You sound like father...He always enjoyed making his soldiers bleed he did it personally...Especially with me if he desired to...

Frederick quietly sighs to himself and Prince Henry starts speaking in a calmer tone.

Prince Henry: Sorry for reminding you of that...
Frederick: Henry it's fine. Let's just get back to our duties and let Voltaire rest.
Prince Henry: Yes Frederick.

Prince Henry and Frederick calmly exit the tent to head back to their duties. A few hours later it is now 6:30 pm. Lord Uxbridge calmly enters Wellington's tent with a bowl of steaming hot vegetable stew and a warm cup of tea in hand. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a calm voice.

Lord Uxbridge: Wake up sir. I have dinner for you. Although it's probably something you wouldn't prefer...But it's still food sir.

Wellington ignores Uxbridge and throws the blanket over his face and continues sleeping. Lord Uxbridge quietly sighs to himself out of slight annoyance. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a slightly frustrated tone.

Lord Uxbridge: I'm not going to feed you like a child sir. But I will if I have to. Because you decided to sleep through lunch and haven't had food since breakfast.

Lord Uxbridge calmly puts the cup of tea down on Wellington's desk along with the bowl of stew. Gently kneeling down beside Wellington Lord Uxbridge tries to pull the blanket off. But Wellington continues pulling the blanket back over himself. Wellington eventually opens his eyes and stares at Lord Uxbridge with an irritated look on his face. Wellington starts speaking in a confused and irritated tone.

Wellington: For Christ's sake leave my blanket alone Uxbridge...Stop pestering me.
Lord Uxbridge: Are you not hungry...
Wellington: What is the time?
Lord Uxbridge: 6:30 sir...
Wellington: I will have something to eat soon. Now, please get out of my tent.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir.

Lord Uxbridge carefully gets up and calmly exits the tent. Meanwhile, in the Prussian camp, Frederick calmly enters his tent. Noticing that Voltaire is awake he happily walks over to Voltaire. Kneeling down next to Voltaire Frederick gently hugs Voltaire. Frederick starts speaking in a soft and calm voice.

Frederick: I'm glad you are alright my love.
Voltaire: Frederick.
Frederick: Yes?
Voltaire: I don't want that to happen again...I want to feel safe here.
Frederick: I will sort that out soon my love. But for now, I just want it to be me and you alone together. You are safe with me and I will make sure no one else harms you again.

Frederick begins passionately kissing Voltaire on the lips. A couple of minutes later he hears a calm voice outside of the tent.

Prince Henry: Frederick may I come in?

Frederick gently breaks the kiss and starts speaking in a pleasant voice.

Frederick: Yes Henry you may come in.

Prince Henry calmly enters the tent and places more orders onto Frederick's desk. Noticing that Voltaire is awake and well Prince Henry starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

Prince Henry: I see that you are alright Voltaire.
Voltaire: Yes, I'm definitely feeling better.
Prince Henry: I'm sure that the British will not harm you again. Speaking of which Frederick when will you go have your talk with Wellington?
Frederick: In a few minutes I just need to do something...
Prince Henry: I see. Well, I shall be off to have dinner then.

Prince Henry calmly exits the tent and Voltaire happily gazes into Frederick's sky blue eyes. Frederick starts speaking in a soft and warm voice.

Frederick: Your safety is deeply important to me. I shall go sort out the problem. But first how about one more kiss before I go do that.
Voltaire: I would like that.

Frederick starts passionately kissing Voltaire on the lips again. A couple of minutes later Frederick gently breaks the kiss. Frederick stares deeply into Voltaire's dark chocolate brown eyes. Noticing the spark of happiness in Voltaire's eyes he starts speaking softly to Voltaire.

Frederick: I will be back soon I promise Voltaire.
Voltaire: Alright my love.

Frederick carefully gets up and calmly exits the tent. Calmly strolling into the British camp. Lord Uxbridge calmly walks up to Frederick. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a calm and serious voice.

Lord Uxbridge: Why are you here Your Majesty?
Frederick: I wish to speak to the Duke.
Lord Uxbridge: I see. I shall take you to him.
Frederick: Thank you.

Lord Uxbridge begins leading Frederick to Wellington's tent. A couple of minutes later they stop outside of Wellington's tent. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Lord Uxbridge: Sir the Prussian King wishes to speak with you.
Wellington: Send him in Uxbridge.

Frederick calmly enters the tent. Wellington calmly looks up from his work. Gazing into Frederick's sky blue eyes he notices some fiery anger in them. Wellington starts speaking in a calm and polite voice.

Wellington: Why did you wish to see me, Your Majesty?
Frederick: There is a problem.
Wellington: What kind of problem?
Frederick: Your men attacked my dearest friend and possibly threatened to kill him.
Wellington: Well, I also heard that your men chased some of my soldiers away from your camp.
Frederick: That's because they attacked Voltaire! If they murdered him that would be a crime! Murdering innocent civilians is a crime!
Wellington: Your Majesty I understand that very well. Also, I'm sorry that my men did that to your friend.

Frederick violently slams both of his hands onto Wellington's desk. Keeping his hands firmly on the desk Frederick leans closer to Wellington. He then starts speaking in a furious and slightly threatening tone.

Frederick: Do you really think an apology is enough Your Grace.
Wellington: I...
Frederick: You need to do something about this otherwise I will do something myself...
Wellington: What do you need me to do...
Frederick: You shall find out who hurt Voltaire and you shall punish them for it.
Wellington: If I don't punish them what will you do...
Frederick: I will think about that later...
Wellington: Do you at least have someone who will give me an idea of who did this. Perhaps one of those soldiers who chased my men out of your camp.
Frederick: I will gladly send someone to you tomorrow. But for now, I suggest you enjoy your night Your Grace...

Frederick calmly walks out of the tent. Wellington quietly sighs to himself and he puts his head in his hands. Lord Uxbridge suddenly enters the tent and he starts speaking in a calm tone.

Lord Uxbridge: Are you alright sir?
Wellington: No not really Uxbridge...
Lord Uxbridge: What happened, sir?
Wellington: It seems someone possibly tried to kill the Prussian King's friend. The King is not too pleased about it and well he wants me to punish the culprits...Or he will do something himself.
Lord Uxbridge: Well...I suggest you sort that out, sir. Also, don't forget to get some rest sir don't work all night.
Wellington: I won't forget to rest Uxbridge and I will sort out that problem.
Lord Uxbridge: Alright I shall leave you to do your work sir.

Lord Uxbridge calmly exits the tent and Wellington continues doing his work.

To be Continued...