Disclaimer: This chapter will have a lot of violence. If you are sensitive to violence you may skip this chapter.

It is currently 10:45 pm. Wellington is lying in bed staring at the top of his tent which is gently blowing in the wind.

*Wellington in thought*

How dare he threaten me...

Also, how dare my men attack the Kings friend...

I do not want to lose our alliance with the Prussians. Over some stupid petty attack on the King's friend.

This is honestly ridiculous.

And now the alliance with Prussia is possibly at stake due to this absolute ridiculousness.

I will not risk losing this war because of something extremely petty and ridiculous.

I would honestly prefer to deal with the petty remarks of Henry and William yelling at each other. Because at least it's easier to tell them to be quiet or to ignore the situation. But I can't ignore this situation.

I honestly wonder what they are up to. William is probably either drunk or smacking Henry with his newspaper or both. Henry is probably annoying William or just reading some sort of book. I honestly have no idea what Richard would be doing except possibly just looking over the courtyard of the large castle he has. I swear every time I go see him he is just looking over his courtyard.

I should rest it's getting late and maybe more rest will stop whatever madness is happening to me...

I feel like I need to tell someone about the situation...But I don't know who.

Just go to sleep Arthur.

Wellington slowly closes his eyes and enters his fantasies. Opening his eyes Wellington notices that he is in a dark and misty forest. Hearing footsteps behind him he immediately turns around and notices Kitty standing in front of him. He also notices that Kitty is holding a knife that is shining in the moonlight. Wellington starts speaking in a nervous tone.

Wellington: Kitty, please don't do this I love you...
Kitty: You left us, Arthur!
Wellington: I had to and I'm sorry...
Kitty: You left us to go to that stupid war!
Wellington: It is my duty.
Kitty: What do you care about Arthur? Do you care about your family or winning that stupid war! Choose one!
Wellington: I...
Kitty: Just choose one Arthur.
Wellington: I can't...It's not that simple Kitty!

Kitty suddenly tackles Wellington and points the knife toward his throat. Kitty starts speaking in an enraged voice.

Kitty: Just choose one Arthur it is simple!
Wellington: It is not that simple Kitty! I care about both of those things.

Kitty suddenly slashes Wellington across the cheek giving him a small cut.

Kitty: Liar you care about the war more than your family!
Wellington: No that's not true Kitty I care about you and our children!
Kitty: But you care about the war more you always leave us! With us knowing that you might not return!
Wellington: That's not true I care about you and our boys more!

Kitty suddenly roughly grabs Wellington's right hand. Staring coldly at the silver ring that is shining in the moonlight Kitty suddenly violently slices Wellington's ring finger off. Grabbing the ring off the severed finger Kitty throws it out into the forest. Kitty starts speaking in a tone full of rage and hatred.

Kitty: I should have never married you!
Wellington: Kitty.
Kitty: Don't call me that my real name is Catherine.
Wellington: I thought you liked that nickname...
Kitty: No I don't and I most definitely do not love you! You don't care about me! You don't care about our children! You just care about winning your stupid war!
Wellington: I do care about you and our children...I will always love you.
Kitty: You pathetic bastard!

Kitty suddenly slits Wellington's throat. Wellington immediately wakes up. He feels his heart pounding hard in his chest. His vision starts to blur from the tears forming in his eyes which also start slowly streaming down his face. Gently grabbing his pocket watch out of his pocket with a slightly trembling hand. Wellington opens his pocket watch and notices that it's only 4:30. Taking a shaky sigh Wellington puts his pocket watch away and sits up on his bed.

*Wellington in thought*

Why do I keep having these nightmares?

I just want to sleep...But I don't know what to do or how to stop this from happening...

I just want this to stop.

I feel like I need to tell someone but I don't know who to tell...

I can't tell Kitty because she would think I'm crazy...I also can't tell Uxbridge for the same reason...

I can't tell William or Henry because they can't keep things like that to themselves.

I'm not sure about telling Nelson he is probably busy and well I don't want to disturb him with something like this.

I could possibly tell Richard. He's good at keeping things to himself and he's helped me a lot. I'm sure he won't mind helping me one last time.

I guess I should go back to sleep. I do need rest. Well, it's mostly my mind that needs to rest.

I'm just extremely stressed, especially after yesterday. It just made everything worse.

Just go back to sleep Arthur.

Wellington takes a calm deep breath and then he lies down and makes himself comfortable. Slowly closing his eyes he enters a deep and peaceful sleep. A couple of hours later Wellington suddenly hears someone enter his tent. Slowly opening his eyes allowing them to adjust to the bright morning sunshine Wellington stares at Lord Uxbridge. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Lord Uxbridge: Good morning sir.
Wellington: Morning Uxbridge...Why are you here?
Lord Uxbridge: Just telling you that the Prussian King has sent someone to talk to you, sir.
Wellington: How pleasant.
Lord Uxbridge: Well the man he sent does seem quite the gentleman.
Wellington: Well at least he sent someone who possibly has some respect and politeness.
Lord Uxbridge: Should I go fetch him so you two can talk about the situation in private.
Wellington: Yes but I need to at least put on my coat and boots Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir. Also, are you feeling better sir?

Wellington: I feel fine right now Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: That's good sir.
Wellington: I don't know what kind of madness that was yesterday. But I think it's gone.
Lord Uxbridge: Glad you are alright sir.
Wellington: Still don't tell anyone about it though.
Lord Uxbridge: I won't sir.
Wellington: Good now I need to get ready for this meeting with this Prussian. So please, go fetch the Prussian Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir.

Lord Uxbridge calmly exits the tent and Wellington gets out of bed. Grabbing his dark blue coat off his chair he puts it on and promptly buttons it up. Sitting down at his desk he grabs his jet black boots. Putting on his boots he hastily ties them up. A couple of minutes later Ferdinand May enters the tent. Wellington starts speaking in a calm voice.

Wellington: I'm assuming that you are the one that the Prussian King sent to speak to me.
Ferdinand May: Yes Your Grace. I am Major General Ferdinand May and I was sent to speak to you by my King.
Wellington: Very well tell me, Major General May, who was the culprit that hurt and possibly threatened the life of the King's friend.
Ferdinand May: Well the one who ordered two of your men was a cavalryman. I don't know what rank he is but he seemed young so possibly a Lieutenant or a Captain.
Wellington: I see.
Ferdinand May: He has short and straight light brown hair that goes down to the shoulders. He also has light green eyes and no facial hair.
Wellington: I know who you are talking about. This man has always been a troublemaker even though he has been punished many times for his trouble. He has been recently punished for theft.

Ferdinand May: I'm use to troublemakers. But in the past, the soldiers in the Prussian Army didn't dare to cause much trouble. The King use to punish them personally himself. I'm not meaning the King we have now I'm talking about his father. A lot of hangings and beatings...
Wellington: I see...Well, I will think of a punishment for this man as it has been personally requested by your King. Also, he does need to be taught to not threaten innocent civilians.
Ferdinand May: I shall go tell the King that you are going to complete his request.
Wellington: Yes. You may leave if you are done here.
Ferdinand May: Thank you for allowing me to speak to you, Your Grace.
Wellington: It's been my pleasure.

Ferdinand May calmly exits the tent. A couple of minutes later Lord Uxbridge enters the tent. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a calm and pleasant tone.

Lord Uxbridge: Did it go well, sir?
Wellington: It went quite well. Also, you were right about his politeness.
Lord Uxbridge: So who did it, sir? Who hurt the Kings friend?
Wellington: It seems that Captain Watson ordered two men to hurt the friend of the King. He possibly also threatened his life.
Lord Uxbridge: Jesus Christ...Have you thought of a punishment sir?
Wellington: Not yet Uxbridge...I'm going to be busy with other things today including writing a letter to someone. I will think of the punishment tonight.
Lord Uxbridge: Don't work too hard sir you do still need to take care of yourself.
Wellington: Yes, I know Uxbridge...
Lord Uxbridge: I shall leave you to do your business sir.

Lord Uxbridge calmly exits the tent. Wellington gently grabs a blank piece of paper and places it in front of himself. Grabbing his quill he begins calmly writing the letter.

July 1st 1815

My dear brother.

Richard, I have something important to tell you that I can only tell you. Because well Henry and William can't keep things to themselves. We all know that.

It's hard for me to write this because I am worried that you will think that I am absolutely mad. But you have helped me a lot in my life. I understand if you think I sound crazy.

The war is stressful for me and after hearing about the attack on London by the French...Its made me worried about my dear wife Kitty. I'm worried about her if the French attack London they might kill her and take away my boys.

I don't want to lose her or my boys. I love them. They make me happy. I don't know what I would do without them.

But I have been having nightmares about losing her and my boys and her killing me for leaving her and my boys. Look I know that everyone has dreams and nightmares. But it's getting to a point where I can't sleep well and I'm anxious to sleep. I don't know what to do my mind is full of anxious thoughts and I can't sleep well.

I also think that all of this is causing me to see things that aren't actually there...I feel like I am losing my mind. Like yesterday I saw Kitty but she wasn't herself...She tried to kill me. But it was all in my head...

Richard, I don't know what to do and I could only think of asking you to help me.

Your dearest brother
Arthur Wellesley

P.S Do not tell Kitty or anyone about this. I know that I can trust you. But don't tell anyone and do not let anyone else read this letter! Also, I understand if you think I'm crazy but I need help...

Wellington awkwardly stares at the letter doubting his decision to send it. Folding the letter up and moving it aside on his desk Wellington quietly sighs to himself out of annoyance.

*Wellington in thought*

That letter makes me sound like I'm just complaining about everything.

But I am because I don't know what to do. Honestly, this whole situation is making me feel awful.

And the only person I can talk to is currently thousands of miles away.

I can't just have a normal conversation with him right now. It's hard for me to write things without sounding like I'm just complaining and begging...

I should just get some work done I will think about either getting the letter sent or just burning it.

Wellington grabs one of his important papers from the pile and begins carefully reading it. Meanwhile, in the Prussian camp, Frederick is calmly writing something. While Voltaire is cheerfully writing another page for his story. Frederick's quill suddenly snaps and he throws it onto the ground out of annoyance. Voltaire notices this and he starts speaking in a slightly confused tone.

Voltaire: My love what's wrong? Why are you upset you were also upset last night what's wrong?
Frederick: They hurt you Voltaire and I feel like I have failed to keep you safe.
Voltaire: No it's my fault I shouldn't have been so close to the British camp. I also shouldn't have pointed my gun at them. That was probably the wrong thing to do.
Frederick: Voltaire...
Voltaire: Look I'm not dead. I'm fine. Stop blaming yourself...Also, me being hurt is not the only reason why you are upset, is it?
Frederick: I just did something, my father would do...He basically threatened everyone who didn't satisfy him or just angered him...I was mostly the one who angered him. Because to him, I was just a stupid weak and godless child.
Voltaire: What did you do Frederick?
Frederick: I might have threatened the Duke of Wellington for what his men did to you...

Voltaire: Frederick...
Frederick: I acted like my father...It's what he would have done.
Voltaire: You are not like your father. Anger is normal. But it's just the way that some people take it out on things can be harmful to people. You should possibly go apologise to the Duke.
Frederick: I will when I'm not busy Voltaire...

Frederick grabs another quill and continues with his work. A few minutes later Ferdinand May calmly enters the tent. Frederick notices this and he starts speaking in a calm voice.

Frederick: Has it been sorted, Major General May?
Ferdinand May: Yes sir. It seems that the Duke of Wellington has already had to punish this man who threatened Voltaire. Apparently, the man in question is known for attacking and threatening civilians.
Frederick: Well he better not do it again or I will allow Prince Henry to punish the man. Doing such things to civilians is a crime.
Ferdinand May: Indeed it is Your Majesty. My father taught me quite well about not killing the innocent in war.
Frederick: Your father was a good man. I'm sorry that you had to lose him.
Ferdinand May: If I do die in battle I will be with him, sir.
Frederick: Indeed you will be with him. Anyway, thank you for reporting this news back to me.
Ferdinand May: It's my pleasure, Your Majesty. I shall go back to my duties.

Ferdinand May calmly exits the tent. Voltaire starts speaking in a slightly concerned tone.

Voltaire: Frederick will you really allow Prince Henry to do that?
Frederick: Depends on how I'm feeling on that day. I might decide to have mercy. Unlike my father who had no mercy at all. He use to love me at one point but that's when I was only a child and I couldn't do much. Except for playing and getting educated.
Voltaire: My father wasn't a nice man either but he wasn't like your father and didn't beat me.
Frederick: What was he like then Voltaire?
Voltaire: He just tried to force me to be like my older brother. He wanted me to be a lawyer. Basically, get a proper job according to him.
Frederick: I see.
Voltaire: I obviously refused and just continued writing poetry. Although my father didn't speak to me after that. He just ended up hating me because I was doing something I loved and not something that he wanted for me.

Frederick: I see.
Voltaire: My mother was the complete opposite of my father. She was a caring woman who just didn't care what job I had as long as I was making money.
Frederick: My mother was the same she just loved me and cared for me. I should have just stayed with her. But I couldn't I had to go learn to be King with my father.
Voltaire: Were your parents separated or something Frederick?
Frederick: No they weren't she just didn't like being around him due to his manners. Which I find is reasonable. He was cruel and rude.
Voltaire: I find that understandable as well. 
Frederick: Honestly, it was my mother who taught me how to be polite and kind. My father just taught me how to be a soldier and a King. Anyway, I should be continuing with my work.
Voltaire: Alright Frederick.

A few hours later it is now 11:00 pm. Frederick gently puts down his quill down. Taking off his boots and putting them under his desk. He then gets up unbuttons his coat and takes it off then gently hangs it up on the back of his seat. Walking over to his bed he notices that Voltaire is cheerfully smiling at him. Getting into bed Frederick stares deeply into Voltaire's eyes. Frederick starts speaking in a calm and pleasant tone.

Frederick: Do you want a good night kiss since I didn't give you one last night?
Voltaire: Yes. I understand why you didn't do one last night. You needed space and I respect that.
Frederick: Thank you for understanding that Voltaire.

Frederick starts passionately kissing Voltaire on the lips. Suddenly Frederick's tongue enters Voltaire's mouth. Voltaire starts blushing a lot and he gently breaks the kiss and awkwardly stares at Frederick. Voltaire starts speaking in an awkward tone.

Voltaire: Frederick what was that?
Frederick: Sorry...Just an old habit I had with kissing Katte. We use to kiss each other like that. I didn't mean to take it that far.
Voltaire: No...no it's fine I understand that it was possibly accidental.
Frederick: I understand if you are not ready for me to kiss you like that. I respect your boundaries and your decisions Voltaire.
Voltaire: Thank you, Frederick.
Frederick: Good night my love.
Voltaire: Good night Frederick.

Frederick slowly closes his eyes and enters his fantasies. Slowly opening his eyes he notices that it is a warm, peaceful and sunny day and he is outside his childhood home. Suddenly he notices Katte strolling up the path towards him. Frederick sprints over to Katte and hugs him and also knocks him over onto the grass. Katte starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

Katte: Good Morning Your Highness.
Frederick: Sorry Katte.
Katte: No it's fine. I'm use to being knocked over. I'm a soldier just like you.
Frederick: I've just missed you...
Katte: I have to.

Frederick suddenly passionately kisses Katte on the lips. Katte gently breaks the kiss and he starts speaking in a warm and soft voice.

Katte: Let's not do this here Your Highness.
Frederick: Sorry I just love you so much.
Katte: I know but let's not kiss here. Let's go somewhere private.
Frederick: Yes my love.

Frederick gentle gets up off Katte allowing Katte to get off the soft green grass. Then they both begin cheerfully walking toward the entrance of the palace. Eventually entering the palace Wilhelmine notices Frederick and Katte and she smiles cheerfully at them. She then starts speaking in a cheerful voice.

Wilhelmine: Good Morning Katte.
Katte: Good Morning Your Highness.
Wilhelmine: I see that you and my dear brother Frederick are getting along well.
Katte: Is the King home?
Wilhelmine: No he is out in the city at the moment. Why are you asking me this?
Katte: I'm technically not meant to be here without being invited. I just had to invite myself to see your brother.
Wilhelmine: I see well I won't tell my father that you are here Katte.
Katte: Thank you, Your Highness.
Frederick: Let's go to my room Katte I want to talk to you.
Katte: Alright Your Highness.

Frederick and Katte cheerfully walk up the stairs while gently holding hands. Eventually, they get to Frederick's room. Frederick gently opens the door and they both enter the room with Katte gently closing the door behind them. Sitting down on the bed they both cheerfully smile at each other.

Suddenly Frederick gets on top of Katte and begins passionately kissing him on the lips. He then puts his tongue inside Katte's mouth and begins playing with Katte's tongue. This causes Katte to start blushing a lot. Frederick gently breaks the kiss and smiles cheerfully at Katte. Frederick starts speaking in a soft and warm voice.

Frederick: I love you so much...
Katte: I love you too Your Highness.
Frederick: No need to call me by my title...Please just call me by my name.
Katte: Alright Frederick.
Frederick: I want to kiss every part of you. Because that's how much I love you...

Frederick starts gently unbuttoning Katte's coat and gently pulls it off him at puts it aside. Frederick then starts unbuttoning Katte's blouse and gently pulls it off and puts it aside. Frederick stares at Katte's muscular chest. Katte starts blushing a lot and he starts speaking in a slightly awkward tone.

Katte: Should I really be shirtless in front of his royal Highness.
Frederick: I will allow it...Because I love you Katte.

Frederick begins passionately kissing and licking Katte's chest. This causes Katte to blush even more. Frederick suddenly stops kissing and licking Katte and he begins taking off his coat along with his blouse and he puts them both aside. He and Katte then take turns passionately kissing and licking each other. Then suddenly Frederick hears some loud knocking on the door along with a slightly annoyed voice.

King Frederick William I: Hurry up you bastard! Your going to be late again!
Frederick: Just a second father!
Katte: Scheiße...(Shit)
Frederick: Hide in the closet.
Katte: But...
Frederick: Take your clothes and hide in the closet quickly.

Katte promptly gets up and grabs his clothes and rushes over to the closet. Quietly opening the closet and getting inside Katte then gently closes it. Frederick hastily grabs his clothes and puts them on. Getting off the bed Frederick walks over to the door and gently opens it. Frederick stares at his father who suddenly violently slaps him across the face.

Frederick William I: You need to learn to be early!
Frederick: Yes father...Sorry, father.
Frederick William I: Don't apologise!

Frederick William suddenly smacks Frederick across the face with his cane. Leaving a bruise on Frederick's cheek.

Frederick William I: Pathetic child!
Frederick: I...
Frederick William I: No apologies!
Frederick: Yes father...
Frederick William I: Come you are learning to shoot a musket today. You will need to learn to shoot to keep yourself alive in a battle.
Frederick: Yes father...

Frederick suddenly wakes up and he feels some tears gently streaming down his face. Gently grabbing his pocket watch out for his pocket he then gently opens it. Noticing that it is only 4:15 am Frederick quietly sighs to himself.

*Frederick in thought*

I wish my father didn't find out about mine and Katte's plan to go to England.

I would then have been happy with Katte and I would have been away from my father.

But then Prussia would have fallen and I wouldn't be King. I then would have never met Voltaire. I care for Voltaire as much as I did with Katte even though mine and Katte's relationship was much shorter than my relationship with Voltaire.

I will always love Voltaire. He does in some way remind me of Katte. Because Katte also use to write some poetry.

I should go back to sleep...

Frederick slowly closes his eyes and enters a deep and peaceful sleep.

To be Continued...