It is now 11:30 pm and Frederick is lying awake in bed unable to sleep. The door suddenly quietly opens and he looks up and notices Voltaire standing in the doorway. He notices that Voltaire's face is covered in tear stains.

Frederick: Voltaire...Come here.
Voltaire: Are you sure that I can sleep with you tonight?
Frederick: Yes Voltaire you can sleep with me. I know that you sometimes don't like sleeping alone...

Voltaire enters the room gently closing the door behind him. He walks over to the left side of the bed and he takes his white robe off. Carefully getting into bed he looks at Frederick staring deeply into his sky blue eyes.

Voltaire: I'm scared Frederick...
Frederick: I know but you will be alright. We will be starting our journey to Brussels tomorrow. So I suggest you rest my friend.

Voltaire gently holds Frederick's hand noticing how soft and warm it is. Frederick starts speaking in a calm yet cheerful tone.

Frederick: You will be safe I won't let anything happen to you, my friend. Now please rest you will need it for the journey tomorrow it might get tiring if you don't get enough sleep. The journey will be long.
Voltaire: Alright goodnight Frederick...

Voltaire slowly closes his eyes and enters a deep and peaceful sleep. Frederick notices that Voltaire is still gently holding his hand. Frederick quietly whispers to himself.

Frederick: I guess it helps him feel safe...Especially after Fred hurt him. I feel awful that he got hurt because he cares about me and my safety. I guess I should rest as well.

Frederick slowly closes his eyes entering one of his fantasies. He slowly opens his eyes and he stares into the burning orange flames in front of him listening to the crackling noise. He suddenly hears footsteps behind him along with a tired but serious voice.

Alexander: Your Majesty you should be resting. It's late and we had a huge battle today.

Alexander walks over to a nearby log and he sits down in front of Frederick. Frederick notices that the strap on Alexander's rifle is slightly torn. Frederick starts speaking in a slightly confused tone.

Frederick: What happened to your rifle Alexander?
Alexander: Got in a fight with a French General. I didn't get time to reload my rifle and I decided to use my rifle to defend myself so the strap might have gotten a bit torn up by the General's sword.
Frederick: Many died today...

Frederick gently clutches a dark green locket that is hanging around his neck. Alexander stares at him with slight concern he starts speaking in a concerned tone.

Alexander: Your Majesty don't...Please I know that it was a dark day today. But don't think about it. I know that it hurts you but please don't do what I think you were going to do...

Frederick lets go of the locket and he gazes at Alexander while holding back some tears.

Frederick: You're right I shouldn't be thinking that way...This day was dark and grim. Hundreds have died...
Alexander: You should get some rest, Your Majesty.
Frederick: I don't think I can this day will probably haunt me. Even I have some blood on my hands.
Alexander: I understand if you can't sleep. Sometimes people can't sleep after killing people.
Frederick: I will try to rest Alexander.
Alexander: Well, I guess I should be getting some rest too Your Majesty. Good night Your Majesty.
Frederick: Good night Alexander.

Alexander gets up and walks off into the darkness. Frederick suddenly grabs his flute which is lying beside him. He stares at it and notices the small crack on it which had been previously repaired. Frederick starts quietly talking to himself.

Frederick: I don't know why he was cruel to me...I was his heir. I was the heir to the throne of Prussia...I thought he would love me as all parents would love their children...

Frederick starts quietly playing a soft but sombre tune. Frederick slowly wakes up allowing his eyes to adjust to the morning light. He notices that Voltaire is still peacefully sleeping and is still gently holding his hand. Frederick smiles and stares at the clock which reads 6:30 am.

Frederick: Voltaire...

Voltaire slowly opens his eyes and he notices that he is still holding Frederick's hand which causes him to blush a little bit.

Voltaire: Morning Frederick...What is the time?
Frederick: 6:30 am...
Voltaire: Should I go get ready for today?
Frederick: Yes Voltaire. I will also be getting prepared.
Voltaire: Alright...

There is suddenly a gentle knock on the door along with a soft and tired voice.

Felix: Your Majesty I have an important letter for you.
Frederick: Just slip it under the door messenger.
Felix: As you wish Your Majesty.

Felix gently slips the letter under the door. Frederick gets out of bed and grabs his jet black robe and puts it on. He then walks over to the door and gently picks up the letter and unfolds it and starts reading it.

June 22nd 1815

Your Majesty

I have decided that the British Army will start the march to Brussels today.

I hope that our two armies will meet soon. We must stop Napoleon from invading Brussels. Otherwise, he will continue to attack other countries in Europe. I'm sure that you understand this as much as I do.

I thank you again for helping us in this war. I'm glad we can work together in these dark times ahead.

Duke of Wellington.

Voltaire: Who is it from Frederick?
Frederick: The Duke of Wellington. I will write a reply later I need to get things done.
Voltaire: I also need to get things done.

Voltaire gets out of bed and he gently picks up his white robe and puts it on. Frederick walks over to Voltaire and gently places his hand on Voltaire's shoulder. Voltaire stares into Frederick's sky blue eyes.

Frederick: Still nervous?
Voltaire: Yes but I will be with you and you make me feel safe Frederick.
Frederick: I'm glad that you feel a bit safer. Now I need to get ready and I suggest you do the same.
Voltaire: I will Frederick.

Voltaire cheerfully strolls over to the door and gently opens it. He strolls out into the hallway gently closing the door behind him. Voltaire walks over to the nearest window and he looks out at the city. He suddenly starts blushing a lot and he starts quietly talking to himself.

Voltaire: Was I holding his gentle and warm hand all night. He didn't let go either...He must have not minded me doing that.

Voltaire suddenly hears footsteps coming towards him. Looking down the hallway he notices Lawrence coming towards him. Awkwardly staring at Lawrence he starts immediately trying to hide that he is blushing a lot. Lawrence suddenly stops in front of Voltaire and he notices how much Voltaire is blushing.

Lawrence: Voltaire are you alright?
Voltaire: I...
Lawrence: Yes?
Voltaire: I held Frederick's hand all night while I was sleeping. He didn't let go either he just accepted it.
Lawrence: Maybe you two are getting closer as more than just friends.
Voltaire: He doesn't know yet...I can't tell him yet. It's not the right time.
Lawrence: You will find that moment...
Voltaire: That's what I'm worried about I'm going to the battle with him and I might not find the time to tell him.
Lawrence: I'm sure there will be time. The battle won't happen immediately we have to find the French first. Also, we will have to meet up with the British.
Voltaire: Your right there will be time for me to admit my feelings to Frederick.

Suddenly the sound of a door opening echoes throughout the hallway. Along with some footsteps coming towards them. Voltaire notices that Prince Henry is walking towards them and he stops blushing.

Prince Henry: Good Morning you two are you almost prepared to go?
Lawrence: I prepared myself last night Your Highness.
Voltaire: I still need to prepare for today...But I needed to talk to Lawrence about something important. I will go prepare myself now.
Prince Henry: I see...
Voltaire: Thank you for talking to me Lawrence.
Lawrence: It's fine Voltaire.

Voltaire walks over to the door to his room and he gently opens it. He enters the room and gently closes the door behind him. He feels his heart beating rapidly along with the fluttering feeling in his stomach.

Voltaire: How will Prince Henry react if he finds out that I love his brother. How did I forget about that I can't keep it secret from his brother when I do admit my true feelings to Frederick.

Voltaire walks over to his bed and he sits down trying to calm himself. He starts taking slow and deep breaths trying to calm himself.

Voltaire: Calm yourself, Voltaire...You can't be this awkward and flustered around Frederick when you see him.

Voltaire eventually calms down but he still feels the funny fluttering feeling in his stomach.

Voltaire: Why...did I hold his hand and why didn't he let go? Does he know that I love him? No...No he doesn't know that I see him as more than a friend.

Voltaire walks over to the mirror and he stares at his scruffy hair. He quietly sighs.

Voltaire: I guess I should have my natural hair out. Although Frederick did like seeing my hair tied up. I guess I could tie it up again.

Voltaire grabs his hairbrush and he starts gently brushing it. A couple of minutes later he grabs a jet black hair tie and gently ties up his hair.

Voltaire: I will have to find the time to confess to Frederick...But for now, I guess I have to prepare for the journey.

Meanwhile, in Frederick's room, Prince Henry is having a talk with Frederick.

Prince Henry: Frederick has he forgiven you?
Frederick: No...He hasn't. I'm worried that he will never forgive me.

Frederick gets up out of his seat at his desk and walks over to the window. His eyes start filling with tears causing his vision to blur. He starts wiping them away but the tears keep coming. Prince Henry walks over and stands beside Frederick and gently puts his hand on Frederick's shoulder. Noticing the tears in Frederick's eyes Prince Henry starts speaking in a soft and comforting voice.

Prince Henry: Frederick...it's alright he will forgive you.
Frederick: He hates me, Henry...I have lost the only one I call a son...
Prince Henry: Do you want to tell me what happened?
Frederick: No...It will just make me feel worse...
Prince Henry: I understand that.

Frederick walks over to his bed and sits down and he starts quietly sobbing. Prince Henry walks over and sits down next to him. He gently puts his hand on Frederick's back and starts gently rubbing it trying to soothe Frederick.

Prince Henry: Frederick...
Frederick: It's like the place in my heart where my love for Fred use to be is now empty...
Prince Henry: Fred will forgive you...
Frederick: I feel broken...
Prince Henry: I understand...
Frederick: I feel like the relationship between me and Fred has almost broken apart...
Prince Henry: I understand that you are hurting Frederick.
Frederick: No you don't understand Henry!

Frederick starts crying and whimpering even more. Prince Henry tries to start gently stroking Frederick's hair. But Frederick suddenly grabs Prince Henry's wrist and he stares at him.

Frederick: Just leave me alone Henry! Please just go I need time to prepare for today and to calm myself!
Prince Henry: Yes Frederick...

Frederick gently lets go of Prince Henry's wrist. Prince Henry gets up and walks over to the door gently opening it. He looks over at Frederick. Frederick notices that Prince Henry is staring at him.

Frederick: Just go Henry please I need time to myself...

Prince Henry walks out of the room gently closing the door behind him. He walks down the hallway feeling worried about Frederick.

Prince Henry: I just want Frederick to be alright. Why did he have to just push me away like that? I know that his mind is in a dark place but I want to help him. His mind has wandered to that dark place many times but he has always managed to get out of it.

A door suddenly opens and Prince Henry stops and gazes at Prince Frederick who awkwardly stares at him.

Prince Frederick: Does he still want to talk to me?
Prince Henry: Leave him be Fred. He wants to be alone. I don't think he wants to talk to you right now Fred.
Prince Frederick: He's been trying to talk to me for a while.
Prince Henry: I know Fred but he needs time to himself. Just leave him be, please.
Prince Frederick: Fine...I'll leave him be.

Prince Frederick gently closes his door and Prince Henry starts walking down the hallway again.

A few hours later it is now 12:30 pm and Frederick has finished packing his important belongings into his wooden trunk. He gently closes it up and locks it. Suddenly there is a knock on the door.

Frederick: Who's there?
Prince Henry: It's me Frederick I'm just wondering if you're finished packing your things.
Frederick: Yes you may come in Henry.

Prince Henry gently opens the door and he notices Frederick's sabre which is inside a purple and gold sheath is lying on his bed. He stares at Frederick who is kneeling on the floor in front of his dark wooden trunk with his hands on it.

Prince Henry: Nervous?
Frederick: Yes...There are many things that I'm afraid of.
Prince Henry: I understand...Do you want me to take your things to the carriage?
Frederick: Yes Henry thank you.

Frederick gets up and looks out the window. While Prince Henry walks over to the wooden trunk and carefully picks it up. Prince Henry exits the room and suddenly Voltaire enters the room.

Voltaire: Frederick...
Frederick: Yes?
Voltaire: Are you alright you have been in your room since you woke up.
Frederick: I have just been preparing myself...I just take a while to organise things. I'm alright Voltaire.
Voltaire: Frederick you sound like that you have been crying...I can tell when you are upset or if you have been letting your feelings out.

Voltaire walks over to Frederick and he gently puts both of his hands on Frederick's shoulders. Voltaire starts speaking to Frederick in a soft and soothing voice.

Voltaire: Frederick you don't need to hide your feelings. You can talk to me or your brother if you need someone to talk to.
Frederick: Voltaire Fred still hasn't forgiven me and I just have given up on trying to talk to him...
Voltaire: Frederick why did you give up...That's not something you would do.
Frederick: I just felt that I can't keep pleading to him...He might just find it to be an annoyance.
Voltaire: He might just need more time Frederick...
Frederick: I feel that I have almost lost him...I feel that he hates me even more.
Voltaire: Frederick it might seem that way but you both need to recover from what happened. I can tell that this is badly affecting you and you need time to recover from it. But the Prince also might need time as well.

Frederick's eyes start filling up with tears causing his vision to blur. He suddenly turns around and gently hugs Voltaire and he starts crying on him. Voltaire starts gently stroking Frederick's hair and speaking in a quiet and calming voice.

Voltaire: It's alright to cry, Frederick your hurting. It's normal to cry in this kind of situation. But you also need to take care of yourself in this state otherwise you might make yourself feel worse.
Frederick: I haven't been allowed to cry much in my life...Not until I lost Augustus who was another one of my brothers.
Voltaire: Why were you not allowed to cry and feel sadness?
Frederick: I wasn't allowed to be seen as weak. My father would punish me for crying.
Voltaire: Crying is a normal thing...
Frederick: I was meant to be seen as a strong man which means that I wasn't allowed to be seen crying.
Voltaire: Frederick...You are still a strong man even though you do cry. Crying is a normal thing to do in life it's a part of the grieving process. Everyone has to deal with some type of grief in their lives. Or it's due to other painful matters that causes you to cry and let out your emotions.
Frederick: Voltaire...
Voltaire: Yes Frederick?
Frederick: Thank you for your kind words...
Voltaire: Your welcome Frederick.

Frederick gently lets go of Voltaire and he starts wiping his tears away. He then walks over to his bed and gently grabs his sabre. Staring at the sabre Frederick starts recollecting his thoughts and calming himself.

Frederick: I'm fine...

Frederick carefully attaches the sabre to his belt. Voltaire walks over to Frederick and he gently puts his hand on Frederick's shoulder. Voltaire starts speaking in a calm and pleasant voice.

Voltaire: Just remember that you are strong Frederick...and that it's alright to cry and feel sadness. No one will punish you for that.
Frederick: Thank you, Voltaire.

Prince Henry suddenly enters the room and he notices that Frederick looks like he has been crying. Prince Henry starts speaking in a calm yet slightly confused voice.

Prince Henry: Is everything alright?
Frederick: I'm fine just had to let my feelings out.
Prince Henry: Alright...So are you two ready to begin the journey?
Frederick: Are you prepared for this journey Voltaire?
Voltaire: I think so...
Frederick: I understand if you are nervous still mon ami. (My friend)
Voltaire: I'm still slightly nervous but you make me feel safe Frederick.
Frederick: I will keep you safe my friend. Your safety is important to me.
Prince Henry: Alright I think it's time to go you two. The army is waiting outside the city.
Frederick: Yes come lets go, Voltaire.

Frederick, Voltaire and Prince Henry exit the room with Prince Henry gently closing the door behind him. They all walk down the hallway with Voltaire gently putting his hand on Frederick's shoulder.

Frederick: Voltaire...Are you alright?
Voltaire: Just nervous and slightly afraid.
Frederick: Nothing will happen to you...
Prince Henry: It's normal to be nervous Voltaire. War can be a scary thing.
Voltaire: I know...

They all start walking down the stairs but suddenly Voltaire almost falls down the stairs. But Frederick quickly grabs Voltaire's hand and stops him from falling. Voltaire looks at Frederick and he starts blushing a little bit.

Frederick: Be careful you have already hurt yourself once from falling down these stairs.
Voltaire: Sorry...I'm just nervous. I didn't mean to do that.
Frederick: You don't need to apologise I understand that your nervous Voltaire.
Voltaire: Thank you, Frederick.

They then continue walking down the stairs. They eventually get to the entrance and walk outside. Frederick notices Felix standing in between two white horses. He also notices Lawrence standing at the bottom of the steps patiently waiting for them. He also notices Prince Frederick sitting on his light grey horse staring coldly at him.

Voltaire: He is still upset with you...
Prince Henry: Frederick he wanted to talk to you when you were upset.
Frederick: I don't want to talk to him today...I need some time away from dealing with Fred. He is being cold towards me.

They start walking down the stairs and Frederick suddenly gently grabs Voltaire's hand. Voltaire stares at him and he starts blushing a little bit.

Frederick: Just making sure you don't fall mon ami. (My friend)
Voltaire: Thank you, Frederick...
Frederick: I don't want you hurting yourself...

They eventually get to the bottom of the stairs. Frederick walks over to his horse and carefully gets on. Prince Henry does the same as Frederick while Voltaire awkwardly stands there staring.

Frederick: Voltaire come here...
Voltaire: Are you sure...
Frederick: Yes you may ride with me, Voltaire...I'm not letting you walk for this whole journey.
Voltaire: But I have never ridden on a horse before...
Frederick: It's alright he is a good boy he won't kick you off.
Voltaire: Alright...

Voltaire walks over to the horse and Frederick holds out his hand. Voltaire gently grabs Frederick's hand and Frederick helps him up onto the horse.

Frederick: Just hold on to me...
Voltaire: Hold on to you?
Frederick: Yes. I don't want you falling off and hurting yourself.
Voltaire: Alright.

Voltaire gently puts his arms around Frederick. Suddenly the horse starts trotting down the street. Frederick starts speaking in a calm and warm tone.

Frederick: Are you alright Voltaire?
Voltaire: I'm fine...I just haven't done this before.
Frederick: Don't worry, I won't let you fall. Just keep holding on to me.
Voltaire: Alright...

A few minutes later they reach the outskirts of the city where thousands of soldiers are waiting for them. Lawrence suddenly walks up to Frederick and Voltaire.

Lawrence: Where do I go Your Majesty?
Frederick: You may go join up with the Prussian riflemen Lieutenant Sundermann. You are a rifleman after all.
Lawrence: Yes Your Majesty.

Lawrence walks off to go join up with the Prussian riflemen. Frederick trots over to the front of his army followed by Prince Henry and Prince Frederick. Frederick takes a deep breath relaxing his nerves. Voltaire still notices that Frederick is still slightly nervous due to how tensed up he is.

Frederick: Onwards men!

The whole army starts marching forwards to the beat of drums and the sound of flutes. Meanwhile, at the group of riflemen, Lukas Buchman starts talking to Lawrence.

Lukas Buchman: Who are you, sir?
Lawrence: I am Lawrence Sundermann...I am a Lieutenant in the 95th rifles sir.
Lukas Buchman: Sundermann...I have heard that name somewhere.
Lawrence: My uncle was a guard in the Prussian King's army, sir. His name is Peter Sundermann.
Lukas Buchman: I know about him. But my father told me about someone else but I have forgotten his name.
Lawrence: I see...
Lukas Buchman: Anyway on who's orders are you here in this column sir?
Lawrence: His Majesty's orders sir. I was given permission to travel with the Prussian Army sir. My commander the Duke of Wellington has allowed me to travel with the Prussian Army.
Lukas Buchman: I see...Well, I guess I will allow you to be in this column sir since it is a direct order from His Majesty himself.
Lawrence: Thank you.
Lukas Buchman: I am Major General Lukas Buchman by the way.
Lawrence: Oh...I met your father but he didn't tell me that he has a son.
Lukas Buchman: My father told me that he met you before he went to see the King.
Lawrence: Well, I hope this journey goes well sir.
Lukas Buchman: I'm sure that it will Lieutenant.

A few hours later the camp has been set up and it is now dark and most of the army is sleeping. Meanwhile, inside Frederick's tent, Voltaire is lying in his bed still awake. He is staring at Frederick who is finishing up his work for the night. Blowing out the candle Frederick gets out of his seat he notices that Voltaire is still awake.

Frederick: It's late mon ami. (My friend)
Voltaire: I'm just a bit sore from travelling...Mostly my legs.
Frederick: Your just not use to it. But you should get some rest it might help.
Voltaire: You should rest too Frederick as you said it's late.
Frederick: Alright your right.

Frederick takes off his coat and gently hangs it up on the chair. He then sits back down on the wooden chair and starts untying his laces. Gently taking off his boots Frederick puts them down under the desk. He then walks over to his bed and lies down on it tucking himself in with the singular warm blanket. Frederick glances over at Voltaire and he smiles a little bit.

Frederick: You need to rest Voltaire. Besides, I'm sure that the pain in your legs will ease after you rest.
Voltaire: Are you sure?
Frederick: Yes...Just rest alright you need it.
Voltaire: Alright.

Voltaire slowly closes his eyes and he drifts off into a deep and peaceful sleep. Frederick eventually does the same.

To be Continued...

Shout out to writing4dummies for being such a helpful friend to me on Wattpad. For helping me with many problems and also for helping me with my story and giving me ideas and tips.

Also, shout out to empiresofwater who also has an amazing story that is set in the same time period as mine. If you really love historical fiction and LGBTQ+ stories you should also check out their story.