It is currently 7:00 am. Voltaire slowly opens his eyes allowing them to adjust to the bright morning sunshine. Glancing over at the desk he notices that Frederick is calmly working away at something. Voltaire starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

Voltaire: Frederick?
Frederick: Yes Voltaire?
Voltaire: Are you free tonight? I want to tell you something important tonight.
Frederick: Yes, I think I will be free tonight Voltaire.
Voltaire: Alright so will we be able to meet at the lake tonight Frederick?
Frederick: Yes. But why there Voltaire?
Voltaire: I just find it a peaceful place to talk Frederick.
Frederick: I see.
Voltaire: Is 10 o'clock a good time to meet Frederick?
Frederick: Yes that's a good time mon ami. (my friend)
Voltaire: I'm going to go for a walk.
Frederick: Alright.

Voltaire gently grabs his crutches and carefully gets to his feet. Exiting the tent Voltaire notices Lawrence sitting on a nearby log by himself. Voltaire calmly walks over and carefully sits down next to Lawrence. Voltaire starts speaking in a calm tone.

Voltaire: Lawrence are you alright?
Lawrence: Well, I could be better.
Voltaire: What happened you seemed quite annoyed yesterday.
Lawrence: I just got in a fight with my brother. But I did report the theft of my rifle to Wellington. I should be getting my rifle returned to me today.
Voltaire: I see.
Lawrence: You seem quite happy about something Voltaire.
Voltaire: I might have asked Frederick to meet me at the lake tonight...
Lawrence: Do you know what you are going to say to him.
Voltaire: The truth is I don't know what to say. There are many things I could say to Frederick...
Lawrence: Just say what you think is right Voltaire.
Voltaire: Your right. Now I'm going to go for a walk to possibly think about what to say to him.
Lawrence: Alright Voltaire.

Voltaire carefully gets up and begins heading toward the forest that leads to the lake. Calmly walking through the forest he smells the fresh earthy aromas of the forest. He hears the many different songs from the morning songbirds in the trees. Along with the different songs, he also hears the leaves of the trees gently rustling in the gentle and slightly warm breeze. Eventually getting to the lake he hears the peaceful sound of the small and gentle waves crashing against the rocky shore. Voltaire stands near the edge of the lake staring out at the peacefulness of the forest around him.

*Voltaire in thought*

What do I say to Frederick?

Would a simple "I love you." Be enough. I don't want to be too simple but then I don't want it to be too much.

Why is love so complicated?

I'm also nervous to kiss him I have never kissed anyone before and I have never had anyone kiss me.

I suppose Frederick did technically kiss me...But that was just a dream. And besides, it seems we might have been in our relationship a bit longer. Maybe I got better at kissing.

How difficult is it to actually kiss someone?

I'm also mostly afraid of being rejected...I don't want mine and Frederick's friendship to be awkward because of the rejection...

I guess I just have to hope that he doesn't reject me.

Meanwhile over in the British camp, Wellington is happily writing something. Suddenly Lord Uxbridge enters the tent holding a newspaper in hand with a serious look on his face. Wellington looks up from his work and he starts speaking in a confused tone.

Wellington: Yes Uxbridge what is it?
Lord Uxbridge: I noticed something of concern in the newspaper, sir.
Wellington: Yes what is it?
Lord Uxbridge: May I suggest that you read it for yourself, sir.
Wellington: Is it really that important Uxbridge?
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir.
Wellington: Alright hand me the paper.

Wellington moves his work aside and Lord Uxbridge gently puts the newspaper on the desk. Wellington starts thoroughly reading the newspaper. A couple of minutes later Wellington stares at Lord Uxbridge with concern. Lord Uxbridge starts speaking in a calm and collected tone.

Lord Uxbridge: Kitty is safe sir. No civilians were harmed.
Wellington: But the French still attempted to attack London Uxbridge!
Lord Uxbridge: I know sir.
Wellington: If it weren't for Nelson and the rest of the Navy. Well, let's just say we would have to possibly fight the French on two fronts. Which we wouldn't be able to handle without the help of the Prussians.
Lord Uxbridge: I'm honestly questioning why they would dare to attack London. With only 3 ships might I add sir. The French were vastly outnumbered and outgunned.
Wellington: That is indeed a very important question Uxbridge...
Lord Uxbridge: There must be something more to that attack sir.
Wellington: Indeed Uxbridge. But for now, I have to prepare a punishment for Captain Watson.

Lord Uxbridge: How many lashes sir?
Wellington: I think 200 will suffice.
Lord Uxbridge: So when will this punishment be held, sir?
Wellington: Why do you want to know Uxbridge do you really want to watch the punishment?
Lord Uxbridge: Yes...sir.
Wellington: Well I won't be joining you I prefer not to watch the punishments. Especially the hangings.
Lord Uxbridge: I understand sir.
Wellington: It will be at noon. You can go supervise if you wish.
Lord Uxbridge: Alright sir.
Wellington: You are dismissed Uxbridge. And thank you for the newspaper.
Lord Uxbridge: Your welcome sir.

Lord Uxbridge calmly exits the tent. Wellington puts the newspaper aside and then continues doing his work.

*Wellington in thought*
Why would the French randomly try and attack London like that?

Also why only with 3 ships that is very odd.

What were they planning to do with only a small fleet?

I'm also glad that Kitty and my dear boys were not harmed by the French...

I however do still have nightmares about the French killing Kitty and taking my boys away from me. Leaving me with nothing. But I'm not sure about telling anyone about it. Because they might think it's weird and that I'm crazy.

Also, why does Uxbridge like watching the punishments...Like honestly I can't watch the punishments.

I should just continue with my work...

A few hours later it is now 11:45 am. Lawrence calmly strolls into the British camp. Colonel Fraser suddenly walks up to Lawrence and he starts speaking in a calm and pleasant tone.

Benedict Fraser: Morning Lieutenant.
Lawrence: Morning sir.
Benedict Fraser: I have heard that your brother is going to be punished for his crimes at noon. Do you want to come to watch this punishment?
Lawrence: No thanks, sir. It's probably best that I'm not there.
Benedict Fraser: I understand Lieutenant. So why are you here?
Lawrence: To come to get my rifle, sir.
Benedict Fraser: I see. Very well I have heard that Captain Watson was ordered to hand it back to you himself.
Lawrence: I doubt that he would follow that order, sir. He is not good at listening to orders.
Benedict Fraser: Well, I will come with you then to make sure he does follow the order.
Lawrence: Thank you, sir.

Benedict Fraser and Lawrence begin walking through the British camp. A few minutes later they notice Jensen Pearce, Cameron Russell and Ronnie Watson sitting on a log having a chat. Ronnie Watson suddenly gets up and promptly marches over and he glares at Lawrence. Ronnie starts speaking in a hostile tone.

Ronnie Watson: Do you really think I would give you your stupid rifle back you bastard.
Benedict Fraser: It was a direct order Captain. You should follow that order unless you want your punishment to be worse.
Ronnie Watson: Why should I give anything back to this filthy bastard!?
Benedict Fraser: Listen here, Captain you either give Lieutenant Sundermann his rifle back. Or you end up with a worse punishment for not following direct orders.
Ronnie Watson: Who's orders!?
Benedict Fraser: Well, it is probably a direct order from Wellington himself. So I suggest you follow it or you shall end up with a worse punishment.

Ronnie Watson violently shoves Lawrence onto the ground.

Ronnie Watson: I will not give anything to this filthy bastard sir.
Benedict Fraser: You will listen to orders Captain. Otherwise, I will go report this to Wellington.

Lawrence quickly gets up off the ground and he suddenly tackles Ronnie Watson to the ground. Ronnie proceeds to try and shove Lawrence off himself but that doesn't work.

Lawrence: Where is my rifle, Ronnie!
Ronnie Watson: Why would I tell you. You piece of filth!
Lawrence: I will go tell Wellington that you are not following his orders.
Ronnie Watson: I will not let you do that! Jensen! Cameron! Get over here and help me with this bastard!

Jensen Pearce and Cameron Russell proceed to walk over. But Benedict Fraser immediately goes to stop them. Benedict Fraser starts speaking in a serious tone.

Benedict Fraser: I suggest you boys go back to where you were. We don't want anyone else to be punished.
Jensen Pearce: But sir we just want to help out our friend sir.
Cameron Russell: Yes exactly Jensen.
Benedict Fraser: No we don't want to cause a scene so I suggest you two go back to where you were. That's an order.
Jensen Pearce: Fine yes sir...
Cameron Russell: Yes sir...

Jensen Pearce and Cameron Russell calmly head back to the log that they were sitting on. A couple of minutes later Ronnie Watson violently shoves Lawrence off of himself and then he gets on top of Lawrence and holds him down.

Ronnie Watson: You weak piece of filth!
Lawrence: Do you really want your punishment to be worse Ronnie!?
Ronnie Watson: Do I look like I care about what my punishment is Lawrence!?
Lawrence: Well you should!
Ronnie Watson: You don't deserve that rifle back!
Lawrence: It is my rifle Ronnie it was given to me!
Ronnie Watson: You are not even fully British you shouldn't even have it!
Lawrence: I don't understand what you are talking about!
Ronnie Watson: Of course, you don't understand!
Lawrence: Just give me my rifle back Ronnie!
Ronnie Watson: No you don't deserve to have it, you bastard!

Suddenly Wellington calmly walks over and he starts speaking in a commanding tone.

Wellington: Alright what is going on here. Captain Watson get off the Lieutenant, please.
Ronnie Watson: Yes sir.

Ronnie Watson gets up off of Lawrence and Lawrence quickly gets to his feet.

Wellington: Do you care to explain to me what was going on here.
Lawrence: I have heard that my brother here was meant to hand my rifle back to me sir.
Wellington: Yes. Has he done that yet Lieutenant?
Lawrence: No sir.
Wellington: Captain Watson why have you not handed Lieutenant Sundermann his rifle back.
Ronnie Watson: Because it's missing sir.
Wellington: Don't lie to me, Captain...You will follow my order and hand Lieutenant Sundermann his rifle back.
Ronnie Watson: Yes sir...
Wellington: Now go get Lieutenant Sundermann's rifle sir and hand his rifle back to him.
Ronnie Watson: Yes sir...

Ronnie Watson walks off feeling annoyed and defeated. Benedict Fraser calmly walks up to Wellington and he starts speaking in a calm tone.

Benedict Fraser: I tried to tell Captain Watson to follow your order, sir. But it seems that he wouldn't listen, sir.
Wellington: You tried Colonel and that's fine.
Benedict Fraser: Should I go now, sir?
Wellington: Yes Colonel I'm sure that all will be well here.
Benedict Fraser: Alright sir.

Benedict Fraser calmly walks off to go back to his duties. Wellington starts speaking in a calm and collected tone.

Wellington: Are you alright Lieutenant?
Lawrence: I'm fine sir. I'm use to being ruffed up. My brother and I use to ruff each other up when we were younger.
Wellington: I see.

Ronnie Watson suddenly walks over with Lawrence's rifle. He hands the rifle back with a look of annoyance and disgust on his face. Ronnie Watson starts speaking in an irritated tone.

Ronnie Watson: You will pay for this Lawrence...
Wellington: That's enough Captain go back to your duties. You will be escorted to your punishment soon.
Ronnie Watson: Yes sir...

Ronnie Watson quickly walks off to go back to his duties.

Wellington: You may go now Lieutenant.
Lawrence: Yes sir.

Lawrence calmly walks off back to the Prussian camp. Meanwhile, in the Prussian camp at the lake, Voltaire is sitting on a log writing the rest of his story. Voltaire suddenly hears a loud rustling noise in the forest behind him. Voltaire starts speaking in a slightly nervous tone.

Voltaire: Who's there what do you want?

Voltaire doesn't get an answer which makes him even more nervous. Gently putting down the page of the story that he is writing. Carefully putting his quill back into his ink well and places the ink well down next to the page. Voltaire nervously gets up and turns around and grabs his pistol off his belt and points it in the direction of the rustling noise. Voltaire starts speaking in a shaky voice.

Voltaire: Come out I am not afraid!

Suddenly a little grey rabbit comes out of the forest. Voltaire calmly lowers his pistol and puts it back on his belt. Voltaire smiles cheerfully and he starts speaking in a calm and cheerful tone.

Voltaire: Hello little friend...I would never hurt you. Sorry if I scared you. I just thought you were something else.

The little grey rabbit starts hopping over to the edge of the lake. Voltaire watches the little rabbit peacefully drinking water from the lake.

Voltaire: Why would someone hurt these peaceful creatures...I don't understand. They are so peaceful and well some are friendly and others are not so friendly.

The rabbit suddenly starts hopping back into the forest. Voltaire calmly sits back down on the log and continues writing his story.

*Voltaire in thought*
I'm still nervous to tell Frederick that I love him.

What if he thinks that it's wrong that I love him because he is the King and I'm just a civilian...

I know that he loved Katte but back then Frederick would have just been a Prince and Katte was a soldier.

I don't want him to reject my love for him. Because then it would just make our friendship awkward.

No Voltaire think positive...

He won't reject you. Frederick will accept that you love him.

A few minutes later Voltaire suddenly hears footsteps approaching him. Looking up from his work Voltaire notices Lawrence smiling at him. Voltaire starts speaking in a calm and pleasant tone.

Voltaire: What is it, Lawrence?
Lawrence: I just decided to come and see you, Voltaire. I'm also sorry if I disturbed you.
Voltaire: No it's fine Lawrence you didn't disturb me. I was actually almost finished writing this page of my story. I also need to tell you something.

Lawrence calmly sits down next to Voltaire. Lawrence starts speaking in a calm and collected tone.

Lawrence: What do you need to tell me, Voltaire?
Voltaire: I'm nervous about admitting my love to Frederick.
Lawrence: Why are you nervous Voltaire?
Voltaire: Well, I'm worried that just a simple "I love you, Frederick." Might not be enough it might be too simple.
Lawrence: Voltaire all I can say is just say what you think is the right thing to say to His Majesty.
Voltaire: But what if I say the wrong thing!?
Lawrence: Voltaire you won't. You need to be confident and say the things that you think are right.

Voltaire: I'm also scared of him rejecting me...
Lawrence: Why are you scared of that?
Voltaire: Well, I'm just a civilian and he is the King of Prussia...What if he thinks that me loving him is wrong. Because of our different statuses...
Lawrence: Voltaire...You are his dear friend and he cares about you a lot. It also seems that he doesn't care about the difference in your status and his. I'm sure he wouldn't reject you because of the differences in both of your statuses.
Voltaire: But what if he does reject me for some reason. I don't want our friendship to be awkward due to that rejection. I still want to be his friend.
Lawrence: Voltaire he won't reject you...You will be alright. It will go great and he will love you.

Voltaire: I also managed to tell Prince Henry that I love his brother before the dinner last night.
Lawrence: Does he mind that you love Frederick?
Voltaire: No he doesn't. I was surprised at how understanding he was about it. I thought he wouldn't be that understanding because of how serious he is.
Lawrence: Well, I'm glad that Prince Henry accepts your love for Frederick.
Voltaire: Lawrence.
Lawrence: Yes Voltaire?
Voltaire: I thank you for your advice and support towards me so I can get through this. Because without you I think it would have taken me much longer to admit my feelings to Frederick.
Lawrence: Your welcome Voltaire. Also, remember that you can talk to me when Frederick is busy if you need someone else to talk to.
Voltaire: Yes Lawrence.

Lawrence: I will see you later Voltaire.
Voltaire: Yes Lawrence.
Lawrence: Also remember what I said.
Voltaire: Yes.
Lawrence: Believe in yourself and good luck tonight Voltaire.
Voltaire: Thank you, Lawrence.

Lawrence gets up and begins calmly strolling off back to the camp. Voltaire continues writing his story. A few hours later night has fallen over the camp. Voltaire is staring out across the lake which has become still. Voltaire gently grabs his golden pocket watch out of his pocket. Gently opening the pocket watch he notices that the time is 9:50. Quietly sighing to himself Voltaire puts the pocket watch back into his pocket.

*Voltaire in thought*
Why didn't I check the time before I left!?

I now have to wait here for 10 minutes for Frederick to come here!

A few minutes later Voltaire suddenly hears footsteps approaching him. Voltaire turns around and smiles a little bit at Frederick. Frederick starts speaking in a calm and cheerful tone.

Frederick: So why did you call me out here on this nice and peaceful night Voltaire.
Voltaire: I...There has been something important that I have been meaning to tell you for a while, Frederick. But I haven't found the right moment to tell you until now.
Frederick: Well what do you want to tell me, Voltaire?
Voltaire: I...I have this feeling for you Frederick.
Frederick: What feeling Voltaire?
Voltaire: The truth is Frederick...I love you as more than a friend. I'm wondering if you love me in the same way, Frederick.

Frederick suddenly hugs Voltaire and gently kisses Voltaire on the cheek. He continues gently holding Voltaire and he starts speaking in a soft and warm voice.

Frederick: Of course, I love you, Voltaire.
Voltaire: Really you accept my feelings?
Frederick: Oui mon amour. (Yes my love)

Frederick suddenly passionately kisses Voltaire on the lips. Voltaire feels his heart pounding hard in his chest. But not out of fear or nervousness but out of love and pure joy. Frederick gently breaks the kiss and he notices that Voltaire is blushing a little bit. Frederick smiles and continues speaking in that warm and soft voice.

Frederick: Your cute you know that mon chéri. (My dear)
Voltaire: Really...
Frederick: Yes. Now let's head back to the tent it's slightly cold out here.
Voltaire: I agree.

Frederick gently lets go of Voltaire and then gently grabs Voltaire's hand. They then start cheerfully walking back to the camp together.

Frederick: I'm assuming that your ankle is starting to feel better Voltaire.
Voltaire: Yes, I can kind of walk without the crutches without being in too much pain.
Frederick: I'm glad you are feeling better my dear.

A few minutes later they get back to the camp. They notice that it's starting to quiet down but there is still a small amount of friendly chatter between small groups of soldiers. Frederick and Voltaire enter their tent. Voltaire gently lets go of Frederick's hand and he lies down on his bed. Frederick walks over to his bed and begins pushing it towards Voltaire's bed until both of the beds are touching. Frederick lies down next to Voltaire and he smiles cheerfully. Frederick starts speaking in a quiet and warm voice.

Frederick: A few good night kisses before we go to sleep, my love?
Voltaire: Yes Frederick.

Frederick begins passionately kissing Voltaire on the lips. Then suddenly Prince Henry enters the tent. Frederick quickly breaks the kiss and awkwardly stares at Prince Henry. Frederick starts speaking in a very awkward and embarrassed tone.

Frederick: Henry why are you here can't you see I was in the middle of something!?
Prince Henry: I was just going to tell you that I'm bringing the orders for tomorrow Frederick.
Frederick: Oh, I see. Well, thank you, Henry.
Prince Henry: I will let you get back to what you were doing Frederick.
Frederick: Yes.

Prince Henry quickly leaves the tent and Frederick quickly regains his composure. Frederick starts speaking in a quiet and calm voice.

Frederick: Sorry about that Voltaire...
Voltaire: It's fine.
Frederick: Now where were we, my love.

Frederick begins passionately kissing Voltaire again. A couple of minutes later Frederick gently breaks the kiss. Frederick starts speaking in a quiet and warm voice.

Frederick: I will always love, care and protect you Voltaire.
Voltaire: And I will always be here to support you Frederick when you need it.
Frederick: I will never leave you, Voltaire...
Voltaire: And I will never leave you, Frederick.

Frederick gives Voltaire a gentle kiss on the cheek. He then gently grabs the large jet black blanket and puts it on both of them. Frederick stares at Voltaire and he smiles cheerfully.

Frederick: Deep down I think I kind of knew that someone close to me would love me in such a way.
Voltaire: Really...
Frederick: Yes my dear. Now I suggest we sleep. I will keep you warm if you need me to.
Voltaire: Alright Frederick.
Frederick: Good night my love.
Voltaire: Good night.

They both peacefully drift off into a deep sleep while gently holding each other's hands.

To be Continued...