Chapter 32

May 3rd, 2006

Brussels

The four men standing in his office, pointing at Michel with semi automatic weapons, had not much effect upon the lawyer. He only lifted his gaze from the papers he was reading, and looked at them dispassionately.

“My secretary failed to inform me of a meeting with you, Mr. Repin. Get your men out of my office before I call my own security people.”

“You lied to me!” Constantin advanced up to the middle of the large office, its walls covered with bookshelves filled with leather bound books and two of Guntram's paintings, and stood in front of the large desk.

“I assure you that my people have a vast experience in taking the trash out. It wouldn't be the first time,”

Michel said in a deep voice. “They were practising just two days ago, Mr. Repin. Your people are not very sporty.”

“Your mercenaries were just lucky.”

“Private military contractors, if you please. They're quite sensible,” Michel said softly. “Now, get your dogs out if you want to speak with me and leave this place alive. They've just arrived from Somalia. I believe, you're aware of the local traditions as they're your customers too.”

The four men blocking the door with their own weapons pointed at his three bodyguards, convinced Repin of how serious Lacroix was. They looked well trained and dangerous, specially the two black very tall men.

Constantin only moved his head, dismissing his men. He had already lost three good soldiers in their attempt to take Lacroix to him.

“Very well, sit down and we can speak in a civilized way. I dislike when people invade my property.”

“You gave Guntram to Lintorff! I will kill you just for this. He's living in his house in Frankfurt!”

Constantin hissed.

“Yes, children are never as parents want. He decided to return to Lintorff. I'm not happy with his choice, but it's for the best,” Michel sighed and leaned against the soft leather chair, looking completely relaxed and unimpressed to be in the presence of an armed Repin.

“It's your fault!”

“You were not so adequate for him as I used to believe. Trying to ruin his career was too much for my taste, Mr. Repin. You will never have Guntram as long as I live.”

“You will not live long,” Constantin growled.

“You also not if I send you to prison. How long would you last in jail? Two days? A week? The Russian authorities would be delighted to see all what I have on you. Be glad that I didn't give it to Lintorff. I have also some ethics toward my clients.”

“This will not finish here.”

“Of course not, but bear in mind that I organised most of your companies legal framework. Many of your tax declarations are bordering on legitimate and it's only a matter of putting two and two together. Go away and forget that my son exists. He will do the same for you.”

“He's mine and I will get him back.”

“He has not much time left. If you love him so much, let him live in peace and joy. Guntram still appreciates you; don't ruin a good memory of you or your own life on a childish whim,” Michel said with a tired voice as he indicated a chair for Repin to sit.

“It's not a childish whim! I love him and he loves me too!” Constantin raised his voice but sat where he should, unbuttoning his jacket before doing it.

“No, he's done with you. You lost him two years ago. Much to my annoyance, he loves Lintorff and vice versa. If you take him away, you will kill him. I had to return him to that scum before he would have died of a heart attack. His health deteriorated significantly when he was living with me. Think well if you want to be the one who buries him. I buried his mother and it's harder than you think.”

“This will not be forgotten, Lacroix.”

“Please, let's remember who we are, sir. Threatening is for the mob, not for people like us,” Michel sneered. “As your counsellor, I would recommend you to stop this war with Lintorff. You have nothing to gain from it and might lose everything. Your troubles with Morozov costed you Guntram. Next time, it will be your head. You have many cracks in your own structure and many willing to use them against you. Negotiate with Lintorff again; take advantage of the fact that he's going through a sort of bucolic phase with his children and in a generous mood. It's a rare event, almost like a full planetary alignment. Perhaps, I could intercede in your favour and Lintorff let you see Guntram, under surveillance, of course, as long as he wants. My son wants to reach an agreement with you too.”

“I will not accept this!”

“I would have preferred you over the German also, but I have to swallow my pride and endure Lintorff.

You have no idea how hard is for me to refrain myself to shoot him dead or when Guntram shows me the pictures of his little bastards. Unfortunately, my son made his choice. Perhaps one day he realises how wrong he's, but until that day comes, I have to put my best face for his sake. You should do the same because this strategy of yours is not working at all.”

“I will not renounce him.”

“Yes, you have said it many times already, but tell me why do you like my son so much?”

“He's everything I desire; kind, polite, talented and good looking.”

“Without the last part, you're describing a good friend. Why don't you settle for this? Guntram holds you in his greatest esteem. He told me several times that without you, he would have never had the courage to paint. You taught him everything he knows and changed his life like no one ever did before. Not even I was able to touch his life so much. Let him go and maybe he returns to you. Lintorff could never influence him as you have done. If you continue with this war of yours, only resorting to violence, he will be literally heartbroken. Allow me to negotiate on your behalf with Lintorff.”

“What would I get? A letter per month? A picture for my birthday?” Constantin said with huge contempt.

“The right to see him and be his friend. In the moment, Lintorff plans to put my son in his castle, give him the children to play and lock the door while he destroys everything you have with a clear conscience. Guntram would never have sex with you on his own volition; you would have to force him and that is not what you want. My solution is better: be his friend and confident.”

“If I agree to this, what guarantees do I have from you?”

“I give you no guarantees. I have the upper hand, sir. I only want to make my son's life easier.”

“I don't believe you. You're afraid of what I could do to you.”

“I already fooled the whole Order with fewer resources than now. Don't try my patience sir. Those men you saw here are better than Pavicevic's and I have access to many of your business. It's a fair exchange what I'm proposing you. You leave Guntram alone and give up to any romantic claims you have on him and I convince Lintorff and my son to let you come near. A little of competition is good to keep the German in place.”

“You're a dangerous man, Mr. Lacroix.”

“Do I have your word?”

“Do I have yours?” Constantin answered back, without believing in the other man's sincerity for a single minute. 'It's a door, better than nothing.'

“Yes, I will plead your case to my son if you agree to stop your harassment.”

“I will not force myself upon Guntram, if he accepts to resume our friendship. You will refrain Lintorff from attacking me.”

“Of course, I will. I believe you two were good business partners before he saw Guntram. My son also likes your children. He was always speaking me about your girl and the youngest.”

“Very well, I expect to hear from you in a week.”

“A month. These things take some time, Mr. Repin. And you have to reorganize your own backyard, sir. I believe Lintorff has been playing there during the past month, especially in Ukraine. He's growing very fond of that country.”

“Thank you, Mr. Lacroix,” Constantin answered with sarcasm, but took good heed of Michel's advice.

“Allow me to walk with you to the exit, Mr. Repin. These are my last days in this office. I'm moving to Zurich and taking over the Lintorff Foundation. If my son agrees, you can visit him in my house,” Michel said nonchalantly, as he rose from his chair.

Constantin snorted at hearing the last words. “I see you also obtained something from Lintorff.”

“Be it a lesson for you too, sir,” Michel retorted dryly. “I have no sympathies for either of you.”

“It's a mutual feeling,” Constantin mumbled as he walked toward the door with the lawyer in tow.

“You will be hearing from me,” Michel said and opened the door for the other. “Guntram left many of his sketches at home. Should I send them to St. Petersburg?”

“I would appreciate this enormously,” Constantin said softly.

Watching the Russian getting into his large car was a great relief for Michel. One of the monsters was appeased and now he had to corner the other one. 'It's unbelievable how childish those two can be! But I need him to keep Lintorff in check. I don't trust him for a minute. I'm saving his own hide when I swore to destroy him!

Incredible! Time to put the fool back in his place. This plethoric phase of his is very dangerous for all of us. I'm sure now that he really loves my son, but he's a sociopath with money. If he's left to his own devises, he will buy paintings and canvases for Guntram, lock him in the nursery and start a Mafia war or an economical crisis just to make the world a safer place for Guntram.'

'The world would be a safer place without all of them.'

Guntram de Lisle's Diary

May 5th 2006-Frankfurt.

Tomorrow I'm travelling with Friederich and papa back to Zurich. I can't believe that the babies have arrived! Konrad called me a few minutes ago to tell me and I'm completely happy about it. I would go now, but my father decided to keep his schedule. Sometimes he can be very dense and old fashioned. Worst than Konrad! I can't believe what I'm going to write: I had more freedom with him than with my father. I remember now how he used to sit me to make my homework. Very nice, very kind, what a good boy you are Guntram but don't move your ass from the chair till you're finished! Sit straight and finish your greens! I had forgotten all this.

I swear I will not do it to Karl and Klaus!

Who am I kidding? Probably I would do exactly as he does with me. The super revolutionary behaves like my grandfather according to his tales! Your father was stern? Did you take a look in the mirror this morning?

He almost kicked out Konrad from his own house for coming too close to me! I'm not a bloody maiden! I was living with him and with Constantin without asking his permission! I hope this improves after we are in Zurich.

At least it seems he has found a compromise for this situation. Yesterday he spoke with Constantin. I almost fainted when he told me during dinner that he had come to his office in Brussels with his goons.

“Don't worry Guntram. My bodyguards are used to deal with more difficult people than his men. They're kittens compared to what they saw during wartime. We spoke long and we might have a solution but I have to consult with you before I speak with Lintorff.”

“I don't think he will hear you. Konrad dislikes you very much,” I told him.

“I have also my opinion about him, Guntram. The thing is that Repin will stop to importunate you with his demands in exchange that you agree to give him your friendship and allow him to see you now and then. He would also like to continue to see your work. He will cease any attack on Lintorff too,” Papa told me very calm.

I was a mess. Friendship with Constantin? I don't know. After Claudia's mess, I can't see him like I used to do. He terrified me in Rome and I only wanted to escape from him in Russia. Fuck, I was so desperate that I cut my wrists open!

“It's not a good idea, father.”

“As you wish, Guntram.”

“He's very violent and I don't think he will keep his word. He kidnapped a little girl to force me to go to Vienna! I would have never spoken with him!”

“Why did you go then?”

“To convince him to leave me alone! I'm afraid he goes against the babies! He's obsessed with me! I loved him, but he lied to me about his wife and children! When I was in St. Petersburg, there was a man with me all the time!”

“I never said that he was the best option for you, but you said it yourself. You have to convince him to leave you alone and this will not be achieved in one go. You've always spoken well about him, almost like a friend more than like a lover.”

“Yes, I did but after Rome many things changed.”

“He was a desperate man. We do many stupid things under pressure. This way you will be sure that he will not go against Lintorff's children. If you forgave him for lying about Roger, why can't you forgive Repin?”

“It's different! I love Konrad but I still don't know if I will resume our relationship. I'm only going because of the children. We will not share the bedroom, so you can keep your watchdog act to yourself!”

“Don't you think that you're being unfair to Repin?” he asked me with a blank face, only caring about the meat in his dish!

“How? He's a mobster!”

“Lintorff does the same but with more class, that it's true,” he shrugged and asked the butler to get him more sauce.

“What is your game this time, father?” I retaliated when we were left alone. He's not the man who used to play horses with me. He can be cold and calculating to a point that I don't think Konrad could ever be. I'm sure my father loves me, but if he can play his game, he will do it.

“None. I'm only looking for the best solution for you. One in which you can still live your life like an independent person or do you prefer to hide behind Lintorff's back for the rest of your life, depending on him to take the bus or go for a coffee? He would love it, I'm sure, but it's a bad idea. Pacify the Russian front, so to speak. I will be present, if you want. I believe, Repin loves you as well as he can and he tried to do his best for you. Give him a second chance to be your friend. He asks nothing else. If you allowed Lintorff to come near you again, then the logical thing would be to let the Russian too,” he told me with his logical voice. I could only gape at him.

“If you agree, I'll speak with Lintorff. It will be also good for him to recover his share of the Russian market. His associates are pressing him over this, Guntram. For all our sakes we have to stop what is coming. It can only end badly for all of us and innocent people could get hurt. Every time Lintorff attacks Repin, like he did in 2005, he loses his companies and people their jobs, all this without counting “military solutions”. Whether you like it or not, you are in a place of an enormous responsibility, Guntram. I never wanted this for you, but somehow you landed there and now you have to carry this burden the best as you can. You're not a child any longer. You agreed twice to be Lintorff's consort and your responsibility lies in how you support him. Obeying him blindly is not the way, my son. You have the opportunity to prevent a long and bloody conflict.”

“Konrad does not want that I'm involved with the Order's affairs.”

“Of course he does not! I already read that script in 1985!” Papa snorted. “But you're in. Give Repin a chance and stop what's coming now. It's the only way to control Repin.”

“Constantin will do as he pleases! Don't you know him already?”

“Repin will respect your wishes. Did he touch you in Rome?”

“He drugged me! He tortured and killed my bodyguards! He kidnapped a small girl!”

“So you wouldn't have a heart attack! And as for kidnapping, Lintorff almost threw you in his plane and forbid you to leave his house! You were not exactly a free man! Could you have just walked out of the door?”

“No,” I admitted, “but this is a bad idea. Konrad will not allow it.”

“Do you want to speak with Repin? It could save the German's position. He has also exhausted his own credit. Nothing would please me more than see him falling, but I'm sure that you would suffer for it.”

“Yes, I will. He has given all his life to this organization.”

“A total waste, if you want my opinion, but it's his life. I'm only concerned about you, Guntram. Lintorff should not choose your friends. You're a free person, not his toy.”

It was hard for me to hear what he said but he was right. Konrad directs my every move, just like Constantin did. He exploded the moment I decided to risk my neck for Claudia. It's my neck, not his. “If I agree to his request, will Constantin leave you alone papa?”

“Yes, he will.”

“Then, tell him I will see him after I have established myself in Zurich,” I accepted very weakly. I'm totally insane, but I also don't see any other way out. “I don't know how I'm going to do it. I don't know how I'm going to live with Konrad again. I'm having all these doubts when he's not around,” I confessed to my father.

“Guntram, there's no need for you to live with him. I'm more than able to protect you from Lintorff or Repin.”

“I know, papa, but I want to come back with him and the babies. I do really want to have them. I love them perhaps more than the father.”

“I know, although I don't understand it. If you want children, why don't you have your own? It could be possible.”

“Because I know I will not last long. When Konrad told me about Klaus and Karl, I thought that God had given me a chance and I took it. I couldn't leave a child behind. Who would look after him or her after I'm dead?

I want to live as long as I can for those babies, but I will not fool myself thinking that my health will improve. Dr.

Wagemann spoke long with me and I have to be very careful for the next months.”

“You will get better once you're in a less stressful environment. You will see the babies and visit me once I have a place in Zurich.”

“Are you planning to take Fairuza to Zurich?” Guntram chortled, already imaging how crossed Friederich, Goran, Mirko, Ratko or Milan would be. She had started a campaign against the five men and she was winning in Guntram's view.

“Sure, she's my housekeeper,” Papa told me with self sufficiency. This could be a huge and epic explosion when the Germans and Serbs hear about this. Somehow they don't like her and vice versa.

“Friederich can't stand her. She fights with him the whole day and with Konrad too! Imagine, she kicked him out of his own living room! Fairuza told Friederich to go away several times! She does not allow Mopsi to sleep in my room!”

“Good and sensible woman. You also need a firm hand sometimes. Friederich should be nice to her or she will stay in the castle with him. She has already expressed her desire to continue to look after you.”

“Father, Konrad could accept to ask Constantin once per year for tea, but to live under Fairuza's fist will be too much for him!” I laughed.

“A Fairuza in his life would have helped him a lot,” my father laughed and I can really imagine how it would have been for Konrad: to be commanded by a woman! I guess he would have had stroke in less than a month!

In a way I feel bad for Konrad. If I agree to resume our relationship as it was, he will get my father as father in law. I guess he has no idea where he's getting in. Coming to think, none of them has any idea of what the other can do.

They both need a Fairuza in their lives.

Guntram had tried several methods but he couldn't sleep. He had counted sheep, drawn to the point of exhaustion, watched TV but it only caused him a headache. He was restless and worried about the next day and his return to Zurich. The bag and the clothes laid on the chair, ready for tomorrow, were a painful reminder of what was coming next.

'I have to do it now or it would be impossible once I'm there. Why am I such a chicken? It's just a talk and he's several thousand kilometres away.'

He flipped open his mobile and looked for a long time at the photo of Konrad holding Karl deeply asleep in his arms and smiled when he remembered that 'it was impossible to get one with Klaus. He was furious because it was his bottle time. He's way too temperamental!' “You also, Konrad, you also,” Guntram whispered while his finger traced the contours of their faces and knew that he had made up his mind.

Still in his large bed, hoping that the covers would protect him against evil, he dialled the number by heart quickly, hoping that it was still valid. He hesitated before pressing the send button, but closed his eyes and punched the icon and held his breath at the distant sound of the ring. His heart beat when he heard the baritone voice he knew so well barking “skazhite mne,” and gulped to suffocate the bile's taste in his mouth. “It's me, Constantin,” he whispered with a raspy voice.

“Guntram?”

“I'm sorry to call you at this hour, must be very early there. I…” Guntram babbled, unable to stop his words.

“It's all right. It's 9 a.m. I'm already working in my office,” Constantin answered and waved his hand to dismiss his secretary. The elderly woman obeyed without saying a word and closed the door behind her. “I can speak now.”

“This is Konrad's mobile. He gave it to me,” Guntram said, so the other would understand that it was not a secure line.

“Will you not be in troubles?”

“Most probably, but I know you have spoken with my lawyer and I needed to talk with you.”

“This is most unexpected, Guntram. I don't know what to say.” Constantin's brain searched for a plan but his mind was blank. “I never thought you would call me again after Vienna. I shouldn't have told you.”

“It would have come up some day,” Guntram sighed. “It was not your doing, Constantin. I didn't like that you used it in your benefit or that you threatened a small girl.”

“Guntram, you have no idea what I've been going through since you left Russia. I hoped to recover you and did all what I could to gather the money, but you abandoned me in June. You dumped me! In the full sense of the word! Not only that, you allowed Lintorff to fool you and started to live with him! How do you think I took it?”

Constantin shouted at the end.

“It was very bad from me, I know!” Guntram also shouted. “But you drove me mad in St. Petersburg. We had nothing going between us for a long time before! I guess I didn't love you any more much before Olga! You didn't love me too! I was just a nice toy for you! I almost jumped in Konrad's plane!”

“I love you more than anything in my life. More than my own children!”

“Constantin, you only love yourself. You treated me like a pet!” Guntram shouted him. “I was eighteen when I met you and almost a child. I grew up and changed, but you didn't want to accept it. I will never be that boy again!”

“Have you called me to argue?” Constantin huffed and felt his coldness return after the explosion.

“No, I only wanted to tell you that I'm coming back to live with Konrad and that I wanted to sort things out between us. You said no strings attached.”

“I do want you with me, Guntram.”

“But we can't be together! I don't love you and I guess I never did,” the youth confessed. “I misunderstood and confused many things. I admired you and needed your love and support. Without you, I would be still in Buenos Aires, painting and throwing things to the trash can, deeply frustrated and bitter. You showed me another world and I loved you for it; as a friend or a brother. I gave you all I had just to reward your kindness to me, but I should have gone away much earlier, much before Olga's intervention. I ruined your marriage and my life because of my own cowardice.”

“What the hell do you want from me, now? That I leave you alone so you can fuck all what you want with Lintorff? Is that it, Guntram?” Constantin shouted on the edge of his nerves and left all his strategies behind.

“I don't know if I'm returning with Konrad, Constantin. You can be sure you destroyed that. I don't think we can be lovers again,” Guntram admitted very slowly.

“He was in bed with your uncle! Not I!” the Russian roared. “I only told you the truth! I can't understand why you don't love me! I, who did all what I could for you, but you fuck with the man who killed your family and fucked with your own uncle! He took you just because you looked like him and were already tamed! A nice looking doll!” Constantin roared once more, letting all the fury and tension accumulated over the past months flow freely.

Guntram closed the eyes and felt the anger and impotence tears ran across his cheeks but he made no sound as Constantin continued to insult him. 'The worst part is that he's right.'

“You were a sweet and lovable child and Lintorff turned you into his whore! That's what you're! His zombie whore! How can you let him touch you? Don't you have any kind of pride? You're nothing than a replacement for him!”

“As I was a plaything for you,” Guntram said very softly, interrupting the tirade. “I love him Constantin.

I'm sure of it. I love him like I never loved you. I forgave his lies because I do.”

“You're insane!”

“What do you want from me, Constantin? Vendetta for leaving you? That I return to you? What would be different? Nothing. You would be always on the edge thinking that I was with Konrad or that I can return to him. Do you want that I paint for you? Tell me, because I don't know any longer.”

“Come home.”

“No, why would I do it? We both would be unhappy because the Guntram you know is dead.”

“What do you want from me? You know my terms.”

“Your terms? Are we discussing a treaty?” Guntram smirked and Constantin's anger increased once more at the mock. “I was sincere when I offered you my friendship, but the best would be a clear cut for us. You don't understand this is over.”

“Friendship? What kind of friendship can have two people who shared their lives? Guntram, you're very wrong if you think I will settle for this.”

“It will not be a conventional one, I admit. Why do you still love me if you say that I'm a crazy whore?”

“Don't speak about yourself like that! You're my angel!” Constantin shouted.

“I was never an angel. I'm a man like you are. I guess you idealised me and now don't want to let your dream go. It was also hard for me to let go of you, but I did. You have to do the same for your own sake. I fear for you, my friend.”

“Don't lie to me! You care nothing about me!” Constantin could see the game in the young man's words.

Exactly as he had done it countless times. 'He learned that from me.'

“You're wrong. I still care about you and I'm concerned about you. Konrad is after your throat this time.

Before you were only competition for him, now you're an enemy. He has much more than you, Constantin, and he will use it against you. His people are ferocious like your own,” Guntram said, sensing that his former lover was more relaxed after shouting with him. “I don't know if I'm going to live with him again. I'm only meeting the babies. That's all,” Guntram confessed.

“I know.”

“When I saw you in Vienna I only wanted to offer you my friendship because I miss you,” Guntram said but corrected himself quickly. “Not in that way. I miss our talks, your advice and how you didn't judge or criticize me.”

“That was because you were perfect for me. In every detail.”

“But I'm not any longer.”

“That's right. He ruined you. You're now cold, bitter and calculating. Before you were kind and generous to everyone.”

Guntram wanted to shout against it, but he preferred to leave the other win the battle. “Yes, that's true.

I'm not the same, but I still would like that we are friends again, as we were in the past.”

“Now is when you make your offer?” Constantin huffed.

“I make no offers, Constantin. I just want that we see each other at some point, in Zurich. At my father's house or somewhere else,” Guntram said stiffly and started to lose his patience with the stubborn man.

“Don't you need Lintorff's permission first?” Constantin sneered, unable to believe that now his angel started to negotiate with him exactly as his father used to do. 'First he shows the whip and now he reassures me and offers a second rate deal to force me to lower my expectations.'

“I don't need Konrad's permission. In fact, I need no one's permission to choose my friends,” Guntram said in a voice that Constantin had never heard before and it sent shivers through his spine.

'In a way, he looks much more to his father than I ever noticed. Perhaps it's true the story that he nearly killed the young Lintorff for insulting him. He can shoot very well and survived Stephanov. He's not the person I thought, not at all. He's sick, not weak.' The Russian coughed lightly before he spoke: “Write to me when you're settled and we will see, Guntram.”

“All right,” Guntram wanted to say, but Constantin had hung up the phone without any more considerations.

The Russian stood from his chair and sighed, terribly tired, more tired than ever, drained from all his strength. 'Lintorff has it harder than I do,' Constantin pondered while he poured some vodka in a glass. 'No sex, no sweet obedient dove, babies crying out loud and shitting everywhere and Lacroix as father in law! Guntram will do as he pleases and the minute he has enough of the German, he moves with papa and his Hutu, Tutsi or whatever they're, now living in the midst of the Order's territory!”

He chortled softly, considering the irony of life and finished his drink. 'The intelligence reports on those mercenaries are impressive. I wonder if Lacroix would let me use one of them as liaison officer for Somalia. Lots of customers there and I need some business diversification. The Americans are pressing too much in Central Asia and my margins have dropped by sixteen percent I have to rebuild what was lost. At least, the German cleaned up my backyard and saved me the costs of a divorce.' His eyes wandered across the room and fixed on his children's painting once more and he noticed something for the first time in more than a year. 'The stamens of Sofia's flower are badly drawn. I wonder why Guntram did it. Normally, he's more accurate. I'll ask him next time I see him. It's not urgent. In fact, it has no importance at all.'

'Why did I ever think that Guntram was a sweet child? Those misperceptions may cost me my head!'

Guntram was shocked. Had Constantin really hung up on him? It certainly looked as such. He turned off the mobile phone and checked his watch: 4 a.m. 'Maybe I can sleep a few hours now. Tomorrow, Konrad will explode the minute I tell him about Constantin, but he has to learn that he can't control me. I'm sick of it. I'm sick of all of them, including my father.' He switched off his bedside light and turned around in bed. 'Drawing portraits in a square couldn't be that bad.'

'I can't believe she's still around,' a very tired Friederich thought when he sat in the ample and comfortable leather seat in the Dassault. 'Never in more than forty years of working for the Lintorffs, had I had to suffer such a woman! Who said that Muslim women were submitted to their husbands? That's a blatant lie! Was she not going back to Brussels? No way she stays in the Castle. This is where I draw the line.'

Fairuza threw a boisterous look at the old Austrian, still looking at her with his superior air. 'Just because he's the boss, it doesn't mean he can treat me like that. All of the servants in that house treated the dog better than me.

How can Mr. Lacroix let Guntram live with them?'

“Fairuza, once we land in Zurich, you can take the flight to Brussels. Charles will be waiting for you in the airport to drive you home. Take the rest of the week off,” Michel said and she only looked at him furious, but the man returned a cold stare to her, suffocating the protest before it started.

'Was it so easy?' Friederich thought. 'It can't be. We did all in our hands to get rid of her!'

'Well, my father knows when to stop. Konrad would have killed him if Fairuza was setting a foot in his home.' “Friederich, do you think I could use my former bedroom?” Guntram asked very softly to the man sitting next to him while his father and his housekeeper had started a quarrel in French in hushed tones.

“Certainly, my child. It will be ready when we arrive. Antonov will be staying in the other one. Should I send your dog there, too?”

“If it's not too much to ask.”

“No, it's no problem at all. Dieter will see to it.”

“Don't think badly of me because of this. I've been thinking a lot and I still need time.”

“His Excellency will understand. He's glad that you return to help him with the young princes.”

“I'm not sure if I can return to what we had, please understand me.”

“I always feared that this would hurt you very much. I did my best to keep the Duke away from you, but he was in love with you and he still is. He will accept your timing, Guntram. Once, he told me that he would be blessed for the rest of his life if he were to live only a month with you.” Friederich took the youth's hand and squeezed it briefly. “You have been very good and noble to him. You have always treated him with honesty and honoured your promises. He can't ask anything more from you. He has to wait till you accept him back or not and he knows it.”

“I still love him, but I don't know if I could, you know.”

“It has to come from your heart. It can't be forced nor rushed. It will come in its due time.”

“What if it doesn't come? What should I do?”

“This is something to discuss between you two, my child. Alone. You should always be forthcoming to him, no matter how hard is the truth. He trusts you with his life and I know he's deeply ashamed of deceiving you.”

“Thank you, Friederich. You have always been very kind to me.”

“I only want the best for you both as you both deserve a chance to be happy together.”

“The only thing I ask from you today is to be quiet. Just for an hour, exactly as you're now. We don't want to frighten your tutor in his first ten minutes in this house. You already got rid of the nurses,” Konrad said to his sleeping eldest son with a gentle voice. “Do this for me, and I'll name you my successor,” He caressed the baby's face with care and smiled proud of his son but still nervous about his well-known temper. 'Not even two months old and a well defined personality. We will fight a lot during his teenage years. Karl is sweeter. It would be better if Guntram sees him first.'

He kissed his babies on their foreheads and left the nursery to be replaced by one of the three nurses, standing at the door.

“Is everything to his Excellency's liking?”

“Very well, Ms. Ehle. I will return at twelve with some visitors.”

“As you wish, sir,” the woman bowed her head to her employer and sighed when he was away. The Duke was the most demanding, authoritative employer she had ever had and almost like a rock when it came to his own children. While most parents did at least the effort to carry their own babies or at least give them a bottle, this one only glanced disapprovingly at the nurses and expected they to fulfill the babies' needs. 'Certainly, this one will never change a diaper or warm a bottle. Poor children with the father they have! I hope the new tutor accepts to stay so we don't have to deal with the Duke any longer!'

The chief butler was a mess. Should he from the servants or not? When Mr. Elsässer was coming to the house, he normally made an inspection in the kitchen, and he could find up to the slightest wrong thing. It was mandatory to do so when the Duke was returning from a trip, but for the boyfriend? In theory, Mr. de Lisle's rank was exactly as his Excellency's, but they had quarrelled in March and the young man had left him the same day. Only in June, he had accepted to return, but obviously they were not a couple any longer as he was going to sleep in his former bedroom. Should he ask the Duke? Probably not as he had returned in a very bad mood from the States with his children. That the eldest one had been screaming most of the journey—according to the two nurses, unable to calm him down despite their efforts—could be the source of his bad temper this morning.

“Mr. Antonov?” Dieter asked to the bodyguard reading some reports in the old Guards Hall, “I wonder if you could help me with some questions regarding Mr. de Lisle.”

“What is it?”

“It's about today. As you know, Mr. Elsässer told me to move his dog and belongings to his former room and I wondered what to do.”

“Easy, gather everything and put it back there,” Alexei said. “It's is not my job.”

“Regarding his arrival today. Should I form the servants or not?”

“Good question,” Alexei mumbled.

“The Duke is in his private studio and does not want to be disturbed at all and Mr. Elsässer's mobile is still off.”

“Form the staff at the entrance, we have not been informed of any changes in his status,” Alexei decided.

'If the Duke gets furious, I can always tell that he's the Griffin's Consort, besides, Goran would kill me if any of the men show any disrespect toward Guntram. He's so sensitive. Why does Guntram bring a lawyer along?'

The first one to jump out of the car was Mopsi, glad to be back home, after recovering her master. She dashed toward the main door and nearly collided against the tall blond Alpha in charge of the pack, but the man ignored her as it was his use. As usual, she growled at him softly and continued to the kitchen to check that everything was in its place.

Konrad had heard the cars parking outside in front of the entrance and stood up to receive Guntram. He was so nervous, but he forced himself to remain calm, repeating for the tenth time that his kitten had agreed to see the children and wanted to help with their education. 'If he accepts them, he will accept me back at some point. That he doesn't want to sleep with me is understandable and expected. He kissed me twice already!'

'Yes, like a brother, nothing that could be compared to before,' his conscience informed him. Konrad remembered the second kiss, on his cheek and the light, almost ceremonial, embrace Guntram gave him the night he left for New York. 'And he's back to his old room. I wonder if he will ever come back to mine. He's here to be their tutor and the rest is to be seen. We are back to the original offer; friendship and nothing else. No, something else: Jerôme de Lisle is included in the pack. The worst deal of my life.'

'No, one of the best; otherwise he would have disappeared with my kitten. I won his love once; I can do it again. The odds were much worse than they are now.'

Realising that he was going to be late, he shook his head to cast his ghosts away. 'Be calm and the rest will come by itself.' He closed his laptop, where he had pretended to work, but nothing had been done and went to the door, descending the stairs slowly and looking poised, a huge contrast against the turmoil he felt inside.

He noticed that the door was opened and all the servants had been lined up. 'Good Dieter remembered because I forgot to tell him.'

The butler looked certainly nervous and only peered for a second to his Duke, with Alexei towering at his side. Konrad simply stood next to them, impassable as always and watched without interest how the chauffeur opened the black Mercedes door and the pug ran toward the kitchen. Michel Lacroix descended from the car and only stared at him with a mix of contempt and coldness. So focused was Konrad in his adversary that he missed the moment when Guntram, approached him timidly and greeted him in a soft voice.

“Hello, Guntram, Welcome back,” he said very formally and cracked a smile.

“Thank you for the invitation, Konrad,” the boy returned the smile very briefly and shyly.

'This should be forbidden. He can't smile at me like that and expect that I keep my cold blood!' Konrad thought and again, Guntram had to repeat his question a bit louder than before.

“May I introduce my godfather to Mr. Antonov?”

“Yes of course,” Konrad said. “Antonov, this is Michel Lacroix, Guntram's godfather. He was staying with him in Germany and will move to Zollikon.”

“How do you do, sir?” Alexei said out loud and extended his hand to the man, a bit taller than Guntram, but not much and wearing a seal with a black stone and a tiny golden Crenel cross over it. 'From one of the oldest families, like the Holgersens or the Löwensteins.' He bowed his head to the man.

“Guntram has spoken very highly of you, Mr. Antonov. I'm indebted to you for all what you have done for him,” Michel said gravely and shook the Russian's hand.

“It's my pleasure to look after him, sir,” Alexei said and moved aside.

Unable to hold himself any longer, Konrad ignored the venomous look from Michel and grabbed Guntram by his elbow and led him inside, out of the heat, followed by Friederich and Michel. “Come with me, I'll show you the babies now,” he said to moderate the abruptness of his actions. “Friederich, take Mr. Lacroix to the living room, please.”

“Certainly, sir,” the old man sighed and added when Konrad was away. “Perhaps Mr. Lacroix would like to discuss with Mr. Antonov Guntram's security details.”

Guntram felt himself pulled by the arm toward the main stairwell. “Wait, please!” he whispered and disentangled from the strong grip. “We need to speak in private. Without my father or anyone else present.”

“Guntram, you will like the children. Don't worry.”

“Please, it's important that we leave some things clear before I see Klaus and Karl.”

Without saying another word, Konrad turned around and walked toward his own private studio in the tower. Guntram seemed to hesitate to enter in his quarters, but he took a big breath and followed the German.

“Please, do sit down,” Konrad said nervously.

“Thank you. There are two things I want to tell and then, if you still want, I'll see the children.”

“I'm listening.” 'If Lacroix has been setting new conditions, the answer is no. He's worse than the Vicomte!'

“The bad or worse?” Guntram said, weakly smiling and very nervous.

“Let's start by the bad.”

“As you know, I asked Friederich to send me to my old room. I know, I should have told you first, but I didn't reach any conclusion till this morning. I don't think I could resume our intimacy as before.”

“I understand it perfectly, Guntram. As I told you, I'm willing to wait for you till you want. I'm glad that you decided to return for our children's sake. I hope we can be friends.”

“We can't be friends, Konrad. I know this,” Guntram said dejectedly.

“Are you having second thoughts about it? You don't want to be my consort any longer?”

“No, I want to stay with you and the babies. We cannot be friends because I love you despite all,”

Guntram confessed and blushed.

“Do you still love me?”

“Like always, but I fear my reaction if you touch me. I can't get out of my mind what went between you and my uncle Roger. My father told me several times that it was something akin to a magnetic passion and that you never loved each other, but the picture Constantin showed me, keeps appearing in my mind.”

“Your father is right. I never loved Roger like I love you. You gave me my life back and my children. I'm deeply ashamed of my past with him. I never wanted you to find it out and be hurt for it. You are the last person I want to hurt in this world. Your love, when I had it, showed me that another world was possible. I will wait all the time you need to accept me; my whole life, if necessary. But please, don't go away now. I need your support to look after the children. I don't know what to do and I'm lost without you.”

“I missed you every day all this time, even if I was furious with you. I wanted to hit you, to smash something in your head for lying to me.”

“You had every right to do it.”

“I was in the hospital. Dr. Wagemann must have told you already. My health is worse than before and I will not last long. There are not many chances that I live longer than my forties. Do you still want me as tutor for your children?”

“Yes, I do. I'm sure that your health will improve. You were much better since you came from Russia.”

“Yes, but the allergy episode and the stress in March were too much for my heart.”

“We will solve one thing at a time, Guntram,” Konrad whispered and his hand reached Guntram's to pat it briefly. “Now, tell me the worse,” he said encouragingly.

“It's about my father and Constantin. Hear me out before you shout, please!” he tried to stop Konrad from exploding but the man only looked at him furious. “Please, Konrad!”

“If Lacroix has been dealing with the enemy, he's in deep waters, Guntram. I will not allow this! I granted him a full pardon and the first thing he does is running to the Russian?”

“The Russian went to his office in Geneva! He had to deal with him!”

“What was it this time? He gives all our plans in exchange for his life?”

“No! I had agreed to be friends with Constantin again. To see him now and then, at my father's house in Zollikon. Perhaps give him part of my material.”

“Never! You will never come near that slime again! You don't have my permission! I'll have a word with your father for proposing you this! This is outrageous!”

“Konrad, please, don't be mad. I have already spoken with Constantin, last night with the mobile you gave me and agreed to this.”

“How dare you! You're my consort! You should have consulted with me first!” Konrad hit the table with his fist and Guntram flinched at the noise.

“You would have refused it.”

“Of course I would! Look what happened the last time you saw him!”

“We need to stop this madness. You're going to lose a lot if you continue with this!” Guntram shouted back. “Do you want to risk your position as Hochmeister? Besides, Constantin was not interested in me.”

“That's one of his charades! You should know him better!”

“No, I know him well. He's not interested in me any longer. I'm useless now and frankly he doesn't want to carry with the dead weight I am nowadays. Maybe he has found another artist too. There are hundreds of us. He didn't like that I was negotiating with him. He said that you ruined me and that I used to be a sweet child, but now I'm a bitter man. I guess, he finally realised that I'm not the person he used to love. His last words were “write to me and we will see”. It's over, Konrad. He has given up on me.”

“Your father had no right to make you speak with this man! Much less in your condition!”

“I'm not a frail maid, Konrad and I can make my own decisions. He only told me about it, but it was my choice to phone Constantin. I have not informed Michel yet and I would like that you do the same. He should stop meddling in my life. Once, he's installed, I will write to Constantin and you can check the letters,” Guntram said visibly upset at both men.

“I will not let you have contact with that man!”

“You will not decide who are my friends or not, Konrad. I only swore to respect you and stay away from the Order's business. If you are jealous of Constantin it means that you don't respect me at all, thinking that I'm going to be unfaithful to you. If this is the problem here, I leave now.”

“It's not that! I trust you. It's just that Repin is a criminal and you can't stand any more stress!”

“I will not open another front. If this helps Constantin to get over me, so be it. I can't live the rest of my life hiding behind your back or in fear that he would attack us,” Guntram said very calmly. “If you want, I'll leave now,” he added softly.

“No, stay and meet the babies. They're waiting for you,” Konrad replied with a small voice, understanding the he had to accept the young man's conditions or Guntram would really leave him forever this time.

This was his only chance and he had to seize it the best as he could. He rose from his chair, circled his desk and took Guntram's hand without asking for his permission, to pull him from his seat. “Come with me please, they should be awoken now.”

“Thank you, Konrad,” Guntram said with a shy smile and followed the Duke through the corridors up to the nursery in the third floor. With his heart fluttering, he stopped in front of the main door to the playroom and looked at Konrad in the eyes.

“Come, Guntram. Everything is as you left. The decorator finished her work based on your ideas and the furniture you chose.” The Duke opened the door and softly nudged the boy inside the large room, bathed by the sunlight, painted in beige and with some cupboards to store the toys, a small table with chairs, shelves for a few books and Guntram's drawings framed and hung high.

“Everything is exactly as I imagined,” the boy said in awe and noticed the tall woman standing there.

“Hello.”

“Good morning, sir,” she greeted him curtly and bowed her head to the Duke, before leaving the room in haste.

“Maybe the children are still sleeping. They sleep the whole day,” Konrad said gently.

“Should we return later?”

“No, when they sleep, they do it like logs.” 'Fortunately,' he thought before opening the door with great care and inwardly praying that Klaus would continue to sleep and avoid making a scene. “The one in the cot at the right is Klaus and the other is Karl”

Guntram entered in the large room containing two large cradles, individual baby changers, closets and two comfortable sofas and rocking chairs. Doing his best to be silent, he approached Klaus' bed and was immediately taken by the baby's soft features, so similar to his father's up to the last detail, even with his frowning expression. 'He might be getting hungry,' Guntram thought. He smiled very softly and felt that he couldn't leave him any longer. “He's very good looking with that light brown hair. I bet his eyes are blue.'

He turned around to look at the other child, sleeping all sprawled in his coat and was surprised to see that he looked much more beautiful than his brother, with a small round nose and almost white hair so blond that he was.

This one slept peacefully and obviously satisfied about something. 'The contended little baby,” Guntram thought and leaned over the crib to see him better.

'That's right, focus on Karl. He won't make trouble.' Konrad thought, while he checked anxiously every movement, grimace or word that Guntram might have said. 'He looks already in love with them.' With great care he advanced one step toward his kitten, ready to catch him once more, but the wooden floor creaked and Klaus wailed in his usual way, much to Konrad's horror.

Guntram couldn't believe that someone so small could make so much noise and stood there frozen when the nurse ran to the crib with a dummy in her hand. Konrad only sighed, knowing that it was useless to try to fool Klaus. He watched as the woman plugged in the pacifier, but after two sucks, Karl spat it out with all his strength and cried one pitch louder. 'Be quiet, please, the last I need is Guntram running away because of your temper!' he pleaded silently to his eldest son.

“May I carry Klaus, Konrad?” Guntram asked, while the nurse did her best to calm down the furious baby, nervous that her employer was looking more crossed than usual.

“Please, do it, sir. I'll get his bottle ready in a minute,” the woman said quickly and picked up the baby with a “hold well the head, and everything will be fine.”

Still afraid to do something wrong, Guntram took with infinite care the baby from her arms and rocked him a little with a “hello baby, just a second and you'll get something good.”

To everyone's surprise, Klaus stopped his crying and fixed his big blue eyes in Guntram and nestled better against the young man's arms.

“That has never happened before, sir,” the nurse said astonished. “Sit in one of the couches and I'll bring you his bottle,” she added, glad that the little fury was silent and busy with his inspection of the new tutor. 'If he can get this one quiet, I will not resign at the end of the month. I've never seen a baby so ill tempered as this one. Exactly as the father.'

Guntram sat in the rocking chair while he whispered to the baby that he was going to get something to eat. Konrad was shocked, but relieved that his kitten still liked Klaus after he had shown his temper. “Maybe he only wanted to be picked up. He's almost asleep again,” Guntram commented to Konrad.

'Don't you think we didn't try that already?' “I think he likes you very much, Guntram,” Konrad said and went to Karl's crib. 'I wish someone would have carried me like this,' he thought briefly, before stroking lightly the sleeping baby's hair, oblivious to his brother's temper display.

“Here you are, sir,” the nurse handed the bottle to Guntram, who started to feed the baby.

“Klaus is very nice,” Guntram said, smiling to the baby, busy with his milk, but looking at him carefully.

“He has your eyes and features, Konrad.”

“He has a lot of temper, Guntram.”

“No, he looks like a peaceful fellow,” Guntram protested and removed the bottle from the baby's lips.

“Hey, wait a little or you'll choke,” and Klaus didn't complain at all when his normal reaction would have been an explosion.

Karl decided that it was his turn to get something too and started to make small inquiring sounds from his crib and Konrad picked him up and ordered the nurse to get another bottle for him. “When she's back, give Klaus to her so she can change him and you can hold Karl too. He's starting to smile.”

“Klaus too,” Guntram commented, his mind only on the baby, partly asleep over his shoulder.

The nurse returned and took Klaus, who only whimpered a little at losing his comfortable pillow. Karl looked at Guntram for an instant, but soon lost interest in him and focused on his bottle. Guntram held him for some time and enjoyed one of the baby's big automatic smiles when he touched his small nose.

“They're really handsome and cute babies, Konrad. You must be very proud of them,” Guntram said softly when both men left the nursery.

“They like you very much, especially Klaus. Do you like them too?” Konrad asked nervously.

“Of course, I do. I'm in love with them since I saw their pictures.”

“Will you stay and be there for them?”

“As long as I can.”

“Thank you,” Konrad said with his heart. 'Now, my children have a chance to live a happy childhood, something I never had, no matter how much Friederich tried.'

“No, I should thank you for giving me this chance,” Guntram said. 'I only hope to live till they go to the University.' ”Do you think I could take the babies for a walk after lunch?”

“Yes, of course. Take one of the nurses with you. It's not too hot today. But you don't need my permission at all. They're yours as much as mine. You're their legal tutor.”

“Thank you,” Guntram said, smiling to Konrad. 'I guess we can be good friends, after all. Being here is not as bad as I thought it would be.'

“I believe we have to feed your father before he charges in here,” Konrad said very seriously and Guntram chuckled. “He must be thinking that I'm being less than honourable with you and could leave his housekeeper here,” he added without any intention of being funny, wondering why his kitten found so entertaining his Via Crucis with the bossy and rude Muslim woman.

“My father knows his limits. He sent Fairuza back to Brussels this morning. She was quite upset with him as she dislikes you.”

“Dislikes? That woman hates me, kitten,” Konrad sighed and noticed how stiff had turned Guntram at hearing the nickname. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.”

“It's all right. You had no bad intentions, but I would prefer if you call me by my Christian name. The other was in the letter I read.”

“I understand, it will not happen again.”

“Don't think you're free from her. She comes back in a week to inspect where he plans to move and where she will live as she can't stay with him. I guess, she wanted to bring her two nieces and nephew here.”

'Oh, joyful moment,' “I'm afraid all positions within my staff are fulfilled. You should speak with Friederich.”

“No, please. I love Fairuza, but this is your house. You were very kind to let her stay with me in Frankfurt, but I realise that she's more apt for my father's lifestyle than yours. She was also too much for Friederich's nerves.”

“He threatened with going into retirement, Guntram. For some reason, he blames me of this situation. He will never bring me coffee in the mornings again,” Konrad complained and Guntram chuckled again at his grievous face.

“Let's rejoin your father before I loose my cook too.”

“He promised to behave with you, if you could do the same, everything would be fine.”

“I will treat him with the courtesy he deserves as father of my Consort.”

They entered in the large living room where Michel and Alexei were talking in amiable companionship.

“Michel, you should see the babies! They're very cute!” Guntram said excitedly, rushing toward him.

“Some other time, perhaps. I must return to Geneva today. Tomorrow, we can have lunch if you want, Guntram,” Michel stopped his son's exuberant joy. “I have a meeting with Elisabetta von Lintorff at the Foundation and I hope we can reach an agreement.”

'Good luck, my Aunt will eat you alive.' Konrad thought deeply satisfied.

“I believe the lady was not informed about this change in the leadership, my Griffin.” Michel said very displeased at Konrad.

“Dr. von Kleist did his best to speak with her, but the princess would prefer to speak with the new president,” 'You survive it, it's not my problem.'

“Yes, I've already spoken with her and we agreed that she will keep her position as President and be in charge of the public relations while I take care of the executive and strategic decisions. It would be a pity to loose her as she has good and sound relationships with most of our donors,” Michel said, rising from his seat. “I'm leaving now.”

“Would you not like to stay for lunch?” Konrad said, secretly glad to get rid of him but somehow concerned that Elisabetta and him had avoided a clash and were cooperating with each other.

“No, thank you. I have to drive back to Geneva,” Michael refused curtly and approached Guntram to give him a hug—much to Alexei's surprise that his Duke was not jumping to strangle the man for touching “his”

Consort “Take care and we will see each other soon. Don't get tired around the children, Guntram.”

“Do you have to go?” Guntram lamented.

“It's for the best. You should get used to this and rest a bit. We will see each other tomorrow and perhaps could come to the great house hunting with me.”

'What? What about the part, visit twice per month?' “My chauffeur will drive you to the airport, Mr.

Lacroix,” Konrad said out loud, without missing the look of deep sadness in Guntram's eyes.

“Thank you, but my own people are here with my car. We drive now.”

“Good-bye, sir,” Konrad said and extended his right hand.

“Take good care of him, sir.” Michel preferred to let the rest of the sentence dangling in the air.

“Most certainly I will,” Konrad fulminated him with his eyes but the French didn't seem fazed at all and only hugged his son once more, muttering “à demain,” before leaving the room.

“Allow me to accompany you to the door,” Alexei offered and went away with him, leaving them alone.

“Déja vue, Guntram,” Konrad shrugged and sat where Michel had been sitting, glancing through the window do check that Lacroix was really away. 'Darn! The commie has a Maybach fifty-seven? Good choice. Karl Marx must be turning in his grave.'

“I beg you pardon?” Guntram said dumbfounded and already feeling concerned about his father as he watched the large car drive away.

“The first time you came here. Everybody ran away and it was just the two of us for lunch,” Konrad smiled at the memory. “You were quite edgy.”

“From one Mafia boss to the next, but I didn't know that at the time. And he looked sterner than the other.”

“I had no idea of how was your character. I was expecting someone very different.”

“I imagine, a crazy artist, living with Constantin. Not the best introductory card, I admit,”

“Both our lives changed in a 'dates' house', and here we are now. I'll do my best to make you happy living with us.”

“I was always happy with you, Konrad. I'm now with Klaus and Karl. It's just the other thing.”

'The 'other thing'? Why can't he be more specific? But if he starts to speak with riddles, I'm on the right path.' “I'm glad of this. You also make me very happy, Guntram,” he replied softly and both men fell into a tense silence.

“Why do you tell that the lawyer is family? He has no family!” Jean Jacques mumbled to his boyfriend, busy with the pidgeon's sauce and controlling from the distance what his new helper was doing with the salad, the kitchen brimming with activity. “Get your hand away!” he hit Alexei when he tried to steal one of the pastries for the afternoon.

“Just checking for poison!” the Russian chortled.

“Imbecile! Get out of my kitchen!”

“All right, I thought you wanted to hear the rest of the story.” Alexei shrugged, perfectly aware that the chef's curiosity will make him rethink his threat.

“All right, take it as it's ruined. So the lawyer does not stay for lunch?”

“No, he's French, from Saint Cyr, and the next CEO of the Lintorff Foundation. He specialises in corporate law and Guntram was staying with him.”

“Why?”

“According to the Duke, he's his godfather, but they look very similar and in a way, he reminds me a lot of Guntram. He was very kind to me and knew that I took the boy to the hospital. But, here comes the big part; The Duke dislikes him very much, but tolerates him. In fact, this Lacroix moves his Excellency at will. How did he become the next CEO?”

“Answer me this. Should I serve apple ice cream with strawberries?”

“I guess not, Guntram stays in his older room.”

“Merde! I have a mission for you, Alexei.”

After lunch, Konrad and Guntram stayed together in the library as it was too hot and sunny to be outside.

Like before, they sat together, speaking in hushed tones about non controversial subjects like Economy or what Guntram had seen from Germany. They took the babies out and once more, Klaus preferred to be in Guntram's arms while Karl was with his father. They walked across the forest and had dinner together. Guntram was surprised that how easy it seemed for him to return to his old routine and before he knew he was once more sitting in his usual spot at the library sketching the babies' faces while Konrad had his usual glass of cognac.

The Duke noticed how tired Guntram was and decided to call it for the night, walking him up to his room and bidding him good night.

“Did you put the wooden blocks under the mattress?” the cook whispered when Alexei sneaked into his room, after dinner.

“It's the most stupid idea I've heard in years, Jean Jacques. I could be in great troubles.”

“Trust me, Alexei. My people invented the art of gallantry! It's just a slight push in the right direction.

Those two being friends only? Please! What if this continues and the boy finds someone better? If we consider the raw material we have here, Guntram will be running away in two weeks! The Duke is really a turn off for anyone. You can't make a sirloin out of an old dry bone!”

“Leave them alone! It's their problem!”

“No, it's not their problem: it's ours too! I've spoken with the nurses and Guntram is great for the babies.

He calmed the little pest in no time, without mentioning the larger pest. For the first time ever, the Duke fed one of his children! Today, I served him Brussels sprouts and he ate them all. Any other day, he would have sent the dish back to the kitchen! They should fix their problems and the best is to do it in the bedroom!”

“What makes you think it will work at all?” Alexei whined.

“Trust me. I know exactly what I'm doing,” the cook said very confidently of his skills. “I saved some ice cream for you,” he grinned. “It would be a pity to waste it.”

“Leave it for afterwards,” the big Russian chuckled and winked. “I think I deserve a prize for risking my neck for you.”

Guntram couldn't understand what was wrong with his bed. It has never been so uncomfortable. Once more he turned around trying to find a comfortable position, but it was impossible as he felt that there was something sharp in there. 'Not something, but several things. It wasn't like this before!'

'Brother, there's nothing wrong with it and you know the real reason for your uneasiness. You want the other bed as it's warmer than this one.' his inner voice intruded once more.

'Bad mattress, that's all!'

'In a several millions castle? Please! Lie to yourself but not to me!'

Guntram checked his watch; 1 a.m. In the darkness of his room, he looked for Mopsi with his eyes and found her in her basket, sleeping and snoring. 'Gosh, she's really loud for a dog. Was she not staying at Konrad's before? He must have had a hard time with her. She's not helping me at all!'

He sat on his four posted bed and switched on the bedside light, hoping that the pug would awake, but she continued to snore a bit louder than before. The lad sighed and realised that he was not able to sleep with her around or with the mattress.

'Time to ask for political asylum, brother. You're certainly welcomed upstairs,'

'Shut up!'

'Big bed, noiseless,' his inner voice tempted him.

Guntram sighed, aware that the dance with his conscience could last till dawn and made up his mind.

'Just sleeping there, nothing else. Only for tonight, till I find a place for Mopsi.' He dressed with his robe and put on his slippers. 'I hope Konrad does not kick me out for this, but honestly all the servants are sleeping and I don't want to bother them. Sleeping with Alexei is totally out of the question. Jean Jacques would kill me in the morning!'

Very carefully, he opened his door and peered into the deserted hallway, noticing that Alexei's door was closed. He shut down his door, doing his best not to disturb his dog and full of doubts walked toward the stairs.

Still hesitating, he debated with himself once more about the convenience of knocking on Konrad's door.

'He must be sleeping by now,' he thought, but saw the light coming through the door, as if he were reading or working in his living room. 'Just once, if he's still up, he will come, if not, I return to my own bed and complain tomorrow to Friederich.' He knocked softly, but said nothing.

Konrad was surprised that someone was knocking at his door so late. It could only mean troubles and put aside the book he had been trying to read since several hours, unable to sleep, too excited and plethoric in his bliss, as his kitten was back. He went to answer the door and was shocked to see the young man standing there.

“Hi, I'm sorry to disturb you but I can't sleep in my bed. I don't know what's wrong with it. Could I stay here?” Guntram blurted at full speed and Konrad was speechless.

“I'll go away, if I'm bothering you,” the boy added, feeling very ashamed that he had disturbed Konrad, who was only gaping at him.

“No, no. I can't also sleep. Come in. It's very late. I don't know if we could prepare another bedroom for you. I apologise for the inconvenience, Guntram.” Konrad recovered from his shock and quickly thought that calling one of the servants would be very daft and counterproductive for him.

“No, I'm sorry to be such a bother for you.”

“Not at all. I was going to bed now. We can share it, if you don't mind,” the man suggested. “I swear to keep my hands to myself,” he added at full speed.

'Bugger!' Guntram's inner voice yelled, but the boy managed to keep a straight face. “Thank you, Konrad. I'm sorry to disturb you.”

“Get in the bed and I'll change into my nightclothes.” He moved away from the door frame allowing the boy to come inside and go in a straight line toward the bedroom. He followed and took his own pyjama from under the pillow on the right side while Guntram went automatically to the left side, with the confidence of a shared intimacy. Konrad had to make a supreme effort not to stare at the boy when he removed the robe and left it over one of the chairs as he always did and returned to the bed and slid under the covers.

Konrad went to the bathroom to change himself. 'I have to let him make the first move.' He put on his pyjama and made a ball with his clothes, without caring about the jacket and cursed when he squeezed the toothpaste almost pouring all its content over the sink. 'Calm down or you'll screw it up!'

Taking a deep breath he opened the door and stood motionless when he saw again Guntram in his bed, lying as always on his right side, curled up and almost asleep. 'He's everything I have, if he would just give another chance.' Konrad turned off the light and walked toward his side of the bed and removed the covers, still afraid that this move could scare away his kitten. But nothing happened and he slid in, checking that he was well covered. He settled in the bed and turned around in his attempt to ignore that he was there.

He laid awake for a long time, remembering how it was before and all the joyful moments they had shared. 'Others will come with the children, even if we are only friends.'

In his sleep, Guntram turned around and his put his arm around Konrad's waist, seeking for his warmth and protection, and surprising his lover. Konrad turned around and gathered the youth in his arms as they used to sleep in the past. 'Maybe he shouts at me tomorrow, but I will not miss this opportunity,' he sighed and closed his eyes, revelling in the small body curled in his arms, sleeping deeply for the rest of the night.

Friederich was surprised when he found out that he was missing one young French boy. Obviously, Guntram had not slept in his room and what was Antonov doing there so early?

“Have you seen Guntram, Mr. Antonov?”

“I would look for him upstairs, Mr. Elsässer,” Alexei sauntered, glad that he had been fast enough as to recover the wooden cubes and slid them in his pockets one second before the butler entered in the room with a tea and Guntram's morning pills. “I'll take the dog out, now. Come, girl, come.” He crouched and patted his thighs to call the dog, jumping from her basket. 'I have to make another suicidal mission and return them to the nursery. I'm getting old for this job.'

Still gaping, Friederich could only mumble “I see,” before leaving the room to order Dieter to move everything back to the Duke's quarters, once they were out of bed. 'It's impossible to run a house under these conditions!'

*

More relaxed that he had ever been in months, Guntram woke up in Konrad's arms, disoriented for a fleeting second of his whereabouts. He looked at the other man's face and smiled, remembering how much he loved to watch him in the mornings, looking like a small child. 'It wasn't that bad, Guntram. We could give each other another chance after all.'

He caressed his face delicately to wake him up and smiled at him when he opened his eyes, still partly asleep. “Good morning, I have to disappear before Friederich comes in.”

“He will not come, he's crossed with me since Vienna. I have to fetch my coffee downstairs now,”

Konrad whined and Guntram's smile broadened. “It's not funny. He told me to get it by myself!”

“I'll get dressed and I can help you to get to the dinning room. It's far away, but we will manage,” the young man teased him and laughed when the other closed his eyes in delight at the caresses he was receiving from Guntram. “You were right about something else.”

“What?”

“My dog snores very loudly. It's impossible to sleep with her around. I will have to move out.”

“I'll tell Friederich to look for another place for her.”

“No, she's happy there as I am here,” Guntram whispered and blushed.

“Then we will move you here and leave the dog there, Maus,” Konrad said softly and bent his body to kiss his kitten, happy to feel his kiss returned without reserves and with true love.

Finis

March 12th, 2011