Chapter Text
The Sanssouci Palace had never felt more vibrant and alive than when the sunlight reflected it's beauty. The light had entered the hallways, lighting up the paintings of mighty rulers in the hallways. The muted red colors of the curtains had been turned into a elegant shade of scarlet that rivaled that of a rose. The servants moved quietly and efficiently throughout the palace, doing their usual activities.
At the far end of a particularly long hallway was a door tinted in a dark ebony. It led to a private office that was filled with tension and the smell of gunpowder. The office itself was nothing flashy, rather it was a serious abode only a military genius would be able to handle. The room was covered in the color of a dark brown. There were bookshelves that stood tall, housing multiple books even a mathematician would have a terrible time counting. The books themselves were nothing too special. They were just both fresh and ancient military strategies, even books of German history and those of musical that were specifically for playing the flute. It was the most out of place object in the suffocating room. On the wall was a map of the European continent with the names and capitals of the Nations that his behind shadows of the land that was theirs. On the far end corner of the wall was a collection of daggers and guns. It was a dangerous yet expensive way of bragging that required immense power and strength. In the center of the floor was a thick rug that had two wooden chairs on top of it. There was a desk that was filled with a mountain of papers and a man that was bent over the said papers.
Prussia groaned. Not only did he had such a humongous pile of documents to sign, he also had to fully read them all! And he was just halfway through all of it! "So annoying...", Prussia hissed under his breath, a genuine annoyance building up inside him that he hadn't felt in a long time. He slumped back in his chair, taking a deep breath. He needed to cool off before continuing his task. His one dark eye noticed the light entering his office from the outside. The sun seemed happy today, he thought. Fixing his military uniform, Prussia got up on his boots and headed over to the window.
He glanced at the outside. The gardens were much colorful during this time of day. The sight made Prussia's eye widen. He was so used to spending most of his existence as a soldier and general that he forgot the world wasn't as dull as it was. The world was changing, as it usually does. Europe was no longer in chaos, every Nation was now simply living in the quiet. That included Prussia. To him, a silent and peaceful Europe felt odd. Though, he shrugged it off. "Maybe I was just raised in blood and mud.", he whispered to himself, letting his ink-stained wings fall to his side. There were no wars anymore. He could live in peace as much as he wanted.
Then, his eyes drifted to the lower parts of the lively garden. His breath hitched as he looked over the sight. There, on the stone tiles of the garden, was Brandenburg and German Empire. His husband and their son.
Brandenburg, his other half. Prussia had been taken back to the first time they met. Back when his brother, HRE, was still alive, he had assigned Brandenburg to him since he was a Paladin AND Elector, meaning he had a much higher place in the court. Specifically him, as HRE refused him to go alone in battles and the other Paladins would refuse. At first they didn't get along. They constantly bickered about their flaws and methods of tactics used in a battles. That time, Prussia had believed Brandenburg was too "soft" for his position. Atleast compared to the other Paladins such as Bavaria. He reminisced the time he had called Brandenburg a "useless bird" in the middle of a battle all the way back in the 1700's. While Brandenburg was quite a helpful and caring, Prussia was the exact opposite. He was quite a stubborn troublemaker with a constant, wide grin on his face. He was still the same as before. Neither of them had expected to get along. HRE had never expected then to get closer. No one did. But somehow, they grew closer as the years passed and battles ended. Prussia could've sworn it was because of his flute skills, but Brandenburg suggested something much more diabolical. Prussia still remembers the words. "Maybe Fred the Great has truly taken root inside you.", it still makes him chuckle. Brandenburg was always apart of his life, even when times where rough and HRE died, he was there to comfort of simply enlighten him. Prussia had sworn that the rest of Europe can take his land and treasures, just not his lover.
And then, there was his little songbird. German Empire. His "Second Reich". The little boy looked exactly like him. The same inky hair, the same dark wings, the same dark eyes. It was as if the baby was a reflection of Prussia from a mirror. He almost felt bad for Brandenburg since the kid inherited almost inherited nothing from the same man that birthed him into the world. At first, Prussia didn't really like the idea of a child. His mind was filled with questions that he refused to solve. What if the child was taken as a hostage? What if the child would be a victim of war? The heartbreak would be too much for him, despite having an iron heart. And yet, they still had a child of the cold that was now wrapped under the soft sunlight of spring. The innocent child playing in the gardens would soon be a great European power, and Prussia guaranteed it. If half of the continent had been surprised and frightened to see him have an heir, then they should atleast have the audacity to bow once the child gets older.
With a content smile on his face, Prussia walked back to his desk and began to read the reports and documents handed over to him. He was satisfied from the view he had seen. He had a pen on his right hand, the ink flowing freely as he wrote his signature over the papers. The empire is united. Europe isn't in a big catastrophe. Everything is just right where it's needs to be.
Then so suddenly, Prussia heard a knock from the door. He set the pen down and looked up. "Come in!" He shouted. He was expecting a servant, a general, or even better, Brandenburg. He was wrong. Once the door opened and Prussia saw who it was, his entire mood had shifted from something calm to a boiling annoyance that was ready to erupt anytime soon. He had to force a smile on his face in a split second. The tension in the room became even more unbreathable.
There, standing in front of him, was Austrian Empire. The same man who had been one of his brother's most trusted Paladins. The same man who he and his brother had fought with multiple times. The same man he had almost lost his life to. The same man who had rebelled against him after HRE died to the French. The same man he had humbled all across Europe just a few years ago. To Prussia, Austrian Empire was nothing more than a traitorous wretch that could strike at any moment. He had to be careful of his actions. "And what brings you here in my office, Austrian Empire?" Prussia muttered, his voice tinged with a false sweetness. Deep inside, he wanted this man out the palace. Out from his lands.
At first Austrian Empire simply looked at him, unmoving. Prussia felt a chill run up his entire body. He truly hated having Austrian Empire in his sight. His gaze was directed at him with disgust. Then suddenly, the Austrian spoke. His voice rang throughout the room. "I have come with a proposition." Prussia's brow arched. A proposition? When they were enemies? Prussia let out a 'tsk' and crossed his arms. "Enlighten me with this... proposition. What does it entail?" He gritted his teeth, a bead of sweat forming on his temple. He did not like where this was going, but he atleast needed to hear it. Austrian Empire chuckled, a soubd that made Prussia's ears bleed. "It's simple, truly." Austrian Empire remarked, raising a piece of paper to Prussia's face. "I want to become... allies."
Prussia froze. It seemed like his world had just been shattered completely. Allies? An alliance? It was against everything he had ever worked for! Every tear, every sweat, every drop of blood fallen from battles, was now but nothing. He thought to himself: what would HRE think of him? To form a bond between a sworn enemy? Prussia squinted his eye, a judging glare hidden beneath the dark orb. He forced his grin even more, making it look unnatural. Austrian Empire, noticing the tension build up in the dimly lit office, continued. "And by all means... this involves the heirs of our respective lines." Prussia's eye twitched at the word. The heirs? His heir? German Empire? To involve what was to be a great power, it was outrageous! "... Continue.", he commanded, his voice slowly building up into a growl.
Austrian Empire smiled wickedly. He knew what he was doing. "You see, I want our alliance to be rather... different from the others." He paused, putting a hand on his chin. "I want your heir and my heir married to retain this odd alliance." He said in a straightforward manner, not knowing he was giving Prussia a mild heart attack. "And if I refuse?" The black-winged man challenged, a hint of the old fearless warrior spirit he had coming back. The defiant glint in his eye highlighted by the sun rays. Austrian Empire looked at Prussia dead in the eye. He stepped forward, a malevolent aura heating up the room. "You know what I will do?", he growled as his voice dropped to a low, threatening tone that made Prussia flinch. To him, this alliance was no joke. "I will do the most inhumane things if you refuse. I will burn your lands. I will destroy all that you've worked for. Your 'United Empire' will fall into crumbs. You will lose all that you've loved.", he paused, turning his head to look outside the window. "And do not think your consort and heir are safe. They will... experience much worse."
At the mention of Brandenburg and German Empire, Prussia's cool began to fade entirely. He got up from his chair with a loud thud and took the a dagger displayed on one of the sides. He pushed Austrian Empire onto the wall, causing the room to echo a loud creak. "Don't you dare bring my family into this!" He hissed, hovering the tip of the blade just inches away from the Austrian's neck. He couldn't imagine his family getting hurt. Not when he was still alive and breathing. "You wouldn't! You wouldn't dare—!"
"I would." Austrian Empire responded blankly that made Prussia's rage burn even more. "I have all the resources I need and all the great minds I'm allied with. Don't think two can't play the game, Prussia." Austrian Empire reminded. He saw the Prussian's teeth gritting and it only made him want to push him even further. "Don't think the rest of Europe isn't watching. They've seen how you attack. They've seen how you defend yourself.", he whispered in a mocking manner. "And now that they've seen you defeat France and unite the German lands, it would only make sense for the others to watch over your actions. Britain is looking from the sea with his colonies, most likely eager to avenge his lover. And I've heard America is slowly industrializing, how unfortunate would it be if you had to face two superpowers. You're worn down like a broken clock, aren't you? A history full of blood and battles, your reputation is stained." Prussia opened his mouth, only for it to close. For the first time in a century, he felt outsmarted. Outmanoeuvred. Outwitted. "I still have Russian Empire on my side!", he yelled directly at the other man's face, his voice straining of both anger and a hidden grief. "Russian Empire? Oh please..." Austrian Empire let out a soft 'tsk', symbolizing his dissapointment. "Are you not informed? Russian Empire is crumbling down. His economy is shrinking at an abnormal rate. He is outdated. His former glory was stripped off after Napoleon.", he paused, looking down at Prussia. "You, too, are losing your glory."
Prussia, realizing he had no witty comeback, set his hand down and walked backward. Austrian Empire was correct, and he hated to inform it. He took the piece of paper that guaranteed the alliance, reading over the terms. "Finally admitting you're not as tough and bold as you were? Hmph, you are getting old.", the Austrian murmured, his gaze looking over the tiny details of the office as Prussia reached his hand for the pen. With a shaky hand, Prussia signed the contract with a wobbly signature. Austrian Empire stepped forward, taking the signed paper and folding it neatly. "And if I may request, I want our heirs to meet eachother soon. By the ages of three will do.", he added before he left the office. Prussia seemed paralyzed. What had he just done? His plan for German Empire's future was slowly shattering and being replaced by something he could not control. He slumped back on his chair and stared at the ceiling. He felt utterly hopeless at his own actions.
That night, Prussia stared blankly at his food. He seemed like a lifeless corpse. The food felt odd in his senses, cold and utterly boring despite the chefs cooking it with much precision. Brandenburg, who had been eating actively with a sleepy German Empire in his arms, noticed Prussia resembling a stone statue. His brows immediately furrowed in concern. "Prussia?", he called out, hoping his lover was still with them. "Is something the matter? You seem... tensed. You haven't eaten any of the food yet!" Brandenburg chimed in, his voice tinged with suspicion and a whole bunch of concern. At the sound of his consort's voice, Prussia's posture immediately went from a curve to a straight line as if he was caught sleeping in a school. "Hm? Y-yes." Prussia lied, taking a huge bite of his meal. It tasted hollow and dry, but Prussia had to pretend for the sake of his lover, even if he knew he had to confess what he had done a few hours earlier. He stuffed the cooked goods in his mouth, though he could never get the taste of guilt out from any of it. He emptied his plate and stood from his chair, leaving the dining Hall with unspoken words and a cold harsh tension filling the room. Brandenburg opened his mouth to call Prussia, but the words passed off in his mouth. Maybe he'd give him some time.
Prussia had shut himself in his office. The window was open, letting the cold night air flow freely to distract him from his cluttered thoughts. He was slumped in his chair and looking at the reports, though he made no move to touch them. He grabbed a glass of brandy from his desk, chugging half the whole bottle in just one sip. It had been his third bottle for the day as the other two had been discarded in the corner. He couldn't focus himself from all his work. The only thing looping his mind was the contract he had been forced to sign. "Damned Austrian...", he cursed under his breath, as if he could just say words to remove him from this Earth. His eye widened as he felt the rustling of wings just outside his door, then came three soft knocks. He hid the brandy just under his desk and began to fix himself. "Come in, Brandenburg.", he said with a gnawing familiarity. He watched Brandenburg step in with his light footsteps, a hint of adoration even when his mind was clogged with the most terrible of thoughts.
"... I assume German Empire is asleep now." Prussia started, staring at the city of Berlin just through his window while the night continued to swallow the city in darkness. "And that you would be right, of course." Brandenburg replied, following Prussia's gaze through the window. "Satisfied with the city you've built from scratch?" Prussia rolled his eyes, though there was no offense to it. He even began to show a smirk on the corners of his mouth. "Absolutely." Brandenburg chuckled, leaning closer to his lover. "Your son is quite persistent, you know." At the mention of German Empire, Prussia froze. He was brought back to the terrifying reality of the contract that now bounded his son. "R-really? How so?" Prussia uttered, his voice slightly lower than usual. He was trying to cover how he felt, even if they've been together for more than a hundred years. Brandenburg chuckled, continuing the talk. "Well, he woke up just right before I was about to put him to sleep. I let him play around for a small amount of time before picking him up. He began to fuss and squeal, though I managed to get him to sleep." Prussia snickered at the thought of it. "Of course you managed. You have a certain charm when it comes to him, of course." Prussia complimented, his eye never leaving Brandenburg's face.
As Brandenburg continued his talk about the child, Prussia's hearing started to blur and deafen. Each time German Empire was brought up, he would get reminded of the threat directed at him. He looked nauseous as he forced himself to listen to his lover. His smile began to falter by each minute the clock ticked. His gut and mind began to rebel against him. Just as a static began to blur his eye, Prussia felt a warmth in his hands that rivaled the cold wind of night. He gazed up, only to see Brandenburg looking worried. "Prussia? Are you alright?" Brandenburg began to stroke Prussia's hand with his. "You've been looking lifeless for the past few times now. Is there something you want to tell me?" Prussia gulped. The event he didn't want to unfold began to open itself unexpectedly. He looked to his sides, hoping to find an exit. And yet, his gaze finally lingered onto Brandenburg's concerned face. Prussia realized he couldn't lie nor escape. He took a deep breath and began to confess. "... I... I signed an alliance with Austrian Empire." Brandenburg's eyes widened. Austrian Empire? Weren't they rivals? He didn't know whether to be happy or shocked.
Prussia continued, his voice becoming a whisper by each word he spoke. "Make no mistake, Brandenburg. This alliance is a curse, not a blessing nor a miracle. The requirement was that our children... his and German Empire...", Prussia paused, unable to word his sentences well. "... were to be married in the future." He gazed up, only to see Brandenburg's mortified face. Prussia couldn't even blame him for this! He only had himself to blame! The room went quiet for awhile, only the ticking clock made noise. Then, Brandenburg spoke. "Was there no alternative...?" At the tone of his voice, Prussia could've sworn he was about to melt. "No. He threatened me. There was no other choice." Prussia sighed. Brandenburg looked around the room, eager to look for a solution. "You're still one of Europe's greatests! Surely you can—"
"I can't." Prussia cut him off before he could continue boasting about how great he was. He appreciated it, but they had to be realistic. "Not anymore, that is. Austrian Empire could convince the others to declare war on me and they'd follow like blind mice. He is the puppeteer!" He stood up and walked closer to Brandenburg, gripping the other man's waist protectively. The harsh reality was too much to bear. "We can't count on Russian Empire anymore. He is.... getting weak." Prussia whispered, a hint of guilt edging his voice as he spoke cruelly about his peer. Brandenburg, now realizing the full extent of their situation, buried his head onto Prussia's shoulder. His wings dropped and he began to sob uncontrollably. "It's alright liebling... let it all out...", he whispered softly, caressing Brandenburg's back with utmost ease that no man had seen before from him. "Let us see how the future unfolds for us sinners."
Seasons had sprung and faded in a blur of colors as the years passed on. Prussia had been a witness to the never-ending tick of time, whether he liked it or not. He watched from his office window as springs flowers began to bloom and howthe summer sun had turned the garden into his own Eden's garden. Fall had come and gone, coloring the scenery in vibrant shades. Then came winter, covering the the landscape in a pure white that could make even the darkest spirits flinched. And as Prussia watched the seasons go by, he witnessed the growth of his little empire and a hint of new life enveloping the palace walls as spring had begun once more.
German Empire had evolved from a helpless blur of black and red to an energetic whirlwind of energy. His little black wings began to grow and show inky feathers that matched Prussia's own. He would watch the boy sprint and fly across the hallways with a wide grin on his face that reminded Prussia of a very specific someone that he knew and loved. Miraculously, German Empire had begun to speak phrases and words barely any other children his age could accomplish. He truly was a blessing with wings. Then there was Brandenburg, the man who had carried the heir to the German throne and was now carrying another miracle beneath the soft linens. Prussia watched as Brandenburg walked around the halls with a familiar glow he had grown to love. He could see the prominent belly stretch even from the slightest of movements, and it lowkey turned Prussia on from time to time— though he wouldn't admit it, of course. If they weren't so busy all the time, they would've had more children by now.
Even as the calm atmosphere covered the palace, Prussia knew the consequences of a feeling this peaceful. He had not forgotten the contract he signed just years earlier. German Empire had turned three just last January and he knew damn well Austrian Empire had gotten hold of that information. In fact, Berlin was most likely lingering with Austrian spies here and there. It was annoying to deal with, really. As Prussia sat comfortably in his chair, he heard the knock from the door. "Come in. Make it quick!", he shouted out loud. The door opened, only to reveal a servant with the most handfuk of news. "Your Majesty..", they whispered quietly. "Austrian Empire is here. And he has brought his offspring along." Prussia waved a dismissive hand to the servant, who had left by now. His biggest fear was turning into a reality he could not escape. He groaned and got up from his chair, ready to face what he agreed to. He strode through the lightened hallways, waving at a servant or two. He stopped in his tracks as he reached the first room at the left wing of the palace. Prussia placed his hand on the golden handle and let it rest on it for a few minutes. Slowly, he opened the door to the most innocent part of the Sanssouci Palace.
German Empire was playing on the soft floor, his movements full of energy and extremely unpredictable. He reached out for one of the hand-painted soldiers that was scattered all over the floor. At first he simply stared at it with a smile. Then out of nowhere, he shoved the toy into his mouth. "German Empire! No!" Brandenburg yelled out, taking the miniature soldier out of his son's mouth. In response, German Empire clapped innocently. Brandenburg was dumbfounded for a few seconds, then slowly, a smiled begun to tug at the corners if his lips. "Dear God, how am I to tell Saxony about this?", he whispered to himself as he ruffled the boy's dark hair. He pulled the child closer, peppering him with kisses on his face. German Empire squealed delightly, flapping his little wings as a sign of happiness. For awhile, Prussia simply leaned against the doorframe with a glimmering softness in his eye. The sight was too domestic to look away. To see the two most important people in his life was the closest he'd ever be to achieving his own heaven on Earth.
"Daddy!" German Empire yelled once he turned his head upwards. He squirmed out of Brandenburg's arms and toddled towards Prussia, hugging his father's leg. Prussia, for his part, seemed moved by the boy's action. He scooped his heir up and twirled him around. "There's my boy....", he said proudly, making the child smile widely. Brandenburg got up from the nursery floor and made his way to Prussia, kissing the other man's cheek so gently that it almost shattered his tough persona. For awhile, they were simply enjoying the normal family life— no politics, no land reforms, and certainly no court drama.
But the reality of their real situation had shattered the calm peace. A servant knocked on the door carefully, not knowing they were having their moment. "Your Majesty! Austrian Empire has arrived!" Prussia could feel a vein tick on his neck. He sighed and put German Empire back in his husband's arms. "Coming!" He shouted back as he fixed his uniform. He had to maintain a sense of authority. He opened the door and looked back at his family. Prussia smiled faintly, "I'll be right back. Stay where you both are." With that, he left the soft nursery and began to wander the tension-filled halls of history.
Prussia was almost out of breath when he arrived at the main hall. He had been in a rush and made his legs ache like never before, acting like his wings have no use at all. His black eye scanned the perimeter, noticing how the guards were bowed down and unmoving. The Austrian truly is here, Prussia thought. He moved closer to the entrance, only to see the man he hated. Prussia's movements were slow and calculated, a genuine difference to how he got there. "Austrian Empire." Prussia started, his voice devoid of any warmth or care. He didn't even bother to put a smile on. He glanced down after inspecting his rival, only to be met with a tiny human. "Is that...?" Prussia couldn't even finish his own question. His eye gazed at the peculiar figure that hid behind his father's leg. The child in question had red hair and a few streaks of white and green. His eyes were a rose red hue that were barely seen due to his coat-of-arms glasses. Prussia suspected that he was atleast German Empire's age. The heir that was supposedly to be married to his own in the coming future.
Austrian Empire followed the Prussian's gaze and smirked. He turned to face Prussia once more, noting how the iron-hearted bird was absolutely dumbfounded. "Yes, it is." He muttered with his own booming ego. "Mine and Kingdom of Hungary's." Prussia's jaw was on the floor by now. He had been informed by the changes in the continent, but certainly not that. Since when did those two have a child? In fact, since when were they ever together!? Prussia had so many thoughts that were only snapped shut once Austrian Empire spoke again. "Austria-Hungary," he called over, holding the child's hand with a grace that seemed unbelievable. Prussia analyzed the name and thought of it as lazy and boring. They couldn't come up with a better name!? Prussia would've mocked Austrian Empire for how bland it was. "Hello." The child whispered shyly, waving a hand to the distracted man. Prussia broke his own hallucination and waved back with an awkward grin. "I do hope you'll be content with your company here.", he commented under his breath. "Well now, follow me. I'll show you to your playmate." He turned around and began to walk back to the nursery. Prussia had to admit, this was somewhat embarrassing. He turned his head and reminded Austrian Empire. "Also we will not be watching over them." Austrian Empire, in his response, rolled his eyes and muttered a 'tsk' from his poisonous mouth.
Prussia knew this was going to be hell from
here. But he knew well he had to endure all of this for his family.