Russian Roulette | Rusame | Countryhumans AU

The One Left Behind

...

The Prince is a violent man, a violent boy when he was younger. Perhaps it was in his nature to be that way, people said he was gifted but equally so insane.

NATO's heard the rumors, but she never paid mind to them, thinking they were all baseless because how could a child be violent? Children are the epitome of innocence and fun. If anything, from her centuries of watching humans, they should be cute.

The king told her America volunteered himself to become a soldier to save the people. She always thought that was a noble deed, to fight for the people before he even reached 10 years of age. She held the king in high regard, after all, the people of Central sung his title like a praise.

She liked America, to be a soldier at such a young age was an action worthy of respect.

But she admits to the sin of questioning the king once when she stumbled across a horrid scene. The boy laid on the ground, writhing and face dripping in cold sweat from the sheer agony as the king twisted the sword piercing through his stomach like he was adjusting a cane.

That boy is too capable so the king has to step up and deal with him, or so she was told.

"It's admirable how the king handles the prince," a maid said. She winced when NATO wrapped another layer of bandages over the splint on her arm. NATO and her sat in one of the palace kitchens, its walls erected with cragged cobblestone and the gentle wisp of mushroom soup permeated the room.

Even while she was injured, the maid checked the bubbling pot of soup and whisked it around with her wooden ladle. NATO retorted, "Yeah I joined the army because I knew the king of all kingdoms was a respectable and good man. But... I saw him today, he hurt the prince. It was kind of cruel twisting his sword like that."

The maid had a solemn expression as she spoke, "Well the prince has pushed him to be that way. He has to be cruel to keep him in check, how else would he be able to handle such a monster." She poured the steaming soup into wooden bowls. "So don't hate the king too much for what he has to do, alright?"

NATO glanced at her when she knocked the bowl over and spilled soup all over the counter, "Sorry, I'm not used to working with a broken arm," she said sheepishly.

"Does he do this often?" NATO inquired, staring at the mangled hand behind those layers of bandages. A hint of rage coursed through her veins, knowing the maids were powerless in the face of the prince.

She chuckled awkwardly, "Don't worry about it, it just happens sometimes and we get caught in the prince's crossfire. If anything, at least we're glad he's on the kingdom's side since he's so strong!" The maid explained with a smile through her bruised eye and battered face.

A bit of NATO's fury subsided, "Yeah, It's pretty amazing how the King's able to handle such a loose canon. I guess it's fine as long as he can keep the prince under control."

The maid giggled and handed her a bowl, "This is for you, thanks for bandaging me up." Its aromatic scent made NATO's mouth water. "This is for me?" She stared at it like it was some alien being. Humans typically revered her and it's not like she needed food to survive anyway, so getting food as a gift was quite odd.

Yet she still took a sip, letting that warmth fill her throat and a burst of flavour replaced the fury she had over the prince. "But I do admit it's noble of him to volunteer to train with the King." She said, no longer so hesitant of her role on earth. She had to protect the kingdom and the King in order to keep kind people like this maid safe from any harm. A peaceful world could only be achieved with a healthy ruler.

Then after years, America grew up, bloodthirsty and a weapon like none other. He was adept, charismatic, and obedient. A lot of the tasks were given to him instead of her which she rationalized as the King trying to control America's temper.