A Broken Alliance

4

~1st of June 1875

The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy whirled around in surprise. Their eyes widened.

"German Empire-?!" The Monarchy exclaimed.

A-H breathed in deeply, putting a hand on their heart as an exaggeration.

The Austro-Hungarian looked up," So what was your initial question again? You kind of startled me there!"

I let out a little laugh,"I asked if you liked the flowers, since it seems like you did."

Before I invited A-H over, I asked Berlin what they like, since Berlin obviously had connections to the Austrians. They liked flowers apparently, which just so happened to be one of the things lacking here. It was also one of the only things known about A-H, since they were very reserved, even for our standards.

A-H smiled, looking right at me, "the flowers are indeed beautiful."

The Monarchy's gaze captivated me, and I couldn't look away. A warm feeling filled my chest. It was nice feeling that I hoped wouldn't go away.

Suddenly, A-H flicked their gaze slightly to the side, seeming abashed.
"I think I should put my eye patches back on-"

I quickly put my hand forward, but making sure that I didn't touch them, "no its fine-! You- you look pretty without it."

I'm not sure what I'm thinking, so openly just complimenting them.

"Y-you think so-?" Austria-Hungary glimpsed back at me again.

Now I was taken aback. Such a royal and pretty country with a sweet personality wasn't used to receiving compliments?

"Most definitely," I reassured.

They averted their gaze to the floor again. Did I say something wrong? I have been told I wasn't the best with showing emotion, especially not affection, which is honestly understandable.

My concern dissipated when Austria-Hungary lifted their head again, not looking glum at all.

"Thank you, GE."

My heart instantly melted at that sentence.

"No need to thank for your own beauty," I swiftly responded and added after a brief moment of hesitation," may I take your hand? I would like to show you a place."

It was a spontaneous split second decision, an idea that suddenly popped into my mind.

Austria-Hungary was astonished, but nonetheless extended their hand forwards as an invitation" I would love to."

I genuinely didn't expect them to agree that quickly.

"You will like it, I promise!"

I gently took their arm and guided them down the pathway, where we passed the rows and rows of plants. I made sure we didn't go too fast, considering the Monarchy was at least one head smaller.

Further down, the path parted into two smaller ones and we continued down the left one.

It wasn't long before we reached the destination, a large flat area that was hidden by an entrance with a few dense layers of ivy. The floor was a detailed prussian coat of arms, the black eagle in the center holding both a globus cruciger and a scepter surrounded by symmetrical patterns of black, white and red patterns. By itself it wasn't all too impressive, but this place sat right at the edge of a cliff that oversaw vast expanses of Berlin and Brandenburg.

Austria-Hungary looked around curiously, taking note of the surrounding. I hope the prussian theme doesn't bother them, since I know how much the Austrian Empire will freak about it. I've witnessed it in person after all.

"There are swords there, do you use this as a training ground?" The Monarchy pointed at the hidden stack numerous swords hung up at the side.

"I'm surprised you noticed them, yes I do duel here for practice," I said. Prussia was one incredibly tough opponent.

A-H perked up, grinning, "would you care for a round then? Whoever gets disarmed first."

I did not hesitate to agree and still holding their hand, we went over to the swords and picked out one of our own liking from the training swords. I chose one that I usually would choose, a pretty standard one. A-H chose a similar one, but with a thinner blade.

We let go of eachothers hand and got into position, standing opposite from eachother. A-H's stance was professional, I could already tell. To be honest, I didn't really expect it from them. Its not like I think low of them, but I genuinely thought the Austrians were better versed in the arts than fighting.

"Whenever you are ready, dear A-H," I teased.

Gripping their sword tighter, the Monarchy charged forward. A head first attack. Easy block.

I held my sword right at front to counter it, as they suddenly swerved the side and tried to knock my sword away.

I counterattacked using my strength advantage to press on their sword. A-H barely managed to keep their balance and slipped out of range of my sword.

The Monarchy heaved a bit, recovering, and I took the chance to lunge forward at them again.

They saw it coming and our swords clashed. I was about to use the same trick again, hoping to wear them down enough.

Abruptly, my feet were swiped from under me. I half tumbled half stumbled backwards and spread my wings to regain balance.

A-H was stronger than I had anticipated.

"Hey is that allowed?" Austria-Hungary called out.

I merely shrugged and charged at them again.

They braced themselves and opened their black and white wings as well, stretching them high towards the sky.

It distracted me for just a split second, but not enough for me to mess up on anything.

We traded numerous more blows and A-H's blocks and attacks became more and more shaky with each attack.

The Monarchy's sword finally clattered onto the floor after I knocked it down.

The Monarchy wheezed, and sank down onto the floor gently, their wings also drooped.

I on the other hand, was still fine, mainly just a bit warm because of the exercise.

"You alright?", I asked, throwing down my sword down.

Still very much catching up on breath, A-H nodded.

I was just waiting for them to recover, so I decided to sit down next to them.

I tilted my head and stared at the sky.

"You held up pretty long against me", I remarked.

Austria-Hungary merely rested their head on my shoulder as a response.

I really don't get why or how they keep doing this, but I can feel my face heating up despite the cool winds and not physically moving.

Maybe I should ask others for some advice. Probably a city, since there were no other states here.

A cold breeze of wind blew by, making the country next to me shiver.

"Austria-Hungary?," I asked gently.

No reply.

"A-H?," I tried again.

There's no way they fell asleep in such a short period of time right?

I looked over at them, and indeed, they were fast asleep.

I lifted them up, wrapping my wings around the sleeping Monarchy and headed back into the building.

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~1172 words