A Price to Pay

What the hell, Alfred?

"Matthew. I cannot evade the facts. Your brother was there, the only one there, with enough time to do something like this. At the very least, you have to talk to him."

"Alright Papa, I will."

-----

There was a knock at his door. Quietly, he moved to open it, stopping just before to check the cameras positioned outside. Luckily, it was just his brother. He opened the door quickly, a bright smile finding it's way onto his face. "Hey, Mattie, bro! What's up? Come in, come in." He ushered the other inside. He may be rude and loud and selfish during meetings, but his hospitality was almost unmatched, even by his twin, who was famous for his people's niceness. "So, what brings you here?"

Canada got situated on the couch, sinking down much too much for his comfort. He started wringing his wrists nervously. As much as he wanted to, it was really hard to just accuse your own twin of murder, especially of someone so high up in the global rankings.

"Mattie?" his voice held concern for his brother, who usually was just fine and very comfortable around him. "Are you alright? What's wrong?"

"Did you do it?" he blurted suddenly. The northern nation looked at his brother's confused face.

"Do what?"

"Did you poison the queen?" he prompted. America sat back in his chair.

"Who told you that?"

"No one."

"It was France, wasn't it?" Damnit! How did he know?

Alfred took note of the hesitation. "So it was Papa. Don't worry, nothing's going to happen to him, if that's what you're thinking."

Canada relaxed, just a bit. Internally, he had been thinking that the other might do something he would regret while high on his emotions. But, his brother rarely lied, and when he gave his word, he kept it better than almost anyone he had ever met.

"Do I have your word?" he whispered, almost to himself.

"Of course, bro! Now, why don't we go make pancakes or that one Putin dish that you're so proud of!"

"It's poutine!"

---------------

"I went over to Alfred's house and talked to him today like you asked."

"Oh? Well, did he do it or not?" Canada shifted his grip on the phone, holding it in place with his shoulder while he hung up his coat.

"He... never actually answered my question. He figured out that it was you who asked me to find out, though."

"Never answered your question? Sounds like he did it and just won't admit it to you. He doesn't lie to you, but that doesn't mean he won't keep things from you, Mattheu."

"I know, but I don't want to try to force something out of him. It will only end badly for everyone involved."

"I know, but he trusts you more than anyone."

Well, almost anyone, he thought, before he finished the conversation quickly and went upstairs. Everyone but one...

~*~*~*~*~

god this book is so slow going

btw the chapter is from the perspective of whoever is in the chapter picture, in case you hadn't caught on yet