The Sound of Austria

*4*

"This is not as simple as I thought it would be." he thought to himself.

Roderich looked at the papers before him, trying to focus on the meeting at hand instead of his racing thoughts. Four days had passed since he learned of Delilah and her becoming Vienna, and he knew there was no backing out. There was too much there already and Hildegard was speaking with her every chance she had about her dreams, giving him the details that she gained. Yet the damning hole that was the pit of his stomach gave little assurance to the plight that was before him.

It didn't help that Genesis had made movements toward the Transylvanian border and a few spies were found within Czech Republic. Everything was slowly becoming unsettling as the days passed by, yet the one thing that haunted him most was his most daunting. Telling Eliza.

"And yet here you sit, gawking at papers while others are heading elsewhere to relax." the suave French came into the room.

"Not now Francis."

"Oh, come on mon ami, there is more you can do than sit before a desk in a stuffy room by yourself. Come be with all of us."

Roderich turned around to glare at the blond man, "Is that you talking or Brie?"

Francis chuckled, "Both to be honest. I noticed how you were at the meeting and thought it wouldn't hurt to speak with you. Brie added the last push. Seems to me you have something going on for yourself, non?"

"Nein."

He heard the man take a seat within the room, waiting for him to spill more out, yet Roderich gave no wanting as he sighed, "I have no reason to speak Francis. There is more to worry about as you sit and do nothing."

"Do you think I don't worry?"

That tone. He heard it once, never wished to hear it again. He could still remember the falling tears from the man when Jeanne D'Arc was burned by the English. It killed the vibrant man everyone knew, took years to even see a glimmer of hope and happiness. Yet when it did, it was by Roderich's own kingdom and that too died on him.

Roderich looked over to Francis, the seriousness upon his brow was enough to tell Roderich he over stepped a boundary.

"I worry every day." Francis stated, "I worry than most think. I act like I don't for the sake of my children and wife. I don't want Brie to worry herself, not in this state especially. Jacque is starting to read people and their emotions as Jeanne copies me within my office, wanting to 'grow up and be just like papa' as she says to me."

Roderich couldn't say anything as Francis pushed on, "Ever since gaining Brie by my side, I have paid more attention to things than before for I want her safe. Having Jeanne and Jacque just made it stronger and now with our newest one on the way, I have even more reason to protect them. Do not think that I don't worry when I act calm and relaxed over situations. That's just the outside of me. Inside, I'm trying not to scream out in anger."

"I apologize." Roderich calmly spoke, "There are times I forget you have, well, matured since her. I am still used to the flamboyant playboy I know."

"It is fine. There are days I amaze myself with how calm I am and how different I have become in these last years. Yet I wouldn't trade them." Francis smiled, "So, what is bothering you?"

His eyes narrowed at the man, "How do you mean?"

Francis's friendly smile turned to a knowing smirk, "You are a man of knowledge and control, order and peace, yet today when things started to go downhill with the meeting, you didn't join Herr Beilschmidt in calming the ruckus. Not like the Austrian I know, so what has your cravat all twisted up?"