Chapter Text
Yuuri’s office was too bright for Wolfram’s liking. Morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows directly at the space in front of Yuuri and Gwendal’s desks, leaving no place to hide.
It had been two weeks since his surgery. He still felt sore, but he refused to remain locked up in his room. He has spent too much time in solitude lately, and as much as he enjoys it, it gets a bit tiring too. And so here he was just before lunch, in Yuuri’s office with his brothers and with Gunter. He wonders briefly if Gunter and Conrart have too much free time or if they also have something to discuss with the young king.
“Wolfram, have you been cleared to walk around already?” Gwendal questioned him, looking up from the document he was reading when Wolfram entered the room.
He stands at the center, back straight, hands clasped behind him. He had rehearsed this moment in his mind countless times, refining every word, tempering every possible slip of emotion. He would be calm. Detached.
He would be the Wolfram they expected to see now with his feelings ‘gone’.
"Good morning, Aniue. I am here to formally request the annulment of my engagement to His Majesty, King Yuuri."
The words landed like a stone dropped into still water, the ripple of reactions spreading almost instantly.
Gunter let out a horrified gasp, nearly knocking over a stack of documents. Gwendal's frown deepened, his fingers pressing against his temple as though Wolfram had just presented him with the worst possible news before he even had his lunch. Conrart, standing behind him, remained unreadable, though his sharp gaze never left Wolfram.
Yuuri stiffened. His dark eyes widened slightly, but he said nothing.
Silence stretched.
Gwendal was the first to break it. "Wolfram, this is not a decision to be made lightly."
"I have not made it lightly," Wolfram countered smoothly. "I have given it careful thought. Now that I have recovered, I see no reason to continue an engagement that neither of us chose."
Yuuri flinched, so minuscule a movement that Wolfram might have missed it if he weren’t watching for it.
"Wolfram," Gunter began, hands pressed dramatically over his chest, "I understand that your recent illness has put many things into perspective, but surely—"
"This has nothing to do with my illness," Wolfram cut in. "It’s simply time to end this farce."
Yuuri opened his mouth as if to say something but hesitated. He had dark circles under his eyes, it was clear he hadn’t been sleeping well. He looked tired but also resigned. For someone whose feelings can change at the drop of a petal, he surely seems very affected by all of these.
Gwendal exhaled through his nose. "A formal annulment is not a simple matter, Wolfram. There are political considerations to be made."
"Then make them," Wolfram said evenly.
"If there is paperwork, I will sign it. If there are public statements to be made, I will make them."
"It is not just a matter of process." Gwendal’s gaze was heavy, searching. "The engagement carries weight. Publicly severing it could raise questions about your standing in the court, your role—"
"My role," Wolfram interrupted, "is to serve this kingdom as I always have. That will not change simply because I am no longer Yuuri’s fiancé."
Yuuri finally spoke.
"But why now?" His voice was quiet. He knew full well why Wolfram was doing this. He just couldn’t bring himself to say it. Couldn’t bring himself to let go.
"I mean—before, you always wanted—"
"Before, I was foolish," Wolfram said smoothly.
Yuuri’s breath hitched.
The silence that followed pressed down on the room.
Gunter looked ready to burst into tears. Gwendal’s expression had shifted from exasperation to something unreadable. Conrart, who had remained quiet until now, finally stepped forward.
"This is unexpected," Conrart said carefully.
"What is so unexpected about this? It’s a long time coming." Wolfram refuted stubbornly, but Conrart continued. He could be just as stubborn when needed.
"Given that there is no immediate urgency, I believe it would be best to allow more time for discussion before making a final decision."
Wolfram clenched his jaw. "What is there to discuss?"
"Your position," Gwendal said firmly. "Your future. This engagement is not just a personal matter. It affects the entire kingdom."
"So we wait?" Wolfram let out a short, humorless laugh. "For what? For people to forget? For time to pass until it no longer matters?"
"Yes," Gwendal said simply.
Wolfram bristled. He had anticipated resistance, but he hadn’t expected to be stalled like this.
"Wolfram," Yuuri said, voice quieter this time. "Are you sure?"
That was the worst part. The way Yuuri looked at him now. Not confused, not pleading, but unwilling. Like he was holding onto something he wasn’t ready to lose.
Seeing the young king be this upset felt nice, it made the lie easier to tell.
"Yes," Wolfram said. "I no longer have feelings for you, Yuuri. There is no reason for this engagement to continue."
Yuuri’s expression tightened, he looked lost and helpless. If Wolfram was in the mood for jokes he might even mention that his expression was unbecoming for a king but quite fitting for a wimp. Alas, this was a serious conversation that they were having.
Gwendal sighed, rubbing his temple. "We will revisit the matter after further deliberation."
Meaning: not today.
Wolfram swallowed the frustration rising in his throat. The conversation was over, but Wolfram knew this wasn’t the end. They weren’t letting him go just yet.
"Very well," he said, his voice level. He turned on his heel, making his way toward the door.
He didn’t look back.
If he did, he might have seen the way Yuuri's hands had curled into fists on the tabletop.
Might have seen the way Conrart’s eyes softened, as if he saw right through him.
Might have seen the flicker of doubt on Gwendal’s face.
But he didn’t.
Because none of it mattered.
This was his second chance at life. He refused to waste it on a love that had nearly killed him.