[Blackadder II / fic] Last Offer

Melchett/Ludwig, PG-13, contains spoilers.
Ludwig offers Melchett a chance.
Set during the credits of the last episode in II. (Chains)
Written September 25, 2006 by Zekkass.

---

A flash of bitterness. “Why…why did you save me for last, Ludwig?” Melchett gasps, holding his arm. “Did you want to save your old friend?” Oddly enough, when he is about to die, Melchett shows his craftiness. Stalling for time is the only way he might live, unless Ludwig decides to spare him. (Which is unlikely.) He is no brave idiot, so he will not attempt to kick the knife away, nor is he a sniveling fool. He will not beg for his life.

Only the craftiest and most hardy of men may survive the Queen for more than a week, and Lord Melchett has surpassed nearly everybody in this regard. Perhaps, now, this is why Ludwig hasn’t killed him.

Ludwig says nothing, which is odd. Melchett knows that Ludwig should be gloating, taunting, torturing him. However, Ludwig holds his bloody knife and stares at him.

Melchett almost breaks for the door, but Ludwig lifts the knife, and speaks. “Do not leave. I am not finished with you, Melchett.”

“Then kill me already! You’ve won! What are you waiting for, my old age?” Melchett shouts, scared. He is tired, he has lost, he will die. It would be folly to even attempt to get out of this one, but Melchett enjoys living too much.

“No, Melchett.” Ludwig smiles. “I think I will not kill you. I will need someone to advise me, in matters of ruling, and you fit the bill very nicely. You will not die.”

Melchett can not deal with this. He is prepared to die, to live, to wait there forever, watching that knife, but to live under Ludwig’s command, pretend he is the Queen, pretend he loves him, as he loved Queen Elizabeth, no. He can not do this. “Damnit.”

“You do not like my decision?”

“…No.” Melchett wants to live. Needs to. The word is torn out, and he can’t quite find regret.

Ludwig frowns, but there is a note of victory in his voice. “Very well, Lord Melchett. You will die, then.” He steps forward, and stabs Melchett. “A pity, Melchett.” He hisses as the blood flows. “I was so hoping to shag you again.”

Melchett does not say a word; he is dead.

---