Streaks of Sunlight
Streaks of sunlight bathed the floor and walls with warmth. His cerulean eyes opened to stare at the navy blue ceiling. His head turned to the side to see the empty half of his bed. The King of Spades sat up in his bed and proceeded to prepare for the day.
Meanwhile, at a secluded boarding school in the English countryside, a young man by the name of Arthur Kirkland was supposed to be in bed, for it was the middle of the night. However, he did not sleep. He was far too busy scheming of a new way to go out into the forest behind the school to try out his newest plan. Arthur grabbed a bag packed with a normal outfit and whatever else he needed. He looked carefully at his roommate to make sure the other boy was fast asleep. Upon seeing the other turn over in his sleep, Arthur slipped out the door and into the dark hall.
Day in and day out, it was the same thing. King Alfred dressed, ate, and listened as the Jack of Spades read recent news aloud. After breakfast, Alfred would have to look over official documents and meet with the common folk in his throne room. He was lucky when he finished his work and had any free time. With this time, he would sneak out to the stables and ride through the country of Spades. In fact, before the jack could dump any work on him, Alfred took his leave and rode his horse to the edges of his kingdom.
He glanced around, once, twice. Once the coast was clear he fled down the hall silently, wearing a black hooded cape to conceal his identity. His emerald eyes scanned his surroundings constantly as he went through the school. A feeling of disappointment crept over him as he slipped out the entrance without a fight. It was almost upsetting to leave so easily. He lived for the thrill, and to just be given an escape so easily bothered him; it also occurred to him how quickly his out could be taken as he sprinted off towards the forest.
Alfred stopped at a clearing in the lush forest and dismounted his horse. He kneeled beside a small river and drank from it, savoring the fresh taste of the rushing water. He looked up to the trees and the sunlight flickering between the healthy leaves.
Once in the depths of the thick forest, Arthur pulled out his lantern and started walking until he found a clearing. After about ten minutes of walking, he found a suitable meadow. There, he placed his bag on a tree stump with his lantern. Inside his bag he pulled out an ancient looking book and flipped open to a page, "Please work," he whispered desperately.
He sighed softly and let his eyes slip closed. The strong breeze pulled at the edges of his clothing and his strands of gold hair. Today would be a good day – even if Alfred had to spend it doing work. He would make sure that he enjoyed today, because whispers and suspicions of war would require him to give all he had for his kingdom.
His eyes scanned the page slowly in the dim lantern light. He had found the page. 'Transportation Spell' it read in fancy script across the top, "Perfect," The spell read as follows: 'To travel anywhere you wish, from this world or other, you need only three things. A clear picture in your mind of your destination, a proper portal (made of whatever you have lying around, be it sticks and leaves or something else), and you must possess magical powers. The stronger the mage, the further you may go. To start, assemble your portal. Once you have that, you may picture the destination clearly in your mind. Then repeat aloud the following …' Arthur looked at the book blankly, "That's it?" It almost seemed too easy, but he knew better. Deciding he had nothing to lose, he started to gather up sticks and leaves for his portal. He assembled them all in a wide circle around the stump, and kneeled back down in front of the book. With his knapsack firmly on his back, he grabbed the ancient volume tightly in both hands. His eyes looked over the words as he repeated them aloud while a vision his home flashed across his mind, "In the entire universe, worldly, or other, there is no such place I'd rather be then the destination in my mind. Grant me access to the magic of another world to make such a trip possible..." The wind started to pick up as he spoke the words, "The place I'd most like to be is ..." A stray playing card was oddly lying on the stump where his knapsack just was. He picked it up and forgetting about the spell momentarily he muttered, "Spades?" With a flash of lightning, the portal lit up, and he was whisked down into its depths, "Whoa!"
Everything was so peaceful. Everything was so quiet. Alfred felt the utmost tranquility when he visited the forest. The relaxing bliss of nature was interrupted by a loud thump, accompanied by the sound of broken sticks and rustling leaves. Alfred's eyes opened. He stood up quickly and faced the direction in which the thump came from. Alfred walked forwards and hid behind the trunk of a tree. He peered around the tree to see a stranger lying in the grass. He looked unfamiliar and his clothes were certainly not of the land of Spades. Alfred walked over to the stranger and kneeled by his side. Surely he was not dangerous, since there were no weapons around. Alfred rested a hand on the person's shoulder and shook him lightly. He called out to the stranger in his native tongue, attempting to wake him.
The first thing that registered in Arthur's mind was a voice speaking in a frantic tone. He couldn't make out the words, but it was distinctively male. His eyelids fluttered open, and the next thing he knew he was looking into the bluest eyes he had ever seen. The man leaning over him was shaking him frantically, but seemed to halt upon seeing his eyes open, "...Who are you?"
Alfred stared into the person's brilliant emerald eyes for a few seconds before realizing that he was speaking English. It was likely that this stranger would not know Spades' national language. This would be a good time to practice the language, "I am Alfred F. Jones," He answered and decided to leave his title out of his introduction, "What is your name?"
Arthur sat up slowly and rubbed the back of his neck in confusion, "I'm Arthur Kirkland." It was unclear to Arthur where he was and why he was with this Alfred, but he was determined to find out where he was, and most importantly, why he wasn't home like the spell promised, "Where am I?"
Since Alfred's English was a bit rusty, he would speak slowly, making sure that what he said was correct so Arthur would be able to understand what he was saying, "You are in Spades." He stood up and offered a hand out to Arthur to help him up.
Mystified, Arthur took the proffered hand and stood up, "...Spades?" His mind flashed back to the card he saw right before he blacked out as he asked Alfred for clarification, "I didn't know that Spades was a real place... I always thought it was a suit from a card game."
Alfred did not really know what Arthur was talking about, but he decided to go into detail about the world he lived in, "There are four kingdoms here; Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, and," His nose scrunched up a bit in distaste, "Clubs." He did not much care for Clubs, "How did you get here?"
Arthur shrugged his shoulders lightly, "I'm not sure to be honest. Last thing I remember I was in a forest at night trying to ...go home when suddenly the ground closed in on me and everything went black," he gestured around him, "Now suddenly I'm here."
Alfred nodded, taking in the information, "Do you know how to get back?"
"I haven't the slightest clue. I came here due to a spell from this book," Arthur said as he took out the book, "It was supposed to transport me home, but instead it transported me here."
It was likely that Arthur did not know much of anything about Spades. There was no way that Alfred could just leave him alone in the forest, "Come with me."
"Where are you taking me?" Despite liking Alfred just fine, he didn't know him very well. The thought of following this stranger in an unknown world made Arthur uneasy, but curious.
"I am taking you to the castle," Alfred answered, "I cannot just leave you here in the forest."
...The castle? This stopped Arthur dead in his tracks, "Why are you taking me to a castle?"
Alfred could not exactly say he was the King of Spades. He was sure that it would force Arthur to be polite, "I…work at the castle," It wasn't a lie. He sometimes worked.
Arthur nodded skeptically, "Alright," Considering he had nowhere to go, Arthur decided to try his luck and follow the kind young man to the castle. He just hoped it wouldn't get Alfred in trouble for bringing him. Most importantly he needed answers on what happened, and how to get back.
"Follow me," Alfred proceeded to walk back to his horse. How could he explain that he had found a random stranger in the forest?
As he followed Alfred a thousand thoughts and questions came to him mind. How did he ever find himself in such a mess? He'd have to have a closer look at his book later, but for now he just walked with Alfred over to his horse.
Without hesitation, Alfred climbed onto his horse and held a hand out to Arthur to help him onto the steed. "English is not the national language in Spades; so many people do not know it."
Arthur took Alfred's proffered hand, and lifted himself onto the horse. It felt nice to be on a horse again after years of not seeing one, let alone riding one, "Thank you, but how do you know English if it isn't spoken here? That is if you don't mind me asking."
"I listened when the Jack was teaching the King English," Alfred fibbed and directed the horse back towards the castle.
"I see. What does your native language sound like?" Arthur inquired as he wrapped his arms around Alfred so he wouldn't fall off the horse.
Alfred glanced back at Arthur as he thought of something to say. He recalled a speech he had given a few days ago and decided to use that. He took a soft breath before redelivering his speech in Spades' national language. The language was spoken when small bits of force, but overall had a soothing sound. Alfred spoke until Spades' main city came into view.
Arthur smiled slightly upon hearing the foreign tongue. It was quite pleasing with Alfred's accent; a mix between American and something unique which had to be Spades'. Before he could reply, the city came into view and Arthur's mouth widened in shock, "Wow..."
The speech ceased and Alfred began talking in English again, "It is really nice, is it not?" He listed facts he knew about the architecture and the way of life in Spades, just in case Arthur was somewhat interested. Alfred pointed to the castle ahead of them, "That is the royal castle. We have a king that rules us, but he has no queen."
Arthur perked up despite himself listening to Alfred's interesting accent speaking excitedly about his home land, "It's a beautiful castle. Surely the owner of such a castle could have anyone he desired for Queen?"
Alfred laughed a bit awkwardly, "Well, he is handsome, brave, and an all-around awesome king, but he really wants to have a queen that he loves and that loves him back…" His words trailed off as he thought more about it.
A thick eyebrow arched at that, "You seem to think very fondly of your king. Are you close to him?"
"A-ah…," Alfred cleared his throat and muttered something in his native language before returning to English, "I'm one of his close servants and, uh, drinking partner. He's told me a lot about his life, yup," He took a small sigh of relief. If he wanted to stay a normal person in Arthur's eyes, he would have to act more…well…normal.
Another skeptical look was shot Alfred's way, "...I see. His view on love before marriage is different from many other kings I've heard of."
"Oh, is it?" That seemed odd, "Do kings in your world always go straight for betrothal?"
"Usually marriages between royalties in my world are arranged for them. It's always for alliances, never love. It however is different for normal people who aren't royalty. They are allowed to fall in love before marriage," Arthur scowled at his explanation. He hoped it didn't sound as strange as he thought it did. Alfred's King was so different in his viewpoints from the society he knew. So open minded and accepting of love. It was refreshing as well as strange.
Alfred's nose wrinkled in distaste. How terrible it must be in Arthur's funny world, "I told you that this world has four kingdoms. It is really important that they stay four kingdoms, so alliances are not really needed," He sighed, "But every King has to have a Queen; otherwise the balance of the world would tip. Our King does not really have any time to fall in love if he does not want the world to fall out of balance."
"I understand. Do the other three kingdoms have Kings?" Arthur inquired curiously.
Alfred nodded as he guided the horse to the royal stables and dismounted. "Yes. The King of Diamonds is King Francis, the King of Hearts is King Ludwig, and the King of Clubs is King Ivan. Even though balance is something all the kingdoms want, there are people that think it's okay to try and rule over the other three kingdoms," He held out a hand to Arthur to help him off his horse.
Arthur reached out and took Alfred's proffered hand gratefully, "Thank you. I am curious though. What is the King of Spades' name?"
Alfred helped Arthur off of his horse and nearly let him fall when Arthur asked his question, "You wish to know his name?" He asked, hoping he misunderstood the question.
Arthur quickly steadied himself and looked at Alfred as if he was particularly slow, "Yes, what is the King's name?"
"You…" Alfred had to think of a way out of the question quickly. He could not exactly lie to Arthur, but he definitely did not want to tell him the truth either. He settled on fibbing again, "You would not be able to pronounce it." He proceeded to take the saddle and bit off of his horse before putting him in his stall.
A servant quickly ran up to Alfred and bowed politely, "Your majesty, King Francis is here to see you. He apologizes for the short notice."
Alfred groaned and responded in the national language, "Alright. Tell him that I'll be there shortly. I have to put our guest somewhere," He pointed his thumb at Arthur and then spoke in English again, "Arthur; the King wants me for something. I can show you to the library before I go to him, though."
The servant nodded bowed again before he left to go inform Francis of Alfred's response. Once the young man left Arthur looked at him in disbelief, "Why did that man just bow to you?"
"Uh…," Alfred cleared his throat before walking into the castle, "Follow me. The library's right around here."
Slightly peeved and highly suspicious, Arthur followed the nervous man to the library. He might have been silent for the moment, but he fully intended to get to the bottom of Alfred's lies.
He figured that he would have to get Arthur in the library quickly before the King of Diamonds got antsy and decided to roam his castle, looking for Alfred. Alfred walked into the library and gestured to the books, "You can stay in here until I come back, okay? Just don't attract attention to yourself and if anyone gives you trouble, just say this phrase," Alfred enunciated a phrase in the Spades language.
Arthur nodded and bowed sarcastically, "Yes, your majesty," He might have been kidding, but the look on Alfred's face was telling him otherwise.
Alfred's eyes widened. Arthur figured him out already?! No, no, no! This was exactly what Alfred wanted to avoid, "What…are you doing?" He asked and looked as if Arthur was a two headed ghost.
Arthur looked at him in disbelief, "I was joking, but you really are the King, aren't you?"
Alfred looked away from Arthur and sighed softly, "Stay here, okay? I'll see King Francis out and then come back," He would have to have time to explain himself to Arthur, but making sure that Francis knew nothing about Arthur had to come first.
He might still be avoiding the question, but Arthur could see now wasn't the right time to press the troubled monarch, "Very well, but I expect an explanation when you come back."
He nodded in agreement, "I'll be sure to give you one. Just remember that phrase, okay? Oh," Alfred took the gold clock out of his pocket and placed it in Arthur's hands, "If anyone gives you trouble, show them this and say that phrase."
Arthur took the clock in confusion and nodded before murmuring the phrase back to Alfred to show he could pronounce it.
"Yes, that's it. I'll be back shortly," Alfred gave Arthur a bit of a wave before leaving the library and walking to the throne room.
Arthur sat down in the library and looked at the intricate clock in confusion. Why would Alfred give him a clock of all things? It must have a very special significance, otherwise, Alfred would have never given it to him to hold.
Alfred stopped in front of the closed doors of the throne room. He mentally prepared himself for whatever it was that Francis felt the need to travel all the way to Spades for. Alfred pulled one of the double doors opened and walked into the throne room, pulling the door closed behind him. He spoke in the tongue of Spades, "Hello, Francis."
Francis smiled warmly at the other monarch and walked up to him with his arms spread in greeting, "Alfred, it is a pleasure to see you looking so well."
Alfred stared at Francis's arms, wondering if he was about to receive a hug or not, "It's great to see you, too," He didn't want to be rude to the King in front of him, but he did want to get back to Arthur just in case someone questioned him.
"Tsk, Tsk, Alfred, don't look so excited to see me," Francis teased lightly, glancing over Alfred's muscular frame in obvious appreciation, "I travelled a long way just to talk to you my friend," Much to Francis' dismay, Alfred remained ever oblivious to his ogling.
Alfred sighed lightly and apologized, "Sorry. I was distracted," He held out his hand to shake Francis's in greeting, "Thank you for coming all this way. What is it you wanted to speak to me about?"
"I wanted to speak to you about a matter that may not seem important to you, but in the long run it could hurt the delicate balance of our world," Francis began seriously setting aside his flirtatious nature for once, "I know I can't order you to do anything, but you must consider it for the sake of your Kingdom,"
Oh, God. Francis was talking about a subject that Alfred frequently tried to ignore. Alfred held back a groan, "Listen, Francis, I know about the balance of the four kingdoms and I know that Spades is in need of a Queen. I can't make myself love someone – it doesn't work like that."
The Diamond King sighed as well, "I'm quite aware, but Ludwig and Ivan are concerned as well. They asked me to talk to you because you are my friend. I'm terribly sorry to have to bother you with the matter," Francis murmured, "You could always grow to love someone; I grew to love my Lilli, even if it is merely a friendly love. Surely there is someone you find at least somewhat attractive, you could have anyone in the kingdom to be yours."
Alfred nodded, "I know. It's not that there isn't anyone that I think is good enough. I just…" He shook his head, "I don't want a betrothal. I'll find someone soon, alright? Thanks for your concern. You can stay for a few days and rest up before going back to Diamonds,"
"Alfred, I don't think you understand; if you don't find a Queen soon, Ivan, as well as Ludwig is prepared to declare war on your kingdom," Francis stated firmly.
"What?" He shouted, "How-They-They can't do that! What happened to the balance of the four kingdoms? They know that they can't try to take over my kingdom!" Alfred was shocked and quite angry. He would expect this sort of thing from Clubs, but Hearts as well? No! Spades was strong, but he wasn't sure if it could hold up under the weight of two strong kingdoms attacking it.
"They feel that this weakness in Spades cannot continue. I tried to talk them out of such a notion, but they refused. So I came to warn you as well as offer the support of my kingdom," Francis continued gravely. Internally, his thoughts were a pinch different, not that he let Alfred on to such.
Alfred's eyes fell closed in thought. He walked to his throne and fell back into it, rubbing his temples. Muttering to himself, his eyes opened wide. A plan hatched within his head. Alfred sat up and faced Francis, "Well, it just so happens that I've got my eye on someone. It's only a matter of time before we're wed."
Francis' delicate brow rose in shock, "So soon? Dare I ask who this someone is?"
"You wouldn't know him," Alfred answered and stood up, thinking himself to be clever, "He's from a faraway place."
"He's in the castle isn't he?" Francis smirked and continued, "That or he doesn't exist."
Alfred huffed a bit, "He's here and we're very much in love. I just wanted to keep him a secret, but Hearts and Clubs are forcing me to reveal him."
"Oh, but of course. If you're so much in love with him it would be an honor to meet him," Francis replied with a sarcastic purr.
Alfred gulped lightly, "Of course," He hoped he hadn't dug himself into a deep hole, "Follow me," He walked back into the hallway and waited for Francis to follow him, hoping Arthur remembered that phrase he told him.
Francis followed Alfred curiously, hoping that this wasn't an elaborate ruse to feign off war. Another more selfish part of him hoped it to be a ruse, but again he shook it off.
Alfred walked into the library, "Wait here, Francis," He looked around for a minute or so before finding Arthur. Switching to English, he addressed the other man, "Arthur, there you are."
Arthur glanced up gratefully at finally seeing a familiar face, "Of course. Where else would I be?"
Alfred shook his head, "I have a lot on my mind. You remember that phrase, don't you? I need you to say it to the person I bring to you. Show him the clock I gave you to hold as well,"
"Of course I do. Will you explain everything after?" Arthur was starting to get seriously annoyed at all this secrecy.
Alfred nodded, "Yes, yes, I promise. I just need to make sure I get Francis and the other two kingdoms off my back," He went back to Francis and started speaking in his national language again, "Alright, he's a little shy so he might not say much at all. Just give him plenty of space and he doesn't like questions," Alfred led Francis to Arthur, hoping that everything would work out just as planned.
Arthur nodded and hoped that he said it right, whatever it was he was told to say.
Francis walked over to where Arthur was behind Alfred. Upon seeing the small blonde man he raised his eyebrow in shock. This was to be the Queen of Spades? Shaking it off, he smiled a bit too widely at Arthur and introduced himself to the bushy browed young man, "So you are to be Alfred's Queen?"
Arthur wrinkled up his nose at Francis' accent, but composed himself a moment later. He repeated the phrase Alfred told him as he showed him the clock, hoping it made sense to the strangely flashy man.
Francis' eyes grew wide as he saw Alfred's mothers', the former Queen of Spades' precious clock in the homely man's hands. His awkward accent showed that he did indeed live a long way from here. Perhaps what Alfred said was true after all, 'Sacré bleu," he cursed silently in his head.
Alfred nodded and grinned proudly. He looked to Francis and spoke in the national language again, "See, Francis? I have my Queen. There's nothing to worry about. You'll tell Ludwig and Ivan that I have a Queen now, right?"
Francis nodded, "I suppose I was wrong, mon cher. I shall tell them about your future Queen, and I look forward to the announcement of your engagement as well as your wedding. Surely you're aware that the customary announcement of a monarch's engagement is always accompanied by a lavish ball."
Alfred's grin fell from his face, "There's a ball? Oh! R-right… Of course there's to be a ball. In fact, my Jack is working right now on the invitations. It's only a matter of time before peace and balance will come around again in the four kingdoms," He wrapped an arm around Arthur's side, "Francis, if you don't mind, I would like some alone time with my future Queen. I've been out all day."
Arthur blushed slightly at the contact as Francis smiled graciously, "Of course. It was a pleasure as always Alfred. I'll just retire to my usual guest room." With that Francis left the library and went to his room, his thoughts getting darker with every step.
Alfred's posture fell as he took a huge sigh of relief. He allowed his arm to fall from Arthur's side, sitting in the seat behind him, "Oh, thank God," He spoke in English, "Arthur you did a great job. We'll just have to be a bit more careful in the future…"
"Okay, what just happened?" Arthur asked him carefully, "Don't lie to me."
"Hang onto that clock. Don't lose it," Alfred stood up, "I've got to talk to the Jack and you need to keep that phrase in your head. That was the King of Diamonds. I wanted him to meet my guest from a faraway world. You…greeted him. The clock meant that you're an honorary guest of the King of Spades."
Arthur looked up at him in disbelief, "Are you bloody kidding me? King or not you can't keep brushing me off!"
"I'm sorry. I can answer…one question before I talk to the Jack about the ball," Alfred apologized and edged closer to the library's exit. Above all, he had to get to the Jack and start planning the ball.
"What is the ball for? If you lie to me one more time I swear to you I will break this precious clock of yours," Arthur threatened. He was sick of being confused in this land, and Alfred wasn't helping anything. Apparently the only way to get anything done here was to slip into his normal delinquent role and threaten the King.
"No!" Alfred shouted louder than he had meant to. He gulped and raised his hands in defeat, "Alright, you win. The ball is to announce the engagement of a monarch…and to present you…as the future Queen of Spades."
A new story! I know... it's been forever. My other stories are currently on a hiatus for the foreseeable future. I'm so sorry! ;-; However, I do plan to update this story as regularly as possible because I absolutely love it! It started out as an rp between myself and my lovely friend, AuthoressSama. She is Alfred, and I'm Arthur! As always. I'm always Arthur. I refuse to be any other character in my rps anymore, unless I'm playing more than one character. Also, I believe she makes a lovely Alfred. I am also Francis in this chapter. I hope you love this story as much as we do! it is our pride and joy and we worked very hard! We tried to do an interesting take on the Cardverse. This time, Arthur is younger than Alfred too. Omg right? I'm sorry for leaving it on a minor cliffhanger, but I should update the next chapter soon. As soon as I edit it, because I'm terribly lazy. This story actually came to me when I was on Skype with AuthoressSama and I dressed up in my England wig with my black cape. It was originally just a small black magic Arthur AU, but it turned into this great big Cardverse drama. So much fun right? I'm sorry if there are any typos still. I did look over it! Without any further rambling I'm just going to say thank you so much and I hope you enjoy! I obviously own nothing, except myself. Please stay with me! Lots of love!
