The large bells rung throughout the city, alerting all the citizens what time of year it was. Jack Yao was resuming the yearly search for a new king, and now a queen. Spades hadn't had a king for 5 years, after the old king died, he left his queen to rule the kingdom. She was a great ruler, she kept the kingdom of Spades well-kept, and all the citizens were happy under her reign.
Alfred, at the ripe age of nineteen, was finally eligible and even required to go to the palace for the search. So, on the day of the Finding, as Spades called it, Alfred set off to the palace with his brother Matthew at his side and a pouch of twenty gold coins in his pocket. "In case anything goes wary", his mother had said when she insisted that he take it. He hadn't wanted to take it, they could still live comfortably without it, sure, but that still didn't change the fact that he didn't like taking money from his mother.
"Hey," Matthew spoke up as they were on the sidewalk, pushing through the busy market stands, "what would you do if you became king?" he asked.
"I dunno. Maybe I would finally sort out the treaty we have with Clubs that says none of Spade's citizens are allowed in Clubs. And the reason is secret. Which is pretty damn stupid if ya ask me." Alfred responded, nodding his head as he walked past the various busy vendors.
As Matthew and he approached the large stone castle walls, they fell silent, chatter dying down as they listened to and admired everything around them. A guard stopped them, giving them a once over before sending Matthew in the direction of the Ace's line. Alfred was shocked, staring after Matthew as he walked hesitantly away after shooting Alfred a timid smile. The guard looked Alfred over once before nodding his head in the direction of the King's lineup. He stood in line, noticing that he could see the queen's line from where he stood. He saw lots of people, ranging from pretty girls to tall and muscular men. One, in particular, stood out. He was wearing a grey vest and black slacks with a white cravat, even though it seemed all to hot out for such attire. What was even more odd, his clothes we're well kept but his sandy hair looked unruly. And if that wasn't bad enough, he had beautiful emerald eyes, with gigantic black stocky eyebrows… That were angled downward and were glaring at him.
On the day of the Finding Arthur was in a worse mood than usual. He honestly thought the whole thing was ridiculous and wanted no part in it. But both his mother and father had ordered him to go, and since he didn't want to argue with them, he finally gave in and went
His four older brothers were also in attendance and he walked with them all the way to the castle walls. When all four were sent to the King's line he expected the same for him, but was a bit surprised to be ordered to go to the Queen's line. He grumbled a bit but supposed it didn't matter. He didn't think he would become the next Queen anyway so he didn't linger on the subject for too long. What was interesting to watch was how fast and how long the lines were becoming. There were more eligible people than he had thought.
Standing there in line was becoming difficult for him now. The clothes he wore were making him hotter and hotter as time passed. Yes, he could have worn much cooler and comfortable clothes, but he wanted to look presentable. He could endure the heat for a little longer. But looking around he noticed something, or rather, someone staring at him from the King's line. He glared at him hoping that the other boy would stop his incessant starring. After a while it seemed to be going nowhere as the other blue eyed blond hadn't ceased his staring. Arthur turned his head away and looked forward at the castle entrance.
Loud trumpets emanated from the entrance of the castle as large wooden doors slowly opened wide and Arthur took a deep breath. To be truthful he was nervous about this. Would he be chosen for the new Queen of Spades? And what would happen if he was chosen? He didn't think he was capable of running a kingdom. There wasn't much time to dwell on this thought though. Everyone was now ready to pick the new King and Queen of Spades.
Alfred hadn't realized he'd been staring for so long until the trumpets sounded out from the palace doors, demanding the attention of all around. The large doors opened and Jack Yao stepped out, leaning over and saying something to the servant next to him before clearing his throat and speaking up.
"I thank all of you for attending the search for royalty today. Today, Spades will find a new King, and hopefully a new queen. With this clock," Alfred watched intently as the jack pulled out a clock in the shape of a key about the size of his hand. He walked over to the Ace's section. "Now," he said, "Aces are the rarest throughout the Kingdoms, as they are magical beings. But," Alfred looked up in anticipation, "it appears that there is one among today." A collective gasp was heard throughout the crowd, and a small murmur sprung to notice. The Jack cleared his throat, "Ahem, as I was saying before; there is an Ace among us. I will now use the Ace's clock, which has been used by the kingdom since the first Ace, almost 34 reigns ago." In spades, they still had years, but royalty often referred to previous royalty as "reigns", to stop any confusion from those unfamiliar with the Spade Kingdom's royal line.
Yao stepped forward, eyes on the clock, as if he couldn't see anything else. He walked about ten paces, stride gradually slowing down as he kept walking. He stopped dead in his tracks and looked straight up into the eyes of the young man before him. He stepped two paced to the right, keeping his eyes on the hands of the clock, watching as they followed the boy. He did the same with the left, eliciting the same response from the clock. He was certain that this was who it was pointing to. He looked up at the boy. He had wavy blonde hair that was at shoulder length; violet eyes that shines with terror up at him, round glasses perched upon his nose. But Yao could see a warrior in his eyes, even with the soft polar bear in his arms. "You," Yao whispered, looking him in they eyes, "what is your name?" This only seemed to frighten the boy more, as he squared his shoulders and stiffened even further.
After a moment he replied "Matthew," he took a quivering breath, "Matthew Williams…" Alfred was speechless, he was about to step forward and say it was a mistake. There was no way his brother - Matthew, the softest person he knew, could ever be an Ace!
He shook his head, steeping forward. "Hey-" he was cut off as another man in the same line as he harshly pulled him back. Alfred looked at the man angrily, but couldn't help the terrified look that seeped into his own gaze.
"I've had the crown take away my family to, but be happy, he will serve greatness to the kingdom. The clock never lies, however unlikely the match may seem." The man looked solemnly at Alfred, with an integrity so fierce it was as if he was daring Alfred to question him. Alfred nodded grimly, stepping back into his place next to the man in line.
Yao smiled, looking around at the citizens lined up. "The clock has chosen a wonderful new Ace by the name of Matthew Williams!" The crowd around Alfred broke into cheers, signaling their happiness for the new Ace. Spades hasn't had an Ace since Alfred great grandfather was around, who happened to be that Ace. But Matthew had no bloodline connecting them, Matt and Alfred had different fathers.
"I will now choose the King." The once rowdiness of the palace yard quieted down as the anticipation for the next King settled in. Yao called a servant over to him, who handed him a Spade shaped watch from atop a felt pillow. Yao looked down at the watch thoughtfully for a few moments before walking forward, eyes focused solely on the clock in his hand. Alfred's mind was plagued with fear. What if I never see Matthew again!? Matthew hadn't really ever been outspoken since they were born, so there was no way he would be able to go on without Alfred to be there for him! That's it! he thought, I just have to be the King and Matt will be fine! He knew that he wasn't thinking straight, but for now, the thought eased his qualm. He thought about how he would never have to worry about being away from Matthew again, and how he would be able to protect his brother. Don't worry, Matt, I've got yo-
"You." Alfred jumped a little in his spot, staring wide eyed as Yao stood before him, watch in hand, with both arrows pointing directly at him. All thoughts fled from Alfred's mind as his eyes landed on that clock. Oh God, he realized, I'm not fit to be royalty either! At the front door, he could see Matthew gaping at him. Alfred hesitantly looked up and met Yao's gaze. "What's your name?"
Alfred laughed skittishly, rubbing at his arms, a nervous habit he had. "Alfred Jones." The Jack examined Alfred's expressions, looking for something.
After a moment he sighed, "very well." he said, preparing the announcement. Alfred felt the man from before nudge him, Alfred looked over and saw the man, smiling at him, as if to say "what were you worried about?" Yao cleared his throat loudly, garnering the attention of everyone around. "The clock has found a new King. Alfred Jones will now be the King of Spades, may the Gods be with you forevermore." The crowd erupted into cheers even louder than when a rare Ace was found. Yao nodded him to where Matthew was standing, announcing that he was now to find the Queen.
Alfred ran over to Matthew faster than he even knew possible and engulfed him in his arms, hugging his brother as if his life depended on it. Matthew of course wrapped his arms around Alfred as well, pulling back after a moment so they were about a foot apart. "Al," he spoke, his voice wavering, "what are we gonna do?"
Alfred looked at his brother solemnly, worriedly shaking his head. "I dunno, Matt. I really don't know…"
Arthur was a bit grateful when it actually started. He was still nervous yes and he listened to what the Jack had to say before letting his mind wander. He didn't pay attention to who the new Ace was. He just heard loud clapping and cheering from the crowds. The same went for the King. He wanted to this to end so he could go back to old normal life.
When he looked up though he saw the two people hugging at the castle doors. There wasn't much time to think about the two because he saw the Jack walking down the Queen's line. Time seemed to stop as the Jack slowed his pace stopping in front of Arthur. His heart sped up in nervousness and panic.
'Oh no. Please not me…' He thought. The Jack raised his head to look at Arthur. The green eyed man felt himself take a small step back as he was asked for his name.
"I-I'm not your Queen. I can't be there has to be a mistake." Arthur took another step back. People were now staring at him making his nerves worsen. This was exactly what he was afraid of. Now what was he supposed to do? He didn't want this. What also made this bad was that he could see his brothers from the Kings line now glaring at him. All of them had fire and fury in their eyes. He knew they were blaming him that they weren't the new king. That their little brother had taken their chance at royalty away. He wanted to leave.
"The clock doesn't make a mistake. You are the new Queen. Now please, what is your name?" The Jack Yao asked again and Arthur swallowed hard before reluctantly giving his name. His name was announced and the cheering was deafening to him. He walked up to the front castle doors and stood beside the newly announced King and Ace.
Yao stepped up and stood beside the three of them. He voice was loud and carried out as he spoke his next words. "The clock has chosen these three brave men to rule our kingdom. May the Gods bless them and our land. Long live the Kingdom of Spades!" The crowd repeated his last words and cheered loudly once more. The whole kingdom seemed to be there relieved and happy to finally to see their new rulers.
After the cheering had died down some the Jack brought the three into the castle and Arthur's breath caught. Just the inside front of the palace was beautiful, but his mind was still racing around trying to comprehend everything. Because of this he hadn't really heard what the Jack had said to them. Arthur just stood there motionless.