Chapter 1

-More Than a Partnership of Mutual Benefit-

It was like invisible barriers existed between the two individuals.

Day in, day out, they greeted each other good morning, started the meal in silence, conduct a meeting with their council members, have a quiet lunch, training in the arenas; he in hand to hand combat, she the art of kendo, return once more to a dinner with only the slight noise of chewing hanging in the air, before they retreated to their respective chambers.

The kingdom of Hearts had been progressing very well, the economy was stable, people were happy with the just laws, they were on fairly good terms with other kingdoms, but there had never been one thing that left the people's minds, be it those in the royal household, or a citizen watching the castle from afar.

They had never seen the King and Queen smiling at each other. Or do anything remotely subtle that could hint that they were indeed husband and wife, and not just partners in taking the wheel of the kingdom.

Ludwig, the King of Hearts, had always been a strict and disciplined man in his own right, always making sure things turn out well and perfectly. He had once been a threat to his people if they do not conform, but eventually, he loosened his iron fist over the years he took up office as ruler.

His marriage was arranged to the daughter of one of the generals of the Hearts Kingdom, Keiko Honda. Keiko was almost every bit as meticulous as he was, hardworking, dedicated and efficient. On the other hand, there was something about her, which Ludwig is a little worried about. Keiko never showed much emotion.

As a pair, both of them are really good in negotiating with each other on things related to work. Clashing perspectives were somehow able to lay themselves down on the table as bits and pieces from said opinions were pieced together to find a solution. There has yet to be seen of such unity between two individuals in a partnership.

Even though they were so in synchrony with each other in the conference room, there was a dry atmosphere whenever they were with each other, alone.

One fine afternoon, when singing bluebirds were serenading the air, Ludwig was having a lively conversation with his father Alaric Beilschmidt in the parlour. Alaric was a man nearing his fifties, but his figure was still robust and able to hold his own in a wrestling match. They were seated at the chaises and were served with delectable Strudels and other pastries with coffee on the side.

"So, how have you been so far?" Alaric regarded his son with a hint of concern.

"Ich bin gut, Vatti." was Ludwig's staple answer. Being a king was never easy. You have the fate and faith of the entire kingdom on your shoulders. That amount of pressure would make anybody break. But Ludwig was stronger than that. His family's vigorous training both physically and mentally paid off.

"It's nothing off the usual these days. The people have been pretty up on their feet with St. Valentine's Day coming, according to Feliciano. Bouquets from florists and chocolates started selling like hotcakes. I guess they seem to be very joyful, I am glad." The king ended this statement with his eyes closed.

Alaric, however was not entirely convinced. He looked at his son with a hint of worry in his eyes. "I should have made myself clear. How are things between you and Keiko?"

It was Ludwig's turn to look surprised. Why was his father enquiring about his wife? His family was his own business. Even so…it would still be a better option to tell than sugarcoat things. "Things are going fairly. What is it about her, Vater?"

The elder German shook his head and spoke. "Ludwig. For five years, I barely see you two sitting together in the same room, save for conferences and meals. I don't know if you would pay heed but people will start to question your marriage, sohn."

That remark was certainly getting out of hand. This made Ludwig stand up, as though he was prepared to shout, but managed to restrain his urge to a strained outcry. "Vater, I really must protest…"

Alaric studied his son's reaction and nodded. "I do agree I am at fault for having arranged for you to marry the girl. Nevertheless, what you are doing is that you are indeed succeeding in establishing a good communication with her over work related matters, but there is something you are missing. You may be treating her as a colleague, a business partner, and nothing else. I cannot say for sure that she would be treating you the same as you are to her, but in all respects, even the idea of physical contact seems like a taboo to both of you at the moment. You are both married, and contact is part and parcel of the wedding package."

The younger thought for a moment about what his father said. Keiko was indeed a wonderful partner, but he realized he had not actually tried to become closer to her in the romantic context. Keiko was told to have possessed a huge social bubble that anyone trying to get close to her would intimidate her.

"Vater, Keiko is a wonderful person. I couldn't ask for a better partner than she. Her parents have raised her flawlessly to be eligible as Queen." He slightly turned a tinge of pink at the words. His features then turned into a frown.

"However, Keiko is very guarded of her personal space. I respect that fully and surely I do not want to mean offense to her by being so…well…forward with my request." Of course, he had tried to approach her but was startled by her sudden shying at his advances. After an encounter with Keiko's father, Yoshinori Honda, only then he learnt that Keiko was very wary of people and approaches.

Nodding as he stroked his beard, Alaric nodded. "I will talk to Yoshinori if I have the time about this. On the other hand, be grateful that I am not Gilbert. That rascal is always up to things. Last I heard he was chased out of the Clubs Kingdom by Queen Erszebet with a sword. He must have said something about 'Just do it already!' which provoked her. Needless to say he is trying to get her and King Ivan to-"

"That's enough, Vater…." Ludwig suddenly interjected, his cheeks as scarlet as his cape. "Schiesse, that dummkopf..." He buried his face in annoyance of his brother's deeds, shaking his head.

A soft chuckle was present from the elder as he looked towards his son once more. "I wish you well, son for I must get going. Do take care of yourself, both of you." The elder German stood up as he walked to the door, in the same powerful stride that Ludwig himself sports.

Upon replying in kind, Ludwig sighed and rubbed his temples, trying to figure out what was it that his father wanted him to do. He walked to his chambers and started to prepare himself for the evening meal.

Taking a lively stroll down the castle gardens was the Jack, or Administrate of the Hearts Kingdom, Feliciano Vargas. The Vargas house had been serving as the Administrate for years, and it was now unto Feliciano's turn to resume the legacy after the death of his father, Romulus. Ditzy and flirty as he is, they did not hinder him from proving to be an indispensable asset to the King and Queen.

He stopped when he reached the training grounds, specially made for the nobles' use to spar should there be a need to fight. Behind the hedges, he could see Keiko training with her kendo instructor, Nakashima, in a red keikogi and hakama, unlike her usual royal garb. He couldn't help but admire the beautiful queen's prowess in battle. The way her short raven hair fanned around her hair like a halo as she dashed forward, the smooth yet silent swings she endeavoured with the bokken, and her footwork was fast yet firm in her stance. However, something else caught his eye.

There was a servant just a few feet in front of him. From afar, Feliciano noticed he had been eyeing the queen with admiration and a tinge of hunger. It was a common occurrence, servants envy their superiors for the gold and glamour, but that was never really the truth about them, was it?

Approaching the male servant, he cleared his throat and spoke in a cheery tone. "Excuse me, please get the King to be ready for dinner soon." he ordered. To which the servant was jarred from his admiring eyes and immediately bowed. "Yes, sir, right away!"

As he watched the servant scuttle away, he noticed that he looked back at the Queen once in mid-run. Is he trying to catch her eye? Or rope in her heart? If it was till the extent that servants were hopeful to thirst for the royals' attention like that, they either hoped for a raise in pay or a return for their attraction. They had noticed the passionless interactions between the King and Queen, and were hoping to take a chance on this predicament.

Hence, Feliciano had to do something about it. He had to let them know that servants should never mess with affairs of the royal household.