This is up on my deviantART account. My username there is also Vareniki so I didn't steal anything.
Just a little explanation: I've tweaked the original Cardverse so it makes more sense but I give full credit to the creator for the idea.
Enjoy and please review. I happily welcome feedback.
Chapter 1: The History of the Diamond Suit
Long ago, a great empire was formed stretching from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea. Thousands of people lived under one banner. The Empire had it all, the world's wealth and lands, a population so vast no one knew exactly how many people lived under that one name.
That name was the Diamond Empire. Founded centuries ago by the great King of Diamonds, Julian, the empire one day just vanished. Centuries later, the Diamonds are ruled by a fair and benevolent king, his Royal Majesty the King of Diamonds, Francis Bonnefoy.
After decades of plagues, famines, and wars, King Francis, like his father before him, has brought the wealth and power of the Diamonds back to its rightful place. A once filthy, disgusting excuse for a capitol now flourishes under his rule. The towering glass buildings in the colors of the kingdom gleam so brightly, a traveler can see the city almost a hundred miles away. The king proudly calls his Paris the city of lights.
But the glistening buildings are not the only source of light. The city has become a hub of the arts. People from all Suits travel to Paris to learn the arts of the Diamonds. Even the Clubs, the violent people of the east and north have sent their artisans to learn the trades of the Diamonds.
But, as all rulers have, King Francis has many faults. He is a vain and pompous young man who would much rather spend his time in the company of a beautiful man or woman, preferably the King of Spades. King Francis fell head over heels for the arrogant, tea loving Spade. Francis has made it his life's goal to have his obsession reciprocated.
But of course, though, his majesty the King cannot rule the entire kingdom alone. He has entrusted different aspects of ruling to his three brothers. The next in line for the throne, a kind, but troubled Prince, is the Ace of Diamonds, Antonio. In all Suits, the Ace is in charge of the military, whether land or sea. Looking at Antonio, one would never think he was related to the King. Francis has bright blue eyes, long, lavish golden hair and pale, milky skin. Antonio is dark; his hair is the color of chocolate, his eyes emerald green. He seems kind with his sleepy eyes and soft voice, but behind it lays a bloodthirsty nature.
The Jack of Diamonds, Lovino, is, in looks, very much like Antonio. His eyes are a rich gold that gleam almost harshly. His hair, with its funny little curl, is a soft brown.
He is a rather angry young man. Angry at the way Antonio treats him and living in the shadow of his little brother, the Ten of Diamonds. But despite his anger, Lovino truly cares for his family and for his little brother.
The final member of the royal Diamond family is the adorable Feliciano.
Feliciano is known throughout the suit kingdoms as an airheaded, silly young man, but also as a kind, empathetic soul. Unlike his brothers, Feliciano is easily distracted by the other suits and tends to ignore his duties to the kingdom. Despite this, his favorite city of Venice is one of the world's finest trade centers.
But as with all royal families, the Diamonds are entangled in a secret that is known to only dead Kings and Queens.
After the Hundred Year's War between the Hearts and Diamonds, the King of Hearts, Ehren Beilschmidt and the King of Diamonds, Cato Bonnefoy, made a deal. The King of Hearts would hand over his first born son to the King of Diamonds. The Heart child would be raised as a Diamond, as proof the Hearts and Diamonds could have peace.
Ehren, of course, was loath to the plan. But he had no choice. As he was preparing to send his only son, he remembered something. No one knew his child even existed. To keep him safe during the war, the Queen's pregnancy and the prince's birth was kept a secret. The two year old Franz could remain with his family.
The King of Hearts lied to the Diamonds. His wife was pregnant again and they promised to hand over that child. Despite the Heart's best efforts, the King of Diamonds found out about Franz. He demanded the boy be given to him, or the Diamonds would take refusing as defying the treaty.
Franz was sent to live with the Hearts and renamed Francis. He was treated as the first born son to the Diamond Suit.
The Queen of Heart's next child was still born. Two years passed before the Hearts had another child, the stubborn and loud Jack named Gilbert. The after, the final Heart child was born, the Ten Ludwig.
The secret of Francis's real heritage would go to the grave with both Ehren and Cato.
January, 1914
"Your highness?" a butler knocked on the door to the King's chamber and entered.
A massive bed sat in the center of the room, the curtains drawn tightly to keep out the afternoon sun.
"Your highness?"
"You are interrupting my beauty sleep!" a voice snapped from behind the velvet. "I was having a dream about chocolate and the King of Spades!"
"Your highness, the Ten is here to see you." The butler said and left.
An annoyed blond stuck his head out of the curtains and blinked in the bright light. But when he noticed his brother, his face erupted into a boyish grin.
"Feli, my darling!" he tore open the curtains and leapt out of bed. "Good morning, little brother!" He grabbed Feliciano in a tight hug and pulled him to the bed.
"Morning, Francis." Feli lay against the huge pile of pillows, snuggling in the warm spot Francis had left.
"So what brings you here?" Francis lay back down and fluffed Feli's hair.
"I wanted to go on a little vacanza, fratello." Feli said.
"Oh? Where?" Francis rolled onto his stomach and buried his face in a frilly pillow.
"I was thinking the Hearts." Feli was glad Francis never questioned him. "The forests are beautiful this time of year."
"Oui, mon petit." Francis said in a muffled voice. "But wouldn't you rather go to the beaches?"
"We just got back from the beach, silly." Feli said. Francis propped himself up on his elbows.
"True, true." He said with a chuckle. "You have my leave, Feli. Just tell me when you're leaving."
"Grazie grande fratello!" Feli hugged his brother and jumped gracefully out of the bed. "Oh, fratello?"
"Oui?" Francis stood.
"You might want to put clothes on." Feli said. "Your butler is in a bad mood."
"I knew I shouldn't have hired a Spade butler." Francis grumbled grabbing just underwear.