Ch.1

On an early spring day, a young Queen-to-be sat high in the palace of Spades. It was his wedding day, with a groom whom he'd yet to meet in a place he'd only just become acquainted with. His was a whaling family to the far eastern side of the country, and it had taken him over a week to get here from there only to find out that they were to be wed. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that every person in the damned kingdom was more excited for the event than he was. Even the day itself was beautiful for their wedding; the tall, ancient trees sent tiny, fluttering petals across the gardens, covering the remaining snow of the spent winter season. In the gardens below the ceremonies were being readied, an arch with white lilies and ribbons and green leaves draped around it stood at the end of a long white-covered walkway. For all that he saw, however, he was forced to watch the preparations from seclusion in a small dressing room, as so the King wouldn't see him by accident- bad luck it was, they said, seeing the bride before the wedding. So here he sat, dressed in a dress of white that draped around his slender legs in layers of lace, tulle, and cotton. Below hid dainty white shoes with heels so high he swore he could trip over himself on them. At least the lengthy train could be pinned up, he thought, for dancing's sake if nothing else. A tiara sat in his sandy blond hair, from which a veil hung over his eyes. He'd lifted it enough to see the garden however, as the bay window he sat in was high enough for him to struggle in seeing the setup aside from a wash of colors and movement. He sighed, tugging the curtains shut.

"I'm not ready to go through with this…" He muttered to himself, arms crossed over his chest. The bust of his dress had been shrunk considerably to compensate for his lack of feminine features, he thought the seamstress seemed somewhat disappointed when she had finally returned with the dress, and her stitching reflected it. "Oh my, I'll be needed down there soon… to marry a man I've yet to meet, and to rule a land I've yet to love…" He sighed and stepped away from the window to the mirror. He hated his appearance. "Look at me, weighed down by all these fabrics and trappings, I can hardly walk. And all this silly celebration for a couple who have yet to so much as meet…"

"It does seem a bit much, does it not?" The young Queen-to-be spun as fast as his heeled shoes would allow him, though upon seeing the person who'd spoken he swore he was looking in a mirror. The only differences were the crimson red hair and the black uniform he wore, but he shared the Queen's own lovely features.

"Wh-who are you?" he murmured, taking a hesitant step away. "How did you get into this room? There are guards outside that door, and all through this wing of the palace, how did you…?" he stopped as his counterpart laughed at him.

"Oh, my dear boy, what concerns have you for the status of your security?" he asked, falling back and landing comfortably on what appeared to be thin air. "And on your wedding day no less, such an occasion! You should be thrilled to be getting such a new chance at life, and the life of luxury no less, what a wonder, but… I wonder, you aren't truly enjoying this day, are you?" The trespasser frowned, rolling onto his stomach. "They haven't even asked your name yet… have they, Arthur?"

"H-how did you come to know my name?" Arthur hissed, stepping away until his back hit the mirror. In its reflection the stranger had graceful bat like wings fluttering behind him, two stubby black horns, and a wiry tail that flicked his cheek playfully when he looked back, only to find that the odd features had materialized. "D-demon!"

"Yes, perhaps, but one in your likeness." It replied. "And surely no-one will deny one who bears such a likeness, rather give the look-alike what they desire…" Arthur hesitated a moment, watching the strange devil toy with his invisible throne, pinching at a cushion that wasn't there. His peridot eyes narrowed, his figure straightening up.

"And… what is it that you want here, demon?" he asked, his voice soft but clear. "Surely there is nothing any mortal such as me can offer you that you cannot get yourself…"

"Oh but there is." The ginger-headed beast cut in, rolling off his invisible perch to stand before Arthur again. "Something only you can offer in fact, and I think we both know what it is…"

"A soul?" Arthur hissed, his fingers clenching. "You'll not have mine."

"Of course not." The demon looked unimpressed, almost disappointed in Arthur. "There are plenty of stupid humans looking to have an abstraction, if I want souls there are plenty that will practically throw themselves at me." He stepped forward, looking Arthur in the eye. "No, I want something else, something that only you can give me, and I hope you've got an idea of what it is, your royal highness…" A smirk tugged at his dark lips, unmatched by Arthur's scowl.

"…Queenship then." He muttered. "How would I go about giving you that? This mark is imprinted on my body, I've tried to get rid of it myself…" Again the demon was unsatisfied with Arthur's response, placing a clawed hand against his chest as if to hold him in place.

"Dear child, I don't need to take that from you to get it myself…" He 'tsk'ed softly, his claws digging into Arthur's chest piece a bit. "I just need to use you as a… vessel of sorts. You'll get the benefits of being Queen, and I'll do the dirty work. You know, your 'Queenly duties?'" He chuckled. "I'll even shorten your time as Queen if you'd like…" Arthur tried to step away but was reminded of his position of being pinned between the mirror and the monster. What a thing to happen on his wedding day.

"Th-there has to be a catch…" He grumbled. "Something, you're going to trick me in some way, just like in all the stories, that always happens…" He waited, unconvinced by the demon's feigned shock.

"I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing."

"Don't lie." Arthur fought him weakly at first but stopped, not wanting to damage his dress and give anyone the wrong idea. "…what are you going to get out of this? Why do you want this?" The demon stared at him a while, slowly letting his first defenses crumble.

"I suppose I could say… I'd like to be in your shoes." He replied, again lowering his voice. "Figuratively that is, not literally, those things are a nightmare." Arthur was about to throw back some crude comment when a clattering sound came from the door. The sign was clear; their time was short. The demon froze them in the moment and turned back to Arthur, his grip tensed slightly.

"Do we have a deal human?" He hissed. Out of a sheer loss for what to do Arthur blurted out an answer, shoving at the demon's grip.

"Yes, yes, we've got a deal, but that hardly answers my-" He stopped. With the blink of an eye the creature was gone, leaving a flustered Queen-to-be in his wake, gaping at the place where he'd once stood. The door opened and a servant poked his head in, smiling a little when he saw Arthur.

"You look nice your highness." He stepped in, approaching Arthur to straighten his dress. He was practically blind in one eye and couldn't see the marks the demon left, not that it would matter much. The marks left were steadily vanishing. Arthur didn't even notice. He was still shocked by the sudden occurrence with his demonic doppelganger, trying to wrap his head around who he was, what he wanted, why he'd only just shown up now, and why the servant boy was giving him such a strange look. He blinked, steadying himself before trying to speak again.

"I-I'm sorry, did you say something…?" He asked, his voice quavering. The young man frowned and stepped back, looking him over.

"I just asked if you were alright… are you?" He frowned. "You look a little pale…" Arthur sucked in a breath, taking a few moments to process his words before forcing himself to smile meekly.

"I blame it on n-nerves…" he tittered softly. Any worry in the servant's expression faded, leaving him with an understanding smile. He patted Arthur on the shoulder and started leading him to the door.

"That's alright your majesty, it happens to lots of people on their wedding day." He started, smoothing a bit of Arthur's hair. "You're probably right, it's just nerves… don't worry, the King is a kind man, so you haven't got anything to worry about, everyone knows…" He went on speaking after this of course, Arthur just couldn't bring himself to listen. He felt colder inside, like something icy had settled in the pit of his stomach and was chilling him from the inside, but very slightly so, just enough to make him shiver. He didn't like it. He wanted to know where that demon had gone, and he certainly hoped that it wasn't where he thought it was.

I'm right up here child, don't worry over it too much. I won't ruin anything for you yet…

He froze in his tracks, stopping the motor mouth of the servant boy with him. With a groan he let himself fall against the nearest bit of wall, his hand against his forehead.

"Get out…" he growled. If the servant had heard him he would have thought him mad. Instead the young man simply took him by the arm again and helped him down the hall, trying to comfort him for the rest of the walk.

"Don't worry your majesty, it won't be so bad. Like I said, the King is a very nice man. Everyone knows you two are going to get along just perfectly, the marks of royalty only choose those most able for their positions and all that…"

Why won't that idiot just shut his mouth?

Arthur scowled. He wondered if the demon could hear him when he was just thinking so that he could tell him to shut up. The last thing he needed was another voice in his head during the wedding.

/ \

It seemed no time at all had passed when they were outside the gardens. Arthur was letting himself be straightened and altered by the servants, having his hair smoothed and dress inspected for stray wrinkles and the like. He didn't see why it was so important. After all, it was just a dress. He never got the chance to ask. It seemed that the numerous servants couldn't take a hint about the ceremony needing to start and when the music started playing through the gardens they scattered, some not satisfied that they had done all they could. Arthur's veil was in place again at least, and he clutched a bouquet of baby's breath tight in his hands as he began his seemingly endless walk down the aisle. People stared at him, too many, each face less familiar than the one preceding it. They all looked so strange, scary even. He was tempted to just shut his eyes entirely until he caught sight of who he could only hope was the King. It was as if someone had focused the sun itself to shine directly onto him, lighting his bright cerulean eyes and sun-kissed cheeks and the brass buttons that ran up his commander's uniform. His lips were tugged in a small, curious frown, until he seemed to realize that Arthur was looking at him. Then he put on a smile warm enough to melt the winter snow- no wonder the season had ended so quickly. Arthur must have been turning bright red in the face because the man was laughing, and trying hard to hide it as well. He almost forgot that he was walking to join him at his side until he was right there, the man offering him his hands. Arthur stared hesitantly before letting his hands rest in the King's, quickly letting his gaze fall to the ground. Just seconds after the priest began speaking he felt a squeeze to his hands. He glanced up warily to find the man staring at him, his smile softened slightly.

"Are you alright?" he whispered "Your hands are shaking…" Arthur gulped, his eyes flicking down to their hands for a moment to confirm that they were, indeed, trembling in the King's.

"I'm fine." he replied quickly. "Just… just a little nervous is all."

"I understand." Arthur looked up. The King's smile had returned. "I was terrified when I found out about this little arrangement. Can't blame you for being scared of marrying someone you've never met…" He stared, then slowly allowed himself a small smile. Perhaps he could learn to like this man.

"…yes, I suppose not. Thank you." His gaze fell again, barely in time for him to hear those words he'd dreaded since he learned of their marriage;

"You may kiss the Queen."

Arthur felt his breath catch in his throat. He looked up at the King, eyes wide as the veil was lifted from his eyes by his gentle gloved hands. One move to the back of his head, the other clasped his hand against his chest. He leaned in just enough for their lips to touch together. Arthur didn't even have time to shut his eyes before the moment had passed and the sound of cheering filled his ears. He blinked, greeted with the sight of the King beaming down at him. He wrapped an arm around Arthur's waist and turned them so that the wedding attendees could see them better. While not entirely welcomed by him Arthur didn't mind his hand placement, it helped him feel somewhat grounded in the sea of strange faces. He mustered up a small smile and waved as the King was doing. He felt a slight tug at his side and glanced up at the King again.

"Alfred." He whispered. "In case you were wondering… you may call me Alfred." Arthur offered a small smile and nodded, stepping a tiny bit closer.

"My name's Arthur…" He replied.

"Arthur?" The King chuckled softly, giving him a pat on the side. "Yeah, that's a nice name… it suits you. You look like an Arthur."

He's absolutely right, you do look like an Arthur. I don't think that's a compliment.

Arthur's smile faltered. "Th-thank you…" He mumbled, half considering what the demon said. Alfred only nodded and gazed out at his people again, starting his and Arthur's walk back down the aisle together.

"You know, it's funny…" He mumbled, drawing Arthur's attention. "I kind of thought that you would be the one wearing this uniform." He kept his warm smile, but Arthur's faltered slightly.

"What do you mean?" Alfred looked over at him, surprised by his genuine curiosity.

"Nobody told you? I would have thought you would know…" He muttered, putting his smile on again for the people. "The Queen is in control of all warlike pursuits of the country, the army and navy and things. I don't have any power in that area, not aside from the general Kingly respect I get." He laughed a little, expecting Arthur to do the same. It took him a few moments to recognize the look on Arthur's face as one of utter bewilderment.

"O-oh…" Alfred's face fell at his Queen's reaction. Thankfully they'd reached the end of the aisle, and they were mostly out of view of their attendees. "Oh, goodness, that's… th-that's an awful lot of power for someone like me, don't you think?" Alfred's eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. He led Arthur inside to a small outcropping in the wall, away from the path to the reception.

"What do you mean?" He asked, his hand resting now on Arthur's shoulder. The smaller man glanced up at him in almost annoyance.

"Alfred, I'm a commoner, I can't run an army." To this Alfred simply laughed.

"No you aren't, your royal mark is right here, I can see it." He touched his fingers to the back of Arthur's neck, causing him to jump in surprise. He swatted his hand away, shooting him a glare.

"I'm serious Alfred, I don't know the first thing about leading an army."

"Well the mark wouldn't have appeared if that were true." Alfred turned and pecked his lips to the delicate Spadian emblem on the base of Arthur's neck. "I'm confident in your ability to lead. Come on then, let's go out and meet our subjects, they'll get impatient if kept waiting for too long." And with that he took Arthur's hand and led him up, hurrying them both to the reception.

\ /

The party went late, late into the night, fueled on dancing and alcohol to its numerous guests. At some point Arthur had let Alfred slip away from him, leaving him stranded in the ocean of strangers in the grand ballroom. He had no desire to dance, and even less desire to socialize with any of these people. They had little to talk about, he was boring, and the sorts of things they did want to talk about frankly repulsed him. So, as a result, he spent much of his evening in a small outcropping in one of the numerous enormous windows, staring up at the now moonlight sky with wide, drowsy eyes. The only thing that could have distracted him from his brooding would be a handsome man in a suit which, however out of place, was exactly who showed up. Not his husband of course, it couldn't be that easy, but another man.

"Bonsoir, Spade Queen." He bowed low and offered Arthur his hand. His long blonde hair hung over his eyes as he did, though he quickly stood and smoothed it behind his ear. He wore a titian cape around his shoulders, and a golden sash around his middle as if to separate his top half from his lengthy legs. When he stood to his full height he may have been just a few inches taller than Arthur himself, but one would hardly know it. "My name is Francis, of Diamonds. I would like to congratulate you on your marriage to King Alfred, and… to ask you for the next dance." He punctuated himself with a smile that made Arthur feel the blush creeping to his cheeks. Damn it all, no one had warned him that these Diamond people would be so charming. He hesitantly allowed the man to take his hand, shivering when his fingers clasped around it.

Dance with him, we'll want him to like you later. Trust me. You'll love the guy anyway.

"Th-thank you…" Arthur coughed softly in the other direction. He'd forgotten all about the demon in his head it had been so silent. He hated the thought of another being up there, going through his thoughts as one would the archives of a library. The man only chuckled and led him out to the dance floor.

"I understand you're a little new to all of this." Arthur blinked, snapping his eyes back up to the stranger. Francis laughed and placed his hand on the small of Arthur's back, tugging him as close as seemed necessary. "Being a Queen I mean. Alfred had been telling everyone about you, how nice you look, but just from what he's said I get the impression that you haven't a clue what you're doing." Somehow he managed to keep on smiling, even as Arthur fumbled with words for a reply.

"P-preposterous…" He muttered, lowering his gaze to his feet.

"Is it?" Francis quirked a thin eyebrow. "Seeing as how these positions are picked, I would think there have been plenty of Kings and Queens in the past without a clue about ruling. The King of Diamonds hardly has a clue about lawmaking, and he's been doing it for ages, the poor man." Arthur scowled, though it turned to somewhat of a grimace as the music started. Great, now he was stuck with him until the dance was over.

"You know, maybe there are some…" He started. "But I'd like to think that I can at least manage my own duties on my own. I'm no stinking, arrogant, lazy, cheese eating, wine guzzling, ra-" He paused, only to take in the hurt look on Francis's face, and the slight slowing of his steps. "Oh… o-oh my goodness, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean… I-I'm sure you aren't-"

"No, no, it's alright…" Francis cut him short, trying to make himself smile again. "At least half of those things are true… and, well, you aren't much like what they say Spadians are like either." Arthur allowed himself a frown, though out of confusion rather than distaste.

"What is it that they say about us?" He asked. "Ah… I'm not from around here you see, I'm-"

"We all know where you're from Arthur." Francis had now replaced his smile. "And in all honesty, I think I might know more about your former living conditions than even your new husband does." He nodded in some other direction. Arthur looked and found that, to his slight surprise, Alfred was standing not twenty feet away with a small group of nobles grouped around him and laughing at something he could only imagine being immensely funny.

"So that's where he'd been all night…" He muttered. "He left me to fend for myself out here, I don't know what he thought I'd do, I told him I don't know a thing about politics or military or economy or… weird rich people things." Francis almost snorted with laughter at the last bit, turning Arthur's head and his attention back to him.

"Well, that is one thing they say about the Spadian nobles… they have an odd way of managing their money." He gestured out at the others Alfred was with. Upon closer examination one could see that most of them had powdered their faces pure white, making the shimmering of candlelight on them seem gaudy where it made others look elegant. Some had tiny baubles plastered to their faces, little jewels and bits of gold and brass as if it was actually tasteful. Arthur erupted with laughter, hushed with Francis's help to keep others from staring at the odd pair. He found himself clutching Arthur to his chest to smother the sound, watching for the various glares of the other dancers but finding none.

"Th-those women had brass around their eyes…" Arthur snickered. His face was pink, tears dripping from his eyes. Francis felt some tug inside to chuckle with him, slowly loosening his grip.

"I told you, Spadians are mad people." Francis muttered. His hand slid around Arthur's waist, pulling him close enough that others wouldn't hear him. "Horribly vain, and every bit as arrogant as we are. They love to peacock themselves around with their big dresses and fancy accessories and horrible taste, they love weird pets and weird food and spectacle, they're gluttons for spectacle… gluttons in general really. And how could I forget, they love to put their-" Arthur almost bumped into Francis when they stopped. He rubbed his eyes, glancing up for an explanation but finding little. A quick scan of the area showed other dance partners parting and giving little 'good-byes' to each other. Both hesitated, then Francis slowly, painfully slowly let Arthur slip away from him. Arthur hadn't realized he was standing on his toes until he came down, cheeks still flushed and throat aching from his laughing fit. In the corner by the punch bowl where Alfred had led his guests their eyes met, and Arthur's small grin faded almost instantly.

"Shit…" he hissed, giving Francis a nudge. The other looked up just in time for Alfred to march his way over, yanking Arthur away from him.

"What do you think you're doing here Francis?" He hissed, ignoring Arthur's protests. Arthur was about to shove him away when he heard an odd noise. From the previously witty and lively Francis came an almost dark sort of chuckle. The light shine of affection in his eyes seemed to dim and sharpen and his stance shifted to both of his feet, his arms crossing over his chest.

"If I remember correctly, Alfred, I was sent an invitation." He replied coolly. "Everyone was sent one, all of the suits, including myself… and the Queen of Hearts, if I remember right." His eyes narrowed slightly. Alfred's grip on his own Queen tightened slightly.

"Your Queen must not have been if you feel the need to go after mine." Alfred growled. "Or am I in position to remind you that you have no Queen?" It was as if the mere reminder was enough to shatter all of Francis's new defenses. He was quick to regain them, of course, but he was weaker than he had been.

"H-had you not heard?" He started again. "A new one was found, she is sister to my Jack… we never sent out word, seeing as there was no wedding. Unlike you we don't force strangers to marry in Diamonds…" Now came Alfred's turn to weaken slightly. Arthur didn't give him the chance to build up again, shoving him off and taking a stand between the two.

"H-hold on a moment…" He straightened up, looking back and forth between the two. "How is it that you two know each other?" He almost glared at Alfred, forgetting about the gleaming gold wring on his finger that just hours ago had been gifted to him as a symbol of their 'love'. Now the two men stared at him, one in disgusted shock and the other merely startled.

"Arthur…" Alfred spoke up at last. "This man is the King of Diamonds." Silence settled between the three of them. It was only then that they realized how deathly still the room had become. Every pair of eyes was turned onto them, waiting to see what the trio would do with the new information brought to the poor, unknowing little Queen. Arthur stepped back, looking Francis over again. Well, that would explain his vast knowledge of Diamond goings-on.

Francis looked almost crushed, giving a small bow and stepping away.

"My apologies, your highness…" He murmured. "I did not realize that my people were so… unwelcome, by Spadian company." A ripple of voice ran through the crowd, those in attendance who were of Diamond origin starting away from the center. Arthur had a feeling he would have been led away if he hadn't been smart enough to run after Francis, earning gasps of surprise.

"You are more than welcome here, King Francis." He grabbed at Francis's wrist. Cerulean eyes stared in shock, worry even, but Arthur didn't let go. He only straightened, shifting his grip to the foreign King's hand and holding it in his own. "It is an honor and a privilege to be in your company."

/ \

To say that the remainder of the night was something of a disaster would be an understatement. Shortly after the reception ended, the guests were hurried out and each member of the newlywed royal couple was rushed to their respective dressing rooms to be cleaned up. Though he didn't see where Alfred was taken exactly he recognized his own miserable little room, and even as he was undressed from his heavy wedding gown he stared at himself in the mirror. Just that morning he'd met the accursed demon there, now here he was being redressed in what could only be wedding lingerie and a thin, white nightgown over them, before he was escorted away.

The Spadian royal bedroom- that is, the one intended for the King and Queen, not those for the countless guests the palace could accommodate- was bigger than any house Arthur had even been in. Namely his own, when he had lived in Two. The walls were long and paneled in the country's signature royal blue, white, silver- the national colors of Spades. They were prevalent everywhere now that he looked, from the deeply colored bedcovers to the white marble floor to the elegant silver framed portraits hanging on the walls, also painted mostly with these colors. The ceiling was high above the canopied top of their bed, though the silvery silken cloth hanging over the top obscured it from his view. White and baby blue flower petals had been scattered on the bedspread, a few of which Arthur's splayed body brushed up against. He sighed, trying to lie still. He'd been told that this was the position to lie in, something about 'sensuality,' he hadn't listened much after they'd given him his little costume change.

"I don't see why I have to wear this… thing." He muttered, glancing down at the lacy white lingerie he had been so generously provided by the royal wedding planners.

You know how Spadians are dear, so set in their silly traditions…

Arthur scowled and tried to relax himself again. "Easy for you to say, you're not the one who's being forced to wear it, it's humiliating…"

I'd switch places with you in an instant. Why, would you rather I be the one wearing it?

"Absolutely not." Arthur lifted his head a little as if expecting to see the demon there. "Alfred will know it's you. He's an idiot yes, but not that much of an idiot."

I could just borrow your body for a little while, do this little thing for you…

Arthur felt he would glare at the beast if he could, flopping his head back against the pillow and shutting his eyes.

It's very simple really, you'll just feel like you were asleep the whole time… and you'll wake up perfectly fine in the morning. Come on, I've been so bored up here all day, letting you have all the fun…

He hesitated. Alfred would realize something was up in a heartbeat, he knew he would, but at the same time… he wasn't really ready for a 'traditional' wedding night after the little fiasco at their reception. "…Is it safe?" he murmured.

The worst you'll get is a sore ass in the morning, but I'd take that as a good sign.

A slight blush crept across Arthur's face. Rather blunt this demon was, though he figured that this would be to his advantage at some point. "F-fine, fine. But if you try and pull anything on me I swear there will be trouble." He cursed himself for letting the last thing he said be a stuttering relinquishment of his body, but just as the demon had promised what followed wasn't so unlike falling asleep, drifting into a deep, peaceful slumber.

The demon's luminescent eyes flicked open mere moments later, scanning the room and the bed along with it. He sat up, ruining Arthur's perfect placement.

"Ooh, it feels so good to occupy a nice, fleshy body after so long…" He grumbled, stretching Arthur's narrow arms out in front of him. The lingerie Arthur had been wearing earned little more than a distasteful glare before he pressed a finger to them, the lacy material that stood between Arthur's ivory skin and the cool, crisp air falling away as if his very fingertips were as sharp as blades. "Let's see what I can do with this gauche little getup…"

\ /

Alfred had spent the last nearly fifteen minutes in their small powder room, undressing and cleaning himself with a damp cloth. There was no time for him to bathe properly, not if he wanted to get a good enough night's sleep to perform his duties as King the following day. He'd have quite a bit to do, seeing as he'd be attending to some of the Jack's duties while the man showed Arthur around. The mere thought of his new Queen earned a little huff of a sigh from him. Arthur was so much more disagreeable than he'd first seemed. Why did Arthur have to go and meet Francis of all people, the King of his most despised country and his own personal enemy since birth? Next thing he knew Arthur would want to see more of him, poor thing, he had no idea just how impossible that was. He took his time in getting back to their room, dressed in little more than his undershirt and woolen socks.

"Ooh Alfred~" Crooned a soft, melodic voice from across the room. He glanced up, shocked to see Arthur striding towards him. He'd seen what the Queen was supposed to wear for this most sacred of nights, and this wasn't it. Where there had once been modest white ribbon and chiffon was now black as ink, fingerless lace gloves wrapped around his hands and alabaster fingers working their way across his cheek. Something warm and soft brushed against his ear and he realized that Arthur was standing on tip-toe to reach him.

"So nice to finally have you join me, my King…" Came his soft whisper of a voice, his lips grazing the shell of his ear. Bright red bloomed across Alfred's cheeks.

"Wh-whoa, whoa, wait." He gently pushed Arthur away, stricken by the innocent look he feigned. "Hey, I-I think maybe we got off on the wrong foot earlier…" He wracked his brain for something he could apologize for, but Arthur's light, bubbly laughter snapped his thoughts back to the present. When had Arthur made him lay back against his bedcovers? When had he even walked across the room to be in bed? He couldn't keep his thoughts straight for more than a few seconds though. Arthur's movements were far more enrapturing. He crawled up to Alfred until he could kneel in front of him, his head resting against his knee.

"Oh, Alfred, don't be silly." Arthur murmured, running a hand down his thigh. "In fact, I think I'm very happy to be here with you now…" He gave Alfred a toothy grin that was met with wide eyes and a near gaping mouth. Alfred couldn't think of a thing to say to this new change in attitude. Arthur giggled again, letting his hand brush against him and earning a small squeak from the King that made him laugh dopily and slide his hand down further.

"A-Arthur…?" The demon raised his eyes, soaking in the flushed cheeks and shaky smile. Oh, he was glad this man was Arthur's husband. His fear was delicious. He didn't bother to respond in words, pecking his lips to Alfred's member. His tongue darted out when Alfred finally relaxed himself. Arthur giggled again and pressed his lips to the tip, licking at it like candy.

"Enjoying yourself?" He asked. Alfred moaned, giving a hurried nod. The demon took Alfred's hand and guided it to the back of his head, coaxing him into pulling his hair. In turn, he wrapped his lips around the head of his cock and sucked, gently at first. His hands worked their way around the shaft, stroking at a painfully slow speed. He heard Alfred suck in a breath and heard it catch in his throat as if begging for more speed, more friction, anything at all to make this better. He sat up a little, his cheek grazing against Alfred's erection as he whispered a single word;

"Beg." Alfred cracked an eye open to look down at him. The demon still sat in Arthur's body, teasing him with slightly lulled eyelids and a mischievous smirk. "Go on, I want you to tell me how much you want this, my King…" He might have actually waited for a response if Alfred didn't look so utterly at a loss for what to do.

"U-uh…" Alfred gulped. "P-please, um… please keep doing, erm, th-that thing that you're doing? P-putting your-"

"That's good enough love." Arthur chucked. "For goodness sakes, if I didn't know better I would think this was your first time or something." He didn't give Alfred a chance to respond. He was already climbing into Alfred's lap, his legs wrapping themselves around his waist. From seemingly nowhere he produced a little vial of oil, holding it up for Alfred to see.

"What's that…?" He asked. Arthur rolled his eyes and pushed Alfred back against the bed.

"You really don't know anything, do you?" He muttered. "You're clueless, like a virgin…" Alfred looked almost offended by that. Arthur cut his protests short by slipping a finger under the strap of his black panties and tossing them aside, followed by everything until he was left in only gloves and Alfred's face had returned to a lovely shade of crimson. "That's more like it." Arthur slid between Alfred's legs, making sure that their hips ran together in a way that earned Arthur a little squeal of surprise.

"Relax, Alfred, relax…" he whispered, ghosting his lips against Alfred's neck. "Isn't it nice?" He could feel the hesitation, the breath caught in his throat as Alfred slowly gave in to him. "We've got to consummate dear."

"I know." Arthur glanced up. The King didn't look upset so much as he did stuck. "B-but… I don't really know how, they never taught me any of this, th-this is all new to me…" For a moment there was silence, save for soft breathing between the two of them. Alfred's gaze began to shamefully drift away until Arthur tucked a finger under his chin and brought him back.

"It's alright love, I'll teach you…" A smirk tugged its way across Arthur's lips. "If I can help it, tonight's going to be the best night of your little life…"