The warm water came up to the brim of the tub, not yet fully sloshed out by Alfred's squirming and shaking as his servant's nimble fingers massaged his neck. Alfred was horribly ticklish, making him seem quite the fool at times. The smell of mint was clear to him as soap was now being worked through his fine strands of hair.
The Knight sat with his back turned to the washtub behind him, occupying a small stool in the steamy and oppressively hot room. The prodigious man was not wearing his armour, in casual and simple clothes. He rested his fair face on one hand with a cautious smile playing across his lips as he indulged in his own fleeting, dreamy serenity. Even if the room was sweltering and he felt as if every breath of steam clogged his lungs, it made no difference. He could talk as he pleased in this way.
"Your Majesty, I have news from the field of battle, and also the court of sycophants." he said with a grin, gently sighing. "The court of sniveling barons, lords, countesses, and ladies would like to alert you that there will be a ball approaching, and that you best join them. Apparently you were well missed at the previous one, although I completely support your decision to not attend. Even the King himself, blessed be his name, thought it was a pointless trifle. I would advise you not to go. I am no Ace though, your Majesty, and Heaven knows that Roderich is far more polite than I."
The splashing of water came first in reply, then a small chuckle from the servant with the short black hair and blank brown eyes. "You are so tactful with them. If they ever heard you say any of that they may be so shocked they'd drop their fine chalices and stain their silken shoes with wine." Alfred muses as he allows his head to fall back, rolling his bright eyes.
"It would serve them right. Those at the superior level must be toned down. I cannot standthem. They lie to you and to his Majesty to advance their own positions. Unforgivable." Arthur chose his words carefully. He didn't want to come off as too harsh or too bold. It wouldn't bode well. "But I must be tactful to not embarrass you, your Majesty. I wouldn't be able to stand it if I stained your honour."
"Do I really have to attend, Arthur? I know Roderich will say yes but he'd have me in dress and crown every day if he had his way. What is the ball all about anyway? Talking about this war like we actually know what we are doing anymore?" Alfred looked at Arthur's back, then noticing that he wore a shirt Alfred loved on him, one of a deep, navy hue adorned by a simple silver trimming. It held a small Club emblem, over which was emblazoned the number ten.
"Yes, the ball is something along those lines." Arthur responded with just as much enthusiasm. "It also includes something about being the most perfect Queen and letting the others bring painful subjects to light. Your dear mother included, may God's grace be with her." The last statement he said more quietly. He would not have Alfred being upset.
Alfred leaned against the rim of the tub, his arms folded along the side and his chin resting on his arms. "I will never be able to be as my mother was. She could silence a room with the sounds of her steps, as Ivan would say." No matter how little he knew his mother before she passed, it would not affect how much he would miss her. His adoptive mother was a fine woman— no, she was exemplar, beautiful in every way. Elisabetha was fabled now, and Alfred had reason to feel important because of her notoriety. The sordid lies about her passing and the nobles' dissatisfaction with his performance as her replacement only tore the wound open eyes briefly sought the floor to look over the carefully crafted tiles, another display of extravagance he was never fond of.
Kiku placed a finger under Alfred's chin and guided his head back to wash out the soap, the water running over his head and Alfred kicked a bit. "You make such a mess, your Majesty." Kiku could feel the water around his toes. He usually took off his shoes before bathing Alfred so they would not be kind this Queen was, Arthur had always thought, taking pity on a poor near-blinded inferior and turning him into a personal servant and a middle. Kiku Honda could laugh and smile again, and was most certainly the most loyal middle a Queen could ever ask for. Alfred Jones should have been thankful for that. Arthur Kirkland was simply thankful for Alfred Jones.
Damnit, donotbesoweak.
He shook his head of the thoughts and moved on.
"Al— Sir, I beg your pardon. I hope not to offend you with my banter. At any rate, the news from the field... I feel as though we are beating the damnèd Spades back. That Jack of theirs is fierce and a wonderful fighter. He has the best form of any one I have seen in my life. Sir Berwald would appear to be his only rival, but otherwise he is unparalleled! It's astounding. I must train more for the next time I chance upon him."
"It is just us three, you can say whatever you want. After all this time do you still need to be formal with me?" Alfred was holding out a foot, his leg emerging from the water, as Kiku took it and began using a pumice stone. The shoes he wore and the hot, humid air did nightmares to his skin. "—What was his name, Yao Wang? I have heard much about him. Our people are frightened, there are some flyers posted around with demonized caricatures of him. I picked one up actually, it's on my bureau if you'd care to look at it."
"I must be formal, your highness." He turned his head to cast a benevolent and kind glance on Alfred, that small smile still screwed to the sticking place. "Yes. Yao Wang. I have seen the caricatures. They do him no justice. You should have seen him, your Majesty. He was agile and strong. I wish to be just as astonishingly strong and brave one day. I want to be a match, and I want to win this war."
"And that is why you are my favorite knight. You'd meet any end for this kingdom, wouldn't you?" Alfred flexed his toes as Kiku scrubbed away at his feet, peeling away the dead skin to give way to softer layers. "Were you thinking of practicing before nightfall?" Alfred hoped not, for then he could possibly stay out with him and watch. He had to meet up with Ivan so he could give the man his weekly check up on the citizens and their needs.
"I would do anything for you, Majesty. This kingdom too, but if I was told to sacrifice regardless of the kingdom by you, I would do it in a heartbeat." Arthur replied tersely, seriousness returning and the smile fading, but his manner was quick to change. He heard the falling tone in Alfred's voice, and kept his voice soft when he spoke. "If you would like to watch, I would be both gladdened and honoured, your Majesty. You must get your report done first, however. Ivan will be cross otherwise." With that, he got up, rising to full height. He collected his sword and cloak, set the door just slightly ajar, and bowed to Alfred. "I must set the training ground for later. Please excuse me, Highness, and I shall see you later."
Alfred waited until Kiku had reached over for a towel and held it to cover the monarch's body from Arthur as he stood. The Queen wrapped the corners tightly around himself with unsteady fingers. His Knight exited the chamber and closed the door with a small click, sighing and walking with purpose towards his first destination, namely the War Room. He had to talk to the King. Times were strange; Arthur had seen for the first time in his life the inhabitants of the Land of the Dead, and promised a full report on this oddity.
The click of the door was lost on Alfred as his servant led him to a large vanity where he sat on a plush bench, and there youth selfishly pondered on his own blessings in this mortal coil.
