Welcome to an adventure in the Cardverse, well as I see it at least. Inspired by my love for Cardverse and a lack of feasible FRUK Cardverse fics.
This is a great endeavor I'm taking on: a consistent fanfic that's 52 chapters. It took 6 hours to plan out and even more to write, I do hope you enjoy it.
Allow me to label a few warnings: Human names, Hetero/Yaoi, Smut, Affairs, plot twists and ANGST. Brace yourself, you will have feels.
Pairings will follow: usuk/fruk/frjeanne/frlie/eventual USUK and others not listed here.
Also I do not own Hetalia or these characters, Himaruya has that honor.
Chapter One: Ace of Spades
House of Spades
~Royal Duties~
In every deck of cards there are four Jacks that are loyal and true, four Queens with grace and fierceness who all depend on their four Kings for strength and guidance.
To have the burden to rule is determined by fate alone.
When a child is born, their fate is sealed within them, their very souls contained in the form of a card that represents their role.
From the lowly serf to a King of any of the four Kingdoms, each person has their role to take upon themselves in order to keep the balance of this world.
It had always been this way, ever since the heavens poured out life into the earth.
The four Kingdoms each are governed by their own King and each bestowed with their own resources and a distinct blessing. Each Kingdom unique in their own way with culture, climates and traditions that varied greatly, yet everyone was united by fate.
Not a one was greater than the other for each Kingdom was blessed with their gift to benefit others outside of them.
The aristocratic Diamonds were bestowed with Wealth, rich minerals, precious ores and silks to be sold.
The formidable Clubs were blessed with incredible Luck that made the impossible seem possible.
The carefree Hearts were blessed with Love, a love that could forgive and sway the heart to remind humanity of the importance they bring to this world.
The damp emerald wooded region in the northwest, known as Spades,
was blessed with the gift of Power with innovators and inventors to transform the way how everyone in the land lived. Advances in technology were due to the union of both science and manipulation of mana, the world had almost forgotten of until the union of King Alfred Jones and Queen Arthur Kirkland was declared. These advancements brought notoriety and more power to the Kingdom with the canvas of blue,
but not without toil or sacrifice.
On the highest hill, perched within the clouds was the great castle of Spades, overlooking the kingdom below. The castle's towers were tall, all capped in blue peaking high into the sky and piercing at the ceiling with gold and brass rods, each topped with a small Spade.
Long gleaming brass pipes ran along the walls of the castle, forming white fluffy clouds that decorated the sky, earning the Kingdom the title of the Air.
There were several windows to let light within the cold stone walls in the form of stained glass windows with a sole spade in royal blue at the center of each window.
The spacious courtyard within the castle walls was verdant and well kept,
showcasing a labyrinth of dense foliage that led to the Queen's prized secret rose garden.
Only few guests had the honor to view such a lovely garden, sapphire roses in bloom amongst other blooms that shared similar shades of blue.
The guard about the castle was high at all times, immense power a blessing and a curse in itself for there were many that questioned the authority and strength that came with being a Spade. Like clockwork, patrols passed through the grounds within and outside the stone wall that served as an additional protection from intruders. At the top of the wall were several turrets, manned with fierce vigilant soldiers, so there was no form of being able to enter without being undetected.
There were only two forms of entering or exiting the castle, the majestic Iron Gate that was bent into an ornate spade in coils or the hidden less elaborate gate in the back the castle that led into a labyrinth that would lead to a solider that would not hesitate to strike.
The fortress' fortitude could not be matched compared to the other Kingdoms, making the King confident enough to trust the safety of Queen when he would venture on his obligatory trips that would further influence the name of Spades.
At the back entrance, two lovers bid farewell to each other,
both wishing that their duties didn't have to separate them.
If the King could avoid a trip away from his beloved he would take this chance, however in this case, King Alfred Jones knew that it could not be helped this time.
"I'll do my best to come home to you as soon as I can, I promise."
The sapphire eyed King broke the silence shared between the two lovers donning regal blue.
They would be apart for quite some time, something that has been practiced far too much.
Their embrace had gone on long enough and Arthur preferred that his heart would keep hard so that way he wouldn't succumb to foolish emotions in Alfred's absence.
Alfred understood why Arthur did this and respected it, respecting the distance Arthur preferred at this moment.
Alfred would return for him, he always did and in this confidence Arthur would release his husband to his duties.
"I understand."
The shorter of the two men gently pulled away from the golden blond he called husband and King.
His caplet lifted by the warning wind, giving the Queen a more ethereal look to him that Alfred could not get enough of.
On most miserable days such as this it seemed every hue lost their saturation and appeal, all but those bright emerald eyes that the King could stay lost in for hours. Alfred brought a calloused hand to Arthur's blush tinged cheek, his thumb caressing the rouge flesh.
"What are you doing?"
Arthur asked, an inquisitive look given through sparkling eyes and large prominent eyebrows.
"Memorizing you by heart." Alfred replied.
"I want to keep your memory with me just the way you are now."
Arthur couldn't say anything more than a breathless, "Fool.",
a sad attempt in covering up how fond he was when Alfred was romantic with him.
Arthur's body language had always been more trusting than his words and Alfred relished the distinctive blush of Arthur's cheeks.
The solemn goodbye was exchanged amongst the blue roses, which the Queen so loving cared for was the only sweetness this world could offer them, for both hearts and spirits were heavy laden with their bittersweet exchange.
Though these trips for the sake of preventing war or strengthening economies weren't anything new, such duties still brought about strong emotions.
The kingdom of Spades was known for its strength and determination and the King of Spades played that part well and also was a hero;
but even heroes had their own fears and personal demons to confront.
Worry held in those proud sapphire eyes was the only thing that the King's brave smile could not hide.
For appearances sake, the King offered a blissful smile, one hand lovingly stroking stray straw colored locks into place, determined not to show any sign of weakness; for a King should never show weakness in front of his Kingdom and his precious Queen, of whom relied on his strength.
Though the proud Queen would probably never admit it, the champion of his heart and often the only hope lay in the hands of his dear husband.
It was a dreary day in the kingdom for skies that were normally painted azure with white clouds, had shifted into something grey and bleak.
One could easily smell rain on the horizon blowing inland; there was no escaping the rain or the appointment that the King of Spades, Alfred Jones was bestowed. He had to attend to a duty that required his presence, for a messenger would not suffice;
otherwise he wouldn't leave his beautiful Queen to his own means.
"No need to fret for all will be well in your absence.
This is part of my duty as Queen after all and you'll need to have a level head in order to perform your duties correctly.
Your Kingdom needs you now more than I do."
The Queen of Spades replied, attempting to mask his true emotions with a soft smile, but his pain was evident through his sea glass eyes.
Though such trips occurred often enough, it still didn't make the loneliness any easier to cope with.
However the King of Spades knew his Queen very well and brought a hand to his bride's cheek and rubbed it softly,
"But Arthur, I have a duty to your heart. "
He said so in a dramatic, yet romantic way, not tearing his intensely enamored gaze at his Queen.
He brushed a bit of the straw like hair to the side, taking a moment to memorize his lover.
The way Arthur's nose crinkled when he was embarrassed, how flushed his face and the tips of his ears became simply by having the audacity to say things without shame or how those emerald eyes sparkled whenever he offered fond and loving words to the precious love of his life;
all these details truly mattered to the King of Spades, the joy of his Queen made his heart sing praises and brought him happiness in return.
"Belt up…" Arthur said, moving his head to the side, face flushing a brilliant red against the blue he wore.
Alfred could only suppress the silent chuckle in his throat as he lightly shifted Arthur's face to his.
He shut his eyes and leaned in slowly to take in those lips he desired ever so, his bride blushing at the notion, but he too took delight in it.
A gentle and brief kiss goodbye between the two meant so much to them both, but they knew better than to prolong the inevitable.
Such long goodbyes were never good for the heart.
Alfred regrettably pulled away and whispered a confession of love only meant for them alone to share, masked by the rumble of distant thunder and Arthur took delight in them.
Meanwhile as Arthur attempted to recover his composure from such sweet nothings,
Yao, the loyal Jack of Spades had to break the moment apart, carrying the King's sword in his arms.
"Your Highness, you must leave now in order to arrive on time. "
The arm bearer said, not willing to leave his King's side in order to move the situation along.
At first Alfred didn't quite understand, taking the golden pocket watch in the shape of their crest from his pocket and checked the time.
"Right! Thank you, Yao." Alfred said with a nod before he turned to his love once more.
"I'll return to you, I promise." Alfred enthusiastically reassured once more before bidding his final farewell.
"I know you will. I'm sure you'd find it would be in your best interest to do so."
Arthur teased, flashing a brief smile to the other.
Arthur felt the fluttering in his heart drawn out by one man stood with pride as he valiantly went to carry his duties.
Whipping his cape behind him, Alfred walked away from the courtyard to meet with his escorts who waited patiently for the two to share their goodbyes.
Arthur watched as his love walked away from him, clutching his hands together in front of his lap attempting to stay strong for Alfred's sake, conveniently for his Kingdom as well.
Alfred knew that it would be so much harder to leave if he turned around to look back, so he refused to do so and tried to focus on some last minute details Yao warned him to remember.
Yao had always been chiding the royal couple since their childhood, personally preparing them for the crown and the duties that fell upon them.
The regent molded Alfred and Arthur in the roles they were meant to play and even now knew everything there was to know within the palace walls in order to protect his kingdom and his king. Knowing this, the King of Spades still harbored concern for he knew that it was a possibility that Arthur wouldn't be as lonely as he would prefer him to be.
Arthur wasn't completely faithful and Alfred knew this well.
King Alfred valued freedom, considering it to be sacred and to take back his word was something the King of Spades would never do.
Perhaps too much freedom led for this sort of private relationship to take place once he began leaving for sustained periods of time.
One could only take so much loneliness and how was it fair to Arthur to sacrifice his own life for the King of Spades and the entire kingdom?
Alfred shook his head, bringing a hand to where his eyes connected, taking his glasses away for just a brief moment to rub the tension away.
This was just all too much to contemplate and only added more worry than was needed.
Such negative thoughts served as a distraction to the true task at hand: maintaining order and the peace that their Kingdom so deserved was all that was required.
At least he took comfort in that the sooner he settled matters the sooner he could return home and protect what was his.
"Yao," Alfred began his command sharply, placing his glasses on again.
The authority in Alfred's voice easily caught Yao's attention, raising his eyebrows and expectantly waiting for a command as he drew near.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
Alfred flashed his gaze to the courtyard gates and then directed his attention to his Jack.
This man he trusted more than anyone in the world, he valued this man with his life and his most tender of possessions.
"I want you to cater to my Queen as an extension of myself in my absence.
The Queen has all the authority while I'm gone and his word is law. Do you understand?
No matter how selfish the request, indulge him.
I want him happy more than anything."
He confessed to his friend, both of them silently knowing what was meant by this.
Once again Alfred was condoning such immoral behavior, all at his expense just for superficial happiness.
But Alfred was desperately in love with this man, more than words could express and Yao honored this.
"As you wish, Your Highness."
Yao said hesitantly, regretfully handing the king his sword.
Yao knew that Alfred was stressed about leaving, worry coming to his chestnut eyes, but he could only follow direct orders and Alfred would not waver.
Alfred accepted the blade, placing the scabbard to his waist so he could mount his white stallion with ease.
"Thank you, my friend."
Were the parting words that Alfred had to offer to Yao before kicking in his heels into the side of his mount guiding it toward the evergreen forest.
Once Arthur was certain that Alfred had departed from the gates, he swiftly made his way to his chambers to watch Alfred ride into the thick shroud of evergreen forest from the second floor balcony.
Rain began to gently fall from the sky, the air thick with moisture and another rumble of thunder resonated in the fertile Kingdom.
He watched until the last horse in Alfred's party that wore their Kingdom's colors with pride, had vanished from his sight, sighing softly once he realized he was alone.
This sigh conveyed so many emotions all at once: it was sadness, loneliness and anxiousness.
In this sigh was also a prayer for their safe travel and for wisdom,
but this sigh was also one of relief.
Relief to anyone else would seem out of place and unexpected, which was the case.
Arthur took out his pocket watch, it was about that time and excitement took to his nerves as he felt the rush of energy simply by looking at the time.
Arthur tore away from the window, shutting the stained glass doors slightly in order to keep the rain at bay and to prepare himself for the night ahead.
He examined himself in the vanity mirror deeming himself as presentable for his visitor;
confident that this wouldn't be an overtly special evening that would require much fuss over.
As the time approached, he became even more anxious, knee bouncing in anticipation as he shared quick glances of his pocket watch.
It wasn't too late to back out, he knew this and yet he knew himself even better than that.
Arthur knew that he wouldn't be turning down an offer to have his body worshiped and meet with a satisfaction that Alfred regrettably could not give him.
He wouldn't deny himself the company of another if they were so freely offering it once they held Arthur's trust and interest.
When the hour did come after the small hand from his pocket watch ticked,
a knock came to the hardwood door just like a routine.
"Yes?"
Arthur called out innocently enough, responding to the knock as he would.
Yes, this was all practiced, far too much for Alfred's own good.
(I hate how ff takes away double spacing *sigh*)
Its been a long time since I've published anything to ff. so if you have any suggestions or wish for me to continue, please leave review.
Also it's my preference to center everything, hope you don't mind =)
~sorellanutella~