Chapter 2

It wasn't that Captain England was unattractive; he just wasn't interested in women yet. He spent most of his days out at sea and when he did come back it was only for a few days. The last relationship he had ended badly and he spent those days locked in his room crying over her while drinking scotch and revealing some secrets his crew would rather not know about. It was too painful relive something so horrible and he would rather not deal with it.

In addition, he also had a child to take care of. Mind you though he wasn't England's child; he was adopted. Portugal had found him and ever since then Sweden, Finland, and France have been fighting over him so England took it upon himself to raise the boy to be an ideal Englishman. However, England rarely spent time with the boy but every time he did, he'd discover a new type of maturity in the boy that England just couldn't comprehend. One of the bigger obstacles he faced with the boy was that damn France just wouldn't leave him alone. He would constantly see France "stalking" the poor child and corrupting him with his stupid ways. It was getting so out of hand and he was already having trouble with Spain so this put him in a difficult situation.

He sighed and stepped out of the boat. Everyone in England stood at the port cheering for their English victory against the Spanish merchants. The Captain always felt uncomfortable in situations that involved greeting people he's never seen. If he were to make the laws he would lock up any person that approached him as he landed and he would write a report to the Queen so he wouldn't have to deal with her. As he stepped out of the boat a small figure was caught in the corner of his eye.

A large smile spread on his face as he noticed a small blonde boy standing there waiting for him. He had blue eyes and blonde hair making his pink cheeks stand out. He smiled and ran toward England but the little boy was having trouble getting through the crowd. England saw him fall and he quickly jumped over the plank while everyone stared in awe at his reflexes. He ran to the boy who had tears in the corners of his eyes and picked him up.

"Engwand," the little boy exclaimed as he wrapped his arms around the captain, "I missed you!"

England pulled the little boy closely in his arms while smiling and saying softly, "I missed you too Alfred."

They walked together to the Queen's palace enjoying every minute together. Alfred talked about the advances going on in his country and the small amount of settlements that were being formed. He also talked about his voyage from his home country to England's. England became worried as he mentioned the various fights brewing between some of the countries over him and his land. He couldn't help but worry about one person in particular. France.

"Bloody wanker," mumbled England.

"Are you alright?" asked Alfred with a concerned look.

"Hahaha why wouldn't I be?" England replied in a nervous laugh.

He didn't want the boy to get worried about petty issues that were probably his imagination. He took out a piece of candy and gave it to him. This made all the worry disappear from his face as they arrived at the palace. Guards dressed in red surrounded the gates and as they approached they stepped to the side to let them through. The steps were brutal for England because he was tired and was carrying a child.

A man in white wearing a powdered wig appeared from the doors.

"I am her majesty's personal secretary and as of right now she cannot attend you."

England being in a bad mood asked, "Well why the bloody hell not?"

"She is currently attending to important matters that affect the wellness of this country."

That stupid…. She's just drinking tea.

England refused to be treated as some commoner and made his way into the palace despite the protest of her majesty's secretary and the guards that got in his way. He stormed through the doors holding young Alfred who smiled as he watched England fight the monarchy. As he reached her chamber, a row of guards blocked his way.

The secretary appeared from behind England.

"We all know what kind of temper and attitude you have Sir….. Arthur and we have taken precaution. Please leave now and come back later."

The room became tense as England debated whether to leave or stay.

To hell with it.

He took a step forward and drew his swords. The guards quickly did the same and began lunging toward England.

England smirked, looked down at Alfred, and said, "Hold on tight. This may get a little rough."

Alfred smiled and nodded as he decided to hold onto England from behind. "Alright. Come at me ya wankers."

With his right hand, he blocked the two men who had attacked him in the front and with his left the one who tried to come at him from behind. From the corner of his eye he saw two other guards charging at him from opposite sides. He squatted down slowly to make it seem like he was being overwhelmed but as the guards raised their swords to strike, England jumped pushing the three guards blocking him and dodging the attacks. The boy laughed as he swung side to side while gripping for dear life.

England kicked the guard in his lower area while punching the other one on the opposite side. All five guards were defeated as they lay on the floor grueling in pain.

With a wicked grin England pushed the doors to her majesty's chamber where she sat on her throne smiling.

"You never seize to entertain me Arthur."

"And you never seize to ruin my bloody day! Now then, I'm here to report."

The secretary ran into the room and bowed graciously to her majesty. He then turned to England and exclaimed, "You barbarian, how dare you not bow in her majesty's presence and how dare you just come in here like you own the place."

The queen raised her hand and stopped the bickering, "It's quite alright. We are all familiar with the way Arthur acts."

"That's Sir Arthur… your majesty."

She ignored his comment and stared at him.

Alfred looked up at the queen with curiosity. She wore a flamboyant dress decorated in green and yellow lace with pearls dangling from her neck. The neck ruff around her neck formed the shape of a heart while her face was plastered with white powder. All in all, she scared him.

"And what is it you wish report," she asked pompously while drinking tea from her white cup that she placed on a small wooden table.

England cleared his throat, "My crew and I were able to board another Spanish merchant ship two days ago and we pillaged all their goods. We believe that the Spanish are preparing for war."

"Is that all?"

"Yeah."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"You can leave."

England turned around and began walking away until the queen said, "Is that your son?"

"No."

"Brother?"

"No?"

"Cousin?"

"Why in blazes do you care?"

The secretary looked like he could faint any moment.

"No reason in particular. But you know I have heard rumors of a new world being discovered by Portugal. Imagine all the benefits it could bring England."

She took a sip of tea and smiled while England brushed her comment of as he held a worried Alfred closely.

"What's most important to you Arthur?"

"England."

"What about family?"

"They're important as well."

"But England is more important right?"

"Well of course! My life revolves around this country and if it means going against family I'm as bloody hell sure I'll go against them."

He stormed out while the queen smiled and took another sip of tea. She looked at the young boy in England's arms who stared back at her in a frown.

"I wonder about that."