There are a few things I need to explain but I'll do that at the end. For instance, I'll explain the "Slade" term.

Arthur woke up in a large fluffy bed. He stared at the ceiling and blinked. It was a rather low ceiling for a bed of this size. It took him a few minutes for him to realise that he was staring at the top of a huge four-poster bed. The drapes were pulled back and tied to the wooden poles. White sheets covered him and huge white pillows were under his head. Both the bed and the pillows were so soft he felt as though he was floating. He sat up and, as the covers fell off, realised he was naked. He yelped and pulled them up as he heard movement to his side.

"Ah, you're awake. Good," said the doctor with a smile. "I was beginning to wonder if we'd need to find new heirs." Arthur glanced at him, unamused. "Well, let me just get the Jack for you." The doctor moved out of sight and Arthur took the chance to crawl to the edge of the bed, dragging the covers with him.

There was a bedside cabinet, brilliantly carved, large and spacious. It looked gaudy to Arthur, though, who thought Berwald's carvings were much more beautiful. He was beginning to regret never having complimented the Slade.

A tall and wide wardrobe was opposite the bed, sitting on clawed feet. The handles were in the shape of Spades. A small table sat close to the window, three chairs surrounding it. The metal chairs had spades on the backs. Bright sunlight filtered through the stained glass spade in the window, creating a spade on the thick carpet. The carpet was a royal blue and looked very soft. A portrait hung on the wall of the former Queen.

At the door (which was huge), the doctor was conversing with someone on the other side, through a gap in the door. Their voices were low and Arthur couldn't hear them. However, eventually, the doctor slipped out and, in his place, stood the Jack. He was wearing light trousers and a light shirt instead of his official outfit. There was also a pair of spectacles on his face which he had not been wearing the day before. He was holding a tray and walked to Arthur.

"Are you feeling any better?" he asked.

"Yes, thank you," said Arthur, as politely as he could.

"Well, I brought you something to eat. I'm not sure if you'll like it, eh." He looked rather nervous, as if he was genuinely worried about Arthur's opinion on the food. Arthur rearranged the pillows and leaned against them, accepting the tray with good grace. He made sure that he was still mostly covered with the sheets, however.

On the tray was a teapot and a cup and saucer. A huge plate full of some sort of soft pastry was covered in some sort of golden sticky substance. A small vase full of flowers also sat beside them. Nanus asters and cowslips and sweet pea nestled inside the small white ornament. The lovely colours surprised Arthur and he looked up at the Jack.

"Is-Is there a garden in the castle?" he asked, almost hopefully.

"Eh, yes. When I took Peter home yesterday, I noticed your garden. It's a lot smaller than the one here, but I thought you would like some of these flowers – they're similar to the ones there."

Arthur had paused as he made to cut a mouthful of the pastry. "Did you say yesterday?!"

"Eh, yes, sorry. You've been asleep for quite some time."

"Oh. I suppose I've been holding things up?"

"Well, you've been holding things up for weeks, haven't you?" The Jack smiled knowingly as Arthur glanced at him in surprise. "One more day wouldn't kill anyone."

He nodded and began to eat. After one mouthful, however, he stopped with a gasp. "This is amazing! Are the chefs here really this good?"

"Eh, no, I made this," said the Jack. He walked over to the table and picked up one of the chairs. Bringing it over, he sat down on it. "It's my own version of Francis' crepes. I call them pancakes. And I added maple syrup, too."

"You've met him?" Arthur asked as he took another bite.

"Yes. And you'll meet him in a few weeks."

"I don't want to," Arthur said, looking into his violet eyes.

"Eh?"

"I want to go home."

"Well, eh, I don't think you're allowed to."

His worst fears realised, Arthur sighed. He ate in silence for a few minutes before deciding that he needed to know what was going to happen in the coming weeks. Perhaps there was a time when he could slip away. "So, what is the process now? How do I choose?"

"Well," said the Jack who had a worried look. "You... You have to choose between the four Kings and nations. So the first few weeks will consist of you travelling to the different lands. I have already chosen an escort for you. Traditionally, the Queens travel to the farthest land to begin with before making their way home, meeting the rest of the Kings on the way. When they get back, they meet their own King."

"I don't meet him now?"

"No," said the Jack, shaking his head, his curl swinging in front of his face. "By tradition, you're not supposed to meet him until the end of your trip. Ah, but my brother..." He grimaced.

"Your brother's trying to subvert the tradition?" Arthur asked in shock. Their nation was old and proud of its tradition. They were, after all, the nation who started the current way of choosing their leaders. They had even been the first country to initiate it.

"Not exactly..." was the measured response. "It's more... He doesn't care too much about tradition. And he's rather impatient. He wants to see you."

Arthur lifted the teapot and poured himself some tea. He took a sip and smiled at the taste. It was perfect. And at home he was the only one who could make a decent cup. His older brothers had their own ways of making tea and Peter was too young. Having someone else make it for him was much more pleasant than he had expected...

"I take it you are keeping him away from this room, then?" he asked, forcing himself to return his attention to his mission.

"Yes. But... Just be careful. Try not to open the door to anyone but me."

"Of course. Now, about clothes..."

"Eh, yes. The doctor took your measurements while you were unconscious." The Jack averted his gaze as Arthur blushed. He stared at his teacup and took another sip. "The tailors are using them to alter the official Queen's outfit as well as making you clothes for your trip. There will be some here soon and you can get dressed. Perhaps I should see to their process." He stood. "I'll be back soon. If you need anything, I think there's a bell in the top drawer of the bedside cabinet. If you ring that, someone will come."

Arthur nodded and watched the man hurry to the door and slip out. He relaxed a little and continued eating until he had finished. He sipped his tea a few minutes more, listening to people hurrying by the door. Once it had quietened down, however, he slipped out from under his covers and hurried to the window. Looking out, he could see the city of Donnol spread out below him. It was a breathtaking view: the buildings jutted out at varying heights, some older than others, a patchwork effect that looked beautiful in the gleaming sunlight. Arthur felt as though the weather was mocking him.

Then he looked down and he cursed his luck. He seemed to be on the third floor of the castle. There was no way he could jump out of the window. He glanced towards the bed. Perhaps he could make a rope by tying the bedclothes into a rope. Though, if he was to do that, he should try to open the window.

The knock on the door stopped him. He froze and turned round.

"Wh-who is it?" Arthur called out.

There was a brief hesitation. "It's Matthew! Could ya open the door?"

"Who?"

"The Jack, dude, c'mon!"

Arthur frowned. Surely he couldn't be back already? Though, he suppose, that the tailors had probably been working long hours to get everything ready. Perhaps they had finished now. He glanced down at himself and felt a blush at his cheeks. "P-Please wait a moment. I'll be there shortly."

"'Kay!" came the reply.

Arthur hurried to the bed, took the tray to the table and pulled at the heavy covers. He soon realised that there was a lighter one tucked in below them and so extricated it from the bed. Making sure it covered him, he awkwardly made his way to the door. Once there, he turned the handle and pulled the door open a little. He peered through.

On the other side was a young man who looked remarkably like Matthew, though he seemed taller. He also wore glasses but his eyes were a sparkling blue colour. His hair was a golden colour, a cowlick defying his brush. He was wearing a low-cut shirt, black trousers and boots. "Yo!" he said.

Arthur tried to close the door.

A hand stopped it from closing. "What're you doing?" he asked, a grin on his face.

He blushed at the idiot's expression. "I-I'm not dressed!" he exclaimed, shoving at the door more while trying to keep himself covered.

The King peered at him before blushing a little. "Ah, yeah," he said as he took in the Spade, Heart and Diamond marks that were clearly visible. "Well... Don't you have any clothes yet?"

"No, idiot. Your brother went to get me the tailor-made clothes. I knew he had come back too fast..."

"Well... If he's coming back soon, I'd better go before I get into trouble." He laughed loudly and Arthur winced. Then he turned and left Arthur standing, barely covered at the door. He closed it and dragged the sheet back to the bed. He wondered whether he would get into trouble for talking with the King; just in case, he began to try tucking the sheet back into its original position. The other covers were all over the place, too.

He had just finished his task when there was another knock at the door. "Queen? May I come in?"

"Ah! Yes, wait-! I mean, yes, of course!" Arthur hurriedly slid under the neat covers and pulled the covers a bit to ruffle them, trying to make them look slept in. He tried to relax and nervously smiled at the Jack as he entered, hoping it didn't show on his face. He was empty-handed, though, and the smile swiftly turned to a frown. "Are they not finished?"

"No, sorry," said the young man with a grimace. "I'm afraid that they need another hour to finish. And I have to attend to your travel arrangements. Would you mind waiting or shall I get you something of mine to wear in the meantime."

Arthur studied him. The man was taller than him. If his clothes were tailored for the Jack, it would dwarf him. He shook his head. "I will make do with waiting."

"Well, I will send the tailors up once they have finished. I will now take my leave, my Queen."

He frowned. "I'm not Queen yet. Just call me Arthur."

"Eh, then, you should call me Matthew," he said, smiling. It was a kind, genuine smile and Arthur was taken aback. He silently watched him leave, pausing at the door to say, "I'll see you later, Arthur."

"Goodbye... Matthew."

A few minutes after he had gone, Arthur groaned and put his head in his hands. What was he doing, becoming on first name terms with the people here? He couldn't let this go on much longer. Luckily, it seemed as though everyone was busy and would leave him alone. All he had to do was wait for his clothes and then get out of the window. He'd go find Peter, make sure he was safe and then-

He wasn't sure what to do after that – going on the run with a child was selfish of him. How could he do that to the poor boy after everything that had already happened? But if they didn't, he'd just wind up back here with a guard. This was the worst possible situation. And it didn't help that he was starting to feel lonely. He curled up, hugging his knees and buried his face in the soft covers.

Once again, there was a knock at the door. He looked up and frowned. He had lost track of time somewhat but, surely, an hour had not passed already? "Hello?" he said.

"Yo, dude – open the door!"

"What?! No! I'm not supposed to let you in here!" Arthur pulled the covers up higher, concerned. Why had he come back?

"I have some clothes for you!"

He hesitated. If he got clothes now, he could be gone before he was forced into something ridiculous. Unless, of course, the King was going to make fun of him and force him into a dress. Arthur blushed as he stood up and walked to the door, leaving the covers behind this time. Instead, he had picked up a pillow and used it to cover his lower region. Once again, he opened the door only slightly.

The King grinned at him. "Hey, Arthur! I'm Alfred by the way! Oh, here!" He handed Arthur a folded pile of clothes. He held out his hand and let the King place them on it.

"I'm not supposed to be introduced to you yet, you know," Arthur reminded him.

"Ah, yeah. I'll wait out here while you get dressed." He pulled the door closed before Arthur could point out his stupidity.

Arthur moved to the bed and shook out the clothes. They consisted of underwear, a white shirt and grey trousers. They were undistinguished and Arthur decided that they were probably servants' clothes. They also appeared to be the correct size. He blushed at the thought of Alfred sizing him on their first meeting. However, this was good. Now he had clothes and he could run away. He grinned and slipped them on.

As he rushed to the window, the King's voice came through the door. "Hey. Are you finished yet? If Mattie comes by, I'll be shouted at."

"No, sorry. I, uh, got tangled in the shirt. Don't worry, though – Matthew said he was going to be busy getting things ready for tomorrow." He frowned at the window. He couldn't find any catches or handles or any other way to open it. He would have to smash it. But... To defile a Spade in this country... That was treason.

"Really? Great! Although..."

As Alfred paused, Arthur cursed his curiosity as he asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's so unfair! Why do I have to be the last one to officially meet you! You're going to be my Queen so why can't I?"

"Hey, you're presuming too much. The Queens can choose to work in another country." He looked at the vase. That would be perfect for smashing the window. And... It couldn't be treason if he was the one he was going against, right?

"Yeah, but they all choose their own country. I'd love to have that..."

"What?"

"That freedom..."

Arthur paused in his musings of how to muffle the sound of breaking glass. His eyes widened. So the King didn't want to be in his official position either. Now, if he could just convince him to let him go, there would be no need of climbing out of windows. "But you're the King. You have the most freedom as possible in this country. You could run away with whoever you wanted and no-one would care as long as they got their bread for the day."

The King laughed. "Nah, I have to do what people tell me to. Like, I can't come in and see you. Are you finished- Mattie! Yo! D'you know what's in here, haha?"

Freezing, Arthur eyed the vase and window. Should he just make a break for it. But it was too late – he heard a scuffing noise on the other side of the door before it opened and Matthew entered, holding the door open for a man bearing multiple clothes. The Jack was now in his official clothing.

"Hello, Arthur," said Matthew, frowning at the clothes Arthur was wearing. "I hope that no formal introductions were made?"

"Eh... Uh..." Arthur wasn't sure what to say. He settled on: "I wouldn't say they were quite formal..."

Matthew grimaced but didn't say anything. Instead, he turned to the tailor. He seemed to be about to introduce him when the man hurried forward, placing the clothes gently on the bed. "I only have one outfit - it's the only one ready at the moment," he declared in a squeaky voice. Arthur took in his appearance. He was small and balding and seemed to have a permanent scowl on his face. However, he radiated an aura of ferocity that worried the Queen – he had the feeling he would not like what would be about to happen. "Take those miserable excuse for rags off immediately! They look like they could infect your proper clothes with drabness." As he began to move towards the bed, Arthur was squeaked at once again. "Where are you going?"

"I-I'm going to cover myself up, if I have to remove my clothes."

"We don't have time for that!" And, with that said, the man violently pulled the plain trousers and underwear down. Arthur gasped and covered himself with his hands as quickly as possible. Matthew, meanwhile, blushed and spun round.

"I-I'll wait outside..." he said, quietly as he slipped out of the room. The tailor paid him no heed and began to tug at the top. Arthur glared at him. He glared back.

"Raise your hands!" demanded the small man.

"No!" snapped Arthur, narrowing his eyes further.

"How else am I going to get this hideous piece of cloth off you?"

"I happen to like this!" Arthur really didn't care that much for what he was wearing but he could see what appeared to be layers upon layers of clothes on the bed and didn't want them. He also didn't want to reveal his lower regions to this man ever again.

"Then we'll just have to stand here until you take it off yourself."

Inwardly groaning but still glaring, Arthur pulled one arm out of the shirt while the other hand continued guarding himself. Then he pulled it off his head and let it drop to his wrist where he held it as a shield in front of himself.

"Good, good, now, let's get you into some underwear." Arthur had never heard such amazing words and willingly let the man hold open a pair of brilliantly white underwear open. When he pulled them up, Arthur realised by the feel that they were cotton. They were incredibly soft and comfortable and they fitted him like a glove.

Next, the tailor picked up a pair of trousers. They were a navy colour, soft and fitted. They were extremely comfortable, more so than any he had worn before. After that, Arthur was forced into a white linen shirt, a navy waistcoat and a navy jacket which was a little longer than his waist and plaited at the bottom few inches. With that arrangement, he looked as though he was constantly moving, or so it seemed when the tailor dragged him to the wardrobe and pushed him in front of the full-length mirror. The tailor nodded, picked up the few garments Arthur had been wearing beforehand between a thumb and forefinger and left the room.

For a few moments, Arthur was on his own and he admired himself in the mirror. It was odd on him and he almost didn't recognise himself. In fact, he looked better than he did in his usual clothes – he looked scrawny in them. Now he looked much more majestic and as though he had more of a handle on his life, save for his hair which was as messy as usual. He frowned and sighed – he was starting to like how he was being treated and he hated himself for it. He had to resist.

The door opened and the Jack re-entered, a pair of boots in his hand. He smiled at Arthur and the Queen had to try to resist letting himself relax. "How do you feel?" he asked, kindly.

"Fine," Arthur replied, shortly.

"That's good, eh?" Matthew said with another smile. "The other tailors appear to be finished and I have packed your trunk already. Larry, the man who was here just now, will be going along with you so as to help you with anything you need during dressing. And adjust anything that needs it. He's also a very good fighter so he will be able to protect you."

"Protect me from what?" asked Arthur as he was handed the boots. He pulled them on as he heard the reply.

"Well... The Clubs are never too friendly around this time and their citizens turn to piracy more than ever. The ship you'll be travelling on could be attacked en route. It doesn't happen often, though, so you won't need to worry much."

"I suppose all I need to worry about is the sea creatures which killed the last King and Queen," said Arthur, thoughtlessly. He examined himself in the mirror, glaring at the Heart mark which was clearly visible. He wished his clothes could cover it. Glancing at Matthew, he saw that he had a sad look and he was staring resolutely at the ground. For a moment, he was greatly confused – and then what he had said hit him like a bad blow. "I- I am so sorry!" he gasped. "I-"

"It's okay," said Matthew with a sad smile.

"Ah, but, really..."

"It really doesn't matter, Arthur. You don't need to apologise. Besides, if we don't leave now, the sailors will become irritated."

"Sailors?" asked Arthur, frowning.

"Yes. You need to set off to Diamonds as soon as possible."

"Today?! But... I just woke up! I thought we would be leaving tomorrow!"

Matthew gave him a serious look. "For this kingdom and for all the other kingdoms to continue running, we need to have you meet all four Kings as soon as possible. You are already late, from your own actions. You will be spending less than the usual appointed time in each King's company. This is unfortunate but we have no other choice. As such, please follow me." And his serious face became a happy smile, as if he had just checked off something on a large list of things to do.

As Arthur followed him helplessly to the door, he wondered what to do. How could he get away from him in this castle, in the carriage no doubt waiting for him, or the ship he'd be on for his journey to Diamonds, the furthest kingdom from Spades?

There was nothing he could do bar tolerate it for now.

After being delivered to the docks in a large black carriage, Arthur eyed the gangplank warily. Once he started up the piece of wood, there would be no turning back. Could he get away now? He was close to his home – not for the first time since he had woken up, his thoughts turned to Peter and he worried, wondering if he was behaving himself. And if he was taking his lessons seriously. And eating properly.

"Arthur?" said Matthew. The Jack was looking at him with concern and Arthur snapped to attention. There were lots of people around, carrying sacks and crates to the ship – he could not slip away unnoticed. He turned reluctantly and followed the Jack up the gangplank.

Once on deck, he was taken to a group of three men who seemed to have been waiting for him. One was tall with brown hair, a bandage over his nose. Another was shorter than Arthur and had arranged his blonde hair in what appeared to be buns either side of his head. The third man had much more tanned skin than all of them with a red jewel stuck to his forehead. The latter two smiled at him and the first one grinned – he reminded Arthur of Alfred and he resisted rolling his eyes.

"These men will be your escort," explained Matthew. "This is Riley." He pointed at the man with the bandage. The man instantly stuck out his hand and Arthur took it to shake. He found himself in a tight grip and felt as though his arm was going to be wrenched from its socket as the man jerked his arm up and down.

"Wotcher!" grinned Riley. "I just like that word, y'know?"

Arthur couldn't resist rolling his eyes as he muttered a "hello".

"This is Charlie," Matthew continued and the smaller man stuck out his hand. When Arthur took it, he found his hand being gripped softly. It was almost like a woman's touch and Arthur looked at him more carefully as he said hello. Now that he looked closer, the man could be a woman. But it was hard to tell.

"Hi," Charlie said with a smile. "Nice to meet you." Arthur nodded in agreement.

"And, finally, this is Rajesh."

The man bowed with hands placed together before also holding out his hand to shake. In surprise, Arthur bowed a little and took it, shaking it hurriedly. "Namastē," he said with a smile.

"Ah. Er, hello," said Arthur, surprised to meet someone from the south of Spades. He had never left Donnol in his life and had barely seen Southerners around the city. They tended to stay in the one place in the country with sun.

"Please listen to any safety advice they give you. They do know what they are doing. Aside from Alfred and I, these three are the best guards in the palace." He smiled at Arthur. "Good luck. I've told Larry all you need to know on what to do when you get there."

"You're not coming?" asked Arthur, aghast.

"No, sorry," said Matthew with a grimace. "I must get back to the castle. I have a lot of work I need to get through. And I need to find Alfred – as we were leaving, I was told that he's disappeared."

"What?!" exclaimed Arthur. "Why didn't you tell me-?" He broke off. He felt as though he was overstepping his boundaries and assuming too much of his role. Which he didn't want, anyway. He was also rather worried – had he accidentally convinced the King to abandon his duties and run off somewhere?

"I didn't want to worry you, my Queen," said the Jack with a small smile. "I'm sure he'll turn up."

Arthur gave him a dubious look which Matthew returned with a mildly worried one. Then he turned and swept off. Arthur watched him leave and then turned to his escort. They were watching him, as if wanting some orders. "Ah..." he said, wondering what to do. "Do I have my own room? I think I will stay in there until we cast off. Keep myself out from under the sailors' feet."

"Yeah," said Riley. "If you'll follow us, we'll show you where to go, mate."

"Shouldn't you be calling me 'Queen'?"

"Do you want us to call you 'Queen'?" asked Charlie with a smile.

He hesitated. "No. Just call me Arthur. Ah, unless we're in a King's company and then you should probably call me 'Queen'."

"Well, this way, Arthur," said Rajesh and walked along to the aft of the ship.

Once the ship was moving and they had gotten a few yards from the dock, Arthur climbed back onto deck. He breathed in. The sea air was pleasant and he felt a little more free. For the moment, he forgot all his worries and walked to the edge of the ship. Leaning on the side of the ship, he watched the water lapping at the wood below him. The breeze ruffled his hair and cooled his face. Behind him, the sailors were calling to each other. He listened to the cries of the seagulls flying above them. His escort would be watching him, of course, but he didn't satisfy them with a look. He would have to escape them once they got back, of course, so he couldn't become too friendly with them.

"This is fun, isn't it?! I haven't been to Diamonds since my dad took me a few years ago!"

Arthur slowly turned to the voice and stared in shock at the King standing beside him. He was still wearing the plain clothes from earlier, though his trousers had been rolled up to the knees. Somewhere along the way, he had discarded his boots and was now barefoot. He was grinning at Arthur.

"Y-You..."

"Yo!" said the King with a grin. "I decided that I should come with you!"

"But you have work to do here!"

"Mattie'll do it for me! I want to get to know you better!"

Arthur glared at the stupid King. How could he possibly be their ruler? He was going to run the country into the ground unless someone took him hand.

Someone other than himself, of course.

Glancing at the harbour and the distance between, he surveyed the taller man. He seemed a good build. Broad shoulders, powerful arms. But the main question was... "Can you swim?" he asked Alfred.

"Yeah! Riley taught me! It's so much fun in the summer! Can you?"

"Ah, yes, yes. Hey, did you see that?" Arthur pointed down at the water below them. Excitedly, the King cried out and leaned over the ship, trying to see what Arthur had been pointing at. He took this chance to shove the King with all his might. With another cry, the King fell over the ship. He watched him hit the water and after a few minutes, a little away from Arthur, he came up, gasping for air. Arthur hurried to the aft of the ship to make sure he didn't climb back on. He looked a little disoriented for a moment – and that moment cost him his chance to get back on board. He kept himself afloat, watching Arthur and the ship leaving him behind. Arthur gave him a cheery wave before he turned to swim for land. "King overboard," he added to Charlie whom had appeared at his elbow whilst he hadn't been paying attention.

"Thanks," said the guard, to Arthur's amazement. "We would never have gotten him off the ship otherwise." He patted his arm gently and walked off. Arthur had the feeling he had just been accepted by the very guards he wanted to escape from when they got home.

Okay, Slade is a term that people in Spades use to describe citizens of Clubs that immigrated to Spades. (Slade also happens to be a real word as opposed to "Clade" as I was originally going to use.) To describe Diamonds living in Spades, they use the term "Diadem" and for Hearts, they call them "Hardy".

Everyone will call Arthur his name from now on instead of Queen - except when he speaks in his authoritative way, worthy of his title.

I'm sorry to any Austrlians reading this for using "Wotcher". I wanted him to sound Australian the first time meeting Arthur but, at the same time, the only way I can think of doing that is to add "mate" in his speech sometimes when he's addressing someone. However, I didn't feel this was a good idea for him to do on his first meeting so I opted for "Wotcher". Although, now I think about it, it's rather a Cockney phrase, too.

Ah, the only reason the doctor is there is cause I actually really liked that doctor. I kind of think of him as a happier version of Bones from Star Trek. (Probably cause I saw the new one last night.) I also really liked Larry, even though he's really grumpy (for some reason) which is basically the only reason he's tagging along. That and I thought that Arthur would need help with the fancy clothes.

This chapter was going to be a lot shorter. Originally, I wasn't going to have Arthur and Alfred meet until after the rest of them and keep him as a sort of mysterious character till he meets him properly. Then I thought of the joke about "Hey, it's Matthew!" "Who?" And I doubt Al would sit in a room somewhere while the Queen was brought in and out without being nosy enough to go look. Once I decided they'd meet, I thought, you know what, it'd be funny if Arthur's naked when Alfred's trying to talk to him - and also funny if Alfred stops all his escape attempts. Finally, I decided it would be amusing if Alfred sneaked onto the ship. But I couldn't have him go all the way with Arthur (because of the way I've planned out the story) and so I thought pushing him off the ship would be the right way to go.

I am a very cruel writer. These poor characters. Someone should save them from me...