Main Pairing: Franada
Rated T (could be changed later). Cardverse and Omegaverse.
I own nothing. No copyright infringement intended.
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Francis stepped into the main hall of Spades with full flamboyancy on display. Unfortunately, Arthur was not there to witness it. Yao was the solitary figure of blue in the room. He greeted them adequately, then summoned a servant to show everyone to their rooms.
Francis killed time with Lili and Vash while waiting for the coronation to start. At one point a few servants entered, bearing their formal clothes for the day. As the time got closer, the three changed, Lili in a separate room, of course. When she asked for help with her corset, Vash sent Francis a look that could kill and entered the washroom. Not that Francis was intending to try anything, he wasn't terribly interested in Lili in that way.
Francis tended to his hair as he waited for the other two to finish.
A Spadian servant entered the room. "I am here to escort you to the courtyard," she said. "Please follow me."
Francis knocked on the door to the washroom. "Time to be off," he said smoothly. Lili and Vash exited a moment later, Vash still frantically trying to fix his sister's hair.
"Non," Francis said. "Simpler is better." he slid behind Lili, replacing Vash's fingers. He brushed out the braids Vash had been attempting, smoothing her hair out. Francis picked up her fresh wreath of flowers from the dresser and placed them on her head.
Lili giggled. "Thanks, Francis," she said. "Vash was pulling my hair so hard, you would think he was trying to rip it out!"
"I was not!" Vash exclaimed. Francis smiled at their bickering as they walked down the hallway.
They were seated in the courtyard by their guide, who then scurried off, presumably to fetch more guests. The chairs slowly filled and eventually the orchestra began playing.
The music changed to signal the entrance of the Royal Court. Yao and Arthur entered the courtyard from the large archway behind them, walking steadily towards the altar. Behind them, three small children followed with spade leaves and the King's scepter.
The music changed once more and the new King appeared. Francis rose an eyebrow at his appearance. He didn't blame the King at all for wishing to change his formal attire, but he could have chosen something more stylish, perhaps.
He caught Arthur's soft smile to Alfred and smirked. He had seen that smile before. He knew exactly what it meant, even when no one else did.
As Alfred reached the altar, he knelt, and Yao directed him in the binding vows. They exited to much fanfare. Soon everyone was standing and milling about, some heading down to the gardens for the party, some socializing a bit first. Francis lost track of Lili and Vash quickly and decided to head down to the gardens, where he settled himself in a chair with a generous glass of wine. He mostly observed the night's progressions, watching as his own kingdom grew attached to Alfred's friendly nature. He joined Lili and Vash towards the end of the night, feeling the need to see people. Francis was a people person, after all.
Alfred received his spade clock from Arthur, and everyone cheered. Francis himself applauded the King. Alfred joined the three at Lili's beckoning. She promptly kissed Alfred on the cheek (much to Vash's chagrin). Francis spotted Arthur watching out of the corner of his eye and smirked. He slung his arm around Alfred's shoulder, turning his head to speak in Alfred's ear.
"Many congratulations to you, Alfred," he said. "I have the feeling that you and I will be great friends."
Alfred grinned and laughed. "You're Francis, right? The King of Diamonds. Yeah, your people totally love me. I've got no clue why."
Alfred spotted Arthur watching them and waved him over. Arthur merely glared and shook his head. Francis grinned widely.
That night, Francis lounged in his room in a drowsy satisfaction. Not only had he pissed off Arthur tonight, but he had also managed to match together a shy couple that needed a little prodding. He felt accomplished.
Someone knocked at the door. Francis assumed it was Vash and Lili.
"Yes, enter," he said.
Instead of the other two thirds of his Royal Court, a rather pretty young servant entered. Francis eyed him, interested.
"A letter for the King of Diamonds," he stated. "Urgent business, to be read by your eyes alone, and requiring immediate response."
"Come," Francis purred. "Leave it on the nightstand and perhaps I can give you a favor in return."
"I need nothing," he said, face slightly flushed, but he walked forward and set it down anyways, hesitating by Francis's side.
Francis hummed, pleased. He rose from the bed, feeling one of his sleeves slip down his shoulder and leaving it there. "I get lonely, sometimes," Francis said directly, preferring tonight's pleasure to be quick. "Would you spend some time with me tonight?"
"I - I…" he stuttered.
Francis slipped his hands around the boy's waist, humming pleasantly as he felt the boy respond to his touch. He hesitated for a moment, letting his breath tangle with the other's, before moving forward and melding their lips together.
The boy practically moaned, and aces that sent shivers down Francis's spine. Francis slipped his tongue forward, lazily feeling around the others' mouth. Oh, the pleasure he got out of domination.
The servant shivered, letting Francis do as he pleased for a long, glorious moment. Then, reluctantly, he pulled away.
"I am sorry," he said. " I cannot stay. I have other duties."
"Mmm," Francis sighed regretfully. "Well, I suppose I cannot take your from those," he said, hands still loosely around the other's waist. He left soft kisses on his throat, his jaw, and one last sealing one one his lips. "Off you go, then."
He wasn't usually this generous. Perhaps he wasn't in the right mood after all.
He glanced at the letter. Should he read it? Hmm. Who was it from?
Roderich. His usually neat script was now a scrawl, the instructions the servant had read off slanting on the envelope. Francis frowned, slitting it open with a long, thin finger.
Francis,
I'm sorry, I don't have time to make this formal. There is a prisoner here in Clubs, one who desperately needs to escape and soon it will be too late. He's an omega with absolutely no experience with alphas and Ivan's using that to his advantage to keep him here as a new servant. But he has a brother here in Cards that he desperately needs to find and I need to get him out of Clubs before he loses his chance. Matthew can fill you in on the details when you meet him, I've told him that you're to be trusted. Can you receive him from the Ice Straights tomorrow night? I will pay you later, when it is safe. Please respond ASAP
Roderich
Francis's eyes widened as he read the letter. Roderich was never this informal, not even when it came to basely informal events and meetings. This must be serious.
He wrote a quick reply - I will be there at dusk tomorrow - and rushed down to find someone who could send it for him. Hopefully it would get to him quickly.
He informed the leader of the Diamonds procession that they would need to leave three hours earlier than they had planned tomorrow, which sent her off in a hurry to speed up the packing progress. Francis himself returned to his rooms, where Lili and Vash were now settling to sleep. He took the letter from Roderich and watched it burn.
The next night Francis took Marcello, Shelby, and Wendy with him to the very end of his kingdom. It was dark, and wind from the Straight blew snow across the ocean to meet them. Wendy, who hadn't thought to bring a coat, shivered in the wind. She ended up huddling under one with Shelby back with the horses, where the ground wasn't as cold and wet.
Francis could barely see the next island from where he stood on the shore. Marcello huddled over next to him.
Finally, Francis heard distorted voices carried to him over the rushing wind. Shouts. They went silent after a moment, then a light appeared out in the darkness. The ferry. So Roderich had sent those four.
But as the small boat came closer, Francis saw that there were two lanterns there, and six people. Had Roderich come across with them? Francis squinted, trying to make out the shapes.
The tallest, presumably Berwald, and the unmistakable Matthias jumped out into the freezing water to pull the boat ashore. Lukas and Emil stepped out, followed by another small blonde man that he didn't recognize. The last figure remained huddled in the boat.
"We have arrived now, you can come out," Francis heard the newest man say, coaxing the other out. Perhaps the person Roderich had spoken of had found his brother on the way to Francis.
But when the last one exited the boat, tentatively, shivering with a bag around his shoulder, Francis saw that there was no resemblance to any of the Icemen. He also noticed that he was acutely gorgeous. The wind carried his scent over to Francis, who breathed it in, nearly sighing. It was probably the sweetest thing he'd ever smelled.
Wendy and Shelby approached the commotion. The newest Iceman was trying to warm the other man up, while he simply stood there and looked around him. After a moment, he spoke in a very soft voice. "I'm alright. I'm used to the cold."
"You are shivering," the man said reproachfully.
"Tino," Lukas said. "Let him be. We need to get back."
"You take good care of this poor man," Tino said, glaring at Francis. "He has been through a lot."
"He's not a poor man, Tino, he's strong," Berwald said gruffly. "Let's go."
The Icemen, with their new addition, stepped back into the boat and shoved off. Matthias waved as they disappeared back into the mist.
Francis stepped forward grandly, but hesitated when he saw the other step back, nearly into the water.
"Is your name Francis Bonnefoy?" the man called. His voice was suspicious.
"Oui, it is indeed," Francis said smoothly, trying to ease the other's apprehension. "I am told that your name is Matthieu?"
The man blinked in surprise. "Parlez-vous francais?"
Francis paused in surprise. The man spoke his nation's language, his accent nearly perfect. "Oui, comment savez-vous français?"
"Il est une longue histoire," the man responded fluidly. "But I actually am a little cold, so could we go?"
"Of course," Francis said, back on track. "Come, we will be off."
"Who are they?" Matthew asked as he followed at a distance.
"Some of my servants," Francis responded. "Wendy, Shelby, you take the mare, if you fall behind, do not worry. Marcello, if you please, the river pony. I will take the thoroughbred, and rush darling Matthieu back to a warm and hospitable palace."
The servants split without complaint. Francis turned, prepared to help Matthew onto the horse.
Matthew was petting the horse. How adorable.
"Are you ready?" Francis asked. Matthew looked over as he approached. As he got closer, Matthew averted his eyes and bit his lip. Francis licked his own lips, a warmth stirring in his stomach. This omega was simply delicious.
"Yes, I'm ready," Matthew said, and he walked straight past Francis, gripped the saddle of the horse, and lifted himself up and over with ease. Francis stared.
"Oh, I'm sorry, did you want to get on first?" Matthew said, blushing. "I've only ever ridden with another person one time, and that was my brother, quite a few years ago."
"I seem to have mistaken you," Francis said with a grin, lifting himself up as Matthew had done. "I had taken you for one of high birth. Or did you go on many hunting trips as a child?"
"Neither," Matthew said. "It's a long story."
Francis leaned back slightly, enjoying the feeling he got as Matthew's chest brushed against him. He tilted his head to whisper in Matthew's ear. "Perhaps you could tell it to me later, when we have… some time alone." he suggested, breath hot against Matthew's skin. He felt the man shiver. With a smirk of satisfaction, he leaned forward once more, took the reigns, and prodded the horse forward.
Matthew let out a yelp and wrapped his arms around Francis, startling him. "Now I understand why my brother complained so much," Matthew said in Francis's ear. "It's harder riding on the back of someone else!"
Francis nearly laughed at the innuendo. Matthew's scent filled him pleasantly, and he hummed in contentment. He was glad he had read Roderich's letter. ~
By the time they made it back to the City of Diamonds, Matthew had completely relaxed against Francis, still holding tight to his waist. The streets were mostly empty as Francis led his horse to the front of the palace.
"Matthieu," Francis whispered.
"Mmhmm," Matthew sighed, breath tickling Francis's neck.
"Time to get down," Francis said.
"Mmm," he complained.
Francis chuckled softly. "I know, you are tired. But once we get inside you can sleep in a warm bed, would you like that?"
"Mmhmm," Matthew said sleepily. He allowed himself to slowly slip off the side of the horse, searching for the strap with his foot. Francis followed down after him. Matthew's eyes were closed, hair hanging over his face. Francis took his hand and led him into the palace.
On the way in they ran into Monica. "Could you fetch some water for him, please?" he asked her.
"Of course," she said, curtsying. Francis continued on with Matthew, leading him to his chambers.
"Wait here for just a moment, mon cher," Francis said. He left to start up a fire. When he turned back, Matthew had made his way over to the lounge couch and sat himself down. He rubbed his eyes and yawned.
Francis couldn't help but giggle. He made his way to the back of the couch, smoothing Matthew's hair. "Mon cher, you are so adorable, I cannot stand it," he said, smiling.
"M'not adorable," Matthew reproached. "M'a very strong lumberjack."
"I do not know what that word means, but alright, we can go with that. Come, Matthieu, time to sleep."
"M'kay," Matthew said, and started to lay down on the couch.
"Non, non, Matthieu, you will sleep in the bed," Francis laughed, pulling him back up. Francis took his hand once more and brought him over to the bed, which he had had custom made for his own comfort (and occasionally others').
"This is your bed, isn't it," Matthew frowned.
"Oui."
"I won't sleep in your bed," Matthew said, still looking down at it.
Francis gently pulled Matthew's bag from him, setting it on the floor. "Why not? You are tired, non?"
"Oui," Matthew responded.
"Then you should sleep. My bed is very warm, so it will help you stay healthy after being in the cold for so long."
"I'm used to cold," Matthew argued. "And you were there too."
"Would you prefer we both sleep in the bed?" Francis asked slyly. Matthew's face reddened immediately.
"Non," he whispered, but Francis caught the hesitation. He smiled.
"Let me change into my nightclothes," Francis said. "Would you like to borrow some of mine?"
Matthew's flush deepened. "Um…"
"Do not worry, Matthieu, I do not mind." Francis said. He gave Matthew one of his softest nightgowns. It was also one of his shortest.
Francis turned his back to Matthew to allow him his privacy, but cared nothing for his own. He casually stripped, not missing for a moment the startled gasp that came from Matthew. Grinning, he slipped into his nightgown. It fell halfway down his thighs.
"Are you ready?" Francis purred.
"Eh? Umm… just one moment please." Francis heard the ruffling of fabric for a few moments before Matthew mumbled his consent.
Francis turned, anticipating the result. Matthew was taller than Francis by just a few inches, so the nightgown was even shorter on him than Francis had expected. And the blush on Matthew's face was deeper than ever. He held his hands in front of himself, self conscious.
He simply looked at Francis, who smiled and tilted his head towards the bed. Matthew was thrown into motion again. He removed his spectacles and placed them on the bedside table, bending over slightly and revealing to Francis the glorious curve of his back. Francis slowly walked over to the other side of the bed, watching Matthew every moment. Matthew turned, met his eyes, looked away, then after a moment, climbed into the bed. Francis smiled at his shyness.
Francis climbed on after Matthew was settled, purposely letting his shirt hang low so Matthew could see a slice of skin. He looked away, still flushed. Francis smirked. He really was letting himself enjoy this too much.
Matthew rolled over to face the wall. Francis let him, for now. But he whispered one last thing in Matthew's ear before going to sleep.
"Last night, Matthieu, I looked up at the stars and I wished that they would bring me someone to end my loneliness. I think that they sent me you."
Francis woke to a cold draft. He cursed internally. Who had left the window open last night? He was up and out of bed before he really opened his eyes and saw the cause for the cool air.
Matthew was standing at the window.
"Bonjour, mon cher," Francis said. "May I ask what you are doing?"
Matthew didn't turn around. "I'm just looking," he said. "It's beautiful here. In Clubs, all I could see out of my window were sunflowers and mountains."
Francis joined Matthew at the window. "I rather enjoy the view myself," he said. "You can see the ocean from here, look. In the morning it is like a glittering jewel."
Matthew turned to face Francis. "You're not going to make me stay in one room the entire time I'm here, are you?"
Francis gasped. "Non, non! I would never imprison you like that horrible Ivan. Here. Today I personally will take you around the palace and show you all the places you can see."
"Oh, non, that's not necessary -"
"But of course it is!" Francis insisted. "I must be a good host. First, we will get dressed, and then I will take you down to breakfast."
"Oh, but… alright."
Francis beamed. "Now, would you like to wear your own clothes or something more… traditional?"
Matthew tilted his head. "Traditional?"
"Oui," Francis said, looking around the room. "I think I have something that would look good on you,"
"Sil vous plait, don't worry about it. I can wear my own clothes."
Francis looked over Matthew's frame. "It is not a bother, and I am not worried. Come."
Francis led Matthew into his closet. There, he chose out a gold waistcoat with trousers and a loose and flowy pale yellow shirt. Satisfied, he held them out to Matthew.
"Your hair will go perfectly," he decided.
"Oh," Matthew said. "Okay."
Francis swiveled around. "Now, for moi…"
Francis chose an outfit somewhat similar to Matthew's just a bit fancier and a bit less modest. Like yesterday, he gave no thought to the fact that Matthew was in the room with him (or rather, gave every thought) and changed. He nearly laughed when he heard Matthew's voice from behind.
"Is this going to be an everyday occurrence? Because I, honestly, don't think I could handle that."
"Why, Matthieu, I did not know you were uncomfortable with this," Francis said, turning around. Matthew yelped and fell backwards, desperately trying to cover up his bare chest. At that, Francis did laugh.
With a red face, Matthew sat forward, clutching his shirt to his chest. He glared up at Francis. "I'm not exactly as flamboyant as you are, you know."
Francis smiled. "If it helps, I completely do not mind seeing you like this."
"It doesn't help," Matthew said stubbornly. "I do mind."
"Why?" Francis asked curiously.
"Why?" Matthew spluttered. "I - I don't know, I just… I just…" he sighed. "You promise not to laugh?"
"Of course not."
"Whenever - back home, on - I mean, back home, my brother and his friends always made fun of me when we changed together… going to the pool, or the gym, or whatever we were doing that day. They teased how pale I was and how skinny. And even now, I'm still skinnier and paler than my brother. He was always out in the sun. But I wasn't. Most times I wasn't invited, but sometimes I chose not to go outside. Because if I stayed inside, no one would tease me. Except maybe… Kumajuju." Matthew wrinkled his brow. "I think that was his name, anyways."
A great sadness filled Francis as he heard Matthew's story. "I am sorry, Matthieu. I promise while you are here no one will do those things to you."
Matthew attempted a half smile.
"But, I do have one question…" Francis continued. "What is a pool?"
Matthew's eyes widened. "Oh - eh…"
"I do not believe that I have heard of a gym, either, before."
"It's nothing," Matthew said, looking away. "Let's just go get something to eat, yeah?"
"Dressed like that?" Francis teased.
"Oh!" Matthew said. He quickly slipped his shirt on. "How does the vest button up?" He asked, slipping into the sleeves.
"You really are not from high birth, are you?" Francis asked. "I am not usually wrong about these things." He reached forward. His fingers brushed Matthew's chest as he slowly pulled the latches together.
"Um, no." Matthew laughed nervously.
Francis examined Matthew closely. Why did he get the feeling that Matthew was hiding something from him?
Francis led Matthew up to the dining hall, where Lili and Vash were eating breakfast already.
"Lili, Vash!" Francis called. "I would like you to meet mon chéri Matthieu."
"Good morning Francis!" Lili called. "Hello, Matthew!"
Vash simply looked, and gave a short nod.
Vash kept his eyes on Matthew the entirety of the breakfast. Francis kept his eyes on Vash. He didn't like the way he looked at Matthew.
After breakfast, Vash pulled him aside.
"Why is it that you were watching Matthew this morning?" Francis asked, tone casual, but eyes threatening.
"Are you telling me you do not recognize him? Not at all?" Vash asked. Francis wrinkled his brow in confusion.
"It took me a while to be sure. But he looks an awful lot like that new King of Spades, hmm?"
Francis looked back at Matthew, eyes wide. "Are you saying that he is Alfred disguised?"
"I think it is a definite possibility. Be careful," Vash warned. "Lili recognized him too, I could tell, but she is more likely to explain it away as a coincidence."
Francis looked at Matthew wistfully. "Ah, this breaks my lovely heart," he sighed.
Francis went back to Matthew and spent the rest of the day showing him all the wonders of the palace, but all day Vash's warning lingered in his mind. If Matthew was really Alfred, Francis didn't think he could stand it.
Finally, when Matthew was looking through the large library Francis hosted, he worked up the courage to ask.
"Matthieu?" he called. His head popped out from behind a large stack of books at once.
"Oui?"
"I have a question I need to ask," Francis said softly. "It is driving me insane."
"What is it?" Matthew asked immediately, approaching Francis with a concerned look.
"I do not know how best to say this," Francis said, fingers coming to his temple. "Are you hiding something from me?"
E - eh?" Matthew stuttered, face reddening. "What would make you think that?"
"Please, Matthieu. Just tell me. Is your name really Matthieu? Or is it Alfred?"
Matthew stared at him in shock for a moment. And in that moment, Francis believed the worst.
"You've met Alfred?" Matthew asked.
Francis blinked.
"He's my brother!" Matthew said, a hopeful gleam in his eye. "Have you seen him? Is he alright?"
"Your brother," Francis repeated softly, relief flooding through his system. "He is fine."
"Don't worry, lots of people think I'm him," Matthew said, quickly waving it away.
Francis frowned. "But if you are not hiding the fact that you are secretly Alfred come to spy on my kingdom, then… you must be hiding something, based on your earlier reaction."
Matthew looked away. After a moment, he responded. "Yes, I am hiding something."
Francis reached out and brushed Matthew's fingers. "I wish you to be honest with me," he said.
"I just… if you knew, I wouldn't - I mean, I don't -" Matthew screwed his face up in anguish. "Well, I guess I just thought… I thought that you might like me, please, don't be mad if I'm wrong, and if you knew what I'm hiding, you might… not like me anymore."
Francis chuckled. "Oh, Matthieu, you have no idea how much I like you, and I barely know you. I do not think anything you could tell me would stop that."
Matthew finally met Francis's eyes, displaying a clear blue, almost violet color. "Alfred and I aren't from Cards. We live on Earth, and I'm trying to find him so we can go home."
It was like a shard of glass had punched through Francis's chest. Yes, he had only known Matthew for a day, but he couldn't stand to lose him so soon.
"Oh," Francis said softly.
"See," Matthew said, in a sort of hopeless voice that Francis hated. "I told you."
"Non, non, non non non non non," Francis rushed over his words. He stepped forward, cupping his hands around Matthew's face. "Matthieu, do not mistake my silence for rejection. I am simply saddened to hear that we have limited time together."
Matthew's eyes brightened. "You're still…"
"Oui," Francis said, and kissed him.
Matthew immediately responded, completely melting himself into Francis. He let out a soft, pleased noise and Francis pressed closer, hands roaming all over Matthew, his arms, his shoulders, his back. Matthew clutched to Francis's shirt as their mouths opened, tongues pressing together in a lovely way. Francis moaned.
Matthew pulled back with wet, open lips, panting. "Francis," he whispered helplessly.
"Matthieu," Francis responded, voice husky. "Aces -"
"Perhaps I shouldn't sleep in the same bed as you tonight," Matthew breathed.
"Oh," Francis moaned, head rolling back at the images that produced. Matthew laughed breathily, and after a moment Francis joined in.
That night, they fell asleep with tangled limbs.
When Francis woke up, Matthew was desperately tugging at his shirt. His face was red, forehead glistening.
"Finally," he said. "I thought you would never wake up. I think I'm sick, I'm really hot all over, and -"
Matthew took in a sharp gasp and his eyes squeezed shut. His hands immediately withdrew from Francis and he pressed them to his gut.
"And that," he finished.
"Oh, non," Francis whispered. He could already smell it in the air. Matthew was going into heat.
Immediately Francis darted over to his dresser and wrapped a cloth around his face, attempting to cover the scent. It didn't help much.
"Matthieu, please wait here. I will get help for you," he said, then ran for Lili.
For the next seven days, Francis was an absolute horror, and he knew it.
He always prized himself for being dramatic, and now he threw himself into his role with passion and gusto. When the end of the fourth day came, he began complaining. Fifth day, cooking. Sixth day, mourning his life. Seventh day, bothering Lili about when Matthew would return. Francis couldn't sleep in his room anymore now that Matthew's heat scent lingered in it.
In the afternoon of the seventh day, Matthew found Francis in the library.
"Matthieu!" Francis cried, holding him tight and peppering him with kisses. "I thought I was going to die if I had to wait any longer -"
"Yes, Lili has told me of the dramatic bastard that you've become," Matthew said, amused. "I suppose now you're going to die because I won't kiss you?"
"I just might," Francis said, staring up into Matthew's eyes. "Are you serious?"
Matthew simply shrugged, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips.
"Matthieu, I do believe you are teasing!" Francis gasped. "I did not know you had it in you."
"There are a lot of things people don't know about me," Matthew said.
"Well then, I make it my goal to learn all those things," Francis announced grandly. "And today, we can begin by taking a walk in the gardens."
Matthew scoffed. "I don't believe you'll actually follow through," he said.
"So then a wager is struck." Francis grabbed Matthew's arm and pulled him out of the library.
"Where are we going?" Matthew asked.
"To the western gardens," Francis said. ~
Matthew and Francis sat in the shade of a line of hedges as the sun began to set.
"I must leave tomorrow," Francis remembered.
"What! Why?" Matthew asked, startled.
"The Royal Court of Hearts has found their third member."
"Hearts?" Matthew said. "Roderich and I didn't get that far in my book. I haven't even opened it since I've been here."
"What do you mean?" Francis asked curiously.
"Roderich gave me a book so I could learn about Cards. We got through the brief history of Clubs and Spades before I got out." Matthew paused. "Or, before he got me out."
"The Jack of Hearts died a few months ago," Francis explained. "He was the last of his generation in the Court to do so. Now they have found a new Jack."
"So you're going to Hearts?"
"For the celebration," Francis confirmed. "I believe it would be safest if you stayed here. Less people to deal with, less questions asked. And you would be able to work out how to get back into Clubs to go home. I assume Ivan would not be happy to see you again."
"Mmm," Matthew nodded. "I don't even know where the room with the doors was in the manor."
"How would you not know?" Francis asked.
"I passed out right after I entered the room," Matthew explained. "When I woke up again, I was in a cell."
Francis suddenly became aware of how dark it was getting.
"I still have to pack tonight," he said regretfully. "We should probably begin walking back."
"I suppose," Matthew responded.
[The next morning]
"I wish I did not have to leave," Francis said.
"I'll be fine," Matthew said, clutching tighter to Francis's arm. "It's chilly this morning."
"It is," Francis said, hesitating.
"What is it?" Matthew asked.
Francis nodded ahead, to where they had been sitting yesterday. "I wish to show you something."
"Alright," Matthew said, smiling down at Francis. He buried his pink nose in Francis's hair.
Francis and Matthew walked arm in arm down to the little gate at the end of the path. Hedges surrounded the area. Francis took a deep breath. He had never shown this part of the grounds to anyone before, everyone who resided in the palace knew to stay well away from it. And now he was going to show it all to a man he barely knew?
Francis looked over at Matthew. The sun shone in his hair and on his soft smile, reassuring him. He was making the right choice.
"This is my garden," Francis said, pushing the gate open.
Matthew walked in and gasped.
There were many rosebushes lining the edges, intermixed with various yellow and orange flowers. In the center was a large tree, with branches spreading out to provide shade. The grass was thick and soft, and tangled with overgrown moss.
"I planted that tree when I first came here," Francis said. "Most do not know its origins, nor of its existence. The hedges I planted soon after, and eventually it has grown to become this."
"It's amazing," Matthew said. "It's really pretty. I never see flowers like these back home."
While Matthew was looking around, Francis carefully picked a lush, deep red rose and placed it between his teeth. When Matthew turned back to face him, he laughed, eyes squeezing shut.
Francis swung his hips sensually, dancing towards Matthew with lidded eyes. Matthew couldn't stop giggling, even though he tried to maintain a straight face. When he reached Matthew, he plucked the rose from his lips and tucked behind Matthew's ear, careful not to let the thorns scratch his skin.
Matthew smiled teasingly. "I am sorry, good sir, I'm afraid that roses do not flatter my complexion."
"I have to disagree," Francis murmured. He pressed his hands gently to Matthew's, touching their noses together.
"I don't want you to leave," Matthew whispered, eyes locked on Francis's.
"If I had it my way you and I would stay here forever, enjoying each others' company." Francis responded. He internally winced at the pang of sadness that reached his heart. "But that would never be allowed to happen."
"I should say not, I won't eat flowers for the rest of my life," Matthew said, but there was none of the teasing tone required in the words.
"You know what I mean," Francis said, nearly too soft to hear.
Matthew brushed forward tentatively, eyes flicking between Francis's eyes and his lips. His breath was warm on Francis's lips.
Francis closed his eyes.
"Excuse me," Kiku said, soft voice rising above the chatter. "May the aces find favor in you."
Francis looked around. All eyes were turned towards the Hearts Court. There had been a surprisingly large turnout for Feliciano's celebration, despite the fact that only a single member of Clubs had shown. Plenty of Francis's own subjects, and a respectable crowd of citizens, had come along in the procession. And of course, there were probably over two hundred members of Hearts in attendance.
Suddenly, the focus in the room shifted. Francis looked around, trying to catch up - what had happened? Then he spotted the woman from Clubs, who had stood. She looked as though she were going to pass out, poor girl.
"I am sorry to interrupt," she said. "Truly. But I have brought news that all here need to know. It has to do with why I am the only one from Clubs here today."
"Has something happened?" a voice called. The woman took a shaky breath.
"I am here to report what is happening, no more." she said. "And so I will report. This very moment, while you all sit and celebrate an ancient rite, my King Ivan Braginsky is not home. Today, Clubs officially declares war on Diamonds."
Francis's vision went red. A million thoughts flashed through his mind, all in an instant - how can this be happening, what will happen to my country, my citizens, Vash and Lili, I need to protect them, why now, why us, Matthieu, Matthieu -
Francis stood, chair crashing to the ground behind him.
"What is the meaning of this!" he shouted. "You play dirty tricks, girl! Waiting until Diamonds is unprotected by me and my court - and attacking only then? You cowards!"
Francis became aware of Vash's hands taking a hold of him, pulling him back. Immediately he turned to them, ignoring the chaos that erupted around them.
"I need to get back," he said pleadingly, as though he were a small child again.
"Francis, you cannot -" Lili began.
"I need to go back," he repeated. "You two, listen, this is of utmost importance. I need you to find the King and Queen of Spades - both of them, mind you, at the same time, it is very important, they must be together when you tell them."
"Tell them what?" Vash asked incredulously.
"Hush, I am getting to that! You must tell them that they must remain here until my return, at which time I will secure a package on one of their ships. At that time they must be prepared to leave at once. And do not forget to remind them that once they are back in Spades, they need not remove the package. Simply being in Spades, it will be safe."
Lili gave him a sad look. "You are going for Matthew, are you not?"
"You must not tell them," Francis said. "You must tell no one of the nature of my journey. I must go. Tell them. Do not forget!"
Francis dashed off.
He wove through the crowd. Where there were no plain openings, he didn't waste the time it took to ask them to move. He pushed through.
Until one person he collided with latched onto his wrist. Francis swiveled around, ready to tell them off, when he saw Ludwig's concerned face looking down at him.
"I am sorry - no time - I must go," Francis said.
"Be careful," Ludwig said. "Use one of our thoroughbreds."
"Merci," Francis said, remembering only later that Ludwig didn't know his language.
Francis burst into the stables already talking. "I need your fastest horse that can endure long distance," he called to the servants, striding authoritively forward. "By order of your King Ludwig, and I do not have time for the particulars as this is urgent, so if you have a problem you can take it to him."
"You can take William, sir, he is the fastest in the country, and can keep a pace like no other horse I have ever seen," a servant said hurriedly. "He is a bit picky about his riders though, he may not take to you."
"We will see about that," Francis muttered. As soon as William was out of the stable, Francis pulled himself atop and prepared to fly.
It took over three hours to get the palace stables.
The first person he saw got a very thorough questioning to the whereabouts of Matthew. After being told that he was currently working in the library, Francis power walked to him.
"Matthieu?" He called. He smelt the air, trying to figure out where he was.
"Francis?" Matthew's surprised voice came from behind the bookshelves. "You're back!"
"Not for long," Francis said. Matthew appeared in the main alleyway and hugged him. Francis absentmindedly looped his arms around Matthew's waist. "I need you to get your things. You are leaving."
"I... I'm leaving?" He said. His face went pale as Francis watched.
"Diamonds is threatened. You need to leave for your own safety," Francis said.
"What about your safety?" Matthew cried. "Is that not important? I want to stay with you."
Francis pulled away. "You were always going to leave!" He shouted. "What is the difference whether it is now or later? I am going to take you back to Hearts and you will stay on one of the Spades' ships secretly, until you get to Spades and can find your brother. And then you will go home."
A tear slipped down his face, and he turned away from Matthew to hide it.
After a moment, he spoke again. "I must speak to some people and begin preparing our defense. Please meet me in the stables in under an hour."
He walked out of the library, and when Matthew pleaded his name, he didn't look back.
Matthew was there when he walked into the stables. Petting a horse. Again.
When he saw Francis, he turned and took a deep breath. "Before you say anything, I want to." he said, mouth set in a stubborn line. Francis blinked in surprise.
"I'm sorry that me leaving is hurting you," he said. "It's hurting me too. I feel like I just met you and now the rest of our time together was stolen from us. But I won't say I'm sorry for knowing you. You're probably the first person outside of my family who's ever paid more attention to me than to Alfred. And I really like you. And I wouldn't give that up for anything."
Towards the end of his speech Matthew lost a little steam. His face colored. "So, yeah. That's what I wanted to say."
"Oh, Matthieu," Francis mumbled. He stepped forward and hugged him tight. "I am sorry for what I said earlier. It was uncalled for."
"No, it was true." Matthew said.
"Your Highness!" a servant called. "If you are to make it back to Hearts you must leave now!"
"Let's go," Matthew said.
He had his face buried in Francis's neck the entire way back.
Francis left the horse tied down a ways from the port. He and Matthew held hands as they walked down towards where Spades' ships were docked. Francis looked back at the castle a few times, which wasn't very far from the water. He hoped no one could see them. He wanted Matthew to remain as secret as possible from Ivan's eyes.
"That ship," Francis said, pointing to one with the Spades' crest. "You must try to avoid speaking too much to others, and try not to attract too much attention to yourself until you arrive in Spades. Then you must find your brother in the castle."
"Francis?" Matthew said.
Francis turned, taking Matthew's face gently in his hands. He merely gazed upon it for a moment, rubbing his fingers on his skin and his soft hair.
"You do know why I am doing this for you?" He asked softly.
"I think so," Matthew replied. He seemed as lost in Francis as he was in him.
"I want to keep your location hidden to Ivan," he explained. "If he finds you, no matter how you are protected, he will take you back to his manor and keep you there forever. I had a friend, once. He and his brother knew a woman that was hiding from Ivan in Hearts, but he found her and made her his queen. Now she is married to the Jack, but I believe his original intention was to have her for his own. I know firsthand how powerful he is."
"I understand," Matthew said, and he leaned forward and kissed Francis hard. His lips were warm, moving slowly and passionately. Francis was blown away by how boldly he was acting, but then he smiled and relaxed, responding with much enthusiasm. Maybe Matthew had some bite to him after all.
Matthew was also the one who broke away, lips wet and shining in the moonlight and parted slightly. With flushed skin he adjusted his bag on his shoulder and slipped down quietly to the ship. Francis watched him go.
A large rustling noise erupted behind him and suddenly he found himself in the grip of a largely built man. He twisted to get away, but Ivan Braginsky's low voice spoke in his ear.
"How sweet little Matthew is, da?"