Francis could barely look at him… Every time he caught the Queen of Spades in the corner of his eye, he was struck by the image of Arthur crawling on top of him, with a seductive look in his eyes and hungry smile across his lips. However, Francis always had to remind himself that it wasn't real, it was only an illusion created by the Joker to taunt him. Francis' heart was in a constant state of anxiety, as it sunk like a mighty ship… But he knew that he had to stick with his decision, he wasn't going to give the Joker the entertainment.
Too much was at risk for Francis to put his selfish desires above his kingdom.
"Are you ok, Francis?" Lili asked, placing her hand on Francis' shoulder; wondering why Francis had spent the last couple of minutes staring blankly at his breakfast.
Francis glanced at Lili and smiled sweetly, her concern somewhat warming his heart, Francis quietly placed his hand on Lili's head and patted her like a child.
"I'm fine, thank you, I just had a disappointing sleep…" Francis mumbled. However, his confession did not seem to calm the young girl, as her wide eyes still stared at the King, like a concerned daughter.
"Are you sure?" Lili asked.
"Yes," Francis answered, "I'm just tired, I should be fine for the games and conference," Francis explained.
Francis dreaded the idea of the games, it is a recently new tradition; it was designed for the Kings to demonstrate their physical skills… this is demonstrated by a Kings ability to shoot an arrow whilst riding on horseback.
It was supposed to be a demonstration of a King's harmony with his horse, the agility it takes to remain upright and shoot an arrow, and the precision it takes to shoot the arrow at the target. Francis had been practicing for years, and had evolved his skills enough to become a master at it, perhaps this was his opportunity to assert himself among the Kings.
The game was also introduced to ease the Kings into the historically stressful conference, which was expected to last late into the night, and leave the Monarchs feeling bitter towards each other: which the Ball was supposed to heal.
Despite how much he tried to distract himself with thoughts about the evening plans, or what he was going to talk about at the conference, Arthur still managed to crawl into his mind.
Francis was tempted to indulge in this fantasy and imagine just what he would have done to the Queen of Spades, had he not been interrupted by his realisation. However, before he could become too involved in his lustful fantasy, he forced himself back into reality, determined to not tempt himself to give in.
He didn't even greet the Spades that morning, he couldn't bear to look Arthur in the eyes and wish him a good day, without thinking about last night… Nor would he be able to look at Alfred, without thinking about his shameful fantasy.
However, he couldn't escape when the Spades approached him, complimenting how beautiful the Diamond landscape looked as the sun rose.
"We wanted to speak to you about something, just something for you to consider before the conference starts. As we don't think we'll have another chance to speak to you privately during the games," Alfred began.
"When discussing how you're going to conduct your grain trade, we want you to consider the historic friendship between the Spades and the Diamonds," Arthur continued, until he caught Alfred looking at him for instruction, Arthur nodded at Alfred before continuing. "You see, the Kingdom of Spades needs this alliance now more than ever, as all of our focus is going towards gaining coal and steel."
"How can I help?" Francis asked.
"We need special consideration, perhaps you could … lower some prices for the trade to the Spade Kingdom?" Alfred asked.
"These prices have been set for years, I'd need to discuss it with the Jack and the Queen, I'm afraid," Francis explained, keeping his eyes on Alfred, rather than looking at Arthur and risking his fantasy from returning to his mind.
"Well, just consider us before accepting any deals from the other kingdoms," Arthur boldly stated, "in the end, a relationship with us will benefit the Diamonds. You see, the Spade kingdom has been encouraging inventors and innovators now than has ever done before. We have people who are planning to build boats and ships that do not rely on the wind, and transport that does not rely on horses, as well as weaponry."
"The Kingdom of Spades is beginning to go through and Industrial Revolution, and those are expensive. We just thought that the Diamonds would like to help push it forward, all we need is your cooperation: otherwise we will offer this to another Kingdom." Alfred explained.
"I will consider it." Francis murmured.
"Fine then, take your time… but be careful with it, as we plan to share this with the other Kingdoms at some point during our stay," Arthur concluded. "If you choose to accept this offer, you will be seeing a lot more of us, and the alliance between the Spades and the Diamonds will be stronger than ever."
Arm in arm, Arthur and Alfred turned away and walked away as the Jack of Diamonds announced the movement of the monarchs to the Diamond gardens, where the games are to take place.
Francis thought heavily about the Spades offer as he rode his carriage towards the famously beautiful Diamond Gardens, considering whether it was worth it. It seems that his feelings for Arthur wasn't the only risk to the alliance… If Francis was to turn this down, he'd risk giving another Kingdom that precious relationship that he had with the Spades.
"How much are they asking for?!" Vash hissed, tightening his grip on the velvet red seating of the carriage.
"I don't know, they just told me to consider them…" Francis murmured.
"I can only wonder what they've built…" Antonio grimaced, "these developments could totally shift the balance of power between the Kingdoms."
"They're teasing, I bet they've already told the other Kingdoms about their plans, and are simply going to choose which is most profitable," Vash hissed.
"What if they really are just thinking about our alliance? And really want to give us a window to decide?" Lili asked.
"Monarchs aren't that considerate," Vash pointed out, "If we were sitting on something as large as this, I would advise Francis to do the exact thing I predicted, because it is working."
"Well… Arthur seems like a nice person, and I don't believe Alfred would want to hurt us…" Lili muttered.
"That's what they want you to think, they've already got you to refer to them by name. They've fit right in to this game of politics," Vash grumbled at his little sister.
"Why do you have to be so pessimistic? The Spade monarchs are completely new to this 'game'," Antonio pointed out, "They haven't been on the throne for even a year."
"I guess that really depends on what instructions the late King and Queen gave them," Vash muttered as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Whether they were taught everything beforehand, or are expected to learn as they go along."
"What do you think of the offer itself, rather than the motives behind it?" Francis asked.
"It really depends on how much they're asking for; this is obviously an invitation for me to confront the Jack of Spades…" Vash murmured. "I'll talk to him during the games and then report back to you with my advice on the way back to the castle. For now, I don't know how I feel about this."
"Imagine what an industrial revolution could be like here, I can only imagine what they're building," Antonio gasped as he smiled with wonder.
"I can try to talk to Arthur about it, and get some information about what they're building," Lili proposed, "he seems to like me, so maybe he'll talk."
"You can try," Vash agreed, "The Queen of Spades absolutely adores you, as do the Clubs. I guess having a young Queen is an advantage."
The carriage rolled to a stop, and the carriage driver opened the door to the carriage, Francis stepped out of the carriage and into the embrace of the bright spring sun, as well as the strong glare of the colourful flowers.
Every time monarchs visited the Diamond Kingdom, a visit to the Diamond Gardens was on the to-do list, as the gardens beauty and historical importance to the Kingdom of Diamonds was always an amazing conversation starter, as well as something beautiful to encourage the other monarchs to love the Diamond Kingdom.
The diamond gardens was also home to a decorative horse-racing course, which for today was decorated in the symbols of each kingdom, and bullseye targets lined along the track, opposite the wooden stands, giving the royals a perfect view.
Eventually, every monarch and their Ace had arrived at the Gardens, marvelling at the skill and dedication shown in the decoration of the gardens, as well as the general beauty of the Diamond landmark.
The horses were decorated in the symbolic colours of each Kingdom, and to match each king's riding gear.
First, the Francis stood on the race track, in front of the horses, and loudly thanked the other monarchs for attending, and wished everyone luck. Despite there being no prize for the winner, it was the spirit of competition and friendliness that drives to strengthen the relationships between each kingdom through harmless sport.
Then Vash took his spot as the horses were led away, awaiting their designated King's turn. Vash explained the rules and the aim of the game, pointing out that each King had two chances to score a better mark with their arrows.
It was King Ludwig who was announced first, Francis smiled, remembering the young King's first ever time competing, and how much of a difficult time he had remaining balanced on his horse and using his arms to position his bow and arrow. This time, Ludwig's practice was evident as he encouraged his white horse into a gallop, and he immediately arched his back and raised his bow, positioning the arrow and aiming. As his horse dashed past the target, Ludwig released his arrow, and it hit almost directly in the middle of the target, giving him an impressive first score.
Francis was the next King to mount his horse; he patted the caramel coloured fur of his steed, before taking his bow and arrow. He pulled out his golden coat from bellow him, letting it sit behind him, well aware that it would flow behind him as the horse ran, creating a beautiful illusion of colour. This was the fifth time that Francis was competing in this sport, thus is the most experienced out of all of the monarchs, and he knew that he had to be impressive. His horse jolted into a gallop, and he straightened his back as he prepared to aim his arrow, unwilling to bend to the weight of the stares upon him, especially that of Arthur, and perhaps even the Joker. Francis knew that the Joker wouldn't pass the opportunity to watch the Diamond King fight his temptation to the Queen of Spades. Francis couldn't deny that the urge to impress Arthur was a driving motivation to score well, with the Queen in his mind, Francis braced his arms forward and aimed the arrow and shot as the horse ran past. Francis scored an impressive mark, hitting somewhat near the middle, as the horse trotted back to the stable Francis looked back to the monarch who watched, and couldn't help but notice Alfred and Arthur, Alfred was preparing to leave so he could prepare for his turn, however before he left he pulled Arthur in for a kiss.
Francis looked away before he could analyse how meaningful that kiss was, unwilling to give the Joker something to laugh at.
Francis returned to the stands and made his way towards Arthur, sitting down beside him.
"That was a good shot," Arthur admitted, "you've obviously worked hard on it."
"Five years of practice, is this Alfred's first time doing this?" Francis asked.
"He's been practising ever since he found out that it was a thing," Arthur replied, "He'll do perfectly."
Francis sat in silence, fiddling with his hands as Arthur stared at the race-track, waiting for Alfred to appear on his black horse.
"Have you thought about our proposal?"
"Our Jacks should be talking about it as we speak," Francis pointed out.
"And before you ask, I have spoken to Lili, that sweetheart wanted to know exactly what we were building back home," Arthur chuckled, "that girl is such a darling, I nearly crumbled when she offered to have me over to have tea..."
"She has that effect…" Francis mumbled.
"We are developing ships that do not need to rely on the wind, carriages that don't need horses… even developing new weaponry, the first great Spade invention was gas-lighting, and that had revolutionised the way all kingdoms lived, imagine what we can do in the second wave of industrial revolution." Arthur explained, his eyes widening with wonder.
Francis was hopeless to fight back the Queens powerful gaze, captivated by the spirit in his forest green eyes, Francis now didn't imagine taking the Queen to bed, but rather, pictured the intimate moments…
"Amazing…" Francis muttered, unsure about whether he was speaking about the Spades innovations, or the Queen himself.
"However, we are getting desperate and it's getting hard to keep up those innovations, and we are willing to do anything to make sure that it doesn't crumble," Arthur stated, his eyes narrowing as his stare of wonder turned into a glare of seriousness, showing the Diamond King a pair of eyes he had never seen from the Queen of Spades. "By any means required; we will change the world."
Francis didn't know whether to take this as a threat or not, however, he could no longer look into Arthurs eyes, as the Queen turned away to watch his King gallop out of the stable, holding his bow and arrow.
Alfred straightened his back and lifted his bow as he aimed the arrow, remaining balanced and poised as his dark horse galloped down the racetrack. Alfred released the arrow, shooting a near perfect score, as his horse finished its lap and reduced its speed to a canter; Alfred looked at the other monarchs, however focussed only on Arthur, before glaring at Francis as though he was deep in thought, until he disappeared into the stable.
Alfred returned to his place by Arthur's side as King Ivan left the stands to prepare for his turn, and Ludwig braced himself to go after him, following the encouragement he received from his Jack, whilst the Queen of hearts watched on with amusement.
Once again, Ludwig shot a perfect score with the arrow, achieving the closest shot to a bullseye than any of the other Kings had done, giving him a good chance to be the winner.
Francis went again, once again pushing himself to cope with the heavy stares of the other monarchs, as well as the heavy weight Arthur left on his heart. He earned himself a nice score; however he knew that Ludwig had beaten him, judging by how perfect the Heart King's last shot was.
When he returned to the stands, he expected Alfred to rise from his seat and prepare to leave, however, Francis frowned when he saw Arthur rise instead, and remove his violet coat, revealing his suit underneath, a tanned waistcoat held together his white blouse, where a bow was tied around his collar, tanned pants covered his legs, however black boots reached above his knees.
"What's going on?" Francis asked.
"I'm going to have a turn," Arthur announced, catching the attention of the other monarchs, who were shocked at the Spades blatant disregard of tradition. "I'm better at it than Alfred, so why shouldn't I have a go?"
"It's always been a display of the strength of the King," Ludwig pointed out.
Arthur smirked at the King of Hearts, "What's a King without their Queen?"
Without another word, Arthur turned around and left the stand before walking to the stable, much to the shock of the stable hands.
"I let him do what he wants: happy Queen; happy Kingdom, am I right?" Alfred chuckled; however, his smile disappeared when he saw the bitter glares to the other royals. Francis took a seat next to the King of Spades, and stared at the younger man who looked at his hands in thought. "Arthur and I are going to change the world, and the littlest things matter, and it's going to start during this conference."
"But why?" Francis asked, "Has the Spade revolution changed the Kingdom that much?"
"Of course it has, revolutions challenge everything that Kingdoms have ever known. We're not going to sit back and let it pass us, we must act in order to catch up with these new ideas." Alfred snapped, turning to look at the Diamond King, "We decided that we are going to do things that no King and Queen had ever done before, the first step of that was our marriage."
"You married him to make a statement?" Francis asked, frowning.
"No, we married from our own free will: we were just lucky with that one." Alfred pointed out, raising an eyebrow at Francis.
Francis watched with amazement as Arthur's dark horse broke into a gallop, and the Queen arched his back and aimed his arrow with one graceful movement, before releasing it as his horse ran past, achieving an amazing score.
"He's amazing…" Alfred sighed, hopelessly smitten.
"I know…" Francis agreed; he felt the King of Spades head sharply turn to look at Francis, realising his mistake, Francis turned his head in the opposite direction, scratching his beard, trying his best to ignore the stare of the King of Spades.
However, the Spades defiance was not in vain, as the Queen of Clubs made it her personal mission to go next and Ivan was powerless to stop her. She shot an impressive score, and smiled at Arthur with appreciation before running to the fellow Queen and shaking his hand, thanking him for the idea.
Perhaps the Spades were onto something … challenging the tradition of Kings only competing in the games changed the way the Kings saw their relationship with their Queens.
Francis could only wonder what else the Spade Monarchs were planning to change.
