Hello! This is the fourth chapter- I've decided to name it after the songs I've used as inspiration. Of course, I do not own the song and it belongs to the respective composer. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. :)
CHAPTER III
VOICES THAT SILENTLY SINGS
"A monarch must never fall inlove."
A few troubles here and there... and after two years of tranquillity, the palace was raging with life every day of the week. The young King's laughter, grunts and pleas seemed to have become the norm and it would either get the Queen to sigh, shout and even have a few discussions with him. The Knave felt like he was watching the small steps on how a Kingdom crumbles- he just prays to the Fates that they would not be leading to that.
Arthur found himself in a rather delicate situation. It was rare for Alfred to not approach him every day of the week considering that he would often drag him somewhere one way or another, much to his dismay. He wasn't the outgoing kind person, like the King thinks of him, but when he'd seen that the King was somehow at ease whenever they would go out in the capital, minus the royal robes, he felt slightly accomplished. It was also some sort of break for Yao...he hopes. He, then, made it so that they would go out once a week to bring comfort to this young King's mind. He was so used to have all the freedom in the world that he... He didn't exactly like to admit it, but both Yao and Arthur were used to the caged life the palace offers... but Alfred...he wasn't ready for this Kind of life so he'll introduce it to him slowly and maybe bit by bit he'll grow to understand that a King isn't just about duty... it was also about risks.
"Come on, Artie!" The King cried from outside the secret passage the Queen had especially made for their little trips in town to satiate the King's hunger for freedom. He was wearing this hooded robes that he borrowed from one of the footmen-and yes, that meant Arthur was wearing the exact same thing. Arthur found it weird, actually. Him. Wearing such clothing and similar to that of the Kings but he just have to push that aside. "Art... are you even alive?"A scowl came in response to that and a smack on the head.
"Won't you at least try to bloody stay quiet? We're still near palace grounds...And my name is Arthur not Artie and certainly not Art. Quit making stupid nicknames." Arthur said in a hushed tone only to earn himself a good flick on the forehead.
"You're the one with the harshest tongue I've met. Seriously... " Alfred said with a sigh and in a matter of seconds , there that bright grin was once more upon his young and cheeky face. "Fine, I'll call you Arthur but only if you don't speak your curses, okay?"
"I can do whatever the bloody hell I want-" Arthur said as he folded his arms and turned his back on him.
"Then dang Artie, I'm sure you're gonna love the nicknames I'll come up with."
Silence followed and Arthur was one to sigh. "Fine" He just wanted to see that innocent grin once more. He wanted to see that grin that seems to make the storms of his mind go hazy and a blur. He didn't know why he was capable of doing that but Arthur concluded that it was because he was the King. Besides, his stamina today wasn't that much if compared to the previous days. Arthur rather get this little stroll over and done with before he over exhaust himself. "Where do you want to go?"
Arthur, the powerful Queen of Spades... had a small weakness and he hides that quite well to only have a few people know about it. His magic was strong, his mind was brilliant and his swordsmanship was top notch- everything of him was best aside from his physical body. He was frail and was... not exactly fit for labour. He blames the environment that he had lived in but he couldn't exactly go back in time to just change that. Having been brought up to the closed doors of a mansion away from the sun and being tended to-Now, that was what his life ever since his first breath of the world. Thus, he kept this hidden...even from the King he serves. Prideful or not, he didn't want anyone troubled by this most especially now that the King was trouble enough for the monarchy. All the people need to know is that he was capable of being Queen and he would do his duty as Queen. That was what he had his mind set ever since his coronation.
And there it was the grin he was waiting for all day. "Right! I was hoping we could do a little shopping... like get some coffee beans and tea. Of course, tea, those things are like your life blood or something-"
Arthur blinked and a smile flashed upon his face. Just the thing he needed! His stock was almost gone and he really prefers buying the tea himself than have the maids rumble around. "It's my favourite drink so I don't mind. " He said as he followed the King but making sure his face was well -hidden from everyone's view. Well, he was noted from having these large eyebrows, which he claims normal, so he hid it under the hood. He even made his hair a bit messier on his forehead as his extra effort. He...won't admit it but he was starting to enjoy this strolls as well.
"Now, that's more like! That smile certainly is good on ya."
"Flattery will get you nowhere." Arthur said with a chuckle this time.
Alfred glances at him from the side with a somehow soft and disappointed smile."Looks like I'll have to stop smiling for the both of us~ " He said before taking his hand ran towards an alley. Arthur wasn't exactly sure on what to make of Alfred's words and most especially his gaze. Perhaps it was a compliment... or maybe he was insulting indirectly...
"Oh God! The guards are on patrol!"
" Run faster-Shit! It's raining. How many guards are on patrol anyways?! Why are there so dang many of them?"
"Spades is a military country—second largest army in the four Kingdoms and-"
"Oh quit with the lectures, already!"
"It would help if you would listen at the very least!"
The King of Spades, if Arthur would be left to judge, was an 'exceptionary' fool who didn't seem to be affected by the etiquette he learns and the history he masters. As long as he was alive, everything seemed to be all right. He was the same laughing, stupid idiot that would make even the angriest person slip into a joking session. Arthur has to admit that the palace didn't exactly felt like a cage with that fool around... The palace's walls... the Cage, seemed to have become invisible. It was one of the strangest feelings that Arthur had felt. The Spades capital that he knew was suddenly felt like a whole different place. It felt like it wasn't the Kingdom of Power... Ah, what was it? He looked at their joined hands and smiled softly. A Kingdom of Peace which had been so obvious in this young King's mind. What has he done?
A ring from the bell above the door informed the shop keeper of their abrupt presence. These so called costumers...They were soaking, panting and laughing and so 'unroyal'. They were like children playing hide and seek. Goodness! That is one big 'no' in any bloody rulebook but then with Alfred, everything seemed to be going badly but in a good way. Arthur had to admit, it is the first time that he'd seen this shop- a shop for necessities like tea, coffee, sweets—A cafe. It was empty but it somehow reminded Arthur of the tranquillity that Alfred had...wait... when did he start being tranquil? He was the most chaotic person he knows.
"Welcome... Y-Your majesties?" greeted the shop owner from the counter only to have his eyes wide
Snap. Their hoods were off and for sure he wanted to faint- back there it was just an easy hide and seek but now this was a national disaster. Arthur paled as his mind tried to process what excuse to pull of. 'Hello, humble citizen. We came here to hide from the guards and the rain. How do you do?' No, that won't work. Even Alfred won't buy that stupid line and he wasn't a good liar upon surprises. Good bye, dignity.
"Howdy! " Greeted Alfred as he let go of Arthur's hand and approached the counter where the seemingly stunned shop keeper. What did he expect of Alfred? Of course, he was just going to casually approach the shop keeper, thinking of nothing. Fates. Arthur wanted to call him back to his side to ask him but instead he stood there trying to get himself at least presentable. "We're not exactly supposed to be out right now but here we are. Since your place serves refreshments, you wouldn't mind giving my friend over there, right? He's the only one who can pay~" Alfred started with a wink and Arthur flinched upon a chuckle from the old shop keeper.
"The Fates bless this place, indeed. I didn't expect to be serving both of you today-" said the old shop keeper before gesturing the two Royals to take a seat on the stools by the counter. "Make yourselves comfortable...What would the two of you want to have?"
"COFFEE~" Alfred chirped as he took off his hooded robes and sets it. "Common, Arthur—Quit standing there" How...How could he just do that? Wasn't it awkward? And the shop owner, he should be reporting them to the guards to take them back to the palace but then he chose to entertain them. "He'll have some rose tea~" Arthur merely shook his head and removed his soaked robes and set them down on the vacant seat. Did Alfred just get his order-How did he know what tea he liked? Oh well... It's best to calm his nerves so he could think properly and get out of thi—
"ACHOO!"
"Dude? Are you alright?"
"Yes, just a bit—ACHOO!"
Damn him and his poor health. Maybe the exhaustion these past few days were too much for him to bear. He didn't even notice that the King had settled a hand over his forehead. "Hmm? Git, what the bloody hell are you doing?"
"Well, Artie, you have a fever." Alfred said worriedly. The shop keeper sets the freshly brewed coffee and tea on the counter.
"I'm fine."
"Yeah, keep dreaming, Arthur." Alfred said before getting Arthur's cup of tea and gave it to him gently. "Careful, it's hot, okay?" Arthur just nodded before he took the cup of tea and stayed quiet. Well, he didn't exactly have the strength to answer him but the tea was explicit! It made him forget that he even had a fever for a few seconds. He couldn't make sense of what Alfred and the shop keeper was saying! Everything was gibberish...ah, it was getting dark as well...
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Alfred let out an exasperated sigh as he stood by the window with his arms crossed and a frown upon his brow. He was thinking how foolish everything he did-it wasn't even 'King-ly'. He was aware that Arthur was frail considering that he had that aura but to think that he was that fail didn't cross his mind! He's seen him done his magic and even grew to be fond of it. It was always so impressive to watch him manipulate those spells that he would teach him. It was impressive to watch him mutter the long lessons, be it literature, politics, economy- FATES, he's even impressed by anything he does!
King, the Queen's health is very sensitive. And before you jump into conclusions, no, he's not going to die— His highness just requires a lot of rest. King, he'll be fine and it's not your fault either."
That's what his knave had told him yet he doesn't feel at ease at all. Well, they were the ones close, afterall. He knew it was his fault. It was always his fault. It has always been hard to fit in inside the palace walls. It was all so different to the life he'd been so used to live! He would have been happier living by the borders as a farmer for sure- he'd care for nothing more but his mother, father and little brother. Nothing more...Nothing more... It was fun, it was joy, it was LIFE but then the mark had shown upon his chest. Everything was a mess and he knew the mess of a life he had would ruin this peaceful palace.
He knew what the court had to say about him! He knew everything from soft whispers to shouts of dismay but he pretended to be deaf and took it upon himself to face this new life. 'I can do this...' – That's what he would think so he took everything half heartedly. Half of his heart knew he didn't want this life. His life was out in the fields. His life was somewhere else than this palace...
Yet he began to learn his lesson... Arthur and Yao were more than patient with him. They provided the information he needed. Was it because it was their duty? Was it for Spades? He knows nothing of their reasons but he only knows of one thing: They were helping him. Through all the information, he learnt: Not everything was enjoyable; Not everything can be achieved. He realized he wasn't ready to be king even with knowledge and power. He learnt that when Arthur fainted in the cafe. He didn't know what to do—what to say-what to think! He needed to learn and this was how the fates were helping him.
"Your Majesty..." Yao called out from the door. When Alfred tuned his gaze there, he saw Yao with someone. He was at the same height as Yao which would even go far as his shoulder and their hair was jet black. His eyes where own dark ambers and caramel...chocolate. A ruby earring dangled upon his right ear as it complements the robes he wore. He's seen such attires before but no doubt this one was grander. His presence was like and unlike Queen Elizabeta of Clubs and finally it all made sense when he saw more of his robes. The Royal insignia of Hearts. "His Majesty, the Queen of Hearts."
"Queen Kiku of Hearts. Unlike our Spades, Hearts is quite the distant Kingdom for the one who sits on the top most throne is the Queen. The Queen controls everything in Hearts. As of now, there is only Queen Kiku who rules... He has yet to choose a King and Knave. If you came across him, bow most respectfully."
He shifted his glasses for a moment upon remembering the words Arthur had said upon one of their lessons. He plastered a smile upon his face and bowed. "Greetings, Queen of Hearts. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am King Alfred of Spades." He muttered as he bowed. He was capable of being courteous and he knew from their lessons that it'll ruin not only the Kingdom but also himself. Arthur explained that the Queen of hearts did not demand respect- they require respect. Being the top suit, even Kings are to bow to him.
"Lift your head, humble King of Spades." The Queen of Hearts said while remained standing. Alfred did raise his head and went to study this Queen. If it was to compare, Arthur and Kiku had that similarity in aura. Noble and very much majestic. "If you wouldn't mind King Alfred, I would very much like to see the Queen... would you please escort me there?" His voice was authoritative unlike the Queen of Diamonds who had the gentlest voice he had heard. He didn't have the Queen of Club's glamour but he had charisma. LOTS OF THEM. And it was obvious that what he said wasn't a request despite how it was said, it was a command.
Alfred found this strange but he didn't argue and led this royalty to Arthur's chamber. He seemed to know his way around these halls so then why did he even ask for him to escort him? Was this some kind of tradition? He didn't hear about this... but for sure, he visited at the wrong time!
"I heard he was sick..." He heard the Queen of Hearts said and Alfred turned his gaze to him.
"Yes... He's contracted a flu, as it seems."
"It's been a while since he'd got them, again... I thought he had known his limitations."
Could it possibly be that this Queen, walking beside him knew Arthur well-No, he did know Arthur well from those words. "You and him... Are you friends-"
"Ah, we're here." The Queen stopped and looked at the door. He didn't exactly wait for the door to be opened for he was the one to open it in haste. Alfred was almost surprised. Why the sudden rush? And that smile. He frowned upon all of this. He could only conclude that the Queen of hearts knows Arthur- He shifted his glasses once more and entered.
Arthur was sleeping soundly on the bed as his cheeks remained flushed red with fever. That sight was the reason of his demise these past few days. He couldn't even look at Arthur for what he'd done. The Queen of hearts' expression was clearly shocked at this before walking to his Queen's side. He gently took Arthur's hand and closed his eyes and a red light from that connection was seen. "Exhaustion... He has to rest for this. Healing can't do anything. I have to say, you know how to get people into trouble, King of Spades."
Alfred blinked at that and watched the Queen of hearts lower Arthur's hand and looked at him. Displeasure was clearly upon his eyes but Alfred wasn't one to falter because of a gaze. "Excuse me?"
"King of Spades... May I ask what you have been doing?"
"What I've been doing?" He repeated. Was that a trick question?
"I pity my friend. He had to be stuck with a King of your calibre. What were the Fates thinking..." He was being mocked right in the face and all he could do there was stand.
"Isn't that a bit too much to say to me, Queen of Hearts?" Alfred's frown deepened as he looks at him. No matter what he said, he couldn't seem to get angry at him. Why? Because he knew he was right... He knew Spades was better off with a better King yet he wanted to make himself believe otherwise.
"Indeed, it is a bit too much... but most fitting of your attitude. You cannot be part of this monarchy when your mind isn't clear. Your resolve is unfulfilling- How do you intend to rule hundreds of thousands of people when you can't even keep the one closest to your throne safe?"
"I believe we are not to talk like this infront of a sick person—may I invite you to our study?" Alfred asked while deep in his heart he knew that well. His mind wasn't clear and surely his resolve wasn't fulfilling at all! But if he was going to be told off like this he'd prefer it to be in private and not infront of the person he looks up to-Arthur.
A smirk came upon the Queen of Heart's face before he looked up to Alfred. "A study... ? The gardens are more worth the account for this conversation."
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The walk there wasn't exactly as pleasant as the walk that took place in the hallway. The silence was too severe and even deafening! The tension was too much and this was the first time he's actually going to acknowledge this- This person, this monarch was underestimating him and he was clearly losing this discussion without a fight.
Why did this person visited? Why did this person show such care for his Queen yet for him it was the exact opposite?
Once they have arrived in the garden, Alfred's widens at the sight. So many blue roses... Ah, Spades was known for its thorny blue roses. He'd seen blue roses before but the sheer number of them there was overwhelming but obviously tended ever so carefully.
"From the looks of these roses... It has been three days since the Queen of spades had not tended on them," said the queen of hearts as his delicate fingers touches one of the roses' petals. His eyes saddened, much too different to the ones he had faced earlier inside Arthur's room. It would have been fine like this but he had to ask that question.
"Why do you hate me so much?" Alfred was at his limit. He wasn't exactly a patient person and the curiosity was overwhelming him as well.
"Hate? My dear King of Spades... I despise you."The Queen of Hearts said with all honesty as he turns at the King of spades. "That's what I wanted to say...but I can't really say that now, can I? Most especially to a child who doesn't know the world he has gotten himself into! What kind of fool do you take the monarchy for? If you think you can just come here and claim your throne without having anything given up?!"
"I've given up all my life for this fuck of a life thank you very much and I certainly do not need anyone telling that to my face especially someone who I apparently just met today! If you were chosen one day to live a life you didn't know anything of what would you do?!"
"How swell... That is how I've been living my life! Care to enlighten me more?!"
"Well, why don't you teach me your dang ways so I won't be so lost of a child, oh great one?!"
"You disrespectful little-"
A moment of silence. It would seem like the Queen of hearts had little discretion in words but he thanked the fates for making him stop. Both of them were out of breath and certainly at the point where they were too angry to even speak. This person was good...he knows his words well and for certain, he was one hell of a Queen to have that tongue. He almost reminds him of Arthur-wait, why are we there again? The poor guy had been sleeping his fever away yet he was thinking of him all throughout the day- how weird.
Then he had a thought... This Queen infront of him... He went to Spades and crossed the sea of Void because he wanted to check on Spades, right? The Hearts is in charge of balance and equity. That's right. He couldn't have possibly come all that long way to have an argument with him whom he just met and all.
He had to give a hand on him too. He was the most honest person that he'd meet so far aside from his family, Yao and Arthur. He was the first one to actually sound real as well. The court even the other Royals felt like they were all trying to be nice like that Ivan guy so... This guy have the guts to say all that. HUGE GUTS.
Alfred suddenly lets out a soft chuckle and that made the Queen of Hearts blink several times. "W-what are you laughing about now? I don't believe we are talking about something to jest about!"
"It's just...it feels nice."
"What?"
"To have someone say that to my face... It felt nice. I...I really am sorry for now being this perfect King everyone wants me to be. Like, seriously... it's too much. It's just been three months since my coronation and everyone expects me to be the best ruler in history. I try my best and I'm still learning... " Alfred said softly as he rubs the back of his neck. "I might even be the worst King in history but you can't exactly blame me for that. As for Artie, I'll be sure to take care of him and stuff. I honestly didn't know that he was physically weak since he was always this-"
A chuckle. A sweet chuckle came from the all nasty Queen of hearts that he had been arguing with a few minutes ago. Alfred blinked many times upon hearing that came from him and drew silent.
"Enough...How can one stay mad with a person who can openly say that without even stopping? " He said with a soft and charming smile that would likely rival the roses' scent. "I should be the one apologising, King of Spades. My attitude towards you was horrible. I hope you can forgive me." Not a hint of being sarcastic or hatred. It was a pure apology. He even bowed very deeply.
"N-no! Common. You don't have to do that—let's call it even, okay?" He takes it back... this Queen was caring. Chuckling unto his sleeve he looked fairly amused by everything.
"Alright but one question rests unanswered..."
"Hmm?"
"Who is this "Artie" you speak of? Is he a new person here in the palace? "
Alfred sweatdropped. The Queen of Hearts maybe the bravest when it comes to opinions but he may need to sharpen up his way of thinking—or maybe Alfred needed to learn a few more about the monarchy.
"At any case, being a monarch has just one restriction."
"Woah! Just one?" So there was one thing easy in this monarchy. Alfred silently cheers in his mind as he waited for the Queen to speak.
"A monarch must never fall inlove."
Alfred's mind drew into a halt. Why...why did that suddenly hurt? He puts a hand upon his heart as those words ring upon his mind... It reminded him of how voices would silently sing... they would silently sing for something unknown and right now... He was confused. Why did he felt like it was something that made his heart go numb?
To be continued...
Voices silently sing = watch?v=fny-rdzI1lU
