Sorry for the delay in putting anything up... I got distracted, then was ill, then distracted. However, in the meantime, I did draw a map for this world. I put it up on my DA account so you can all see. It can be found at: firebear1. deviantart art /Reluctance-Map-379937252
The next day, Arthur said fond farewells to his hosts at the docks, their expensive clothes billowing in the wind. He bowed to them. "It has been a pleasure to meet you and it is with a sorrowful heart that I depart," he told them, using the formal farewell taught to him by Larry. "I hope that it is not too long till we meet again."
The King, Queen and Jack bowed in response. "We are also sorry that you are leaving us, aru," said King Yao. "Yǒu yīgè ānquán de lǚchéng."
"Gàobié," said Jack Sun.
"Watashi wa sugu ni mata o ai shitai to kangaete imasu," said Kiku with a small smile.
Arthur smiled back, knowing what they said despite the language difference. Then he bowed once more and turned to walk up the gangplank. On deck, Larry and the three guards were waiting. He nodded to them and turned to look down on the country of Diamonds. He smiled slightly and waved as the gangplank was moved and the ship bustled with activity. They slowly moved away and, before too long, the three men had grown smaller and Arthur turned away.
He found the guards blocking him. "So, did you like 'em?" asked Riley, looking Arthur in the eye.
Arthur stared back at him, expressionless. "They made a very good offer," he said before moving off, making his way to his cabin. He knew that the captain would not be available for speaking with and the others would annoy him. So he decided to shut himself in his cabin and read some of the books that Yao had given him. It was a small taste of what would be imparted to him if he chose Diamonds.
It took them a few days to travel north along the coastline of Diamonds. It was lucky that the wind had changed direction and was in their favour. Arthur's time was now taken up by reading, talking with the captain, lessons from Larry and staring out at sea. Sometimes, he would watch the countryside rolling slowly by. He could see farms and mines; sometimes there were even people around, working. On these occasions, he would turn and go to the other side of the ship, staring at the sea instead. Watching them work while he had nothing to do disheartened him – he had been one of them and now he was far removed from them. Despite his drive to escape, he knew the likelihood would be that he would be alienated from them.
They turned north-west, once again moving along Diamonds' coastline. It took longer for them to get to the place where the border of Diamonds and Clubs met – the wind hadn't changed and they were forced to row. Arthur offered to help but the captain refused him. Arthur blamed Larry for this and shut himself in his cabin for a whole day. When he emerged, they only had another day's journey before they reached Clubs, this time going south-west.
Clubs was famous not only for its violent ways to obtain more fertile land, but also for its temperature. When they started to sail along the coastline of Clubs, it suddenly became a lot colder. The sailors started wearing more layers and the guards put on their official jackets and turned up their collars. Larry started wearing so many layers that he looked like a ball. Arthur, meanwhile, was bundled up in the best furs Spades had to offer. All of them were dyed a dark blue, Spades symbols decorating them. A large fur hat, reminiscent of the hats made in Clubs, was given to him and pulled down over his ears. Large mittens were forced on him and he was almost strangled in the thick scarf. The new boots were fur-lined.
He felt very warm, walking around the ship. However, the guards and Larry seemed to shiver occasionally though they tried to hide it. The rest of the crew seemed to be constantly cold. Several times, Arthur tried to endure the cold without his furs for the sake of equality. Every time, Larry forced him back to the cabin and dressed him in his furs. Arthur was frustrated. More and more he wished he had the freedom to wear what he pleased.
Finally, their harbour town destination came into view. The small, plain buildings paled in comparison to the decorative welcome of the Diamonds. Docking at the harbour was a simple and quiet occasion, the fishing boats dwarfed by the huge royal ship. The bustling of disembarking seemed subdued and Arthur watched everyone quietly get off the ship. Larry came hurrying over.
"It seems they've sent a carriage for us – isn't that nice...?" He didn't seem so sure. Arthur followed him curiously.
Waiting for them on the quiet street was a black carriage. The horses were black. Their plumes were black. The driver was wearing a very dark green suit which bordered on black. He looked at them blankly as he readjusted his belt, the long sword clearly visible to the surrounding people.
Frowning, Arthur suddenly noticed that the sailors all had weapons on them. He hadn't seen them with any on board the ship and neither had they been using them in Diamonds. The captain seemed on edge. Riley, Charlie and Rajesh were standing beside the carriage, their hands on their weapons. All three were scanning the streets. Larry seemed anxious and ushered Arthur into the vehicle before he could fully register the tension present in the air. The guards followed them in and, once everyone was seated, the driver ushered the horses to leave at a rather fast pace. The interior was not comfortable and Arthur could feel every jolt. Clubs clearly did not favour comfort for their royalty, preferring them to be efficient rather than relishing in their wealth.
They left the small town, people's eyes watching them from the shadows. The road was rather long in Arthur's opinion. It was also in dire need of having some large rocks removed as they careered over them. Arthur tried to watch the scenery. There wasn't much snow at this time of year but the place still seemed barren. That explained the need for fighting for land. He had heard that certain places had better land for farming but he could see none of that here. However, he could see several people sitting at the side of the road. Begging on this cold road pulled at Arthur's heartstrings despite his own problems and he wanted to stop. However, the carriage travelling too fast to halt their progress.
"Are you wanting something?" asked Charlie when he noticed that Arthur had been about to speak several times.
"Well-" began Arthur but Riley interrupted them.
"This road is dangerous. They aren't beggars, you know."
"What?" said Arthur, frowning.
"Many roads between the capital and nearby towns have dangerous criminals, Arthur," said Rajesh calmly. "And a lot of people in Clubs do not like change. They cause problems for the new King and Queen and, until they squash their needless uprising, these people attack the royal convoys."
"R-Really?!" exclaimed Arthur in surprise. He had known of the constant conflict in Clubs; he had no idea it was this serious.
When they eventually arrived at the capital city of Wooscm, Arthur looked out at a large wall which surrounded the city. He couldn't see anything else but he could see that the way was blocked by thick iron gates. The driver stopped and spoke quickly with the guards at the gate. The gates were slowly opened and the carriage moved on.
They continued through a maze of streets, the plain buildings shuttered. The people were on the streets, waiting for them and they watched the carriage roll by without much interest. Guards could be seen throughout their journey, managing the crowds. Looking closer, Arthur could see that everyone had a weapon of some sort. He really hoped they wouldn't have to stay too long in this country.
Finally, they arrived at the palace and, after passing through another set of gates, they stopped in the bare courtyard. A lone fountain was the only decoration. The palace itself had a domed roof. It appeared to be a dull red colour, in direct contrast with the green walls and the green fountain. Still wrapped in his furs, Arthur alighted, this time only too happy to let the guards get out first.
There were two men waiting for him. The first was tall and was clearly happy to see him. He had on a hat much like his own except it was smaller, a pale green and had a Club symbol sewn to it. It was perched on his head and matched his long coat. Fur lined the coat and it had both pale and dark green parts. His boots had a green sole and he was holding a long sceptre with a large purple jewel on it. This, Arthur decided, had to be the King of Clubs, Ivan. The other man was a lot shorter than the first. His brown hair was tied back with a green ribbon and he was wearing something akin to what Arthur imagined he would be wearing in Spades. His waistcoat and long jacket were both dark green and his trousers had a Club in the same shade sewn to them. He looked nervous and bowed to Arthur when he came out of the carriage. Arthur bowed back, wondering if he was the Jack or the Queen. Ivan didn't move.
"Greetings, King Ivan," he said. "My name is Arthur Kirkland. It is a pleasure to meet you." Then he slipped off his boot and raised the foot with the Clubs mark. The cold bit at him and he shivered slightly, trying not show it to the King.
"Dobro pozhalovat', Arthur Kirkland. It is a pleasure to meet you, too," said Ivan. He had to kneel to inspect the mark but, after a few moments, he nodded and stood.
The other man was the Jack, Arthur decided, when he moved forward and knelt to make his own inspection. "Sveiki, Arthur Kirkland," he said as he stood, nodding at both him and the King. Arthur quickly slipped his foot back into his boot.
"May I ask," said Arthur, hesitantly, "where is your potential Queen? The Diamonds had Kiku greet me as well. Is she all right?"
The smile on Ivan's face vanished. "Urgh," he said. His expression was a mix of fear and dread. "She... is busy... er... getting ready. Da?" he added, turning to Jack Toris.
"U-Um," said Toris nervously. "Taip..." He nodded vigorously.
A smashing sound made everyone jump and they turned to gaze up at the newly smashed window of an upper floor. "Vialiki brat!" shouted a deep woman's voice.
"Urgh," said Ivan again, watching the glass fall to the ground. "I thought I told you to put her in a room without windows?"
"I... I did," said Toris, frowning. "I gave Katyusha the key."
Ivan sighed. "She must have gone to her with food."
"Is..." said Arthur, nervously. "Is everything well?"
"Da!" said Ivan immediately, smiling at him. "I will show you to my-"
"Vialiki brat!" came another shout. Arthur glanced up and gasped. A blonde woman in a green dress had climbed onto the window ledge and was looking down at them. She seemed to pause for a moment and then, suddenly, she leapt from the window.
"Natalya!" exclaimed both Ivan and Toris. They rushed towards where the woman had fallen and Arthur followed them, wondering just what sort of country he had arrived in.
When they reached the spot, they found a pile of hay, obviously waiting to be used for the horses. The woman was clambering from it, covered in bits of straw. She was wearing a green dress which faded between different shades. It stopped at her knees at the front but continued further down at the back, presumably so that she could move easier. There were short puffed sleeves but a thinner, darker green sleeve was underneath them and were long enough to reach her wrists. Clubs shapes adorned it and there was even one attached to the ribbon which tied back her hair. She had on a serious expression and marched straight up to Arthur who had spotted the Clubs mark on her forehead. Glowering at him, she spoke harshly. "Leave my brother alone. He is mine. Stay away."
Arthur blinked. "Um... I'm sorry but... Who is-"
"Vialiki brat!" exclaimed the woman suddenly and threw her arms around Ivan's neck. "Vychodź za mianie zamuž!"
The King looked horrified. "Net!" he exclaimed, trying to pry the woman off him.
While he struggled, Arthur turned to Toris. "Um, I'm sorry but... Is she the Queen?"
"Ah, taip," he said with a grimace. He turned from the scene and smiled slightly at Arthur. "She is the King's younger sister and is now the Queen. "It seems that she has the idea that, since she is the Queen, she has to marry the King – no matter if it is her brother."
"That, ah, seems complicated..." said Arthur, grimacing.
"Taip..." said the Jack with a sigh.
The Spade felt sorry for the Jack. He seemed polite and well-spoken. It was a pity that he was stuck with this strange and complicated situation. Arthur almost laughed. He had liked the Queen in Diamonds and now he liked the Jack in Clubs. If this pattern kept up, he would probably like the King in Hearts.
Finally, Ivan managed to get his sister off him and he ran off, back into the castle, the girl giving chase. He seemed to be yelling "Net!" as he went. They followed at a slower pace, Toris saying that he would guide them to the study, where Ivan had intended to offer Arthur the deals. Inside, the halls were decorated with weaponry. Swords, axes, maces, spears – it detailed the history of war in the country. No other decorations were present and Arthur had a feeling of oppression. He hated the thought of living here and could barely imagine what it must have been like to be raised within the walls.
When they reached the study, the polite Jack bowed and left Arthur alone. The others were led away, glancing at him worriedly. Arthur watched as the door slowly shut behind them and everything became deathly silent. He gazed around the simple study. Shelves housed books and the desk was bare – except for the two skulls set aside as decoration. Arthur stared at them, wondering if they were recent or from a former king's era. Deciding he didn't want to know, he ignored them and sat on the small, rickety chair. The chair behind the desk was large and ornate. It made no question as to who was intended to be the dominant one in the room.
There was a click as the door open and Arthur watched Ivan slip inside. Noticing Arthur, he gave a nod and locked the door behind him. He walked silently to his chair and sank into it with a sigh. The smile instantly reappeared and he gazed at the potential Queen who immediately became uneasy.
"You want to know what I have to offer you, da?" he said.
Arthur nodded. "Please. May as well get this over with."
"I can make sure that no-one bothers you. And if they do, they will not bother you for long, da? I will protect you." Ivan's smile widened.
Feeling a shiver run down his spine, Arthur nodded in understanding. "Anything else?" he asked.
"I will slay any enemies you have." Once again, his grin became wide.
Not knowing what to say, Arthur nodded once again. "I understand... I will think about this. Thank you very mu-"
"Vialiki brat!" yelled a voice at the door. Both men inside the room froze. "Dzie ty?!"
Ivan placed a finger to his mouth. Arthur held his breath. There was a moment of silence. Then they heard Natalya's boots fading into the distance. They both released their breaths and glanced at each other.
"Pozhaluysta!" said Ivan with a worried look. "Be my Queen so I do not have to deal with her!"
Chuckling, Arthur shook his head. "I have to take everyone's offers into consideration. You will know my answer when this is all over." Which, Arthur had decided, would probably be a no.
There was a knock at the door and Ivan looked at it. "Da?"
"King Ivan?" said the voice of Toris. "I showed the others to their rooms and they have set up one for Queen Arthur. Is there anything else you'd like me to do?"
"Da!" said Ivan, now smiling once again. He rose from his chair and went to the door, unlocking and opening it to reveal the Jack. Toris was still looking a little nervous. Arthur couldn't blame him and, once again, pitied him. "I would like you to take Arthur to his room and then come help with the preparations for tonight."
"Ah... Taip, pone," said Toris making a little bow. Arthur rose from his own chair and Ivan stood aside to let him pass, still grinning in his eerie way. Toris bowed to Arthur and began to lead him down the corridor. Arthur heard Ivan close and lock the door behind them.
"I am not a Queen, yet," Arthur said to Toris, kindly. Toris glanced at him as they ascended the stairs. He seemed worried, as if he wasn't sure what to call him. "You can just call me 'Arthur'," the Spade continued.
Toris breathed a sigh of relief as they reached the top of the stairs. He nodded. "Sorry, Arthur. Natalya tells us that she is the Queen all the time, so we have gotten used to calling all four of you by the term."
Arthur nodded. "She is a formidable woman."
"Taip. But she is loyal – at least to her brother."
As they walked along a corridor, Arthur spotted an open door. Curious, he paused to peek inside. He caught sight of a large portrait. He turned to continue following Toris to find the Jack watching him and smiling. "Ah!" he said, blushing at being caught.
"Your room is the first on the right on the next level. I'll leave you here and go back to help King Ivan."
"Oh. No, that's all right. I don't really want to look at portraits. I much prefer gardens," Arthur added, thinking back to the garden in Diamonds.
"Well, there is an entrance to the greenhouses at the other end of the hall. They are a floor up to protect them from intruders," explained Toris.
"I see. And it will be fine for me to just walk in there?"
"Taip!" Toris seemed to be about to say something else but he swallowed it and smiled. Arthur wondered what he knew.
"Then... I will take my leave of you, Toris. Thank you very much."
"Nėra už ką," said the Club. He bowed and left, heading back down the stairs.
Turning back to the door, Arthur pushed it open further and entered the long hall. He glanced along the length of it. One side was lined by floor to ceiling portraits. The other had suits of armour from different eras standing to attention. Looking up at the portrait which had caught Arthur's attention, he saw a tall man who looked a lot like Ivan. However, the man didn't smile much and seemed to be wearing ancient breeches. In one hand he held a sword; the other held a skull which seemed to have blood pouring from it. Looking up into the man's steely eyes, so similar to Ivan's, Arthur found himself terrified. He turned from it and inspected the nearest suit of armour. This didn't help matters as there was a belt attached to it, what looked like fingers dangling from it.
He hurried along the hall and, about halfway along, he breathed a sigh of relief. The portraits had become less violent. The suits of armour held no trophies. He relaxed and gazed up at a man who seemed to be smiling slightly.
A clanking noise alerted him to someone approaching and he spun round. Natalya was coming out from behind a suit of armour, glaring at him. Arthur's eyes were drawn to her hand in which she was holding a rather large knife. She advanced on him and he backed away, not clear on her intentions. "Stay away from Ivan. He is mine. I will not let you have him!"
"I-" Arthur's back hit the portrait and his eyes widened as she continued to advance. "Y-You can't kill me! You would be upsetting your brother and creating a war!"
Natalya froze. Eyeing Arthur, she clicked her tongue. "I will not kill you. But, be clear: I will not let you have him."
"Y-Yes. I understand..." said Arthur in relief.
"Natalya!" came a woman's voice from along the hall. Arthur glanced round and saw a woman with a rather large chest running towards them. She bounced as she ran and Arthur found himself having a hard time looking at her face instead. Her hair was blonde and short but held back by clips and she was wearing dungarees. When she reached them, she bent over, catching her breath. "Natalya! Where have you been? I need to help you get dressed for tonight!"
"Where is my brother?"
"Ivan Dearest is getting ready. You had better come alo-" She stopped when she straightened up and saw Arthur. "Oh! Queen Arthur! Meni duzhe shkoda! I did not see you!" She bowed deeply, her chest bouncing once again. "Budʹ laska, relax while we get everything ready for you. Come along, Natalya!"
"O-Of course..." murmured Arthur as the woman pulled Natalya away. He realised once they had disappeared that he had been too flustered to correct the woman about being a Queen. Maybe living here wouldn't be so bad if she was around...
Shaking his head at himself, he continued down the hall. At the furthest end there was a space for both a portrait and a suit of armour. Looking up at the portrait beside it, he realised that the space must be for Ivan. The last portrait was of his father, someone Arthur thought looked rather stern and serious compared to his most recent predecessors. He turned from them and saw a set of glass doors – the entrance to the greenhouses.
Smiling, he hurried through and a blast of heat hit him. Although the interior of the castle was warmer than outside, Arthur hadn't felt the need to remove his furs. Now, however, he hurriedly took off his hat, mittens, and huge coat, leaving himself wearing a pale blue shirt and royal blue trousers. That would help identify him if a servant came along and complained. A table was nearby so he draped them over the accompanying chair before paying attention to the flowers.
There was a lot of oranges and yellows. Arthur recognised crocuses, Arnica Montana, Maltese Crosses and, providing the only difference of colour scheme, some Larkspur. These were all native to Clubs, he knew, but the sunflowers were native to Spades and he was shocked to see so many of them. It seemed to be a forest. However, unlike a forest, they seemed to have been taken care of well. Impressed, Arthur walked along slowly, admiring each flower. He paused at an alcove within which was an array of grasses, the green colours matching the Clubs' national colours.
Just as he was about to carry on, something caught his eye further along the path. Looking up, he could see a shadowy figure leaning against a water feature of a woman pouring water onto some men. At least, Arthur hoped that it was supposed to represent water... A chirping alerted Arthur to a small bird which flew up from the ground and towards the person. Whoever it was turned their head to look at Arthur and laughed. It was an odd sound and, to Arthur, seemed to be "Kesesese!"
"Hello...?" said Arthur, stepping towards the shadow. "Who's there?"
"Kesesese!" was all the person said as his bird chirped happily.
Arthur felt a shiver run down his spine. He recognised that birdsong. It had been at Diamonds. "Who... are you?" he asked.
The shadow moved suddenly and Arthur flinched, closing his eyes instinctively. A pair of hands wrapped around his waist from behind and he cried out. He twisted round, opening his eyes to see just who – or what – had grabbed him. The familiar smile of Ivan was there and Arthur relaxed a little.
"Privet, Arthur. You have found my garden?" The King frowned suddenly. "What were you looking at?"
Remembering the shadowy person, Arthur turned once again, searching for them. However, no-one was there. The whole episode had barely lasted a minute – had he actually seen the shadow or was it a trick of the light? But... he had definitely heard the bird and the laughing.
"J-Just... It's an interesting water feature..." Arthur stuttered. He gestured at the men who seemed to be holding their faces in agony. "And, please!" he exclaimed, struggling against Ivan's embrace. "Let me go!"
"Izvinite," sang Ivan cheerily and let Arthur go. "Do you like the garden?" he added.
"Well, it is certainly a cheerful place."
"Compared to the rest of the palace, da?"
"W-Well..." said Arthur, flustered. How had Ivan known what he meant?
"I know that it is a foreboding place. I have often wished to live further south. However, I have my duty and I am now bound to this place. At least I have these flowers." He smiled round at them, gazing at the sunflowers in particular. This smile, however, was much more genuine than the others. Arthur smiled slightly as well.
"Where did the sunflowers come from?"
"When we Kings were children, my father held a ball. When Alfred arrived, he was clinging to a plant a child from his city had given to him. It had been his birthday while he was travelling and he had told the child how he would get very little presents. As far as I am aware, the child gave him an early present and he refused to let it go. When I saw it, I wanted it – it reminded me of the sun we see so little of. At first we argued about it and fought and cried and then... He left it behind when he left." Ivan looked at Arthur who was staring at him in shock. That oblivious idiot had done something so kind? Ivan continued, however. "I am unsure as to whether he had forgotten about it as he is so young or if he had left it for me."
"Oh," said Arthur, realising that it had probably been the former. He rolled his eyes at his King's antics. Even if he had been intending to choose a King, he doubted he would want to serve Alfred.
"The evening's entertainment has been organised. Your escort is waiting for you in your room if you would like to get changed and join us."
Arthur nodded. "Yes. If you'll excuse me." He left the place, pausing only to pick up his furs. He gazed back, thinking of how beauty could bloom in even the most desolate of places. As he did so, he noticed that Ivan was staring at the water feature, standing quite still...
Dressed in a pair of thick, dark navy trousers and a thick, long-sleeved blue shirt, Arthur made his way down to the hall where the night's entertainment was to take place. He entered to find rows of chairs filled with people. They were all facing a stage with red, velvet curtains. Arthur spotted Ivan sitting in the front row beside an older couple. They had the same silvery hair and Arthur realised that the former King and Queen were both in attendance. A seat beside Ivan had been left for him and he slipped into it.
"Privet, Arthur!" said Ivan, cheerily.
"Good evening," said Arthur with a nod. "Where are Natalya and Toris?"
"They are performing tonight," explained Ivan. "Otets i mat' are so proud of her." He leaned backwards a little so that Arthur could see them. He bowed his head respectfully: they bowed back, unsmiling.
A sudden tinkling sound from a harp filled the air and everyone in the room was silenced. Ivan, however, leaned towards Arthur and whispered in his ear. "Ah! It is starting! You are in for a treat!" Arthur only nodded in response, watching the curtains sweep open.
Natalya and the woman from earlier were on stage. They were wearing what appeared to be some sort of swimsuit with a frilled skirt sticking out. The shoes were merely fabric wrapped around and tied up their legs. Natalya was wearing such a dark green that it was close to black. The other was wearing a pale green which was almost white. They were both standing with one leg pointed towards the audience and their arms in the air above their heads.
Violinists and cellists began to play soft, floating music and the two women began to move. Their movements were fluid as they spun and pranced around the stage. Being so close to the front, the thudding of their feet as they landed was clearly audible. They were in sync for the whole dance and their movement was almost bird-like: as if they were soaring on air currents. Arthur, however, barely noticed this as he tried not to watch the stranger's chest.
Finally, the music stopped and so did the dancers. A smattering of applause started up, Arthur joining in. He stopped when he noticed his host wasn't clapping. Onto the stage came three more people. Arthur stared at the one on the right. He had the same brown hair and pale green eyes as Toris from earlier. However, he was now wearing a bright green swimsuit similar to the girls with the same sort of skirt attached. His feet were also bound in bright green fabric to act as shoes. He leapt onto the stage with a taller man wearing spectacles and a small boy, both wearing the same outfit. They looked as if they had been crying and their cheeks were a brilliant red.
The Spade had to watch them dance around the stage, trying to avert his eyes from other bouncing body parts. The shock on his face may have shown as, at one point, Toris caught sight of him and gave a small sob. It was almost lost over the music and the thudding of their feet. Arthur glanced at Ivan who frowned at the suppressed sound.
Admittedly, thought Arthur a few minutes later as they finally stopped dancing for the moment, they were rather good dancers...
When the show finally ended, Arthur politely applauded along with everyone else. The curtain swished close and he was just able to spot the looks of relief on the boys' faces. Ivan turned to him with a smile on his face. "Did you like it, Arthur?"
"It was... er... rather interesting," said the Spade, hesitantly. "Ah. I was wondering... Who was the other woman?"
"That is my older sestra, Katyusha."
"Oh," said Arthur, not sure whether to be disappointed or relieved.
There was movement from the rest of the room as people rose to leave and Ivan's parents followed suit. Arthur hurried to get out of the way. As they swept past him and Ivan, he noted the look they were giving him. It seemed to be one of disdain and disgust. Frowning after them, Arthur glanced at Ivan. He didn't seem to be happy either.
"My parents think you are irresponsible and not fit to help me run this country," Ivan said, quietly. "They say that I should be happy with Natalya, but..." He grimaced. "I wish she would stop with the marriage thing..."
"Ah...?" said Arthur, faking mild surprise.
"Da..." replied Ivan, looking miserable.
"That-" began Arthur but he suddenly found Larry at his elbow.
"Arthur. We must leave here at dawn so I suggest you get some sleep," he told the Spade.
"Ah! I see. Sorry, King Ivan. I will take my leave now." Arthur bowed. Ivan nodded with a small smile. As Arthur hurried off, he heard Natalya's shout of happiness as she threw her arms around her precious brother.
About the title: I wanted a word which ended in -ance (apparently my theme for chapter titles in this story) which indicated violence (for clubs = weapons, etc) but chose this instead when I saw it on a list of words anding in -ance because I just thought it was perfect for Ivan.
Because I was checking this over and came across Yao's Chinese and couldn't remember what it was, here is what everything means (except for the words I've used in other stories which I feel are quite obvious, especially in context). They are split up into characters in speaking order (Yao, Sun, Kiku, Ivan, Natalya, Toris, Katyusha):
Yǒu yīgè ānquán de lǚchéng. = Have a safe journey.
Gàobié = Farewell
Watashi wa sugu ni mata o ai shitai to kangaete imasu = I hope to see you again soon
Dobro pozhalovat' = Welcome
Pozhaluysta! = Please!
Izvinite = Sorry.
Otets i mat' = Father and mother
Taip, pone = Yes, sir.
Nėra už ką = Do not mention it/You're welcome.
Vychodź za mianie zamuž! = Marry me!
Dzie ty?! = Where are you?!
Meni duzhe shkoda! = I am sorry!
Budʹ laska = Please
I didn't want to have Ivan being violent/creepy/whatever - I just wanted the country to appear different from Diamonds and to represent what they are associated with. Which is conquering bits of land (in ancient history, anyway). The uprisings which happen after a new King is crowned usually drag on for a few months but Ivan will quickly quash them once the Queen thing has been sorted out.
The thing that Toris knows about the greenhouses is that they are tended to specially and only by Ivan. He knows that Ivan will probably turn up. Hw also thinks that this is the one side of Ivan that people from outwith Clubs are more likely to like. Just telling you all before you think Toris knew the shadowy figure was going to be there or something.
I was going to write in Felicks in the dancing scene - then I forgot and decided on him doing something else. But he will turn up, so that's good.
Mathias, Lukas and Emil are all elsewhere in Clubs, making a living and missing Berwald and Tino. They probably won't turn up in the story. Maybe.
I think that's all I need to say except that I can't wait till the next chapter - I'm going to enjoy writing Arthur's meeting with the King of Hearts!
