Warnings for this chapter: Fruk, affairs, human names and angst.
Special thanks to Jade, my wonderful editor.

I do not own Hetalia or the characters they belong to Himaruya as this is a work of fiction.

Chapter 4: Four of Spades
House of Spades

~Return~

It was now past seven, both secret lovers entangled and chests caving in as they relished in the afterglow of their intense rutting.
Arthur looked at his lover with such satisfaction, taking a lovely curled lock of gold and teasing it slowly about his finger.
"That was exhilarating as usual, Francis." Arthur complimented the other, grinning to himself as well for he was the reason that the mighty sovereign was at his side.

Instead of gratifying the Queen with an answer, Francis got up with a sigh and went to the vanity to take the basin of water and washcloth that rested on its edge. He brought the basin over to the bed and set it on side table and proceeded to clean his lover off and then himself.
But instead of joining the glowing queen on the bed as expected, Francis didn't seem to have any intention of returning as he shuffled to his clothing and pulled his undergarments and pants on in one smooth motion.
He picked up the remainder of his clothing from the foot of the bed, eyes still lingering on the flustered queen that seemed surprised at his actions.

Arthur rose a brow, lifting himself onto his elbows to offer some leverage.
"Leaving so soon?" He asked lazily, with a slight tone of annoyance.

"Ah, yes, I'm afraid so my dear Queen. I have to return to where I am needed."
Francis said through a smile, before pulling his tunic on over his shoulders and tugging the fabric into his pants, to cover his hairy chest.
However, the shirt remained parted as a foot came up to his chest at first then slowly brought itself to Francis' bearded chin, toes at point.

"But you're needed here." Arthur said through a coquettish smile, bringing his foot to the King's lips.

The brush of rougher hair from the Diamond's beard met with delicate skin only to be ignored for pink lips connecting in a soft appreciative kiss to the top of his foot.
Arthur thought he had Francis in his grasp once again, only for the King to gently push the limb back to the bed. Arthur didn't take kindly to being told anything but yes, which made Arthur's green eyes flare with displeasure as he looked at Francis', ignoring those cobalt blues glazed over with hurt.

"You were the one who insisted that this only stayed something based on physical aspects alone.
If I stay any longer, we'll drift into emotional affairs and you know this."
Francis replied, confessing more than he wanted to in that moment.

Who was he to blame other than fate itself? Though he was blessed with vast riches and a luxurious lifestyle, Francis sacrificed his desire to love whomever he pleased in the public eye and was cursed to marry for the sake of filling roles.
His queen was far too delicate, far too pure to touch, especially by the unclean hands of the passionate lover known for his multiple partners, Arthur being one of them.
With Arthur it was different. A love unrequited and yet Francis willingly let himself be used by the man he loved more than anything. This love was one-sided, but he accepted that he wasn't that special person for Arthur if he could not have him another night more.

Arthur watched as Francis got dressed, taking time to look himself over in the mirror so that nothing seemed amiss. Francis' vanity was one of his downfalls, but Arthur didn't mind it too much since he was partaking in indulging the fruit of that vice. As Francis looked himself over, he caught eyes with the Queen of Spades, quick to return to his personal grooming.

Arthur shrugged at what Francis had to say, knowing that he wouldn't allow it to drift so far as to lose himself in this.
His heart still remained true to Alfred, but his body betrayed his love.
It was a shame that Alfred was much younger without experience, aside from Arthur himself.
Sex with him was often awkward and rushed, clumsy at best and Alfred's notion of foreplay was non-existent. With Francis he felt desired and every ounce of his body was worshiped and given the attention it deserved. With Francis he felt desired and beautiful in a way that he knew Alfred wouldn't be able to at this stage of his life.
Arthur began to reminisce, but was stirred from his thoughts with a kiss to the cheek, the beard prickling his skin in a peculiar, yet familiar way.
"I'll be off, my fair Queen."

Arthur looked at Francis with slight concern, offering a warning to ensure his lover would return to him another day.
"Do be careful, it would be a pity to lose you to the wolves or thieves while you're of use to me."

"A wish for safe voyage?" The smug King blinked in surprise.
"Oh, I do believe the Queen of Spades is beginning to spoil a poor sinner."
Francis teased, that stupid condescending smirk not tearing away from him.

"Sinner is right; now get out of here before I begin to wish ill on you."

Arthur snapped, wearing an annoyed expression.
Francis smiled brightly, but this was a smile that Arthur could not return.
Yes, Francis was beautiful in every sense of the meaning, but it didn't have that familiar warmth that rivaled the sun's rays on a summer day. This wasn't Alfred and as Francis took his leave, closing the door which resonated in the bedroom Arthur realized, he was left alone with his guilt.

" Brilliant."
He said to himself, turning his naked body towards the spot that was reserved for his husband, the side that he refused to give to another. He rolled into those sheets that smelled faintly of his beloved, his smaller form filling the hardly noticeable indent of his husband.
Grasping at the blue sheets, the lonesome Queen offered a shuddered sigh as he pressed his cheek into the pillow, cursing the distance between them in this moment.
He really needed Alfred now, but he would be denied this privilege tonight.

Yes, he got off with Francis, but it wasn't the same as being held by Alfred's loving strong arms, being kissed through the night, promising eternal devotion even though Arthur was undeserving. Arthur would deny being of worth and Alfred would kiss tender pale skin and promise that Arthur was worthy of such love.
Arthur's head was spinning, thoughts of his husband making his vision cloud with tears that threatened to spill, but would not. He hated these tears, those that would cling, but never spill. It was as if that in this time when he wanted to be held and adored by the only one that mattered, his own tears refused to let Arthur alone to his own means.

"Just a few more nights, that's all." Arthur said to his longing heart, hoping that it would be satisfied for now. Francis wasn't enough anymore, this was apparent. The Diamond's heavy cologne that had left its scent on Arthur's bruised skin was chasing away Alfred's sweet smell that used to cling onto Arthur even after being with Francis.

"Just a few more nights, then he'll be here. He promised."
Arthur whispered to his heart until he has fallen asleep, a single tear staining the pillow.

The next morning Arthur decided to busy himself, occupying his mind with his management of the kingdom over a cup of black tea in the rose garden.
Soon he would be tending to the hearings of citizens and prisoners alike earning his title as Black Queen rightfully so.

As he read over permits and pleas from behalf of the people of Spades, some dreams far too ambitious and costly for his own taste. So very much like Alfred; he was ambitious with perseverance like no other not to be rivaled, but to be admired. Such perseverance was to bepracticed in a time like this when facing such tedious bureaucracy even after his black tea was finished.

"Your Majesty." A voice called, breaking Arthur from his work.
He set down the documents to offer a glance at his unexpected guest.

"Oh, proceed Yao." Arthur waved his hand carelessly, resuming his reading in an attempt to keep from making eye contact.

"Your Majesty, I must have a word with you."
He stated with the stern look common place whenever he was addressing Arthur.

"Yes, well? Go on, I don't have all day." Arthur replied, tension in his voice.
"I have judgments to pass within the hour."

"This matter is one of concern for the stability of the Kingdom of Spades; it's about your promiscuity behind Alfred's back. Perhaps you should focus more on your own morality before you continue to judge others for their sins."

Yao's words had enough bite to them to provoke Arthur's eyes to widen, snapping his vision at Yao.
It was absolutely repulsive to have his Jack speak down to him as he did and it wouldn't go ignored.
Both met with glaring eyes, a fight starting as soon as they made contact.
"How dare you speak to me in that tone?
Watch your tongue, for I have your head in the balance!"
Arthur warned his Jack who had yet to back down.

"I only have the Kingdom's best interest in mind and that of my King.
You may be his Queen, but my sole duty is to protect him, even it must be from you."
Yao replied, spice in each of his words though he tried to offer some respect to the Black Queen.

Arthur stayed silent, lips pressed tightly and nose flaring. He offered a
"What I do behind closed doors is no one's concern and is no place for politics.
Besides, Alfred already knows."

"You've told him?" Yao asked in surprise, concern in his tone.

"Some things do not require words."

He replied coldly, eyes tense with hate.
"You say that the balance of the Kingdom lies in my loyalty to Alfred. Well if wasn't for the Kingdom, I wouldn't have to resort to my company being kept in private. King Alfred is always rushing to other duties and is kept away for the good of the Kingdom and I keep things running in his absence.
So if you so value your life and truly care for your Kingdom as you say, I suggest you mind your tongue and keep such opinions to yourself."
After a silent pause, Arthur resumed the conversation, head held up high and eyebrows furrowed.

"I have nothing more to say to you. Get out of my sight.
If I require any further insolence I'll be sure to summon you.
I have no desire to see your face for the rest of the day."

"Very well then, I'll leave you to your duties, Your Majesty."
Yao wished he could refuse Arthur, but he regrettably nodded his head in some form of respect and made his leave. He couldn't leave any faster, fists clenched tightly and attempting to keep his fury to himself the best he could. His Kingdom deserved far better than that wretched Queen and Alfred deserved a far better spouse. Yao knew there was no more he could do than offer his advice to the royal couple, for in the end Alfred had the final say in all matters related to the crown and of course his heart.
Yao offered a moment of silence for those poor unfortunate souls that would be beheaded in his place for his insolence that had fueled the Black Queen's rage.

"May the heavens have mercy on their souls and may King Alfred make a swift return home."

And that evening, blood spilled on the cobblestone as Arthur watched the prisoners suffer, wishing that it was Yao, the very force that had brought him to this madness.

The following morning, gates creaked open as a silent procession leaked within, all underneath faint light with daybreak. The King had returned and caused a silent commotion amongst his loyal staff.
The flag was raised and it would be the first thing that his Kingdom would see once dawn had finally broken.
The servants relayed the message quickly and quietly, organized chaos in the early hours.
The message soon reached Yao from a young maid, tugging at him to quickly greet their king that was already within the courtyard.

Alfred dismounted from his steed, taking the time to stretch before he offered a smile to his servants.
"Welcome back your Highness," Yao said, slightly out of breath from running to the gate from his previous post at the door of the Queen's chambers.
"I trust you're in good health. I hope the trip wasn't too cumbersome."

"Not at all, I'm actually glad I decided against taking the carriage.
It was a lot easier to slip out of that meeting."
Alfred said optimistically. He left the reins to his brother, who took the beast to the stables for a rest.
"I've got to do that more often!" Alfred said, motioning for Yao to follow him as he headed towards his home, the other servants offering proximity for them alone.
Once Alfred was certain that the others weren't in earshot, his voice dropped from optimistic to something serious and urgency.
"So, how are things here?"

"If you're asking if your Queen met with any suitors in your absence than yes, he has." Yao replied bluntly, as to not leave cause for confusion. This was all factual information that Alfred was after with no intention to hurt his King.

"Oh. I see." Alfred said slowly, any hope that he had leaving with those words.
"Thank you Yao."

They walked on in silence to the palace, the awkward energy between them noticed.
"My Lord, are you curious to as in whom he was attending to?" Yao asked.

"I don't need to ask if I already know, Yao." Alfred replied, anger flaring in his response, which took Yao by surprise.

"Well spoken."
Yao replied, walking ahead to open the door for his King. He knew that his King's expectations and hopes had betrayed him once again, but he was acting on Alfred's orders and he couldn't stop Arthur and Francis, even though he wanted to. In his mind, Arthur was undeserving of Alfred's adoration and it was his wish that the King would feel the same way and cast the Black Queen out, but it was a farfetched dream.

"Yao, there's a few things I need to get done in the mean time."
Alfred said sharply, still not stopping as he headed to his office.
"Please don't tell Arthur that I'm here. I'd like to be the one who tells him personally."

"Yes, my King." Yao replied. "There are more matters we have yet to discuss this evening.
Matter of state and of mind."

"Alright, but first I have my own matters to tend to. Those come first."

"Matters of the heart?" Yao commented.
This stopped Alfred, turning to Yao with an expression of furious frustration that settled into a solemn smile.
"Well, yes."
"That's wise of you. Your Kingdom is dependent on their King's judgments and that comes from a clear mind and rested heart."
"Well if it were only so easy." Alfred sighed, turning away from Yao and entering the haven that was his workroom.
Yao wasn't sure how to reply to his King's melancholic disposition, words of wisdom eluding him.

"That is all Yao." Alfred stated, disappearing into his office and shutting the door behind him.
Yao's lips pressed together, offering a defeated sigh from his nostrils as he was furious to himself to have allowed things between the royal couple to escalate to the point where it was beginning to wear on their King.

Arthur arose a few hours later, still blind to the arrival of the King as the sun leaked from the stained glass to his face. His eyes adjusted to the light, eyebrows furrowed and a slight whimpering from his discomfort filling the silence. He was still in that same position as the previous night, clinging to the pillow that smelled of Alfred. He sighed, realizing that he'd gone yet another night without Alfred.

"Morning." A soft familiar voice called out from behind, enough to capture a gasp of surprise.
Arthur reacted instantly, turning to the voice only to have a bright smile on his face.

"Alfred! You're home!"
"Yes, I am." Alfred replied through the soft smile on his lips, arms folded to himself to observe the damage. He came without warning and was grateful that things were not as bad as he had imagined they could have been. The scenario of catching the two adulterers in the act in his own bedroom haunted him; thank the heavens nothing of the sort had occurred.
The warmth in his voice was fading quickly, but Arthur hadn't caught on,simply because his joy of Alfred's return had forced it to slip his mind.

"I had no idea you'd be coming home so soon!" Arthur exclaimed, astonished that his love had returned.
"I'm so happy to see you!" Arthur shifted his robes that insisted on slipping off to cover his flesh,
though it wasn't enough to hide the tell-tale signs that lay underneath.

Alfred took the time to notice his Queen's body, marked obviously not by his own means.
Looking at him knowing that Arthur was blatantly lying to him hurt more than he could bear, finding it hard to look at him he shifted his gaze to the roses.
"Those are lovely." He said, noting the color was not native to the area.

"Ah yes, those were a gift." Arthur said, struggling to come up with a story to explain their origin, he allowed the truth to leave him.

"A gift, from who?" Alfred asked, quirking an eyebrow, wondering if he'd be lied to once again.

"Well I went to the market the yesterday and they were given to me."
He lied behind his seemingly innocent guise.
"But that is not a gift compared to having you here! Come love."
Arthur offered the spot next to him with arms wide open.

Alfred almost felt guilty for rejecting such a sweet offer, had he not known that Arthur was an adulterer.
" 'Fraid not. I have some duties to attend to with Yao, trust me I'd love to spend the day with you...
"Tell you what: Tomorrow we will, I promise. Just you and me, alright?"

Arthur seemed slightly disappointed with this news, but still the smile hadn't disappeared from his face, "Alright. Tomorrow. It's a date then." Arthur said with a solemn smile, trying to keep a brave face.
"I suppose you should be going."

"Yeah I should. I'll see you at supper." Alfred stated, heading for the door.

"I love you Alfred." Arthur said softly, finally sensing the distance from Alfred.

Alfred did not turn to face Arthur, swallowing hard before replying.
"I love you."

He couldn't leave fast enough; Alfred leaned against the shut door, sinking as his heels shifted forward, his body slumping in defeat.
His efforts in taking a strenuousand sleepless trip had not prevented Arthur in the slightest from seeking his own pleasures through another. It hadn't been the way he expected it at all and the disappointment was killing Alfred slowly.

He shut his eyes and grimaced at the pain in his heart before taking off in a huff of rage in order to press through this and took off to tend to Yao.

The moment Alfred left, Arthur looked himself in the vanity from the bed, shifting his robes to the side to hide the love marks. He traced the obscene bruises and bites with his fingertips, wondering if Alfred could see them. What would he think of him? Would he even say anything about them?
Perhaps Arthur was just too eager to receive his judgment so soon.
Maybe this affair had gone on for too long. How long had it been, six years?
(Had it really been six years?)

Yes, perhaps he should offer monogamy a try with fidelity and honor.
Francis was the past and Arthur knew he had grown up since those days in the rose garden, sneaking kisses behind Yao's back.

Clinging to the past was foolish and it no longer served as it once did in staving off the emptiness that came with being alone. For even though Alfred had returned and was with him, he felt further away from him now and Arthur knew it was brought on by himself.

A/N:
So remember I mentioned that I may take a break when I post two chapters?

Well I ended up doing so and it was not by choice I can assure you. I'm currently preoccupied with my junior year of college and it's far more demanding than I had originally anticipated.
Not to mention I had a craft show I needed to make product for so I wasn't near my laptop if it wasn't school related.
I should be able to stay on top of things for now since I've planned accordingly and since most of the other chapters are completed.
-Please forgive me!

So fear not! I will be posting regularly! I'd like to thank Jade once again for beta-ing and all of my readers and followers for sticking with me.