A short but quick update just because I got some AMAZING reviews that really got me inspired to write. I really do read your reviews and try to respond. So leave some more and I will get the next chapter up soon since this chapter ends the short to Ace Arc and next time will include the Alfred Arc which will be long and include everything to put the plot in order and get on to the main section of which is full of war, love, and some steampunk themes.

Beta'd by OKFan ~THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Translation: Diamenty- Polish for Diamonds

CHAPTER 7

Arthur pushed Samuel and glared at him with narrowed green eyes,"What was that man talking about?" The two were now standing on one of the many balconies the castle had to offer to speak in private.

Samuel looked so out of character to Arthur. The once proud pirate now looked like a small child caught by their mother when doing something wrong.

Taking a deep breath, Samuel looked at Arthur, "We all do things we are not proud of and I am no exception. Some of us have done just minor things while others have done such major things that end up haunting them for the rest of their lives."

Arthur was quiet as he waited for the other to continue. Samuel walked toward the balcony's tan railing and rested his weight against it, "I was born a prince of Spades."

Arthur's eyes widened, "Then why are you not the King? I was told that a country needed a King, so why are you here?"

Samuel held up a hand, "I was born a prince that does not mean that I am still one. I was banished by my parents as were my two brothers.

"We were jealous of our younger brother. He got everything and he was only a baby! My parents paraded him around after he was born and soon started to forget about my brothers and me. They named him to be the successor of the throne and it infuriated us. When we asked why he got to become King my mother only smiled at the baby and looked at him saying that he had the eyes to rule the country.

"It angered us because his eyes were the same color as ours. Hell, a lot of people have green eyes. But my mother insisted that it was why he'd be King.

Samuel looked to the ground, "One day we just got so mad we took our younger brother to the well in the court yard and threw him down it. We waited for the sound of him hitting the bottom but it never came. When we looked down into the well, he was gone. My father had seen the whole thing from his balcony and sent guards after us. My mother was devastated. She became so devastated after it that when she became pregnant again the baby was born with blue eyes. Blue eyes meant the Kirkland gene had failed and he became a joker cursed to roam the world as a no one.

"I never meant anything by it. I was a young child who did not know what death was or the significance of a world without a King of Spades. My brothers and I were banished at the time when we heard of my mother and father's deaths. But we did not miss when the clocks started working again, the nation rejoiced, but with that came the impending crush of hope. I have prayed for my sins and wish I had never done that to my brother, but the past is the past and I am afraid I cannot change it no matter how hard I wish or pray."

Arthur looked toward the sky, "You did a horrible thing, but I can hear the wised to right your wrong and I'm sure your brother would forgive you."

Samuel smiled at Arthur, "You know you have the same name as him."

Arthur blinked, "I guess even here Arthur is a popular name."


"Alfred, what do you mean by neutral?"

Alfred stood from his brother's throne. His tattoos seemed to dance across his skin as his muscles moved. Matthew stared at him, "I see you finished them off." Matthew pointed toward the dark blue tattoos against his brother's tan skin.

Alfred smirked but his mouth went back into a serious line, "I am being serious, Mattie."

Matthew glared at Alfred, "No Alfred, you are being foolish." Matthew pointed toward Alfred, "They will come after you all next. Look what the King did to his own brother and father. His father is nowhere to be found and his brother is a Joker dammed to roam this earth for eternity! He has to watch his love marry someone else and live life without him. He has to watch her die! All the while the King is holding mass executions for those who are a little bit different than a human."

"We were told to not get into foreign affairs with other countries!" Alfred shouted.

Matthew strutted forward all the while yelling at his brother, "You are living in the past! Tomas and George told you people to stay out of foreign affairs so long ago when you weren't even alive." Matthew stopped as he stood in front of his brother.

Alfred's blue eyes turned to an icy blue that was glowing , "Just because your half of Ace is still in Spades' common wealth as an independent country does not mean that we are."

"You own none of Ace Alfred! You are not the King, I am and my people are going to join this war, whether you like it or not."

Alfred growled at Matthew, "You will not make us wards of the country." With that his eyes shined brighter before Alfred completely disappeared.

Matthew glared at the spot where his brother once stood, "Damn it."


Francis sat at the table beside Arthur and Samuel. The King had spoken to the ex-prince about the incident and had come to an understanding. Yao had been kept in his room for some much needed rest that night.

The doors opened, letting in Matthew. All the guests at the table stood and waited for the King to take his seat. Matthew looked at the attendants at the table before inclining his head toward Francis.

Francis sat back down and smiled over at the other King. "Matthew, I wish for you to meet the Captain of the ship I took here and his second in command, Samuel."

Matthew gave the two a hesitant smile, "It is a pleasure to meet you both."

Arthur nodded, "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, your Majesty." Arthur bowed his head in respect.

Hearing the genuine politeness in Arthur's voice Matthew greatly relaxed, "I assume you are the Captain of Hearts' navy?" Matthew picked up his fork and began eating the meal in front of him.

Arthur shook his head, "No, we are more freelance than any navy." Seeing Matthews confused expression made Arthur chuckle, "I am Arthur, Captain of the Ship Elizabeth."

Matthew's fork fell from his hand, "The Pirate ship." Arthur nodded and Matthew's eyes narrowed. "That ship came onto Ace's shore and its Captain killed my family!"

"The old Captain of the ship is dead. I made sure of it." Arthur said giving Matthew a stern look, "And I also will promise you that I do not attack to be unjust, there must be a reason for my actions." Arthur picked up his fork and took a bite of his food.

Matthew just nodded before he began to eat once again.

The doors of the dining hall broke open and Yao ran inside. "Diamenty has been invaded by Hearts soldiers."

Francis stood up, "That is violating the old war agreement."

Yao nodded and strode forward, "I have a declaration of war already wrote up and ready to sign I assume you have done the same?"

"Yes, I wrote one up on the way over here." Francis said turning toward Arthur. "Will your ship be ready to help in this fight?"

Arthur nodded, "I shall do anything I can to stop them." Yao looked to Arthur and nodded, but his eyes were slightly wider and filled with confusion and curiosity.

Matthew stood from his seat, "It will take about a week to draw up the contract but I will also be joining in your cause."

Francis walked over to Matthew and placed a hand on his shoulder, "We are very appreciative of this."


Arthur walked through the Castle. The only light in the corridors were that of candle light and the moon. It was eerie but it was the only thing to calm his restless thoughts. He only wore his pants and buttoned shirt, feeling no need for his jacket.

The sounds of nearly feather light footsteps caught his attention. When he turned around to see who was behind him, he saw an empty hallway. Thinking it to be his imagination Arthur turned to continue his walk but stopped short.

The figure was clad in a black hooded cloak. His face was hidden beneath the hood and he continued as if not noticing Arthur. Thinking this to be some sort of intruder Arthur took a defensive stance, "Who are you?"

The figure jumped and turned as if the person was looking at Arthur. His heart sped up as a bright shine of blue illuminated under the hood. With the best guess Arthur had he assumed it to be the figure's eyes. Taking a step forward he reached for his sword. Wrapping his hand around its hilt, Arthur took another step, "State your purpose here."

The figure seemed to be as confused as him. Lifting a hand the figure started to fade then, with a flash of light, it disappeared. Unsheathing his sword, Arthur ran forward toward the light but when his eyes cleared the man was gone, baffling Arthur.

Looking to his left he saw the floating orb that was the fairy that had followed him around. Reaching out, he let her stand on the palm of his hand, "What are you doing here?"

The fairy pointed down a long hallway, "You must go this way and follow me"

Arthur looked at her confused, "Why?"

The fairy gave him a stern look, "You must!"

Arthur began to question her again but soon gave up as he realized she would not give in to telling him anything. With a heavy sigh he agreed and began to follow her throughout the corridors.

A lonely figure dressed in blue collapsed on the ground, his hand clasped to his mouth, hazel eyes wide.


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