Warnings:Angst and Language
Also I do not own Hetalia or these characters, Himaruya has that honor.
Chapter 9: Nine of Spades
Kingdom of Spades: Courtyard
~Tidings of War~
Days had passed since the night that everyone in Spades wished had never happened.
Trouble filled rumors filled the castle, rumors slowly creeping of infidelity, mistrust, and pain between Alfred and Arthur that affected everyone.
Lonesome meals and nights followed as Alfred waited for Arthur to exit their bedroom, so they could speak together and clear the air.
Arthur knew Alfred did not deserve what had happened and he had every right to be upset with him, but Arthur wanted an opportunity to speak with Alfred and come to the source of their problem. Perhaps he would be willing now and judgment could be cast, rather than simply suffering in silence.
That fateful afternoon ago, after destroying Arthur's tea and desecrating him with awful names, Arthur was ready to reveal all, but Alfred was not ready to accept it for himself.
"Arthur," Alfred stopped Arthur from going on for he was already overwhelmed with emotion.
"Forget it; I don't want to hear about it! Not now, the damage has already been done."
Alfred reasoned.
Arthur was annoyed by the statement,
"You can't honestly expect me to go on this way, do you?
Cast my judgment if you will, but I will be heard!"
"Just, not now!" Alfred said once more.
"But Alfred-"
"Enough!" Alfred yelled, frustrated tears coming as he glared at the surprised Queen.
It was too late to return to the life they had once known, but Alfred was still willing to try.
He loved him, even if it hurt as much as it did now.
"Please Arthur, not now. You've done enough damage to my heart as it is."
Alfred spoke softly each word tainted with pain, eyes averted from the other and head low.
"I… I see."
Those words were enough to kill what hope Arthur had for them both, anger setting in.
"Arthur, wait." Alfred began, attempting to keep things from escalating any further.
"It's not that I don't love you, I still do. I just can't talk about this right now."
This could have been Arthur's saving grace, but Arthur ignored the pardon , letting his temper lead.
"Then perhaps I should simply spare you the trouble and end this where it stands!"
Arthur replied with biting words, ready to surrender it all.
"I won't be a bother to you again, I can assure you."
"Arthur, stop."
Alfred sighed in frustration, reaching weakly for Arthur, who was determined to walk away with haste, stopping at the gate.
Arthur didn't even turn to face Alfred, fighting his tears as they threatened to spill.
"You already know that I'm a liar and a whore, so I've condemned myself when there isn't a need for explanation."
With that, Arthur left everything behind and walked away from Alfred, offering time to his thoughts, including what would be of the Queen of Spades.
Alfred rubbed the stinging tears away, calling for Yao, who wasn't too far from him lurking behind the rosebushes. Yao was surprised he was found out, coming up slowly from his hiding place to reply to his King.
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Find him and bring him back." Alfred stoically ordered.
"As a prisoner?" Yao asked with curiosity in a Cheshire cat's tone, potentially leaping to conclusions, but all precaution was to be taken with this.
"No." Alfred simply replied. "Tell him he's to stay in the palace, nowhere else.
It's not safe for anyone from the royal family to wander alone.
I'll be in my study; he can stay in the chambers until I'm ready for him."
With that Alfred walked away, not another order to be given and Yao was not pleased.
The thought of having to retrieve the sorry excuse of a Queen was detestable.
To think through all his sufferings, King Alfred still wished for Arthur to be at his side, when the Queen was probably on his way to the Diamond King for another tryst. Well, an order is an order and there really wasn't any refuting it or planning a murder to dispose of the Queen, at least not this time.
Arthur wandered into the woods he loved so, subconsciously seeking some form of comfort as he ran away from everything he had known. In his haste, Arthur ended up tripping on an overgrown root loosened by the many rains that had graced Spades as of late,
stumbling to his fall on the moss below. And though Arthur was face to face with the earth, he couldn't find it within him to rise from it, but rather soaked it with his tears as he broke.
He didn't deserve to have pity, what he did was beyond forgiveness in his mind and this pain was a consequence, even he knew this, but still, he was human.
Once Arthur ceased to choke on his desperate sobs, Arthur noticed darkness was beginning to settle in and that he would be wise to leave the woods before it was too late.
He looked ahead from the ground, tears washing away the mud from his cheeks, face brightening considerably once he spotted a fairy circle, twelve mushrooms aligned in a circle.
It was a blessed sight that he could take comfort in, considering his circumstances had brought this among himself. He sniffled back his tears, forcing a stiff upper lip as he reminded himself a warning his mother had given him long ago; fairies are rather unforgiving and love to tease even in weakness, so best not to let them see him weep.
He began to imagine strength in her words, whenever his brothers would bully him enough that he would hide in the tall grass of the glen until his mother would find him.
"My ickle boy, my dear sweet boy.
You shouldn't cry or the fairies won't come to play.
They can only have one emotion at a time and they won't be much fun teary-eyed."
It was enough to bring a smile to Arthur's face, the moment bringing light to his dim world or was it truly light? He turned about and gasped, not expecting the Spade, face tight with judgment.
"Yao?" Arthur asked, wondering if it was an apparition or a fairy's trick.
"Get up, you're returning with me, the King's orders."
He stated, not even offering a hand to him.
Arthur rose with little dignity, but enough to not continue to shed another tear.
He dusted himself off and nodded,
"I understand."
"You're fortunate to have his favor." Yao spoke each word with bitter resentment, leading the way and brightening their path home with an old lantern.
"Others would not be most forgiving."
Denying Arthur's willingness to speak openly as to how the affair had begun was foolish for now Arthur wasn't willing speaking to him.
Because of this fact, Alfred decided to take the journey to the source of his troubles, the Kingdom of Diamonds and seek answers for himself. Alfred had nothing else to lose at this point and conveniently he found a legitimate enough excuse to pay a visit to the Golden Kingdom. Something of the past, a debt from the old war that had yet to be paid was certainly sufficient enough.
"Yao, I'll be back in a few days, I promise."
Alfred assured, pulling the strap on the saddle tightly, ensuring it secured his supplies. He had enough supplies to get by for about a week even without relying on the riches his kingdom offered, but he knew he wouldn't need them if he made this trip in haste.
"Your Majesty, does he know that you're leaving?"
Yao asked cautiously, mindful of how much the King loved his husband, regardless of the affair. In fact, he was certain the Queen could get away with murder and Alfred would still love him so.
"He hasn't spoken to me long enough to do so."
Alfred replied in annoyance as he adjusted the straps of his belongings, anything to distract his mind from any emotion that threatened to haunt him. There was a pause of silence between the shuffles of busyness before Yao spoke with insight.
"Your Majesty, I do not think it is wise for you to go while there is anger within your courts…
or within your heart."
Alfred sighed at Yao's wisdom; the look of desperation in his eyes, wanting ever so much to say everything, but he knew he couldn't. However, since Yao knew Alfred well, he could easily read all the emotions that ran rampant in his heart, jealousy and fear leading his motives.
Yao's expression did not change, but Alfred couldn't keep up his facade any longer and he burst before his loyal Jack.
"Yao, I've tried everything! He won't talk to me. It's pointless."
Alfred replied with humbling frustration akin to breathy whining.
Alfred just wanted things to go back to normal, even if it meant Arthur would be cheating on him, however even he knew that wouldn't solve a thing.
His jealousy brought him to hurting Arthur and in order to love him the best that he could, it would require that he nip the bud of adultery within their relationship and commitment to be restored.
In order for him to promise to Arthur that he would never hurt him again,
Francis needed to be out of the picture, permanently.
"But plunging your kingdom into war will not solve anything."
Yao said sharply, staring the young King down. He understood that his King had just had his heart betrayed and had realized that even he was not in the right in this situation.
Alfred's eyebrows furrowed, but in his eyes was sadness from the hurt Arthur caused.
He had reached the end of his rope and for some reason, confronting his husband's lover would be the way to solve everything on his own.
"Yao, please don't make this harder on me. The Diamonds have been trouble from the start;
this proclamation has nothing to do with Arthur.
Besides, I told you I'm only going to discuss some business with the Diamond King, that's all."
"That may be true," Yao quickly interrupted, taking his time to make his point.
"However, your decision may be impaired, as well as your judgment.
Perhaps, review this with the council for a few nights more before you go and make such a hasty decision. War is something you cannot simply turn from."
Yao stated with an air of wisdom, though in reality it was that he knew the royal couple well.
Since childhood, both were known to hold a grudge, but never for longer than a few days. Certainly whatever misunderstanding the two of them had would be forgiven in a matter of days, Yao simply didn't want things taken to the next extreme for now.
However, Alfred had finally broken; hope was only a foolish ideal of optimism that he would have believed in the past, but no longer. He offered a sweet brave smile that he normally offered the Kingdom and replied innocently enough.
"I told you Yao, I don't intend for war.
The King of Diamonds and I are to have a talk, that's all."
Alfred dismissed himself of all duties and since the Queen was emotional compromised, all affairs would be left in the care of his regent Yao.
The Asiatic Jack watched on helpless to aid Alfred.
Arthur was a stubborn man and he knew that Alfred was hopelessly in love with him for some ungodly reason.
It made him sick that someone could be loved so passionately and yet their affections are cast aside in favor of selfish affection whenever they already had someone who promised to always be by their side.
Before Alfred left, while mounted on his steed, he pulled back and went to courtyard in sight of the balcony to the royal couple's room as tradition held before he would venture.
He waited a while, hoping to see those stained glass windows part open, but he received not even a glance. Watching his King holding the expression of painful optimism was disheartening for Yao as those blue eyes filled with sadness as he held on to the last bit of hope he had.
Arthur would be the only one to stop this and he was being selfish, only more reason for Yao to loathe the ungrateful queen.
Meanwhile Arthur questioned if he should cave into the tradition they shared or not, but he wasn't sure if it would be safe to do so. His heart longed for the other, even though it was battered and bruised, in the end he really loved that man; regardless of what anyone would say.
He would not come and Alfred had to accept the painful truth, he was being ignored.
Alfred hung his head and sighed, swallowing the hurt, before he continued on his path, the sadness evolving into anger.
Rage was building yet again, but he needed that energy to drive him as he ventured to face the man that ruined everything.
He drove his heels deep into his mount and took off toward the forest with haste, two of his escorts following him from a comfortable distance.
Arthur bit his lower lip, watching Alfred and the two escorts disappear into the forest from behind the window he dare not open, silently unsure if he should have just let their eyes meet and whisper his apology.
Once he was certain that they had gone, the Queen went to the door, checking if there was some form of letter sealed with blue wax or a simple note regarding Alfred's sudden leave, but there was nothing.
Arthur quirked an eyebrow, that was unusual.
Alfred had always told him where he'd be running off to, not that it mattered now,
since there was a lack of consistency as it was.
The guard at the door was standing at full attention, trying not to make eye contact with the Queen.
Arthur was a wreck, sleepless eyes exhausted from crying, a reddened nose beginning to peel and dried, flushed cheeks, all evidence of the hellish week he had kept within that room.
"Guard, fetch me something to eat. I'm famished. I'll take it in the courtyard."
The guard left in such haste, overjoyed that the Queen was taking meals again for Alfred would be most pleased.
Arthur played the scenario in his mind, trying to find one that didn't include what had happened, but it still stung, so there wasn't a way out of it.
Maybe he deserved this pain, maybe he didn't or maybe this was just what he needed in order to end the relationship with Francis.
Arthur couldn't cry anymore over this, no more tears came from him, partly for he was disgusted with himself and the other half was for that he missed Alfred terribly.
Arthur decided to venture into the courtyard, conveniently taking the long route to pass Alfred's study.
The study was a wreck as expected, since it was never intended to be used as a bedroom; however there was a makeshift bed in this room as well as several layers of clothes tossed about on the floor.
'So this is where he was staying.' Arthur acknowledged, entering the office in disarray.
Arthur sucked his teeth and shook his head in annoyance, picking up after his husband and setting the clothing on the partly made bed.
He couldn't help, but bring Alfred's tunic to his nose and take in his comforting scent. All things considering, he missed Alfred and wanted to make amends. Holding onto his anger was getting him nowhere.
He smiled to himself, grateful he didn't smell the perfume or scent of another on the tossed article of clothing, simply the scent of Alfred he adored so. Surprisingly the adulterer Queen of Spades was a selfish man who wasn't willing to share after all, but at least with Alfred, Arthur would never have to worry about infidelity though little could be said for his own actions- at least that was the case in the past.
Now Arthur was determined to change things for the better if Alfred would have him, if not all would be lost.
Just when he was about to leave, the cluttered hardwood desk caught his eye, gravitating the Spade to it.
He looked for any sign that Alfred had made an official decree or something important and his suspicion was correct.
The cooled blue wax on the surface of the table that was normally reserved for important documents was now idly scratched away with his fingernail as Arthur let his eyes wander for more clues.
His emerald eyes danced over the layers of documents strewn all over the desk, partly opened scrolls and even books littered the table,
as well as a partly eaten beef sandwich that Alfred was so fond of.
Arthur's nose crinkled in disgust at that, taking the food and tossing it in the bin under the desk.
It was then Arthur noticed some crunched up balls of writing paper all around the base of the receptacle that were unfortunate to ever make it inside.
Arthur took a few of them, curious to see if it was an attempt at writing a love letter or a song for him.
Alfred was quite the romantic after all and it wouldn't be out of place for him to do such a thing- well perhaps it would at the present.
The crumpled paper did have quite a bit of print on it, written in cursive. Arthur's curiosity peaked for such a lengthy letter would be a joy to read.
He happily unfolded and straightened out the paper until it was legible, but soon as he read it he was left as pale with fear.
"It…It can't be…" Arthur gasped, dropping the crumpled balls and clutching the sole document in his hand.
It was a draft of a declaration of war addressed to the Kingdom of Diamonds from the Kingdom of Spades.
He swallowed the lump of anxiousness down his throat and thought to himself.
'This is the beginning of something terrible.'
~House of Diamonds: Gates to the Courtyard~
Alfred and his men had finally arrived at the palace gates gilded in bronze;
their exhausted mares could finally give no more after the demanding journey Alfred had demanded be done as swiftly as possible, not wishing to stay there for much longer than he had to. It wasn't that the Diamonds Kingdom was unpleasant; on the contrary the Diamonds had its own beauty as everything seemed to be the color of amber honey and the people with bright smiles as the Spades were welcomed in passing. The Diamonds was well known for their rich natural resources and amber waves of grain that danced in the breeze under the sun that made the land seem as if it were gold. It was a shame such beauty was wasted on such an awful King.
The courier Alfred had sent met them at the gate as well as the Jack of Diamonds, both men were serious, set apart only by their appearance.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Diamonds, I hope your journey went well."
The Jack of Diamonds spoke in forced hospitality.
"Yes, well enough." Alfred replied, dismounting his steed, eager to get past the formalities and meet with the King. He entrusted his horse to his men as he continued on the task he had at hand.
"I am here to request council with the King of Diamonds."
Alfred looked at his courier who bowed to his King at the acknowledgment, before speaking to the Jack again.
" I see you've received my message."
The Jack of Diamonds' efforts at being patient and kind per request of his dear Queen were being tested as he tried to stay in top form as possible.
"Yes, we have. His Highness is currently expecting your arrival in the grand hall.
If you were to follow me I could take you there. If you'd like, you could take time to refresh yourself in the guest chambers and-"
"No. Did I not tell you I request to see him in council? That is all I require."
Alfred said sharply, anger behind his voice and eyes.
Normally a face lit up with smiles, was now stoic and fearful.
The courier's sharp eyes wavered from the King for this wasn't a sight the lad was used to.
The Jack of Diamonds' eyes tensed up, cursing silently to himself for he had to serve such a rude royal that wasn't even from his own Kingdom, but this was the role he played.
"Very well, I'll have to ask you to follow me then, Your Highness."
Alfred complied with a nod and a forced thank you, following a few paces behind the stringent Jack, his loyal Spade servant following him as well as they walked through the grand courtyard that surrounded a large pool with yellow petals idly floating on the surface.
Lovely ladies, two with hair of gold with ivory skin and one with cinnamon skin and brunette locks bound by red satin ribbons, lounged about the water, watching the fascinating men in blue that stood out against the golden pillars they passed.
Alfred tried his best not to keep eye contact with them, nodding his head to them in greeting only resulted in snickering and gossiping among themselves, judgment heavy in their gaze.
'Ladies in waiting,'
Alfred mused, trying not to distract his mind on them, but making a note not to cause a scene for these ladies to spread gossip over. Best for them to stay preoccupied on their silly fancies and ridiculous fashions, a marvel they didn't faint with the heat and the absurd amount of luxurious clothing they were swimming in.
The throne room was now in sight, so Alfred fell back slightly motioning for his Spade to come to him and the man caught one quickly, coming in close to hear the command.
The courier's breath hitched and his eyes sharpened, offering a soft bow of the head before falling behind his King once again; all was understood.
The Jack of Diamonds could care less if they were plotting or discussing politics for he knew that any King wouldn't be foolish enough to attempt anything risky while being a guest in another territory.
Once they walked through the guarded golden walkway, the large door led to a grand throne room with 60 foot tall golden tapestries hanging from the ceiling, blowing gently by the breeze that entered from the doors. The refined beauty and brilliance from the Kingdom of Diamonds was to be admired, but Alfred was simply too busy seeing red to appreciate such fineries.
The only treasure that he was after was Arthur and he was willing to fight for him,
no matter the cost. As Alfred approached the throne he caught eye of the smug King of Diamonds who lazily sat back at his gold gilded throne, one arm propping his head as if he were judging those who entered. The smirk hadn't eased from his face and the confidence he held could easily rattle those who entered this grand place, but Alfred would not be moved for fury was at his side.
"And to what brings about this pleasure?"
The King of Diamonds asked in his pompous voice that Alfred deemed grating against the ear.
"We need to talk,"
Alfred eyes shifted to the multitude of guards that stood at post, finding their presence intrusive in a matter of Kings.
"In private."
Alfred said sharply, motioning for his courier to come close and once he did he left his gilded blade into his servant's hand. This was a sign that he was coming unarmed and only to let his words aid in the battle for Arthur's heart, a confident move from a formidable opponent that did not go ignored.
"Very well, I see no problem in that."
Francis replied, taking his own scabbard from his side and placing it into the palm of his waiting knight, a tall fearsome blond man whose scowl seemed intimidating and indifferent all at once.
With a single sweep of the hand he dismissed the plentiful sum of guards in that room, even his knight, and his loyal Jack, Vash with a nod. In that moment, the courier of Spades was instructed to leave as well, following the Jack as closely as possible.
With a loud thud the grand golden doors were shut and suddenly everything that once glimmered was considerably darker, the only light let in was from the saffron stained glass windows within the darkened throne room. Just as the room had transformed in an instant,
so did the mood between the Kings that were now meeting eye to eye.
There was no need to uphold stupid protocol; it was now a war between two powerful men.
"I believe I already know what's on your mind."
Francis said, inviting Alfred to come to his throne.
"There's no need to act so innocent about the matter."
Alfred complied, not saying a word of his business until he was before the King.
"Do you now? Then that will make this a hell of a lot shorter than it has to be."
Alfred replied, slight sarcasm in his words joined with a forced smile.
"Now- who the fuck do you think you are?"
A/N:
A cliff hanger for the next chapter... I promise you all won't wait too long for the next part.
Recently Hurricane Sandy cause quite a bit of damage in the north east, to those affected I send my best wishes and hope they continue dreaming as they rebuild and recover.
A special thank you for Jade for beta-ing and editing.
