Chapter X.
Alfred's education began very simply. Arthur stormed into his room, where he was forced to remain to rest, and dropped an armful of books at the foot of the bed.
"Read," Arthur snapped.
Startled in silence, Alfred picked up a book with his good arm and began to read obediently. Arthur retreated to the furthest window, crossing his arms as he looked at the view outside. The leaves were falling off the trees, leaving bare skeletons that seemed to reach desperately for nonexistent sunlight. He stood there several minutes in silence before he turned his attention back to the bed, eyes narrowed.
"You're not reading," the Queen said moodily.
"Yes, I am!" Alfred's head snapped up, his shoulder stiffening at the accusation.
"I've been here for quite some time and you haven't turned a single page!"
Uncertainty flashes in Alfred's eyes and he glanced back down at the book in his hand. "I can read," he muttered sullenly. "Just really slow."
Regret flared in Arthur's chest and he glanced away, unable to look at the expression on Alfred's face. He couldn't help but lash out, and yet there was no real reason for him to unleash his frustrations on the boy. Alfred was trying, he always tried hard at whatever he did and Arthur knew that.
Letting a sigh escape him, Arthur straightened his back and glanced toward the bed. "I apologize for jumping to conclusions."
Alfred looked up in surprise before nodding to show he accepted it. Silence fell over the room again before Alfred coughed, catching Arthur's attention.
"Can you help me? I'm having trouble with some of the words."
Arthur sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over the book. "Show me."
Within a couple of minutes, Arthur brushed up Alfred's literary skills. He learned that Alfred was a good student, quick and attentive. True, he wasn't perfect and tried to rush the process. Often he would try to read a complicated sentence only to trail off in frustration, but he kept trying and applied himself fully. It was an admirable trait but Arthur didn't let his thoughts show, only continuing to guide the boy through the pages.
Their improvised lesson was interrupted with a soft knock of the door. Dr. Carte opened the door and stepped inside, carrying his medical bag to the bed.
"Excuse me, Your Majesties, but it's time to change the bandages. I shan't be very long."
Arthur took the book and withdrew to a chair nearby and watched silently. As the doctor removed the bandages, air vacuumed into the Queen's lungs at the sight of the wound. Alfred's shoulder now had a deep gash, the skin fading from a bruised purple to a pale, puckered white as the flesh knit itself together again. Arthur's eyes wandered to the former servant's broad chest. Along with the few scars Alfred received from labor and his chest, people would have considered the young man disfigured. For Arthur, that was far from true. Each scar on Alfred's body had a story behind it, sometimes humorous but also bittersweet. Arthur ended up looking away, his face growing hot.
"I should go," he heard himself say as he stood up abruptly and set the book on the bedside table. "I have duties to see to. Keep reading, Alfred."
Both the doctor and the new-found ruler gave him confused glances, but he ignored them as he retreated out of the room quickly.
It was true he had business to see to, he absolutely wasn't running away from Alfred. He knew it was only a matter of time before he would be forced to face the boy, as Queen it was his duty. He sighed heavily to himself. But that wouldn't happen for some time yet. Despite Alfred's mark being found, the coronation plans were pushed back for a few months. Arthur knew why. If a high ranking citizen had been found as king they would have been crown immediately. But a servant turned king was no easy transformation, it would take time and patience on everyone's part. And everyone certainly seemed to be struggling to cope with the change.
–
"I don't get how this has anything to do with being king," Alfred complained.
Arthur rolled his eyes in exasperation.
Since the doctor had finally permitted Alfred the freedom to move around, he found he could no longer avoid his former servant. At first the confrontations had been awkward but, as Yao had said, they were forced to quickly move on from their grudges. There were simply more important things than worrying over a ruined friendship.
"As king there are a wide variety of matters you will need to see to, social aspects included," Arthur explained once more. "The simplest way to do this are formal balls. Therefore, you will need to learn how to dance, especially if you ever consider looking for an eligible partner to marry."
Alfred blushed at that and glanced away. "I'm not even thinking about that."
"You will someday," Arthur brushed an invisible wrinkle from his vest, ignoring the poisonous dagger digging into his heart. For some reason unknown to even himself, he couldn't stand the thought of Alfred marrying.
"Wait, aren't the king and queen...?" the poor boy swallowed the rest of the question nervously.
Arthur waved his hand, unperturbed. "A common misconception. In days of old the king and queen were required to marry, but times have changed and matrimony is no longer obligatory between the two rulers. Although people still say the king and queen always hold a special relationship."
"Right," Alfred's shoulders slumped, from relief or something else Arthur couldn't tell.
"Now, no more playing around," Arthur straightened up, meeting those blue eyes defiantly. "You need to learn how to dance."
Alfred sighed heavily and stepped in front of Arthur, resigning himself to the task. The smaller man guided one of Alfred's hands to his waist, taking the other in his own slender hand. He could feel his heart begin to throb again, creating a beat that resounded in his ears. It took Arthur too long to realize that he was standing still for an abnormal amount of time.
"Move your foot," Arthur rasped out.
Confusion flashed in Alfred's eyes and he stepped forward at the same second Arthur did, crushing the Queen's toes. Arthur yelped in pain and pushed the taller blond away.
"I'm sorry! You didn't say which way!" Alfred shifted back, as if unsure what to do.
Arthur bit his tongue to keep from retorting and forced himself to plant his foot firmly on the ground rather than nurse it. He knew exaggerating the pain would make Alfred feel guilty and the boy would probably refuse to continue the dance lessons. Then all hell would break loose just because the future King of Spades couldn't dance.
Putting duty first, Arthur stepped forward and resumed the starting position of the dance. "You're leading so you will step backwards first."
Alfred hesitated and took Arthur's hand gently, doing as he was instructed. Arthur rolled his weight onto the balls of his feet and slid forward gracefully with practiced ease. This seemed to spook Alfred, who bumbled through the steps, but Arthur ignored his inexperience. Those mistakes could be smoothed out once Alfred learned the steps.
Alfred stumbled, took a wrong step, and ended up crushing Arthur's toes again. The Queen winced but refused to stop the dance. This was going to take more time than he originally thought. After wasting twenty minutes trying to turn what looked like bear wrestling into dancing, Arthur decided to try a different tactic. He shook out of Alfred's grip and moved away.
"Enough, we're getting nowhere," he sat down in the nearest chair.
Alfred's expression was like a kicked puppy, he knew he hadn't done well and failure was a hard pill for him to swallow. Although that look melted away in an instant as Arthur unlaced his shoes and slipped his socked feet out.
"What are you doing?" Alfred asked, bewildered.
"Take off your shoes," Arthur stood up and tested the freshly polished floor. Perfect.
Once his student had taken off his shoes, Arthur led him further onto the empty floor before pushing against his chest to make him stay still.
"Watch me," he said simply.
Arthur began to play the beat in his head, his arms extended around an invisible partner. Then he smoothly slid like an ice-skater across the floor, leading the ghost partner in a wide circle before twirling to silent music. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Alfred's face change into awe and admiration, causing the Queen to smirk proudly. Within a moment, he completed his performance and turned to the boy once more.
"Dancing is not simply stepping around with someone close by," Arthur said. "It is the art of motion, to move in expression and glide with the wings of music on your feet. You're too stiff. Relax and feel the rhythm."
They resumed first position before Arthur began to chant out the beat through a count, Alfred began to lead them both in the dance once more. This time, instead of stubbing toes, Alfred slid and wavered, focused on keeping his balance as he moved. The boy was concentrating so hard his eyebrows lowered and his lips formed a thin, determined line, making his jaw look square and resolute. Arthur shook himself and lowered his gaze to Alfred's chin, although that somehow proved just as distracting as the boy's deep blue eyes.
It took several turns before Alfred began to relax, moving much more smoothly than before as he learned how to step confidently without faltering. Arthur nodded in satisfaction, deeming the the performance improved.
"Better," he said, stepping away.
Alfred paused. "Is that it? I thought I needed to learn more."
"That's it for today," Arthur decided. He turned away and walked back to his chair to put his shoes on.
Without warning, a large blur shot right by him, causing Arthur to yell in surprise and almost slip. The Queen pressed a hand to his chest as he watched Alfred whiz by, the boy laughing loudly as he slid across the slippery floor on his socks. The former servant spun as his speed slowed, smirking at Arthur.
"Bloody hell, you almost hit me!" Arthur couldn't help snapping, still shocked over the close call.
"Oops, I missed!" Alfred began running a breakneck speed toward him.
"Alfred!" Arthur screamed, just barely dodging him again.
Alfred laughed carelessly as he slid across the room before slipping and falling abruptly on his backside. Arthur hurried to his side, worried that the fall might have hurt him, but the goofy grin turned his way instantly quelled all his worries.
"That's what you get," Arthur felt a small smile tug at his lips.
Alfred chuckled, this laugh a little more gentle and subdued, and reached his hand up for help to stand. Arthur took it and caught the mischievous glint in those sky eyes too late. Rather than use the support as intended, Alfred jerked on Arthur's arm, pulling the Queen onto the floor with him. Arthur yelped as he slipped and tumbled helplessly. Fortunately, or not so fortunately, he fell against Alfred's firm chest and stomach.
At that moment they heard the creak of the door and the pair of blond heads snapped up toward the sound in unison. Yao stood in the doorway, his arms folded against his chest. He wasn't smiling but Arthur practically saw his eyes smirk down at them.
"Getting along well, I see," he said simply, his tone betraying his amusement.
Arthur felt his face heat up instantly and he scrambled away from Alfred, standing up and brushing himself off briskly. "You misunderstand. Alfred slipped and pulled me with him."
"Hmm," Yao's lips twitched into a smile, clearly not believing his Queen.
Arthur huffed in irritation and went back to the chair, plopping ungracefully into it to pull his shoes on. He caught a glimpse of the disappointment on Alfred's face as the boy stood and shuffled across the floor. Arthur swallowed back guilt, there was no reason for him to say what happened. Because nothing had truly happened, or so he told himself.
–
Arthur sighed heavily as he could hear his two shadows tromp on the garden path behind him. After the attack it had been decided that Arthur needed to be escorted and watched at as often as it was acceptable. The guards had shifts, there were always two of them and they trailed not too far wherever he went. It may have been necessary but Arthur found it annoying. He did his best to ignore them and inhaled the cool, afternoon air deeply. The sun was out today and his sink drank in the warmth. It was comforting.
As he turned the corner of the winding path, he found his stroll even further disturbed. Alfred was sitting on a stone bench with a book in his hands, which he was bent over as if laboring through the sentences. Arthur stopped and watched for a moment, taking notice how the corners of the to-be king's eyes wrinkled as if in pain. Alfred squinted and then blinked rapidly, sighing as he rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hand. That's when the boy noticed the Queen watching. He nervously smiled, dropping his hand from his face as Arthur approached and sat next to him.
Before Alfred could speak, Arthur began hurriedly, "I'm not mad at you for anything anymore, Alfred. I know it must seem that way."
Alfred blinked in surprise, his expression growing attentive. "That's...good to know."
"I should have said this sooner," Arthur looked at his own hands on his lap. "Thank you for saving me that night. I would have been dead if not for you."
Alfred gave no response, the only sound was the bitter wind that occasionally brushed through the grass. Shifting uncomfortably, Arthur finally looked up and met the boy's gaze. Alfred was smiling. It was gentle, the curve of his lips soft in an expression of warmth. Arthur could practically see the embers of hope kindle in his eyes, something of the old Alfred that he knew and loved so well was coming back to life.
"You're welcome," Alfred said.
Arthur quickly looked away again, heat flood his face. Despite how bitter he seemed, he really did feel better repairing their what was left of their old bond. It would take time before either of them completely got over the issue, Arthur especially, but it was comforting to know that each was holding on for the other.
An awkward silence fell over the two. Arthur was conflicted as to whether or not to try to start a conversation or just get up and leave. But, as always, Alfred saved him the trouble by acting first.
"How did you feel when you realized you would be Queen?" he asked.
It was Arthur's turn to look at his companion in surprise before pondering the question. "Shocked at first. I dreaded it before the coronation. I was a little afraid." Arthur gave him a shrewd glance. "Why are you asking?"
Alfred shrugged, his normal cheerfulness obscured by dark clouds on his face. "I don't know...I just...I think this is a big mistake."
"The marks are rarely wrong," Arthur stated flatly. Then he sighed and added more softly, "I thought very much the same thing when my mark was found."
"But it doesn't feel right," Alfred protested, his agitation that he had been hiding so well suddenly becoming clear. "I don't feel like a king. I'm just me."
"It's not a matter of feeling, Alfred. Just being yourself may be exactly what this kingdom needs. I've known you almost my entire life, and throughout that time I've always known you were capable of carrying whatever burden you needed to. I know you can do this."
Their gazes locked, Alfred's eyes were almost desperate. "What if I make a mistake?"
"Then you'll learn from it," Arthur said gently. He reached out and touched Alfred's shoulder comfortingly. "Don't worry, I believe you will be a good king. I can trust that you will do whatever is right. And you aren't alone. I'll be here to support you."
Alfred slowly smiled and Arthur smiled back, trying to ignore the feeling of lightness in his chest. It was as if his heart had grown a pair of wings and took flight, losing itself into those endless skies that would become his king.
Author's Note:
Sorry for the corny, cliche overused tool of romance: dancing. I was running out of ideas. Uuugghhh I'm not too happy with how I've been writing the romance side of the story, even though this is really my first time doing it. Oh well. Hopefully it won't disappoint y'all.
THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO READ, REVIEWED, FAVORITED AND FOLLOWED! It really means a lot when I know people are enjoying my work. I love reading all of your reviews.
And so this marks the approximate half-way point of the story! Yaayyyy! And I managed to get this chapter out before the end of the month as I said I would. Wow...for once I did what I said I would do. I don't know how consistent I will be after this, due to the holidays and I also got a new medication...huzzah -.- But hopefully after this month I'll be able to fall into a steady schedule again.
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'm always appreciative of feedback. I will update as soon as I possibly can, you've all been faithful so I will return the favor. Until next time.