Alright! This took a bloody long time, I know. It has been ages since I've updated this but then stuff happened and we all know we can't have all good things in the world.
CHAPTER XI
A STORM IS COMING
'A storm is coming and I'm going to be blown away … or is it already too late?'
Though it was vague, the point which the Jokers had said about the day of the Spadian Ace's celebration was given… The tension he spoke about was present in the air. The monarchs who attended the said event may all look joyous for the occasion …
Everything was well ordained by the Spadian Knave and the Spadian King and Queen didn't seem to have anything against anyone. That goes for almost everyone but then… the oddity of the event appeared…
Every Kingdom had sent forth their King and Queens …even if King Ludwig was late for a few short hours and the Clubs which only sent their Knave, Sir Roderich. It made the Queen of Hearts' raise a concerned eyebrow but nonetheless it was deemed acceptable. An ace was the medium of the monarchy and the court so it was only fit that the monarchs from other Kingdoms be there… even if it was a knave, the lowest of the three monarchs.
That was when everything seemed to have started.
Then it happened…. Like two stones struck and made sparks….
A 'friendly' match between the Ace of Spades and the Knave of Clubs rendered almost everyone breathless, motionless, and stud upon their ground. It was a display of skill, grace and most importantly, wit. That was the first time that Ludwig felt something within him crumble…something that he knew the Queen of Hearts would also feel.
The slow quaking in the foundation of peace.
Hearts ruled the just and for it to promulgate, the monarchy of Hearts had to secure the balance. The appearance of an Ace in Spades set everything the Hearts had ordained in the four Kingdoms in an unspeakable twist. The Kingdom of Spades now held their maximum strength and for the Kingdom of Power to be in such a state would prove to be detrimental to everyone. Not that the Hearts doesn't trust Spades… The ministers themselves said that the Queen's friendship with the said Kingdom's monarch, Queen Arthur, had proven useful in more than one ways. Spades and Hearts have made quite a strong bond thanks to its Queens who were open to negotiations and who shared quite the similar fascination for things. Queen Arthur did study in Hearts for a few years when he was still just a noble and by far, Kiku and Arthur's close friendship tied their Kingdoms.
Still… Despite the advantages Spades had to offer, Hearts doesn't just exist for its people. Hearts exists for the four Kingdoms. The balance wasn't set and not only Hearts knew of this but all of the four Kingdoms… and based on how Clubs monarchy reacted, they are very wary of it.
"If these sparks are not extinguished then by Fates, it'll ignite a fire… " Kiku said with a sigh. "A fire the neither of us can stop… and it'll engulf everything."
"Yet I still fail to understand why you led that said duel, your majesty…" Ludwig said as his gaze was fixed outside, seemingly watching the different shades of hues that surround them in the forest which the carriage was passing through. "To those around, it would seem that you were the one to ignite these sparks you speak of…"
"Sir Roderich was with orders and he hid it well but I'm surprised I did not need to say much to have him duel the Ace of Spades besides it was both useful, don't you think? As Queen of Hearts, one cannot really deny me a simple spar and it was also quite a nice gesture to see how strong the Ace of Spades is…" Kiku said all knowingly before glancing at his King who merely chuckled at that. Ludwig has to admit, Queen Kiku does know how to plan precisely as if he could manipulate fate itself…. Of course, that was plain impossible. He knew it as well as anyone but then again… this Queen was quite gifted with so many things… and that included his way of dealing with situations. He was sly… and he liked it along with everything he was… no, he loved and will continue to love him.
What's more surprising was how they could even work like this after all that had happened between them…
The incident because of the Crane Door….
The wishes for the chosen king….
The ceremony for the Oath of Loyalty….
The confessions known…
The warmth shared…
The resolution made….
"You can really be…amazing…" Ludwig replied to that and closed his eyes. He has nothing more to say but those very words for is very existence. He both honored and adored him but…
The very decision that they weren't meant to be, despite how their hearts would ached each other's comfort and loving hold, was necessary… like every monarch that has come before them regardless of everything.
"I have to be…" Kiku said as he, too, closed his eyes. His voice seemed pained and hurt. "I am Queen of Hearts and no one else."Those words made Ludwig look at his Queen… Despite him being there, the Queen of Hearts seemed to be always so far away or was it the Queen, himself, who was distancing once more? The queen of Hearts only gave him a gentle smile in return… gentle in a sense that many would view as angelic… but to the King of Hearts, it was the most horrible smile he had ever seen…
'Smile a bit more convincing at the very least if you're going to say something like that…' The King thought before putting a hand over the Queen's as if to warn him that the smile he let out wasn't at the very least convincing him at all. He was surprised that he felt his hand engulfed by the queen's. There were no words… but it was made clear that Queen Kiku knew what he wanted to say…
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It has been a few months after all that. Ludwig was glad that those times were even followed by peace or was he just belittling his Queen's way of subduing such 'chaotic silence' in the four Kingdoms. Perhaps they were the only ones to know or even recognize such tension that appeared in Spades and Clubs… or was it the fact that Diamonds doesn't want to recognize such a thing?
He cannot blame the King of Diamonds if he refuse after all…Diamonds has only recovered from how it was a few years back. Ludwig can easily remember what took place there … The court was a mess… the soldiers unfit and the nobles had locked themselves inside to save themselves from the disease that had spread. The Diamonds' first Queen was also inflicted with that same disease and was burnt along with the other victims… but then… of course, he knew what truly happened as it was part of the education that the Queen of Hearts had told him.
It was fate.
It was inevitable.
It was tragic but it has to be done.
He might be the King of Hearts… A worthy King as his subjects had told everyone but nevertheless, it was fate who decides for all things to unfold as it should and once they have been displeased, disaster would strike the lands. It was not far from his life that he too would suffer such a thing if he made the wrong move. Ludwig was wary of the fates because of this and he knew the Queen of Hearts, the man he adored and treasured, was in constant fear of them for he was, unlike any monarch, tied down by fate's law and tradition. His existence was a constant reminder to everyone that he was and always will be a warning for the other Kingdoms. By fate, why does he have to love someone like him who was beloved by so many?
Ah, though his affections remained… it had somehow drawn into a halt… no, he had put it into a halt if it was even possible. For his people to not suffer the wrath of the fates; for his beloved to not be burdened; and himself to not die—He had to end it. He knew it was the same for the Queen of Hearts for it was him who confirmed such feelings were mutual.
"Ludwig…. Loving me is taboo. Loving you back is taboo. Everything in this situation is taboo. "
Let Diamonds be a reminder that such taboo cannot be accepted regardless of anything…. …. His touch, his hold, and his smile… he had to stop it from getting to his head and into his heart for him not to fall inlove even more. He knew so many things existed and for the monarch's safety… the very safety he promised he would give him….
The very assurance he wished to give him…
"King!" That surely snapped him out of his thoughts. He had almost forgotten that he was out in the training grounds in front of the palace watching over some of the new recruits in the army of Hearts. He might be King, but he was still a General and it was his duty to protect the palace at all costs. Wearing his ruby red garments, he turned to where the messenger came upon horseback. "Her Majesty, the Queen of Clubs and His Excellency, the Knave of Clubs had arrived in the borders Sire…" said the messenger as he stepped down of his horse and bowed most graciously to him. "It would be an estimate of three hours before she arrives here in the palace."
Now this was a clear surprise! There was no letter that said she should be arriving this morning in his table or no Feliciano to tell him of this situation. Wait, where on earth was Feliciano even?! Never mind, he'd just welcome her like he'd seen a letter despite it being invisible. He hurried along and sheathed his sword but not before giving a new military exercise for his men to accomplish. The New soldiers couldn't be much less concerned with the visitor at this case since their general had given them an exercise to last for the whole morning or even a whole day—ten laps around the palace grounds. Did the King-General even know how big the palace was?! And he even included a report about how to improve palace security on top of that—it can be hard being a soldier in his reign and he was just starting!
"I see… then please alert the palace that the Monarchs of Clubs would be arriving. We cannot have our visitors know that we are unprepared for them. That would be completely uncalled for," said Ludwig as he composed himself. He had to give the Queen a fair warning of this as well…most especially Feliciano… Even if he was busy, it doesn't give him the excuse that he shouldn't take care of these things. He sometimes wonders how it feels like to have a knave like that of Spades but then again, the King of Spades himself said his knave was quite the 'nagger'… Well, he could only imagine that since the Queen of Hearts and Yao are also friends. That alone was enough to give anyone an impression that these two are most likely having similar traits. Similar traits… his mind travelled to that of the Queen of Spades… Ah, the one which his Queen described as his most beloved friend. He was still feeling slightly envious of him but then again—
There was a light tap on his shoulder and for sure by that tenderness and the sudden change in the aura around him, the hand used can only belong to one person—Queen Kiku. "Perhaps I came at a bad time, King?" He asked and Ludwig could literally just want to gulp down. He was caught in the act of being jealous. His words were all in the drain once more! Why does this always happen whenever his Queen was close by?
"It's fine… I was about to go to your office in a few minutes any ways, your majesty. " Ludwig said before facing him. Sure his expression was pretty much stoic as much as to anyone's dismay but then again, only those who know him could say he was bothered—and the Queen of hearts is no different than just that.
"Oh? Have you got something to report to me?"
"Yes." You look exhausted because of those blasted paperwork… if only you could divide them between us, it could be finished faster. Also add the fact that tea is not enough to call a meal! I've been worried about you these past few days since you seem to have seen numerous sunrises and it's not a good thing! I know the sun is nice and pretty but to see it without even the wink of sleep is not quite healthy. Take care of yourself.
No, he can't say that. It's laughable!
"If it is about the Queen of Clubs, I've received her letter a few days ago and preparations had already commenced… I apologize for not telling you about this earlier. It slipped my mind because of the paperwork Feliciano and I have been doing," the Queen of Hearts explained ever so calmly before bowing his head and continuing with, "I am most sorry." So that's where Feliciano went. By the Queen's side. Now, he was slightly envious of their knave. He put a hand over his temples and massaged them gently as if to ease his nerves. Maybe he'll have a word with him.
"Please, it's alright. I should be one to be blamed as well. I was too engulfed in my line of work here in the army. My apologies, your majesty."
Both of them looked at each other before smiling. Now, that was new… no, it has been like this. Lately, they've been able to communicate more freely despite the words that were consistently and seemingly eager on getting away from their tongues. One would say it was strange on how they both got along more when they have decided not to be more intimate with their relationship.
Ludwig led them out of the training grounds, seeing it as unfit for his companion since this was his territory and not the Queen's… or at least he thought it was. Is it awkward to have the feeling of longing whenever they were this close? Of course, it was… "The Queen of Clubs would be coming here with her knave. I suppose she finally understood the importance of having an escort," Kiku began with a teasing tone. He couldn't blame him since the said lady is always with no escort. She seemed too independent for her own good. Not that he underestimate women but she is still a Queen; her station was important. Silently, he even wonders how the King of Clubs would even react to how she would go about her days. Yet upon remembering how the other monarch would smile and how reports were going around that the two monarchs of clubs didn't exactly get along, he supposed that they don't even inquire of each other's actions… "I am still worried about that friend of mine… She appears so head strong that makes me wonder if she was indeed chosen as Queen and not a King… "
Ludwig chuckled at that. "Your majesty, I think the mark on her neck itself is proof that she is a Queen. Besides, I do not think that King Ivan would fancy your thoughts seeing that he is her King…"
"Not to brag but I do think that King Ivan is quite nice for having her move about like this on her own. There was even one time when she visited Spades and Yao had to escort her home because Queen Arthur and the said lady got into quite a drinking spree—"
"A-A drinking spree, your majesty?" Ludwig blinked upon hearing that and looked at his Queen. He couldn't be serious, right? Why would two Queens be having a drink? Well, they could drink but then again why go to that extent?
"Yes… Apparently, it was Arthur's crowning ceremony back then… I retired to my room quite early since I felt a bit unwell and it was said that when the nobles left, the monarchs had quite a blast in the party. I don't know how they got Arthur to drink nor how it all started but they said it was a joyous evening." The Queen said with a light chuckle. "It's a shame that I retired quite early that night—"
"I think it was a good thing, your majesty."
"How rude, I can handle my liquor if that's what you're trying to say, King!" There was that adorable frown upon his brow and Ludwig was left but to chuckle at that before poking it lightly. Ah, he was smiling at that thought of having such a lively event happen in a coronation. He could hardly remember his after the ritual. They said it was fun… so he'll settle for that. But then he'd caught on the loneliness in his Queen's voice… did he felt left out? He can't really say that they could do the same thing in the Kingdom! It'll ruin both of their rules but he was sure the bubbly knave they've got would approve of it at the first second he heard it.
"Then if you won't mind, in times that our work would be done… Shall we have a friendly drink? You can invite some of our numbers if your desire… "
The Queen of Hearts was one to stop upon his tracts and looked at him with a curious gaze. Ludwig was sure of this request or at least he thought he was since he sensed that his Queen desired such a thing. It was his duty to fulfill his Queen's desires, no matter what it was as long as it was just. What isn't just about drinking a few bottles?
"Alright then but before that… Can I ask for a favor?"
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So why was he in town again? Oh yes, he was escorting the Queen on buying a few sweets for the coming Queen of Clubs. The queen insists that it should be bought outside by himself but it was rare to even have the King with him. Since it was getting quite cold, they were wearing their coats and fortunately, the Capital of Hearts wasn't exactly one to make a fuss of the monarchs when they were just walking around like this… They've gone used to it, he guessed or it just proved that the Queen was very much welcomed and well ordained with the capital, unlike the other Kingdoms' capitals.
Though the Queen didn't looked pleased with him in particular... Was it because he stood outside while he picked the sweets to buy or was it because he wasn't saying anything? He can't be blamed! Afterall, it was probably the first time that both of them have been out like this… could this be considered a date? "No…" He thought to himself as he rubbed his temples. "I'm crazy for even classifying a chore like this as a date… I can even say it's a selfish request since we could just have asked someone from the palace to buy some sweets!" He continued his thoughts before he sighed rather tiredly.
"I'd very much appreciate if you'd look slightly relieved, Ludwig...I didn't bring you out here to be on guard duty, you know…" The Queen said as he led the journey back to the palace. Since it was only a short walk to the palace's gates, it was an easy task but not fitting of the monarchy to do so. One didn't become Queen or King just to buy sweets for guests… why else would they have servants? Then again, Queen Kiku wasn't your regular monarch either…to him, however, it was more special to have tasks like this done personally.
"I am relieved, your majesty… More than you think. Just serving a queer monarch like you, it's enough to have me thankful." Ludwig answered him as he followed his lead. He cannot just stay unguarded! He was the queen of Hearts, if something was to happen to him—
"Should I be thankful for your words as well?"
"It's up to you but know that it is a compliment."
"Then thank you very much…"
"You're most welcome, your majesty."
It was the silence once more. Ludwig had finally grown accustomed to it since t was the silence that would usually, if not always, envelop the two of them whenever they were together. Be it caused by comfort or misunderstanding, it would always be this silence. For the times they have spent, this must be the one with the most percentage of their time.
That very same silence lasted until they've reached the palace gates. "You… really don't talk much, don't you?" asked the Queen of Hearts as he looked over to him once more. Slight displeasure was upon his gaze, his hands clearly clenching under his sleeves. Yes, Ludwig knows him that much as to say he was clenching his fists and his gaze was of displeasure despite not being able to see it and by only using his queen's voice as guide to his behavior.
"What do you wish to talk about?" Ludwig asked as one of the guards approached him and gave him a report. He thanked the guard, his gaze obviously fixed on the paper as his other hand held the sweets. The mere approach made the Queen of hearts arch a concerned eyebrow, and unconsciously tugging unto the King's sleeve as if to get his attention from the paper he was holding and apparently reading. "Hmm? Is something the matter, your majesty?" Ludwig turned his gaze to meet with the Queen's worried that it might be of serious concern. Why else would he tug on his sleeve like that of a lost child?
Seemingly surprised by his own gesture, the queen took back his hand. "N-Nothing, I was just worried that you'd drop the sweets," he said gently as he looked away.
Okay? Ludwig wasn't quite unconvinced by this. Yet again, there was another mystery to add to his little collection about the Queen of Hearts but it isn't something to be ignored. He sets the paper n his coat's pocket before taking a deep breath. It must be important afterall. "Then let's go back to my previous question… What do you want to talk about? We still have time before they arrive."
"This."
The ever so composed King of the Hearts widened his eyes in pure surprise when his coat was pulled down by the queen's delicate hand and his soft lips brushed over his.
Serious?
By fates, this was obviously serious enough… The surroundings were quick to vanish the moment his Queen's one hand wrapped around his neck and the kiss deepened that deemed seemingly impossible to stop. The King's cheeks were made sure to match the color of his robes and his blue eyes shut closed, soon holding his Queen ever so closely. The moment seemed to last an eternity… and for sure, Ludwig wished it lasted more than just that. Sweet chocolate colored eyes met his sky colored skies the mere second he opened them… lips parted to let words escape yet no sound rolled upon each other's tongue.
If not for the sweets upon his loose hand and the Queen's teasing words saying he was testing if he could really be holding unto the sweets tightly, Ludwig was afraid he might have lost himself again.
Set his feelings aside in actions like these?
Fates, be merciful. How long will the excuse of the ritual be enough to convince himself that this wasn't love he was feeling?
They had to meet with the Queen of Clubs for all that matter and this troubled Heart of his just have to add…. Great…
'A storm is coming and I'm going to be blown away… or is it already too late?'
But what is this storm… was it from the person he was with and promised to be with forever… Or was it from something else entirely?
