Chapter XI.
"Alfred, these are for you."
Alfred blinked in surprise, looking up from the heavy book he had been studying. The boy had been leaning so close to the script his nose practically touched it, effectively burying his face into the pages. It hadn't been the first time he'd done this and it hadn't escaped Arthur's notice.
Arthur held the spectacles out to Alfred, warmth pooling in his stomach as a big smile spread across the other man's face in obvious delight.
"Arthur, this is..." Alfred trailed off as he accepted the glasses, cupping them in his large hands as if holding a baby bird.
"I merely noticed that you seemed to have trouble seeing distances," Arthur cut in quickly, folding his arms over his chest. He did his best to keep his tone casual, although there was a tenseness he couldn't control. "You also seemed to have headaches whenever reading too much. Of course, it's an inconvenience to everyone if you can't read so I had Dr. Carte make a pair for you."
Alfred untangled the thin wires before slipping the glasses onto his face, pushing the nose piece into a comfortable position. He grinned, showing all of his white teeth as he looked up at Arthur.
"How does it look?" he asked with childish excitement.
Butterfly wings fluttered in Arthur's stomach as he studied Alfred. Somehow the glasses matured the boy's face, even with that dumb smile breaking the image. The glint of the glass only seemed a reflection of the brightness of Alfred's eyes, eyes that looked ever so happily at him.
Arthur shook his head and cleared his throat, his hands tightening around his arms. "It doesn't matter how they look on you, what matters is if they work. Stop looking at me, idiot, and try them."
Thankfully Alfred took his instructions seriously and turned his head away, studying his surroundings through the lenses. Arthur felt his shoulders sag in relief. He had no idea why he felt so tense around Alfred recently, they had patched things up only a few months before. Alfred never seemed to notice this, however, and Arthur was left to ponder on the matter alone. But he preferred it that way.
"How are they?" Arthur finally asked.
"I can see much better now, everything is so clear," Alfred laughed a little, extending his hand as far as it could reach. After a moment of examining his own hand, he dropped his arm and turned back to Arthur with a smile. "Thank you for this. It's going to help a lot."
"Hm..." Arthur glanced away quickly. Damn that smile. "Are you ready for the coronation?"
This time it was Alfred's turn to falter. His smile faded only a little but the happy light in his eyes dimmed rapidly. Alfred looked at the book in his lap before closing it.
"As ready as I'll ever be," he said simply.
Arthur gently touched his shoulder. "Yao and I are here for you. You aren't alone."
Alfred nodded, looking back up to give Arthur a reassuring smile, but the Queen noticed how the boy's hands tightened on his book. During the months of his training, the to-be king had kept himself optimistic, much to the admiration and annoyance of all who beheld him. But Arthur knew better than anyone else how insecure the young man actually felt; that flash of uncertainty in his eyes, the falter in his smile, the impatient tapping of his foot. Those were signs that only Arthur could read and empathy flooded him each time he spotted them. He understood exactly how terrifying it was to fill such a large role. If anything, Alfred had an even greater distance to leap with his humble beginnings.
Arthur awkwardly pat his shoulder once before he walked away, suppressing a sigh.
The crown felt heavy with the weight of responsibility, it was difficult for most to keep their head up but Arthur stood straight with no trouble. He could feel hundreds of eyes on him, but his own sharp gaze was focused on the end of the room. Within moments those doors would open and the new King would emerge.
Yao shifted slightly as his side, a subtle movement but one Arthur didn't miss. It was uneasiness for Alfred.
Arthur suppressed a sigh. It was his own abilities he doubted; what if he hadn't taught Alfred enough? It was much too late to think of that now. For at that moment, he stood at the dais on which the throne of the king stood, waiting to crown his once servant and friend the supreme ruler of Spades.
The year was nearing its end, closer to the dawn of a new reign. Arthur found it appropriate that Alfred's coronation was on the Eve of the New Year. Fireworks were ready and waiting, the sun had already set. The entire kingdom held its breath as the precious moments ticked by, finally the people could have security in their new ruler.
Without warning, the great doors burst open and Arthur was torn from his thoughts. His eyes widened and his heart stopped as he beheld the sight.
Within the doorway stood a man. He was clothed in a simple but rich suit of deep blue, a heavy cape draped over his broad shoulders. The man stood tall, head raised above all with a fierce pride Arthur had never seen before. But the most striking feature of the man was his eyes, sky blue and intense, which glinted behind wire framed glasses. Those eyes swept across the room, taking in the sight of the banners and the people with an authoritative glance. Then he moved with the grace that a lion would possess, his step held a powerful stride that was softened by the ease of confidence. He walked slowly but it seemed only seconds before he stood at the base of the dais, looking up at Arthur with those captivating eyes.
Arthur shakily released the breath he didn't realized he had been holding. This wasn't the boy he had grown up with, this wasn't his servant, this wasn't the friend he had found companionship and comfort in. This was his king. This was Alfred.
Alfred knelt and bowed his head. Suddenly, a rush of emotion flooded through Arthur. The Queen felt out of place with this man at his feet, it was wrong. Nevertheless, Arthur pushed the feeling to the back of his throat and took up with the crown in his hands.
The circlet of gold was heavy, sapphires reflecting the flickering lights of torches. Each grove was prominent, majestic as the spires on the palace. Arthur had been afraid this crown would be too great for the former servant, and he had been right. But it was a perfect fit for the king. Arthur turned to face Alfred, and slowly placed the crown upon his head.
He could feel his breath leave him again as Alfred stood and climbed up the steps, sweeping his cape around as he turned to face his people. Cheers broke out in the room as Yao proclaimed him king, but a weight filled Arthur's stomach. Somehow, without his knowledge, the boy he had loved so dearly had been erased from existence. The Alfred he knew was no more.
To many, the magnificence of the man before them was a comfort. To Arthur, it was torture.
The celebration of the New Year and the coronation of the king lasted long into the night until not a single soul in the capital was sober. Arthur was probably the only one who didn't partake in much of the drinking and celebrating, the alcohol only tasted bitter to him.
Arthur had kept an eye on Alfred throughout the event, just to be sure that sneak of a Tarot Gilbert didn't pull a stunt like he had at Arthur's party. Amazingly enough, the albino never turned up. Arthur pondered on why that was, but wasn't given much time to continue that train of thought. His sharp green eyes snapped up as he heard a familiar laugh, instantly taking in the sight of a bold noblewoman pulling Alfred onto the dance floor. The young king's face was flushed from alcohol consumption, those blue eyes shone abnormally bright under the light of the crystals and fireworks. His smile was large and he laughed freely with the rich wrench, leading her with surprising smoothness in the dance despite his obvious tipsiness.
Bitterness churned Arthur's stomach and he scoffed softly to himself, looking away in disgust. The whole matter was childish, no decent person would behave in such a way. Brows furrowed, Arthur consoled himself in such thoughts, hand tightening on a still full chalice.
"Is His Highness not going to join the celebrations?" Yao asked shrewdly as he stepped beside his fellow ruler. The brunet man's cheeks were slightly pink but his eyes sparked of full awareness.
Arthur felt a growl rise in the back of his throat but he pushed it down, flashing the Jack a glare. "What do you mean? I'm here, aren't I?"
Yao chuckled, as if he had heard a joke only he understood. Then he turned his attention to the dance floor and nodded at the openly flirtatious display. "You've taught him well, he's the very image royalty. And he hasn't fallen on top of the lady as of yet," Yao turned his brown eyes back to Arthur in mirth.
"I hope he does," Arthur snapped bitterly. "It will show everyone how much of a fool he is."
With that, Arthur thrust the chalice in Yao's hands and spun to make his retreat. He had never felt so furious in his entire life and he himself wasn't sure exactly why. It wasn't for any reason Arthur was willing to admit, not even to himself. Chest constricting, the Queen felt his eyes begin to burn in vehement emotion.
"Arthur!"
Against his own will, his pace slowed to a stop, footsteps on the marble floor approached him from behind rapidly through the throng of nobles. Arthur took a deep breath, blinking rapidly to hide the heat in his eyes before turning to face the one who hailed him. The one person he didn't want to see was the one person he had to obey. Alfred came to a stop before him with an oblivious smile on his face.
Arthur was about to snap an excuse about why he was leaving but he was quickly cut off as Alfred raised his hand. The Queen blinked in confusion, fury temporarily tamed. His King smiled gently, lips curved with a kind gentleness.
"Dance with me."
A command. A simple command that Arthur couldn't ignore. He took a deep breath before surrendering his hand into Alfred's. The King's fingers closed around his, firmly, but with no more force than necessary, and led him onto the wide floor just as the music changed.
Throughout most of the night, the songs that were played were anthems or cheerful tunes. Both Yao and Arthur had agreed beforehand that it was appropriate for the festivities as well as ironically matching the King's personality. Now Arthur couldn't stand the annoying screech of the violin. But, by some strange coincidence, Alfred had picked that exact moment to dance with him as one of the few slower pieces was played.
Alfred cupped Arthur's slender hand in his own, placing the other on the Queen's waist. He smiled gently at Arthur, eyes that should have been clouded from drinking were strangely focused. Arthur felt the pressure on his chest intensify as he was swept through the motions. Before, Alfred had been dancing with somewhat methodicalness. Not that Arthur had been paying close attention to his steps. But now, Alfred seemed to move as if he has been born dancing, the very essence of his body language exuded a freedom that hadn't been there before.
Arthur felt a chill run down his spine as they glided to the sound of music, spinning and stepping in perfect unison. With just a gently flick of Alfred's wrist, Arthur was lead through a complex spin, feeling as though he could lose himself in the dance. Just as he felt loneliness and despair crash down upon him, Alfred was there, catching Arthur in his strong arms. The waves of emotion from earlier descended on Arthur, but far more gradually. Green eyes were fixed stubbornly on Alfred's neck, Arthur could feel his own lips begin to tremble.
Somehow, as Alfred guided him in a sweeping motion, his resolution to not make any eye contact was broken within a moment. Sky blue captured his attention, clear and intense, warmth emitting from the soul trapped behind those glasses. And yet, Arthur could see something far greater in Alfred's gaze. It was vast and strong, yet when all that roiling power was focused on Arthur it turned so sweet and unbearably soft. Arthur stared, completely lost in the King's gaze.
Without warning, his throat convulsed and he made a strangled noise. Arthur ripped himself from Alfred's arms, his eyes widening as a single thought tore through his mind. Alfred stopped short, his smile fading as concern flickered on his face, his hands hovering in the air, still extended.
"Arthur?" Alfred spoke softly, as if he were talking to a wild animal.
Heartbeat thundering in his ears, Arthur spun and fled the dance floor, blindly pushing through the crowd of people. The fireworks flashing overhead sounded muffled and distant, everything in his sight turned blurry and abstract. Arthur could only run through the palace, racing through the halls until he at last reach the sanctuary of his quarters. Slamming the doors shut behind him, he didn't hold back from flinging himself bodily onto his bed, broken sobs finally bursting from his mouth.
Arthur couldn't take it any longer. He had known, deep within his heart, for a long time that he was attracted to Alfred. Perhaps the interest had sprung from his transition into manhood, maybe even the fondness grew earlier from their childhood. But he had always been afraid to show it, he always denied himself the thought that someone would actually return his affections rather than discard them. Arthur choked on his own tears miserably, curling into himself. He was a fool. He had fallen in love with Alfred, that dear boy who lived so simply and humbly, that boy who always smiled with such innocent contentedness. Now, because of his own fear, Arthur had waited too long and the person he had once known had completely drifted away. And he had no one to blame for that but himself.
Author's Note:
My shortest chapter thus far. Normally this would be unacceptable to myself, but considering the circumstances that I have revealed from my update, I think I can give myself some slack. Speaking of which, thank you very much to those who responded with your sympathy. It was a relief to hear and a definite comfort that allowed me the time I needed before returning to writing. I'm doing a little better now, obviously, and I hope this is the start of more regular updates.
On the brighter sides of the things: I think I'm getting a hang of this romance thing. Maybe. You'll let me know how I'm doing, right? ;) Okay, okay I know I used the dance cliche again. But hey, at least a real confession came out of it! Progress! (Progress is ripping poor Arthur's heart to shreds, apparently.) The next chapter is definitely going to be longer and is definitely going to be drowning in romance.
And...finally...King Alfred. I know a bunch of you are going to be happy about that. xD
On a smaller, less important note: I'm considering changing the description for the story now that I have the plot fleshed out. When I wrote it, I had no idea where the story was going, but now that I do I feel it's appropriate to change it. So don't freak out when that happens, it's the same story. XD
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR FOLLOWING, FOR FAVORITING (I know it's not a word), FOR REVIEWING AND FOR READING. It means so much to me knowing people are reading, and it makes me really happy to know that people feel the same way vise versa.
I hope you're looking forward to the next chapter as much as I am. Until next time!
