They arrived at early nightfall, as promised.
All the Chosen flocked to the windows when Thomas and Alfonso raised the alarm, a bevy of excited cheers and hushed whispering as they did so. The Spades palace was lit quietly with lampposts – even those were coloured blue – that made it possible to see the three royals and the Joker standing outside the gates to welcome their arrivals. Arthur's eyes caught briefly on the blue of Alfred's jacket before looking away. He couldn't be caught doing that, though he was sure everyone else was doing the same.
It wasn't as if he were focused on him or anything. Right. He was hungry. Hungry. Eating was the number one thing on his mind. Food.
Alfred turned to speak to Matthew whilst Joker Katya and Jack Yao were speaking adjusting his tie as he did so. He couldn't help but notice that his clock was now fully displayed on his chest, standing out against his white shirt. Was it the same one he'd worn when they'd shared their first kiss?
Fates, when had he gotten so soft? Just thinking about his arms around his waist, pulling him closer, his heartbeat matching up with his own, the way his fringe brushed into his eyes, hiding forbidden knowledge that he wanted to seek out for himself made him embarrassed. Hoping that the unlit hallways and the night sky could hide his hot cheeks, he positioned his attention away. Maybe Leon, who was looking slightly distracted himself, was feeling the same?
Just as he was about to throw away his pride and muster conversation with his closest friend, the muffled, faraway noise of hooves on cobblestone preceded the grand Hearts carriage. Being coloured deep red and dark gold in the night, the noises from both the Chosen and the multitude of cameras outside only served to grow louder.
"Fates, it's them! It's really them!"
"The Vargas brothers-" According to Arthur's lessons back at his holding facility, the Jack and Ace of Hearts, "-they're actually here. Like, in the flesh."
"King Ludwig looks even more handsome than the photos show him," someone said in a hushed tone as soon as the three royals stepped out. Obviously, lacking a queen, but still much more intact that the Primary Suit in Spades.
It was hard to discern the Jack and Ace, Feliciano and Lovino – because of the dark lighting, and the fact that they were younger and older brother – from each other. After awhile, though, when the Jack came out and his huge hat along with it, it was much easier. Ace Lovino, with his impeccable fashion style, strode next to his brother with a much more refined pace than Jack Feliciano's half skips. With all their differences, though, they were greeted with equal warmth.
He could practically feel everyone craning their necks to look for the exit of the king, and it did not disappoint.
"Feli, I hope the weather has been treating you well," Katya said, being the first to hug the younger Vargas brother. "Welcome to Spades."
"I hope the trip was comfortable, Lovino," Matthew quickly followed up her example, bowing to the two. His fellow Ace's expression turned from haughty to slightly pleased, and he took that as a victory. Though Lovino wasn't exactly as easy to get along with as his brother, he'd at least hoped that with their shared role and their kingdoms' close alliance, that they'd form some sort of bond. Yao greeted the two right after he did, which left...
Oh. Of course Alfred wouldn't be rushing to greet the two brothers, Matthew thought wryly as he noticed his twin look impatiently at the carriage to where Ludwig was currently disembarking. Fighting back a sigh, he counted in his head. One, two, thr-
Alfred's pressed leather shoes might as well have had magical boosters on them. With a familiar cry of "Lud!" he shot off, throwing his arms around his best friend, which was met by an awkward pat on the back. Yao shook his head disapprovingly, but everyone in his vicinity could see the small smile that he wore.
Ludwig's face was tinged pink, though it looked even darker underneath the artificial light. "Alfred, please," he protested weakly, looking over his best friend's shoulder. "I believe we have an audience, as well."
"They're just cameras, don't worry about them," he said, but decided to let go anyway. "Sorry, Lud. It's just been way too long."
The same grimace smile he'd gotten so used to made itself known on Ludwig's face. "You may be right, Alfred, but I think it is beyond the cameras. You might want to look behind us."
Oh no. Following his gaze, the prince noticed the owlish eyes of his Chosen peer at him from the massive windows on the second floor of the palace. Right, that was the biggest difference compared to the last time he'd visited briefly in the summer. "Aha...haha, yeah, you're kinda right, Lud. Sorry."
"Don't worry, I'm sure that the tabloids will not be concerned of our relationship," Ludwig said whilst the two of them decided to rejoin the other group. "It is just that you might need to comfort some confused hearts later tonight."
"Aww, Lud, you can do that for m-"
"Katya, Yao, Matthew, thank you for awaiting our arrival,"
"Welcome to Spades, Ludwig," the three royals said, bowing in greeting, Alfred hastily following suit. Wait crap, he'd forgotten to say hi to the Jack and the Ace.
Once that was done, though, Yao invited everyone to come back inside, him leading, Katya and Matthew walking behind in a pair, Lovino and Feli in another, and Alfred and Ludwig bringing up the rear.
"Still think they're going to be a couple, Alfred?"
"C'mon, there's no need to pick on your awesome and heroic best friend like that. And hold up, did you just make a joke?"
Patting at his slicked back hair to make sure not a strand of hair was out of place, Ludwig snorted and conveniently ignored his self awarded titles, thought they were completely valid. "I'm not doing anything of that sort, Alfred. You know. I thought you would be excited since they're walking as a pair together."
"Hey, you're the one who brought it up, not me!" he was trying not to laugh, twisting his face in a dumb expression that he hoped the cameras wouldn't catch. Maybe Katya and Matt were having an excellent conversation. It was kinda stupid to feel how much he relaxed around Ludwig's company, anyway. "Maybe you're more invested in it than I am."
"Matthew's still young, and plenty eligible. He'll be better suited for a Deciding of his own later, no?"
"Nah, he's not interested." he said as they continued to walk. Alfred closed the door behind them and the cameras that followed their path, leaving the carriage and their attendants to shut the gates of the palace. "We talked about it a little earlier, and he's just the same old Matt. Don't think it's going to happen unless a miracle does."
"Him starting a Deciding or finding love?"
"Starting a Deciding. With how hands on and stuff he's with the Inner Circle, I wouldn't be surprised if something started there."
A moment passed. A shadow flitted onto Ludwig's face, so briefly that if Alfred didn't know him so well he wouldn't be able to catch it. "Ah."
Wait. I mean, there's no way. He doesn't think that- Before Alfred could ask on the possibility of something he didn't know about his twin, Yao was speaking about going to the dining hall directly. Right, they were a little bit behind schedule.
"Ludwig? I hope things are all right." Katya was looking behind her shoulder at them. Oops. Alfred had forgotten that he'd want to hear from her about Gilbert. "You two were talking up quite the storm back there."
"Sorry, Katya..."
"No need to look like that, Alfred," she said, reaching up to pat his head. Nudging at the direction of Yao, she briefly indicated that the Jack was in need of his presence before falling back into step with Ludwig.
Unable to contain his anticipation, he blurted out his question. "How is Gilbert these days? Keeping himself out of trouble?" He, along with every other Primary Suit member, had immense respect for her, but he couldn't quell the fact that he missed his older brother more than he would like to admit. With Feli and Lovino, and now Alfred and Matthew, being surrounded by brothers being each others' steadfast companions felt suffocating at times.
"Yes, he is doing well. He is due to be arriving with the Diamonds group tomorrow, I believe – and asks about you regularly. He did," she chuckled lightly to herself upon seeing Ludwig's expression, "mention that there were several brands of Diamonds beer he'd be eager to try out with you."
"I'll have to scold him later, but...thank you for looking out for him in my stead."
Up at the front, Yao was lightly scolding Alfred for rushing up to Ludwig like his dog Hero every time he went back to his office, whilst Matthew conveniently walked next to the Vargas brothers and made small talk with them. Nothing wrong with letting Yao do the chewing out.
"Rushing up like that was childish of you."
"Uh huh, Yao." In typical Al fashion, he wasn't listening. Fighting back a sigh, he continued to listen to the Jack babble about a watercolour he was thinking of painting once he got home. "Sorry, Yao."
"I do hope you're aware that you're the most eligible royal in Cards right now, so be aware of your conduct."
"...You said you were planning to use the yellow paints, right, Feli?" Matthew made a point to speak extra loudly. He caught his exasperated glare over his shoulder and couldn't hold back a snort. "I hear Diamonds boasts some excellent pigment collection around the spring." To be honest, he had no idea what he was talking about, but anything to annoy Alfred.
"We'll be eating with the Chosen, if you don't mind," was the voice cue for the last few Chosen who hadn't scattered back into the Drawing Room to do so, and pretend like they hadn't been staring through the windows for far too long.
Arthur had been sitting with his usual posse, listening to Sakura divulge more details about the Primary Suit of Hearts, since she was knowledgeable about the region. Though foolish, he'd secretly hoped that Kiku would be invited, but perhaps it was unrealistic to have so many more people in the palace at one time, accounting for the fact there were three Decidings going on in a year, which was unprecedented.
"Well, I believe that His Highness was lucky when the mark appeared on the Jack."
"Huh? Like, how so? Don't they get to choose?"
"They are unfortunate that the last decision is with the Fates even during a Deciding," Sakura was saying to Leon and Emma as the doors opened and everyone rose to greet Jack Yao.
After they finished doing their usual bows, and everyone attempted to pretend they weren't anxiously waiting to get a glimpse of the Hearts royals, Jack Yao clapped his hands twice to grab their attention, which was not particularly necessary. "Chosen, thank you for waiting so patiently. The Hearts Primary Suit have now arrived, and we will be dining with them tonight. Please line up as you usually do, and follow me. I expect your usual exemplary behaviour."
Falling into step beside Leon, with Sakura and Emma pairing up in front of them as usual, the buzz was palpable even from the short walk to the dining room.
"Where's..." He could hear someone in the back trail off, probably now conscious that Jack Yao could hear every little snippet they were saying.
"Probably already sitting down."
"Wonder where they're going to sit? Near us?"
That question was answered when they entered to see the Hearts royals, Joker Katya and Alfred and Matthew sitting at the front of the table, three blue chairs inconspicuously swapped for a shade of light pink. Yao greeted them as they sat down, the Chosen all shuffled to their seats doing their best to not peer at them, then dinner proceeded as normal, only with everyone's seats being shifted down a few rows.
Inbetween meals or quiet talking with the star struck Emma and Leon; Arthur couldn't help but take a few glances of his own. From his studies, he'd always thought the King of Hearts to be a uptight fellow, but he seemed relaxed as he spoke to his husband, the Jack of Hearts, who was eating with almost as much enthusiasm as Dylan did every time they afforded sweets to bring home. The Ace demeanour was unchanged from when he saw him at the square on the day he came to the palace. He remembered from when the Ace would be on the news that he seemed like someone who preferred his own company, but even he looked comfortable speaking to Joker Katya and Jack Yao whilst they ate.
Leon cleared his throat, and that caused him to shake himself and pick up his spoon and get back to work on his soup. Risking a side glance to his friend, he realised that the warning might not be for him, but for Emma.
"Calamari soup for your thoughts?"
"Huh? Leon, wha-" Sakura and Arthur exchanged giggles at her bewildered expression. "Oh! I mean, why wouldn't you look?"
"I think you should want to keep your voice a little quieter, Emma," Sakura mumbled, quickly cupping a hand over her own mouth – from the way she was looking at the front of the table, they might have attracted some unwanted attention.
Arthur daren't look. "Quick, back to eating," he hissed, and the four of them did their best to pretend as if they hadn't all been staring like everyone else. Thankfully, no terrifying footsteps followed where they were sitting, other than a cameraman walking past that almost made him jump ten metres in the air.
It was only until they'd finished the main meal and were talking lightly amongst themselves waiting for dessert that he dared to peek once more. Matthew was speaking with Ace Lovino, Jack Feliciano was gesturing animatedly with his hands to Jack Yao and Joker Katya, and Alfred and King Ludwig were talking to one another. Their heads were close together, and Alfred was grinning, looking much happier than Arthur had seen him the last few days. With having to organise so many things at the same time, it wasn't surprising that he'd been feeling bogged down.
A pang went through his heart that he tried to ignore. Perhaps they had been moving too fast in their relationship, if he himself couldn't provide the same sort of comfort to Alfred. And with all the pain he'd already caused him...
"Yeah, I've been giving them lessons," he heard him speak out of his peripheral hearing. "We had to move the party to Sunday, since everyone else is so busy..."
"You are going to quite a few lengths for them," King Ludwig sounded impressed. "It's good that you are doing so. And the ball was a good idea, for both television and everyone to unwind. I wonder if Francis will let Lili dance on everyone's toes again."
"I dunno, I guess she's getting a little too old for that," Alfred replied. The two of them exchanged a grin as they spoke. "Knowing Francis, he'll go all papa and only let himself and Eliza do it."
"And Vash. Perhaps even the new Ace."
"And Vash, but that kinda doesn't need saying, and maybe. But yeah, it's cause of Matt we could afford to do this stuff."
"Don't discount yourself," Ludwig said. "Every week you seem more busy than usual, yet I will say watching your Deciding has been very entertaining. More than mine."
"Hey, Lud, that's cause of the Fates and stuff." Arthur had stopped taking nervous sips of his water at this point, and was essentially eavesdropping and barely noticed the desserts being placed on the carts at the very back of the room. "So that's not your fault!"
"Hm. Anyone special caught your eye?"
"H-Huh?" Arthur listened with bated breath. "Anyone...special? Like someone who stands out? Do you have a favourite?"
"Feli and I have been taking favourites, actually," Ludwig sounded amused at his friend's sudden flustered state. "Lovino has – at least, Feli says he does, but he won't speak to me about it, so I will take his word for it. I won't tell for fear of influencing you, though, if you don't wish me to."
Even with his head purposely turned away from the front of the table, he could hear the Jack chirp. "Ooh, are we talking about our favourites?"
"What? Oi, Feli, don't reach over me-"
"I've been meaning to ask this of you, actually, but I am curious as to who you're pulling for in the competition."
"Matt, you too?! Wait, Katya, you don't need to smile like that, I, uh, uh...Yao, c'mon!"
Arthur could practically sense the barely concealed smile of the Jack, remembering how he looked right before he teased Alfred like he usually did. "I apologise, but I must side with the prince. It may not be an appropriate conversation to have whilst the Chosen are in the same room with us, however."
Noticing that practically everyone was looking in the direction of the royals, Arthur risked doing the same. It was a bizarre sight indeed – Feliciano reaching over his older brother and Katya to tune into Alfred and Ludwig's conversation, and Matthew sidling up to his brother's side in an exaggerated fashion. His face was completely red, matching the Hearts royals' chairs.
C-Cute...Arthur thought, despite himself. He chided himself by hitting his kneecap with the heel of his blue shoe, which gave him instant regret. At least it got that embarrassing thought out of his head.
"Ahaha! Yeah, you're right as usual," Alfred babbled vigorously, before his gaze shot to the dessert carts. Raising his voice, he continued to speak. "Hey! Let's enjoy dessert first! Everyone, dessert!" to slightly confused acknowledgments of the Chosen seated further behind the front rows.
When the desserts – tiramisu, by the looks of it, Arthur had seen it multiple times in the city with Kiku on the weekends away from their holding facility – were rolling out, his attention was diverted. Despite seeing it, he'd never been able to bear buying the dessert since it was considered a premium.
"Let's talk about it more later, Alfie," Feliciano exclaimed as he settled back into the seat. "I have a list!"
There was a pause where he pawed around in his pockets, and then a pained cry. "I think I left it at home!"
Everything was in place – Yao had left thirty minutes ago for the Inner Circle docks to greet the Clubs royalty, Alfred had been conducting more lessons with the Chosen last time he checked, Katya was organising the last of the conference timings and the Hearts royalty were preparing their presentations for later in the day within the comfort of their guest rooms. That left Diamonds, and Matthew with two cameramen in the train station.
He didn't wanted to ask Yao to spare too much manpower seeing that the train station had already been blocked off for the arrival, however he'd relented by allowing him to send two armed cameramen, wearing what looked like uncomfortably bulky gear to wait with him. The spring sun was warm on the blue tiles of the train station as the cameramen spoke between themselves and Matthew waited alone with baited breath.
The last time he'd managed to even see the Joker in person, not using their affectionate bird mail, was at the inauguration of Ace Antonio, a little over three months before the Deciding. That made it five months without Gilbert. Only the hard work that had went into making the Deciding possible had managed to keep the torment at bay.
A silver lining, though, was that he would be with the rest of the Diamonds royals. When Matthew himself had to undertake an internship for a month when he was crowned Ace as was customary, he'd chosen to visit them. He'd managed to have multiple conversations with Jack Vash and took in some of his fighting style with the lance, been treated to Queen Lili's tea parties and even studied alongside her, and King Francis...
Almost immediately upon arriving, he'd taken it upon himself to ensure the process was a success. The sort of nurturing affection that he had taken for granted suddenly came back in the form of a king who was softer than his outward appearance had suggested. Perhaps it was the way that he'd tried to make the foreign palace as welcoming for a young Ace, or the way he'd personally supervised most of his lessons – either way, Matthew was indebted to him, and when Gilbert was assigned to aid Diamonds, he knew he was in good hands.
At the same time, Francis's closeness with both him and Gilbert had the potential to be dangerous. Even after his internship in Diamonds had ended, the two had made active efforts to continue to be mentor and mentee, so he found it excruciatingly difficult to lie to him. Both of them had told him stories about when they were young princes and playmates, so there was no doubting their bond, either.
Taking another deep breath, he forced himself to tilt his glasses back up the bridge of his nose and look at the clear blue sky, barely visible on top of the rain guard. Why couldn't things be easier with their secret? Surely Francis, having lost his wife all those years in that epidemic, would understand?
As he was about to harshly reprimand himself for such a cruel thought, the red light on the far end of the track switched to green, indicating that the train was on its way. Immediately, he got up, the two cameramen who had been forgotten following suit and readying their equipment.
Sure enough, a rumble of the train that he usually heard when making his rounds through the Inner Circle signalled the appearance of the chrome yellow train utilised by the Diamonds royalty. He wished he could lose himself in the steam billowing in the station, though it irritatingly fogged up his glasses which he had to pause to wipe. Hoping the cameras wouldn't catch him doing it carelessly on his waistcoat, he adjusted them again before reassuming a dignified pose to wait.
Francis emerged first, his blond hair tied up with a luxurious canary coloured ribbon and an large yellow flower pinned to his lapel. Lili, wearing her usual huge flower crown that threatened to dwarf her small figure, leapt out of the compartment, escorted by Vash, wearing an impeccable dark yellow suit and a hat with the same flower affixed to it. Antonio emerged last, wearing a jacket and tight fitting pants, complete with a sash bearing the symbol attached to the only complete Primary Suit in Cards.
Lili was the first to greet Matthew, as usual. Though she was only a few years younger than him, she was quite aware of the very unusual young age she'd chosen to ascend to the throne and unconsciously showed it with her usual shy enthusiasm. He was quite happy to kneel down a little and give her a huge hug, welcoming her to Spades.
"King Francis, bienvenue à Spades," he said nervously as Lili went back to Vash's side, linking hands with her knight. Having learned a bit of the rural Diamonds language when he was studying with them, he was eager to show his mentor that he still retained some usage of it.
"Oh? Trés bien, Matthew, je suis content! Thank you, my dear," Francis smiled, giving him a quick squeeze at his nervous flush; he'd been practising it for weeks when time permitted. "I hope we did not make you wait too long. Is dear Yao with the Clubs royals?"
"Not at all – and yes, he's fetching them now. Jack Vash, welcome to Spades," they shook hands and exchanged nods before Lili tugged his hand once again and they parted ways, leaving one more person. "Antonio, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've been eager for our meeting since we began our correspondence."
At this, Antonio broke into a beam and vigorously shook his hand. Just like the rest of the Diamonds royals, it blinded him so much he felt like he had to squint. "So have I! It's wonderful to meet you for the first time, Matthew! You look well."
"With all the Deciding preparations, I'm actually quite surprised." Matthew said. He couldn't mess it up now. Had Gilbert decided to somehow find a way to not come? "Er, is there-"
"Yes, yes, he's on his way out of the compartment, not to worry," Francis chuckled, noticing his protégé's expectant gaze at the train – Matthew and Gilbert's 'friendship' was common knowledge, so it was not enough to raise alarm bells. Noticing that Antonio was talking with the other royals, he leaned down to whisper in Matthew's ear. "I walked in on them," gesturing lightly to Lili and Vash, "Drawing various animals with some sketchbooks she'd brought with her, and trying to draw the cutest one. He came in, and he managed to make a mess by knocking over all the colouring supplies. How silly, no?"
"I see," Matthew smiled, "But why not ask Vash or Lili to help clean up, eh?"
"My dear Matthew, do you truly expect me to ask the apple of my eye, my beloved daughter, to clean up after herself? I think we are past that phase already," Francis replied haughtily, but he could tell it was in all good fun. "No, no, I jest, as you know me. As for Vash, I would prefer to not have a fi – ah, Gilbert, my friend, there you are!"
Barely daring to breathe, Matthew watched as Gilbert emerged, with his red and black jacket and even worse grin. Had he forgotten to button up the top two collars of his polo? Don't look. You can't look.
Matthew looked. Fates, he looked. Those pale eyes he'd looked at countless times, the exposed collarbone that he'd placed kisses on, the soft hair that he'd run his hands through so many times, even the tiny bird that he'd opened plenty of tiny letters from. God, he wanted to drink in the sight until he suffocated. Gilbert. Gilbert Gilbert Gilbert.
He was standing there like a petrified statue, but then again, so was he. "Joker Gilbert, welcome to Spades." he said quickly, waiting for Francis to step aside before he shook his hand for the cameras. Let go, he thought to himself, but all words died in his throat after he gazed into his eyes and the Diamonds royals, the cameramen, the whole train station seemed to fall away, leaving the tiles underneath their feet and each other. There was the same smug expression, but laced with a hint of longing. Say something! Anything!
"Thanks, Matthew, it's awesome to be back after so long, and for a Meeting, too! Sorry for my lateness, someone," he glared at Francis, who merely winked, "said I needed to do some clean up. Alright, should we go? I'd hate to be beaten to the castle by the Clubs royals!"
"Yes, of course, right this way to the carriage," Matthew said. Walking quickly, he led the group with Francis and Antonio, Lili and Vash and the cameramen following right behind. Perhaps it was uncouth for him not to be walking with the king, but as the public were aware of their shared history, it could be easier to pass off Gilbert walking next to him as merely a natural delicacy. As was custom, the Primary Suit of each kingdom arrived in one large carriage, meaning he couldn't even have that opportunity to be with him.
"Psst. Birdie," he muttered underneath his breath, and it took practically all of his strength to not grasp at his jacket and kiss him senseless, so much so he forgot to chide him about his bizarre nickname. Hearing his voice after so many months made him want to fall to his knees. "You doing okay?"
I want to hold you. "Yes, I'm doing fine, Gil," Matthew answered, hoping that he couldn't see the tremble in his knuckles. Fates, he was so close. If only he reached out and their hands brushed awkwardly once more, he felt as if the contact could sustain him until they entered the palace and had a moment of time alone with one other. "I..."
"Y-Yeah?"
"Gilbert," he breathed, and with his heart pounding in his ears he could barely hear him exhale, the sound ragged and strained. The both of them were already holding back. "Fates, Gilbert, I..."
"I know," he replied, his voice carefully disguised. "It's goddamn torture. I just want to..."
Fighting back a snort, Matthew moved his head in a barely detectable nod which couldn't be seen by anyone except him, given their proximity. "You know what'll happen if you tell me about them at length, because barely anything is stopping me from actually doing them."
Breaking into a shit eating grin, Gilbert stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Me too, Birdie."
"Matthew."
"Matthieu," he teased, before raising his voice. "Just like how Francis says it sometimes, right?"
"Hm? You two were speaking about me? Do go ahead!"
"No, Francis – not r-" all complaints faded away once Gilbert gave him a deliberate look, "All right, perhaps a bit. I'd prefer it to Deciding talk, anyway."
Ha, an even juicier topic for the cameramen to capture. He silently thanked Alfred's wonderful contest for the even better deflection. With how much the Joker had blinded his senses, he realised that speaking on such topics was far too reckless – one conversation would be all it took to bring them both to ruin.
Lili's head bobbed up from the back, the yellow irises in her flower crown doing the same. For a moment, he forgot that they were an amplifier for her weak magic, as the way they moved was eerily realistic. "Deciding talk?"
"And with that, the three hundred and eighty four annual Meeting may commence!" Yao, being the master of ceremonies, concluded his speech. With him being the highest ranking royal in Spades, he along with the three other kings and the two Jokers paused for a photo opportunity of the opening ceremony, then the rest of the other royals came in a final photo. No one had objected to Alfred's inclusion, anyway.
The cameras flashed, the Chosen clapped politely and the few dignitaries that had been invited did the same. What with all four kingdoms gathered in their palace and having to finish so many tasks in one day, he was exhausted.
That was not all, though, as he returned to his podium. "I would like to take this time whilst everyone is fresh for their respective conferences to remind you that the schedule for the day will be displayed at eight in the morning, every day. Please, do go there if you are confused about rooms and whatnot. I would also like to urge all participants to attend the," the Jack flipped his page, "celebratory ball to be hosted at Sunday night. Ace Matthew, Joker Katya and Prince Alfred have all worked extremely hard for this celebration to occur, so we all hope to see you there."
Being met with equal enthusiasm, he signed off. From all his years of public speaking, it did indeed manage to become easier. It was past curfew now being ten at night, and he urged the Chosen to get to their rooms as soon as possible whilst everyone else dispersed for the night.
Saying a quick goodnight to Matthew and Alfred, he took a moment to confer briefly with Francis on who would make the first speech of the conference regarding preservation of cultural property, then took another to speak with the Diamonds royals, who he didn't have time to talk with during their initial arrival. Finally, he spoke with Roderich and Elizabeta and asked after their daughters before exiting the bustling Broadcast stage.
With that all out of the way, he limped to his office, untying his hair from its ponytail and collapsing on his chair. Thankfully a steaming pot of herbal tea was awaiting him that he forgot he'd requested earlier, which he gulped down eagerly, wincing at his carelessness with it's heat. Today had been a long day.
That was, at least, not taking into account that for him, his night had barely started.
Whilst recharging with his tea, he once again went through the temporary rooming for all the new visitors. With all the people, he'd managed to step up security around the Chosen's rooms, as well as all the staying royals who slept on the first floor. They'd come this far to Spades; it would be beyond a disaster if the rebels struck in the palace for the first time during this week.
Why was his heart beating so fast? He was on home turf. He knew exactly where everyone was, who everyone was, everything to do and what would happen over the next few days. But as the clock slowly ticked to past twelve in the morning, Yao found his shaking hands placing down his teacup and locking his door. His maids knew that he sometimes slept in his office, so the Jack closing it for the night was nothing out the ordinary. What he was about to do next, though, was.
Kneeling underneath his metal drawer and pressing his palm to where he kept most of his personal records, he muttered an all too familiar incantation painfully slowly; as to delay what he knew would happen next, even though another side yearned to make it happen as soon as possible. Invitingly, the wall facing the side of the cabinet melted backwards to reveal a hatch and a staircase behind it.
Adjusting his coat so that it wouldn't make any unnecessary noise, Yao shut it, spoke the same incantation which rippled through the empty walls that sealed the door, and then descended to the first floor.
Morning came, and still no blue note asking Arthur to visit Alfred for a dance lesson, and nothing from a troubled Anna, either. When coming down to the Drawing Room alone before breakfast, he noticed only Sakura sitting in the usual couch where the four of them sat.
"I think they have both been invited today," she told him as soon as he bowed in greeting. "Have you received a note?"
Looking both sides to see if anyone was paying attention, which they were thankfully not due to the fact that they were too busy watching the coverage of Diamonds and Clubs airing on the news, Arthur shook his head.
She tried to comfort him with a sympathetic smile, but he knew she had already gotten her lesson and almost certainly excelled in it. They managed to strike up a conversation about the Hearts royals once more, but the nagging voice of doubt had ballooned to one taunting him about his imminent elimination. With all the new people, and more things to do for the Meeting, the chance of getting one on one time with Alfred was slipping away.