FINALLY. the coronation i apologise it's taken so long! we get a spot of plot + some fluff near the end. :)
(lmao this is short until i ruined it with this note rip)
as always, i do not own the selection nor hetalia. these belong to kiera cass and himaruya hidekaz respectively.
Once guards had herded Kiku and Arthur into the safe room and the doors were shut firmly, everything went quiet.
The room was dimly lit perhaps due to the depth of where it was located inside the palace, and was furnished with an extremely bare-bones design in mind, with steel beds and plain blankets and pillows and grey walls. The space gave out an extremely industrial feel, not at all welcoming in the cold weather, which it seemed to radiate.
Feliciano was fast asleep, no doubt tired about all the commotion and the preparation for the relatively confusing day. The way they treated the threat of rebels was akin to a tiny mishap, not something that could claim lives. And on the same day of the coronation, as well!
"I can't help but feel so useless," Arthur said bitterly. "It feels wrong that it's my idea but I'm not going to do anything past suggesting it."
"Art, you might want to keep your voice down," Kiku's voice was gentle as he chided him. "I believe that Feliciano needs a rest."
"I don't want to leave the burden upon Ace Lovino and King Ludwig," Arthur said. "What if the plan doesn't work?"
"Arthur, with these things – you are not just considered a queen, but a leader. You do not know what is going to happen." Kiku said. "What makes queens and leaders who they are is how they adapt with a situation. To learn to grow aside it. You suggested a fine idea, now you must trust others to do their part. Please, can you do this for me? For all of Cards, if we can secure peace?"
Arthur's breath stilled, mouth tensing in dissent but he let himself mull over Kiku's words.
He was greatly inexperienced, after all. He wouldn't know what exactly to say in front of such a volatile crowd, and if he said something poor or out of character, it would reflect badly on Spades and Alfred. Arthur didn't want to imagine a possibility of Alfred being blamed for something that was wholeheartedly his own fault.
"It is…oddly quiet this time around," Kiku murmured, leaning against the steel frame of the bed, pausing for a moment and getting onto it, Arthur following suit. "Perhaps it will be easier compared to last time. Hearts has not been attacked in large numbers like Spades, possibly because we do not have a Joker in our residence. Diamonds has also been targeted more brutally as they have Joker Gilbert under their sponsorship."
"Maybe," Arthur said, but pressed his hands to his fists in tense waiting. The last time an attack had happened, Alfred's back was sliced up with lashes from his advisors' punishments, and he wanted to leave out of fear… "Hey though, Kiku, you might want to get some beauty sleep. Your coronation will happen tonight if everything goes well."
"Pfft," Kiku snorted, but crawled onto the bed next to Arthur's, just like old times. "I am already beautiful enough. As radiant as a queen can be."
"I know, I know," Arthur nodded in confirmation, tugging the blanket around his head. "But you'll be falling over your feet in exhaustion anyway."
"I am still worried about Heracles," Kiku murmured, his brown eyes blinking in the poorly lit room. "I know that they must have put all the patients and soldiers in safe rooms, but I cannot help but wonder and worry."
"If I was in your position, I'd do the same. So don't feel guilty about it." Arthur said.
"I am impressed how you have managed to not gush about the prince, because if I were in your position, I would be talking a lot," Kiku said, with a sly smile that hinted at him trying to purloin information. "Imagine Prince Heracles, the most eligible boy in all of Cards, stunning and handsome with Kiku, a boy from a holding facility, both of them madly smitten with each other. On the other side of the country, Queen Arthur with his sweetheart returned to his kingdom by a group of rebels."
"Kiku!" Arthur laughed, trying to cover his blush. "That's a completely bizarre swap of our - situation, so to speak. Still, what if…? I would be over my head with worry, obviously. Those wounds…always cause some kind of concern."
"I would just talk about him, if I was in that situation, whenever we had the time," Kiku grinned. "Describe him at arm's length, talk about how his eyes glimmer and how he holds me and how his arms feel like-"
Just then, Feliciano turned over in discomfort, his and King Ludwig's child rolling with him like some beach ball. He let out a small sigh, then went back to sleep.
"Oh dear," Kiku said, wincing a little and sinking his head back into his pillow, wrapping his stiff sheets around his chin. "Well, Arthur, I will use this conversation later on to have an excuse to gush about Heracles before you leave in a few days."
"Now that you say it, this has been the fastest week of my life." Arthur joked. "Never mind that, come over and gush about him, whether it be a swap or not. Take a break, Kiku."
"You too, Art."
The sunset filtering off the curtains of the prep room flecked Arthur's surroundings as he sat on a chair, turning the cufflinks of his tailored suit in his fingers.
It was hard to believe that only mere hours ago that there was the imminent possibility of a rebel attack. The palace hadn't seen any sort of damage, save from the two hours that were claimed to be lost. There was just one component left, though, and it was that King Ludwig and Ace Lovino were nowhere to be found.
Both Kiku and Arthur still found solace in the fact that Jack Feliciano had not been alerted and did not seem afraid or paranoid, cheerfully staying with Kiku throughout the whole preparation process for the coronation that was at six. Five o'clock had come and gone, and now…
"Sir Arthur," a woman asked, her hair scraped neatly into a bun, "Have you been briefed on the coronation process?"
"Um, a little," Arthur admitted, finger going up to his slicked back hair which made her visibly wince. "I'm going to be sitting in the third row, two to the left?"
She pulled out her clipboard and squinted at it before nodding, tilting up her glasses before walking away.
"Five minutes, everyone!" the woman barked as she strode away. "I want the queen outside and ready by ten to six."
"Arthur…" Kiku's faint voice came from outside the screen. "I do not feel like the beauty sleep was enough…"
Arthur simply smiled, and pulled at the sleeves of his suit before crossing his legs and sitting.
Kiku's calm eyes fixed upon the end of the hallway of the throne room moments later, his chest quivering but not willing to show his nervousness.
This was the moment he would put his old life behind him, as Kiku of the house of Honda in the Inner Circle, but rather Queen Kiku of Hearts.
"I'll come and see you right after the coronation dinner," Arthur whispered in his ear – looking refined in his black suit, neutral and not accentuated with the colours of a Kingdom – probably to fit in with the rest of the guests. It was a small audience of nobles from all of Cards, except the Primary Suits – they would come again to pay homage in another ceremony mimicking this one for safety purposes. "You'll do great, Kiku. I know you will. Just…chin up, there."
Kiku smiled a little, feeling the nerves in his stomach lessen after his best friend's little tease. "Yours will come very soon after this, I bet. I will fight tooth and nail to be there – at both the wedding and the crowning."
"It's not like anything's been set in stone, you're going a little too far," Arthur said, blushing a little. "Nevertheless. You look wonderful."
"I am sorry, Arthur, but I use my eyes," Kiku said evenly, carefully keeping his gaze straight as attendants straightened his long robe. "But I do hope I do not look like an utter mess."
"If you're an utter mess, what are we all?" Arthur retorted, but snuck a gloved hand underneath his scarlet robes to give his hand a quick squeeze. "I'm in the third row. Also – I checked up on Heracles, he's currently resting in a room on the same floor as you. Put in a good word."
"Oh dear, Art, did anyone else see? I have no intention of defacing my ii-mage," Kiku joked, but let out a little laugh all the same. "But thank you."
"May the Fates bless you, Your Highness," Arthur said, doing a little bow and going off to his place.
If Kiku had been the young, impressionable child he had been with Arthur, he would have run after him, perhaps. Made a little noise, asking him to remain with his side for as long as humanly possible.
But with the faith that his best friend, and the rest of Hearts, and the Primary Suit had placed on him, this was his first step into the world of royalty. And he couldn't let them down now.
"Your Highness, when you hear the music begin, please step forward and follow procedure," an attendant spoke, bowing deeply.
As the music swelled up and the attendants parted so that Kiku was
alone, his scarlet cape, the banner of Hearts, fanned out behind him as he took careful, calculated steps towards the new throne of the Queen.
King Ludwig, Jack Feliciano and Ace Lovino, standing in a small trinity around it, all bowed their heads to him as he came up the steps as a show of respect. Kiku's heart lifted just for a moment – he knew that they were safe after the threat of the rebels, but just seeing them made him all the more relieved. His immaturely pressed shoes toed the line of the final step and bowed, closing his eyes as Ludwig stepped forward, placing the queen's crown on his head.
Lovino was the next one to come forward, his eyes animated as he presented the scepter and the royal orb, as well as a signet ring with an alexandrite gem. He was bound, 'married', to the Kingdom from now on, Kiku thought to himself as Lovino helped him slip it on, being the youngest member of the Primary Suit. Feeling the red gems studded along a strip across the orb, and the golden curves that met underneath a magnificent jewel – the jewel's support, as he would now be for Hearts. Lovino beckoned for him to rise, then gave him a very small smile as reassurement, and then resumed his place.
Feliciano followed in his haste, beaming from ear to ear – a leather bound book stained with red, where he would take his oath upon the country whom he will serve. He bent his head, carefully tilting it just so his tiara wouldn't tip over, and closed his eyes, his heart thumping in his chest.
He tried to clear his head of thought as Feliciano recited the age old words with a steady voice, weaving words that told of courage and devotion to their people, and a lifetime purely of service.
"Will you, Kiku Honda, accept this life that the Fates have deemed you noble enough to embark on?" Feliciano began.
To which Kiku replied, "I do."
"Will you also accept this task of protecting not only the people of Hearts, but of all Cards?" Feliciano said solemnly.
Kiku's eyes met with his, and he nodded once again.
"I do."
"Now, you must place your hand on the book and repeat after me the vows that you will pledge to the Fates and to this world. I, Kiku Honda…" Feliciano began.
"...I, Kiku Honda…"
"I am humbled to acknowledge the country and all gathered here tonight as your new Queen," Kiku said, his voice clear through the silence that rippled through the crowd gathered outside the palace.
Arthur waited behind him, his hands behind his back as he listened to the Queen of Hearts give his first speech to the people – really, a ten minute affair that Kiku had thrown together hastily after the dinner and thirty minutes with Heracles, who he had made sure would be in a room directly a floor underneath him, the closest they could possibly be to each other.
He tuned out for the most part of the speech, having heard it while Kiku did his utmost to remember, and let his eye catch onto the small sliver of sky he could see from behind the balcony. It was already night, and the winter breeze had sharpened significantly.
He would be going home tomorrow, back to Spades.
…back to Alfred.
I've almost spent the whole week not thinking about him, Arthur thought to himself, because he couldn't be certain that anyone who picked up on the morsel of information wouldn't spread it around to great effect. But why now…
The moment hit him the moment raucous clapping came from both around him and outside, people cheering Kiku's new title and 'Long live the Queen!'
I…I miss him.
"It means the world," Kiku continued, a little louder to be heard above the cheers, in the corner of Arthur's peripheral vision. "It means the world to have the people, as well as the Fates, deem me fit enough to rule this noble country. I swear to all and those who believed in me, that I will do my utmost!"
Arthur caught a moment of his exhilarated face as he bowed to his people once more, and he and the rest of the Primary Suit waved goodnight to the subjects that Kiku had been waiting for so long to formally serve.
"May the Fates serve you, my queen," the crowd behind the balcony said fervently as Kiku came inside first, and Arthur went on his knee to honour him, the rest of the room following suit.
"If you do not mind me staying until ten," Kiku smiled sheepishly, "Dinner was exhausting. Apparently, I mean something more to the courtiers simply because I am now queen. I am desperate to be in the company of someone who I know will always have my back."
"That won't change," Arthur smiled, and let his mouth linger on the rim of his teacup. "You have to write to me when I'm going home tomorrow."
"Time feels so brief when I am in your company again." Kiku admitted. "It feels like only yesterday you arrived, you carry yourself well in court. You even managed to tide them over tonight!"
"Well, it was mostly King Ludwig's efforts!" Arthur protested. "With such a way with words, it is nothing but his and Ace Lovino's accomplishments that might have started discussions that might be held later at a Meeting."
"The summer solstice is a ways away, Art," Kiku said, his expression thoughtful. "But it was a thought of yours. Without it, my coronation might not have taken place at all."
"If you put it that way, then…" Arthur said.
"I am sorry that we have to keep you in the dark," his best friend replied, taking Arthur's free hand between his own. "But there are some things that Ludwig and Lovino have both agreed on – both agreeing to each other, mind you – that there are some things you cannot take home. I promise you that it is nothing bad though. Hearts and Spades have always had a strong bond."
"If I'm lucky to be queen of Spades one day," Arthur hesitantly began, to which Kiku stifled a laugh, "I guess that bond will be rather strong."
"When, Arthur, when," Kiku chided. "Please do not tell me that you are taught another language in Spades? I do not believe it gives you an advantage with Prince Alfred."
Arthur laughed with him at the mere idea that the Chosen learned another language to just impress Alfred, but there was a knock on the door just as he formulated a reply in his mind.
"No, Queen Kiku, I'll get that," Arthur hastily amended, getting up from his seat and opening the door to a very flustered servant holding one very blue item, and one very red bouquet.
"Oh! Sir Arthur," they exclaimed, their face flushed. "I was hoping that you were in your room tonight. This – this is for you…"
"For me?" Arthur blurted, surprised as Kiku got up, curious to see what the whole commotion was about. "Um, where's it from…?"
"The kingdom of Spades, sir," the servant replied. "It came while we were having dinner, and I thought it the best to wait…"
Alfred, Arthur's heart ached as his arms took the bouquet and the parcel and the servant left with a quick bow. It surely must be you…right?
He didn't even want to know how disappointed he'd look if it wasn't from him…
The flowers were a bouquet of bright red carnations. Inside, there was a note tucked into the blue wrapping.
I hope you're having a good time over there, princess. If ya know what these mean, you'll know whatever I wanted to say when I wrote this.
Alfred
"Arthur, they mean 'my heart aches for you'." Kiku said, with a little smirk on his face.
"I…oh," Arthur whispered to himself, and in that moment his fingers closed on the card and his nose caught the sweet scent of the carnations, he let himself surrender to the infatuation that was love. "They're – they're breathtaking."
They were just normal carnations, but Kiku could clearly see how his best friend had lit up in anticipation when the messenger had said it was from Spades, and Arthur's expression softening immediately when he figured out whom it was from. It was not the sort of gift it was for him, rather who was the sender.
Ah, how romantic indeed, Kiku thought to himself as Arthur admired the flowers. When Heracles and I were still courting in our first few years, he would always climb up the tree nearest to our shared apartment and give me little things – once even sneaking a cat into our room…
"There are more," Kiku said hurriedly, noticing that Arthur's gaze was still fixed on the printed card. "There was a box…"
"More?!" Arthur exclaimed, his cheeks growing incredibly hot, but he had already tucked the carnations into one arm and was crossing the room again.
"You have only been gone a week, and you get two presents? My, my," Kiku teased, leaning on Arthur's shoulder to get a peek. "Now I am intrigued. Perhaps a wedding ring?"
"I thought it was custom to be given it in person," Arthur commented, knocking his chin against Kiku's coronation ring. "But I have no idea…"
Nestled in the box that was blue as robin eggs, was a stunning pocket watch that could only have been handmade. With what seemed to be tiny, hand painted blue roses skirting alongside a rim, two spades on the tip of the hands, it ticked in the awed silence of the room. Roman numerals, one to twelve, formed the centrepiece of the treasure, and a little golden chain fastened to the watch with a pearl finished it all off.
It was unlike anything Arthur had ever seen before – for the second time that night, he was lost for words.
He slipped the chain around his neck, and for a heartbeat could feel Alfred's warm, calloused fingers stroking his skin before he placed it on, one hand cupping the watch in astonishment.
"By the Fates…" Kiku murmured, spellbound as well as he leaned down to look at it more closely. "It is most beautiful, Art. If he went to such lengths for you…"
"I can't believe it," Arthur said, half sobbing, half laughing. "What an idiot…I'll give him a right talking to tomorrow."
"I hope that it comes with something good straight after," Kiku said, knowing all too well his friend's hot and cold personality. "Ah wait, there's but another note…"
Arthur read it, his skin flushed and his breathing shallow.
Counting down the hours until I can see you again.
On the tiny lil' chance you're doing the same, I hope this is gonna work!
How's Hearts? I hope it's a tad warmer since our cold's been shifted here this year. It's not always this cold, and…I hope you'll stay to see it for yourself.
Be safe, my princess.
I miss you bunches,
Alfred
"You idiot," Arthur breathed, pressing his lips to the corner of the note. "Idiot, idiot, idiot…stop making me miss you so much."
Kiku's expression softened, and he said a quiet 'good evening, Arthur', leaving Arthur to his own undeniable bliss and to see his own beloved.
"Good evening, Kiku," Arthur replied, hugging his friend before holding his presents close to his chest. In a fit of fancy, he went to his balcony and leaned outside, peering at the night sky – filled with stars that he knew Alfred loved.
"Goodnight, Alfred," Arthur said tenderly, wishing that somehow, Alfred could hear him. "I-I love you."
Miles away, where hearts are joined
"Goodnight, Arthur," Alfred called out, underneath a sky of his imaginary green stars. "I miss you – and I love you, too."
"Alfred, stop shouting lines from Romeo and Juliet when it's two in the morning," Matthew grumped, dragging his lovesick brother's collar by the hand. "Arthur's going to be home tomorrow. If you have eye bags, that's going to be…weird for all of us."
"Come on, Matt, this guy was right," Alfred moaned, "Parting is such bittersweet sorrow…"
"You don't know the half of it," Matthew groaned, thinking about Gilbert for a moment before continue to yank his brother. "Now, sleep. Or you're going to do all my work while you stay up…"
"ADIEU!" Alfred shouted before nudging the door closed with his boot.
"Alfred, I swear…"
lovesick arthur and lovesick alfred are so different in their own endearing way. they're both dorks, honestly
also - quick note with what happened with ludwig + lovino, it's strictly classified information so arthur isn't technically allowed to know yet as he is not a royal, but that might change...;D but kiku does know what happened. i'll be sure to elaborate it on the next chapter, it just got relatively long and i didn't want to disturb the snippet.
replies
pastaaddict - ohh yes, it did. i put a little morsel here that kind of implies it, i hope it was enough!
CFAA - haha definitely! my fingers seem to be typing faster now we're near the end.
russia says hello - aww that means a lot to me! this fic's been carrying on for years on end so i can't believe it's still ongoing sometimes lmao. and be careful what you wish for, i say as i rub my hands together evilly
amberwolf - i really appreciate it too! well in plot terms, i would say in the new few chapters. this fic's almost complete!
hearthorse - i'm super proud of you buddy ;D
reviews, favourites and follows are what will keep me writing, so please go ahead and leave them!