It was late afternoon and Arthur was still ignoring Alfred, who did everything he could to get the other to talk to him. Currently they were in the study, and Arthur was trying to read a book, but the American wouldn't stop poking his cheek. Arthur swatted him away at first, but he would just come back more persistently because he had gotten a reaction. However, now Arthur was dead set on ignoring the other for at least a day rather than the 40 minutes he had planned on initially. The prince began to hum. The monotone sound was annoying, no matter how hard Arthur tried to shut it out, the sound rattled around in his head, making it impossible to read his book. The brit gave up. He snapped his head toward his mate and scowled at him deeply, before hissing.
"Do you have any idea how annoying you are being?" He asked sourly. The American smirked and shrugged coyly, knowing full well the effects of his humming. Even as the prince stopped, the brit could still feel the small vibrations in his ear canal. "Alfred, I'm not angry at you, I was just proving the point that you're not in charge me. I'm fine, leave me alone." He huffed as he turned back to his book. The humming didn't continue, so the brit sighed in relief, thinking it was over. Perhaps he could get some reading done? That thought was interrupted by a small tap on his shoulder, causing a dramatic groan to escape his lips. "What~?"
"I know that it was some sort of display of dominance, I'm not offended. You just left the room, that's not much of a remonstrance. Maybe, the next time you get a little heated because of Francis, do something that doesn't only convey an internal win. It didn't leave anyone in awe, it just made things awkward for me, really. But like i said, I'm not angry, and i meant what i said about me not thinking about your perspective. I also don't want you to feel threatened or coerced or obliged to doing for Francis because you don't owe him a thing." He said softly, looking at his nails. Arthur quirked an eyebrow.
"Well, for your information" the brit said calmly, leaning his head to the side to get the prince's full attention, "I didn't, nor will I ever feel forced to do anything for that frog-" He was cut off mid sentence by the American's giggling. "What?"
"'Frog?', that was a good one Artie. I have to admit that I had to exercise a whole lot of self control to keep myself from laughing." He said through chuckles. Arthur's face heated up a bit at the praise, but he smiled warmly at his mate.
"Ah, yes. Thank you, but back to what i was saying." He cleared his throat, looking to make sure Alfred was paying attention. "I will never feel forced to do anything for the French king. Ever, so don't even worry about that. Second, I wasn't trying to impress anyone when I left the room, I did it for myself just like when you exercise alone. You don't do it for yourself, not the validation of others. And besides, why would I want to stay in a room with someone as disrespectful as him. Who knows what he actually said when he spoke in his native tongue? However, I'm quite certain it was neither polite nor true in the slightest, seeing that Matthew gave him a good hard one for me." Arthur said with a thin smile. Something about that Frenchman just irks him.
"Oh, yeah. I'm sorry for not having your back so much, I got really tired half way through and the second he started speaking French i just blanked for a second." He said, guilt and shame lacing his voice. That's when the brit remembered that Alfred was still recovering, and that he should be in bed. However, the American looked normal, he must had bags under his eyes, despite the fact that he had been sleeping most of the day. Arthur smiled and nodded.
"It's not your fault, we should get you back to be, you need your rest." He was about to get up when the prince shook his head.
"I feel fine, i don't think i'll need to go back now. And besides, look at all of the work that has been piling up" he pointed at his desk for emphasis. It was stacked with papers, no one thinking to take matters into their own hands and making executive decisions. "I think I'll get to it now, are you going back to the room, or are you gonna keep me company?" he asked, standing up, stretching. Arthur thought for a bit. "Or" the prince added with a smile, "I could take a stack with me and spend the day in the bedroom." Arthur smirked, nodding happily.
"Okay"
Arthur was laying on his side watching his mate do his work under the light of the flickering candles. The knight was wearing his large red glasses in order to see clearly, and he had a quill in his hand to underline and initial the contracts. Arthur had asked him what the parchments were for, and every time the American explained or at least tried to, Arthur got confused at all of the titles of these people involved that he had just stopped asking. Alfred was working astutely, drowning out the world around him. But seeing how focused the American was showed the brit a nerdier side of his normally abrasive partner. He was very sexy, Arthur could hardly hold back his hands.
Eventually, he can't stop himself. He rolls over enough for him to bury his face in the other's hip bone. Alfred didn't seem to notice, in fact, he just readjusted his glasses, squinting at a clause. He growled silently as he read it, and for a moment the brit thought he was the reason for his anger. But then the prince caressed his cheek softly, sighing as he forced himself to calm down. "It's okay, you can stay." He mumbled, shifting through his documents. He had shifted through his papers again, sighing heavily. "Where did I put it?" he grunted, annoyed. Arthur watched him with curious eyes.
"What are you looking for?" he inquired. The American shrugged.
"I received a letter from my mother a few days ago, but i can't find it now." Arthur scowled at the mention of his mate's mother, but instantly felt bad as he noticed the guilt and concern in the other's eyes. The queen was still the American's mom, so of course he was still looking forward for her letters.
"I can help you look." the brit offered as he pulled away. "What does it look like?" He said as he sat up, stretching like a cat. He heard the American sigh in relief.
"Like this." he said with a small smile, lifting up the lost letter. "You rolled on top of it, so i couldn't see it." he explained as he motioned for the brit to return to his prior position. Arthur obliged, resting his head on the other's hip, smiling as he did so. "Oh" The American said blankly as he scanned the letter.
"What, is it not from your mother?"
"It is, but it isn't for me. It's addressed to you." he said almost disappointed. He handed the letter to the brit, but the latter refused to take it.
"You read it and filter what she says to me. I've had enough rude monarchs for the day." he deadpanned. Alfred hummed.
"Just take it. Its just a piece of parchment whats the worst that can happen?" he said with a tired shrug. Arthur scowled, plucking the paper out of his hand. He read the first line aloud.
"'Mr. Pendragon, it has come to my attention that my son fancies you'? Where was this mild manner when she was writing to you? I would think opening up with a 'Dear Whore' would better sum up her perception of me." He sad mockingly. The prince frowned but said nothing, allowing the brit to read.
Mr. Pendragon,
It has come to my attention that my son fancies you, and will more likely than not, bring you to his coronation. He is being crowned on July fourth, to signify the the 'birth' of a new king. The coronation will be held in the capital, and the after party will take place in the grand hall of the palace. In this hall, the most respectable and noble of our allies will be there, their power something only you can dream of, and never acquire.
I am telling you this because I am giving you an opportunity to reject my son's offer. Not only will you embarrass him, you'll embarrass yourself. You have no sense of refinery and elegance, probably living in squalor all of your life, like a wild animal, trash. There is no place for a peasant like you in a place of such majesty, you would only taint the grand atmosphere. Also, i would recommend not going for obvious reasons, it is very well just a waste of time. You and my son won't last, you don't have what it takes to be royalty. In fact, he might leave you before you get married, shoving you on the ship back to your putrid island and leaving you to your own vices. If he even does that for you; he could very well just throw you out on the streets and leave you to the other peasants. You're British, people will chase you out before letting you marry the king. Your kind have attacked our ports throwing millions into poverty. You will definitely be the target of their frustrations.
Now, if that doesn't scare you, I'll make you an offer you can't refuse. Leave my son once you enter the country and I will give you asylum in Canada. My sister is the duchess there, a kind hearted soul; she'll host you, let you in. She was against the entirety of the war, she'll hold no prejudices against you. This offer will only stand up until your 3rd night at the palace; she will be visiting then and you'll be able to leave with her. I'll distract Alfred long enough for you to leave the city, he won't dare follow.
Now, if you refuse my offer, don't expect me to sway the public's opinion of you; you will have to do that on your own. Good luck trying to get them to listen to you, a savage of the unholiest kind.
Respectfully,
Queen Martha
Arthur stared at the letter, glancing at the American with heated eyes as he put it down. The American looked confused, as if the brit hadn't just read the letter out loud. Arthur rolled away from him, facing the opposite wall so he no longer had to look at the idiotic face of his face. Today was just getting better and better.
"Arthur." The other said softly. Arthur didn't respond. "I know it's disheartening, but she's just playing mind games. I mean, how can she possibly keep me from going after you?" Huh? Is that the only part he has an issue with? Is that the only part he is going to respond to?
"'A savage of the unholiest kind', 'trash', I'll just 'taint the atmosphere'. I don't know this woman personally, but I know she hates me already." Arthur said loud and slow, so the American would hear every single syllable. Arthur was hated by his mother, and he wanted Alfred to know. "Do what you want with that information." There was an awkward silence as the American tried to gather his thoughts.
"She's just afraid of change, of not being queen. She'll realize soon enough that retirement is just as fun as being ruler, if not more so. You have nothing to be afraid of, at the coronation, most of the people there will be around our age and won't be as close minded as my mother. She's just tense about your ethnicity, the nativism will pass, in and around the castle. People will get used to having you around, like the knights here have, and they'll go on with daily life. She seems a bit paranoid, but that's because she hasn't met you, and it doesn't hurt that you're really pretty. She's biased towards pretty people. She'll look past your flaws quicker than you think." He crawled over to the brit and wrapped his arms around him. Arthur didn't pull away but he didn't lean in.
"What flaws? Me being British? She doesn't even know me. Also, young people can be arrogant and close minded too, and I wouldn't be surprised if they insult me the second they hear my accent." He huffed, closing his eyes. He just really wanted to get the introductions over with. "When are we leaving anyway?" The American hummed against his back, thinking.
"A few days actually. Maybe in 4 days. We should get our affairs settled." He said with a heavy sigh.
"I don't have any affairs to settle."
"Your brothers?"
"Who cares. They probably think I'm dead." He lied. He did care, and he feared that they would catch wind of his nearing departure. If they do, they won't hesitate to take him by force and kill Alfred. "We should get going as soon as possible. We need to be early for your coronation."
3 days later...
Arthur and Maggie silently packed his things for tomorrow's early travel. There has been no sign of the Kirkland brothers, but Alfred was still looking for them, he and some of his men personally going out on rides along the coast. He was gone at the moment, but he had left Davie behind to protect the fortress with a handful of guards. So far so good.
"I can't believe you're actually going." Maggie said, breaking the silence. "I love you, and I want you to be happy but... this is kinda the lion's den." He sighed, stopping her packing. "I think you're better off staying here, with me and the rest of the maids who will be given this place to live in. It's safe, self sufficient, and we all love you." her voice dripped with sadness, and Arthur felt his heart clench.
"I know, but... I know I love Alfred enough to go through some pain. Not everyone here liked me at first, but eventually, you did. All I need to do is start from scratch. And if you'll miss me so bad, you can come along too, Alfred said I could bring along whoever I liked." He explained, continuing to organize the gowns he was going to keep. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Maggie shake her head.
"I left that country for a reason, it's so hostile. My mother, half British half Italian, was killed in a riot 4 years ago. I prefer not to go back to a place that reminds me of such an event." She explained calmly.
"My whole family died here." He said again. "I don't have anything holding me back, really. Pretty much, as of right now, most of my life revolves around Alfred and he has my heart. I know as long as I'm with him, I'll be at home." He believed it, to some extent, but he knew that if things went too left, and that if he couldn't handle the repercussions, he'll just return to this fortress, to his friends.
"Alright then," she said, rubbing her eyes clean of tears. "Just be careful"
One week later...
Arthur had to hold back his frustrated sigh as Francis put down his card, smiling cockily. The bastard was winning.
"Hue hue hue, Arthur mon amie, you don't stand a chance! The art of Gambling was originated in France, you know." Arthur wrinkled his nose at that.
"We aren't gambling." Arthur huffed. "And the earliest evidence of Gambling was found in China, not France," he corrected. Francis smiled widely as he waited for Arthur to put down a card. Arthur silently prayed to his god that the card was a 7, he needed a 7 to get 21. They were playing blackjack you see, and the young adults were willing to kill each other for the win. Nothing, however, was on the line. Arthur smiled widely. "Blackjack." Francis scowled as he scooped up the cards, shuffling them.
"Why do you these random things anyway?" He asked as he dealt the cards. Arthur hummed, confused. "I said why do you know random information about Gambling and stuff in general." he reiterated. Arthur frowned, thinking for a moment.
"I read a lot," he answered honestly. "You retain a lot of information when you read things that interest you." He put a card down, a 10. Francis put one down too, drawing a 4. "I personally find Russian history the most fascinating," he continued, causing the king to look up at him in shock.
"Really?" He looked stunned, and Arthur, for a moment, felt mildly concerned. Francis must have noticed, and he smiled again. "It's just that, The Russians are a little... behind on the times, you know. They hardly have guns to be honest. They're just a massive country, not much else." Francis explained. Arthur nodded.
"It's true, but I guess I just enjoy how they used their strategic location of Moscow to gain power and break away from the last of the Mongolian 'dynasty', for the lack of a better word. The Golden Horde, i find, was more of a monarchy than dynasty if i remember correctly, however, i could be completely wrong." He put down a 5. " I also find their current leadership, Peter, very capable. His restorative approach to Russian issues is something to be followed." Francis shrugged.
"I guess the old man is cool, but the Russian royals as a whole are weirdos, and I don't know how Gilbert put up with it," he sighed dramatically. Arthur frowned, recognizing the name.
"He's the Prussian prince right? What does he have to do with the Russians?" Francis narrowed his eyes at the brit.
"How do you know that? I doubt there's a book on him..." He questioned, Arthur rolled his eyes and told him.
"I told you this already. You know John, the Harold? He told me; he has been tutoring me on people's titles for the last 5 days. Next week he's gonna teach me about relationships and how each royal relates to each other." Francis nodded, the information sounding familiar. He continued, placing down an 8.
"Okay, well, Gilbert Beilschmidt and Ivan Braginski are engaged and are to be married on the Russian prince's birthday, December 30." Arthur nodded, understanding. "If only you had been there to see, the look in Gilbert's eyes when he found out..." Francis trailed off. "They're forced to spend time together, a week out of every month in Moscow so Gilbert will get used to the Russian scenery. Ivan didn't take it very well either, and his sisters wanted to renegotiate the terms, however, their fathers had already decided. They've been engaged for about 3 months now, preparations are being made as we speak. I'll introduce you to them during the coronation. You'll enjoy Gilbert, and Ivan... well, you won't dislike him."
~~~~~~~~Wk~~~~~~~~
After the card game, Alfred had come back from his daily tanning session and flopped onto the bed, considerably darker.
"Well, you got darker" Francis pointed out, and Alfred beamed at him, seeming proud at his accomplishment.
"I know, isn't this great. I swear, you guys need to get some warm air while it lasts because its the middle of February and weather this warm and sunlight that strong is unheard of this time of year. I'm tired of being pale." At that, The Frenchman and the Englishman frowned, glancing down at their own complexions. Alfred caught what he had said, and took it back. "But i personally think the two of you guys look fantastic without a tan. Though, i do wish the two of you would spend some time above deck, get some fresh air. You've been down here for three days." He complained. Francis scowled.
"Weather like this is unnatural, and I don't want to involved in this witchcraft. For all you know, your skin is slowly burning off." He said, running his hands through his hair. Arthur found himself nodding, the weather making him uneasy. It felt like summer in the dead of winter. "And besides," The Frenchman continued, "This climate has made me and your mate friends." At that Arthur scoffed, earning a lewd wink from the King.
"Don't wink at me, frog." He said as got up from the floor, walking over to his mate. "I would prefer to be alone but you're here, and i have no choice but to communicate with you because you thought it would be a good idea to join us for our ride to the states." He stated matter of factly, but his voice held no venom. the animosity he had for the Frenchman had died down considerably, in fact, no longer disliking his presence. The French King, though rather annoying, was rather kind and fun to be around. He would never admit that though.
Alfred outstretched his arms and let the brit lie against his chest. "Well, as long as you two can get along that's all that matters." He nuzzled his nose up against Arthur's head. "Oh! yeah," he said suddenly, sitting up abruptly. The Brit yelped as he landed on the ground with a soft thump, swearing as he sat up. Alfred winced. "I'm sorry." he said, helping the other up. "I forgot to tell you something. John wants to have another lesson again; something about relationships." Alfred said with a shrug. Arthur groaned.
"Oh come on, mon amie, these sessions are for your own sake." Francis ignored the scowl on the brit's face and continued to shuffle his cards. "Alfred, while your mate is away, would you care for a hand?" Francis smirked. Alfred shrugged, placing a quick kiss on the other's cheek and sitting beside the other, picking up his hand. Arthur sighed, putting on a large hat to block out the sun, leaving the cabin.
"Good Afternoon John" Arthur said with a soft smile as he sat down in the harold's cabin. He was apart from the rest of the crew, who were forced to share a very large bunker under the private cabins. The room was originally intended for Davie, Alfred's second in command, but Francis had also brought along his second in command, Chancy, so that would have inhospitable to not acknowledge him. Davie was very willing in letting the other keep the room, but Chancy, to Arthur's surprise, an omega, was uncomfortable with the idea, he didn't want to displace the other of his assigned chamber. When the two couldn't come to an agreement, Alfred assigned the room to John, because he was third in command.
So now here Arthur was, about to commence in his 4 tutoring session with the Harold.
"Good Afternoon, Arthur. I hope you've spent your time wisely." he said with a hum. The harold was a stocky man with black wavy hair and glasses. He had a thick mustache that connected to his neat black beard, which connected to his bushy sideburns. He narrowed his hazel eyes at the brit, who frowned slightly. "You've been playing cards again, huh?" Arthur feigned innocence.
"I was just talking it up with Francis for some insight on the politics of parties." he kind of lied. They did talk about introductions at the coronation. John saw through his lie like paper, the brit could tell by the way he lifted his thick brows, eyes widening in amusement. "I learned that Prince Gilbert is engaged to Ivan Braginski, and that the two may or may not detest each other and the whole schpeel." He said with a wave of his hand, and John shook his head.
"They are engaged, but the last time i checked, they were getting along much better than either expected. Russian White Palace maids saw them laughing together by the frozen lake, bonding over the frozen cadavers of animals that didn't make it out of the lake before it froze over. The two apart are bad enough, but together i fear Russia may be another power America has to watch over." He mumbled. Arthur frowned.
"Surely we can just make treaties, right. Give them goods in exchange for goods and peace. We could just strengthen our ties with them while we can and not wait till tensions are high enough to threaten war." He suggested, but the harold shrugged.
"Alfred is already great friends with almost everyone. The only people he isn't friends with are the people he has threatened." He mumbled again. Arthur couldn't help but frown a little. Threaten?
"Who has he threatened, and why?" Alfred has only ever been kind... well... he had his moments of anger, but they were only to protect Arthur so the brit never thought much of it. his people still love him, and fear him only slightly. But that's how it should be, your people should fear you because otherwise how will you keep order?
"A few countries that raided American or American allied ships. He is very strict and rigid when it comes to foreign policies and often his father allowed him to create a few rules and regulations. The acts, the impressment acts, was a warning shot at countries who would kidnap American sailors and force them into their army. If a country kidnapped American sailors, or if American sailors were kidnapped on their waters, the country would be held responsible and American troops would be stationed there. And the Foreign commerce act of... i forget the year, prohibited other countries from destroying American Merchant boats or merchandise because that will be seen as an attack on the American people, allowing for armed government intervention. These acts were by far the most radical to come out of the Jones Monarchy, but they were the most successful. He was only 14 at the time." John mumbled out, allowing the information to marinate.
"Oh," Arthur said, not sure about how he would respond. "That's impressive."
"You have no idea."
