Though Alfred had yet to see the dungeons during his reign, they were much like he had expected. Cold, dark, and smelly.
He was apalled by the dirt found everywhere, thinking only that the rightful Queen of Spades was being kept here against his will. He was struggling to grasp that the pirate was a criminal who deserved punishment.
As Alfred walked closely behind Yao, ignoring the snarls of caged prisoners, he began to internally panic. What was he to do? How could he really rule Spades with a man who had commited treason against that very kingdom?
As the two rulers reached the cell containing the infamous pirate, Alfred braced himself for confrontation. He heard Yao saying something into the darkness of the cell, but didn't process it through his already jumbled thoughts.
Suddenly, though, he saw a person moving in the darkness. Hearing a reply to whatever Yao had said, Alfred squinted, trying to make out his future queen. A passing guard noticed the dilemma and handed Alfred a lamp. Alfred muttered a detached thanks and and looked upon the imprisoned Captain Kirkland.
Chained to the back of the cell, the pirate recoiled from the light, obviously unused to it. After a moment, he squinted defiantly at the King of Spades. "So you're the king, eh? Bit young, aren't you? You're just a kid."
Alfred narrowed his eyes, but felt Yao's hand on his shoulder, silently advising him not to be petty. The young king understood, and looked once more upon the pirate.
Kirkland wore an amused expression, one eyebrow raised. Alfred noticed the very large size of them, but swallowed a cheeky remark, mentally reprimanding himself. It wouldn't do to immediately go about insulting his queen.
"Yes, I am young, but I was chosen to rule by the clocks. Same as you."
Kirkland's eyes widened for just a moment, quickly returning to their normal, cocky look. "You don't really want that. Just think. A famous pirate, on the throne? I don't think that's a good idea, and I know that you don't either." His voice was rough, marred by an odd accent from Northern Spades, combined with what was probably an excess of alcohol. To be expected from a pirate.
Alfred quickly retorted to Kirkland's jab. "You're right. I don't want you on the throne. You're a pirate, a thief, a murderer. Unfit for the throne." Arthur looked suspicious at the king's words until he continued. "Unfortunately, we have no choice. The clocks chose you. Your destiny is here, in this castle. You have been marked as the best suited for the throne. No matter how we feel about this, we must carry out the deed. We have no choice."
Alfred turned and began walking, leaving his Queen and Jack behind, dumbfounded. As he left, though, he said, "Yao. I want you to hire someone to teach the Captain how to carry out his duties as Queen. Coronation should within the month. I want him out of this cell and given clothing and a meal right away."
The Jack hesitantly agreed, and Alfred could hear the cell door opening behind him. As he walked back to the throne room to continue his duties, he couldn't keep a smile off his face. Though it may take some time, he had found his queen, and would no longer wake to a cold, empty bed.
THIS IS ROBERT'S AND NANCY'S CHILD. HIS NAME IS STEPHEN.
Well, there's the end of that. I hope you enjoyed!
