The Last Spade

by otakubynature

Cardverse. Alfred is in his last year of school when he suddenly receives the mark of the King of Spades. He leaves his everyday life behind and begins training to be a royal under the supervision of a certain green-eyed gentleman employed at the castle. USUK/UKUS. Rated M for language, sexual content, and later chapters.

10. Chapter 10: Neglect

The pair of Spades sailed out into the Sea of Cards. Their small, borrowed boat cut through the water efficiently, and their initial progress out into the Clubs' gulf was swift. They hugged the coast of Clubs for a while, and about an hour into their journey, they reached the Granrick Peninsula that Elizabeta had spoken of. It was covered in green, rolling mountains that stretched high overhead and were obscured with thick mist. From where their boat sailed, a small, coastal town was visible, but even during the early afternoon, much of the town looked sleepy and quiet in contrast to the bustle of Spades' coastal cities. Upon reaching the farthest point of the grand peninsula, Arthur slowly recited the spell that Elizabeta had told him. At first, nothing happened. The boat simply continued rocking gently in the waves. Just when the pair was beginning to wonder if the information had indeed all been a lie, the boat jostled violently for a mere instant before the boat began getting pulled along a strong current leading far out to sea. The current was so strong and straightforward that steering the boat out of it even a little would prove to be a herculean task, so the pair simply accepted that this was the work of the spell, and allowed their boat to be pulled out to sea; towards their distant destination of Wildcard.

Alfred remained seated in the small helm room in the boat. He felt incredibly weak, and a drowsiness had settled over him that he couldn't shake. Arthur was quick to notice the inconsistency in the King's disposition. Alfred had been unusually quiet for the duration of the boat ride, and at first, Arthur had attributed it to him being lost in thought. However, as he saw that Alfred slouched over where he sat and his breathing seemed irregular, Arthur began to take genuine concern.

Allowing the current to pull them along, Arthur stepped away from the helm and towards the King.

"Alfred, are you alright?"

Alfred nodded shallowly without looking up.

"Yeah...I just feel really...drained."

Arthur's eyes widened a little. He stepped closer to the King and knelt before him. He leaned close, knowing that 'personal space' was no longer a term that existed between them, and he placed a hand in the center of Alfred chest, his eyes narrowing slightly. Alfred looked down at the concentration swimming in Arthur's eyes, and felt his heartbeat quicken a little.

"...Arthur?"

"Don't move."

Arthur's command was short, and offered no further explanation, so Alfred simply obeyed Arthur's request and waited in silence. After a few moments, Arthur frowned a little. Without removing his had from Alfred's chest, he looked up at Alfred.

"Your magic levels are low."

Alfred's eyes widened a little.

"Huh?"

Arthur let out an exasperated sigh and let his hand drop, leaning away from the King a little.

"This is why I told you to be careful with your magic..." Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes in mild frustration. "All of that magic you released hasn't regenerated yet...it was even too much for you to use that much power." Arthur dropped his hand from his face and stared at Alfred sternly as he continued his verbal onslaught. "What were you thinking? I've taught you countless times that casting magic with negative thoughts makes it very easy to lose control." Arthur suddenly stood from where he was kneeling and looked down at Alfred with anger in his eyes. "What would you have done if I hadn't stopped you? You could have destroyed yourself, Alfred. You're a King, you can't afford to be losing control like that."

"I couldn't help it!"

Alfred raised his voice as he looked up at Arthur defiantly. Annoyed and embarrassed by his own outburst, Alfred brought his gaze downwards to stare at the wooden floor of the boat. As he bore his eyes into the grain of the wood, he slowly spoke again.

"Ivan...he said that he was going to kill you and I..." Alfred's face contorted into a pained expression at the memory. "...I just couldn't think of anything but losing you."

Arthur blinked in surprise as he stared at Alfred, greatly taken aback by the words that had just tumbled from the King's mouth. Although he knew he should have been angry with Alfred, Arthur was having a very hard time quelling the happiness that was now taking the form of a faint blush on his face. Some silence passed between the two royals before Arthur let out a defeated sigh as he knelt before the King once more.

"...What am I going to do with you..." Arthur sighed as he leaned in close to Alfred again. Then, without further warning, he closed his eyes and gently let his lips connect with Alfred's. Alfred blinked in surprise. He was originally expecting more of Arthur's verbal assault, but was quick to melt into the alternative. He closed his eyes and relished the feeling as Arthur kissed him several times.

"Arthur," Alfred mumbled his name briefly against his lips before they were sealed once again. After their brief separation over the past few days, Alfred was more than happy to comply with whatever Arthur wanted, which in this current moment, was apparently Alfred himself. And as Arthur kissed him again, it was all he could do to keep from losing himself completely.

Alfred felt Arthur's hand gently returning to where it had rested on his chest, right over the area where Alfred's royal mark rested. At first, Alfred barely noticed it, as he was currently distracted by Arthur gently biting on his bottom lip. However, suddenly Alfred began to feel a burst of warmth igniting in his heart and core. There was an overwhelming rush of comfort and familiarity, and then his fatigue seemed to quickly subside at an alarming rate, leaving his head with a soft, floaty feeling. It felt really nice.

Alfred gently broke their kiss and opened his eyes to look at Arthur, slightly confused. He searched Arthur's eyes for some sort explanation. Arthur leaned forward and gently kissed Alfred again before whispering his response.

"...I've given you some of my magic. That should be enough for you to start regenerating it on you own."

Alfred stared at Arthur in disbelief. Sharing magic? As in, Arthur had just shared his own magic energy with him? Alfred thought for a moment before he quietly spoke.

"I...didn't even know sharing magic was possible..."

Arthur shook his head.

"It's a little difficult to do, but it's very possible. Your magic levels were too low to regenerate magic on it's own; I'm simply helping you along."

Alfred leaned forward a little, some concern entering his expression.

"But taking your own magic and giving it to me...is that dangerous?"

Arthur cocked an eyebrow at Alfred.

"Dangerous? Hardly. Magic, like blood, regenerates naturally over time. And as Queen of Spades, my magic system will regenerate whatever magic I've lost very quickly." Arthur paused for a moment as his eyes flitted down towards the floor. "...However, sharing magic is an incredibly intimate thing. It's essentially sharing a part of you with someone." Arthur lowered his voice and spoke as a light blush crept into his face. "I've...never done it before. Obviously, I wouldn't do that for just anyone..."

Alfred thought he heard 'only you' at the end of Arthur's sentence, but it was said so quietly that Alfred couldn't be sure.

Arthur slowly brought his eyes to meet Alfred's, his expression was embarrassed, but sincere.

"...Do you feel better at least?"

Alfred nodded. He was right; his heavy fatigue had completely lifted, and he almost felt entirely back to normal.

Arthur smiled.

"I thought so. Your magic system is unusually strong for a King; you'll probably be feeling completely normal again in a matter of minutes."

Alfred's smile fell a little. Recently Arthur had been stating that Alfred's power was unusual, and it definitely wasn't meant to be taken as praise. With every mention, Arthur seemed to grow more and more concerned. It was unnerving for Alfred, and he almost felt some strange sense of guilt.

Alfred let out an airy, forced laugh.

"...Is my magic really that strong?"

"Very. It's only an estimation, but judging by that display you put on in the Clubs castle, your magic may be double—maybe triple what is normal for a King of Spades."

Alfred's eyes widened.

"I'm really that unusual?"

"Yes. It's incredible. But scary, Alfred. I know I scold you constantly for your overuse of magic, but it's because I truly fear for you. I worry that a physical body may not be able to handle your levels of magic." Arthur leaned close to Alfred, a great deal of vulnerability entering Arthur's usually composed eyes. He gently let their foreheads touch and spoke genuinely. "I don't want to lose you either, Alfred. I...I want to stay with you as long as possible. Please. You mustn't lose control like that again."

Alfred stared at Arthur, knowing that this was extremely serious.

"Alright." Alfred promised. Alfred thought for a moment before he leaned away from Arthur, his blue eyes flitting downwards in shame. "I'm sorry Arthur. Recently I feel like I keep disappointing you."

Arthur brought a hand to rest on the side of Alfred's face.

"Alfred, look at me."

Alfred slowly brought his eyes back to meet Arthur's. Arthur wasn't smiling, but there was a softness to his expression.

"I couldn't be prouder of the King you've become, Alfred. But you're not alone in your problems nor your position. Don't attack problems alone, Alfred; work with me. If we are working together, surely there's nothing we cannot face. Don't try to handle problems by yourself anymore. And I'll do the same."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Alfred's mouth.

"Alright."

Alfred took Arthur's hands into his own.

Arthur winced in pain slightly as Alfred's fingers brushed past the tops of Arthur's wrists. Alfred looked at Arthur in confusion for a moment, but then he saw something strange peeking from under the cuffs of Arthur's shirt. Alfred quickly pushed back the fabric of Arthur's sleeves before Arthur could protest, and stared in horror at what was underneath.

In large rings around Arthur's wrist sat dark blue and purple bruises. The color was deep and suggested that the bones were deeply bruised. There were dark, thick circles where the shackles had cut into Arthur's skin in his attempt to escape, and there were deep black patches where blood had dried. The overall appearance looked horrid and terribly painful, but in all of the chaos that had happened, Arthur had forgotten about the injuries almost completely until this current moment.

Alfred looked up at Arthur, deep worry in his eyes.

"Arthur...what..?"

Arthur flinched at the deep concern in Alfred's eyes, desperately not wanting to see the King so painfully worried about him.

"It's not as bad as it looks." Arthur firmly said as he pulled his arms from Alfred's grasp and observed the wounds closer. "The black iron seems to have cauterized the wounds; I've barely bled at all. And because these were caused by magic, the chance of infection is incredibly low—"

Alfred didn't let Arthur finish his nonsensical explanation as he took Arthur's wrists back into his own hands. Arthur protested once more.

"Alfred, I promise, I'm fine—"

No sooner had these words left Arthur's mouth, he felt icy sensation spread across his wrists. He watched, unbelieving, as the wounds on his arms closed and completely healed, and the bruises dissipated, returning his skin to their pale, normal color.

Arthur stared at his wrists, then looked up at Alfred in disbelief.

"When did you learn healing magic..?"

Alfred looked up at Arthur, his expression flat.

"...Just now."

Arthur stared at the King then back at his wrists. He ran his fingers over the impossibly healed skin. Alfred was even better at healing magic than he was. Arthur genuinely couldn't believe how much magic Alfred possessed. Even in his weakened state, to be able to cast advanced healing magic so perfectly...Alfred truly was a King with unparalleled magic. And it was a little scary. Arthur returned his gaze to Alfred.

"You...really didn't have to heal me."

Alfred said nothing but reached out and pulled Arthur close to him. Arthur allowed the King to embrace him before Arthur heard three words whispered into his ear.

"...Don't be ridiculous."

Arthur smiled and and returned Alfred's embrace, as comfortable silence fell between the two of them. By the way his body was slightly tensed, Arthur could tell Alfred was thinking about something, then Alfred slowly pulled away and looked at Arthur sternly.

"If I'm not allowed to lose control of my magic, you're not allowed to do something so reckless in an attempt to escape again, alright?"

Alfred took Arthur's hand in his own and brought it to his face, gently kissing the area just above Arthur's wedding ring. Arthur blushed a little at the romantic gesture. Alfred looked up into Arthur's eyes and continued speaking.

"No matter where you are, I'll find you Arthur. Without fail. So...you don't have to be reckless either."

Arthur smiled a little, and leaned his face into Alfred's shoulder, simply relishing the closeness that they had been denied for days.

Suddenly, Alfred spoke, a serious edge creeping into his voice.

"Did she do that to you?"

Arthur blinked, unable to see Alfred's current expression, and at first, not knowing what he was talking about. Then he connected the dots.

"The Queen of Clubs?"

Alfred nodded into Arthur's shoulder. Arthur sighed and spoke up.

"No. It was self-inflicted. Well...accidentally, anyway. I was trying to escape from the shackles and got a little reckless." The pair separated from their embrace and Arthur spoke. "She's the one who let me free."

"And she put you there in the first place."

Alfred's tone was flat and judging, and it was clear that he harbored some form of resentment for the Queen of Clubs. The pair maintained their eye contact before a mild fear began to stir in Alfred's blue eyes from behind his silver lined glasses.

"Arthur...are we sure you can trust her? Are you sure we can trust her? What if this hint about Wildcard turns out to just be another trap set by Clubs?"

Arthur stared at Alfred flatly.

"Do you trust me Alfred?"

"What?"

Arthur leaned closer to Alfred, making his point clear.

"Do you trust me?"

Alfred paused as he stared at Arthur sincerely.

"More than anything."

"Then believe me; that woman has far more to lose by lying than by telling the truth. In this moment, we can trust her."

Alfred wanted to ask what had led Arthur to draw such a conclusion, but just by looking at the serious look on Arthur's face, Alfred knew that additional information wasn't necessary.

"Alright."

.

As per Elizabeta's instructions, the current stayed strong and continued to pull the boat forth all through the night. They had agreed to take turns at the helm, just to make sure nothing happened, however, the pair of Spades had both ended up dozing off in the tiny helm room, shoulder to shoulder. With the gentle rocking of the waves, and the soft sounds of the ocean, the pair fell in and out of deep sleep as they were gently pulled towards their destination.

Arthur's eyes slowly fluttered open. He had been woken up. But not by a sound. It was the lack of sound. There was almost no sound all around him. Even the waves of the ocean seemed muted and distant, as if the whole world had been covered in a thick blanket of snow. The loudest thing he heard was Alfred's gentle breathing right beside him. Something wasn't right.

"Alfred," Arthur said, gently nudging the King's shoulder.

Alfred immediately stirred and opened his eyes, turning to look at Arthur.

"Hmm..? What's wro—" Alfred paused. He turned to Arthur with a serious look in his eyes. He felt it too. Something was definitely wrong. The pair quickly stood and looked out the window of the helm room and their eyes widened at what they saw.

Beyond the window was land; a large, earthen land completely shrouded in mist. The earth was black and dusty, and there seemed to be no signs of life; no birds, no people, no wildlife...the only plants visible were the dark and leafless trees that looked ominously parched. Even the sand along the shores of this land was gray and was more likened to ash than sand.

Alfred stared out at their surroundings in disbelief as Arthur slowly spoke.

"This is just like that area of land outside of Valden..." Arthur said, recalling the field in Spades that had been depleted of magic.

Alfred swallowed, trying to dispel the unsettling feeling that was stirring inside of him.

"An island devoid of magic...such a place actually exists..."

The pair turned to look at each other, unbelieving what they were seeing, but knowing that they had indeed reached their destination; Wildcard.

.

There was no dock for the strange island, so Arthur sailed the boat towards an area of land jutting out into the sea a short distance away. After dropping the anchor, the pair of Spades stepped out into the foreign land.

As soon as Alfred set foot on the ground, he felt sick. The lack of magic in the place was so jarring, that Alfred immediately felt chillingly uneasy. He turned to look at Arthur who had a visibly similar reaction.

"I don't like it either." Arthur said, immediately reading the King's expression. "There's no magic here. Which means that the only magic we will have access to is our internal royal magic systems." Usually, they could draw power from the magic in the land around them, especially in Spades, but here, that wouldn't be an option. Arthur looked at Alfred, his face composed, but fear swimming in his eyes. "Be especially cautious Alfred. Our magic is not limitless here."

Alfred nodded and slowly, the pair stepped further onto the island shrouded in gray mist.

.

They walked close to the shore for a while. Much of the island was covered in the thick, ominous fog, and it was very difficult to estimate it's size. However, it was probably the size of Eavesworth, if not even larger. As they walked through the barren land, Alfred took in his surroundings completely bewildered.

"This is crazy...I've never been somewhere so...empty."

Arthur nodded, looking at shore.

"It's certainly unsettling...I can't believe a place like this could even exist in Cards."

Their footsteps felt amplified in the strange place. The lack of life meant that the only natural sounds they heard was the unusually calm Sea of Cards. There wasn't even any wind coming off of the ocean itself, which went against nature entirely. Alfred turned to Arthur, trying to ignore the chilling feeling this island gave off.

"So where do you think this Gilbert guy is?"

Arthur shrugged.

"Somewhere on this island, I guess." Arthur turned to look at the King. "There's nothing here after all. We will eventually find him"

However, this statement proved difficult. No matter how much the pair scoured the island, they couldn't find anyone. In fact, it became difficult to know if they were even making progress at all. Sometimes the scenery never seemed to change; as if they were walking in place.

Just when Alfred was about to suggest turning back the way they came, Arthur stopped in his tracks. Alfred turned to the Queen.

"What's wrong?"

Arthur gestured to the distance.

"Look."

Alfred's eyes followed where Arthur had pointed and squinted through the mist. Then he finally say it.

In the distance, sitting on the ashen shore, was a small silhouette. Even from the distance, it was easy to tell he was young; possibly even a child.

Arthur lowered his voice.

"What is a child doing here?"

"Do you think maybe that's Gilbert?"

Arthur paused and thought for a second.

"I'm not sure. It's certainly possible." Arthur turned to look at Alfred. "We haven't seen a single other person since we've been here. At the very least he may know who Gilbert is."

Alfred turned his attention back to the silhouette sitting in the distance and began making steps toward it.

"Let's find out."

The pair slowly made their way towards the boy and where he sat on the shore. As they got closer, they got a better look at him. He was indeed a child; his stature was small and thin. He had sandy blonde hair that appeared muted from the gray surroundings, and he was clad in black and red clothes that seemed very unfit for such a young boy. And his eyes, which were a murky, deep blue were locked on the sea's distant horizon and were filled with a flat melancholy that almost suggested hopelessness. He didn't stir as the pair of Spades approached him, and even when they stopped just a few feet away, he did not budge. Arthur was the first to speak.

"Excuse me," Arthur said calmly, attempting not startle the child. The boy said nothing and remained where he sat. The pair of royals exchanged a questioning look before Arthur spoke again.

"Excuse me, are you Gilbert?"

The boy slowly turned to look at the pair, his expression unchanging. He appeared to be lost in thought. Then he blinked, then shock spread over his face as he let out a yelp of surprise.

"Royals?" The boy said, and nearly jumped in place where he sat. He seemed scared for a mere second, then he looked from Alfred to Arthur and sighed in relief a little. "...oh...you're Spades. Don't scare me like that..."

Arthur blinked, wondering how the boy had figured that out when they were not currently wearing their royal garments. Usually, only other royals can pick up on another royals' magic output, let alone what nation they hail from.

Alfred stepped forward and gave the boy a friendly smile.

"Sorry about that." Alfred knelt on the ashen sand to bring himself to the seated boy's eye level.

"I'm Alfred. What's your name?"

The boy stared at Alfred for a moment before his expression softened a little.

"...Peter."

Alfred smiled.

"Peter...do you know someone by the name of Gilbert?"

The boy named 'Peter' looked from the King to the Queen questioningly.

"...Gilbert? What for?"

"We were sent here..." Alfred's expression fell a little before he continued. "We're in a little bit of trouble, Peter. And this person named Gilbert may be able to help us. Please...do you know where he is?"

The boy said nothing, and turned his attention back towards the ocean's distant horizon. He slowly spoke.

"Hey...do you know if Diamonds is in that direction..?"

The pair turned their attention to where the boy was looking. The Sea of Cards stretched outwards until the horizon was obscured by the the thick, gray fog. Arthur spoke up.

"We are looking west, so yes, it should be."

"I see."

The boy suddenly stood and dusted the ashy sand off of his pants. He then turned to look at the pair of Spades.

"I'll take you to Gilbert. Come with me."

Alfred stood as well and the pair of Spades fell in step behind the boy who led them further into the island. He moved in strange patterns, as if he were avoiding invisible obstacles. Just when Arthur was about to inquire about it, the boy spoke.

"This land's existence isn't stable; if you don't move in precise directions, your progress will end up distorted and you wont move any farther."

Several dark suspicions began to enter into Arthur's mind at this statement. There was something very off about the boy. Not just how he could identify that they were Spades, but that he almost seemed to carry himself as a royal himself. Arthur said nothing, but walked closer to Alfred, ready to protect him if necessary.

"Peter," Arthur began, caution entering his voice.

The boy looked over his shoulder at Arthur.

"Yeah?"

Arthur couldn't shake the uneasy feeling. This child seemed completely unfazed by the lack of magic, though it was apparent that he had some sort of power of his own. Arthur spoke cautiously.

"...What are you? How can you stay in a place like this...a land with no magic?"

Peter locked eyes with Arthur for a moment before the boy smiled sadly.

"It's not that I stay here..." The boy turned his attention back in front of him before saying one final sentence.

"...it's that I can't leave."

.

The pair followed Peter further onto the island. The fog seemed to thicken the further they went, and soon, they were doing their best not to loose sight of the boy directly in front of them. Suddenly, the fog seemed to give way without warning, and soon they were standing in a wide clearing. In the middle of the clearing was a large, black tree with twisting, leafless branches. As they approached, they saw him. Situated in one of the lower branches, propped up against the trunk was a lounging man who appeared to be asleep. As they stopped just below the tree, they got a better look at the man above them.

He was clad in very similar clothes to Peter, with dark red and black fabrics. He was young, but his hair was a light shade of silver that most would usually associate with old age. And just like Peter, something about the sleeping man set the Spades, and Arthur especially, on edge.

Peter called up to the man.

"Gilbert...!"

The man, who was apparently 'Gilbert' groaned and didn't open his eyes. Without moving from where he sat, he mumbled down to the boy with an edge in his voice.

"...What do you want, Peter?"

"These people asked for you."

'Gilbert' nonchalantly opened one eye and looked down at the visitors. His eyes were a striking red color that seemed to glow in the grayed-out surroundings. He frowned a little and closed his eye again. When he said nothing, Arthur called up to him.

"Are you Gilbert?"

"Who wants to know?"

Arthur frowned a little at the curt attitude that the man spoke with.

"I am Arthur of Spades."

The lounging man in the tree snorted, stifling a short, condescending laugh.

"Huh. I can tell that much. Sorry Princess; I'm not interested."

"Excuse me?" Alfred said, stepping in front of Arthur. The King was extremely displeased with the level of rudeness Gilbert was spewing towards Arthur.

Gilbert slowly spoke.

"You should mind your manners, King of Spades..." Gilbert opened one eye and looked down at Alfred. "I am a role holder you know."

Both Alfred and Arthur's eyes widened at the revelation that just fell from the man's mouth. A role holder. A royal. Arthur was the first to speak.

"You? A role holder?"

"More or less..." Gilbert said, propping his hands behind his head and closing his eyes again. "...I'm what you call a Joker."

Arthur frowned at the foreign term. In all of his studies of royals and role holders, he had never heard the term.

"A Joker...?"

Gilbert disregarded the confusion of the Spades below him and spoke again.

"Setting that shit aside, you're on Wildcard, which is entirely our turf. You magic-users don't belong here." A dangerous edge crept into the Joker's voice. "Get lost. Before I get mad."

Alfred couldn't stand for the level of disrespect Gilbert was showing Arthur, nor his disregard to their current situation. Feeling a twinge of annoyance, Alfred called up to the man lounging above them.

"I don't know who you think you are, or what you're talking about, but we need you to listen to us!"

Arthur gently grabbed the King's shoulder.

"Alfred, Please."

Alfred looked at Arthur, then calmed himself. Arthur then turned back towards the man in the tree and spoke firmly.

"Gilbert...Elizabeta told us to find you."

Gilbert's eyes flew open as they stared at the branches overhead, apparently mulling something over in his head. He let out a short laugh as he turned his head to look down at the royals once more, a surprisingly sad smile on his face.

"...I haven't heard that name in a while."

Arthur was genuinely surprised in the change in disposition, and immediately knew why Elizabeta had suggested the name-drop.

Gilbert looked over at the young boy standing beside the royals.

"Peter, get out of here. This doesn't concern you."

Peter's face contorted in disappointment.

"But..."

Gilbert gave Peter a stern look that demanded that he not repeat himself. Peter frowned defiantly, then sighed, knowing that he had lost. The boy turned on his heels and went back the way they came, quickly disappearing back into the fog.

Gilbert swung his legs over the side of the branch and jumped down from the tree, landing on his feet despite the height. He made some steps closer to the Spades, a stern look on his face.

"It sure took you long enough to figure out that Clubs was planning something. Kind of embarrassing for a King and Queen, don't you think?"

Alfred frowned, but spoke.

"You know what Ivan is planning?"

"Yeah. I know everything that they're doing."

Gilbert smiled tauntingly, giving off the impression that he had no intention of sharing his information with them.

Alfred's eye twitched downwards in anger. Among the sickening feeling of the land itself, and the confusing revelations that the man named Gilbert kept dropping, Alfred's fuse felt unusually short. He stepped towards the Joker, irritation stirring in his core.

"Listen, you—"

"Alfred."

Arthur interjected the King again, this time taking the King's hand in his. Arthur did not let go, holding his hand firmly and turned his attention back towards Gilbert.

"How can we believe you? How could you possibly know so much about Clubs?"

Gilbert looked at the pair with a smirk on his face.

"I should know." Gilbert paused as the smirk tugged further at his mouth. "I used to be their Ace."

A heavy silence fell over the royals. He used to be the Clubs Ace.

Alfred was the first to speak, as he spit out a single sentence in disbelief.

"You're kidding."

Gilbert tilted his head to the side nonchalantly, the smirk never falling from his face.

"Don't believe me?"

Without waiting for a response from the pair, Gilbert removed a short object that was strapped to his waist which immediately extended into a long, curved scythe. It was almost identical to Matthew's, save that it's color was the darkest possible shade of black, and what appeared to have once been emeralds, had been strangely corroded away.

Arthur instantly stepped in front of Alfred defensively, and Gilbert let out a dry laugh.

"Relax, Princess; this thing is worthless; I can't even use this thing anymore."

Arthur's eye twitched at the condescending nickname that Gilbert had affixed to him. Gilbert said nothing as he retracted the scythe back to it's compact size and slipped it back into a strap at his waist, the smile never falling from his face.

As Gilbert put the scythe away, Alfred spoke.

"You were an Ace..." Alfred shook his head in disbelief. "How...how is that even possible?"

Gilbert shrugged and looked at the pair jeeringly. When it became apparent that he wasn't planning on saying more, Arthur spoke up.

"Gilbert, I know you don't have any incentive to help us, but please. Elizabeta, as well as all of Cards is in danger here. And you may be able to help stop it."

Gilbert's expression once again softened considerably at the mentioning of Elizabeta. Some silence passed before he forced out a bitter smile and spoke.

"At least you're right about the level of shit that Cards is in..." Suddenly, his face turned very serious. "But I really doubt you'll be able to do anything. The fact that I even exist is proof of that."

Alfred spoke up firmly as he looked a the Joker.

"We won't know that unless we try."

Gilbert laughed again, this time very weakly, as he leaned back against the large tree trunk behind him. He placed his palm over his face and shook his head slowly.

"...Where am I even supposed to start from?" He said, as if he were saying something very difficult.

Arthur spoke gently to the visibly upset man.

"The beginning would be helpful."

Gilbert let his hand drop from his face, and sighed heavily. He looked at the ground, and then he finally began speaking.

.

"...I...used to be the Ace of Clubs. In fact, I was the first role filled after Ivan. The magic system that governs Clubs is based on luck...meaning luck is often skewed in our favor. And because of that, the Ace role is often filled, even in times that aren't threatened by war."

Gilbert paused for a moment and looked back up at the pair of Spades.

"I'm not sure how much you know about this, since you two seem pretty oblivious, but...Ivan was in a very serious relationship some years back. I'm not exactly sure how things started...but he fell madly in love with a traveling scholar from Spades. Everyone in the castle knew it; the scholar visited Ivan all of the time, and the Queen of Clubs had yet to appear, so no one cared." The Joker looked back down at ashen earth beneath his feet. "That scholar was a man by the name of Wang Yao."

Both Alfred and Arthur's eyes widened in alarm. Yao had been in a relationship with Ivan. He had been in love with the King of Clubs.

Arthur seemed stunned beyond words, but Alfred managed to mumble out a few words.

"You mean..." Alfred thought back to how Yao and Ivan had interacted, and in hindsight, their history now seemed crystal clear.

Gilbert looked at the pair's reactions before he continued speaking.

"This was from before Yao got his mark. But once he did...he immediately ended the relationship and returned to Spades." Gilbert looked back down and kicked some of the dust beneath his feet. "Jacks can't marry and aren't even supposed to have relationships...and emotionally, they tend to develop a strong loyalty to their country once the receive their mark. Yao was no exception."

Gilbert turned to look back up at the royals.

"I assume he takes his job very seriously."

Alfred and Arthur both nodded, still reeling from the revelation.

Gilbert smiled a little.

"Thought so. Even when they were seeing each other, he tended to be strict about his work." Gilbert's smile fell quickly, and he stared off, as if he were remembering something bad. "When Yao got his mark and ended the relationship, Ivan was...furious. He began to hate all of Spades with a burning passion, and his mood only worsened when the Queen of Clubs appeared..." An profound sadness entered Gilbert's red eyes and his voice fell to a gentle tone.

"Eliza...she...she deserves better."

Arthur's eyes widened a little, instantly knowing by his expression how this supposed 'Joker' felt about the Queen of Clubs.

Gilbert frowned as he pushed some of his silver bangs off of his forehead.

"At first, Ivan tried to secretly change Yao's mind...and coerce him to abandon his duties to be with him in Clubs. But Yao obviously refused him flatly." Gilbert narrowed his eyes as the memory worsened. "And that's when Ivan... he snapped."

Alfred frowned, and cocked an eyebrow at Gilbert.

"What exactly do you mean by 'snapped'?"

Gilbert looked at the King and frowned, his expression turning painful.

"Ivan knew that there was nothing he could do to change Yao's mind, so he decided..." Gilbert gritted his teeth in frustration as he finally spit out the ending of his sentence. "...to change the world instead."

Silence laced with heavy confusion fell over Alfred and Arthur.

Alfred stepped forward frantically.

"...What do you mean, 'change the world?'"

Gilbert stared off into the distance, his expression solemn.

"...He wants all of Cards to fall." Gilbert looked down and sighed. "…After Yao refused him for the final time, he started having me and Roderich look into black magic for him. At first, it was just to get revenge against the Spade empire, but then..." Gilbert's voice cracked a little in anger. He gritted his teeth harshly and formed such a tight fist that the pair briefly worried that he might draw blood.

Gilbert angrily growled out a sentence under his breath.

"...We should have never shown him that magic text..."

"...Magic text?" Arthur interjected, wondering if he was about to explain the cause of the Joker's origin. " What text? What happened?"

Gilbert attempted to suppress his visible anger and looked down at the ground as his expression turned sour.

"We found an ancient text in one of Clubs' oldest libraries. It appears as old as Cards itself, and was barely legible..." Gilbert looked at Arthur, a serious expression in his eyes. "It suggests that there were worlds before Cards existed...worlds without magic, even; and that the key to resetting the world lies within a term with four Aces."

Creases formed on Arthur's brow as he tried to make sense of Gilbert's statement.

"A term with four Aces...as in when each nation in Cards has their own Ace?"

Gilbert nodded as his expression turned bitter again.

"Ivan became obsessed with this notion; being able to reset Cards...reset all of the roles and Cards itself anew." Gilbert's expression turned grim. "But he ignored the passages that suggested that this could result in Card's total destruction...turning this world into a void with nothing. Destroying everything."

Alfred stepped forward, anger and fear combining on his face.

"He's willing to try something that may destroy all of Cards?"

Gilbert closed his eyes and let out a defeated sigh.

"That's how much he wants his way. He wouldn't even listen to logic anymore."

Silence passed between the royals. Alfred looked over at Arthur, who looked very deep in thought, with a deep crease on his brow, and his eyes narrowed in concentration. Alfred turned back to Gilbert, and inquired further.

"...But why Aces?"

Gilbert rolled his eyes in irritation. He looked at Alfred and spoke firmly.

"You don't get it, do you?" When it became apparent that neither of the royals were going to say anything, Gilbert sighed and continued. "Aces are an unstable role to begin with. The Ace role only started getting filled just a couple hundred years ago. Their existence is proof that the magic systems governing Cards are capable of changing entirely; that this world is capable of changing entirely. That a reset might be possible."

Gilbert's red eyes darkened at the memory.

"That's when he started taunting the prospect of war with Spades throughout Cards. If war appeared eminent, then it could coax the other nations' magic systems' to fill the Ace role." Gilbert paused. "But he didn't know what else was necessary aside from Aces being present. At first, we hit a wall. There was no way of telling what was necessary to bring about the change that Ivan wanted. And...that's when it happened."

Alfred and Arthur looked at the Joker expectantly, and he sighed, running his fingers through his bangs and tugging at them.

"It was about three years ago...shortly after Eliza was wed to Ivan. At the time, he was abusing her. Everyone could tell. She stood up for herself, but there were times when she got pretty hurt." Gilbert's face softened and turned sad at the memory. "She's such a kind person...she doesn't deserve to be mixed up with all this royals' shit."

Arthur watched as sad affection poured from Gilbert's expression. Arthur gently implored further.

"What happened?"

"I lost my head a bit...I blocked one of Ivan's attacks meant for her and...it messed me up. I got really hurt. That's when it happened." Gilbert paused as if he were remembering something awful. "I became weak beyond reason and I suddenly started expelling negative magic."

Alfred blinked. Arthur had mentioned negative magic before, but up until now it was simply considered a myth. A theory. Alfred stepped forward, immediately speaking up.

"Hold on, What? What does that even mean?"

Gilbert looked at the King and let out a heavy sigh.

"Normally, Aces thrive partially off of a King's power. So when their own King attacks an Ace, it causes their magic to...fold. To become nothing; to cancel itself out." Gilbert looked at Alfred to make his point clear. "To become negative magic." Gilbert frowned further, and a thick crease formed between his eyebrows. He looked back down and continued speaking. "Negative magic...eats away at magic systems...converts their power to nothingness. And that's when Ivan realized why Aces were the key to resetting Cards."

As Arthur connected the dots to what Gilbert was saying, he felt a chill go down his spine. Gilbert slowly continued.

"Once he figured that out, he attacked me relentlessly until I couldn't handle it anymore; all of my magic, every bit of it...was canceled out by my own King. He began calling it 'corruption'."

Alfred tried to quell the sick feeling from hearing what Ivan had done to Gilbert. Gilbert spoke on.

"When I came to...I was here. Not knowing how I got here, only knowing that I was no longer an Ace, but something called a 'Joker'."

Gilbert paused and his expression darkened once more.

"...When Peter got here, I knew things were bad."

Alfred thought back to the small boy who had led them to Gilbert. He spoke up quickly, horror entering his expression.

"Was Peter forcefully corrupted too?"

The Joker nodded.

Alfred's eyes widened, trying to grasp what Gilbert was saying.

The Joker continued sadly.

"Peter got here about a year ago. Normally, and Ace can only be corrupted by their own King's magic, so Ivan must have found a way to corrupt them without using their own King's magic; by using his magic alone."

A disturbing realization fell over the Spades as Alfred slowly spoke again.

"You mean...Peter was..."

Gilbert spoke before the King could even finish his thought.

"He was an Ace. The Diamonds Ace."

Gilbert leaned further on the tree trunk behind him and stared at the pair of royals, who had been rendered speechless. After thinking for a moment, the Joker then decided to pose a question of his own.

"Tell me...have there been areas like this in other parts of cards? Areas that seem to have been drained of magic?"

Alfred perked up at Gilbert's question before turning to look at Arthur in shock. He turned back to the Joker and answered quickly.

"Yeah...there's a place in Eastern Spades that has an area drained of magic...very much like Wildcard."

Gilbert frowned, visibly unnerved by the King of Spades' statement. He slowly spoke, averting his eyes back to the dust beneath his feet.

"...It's because there are currently two Jokers in play during this term. My guess is two is about as much as Cards can handle. I doubt things in Cards will stay stable at this rate if we gain another Joker, and at four, Ivan's ambitions will be realized." Gilbert stared at the Spades, an extremely serious edge creeping into his voice. "That magic text was wrong. It isn't four Aces that will cause Cards to reset. It's four Jokers."

Arthur interjected, not liking what Gilbert was suggesting.

"You mean to say that the magic disturbance in Spades was caused because there are two Jokers in Wildcard?"

Gilbert brought his eyes back to meet Arthur's, grimly.

"Probably. It most likely isn't only Spades that has areas devoid of magic. But because you're such a magic-obsessed nation that monitors magic outputs regularly, you may have been the first nation to notice. Cards is technically still stable after all."

Arthur thought. The disturbance area outside of Valden wasn't that big, but if this keeps up...

Gilbert looked at Arthur's profile which was lost in thought. Then, Gilbert let out a large sigh, his expression softening a little.

"Look, even I'm still not really sure how this whole thing works but...we Jokers...we exist on negative magic. And each time a new Joker arrives here, its creating a system."

Arthur's eyes widened in shock as he threw his gaze back to Gilbert.

"A system? Arthur's heartbeat quickened. "You mean, like a nation's magic system?"

Gilbert smirked sadly before he slowly spoke.

"...You can feel it right? This place has no magic. But that's not all. Within this land, a new magic system is being formed. A magic system made entirely of negative magic."

Gilbert's eyes narrowed a little, apparently deep in thought.

"It seems like Cards can stay somewhat stable with two Jokers. But if there are more than two Jokers in a term, Wildcard will begin to qualify as a nation, and the negative magic system will go into effect. And if there are ever four Jokers..." Gilbert stopped speaking, the rest of his sentence not needing to be said.

Arthur shook his head in disbelief. This couldn't be. Not only was Ivan planning on afflicting Cards with severe black magic in an attempt to fulfill some sort of dark fantasy of his, the plan was already well set into motion. In fact, stopping him now,seemed to be a near herculean task. Arthur looked over at Alfred, shock and fear apparent on the King's expression. This was far worse than they had expected.

Gilbert crossed his arms and stared angrily at the pair.

"You're running out of time if you want to fix this, Spades. I can't leave here, but I can feel that you have had an Ace for a few months, and that Hearts just recently got one. Everything is in place for Ivan's plan. You need to stop him now, if you have any chance at all."

Arthur stepped closer to Alfred and looked at Gilbert firmly.

"Do any of the other royals know about this?"

Gilbert shrugged.

"Aside from the Clubs family and you, no. Apparently, Peter was corrupted when he was on his own, and the Diamonds don't even know what has happened to him. And by this time, they've probably stopped looking." Gilbert shook his head sadly. "...That boy looks out at the sea constantly. I think he want to go back..." Gilbert let out a short dry laugh. "As if, though. We can't even set foot off of this place. Can't even touch the sea."

Alfred furrowed his brows.

"Why?"

Gilbert held his hands out in front of him and gestured to himself.

"We're unstable existences, kid. We're both cut off from our Kings, and our magic is in name only. Just like how you couldn't last for more than a day here, we wouldn't last more than a few seconds away from this place."

.

Alfred turned his attention away from the Joker and brought his eyes to look over at Arthur. Anger and worry were apparent on the Queen's face. Alfred spoke in a hushed tone to his Queen, trying to sound as composed as possible.

"Arthur. What...are we supposed to do? If Ivan's using a special type of magic to corrupt Aces, then what are we supposed to do to stop it?"

Arthur looked at the King, then thought for a moment, resting his chin on the back of his fist. Suddenly, an idea crossed Arthur's mind, which quickly illuminated his green eyes. Arthur looked at Alfred and spoke quickly.

"...If that's really the case, we need to find out what spell he's using and seal it away."

Alfred tilted his head to the side, confused.

"Seal it?"

Arthur nodded, a new hope entering his expression.

"There are methods of permanently sealing away forbidden spells and magic, Alfred. It basically makes it so that the spell becomes useless. It can only be done by a King and Queen together, but it's certainly possible." A small smile crept onto Arthur's face. "Yes, that might be a way..! We simply need to find out what spell he's using."

Alfred smiled at Arthur, his own hope rising, and his faith in Arthur growing in his heart.

Gilbert looked at the ground, feigning disinterest in their situation, but then spoke.

"Ivan has never been very skilled at casting magic alone. Is he using Roderich to assist in his spell casting?"

Alfred looked up at Gilbert and shook his head, recalling the memory of the girl beside Ivan in the throne room.

"No, he's using Natalia, his sister."

Gilbert's eyes widened.

"Fuck."

Alfred blinked, unnerved by the amount of shock that was now on Gilbert's face.

"What?"

"That girl...even when I was an Ace, her magic matched mine. Some say she wanted to inherit a royal role, but was never selected by the system. She's a ruthless witch. You have your work cut out for you."

Alfred stared at Gilbert, both annoyed and scared.

"Thanks..."

Arthur turned to Gilbert ans spoke.

"Do you know if she has any weaknesses?"

Gilbert shook his head.

"Not that I can think of. She's ruthless."

Alfred thought. The term 'ruthless' fit her well. Just by remembering how she had so nonchalantly tried to poison him, and how she had almost killed Matthew, no other word could fit the girl better.

As Alfred frowned further, Gilbert spoke again.

"I'll leave you with one final warning; Ivan'll probably come after your Ace again. I would be on guard if I were you. If Ivan really has perfected a way to corrupt Aces, you're in for one hell of a fight getting him to back off."

Alfred thought of Matthew who was back at the castle. His heart sank to the pit of his stomach, thinking about Matthew being corrupted.

Alfred turned back to Arthur frantically.

"Arthur, we have to return to Spades."

Arthur didn't need any further persuasion, and nodded firmly before turning back to Gilbert.

"Thank you for all of this information, Gilbert. I know you didn't have to help us this much."

The Joker shrugged and looked away, disinterested.

"I didn't do this for you."

The pair of Spades looked at the Joker questioningly before Gilbert turned his eyes back to meet theirs.

"I only did this for Eliza. Not you."

.

Without a formal farewell, Alfred and Arthur turned to make their way out of the clearing. They moved quickly across the open field. Just as they were about to re-enter the misty surrounding of the clearing, they heard a faint, echoed voice.

"Good luck, Spades...you'll need it."

Alfred and Arthur turned around towards where Gilbert had been standing near the tree, but found that the area, as well as the rest of the clearing was empty. In fact, there was no longer any evidence that the man named Gilbert had been there at all.

They turned to look at each other, then stepped back into the mist, Alfred taking Arthur's hand in his as they proceeded forward.

.

The pair were quickly intercepted by Peter. He saw them approaching in the mist and ran to meet them. He looked at them expectantly.

"...Did Gilbert tell you what you wanted to know?"

Alfred smiled at the small boy.

"Yeah, he did."

Peter offered them a small smile on his normally melancholic face.

"Good." He turned and pointed into the distance. "I'll lead you back to your boat. Follow me."

The pair followed Peter back along his sporadic movements. They lack of magic was starting to get to them both, and they were beginning to feel weak. They were very thankful to be heading back. Soon, the thickest of the fog parted again, and the sea came back into view. To their left, they could see the long strip of land near which the boat was bobbing slowly in the gentle tides of Wildcard. The trio walked to the edge of the strip of land to their boat. Arthur climbed aboard, preparing the boat for departure, but Alfred turned around to face the small boy. Alfred offered the boy a smile and spoke.

"Thanks for leading us back, Peter."

Peter nodded a little.

Alfred turned towards the boat, but the smaller Joker quickly spoke up.

"Wait...!"

Alfred turned back towards the boy, looking at him in mild confusion.

"What is it?"

Peter opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something. Then, he paused, and fiddled with the hem of his shirt. Slowly, he spoke.

"Did...did Gilbert tell you about me? And where I'm from?"

Alfred's expression fell a little at the memory of what the older Joker had told him. He spoke carefully.

"...You were the Diamonds' Ace."

Peter looked up at Alfred and nodded. He paused again before finally blurting out what he wanted to say.

"Lili...!" Peter paused, adjusting his volume to a lower register. "Will you tell Lili that I'm alright...? And...that I miss her..?"

Alfred smiled sadly.

"Sure thing. I'll tell her."

The boy's expression changed to the first genuine smile Alfred had seen since coming to Wildcard, and immediately his resolve hardened. Something had to be done about what Ivan had done to these two Jokers. With a final wave goodbye, Alfred stepped aboard the boat, and with the pulling of the anchor, they slowly pulled away from the Wildcard shore. As Arthur sailed the boat farther out to sea, Alfred turned turned his head back to look at the disappearing island. Peter's sad silhouette was still barely visible, but soon, his figure, as well as the rest of the island was consumed in thick, obscuring fog, and the land known as Wildcard disappeared from view.

.

The currents surrounding the island were harsh. Swift currents and undercurrents pulled the boat in opposite directions at once, and it was now very clear why a spell was needed to access it. Alfred became nervous at their lack of progress at first, but as he looked over at Arthur at the helm, he found less reason to worry. Arthur's expression was filled with concentration, not fear, and he was mumbling a series of spells under his breath. At these incantations, the boat seemed to cut through the currents steadily, as opposed to being torn apart by the unnatural waves. After about an hour, the currents evened out, and they were in the normal, open area of the Sea of Cards again.

Arthur looked over his shoulder at Alfred, who was situated on some overturned crates. Arthur smiled.

"Were you nervous?"

Alfred laughed a little at how sensitively Arthur could read him. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and smiled.

"Not in the slightest."

Arthur seemed unconvinced, but smiled and averted his eyes back to the sea in front of him.

"I'm sailing us back to Spades. I'll use some magic to get us there, but we probably won't get there until nightfall."

Alfred looked out the window of the boat. They were out of the fog surrounding the isle of Wildcard, but it was overcast. Still, it was easy to tell that it was still early morning. Alfred looked back to Arthur.

"You sure Arthur? Don't over do it."

Arthur turned back to look at Alfred. Alfred brow was scrunched a little in worry. They both felt a little weak after after leaving Wildcard. Because a royal's body is graced with their own magic system, they are able to survive for far longer than a normal person without eating or taking in additional nutrients. But while their magic systems may provide them with a steady stream of energy that normal people do not have, it was doing little to fool their stomachs of the fact that they hadn't eaten in over two days.

Arthur smiled a little at the King.

"I promise, I'm fine. Why don't you rest, I'll wake you when we get there."

Alfred frowned defiantly at Arthur.

"No way. I'm not resting while you're still tired."

Arthur opened his mouth to protest, but immediately closed it. He sighed, and mumbled a short incantation quietly. He stepped away from the helm, and the boat stayed on course, propelled by magic. Arthur walked over to where Alfred sat in the back of the helm room. Arthur whispered under his breath.

"You are stubborn about the weirdest things..." Arthur said as he sat down beside the King. He readily leaned against Alfred's shoulder, draping one arm over Alfred's chest and snuggling close to him. The Queen slowly closed his eyes and whispered a final statement. "One hour. That's all I'm doing."

Alfred's smiled and wrapped his arms around Arthur.

"As you wish."

For someone who had claimed he was fine to keep going, Arthur fell asleep almost instantly. Soon, his breathing fell steady and even, and judging by the amount he was leaning on Alfred, He was deep in the depths of slumber. Alfred smiled. While the severity of Card's situation weighed heavy on his mind, he still couldn't help but feel soothed by Arthur's sleeping profile. Soon, Alfred felt sleep closing around him as well, and was fighting to keep his increasingly heavy eyelids open. With the sounds of the waves and Arthur's warmth right beside him, Alfred closed his eyes, and he too, fell fast asleep.

.

.

"Alfred..."

The King was slowly roused from his sleep as his name was called from across the boat's tiny helm room.

"Alfred, wake up, we're almost there."

Alfred slowly opened his eyes to see Arthur standing at the helm, the wheel back in his hands. Arthur looked over his shoulder at the King.

"Rise and shine," Arthur said teasingly.

Alfred looked at the Queen and frowned.

"Did you even rest all, Arthur?"

The corners of Arthur's mouth tugged downwards, looking at Alfred exasperated.

"I did. Way longer than I was supposed to, too." Arthur turned back to look in front of him, all while mumbling something about Alfred's chest being 'too damn comfortable', then resumed his concentration on the task in his hands.

Alfred slowly stood up, and looked out at where they were heading.

The sun had almost completely set in the sky, and was beginning to welcome the twilight in shades of purple and orange. Close on the ocean's horizon was a small coastal city that was beginning to illuminate with street lights and the soft glow from the cottage-style houses. There were small trading and fishing boats in the coastal harbor, and unlike a coastal town like Eavesworth, this town was very green, and surrounded by countless trees, flora and plant life. It was a beautiful town.

Arthur looked over at Alfred and spoke.

"We're back in Spades." Arthur slowly sailed the boat towards an isolated side of the harbor, and spoke. "This town isn't a large trading port like the one in Eavesworth, but it should serve well for getting back to the capital."

Arthur guided the boat to the secluded part of the harbor and at the dock, the pair of Spades finally set their feet back on Spades ground. Once completely off of the vessel, Arthur placed his hand on the side of the boat and said a long, intricate spell. Alfred was going to ask what the spell was, when slowly the boat pulled away from the dock, and a current began to carry the boat out to sea. Arthur spoke.

"I'm sending it back to Clubs. I can't guarantee that it will dock in the correct harbor, but at least it will make it's way back."

"Oh." Alfred said, almost forgetting that they had taken the boat without permission.

The pair watched as the boat floated out to sea, guided by the current, and soon it disappeared into the distance. Alfred turned to Arthur.

"Now what? Do we head back to the castle immediately?"

Arthur thought for a moment, looking at the small town aglow beyond the docks. He slowly turned back to Alfred, his expression thoughtful.

"Night is about to fall. We could indeed make it back to the castle by morning, but given our current state, I think we should rest for the evening and get an early start tomorrow."

Alfred smiled, unable to be more pleased with Arthur suggestion. He felt overwhelmed by everything that had happened to them, and sleeping in a proper bed sounded all too tempting. Alfred nodded firmly and let out a relieved sigh.

"That's a good idea. Let's do that."

Arthur smiled, apparently equally pleased. He spoke.

"Very good. Let's go into town to get something to eat. Then we can find an inn to stay at."

"Great!" Alfred said happily. Suddenly, he paused, and a more serious tone entered Alfred's voice. "But before that..." Alfred reached forward and took hold of Arthur's hand. Arthur was about to inquire about what Alfred was doing, but then Alfred quickly recited a shortened incantation and a soft blue light overtook their figures before quickly disappearing again.

Alfred smiled and spoke.

"It's the same spell that Matthew used to keep us from being recognized; I memorized it! Just in case we needed to use it again."

Arthur looked at Alfred, trying to hide the fact that he was shocked that Alfred remembered the Ace's spell that he had only heard once. Arthur smiled nonetheless.

"Very well. Let's go."

Arthur turned towards the town and headed forward, Alfred following in step right behind him.

.

For a town that was relatively small, many people were out in the town, and the pair of Spades were soon very grateful that Alfred had remembered the spell that obscured their identities to the citizens. There were countless people walking through the cobblestone and dirt streets, buying food from small stores, and men laughing in small groups seated on the terraces of pubs. Arthur swiftly navigated through the streets towards the heart of the small hillside town. He turned back to look at Alfred.

"Let's find a place to rest and eat first. This town is small, but it certainly has inns like in Valden and Eavesworth."

Alfred nodded and fell in step behind Arthur, before the King looked to his side and slowly stopped walking. Arthur immediately noticed and turned around to look at Alfred.

"What's the matter?"

"...Is that a market?"

Arthur followed Alfred's line of vision before he saw what Alfred was looking at. He turned back and spoke.

"Ah yes. This town isn't large enough to have a market square, so they have a market street instead."

Alfred turned to look over at Arthur, his blue eyes shining.

"Yeah? Can we take a look?"

Arthur smiled at Alfred's child-like wonder.

"Sure. Be my guest."

Alfred beamed at Arthur and stepped forward taking Arthur's hand in his.

"Let's go then!"

Arthur smiled as he was pulled along by Alfred, and quickly fell in step behind the King of Spades.

Alfred looked at the various stands and open-front stores selling vegetables, spices, and various trade from all across Cards. As Alfred looked at the market, nostalgia overtook him as he was reminded both of his childhood selling crops in the Valden square, and of going shopping at the market for dinners with Matthew. Alfred paused, as a thought suddenly struck him. He hadn't cooked a meal in ages. Not since before he had received his mark.

Not really speaking to anyone, Alfred mumbled to himself.

"I'd love it if I could make something..." Alfred turned to look at Arthur. "Hey, if we asked, do you think that an inn here might let us borrow their kitchen?"

Arthur blinked before he tilted his head to the side for a moment and connected the dots.

"You...want to cook something?"

"Yeah."

Arthur thought for a moment, then seemed genuinely intrigued.

"...I think that might be possible." Arthur's expression suddenly turned questioning. "But you actually know how to cook, Alfred?"

Alfred beamed at the Queen confidently.

"Hell, yeah. Me and Matt took turns growing up."

Arthur thought for a moment, then smiled.

"Well, if you're that sure of yourself—"

"I am." Alfred interjected, the smile still on his face. Arthur laughed.

"Then I guess I can't stop you."

Alfred's smile grew wider.

"No you can't. And you won't regret it!"

Alfred proceeded to go about the market street, grabbing various ingredients for what he was apparently going to make. They still had money with them from what was supposed to be their brief stay in Valden, but it had proved to be just as useful in this town as well. By the time they were finished, they both had various bags containing several ingredients weighing down their arms. By then, the night markets were beginning to open, and the orange sky overhead had grown darker in hue.

As they exited the market street, Alfred once again fell in step behind Arthur, who had taken the lead through the town once more. Alfred shifted the bags between his fingers and spoke to Arthur's back.

"You seem to know where we're going, but where are we going, exactly?"

"I know a place where we can cook this."

Alfred perked up.

"A place that will let us use their kitchen?"

Arthur said nothing but looked back and nodded, his green eyes shining. Alfred thought for a moment as Arthur navigated effortlessly through the towns small pathways and streets. The King spoke.

"Have you been to this town before, Arthur?"

The Queen returned his eyes back to the path in front of them.

"Yes."

At first, Alfred was mildly surprised, but the feeling quickly dissipated. He supposed it really wasn't that unusual; Arthur has been so many places both when he was a child and when he was a noble. Coming to a town like this really wasn't that out of place.

Alfred followed Arthur through the town towards the very edge of the town itself. The path they were following led to a quiet, earthy area, and Alfred followed Arthur up some old, wooden steps that led to a lush area that overlooked the city and looked out on the harbor town and the soft cove below. At the top of the stairs, Alfred looked over his shoulder as the pair ascended the steps. His blue eyes widened at the view. The moon was rising in the sky, and moonlight danced on the Sea of Card's horizon. Everything about the town was picturesque, and it was unlike any place in Spades he had ever been. While the Spades palace and it's grounds were gorgeous, this town had a raw, simple beauty that was both warm and comforting.

"Wow..." Alfred breathed as he took in the town's view below.

Arthur turned around and looked at Alfred before looking at the view that the King's eyes were fixated on. A soft smile spread across Arthur's face.

"It certainly is beautiful."

Alfred turned back to look at Arthur, whose expression was strikingly sincere. Soon, Arthur pulled his eyes back from the scenery and led Alfred a few meters away to their destination. Alfred's eyes then fell on where Arthur was leading him.

Nestled in a lush nook overlooking the town below, was a small, light blue house. It had white doors and windows and Wisteria trees growing on either side. While the house was small, it had a very simple charm to it that reminded Alfred of his old farm house. It was very apparent that there used to be gardens in the front, but the area had since been overgrown with wildflowers. The only cultivated flowers still present were sapphire-colored bell flowers that grew in abundance around the house.

As Arthur walked up the step to the house's door, Alfred came beside him and looked at him quizzically.

"What are we doing here, Arthur?"

"We're staying here."

"Huh?"

Unfazed by Alfred's confusion, Arthur reached into his pocket and removed a short chain with keys on it. A few of them were instantly identifiable. The silver, jeweled key to his study at the palace. The elegant curved key of the library. There were several keys to various rooms in the palace on the short chain. But at the very end of the chain was a small, ordinary key. The metal was slightly tarnished, and it was apparent that it was not to any room in the palace. Arthur removed the key, and slowly slipped it into the door of the blue house. He twisted it, and there was a distinct click to indicate that the door had been unlocked. Arthur slowly looked up, letting his green eyes meet Alfred's blue.

"This...is my home." Arthur paused. "Well...it used to be."

Alfred's eyes widened. That's where this town was. Alfred wondered how Arthur had been able to navigate the streets so swiftly, but now it all made sense. This was Linemell; Arthur's birthplace and hometown.

Arthur slowly twisted the door knob and set foot inside the house. Arthur quickly mumbled an illuminations spell, and the overhead lamps in the main room illuminated into soft light. Arthur turned around to look at Alfred who was standing cautiously in the doorway.

"You coming in?"

Alfred immediately shuffled inside. He was instantly met with a dusty, yet calming scent. He looked around. The interior was simple. It was easy for Alfred to forget because he had only known Arthur as a noble, but Arthur's true background was rather ordinary and simplistic. The house was smaller than Alfred's modest farm house, which made sense, for only a young Arthur and his late father. It was only one level, and much of the house could be seen from where Alfred stood in the doorway.

The majority of the interior furniture was made of dark oak wood and was worn from use. Although the exterior of the house was light blue, the interior walls were a soft green color. There was a small, round dining table in the middle of the front room, and an efficient-looking stove in the back right corner serving as a kitchen. There were dark oak cabinets above the kitchen area, and countless trinkets from all across Cards strewn throughout the room, decorating bookshelves. In the corner of the room there were old fishing poles that had tarnished with age, and to the left, there were two doors. The one closest to the door was closed. However the door to the right of it was open, and unmistakably Arthur's. The edge of a simple bed could be seen from where he stood, but a bookshelf packed with books was the tell-tale giveaway.

Alfred turned back to Arthur.

"You used to live here?"

Arthur nodded and shrugged as he closed the door behind Alfred.

"Yes. When I was a child, I lived here with my father." Arthur walked across the room and continued speaking. "When my father died and I went to go live with my grandmother at the palace, this house was sold off. However, I bought it back again a few years ago on my twentieth birthday." Arthur paused and looked around the room. "I was able to re-assemble much of what the rooms used to look like. It isn't exact, but it's very close."

"Wow..." Alfred said as his eyes traveled around the house. He felt a strange sense of happiness; he felt like Arthur was allowing him into a very private area of his life.

Arthur quickly held up the paper bag of groceries in his hand.

"So are you going to show me what to do?"

Alfred smiled and stepped further into the house towards the kitchen area where Arthur was standing. The King laughed a little.

"Sure thing!"

.

Alfred got to work preparing what was apparently going to become a simple hearty stew. He had originally expected that they would be able to split the work between the two of them, however, a flaw in Alfred's plan instantly came to light.

It quickly became apparent that Arthur's skills with a blade fell short in the kitchen. By the way he was currently having trouble peeling the potato in his hands, to the awkward way he was holding the small kitchen knife; everything was pointing to Arthur being a novice in the kitchen.

"That's unexpected," Alfred said, as he looked at Arthur out of the corner of his eye.

Arthur looked over at the King defensively.

"...what?"

"Nothing." Alfred said as he returned to peeling the potato in his own hand. As he placed it in a bowl, he looked back at Arthur who was still having trouble. He was peeling the skin while cutting towards himself; a rookie (and dangerous) mistake. Visibly a little frustrated, Arthur put more strength into his hand that was holding the knife, and his hand slipped. Alfred caught Arthur's wrist before he cut towards his other hand.

Alfred stood close to Arthur, and didn't let go of his wrist. Alfred let out a small sigh. Alfred brought his voice to a small whisper.

"You're going to give me a heart attack, Arthur..."

Arthur looked at where he had almost cut into his own hand and at the partially butchered vegetable. His face immediately turned apologetic and a little embarrassed.

"...Sorry."

Alfred smiled and leaned forward, quickly kissing Arthur on the forehead.

"S'ok." Alfred took the potato and knife from Arthur's hands and he quickly began peeling the vegetable skin. Arthur watched mildly intrigued as Alfred spoke again. "I'm guessing you've never really cooked before?"

Arthur shrugged a little bashfully and grabbed another vegetable to wash.

"No...I occasionally helped my father when I was little, but at that age I was still just a child. He wouldn't let me near the stove."

Alfred nodded and tossed the potato in the pot and held out his hand. Arthur placed the newly washed vegetable in Alfred's hand, and the King once again began efficiently peeling the skin off. Arthur watched and slowly he continued speaking.

"Once I got taken to the palace, much of my time went to learning from my grandmother. All of my meals were prepared by the palace kitchen staff, and I never even bothered to learn cooking, unfortunately." Arthur looked down a little, clearly a little embarrassed about his lack of cooking skill.

Alfred smiled. From his eyes, Arthur appeared to be perfect in almost everything, so the fact that there was something he was rather unskilled with was not only humanizing, it was terribly endearing.

Arthur looked at Alfred, embarrassed.

"...is it really that funny?"

"No, I think it's cute."

Arthur half-blushed and half-scowled, currently at war with himself between feeling flattered and feeling offended. He began washing another vegetable and spoke.

"Are you quite skilled at cooking, then?"

Alfred shrugged as he tossed another potato in the pot.

"I don't know if Id say skilled, but Matt never complained." Alfred turned and beamed at Arthur. "In a few minutes, I'll let you judge me though!"

Arthur looked at Alfred, relieved to see his smiling face. Arthur smiled.

"Alright."

Alfred proceeded to prepare the rest of the meal, including cutting the vegetables as well as the meat, which for this stew, was fish; the local catch of the day. While Alfred was cooking, Arthur rustled through the wooden cabinets overhead, retrieving bowls and flatware down for Alfred, who had no idea where everything was. Once Alfred had everything that he needed, Arthur got out of his way, and sat at the table nearby. Arthur had begun going over some spells in his mind, monitoring the magic outputs in Spades to make sure nothing else had gone amiss, however, a delicious smell wafting into the air from the kitchen a short distance away was making it very hard for him to concentrate.

Just when Arthur was about to give up on his spell and go over to see what Alfred was doing, a bowl filled with stew was placed in front of Arthur. He looked up at Alfred who was smiling prouder than usual.

"You ready?"

Arthur stared at the stew in front of him in awe. The stew, identifiable as a type of bouillabaisse, looked far grander than anything that he had expected Alfred to make. It looked really delicious, though that term alone felt insufficient to describe the dish in front of Arthur. He looked up at Alfred his eyes wide, and pointed at the bowl.

"You made this from that?"

"Yeah." Alfred said as he sat down beside Arthur.

Growing steadily aware of the hunger that he had ignored for days, Arthur quickly picked up his spoon and brought a spoonful of the food to his mouth. Alfred watched Arthur, waiting on baited breath.

"Well?"

Arthur swallowed and muttered a single word.

"...Damn."

Alfred let out a short laugh as relief flooded his senses.

"It's good?"

"It's really good." Arthur said as he brought another spoonful to his mouth.

Alfred smiled and began eating as well. He had prepared it the same way he had back when he was just cooking for himself and Matthew, but Alfred was relieved to see that Arthur was apparently enjoying it immensely.

Finally able to address their incredible hunger, the pair went back for seconds and thirds, and eventually, ended up polishing off the entire pot. As Arthur looked down into his final bowl of the stew, he spoke.

"This really is good Alfred."

Having finished his own portion, Alfred was relaxed in his chair, currently basking in the sensation of feeling full. He beamed at Arthur.

"Yeah? I'm glad you like it."

"Even at the palace I've never eaten something this good before."

Alfred blushed under the onslaught of Arthur's unusually honest praise. He laughed a little as he awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

"They do say that hunger is the best spice, Arthur...my food is pretty normal."

Arthur shook his head.

"I assure you, this is far from 'normal.'" Arthur looked down at the remainder of his stew and spoke. "I don't think I could ever make something like this."

Alfred leaned forward, resting his head on the back of his fist and smiled at Arthur.

"It's really is pretty simple. I'm totally sure you could make this."

Arthur paused for a moment, visibly mulling something over in his head. Slowly he spoke.

"...Would you teach me sometime?"

Alfred blinked. He had never instructed Arthur on anything before, and had assumed that no such opportunity would come to pass. Alfred's smile grew ever wider and he leaned closer to Arthur excitedly.

"Absolutely! I'd be glad to!"

Arthur too smiled in turn as he returned his attention to the bowl in front of him. Alfred's smile softened, completely happy in this simple moment. In this moment, the pressure of their situation and their royal duties melted away. As if they weren't royals at all.

"Hey," Alfred said, his smile turning thoughtful.

Arthur paused, his spoon halfway to his mouth.

"Yes?"

"...Do you ever wonder about what our lives would be like if we weren't royals?"

Arthur thought for a moment as he lowered his spoon back to his bowl.

"...Occasionally."

Alfred leaned his head back onto the back of his fist, inquisitively.

"Yeah? What would you have done if you could have a normal life?"

Arthur thought for a while, before speaking carefully.

"It's hard to say. When I was still a child and lived with my father, I had never given much thought to what I wanted to be. And when I went to live with my grandmother it wasn't long before I started wanting to be a royal... It's really hard to say what I would have become if I had led a normal life." Arthur paused. "But...I think that if it could've been a life with you, I'm sure it would be lovely."

Alfred blushed a little at Arthur's statement. Arthur's expression turned thoughtful as he continued.

"...If my life was simply a string of ordinary moments; living in a small house in a town like this, working on the ocean for most of the day, and coming home to see you everyday..." Arthur looked down into his bowl and smiled a little. "...eating food like this everyday...falling asleep next to you everyday...I wouldn't mind it...a normal life."

Arthur's eyes widened a little at his own statement. He had wanted nothing but to be a royal for the longest time. There was a moment when he believed that if he didn't receive a royal mark, then life wasn't worth living. Yet here he was; saying that so long as Alfred was with him, not being a royal wouldn't matter. And it was true.

Arthur looked over at Alfred who was smiling at him warmly. Arthur felt heat rush to his face as he averted his eyes back to his plate. He slowly spoke again.

"Do...do you ever think about what your life would've been if you hadn't received the King's mark?"

"Me?" Alfred smile fell a little as he thought deeply.

"I'm not sure...I was about to graduate high school with no clue of what I wanted to do next. I kinda just assumed I would just get an ordinary job back in Valden..." Alfred's expression softened. "...but even though I didn't know it yet, I think I craved moments like this. I needed someone like you; someone whose heart is driven and kind, and uses their knowledge to help those around you...someone who I love wholeheartedly, and someone who somehow loves me too, for who I am. Someone who makes me want to be a better person and who makes every day feel so worthwhile." Alfred placed his hand over the center of his chest, where he knew his royal mark rested, and continued. "The Spades system may have brought us together, Arthur. But even if it hadn't, I still know that if we had met in another time and place, I would still come to love you. And if we built a simple life together, I would be just as happy then as I am with you now." Alfred looked at Arthur and smiled genuinely. "I think...I can be happy wherever I am if you're beside me, Arthur."

A light blush tinted Arthur's face at the King's statement. He shook his head and looked away just to muffle some of his own embarrassment.

"...the hell, Alfred. Saying something so mature."

Alfred let out a short laugh.

"I have matured! I'm older than when we first met."

Arthur smiled at the King.

"Sure, sure—" Arthur suddenly paused mid sentence and his eyes grew wide with realization. Alfred immediately noticed the change in Arthur's disposition, and he spoke.

"Arthur?"

"It's the 7th."

"Huh?"

"It's the 7th." Arthur repeated his statement, the shock never falling from his face.

Alfred tilted his head to the side in confusion.

"Uh, yeah? So?"

"It's the 7th of July, Alfred!"

"Yeah, like I said, what's the big deal?"

"Your birthday."

"Huh?"

Arthur rolled his eyes impatiently.

"Your birthday was three days ago!"

Alfred blinked as the realization struck him.

"Oh wow, you're right." Of the things happening in Alfred's life, his nineteenth birthday, had been far from his top priority, and he had completely forgotten it. Suddenly, another realization struck Alfred. A smile spread across Alfred's face and he laughed. "Wait. Really, Arthur? You got kidnapped on my birthday? That's like the worst present ever."

"This is serious..!" Arthur said as he placed his head in his hands, mortified. "...I can't believe I forgot my own husband's birthday..."

Alfred blushed wildly at Arthur calling him his husband. He let out a small laugh in a failed attempt to hide his happy embarrassment. He waved his hand back and forth.

"It's really not that big of a deal, Arthur."

"It is a big deal. You're nineteen now. In Spades, you're officially an adult."

It was true. While in most of the other nations the age of adulthood was considered sixteen or eighteen, in Spades alone was the age nineteen, apparently due to the number being considered lucky. Alfred blinked for a second at Arthur's statement, and narrowed his eyes at Arthur.

"Wait. So up until now, in your mind, I was still just child?"

Arthur shot Alfred an accusatory look.

"Obviously not—that's not what I meant. I just..." Arthur paused and his face contorted into a frown, looking genuinely upset with himself. "I just wish I could have at least done something."

Alfred reached out and took Arthur's hand into his own. He spoke.

"Arthur, really? With everything that happened with Clubs, there was honestly nothing you could do, even if you wanted to..."

Arthur frowned, knowing that Alfred was correct, but not feeling any better about it.

Alfred smiled and spoke again.

"And it's not like I did much for your birthday a few months ago—"

"You got me a new pen and spellbook for practicing magic, it was fucking perfect." Arthur interjected firmly.

Alfred thought back to Arthur's birthday back in April, in which they had quietly celebrated within the castle. Alfred thought for a moment then smiled.

"Then...we can always celebrate back at the Spades Palace. After all of this is over."

Arthur said nothing, apparently accepting Alfred's suggestion. Arthur lightly tightened his grip around Alfred's hand.

"Is...there anything that you want?"

"I'll let you know."

Arthur withdrew his hand slowly and folded his arms in front of his chest.

"Could you let me know, soon?"

"Alright, alright. I'll think of something..!" Alfred said, smiling at the fact that Arthur was choosing to be stubborn about this. Alfred thought for a moment. Nineteen, huh...

Suddenly a single thought crossed Alfred's mind.

"I can drink now, huh?"

Arthur looked at the King and shrugged.

"Well, yes. Legally."

There was a long pause. Arthur looked at Alfred, searching, before his eyes widened a little.

"Wait. Surely you've had a drink before?"

Alfred scratched the back of his head nervously.

"Um. No?"

Arthur's eyes widened in shock.

"You're kidding."

The King shook his head.

"I really haven't."

"You're serious?" Arthur stared at the King in mild disbelief. "You worked in a bar during high school Alfred."

"Yeah, I did. But that doesn't mean I had any myself."

Arthur stared at Alfred, unsure of whether to laugh or be shocked. Arthur had his first taste of alcohol at the age of 15, and from that point had pretty much ignored the law up until his own nineteenth birthday. Arthur smirked.

"How unexpectedly straight-laced of you." Arthur said.

Alfred couldn't identify if Arthur was praising him or being condescending, but judging by the thin smile tugging at the corners of Arthur's mouth, he was just messing with him.

Alfred laughed a little.

"Yeah, whatever."

Arthur suddenly stood from the table and walked towards the kitchen. Alfred turned his head and watched Arthur rummage through the cabinets for a brief moment.

"What are you doing?" Alfred said to Arthur's back.

"...I'm pretty sure I left some here last time..." Arthur mumbled to himself before he finally seemed to perk up, finding what he was looking for. Arthur turned around, holding up a bottle of clear, blue liquid in his hand. He smiled and proudly spoke.

"I'm giving the King of Spades his first drink."

Arthur returned with two glasses in hand, and quickly popped off the top of the bottle. As Arthur poured some of the liquid into Alfred's glass, the King laughed and spoke up.

"Teardrop Ale? Shouldn't I start with something softer than this?" While he had never had it before, the drink was easily identifiable, and even Alfred knew that the spirit had an incredibly high alcohol content.

Arthur shrugged with a smile.

"Nonsense. This is the drink that I started with." Arthur finished pouring and set the glass in front of Alfred. Arthur then began pouring some for himself and continued speaking. "And this is only brewed in Spades; it's a fitting drink for the King."

Arthur finished pouring his own glass, then set the bottle aside. Arthur raised his glass.

"To our King; who is finally a legal adult." Arthur smiled a little mockingly at the King before letting out a short puff of laughter. Alfred laughed and raised his glass against Arthur's before taking his first drink.

.

Alfred is a lightweight. One glass in, it was vastly apparent to Arthur that Alfred had very little tolerance to liquor. Alfred was only barely taller than Arthur, but he was very well built, and thus Arthur assumed that Alfred's tolerance would be similar to his. He was quite wrong. Alfred wasn't wildly drunk, per say, but he was giggling a lot and was no longer really listening to what Arthur had to say. Alfred had leaned forward, resting his arms and his head on the table, his eyes closed but still apparently awake. Arthur took a sip from his second glass of ale, as he himself was only barely feeling a buzz. Arthur looked at Alfred's profile and shook his head at the King before him.

"You're ridiculous."

"You're ridiculous." Alfred retorted, sounding over-the-top offended.

Arthur laughed and set his own glass aside, knowing that it would probably be a while before he would be able to properly have drinks with Alfred. Arthur reached over and brushed his fingers past Alfred's cheek. Alfred stirred and looked at Arthur out of the corner of his eye. Arthur placed a kiss on Alfred's forehead and spoke.

"We'll start you on something softer next time."

"I'm not soft." Alfred mumbled as his eyes closed again.

Arthur laughed a little and looked endearingly down at the King.

"Of course not."

.

Arthur sat at the table, watching Alfred doze for a while. In the silence of the small house, the troubles of the outside world seemed so distant. As Arthur looked at the resting King in surroundings that felt so overwhelmingly familiar, Arthur finally felt relaxed for the first time in what felt like a very long while. After a while, Arthur stood and moved the plates and glasses from the table to the sink. He diligently washed the majority of them, but left a few of them in the sink to be dealt with later.

Slowly, he came back beside the King who was still dozing at the table. Between the heavy stress of Clubs and the drink he had just had, it was expected for him to be tired. Arthur placed his hand on Alfred's shoulder, shaking him gently.

"Alfred...lets move you to the bed, alright?"

"Alfred's eyes slowly opened and he looked over at Arthur, slowly becoming more awake.

"...Alright." Alfred said, apparently more sober now, as he had properly answered the Queen's request.

Arthur guided the partially disoriented Alfred to his room directly adjacent to the main room of the house. It was dark, but the soft glow of the moon off of the ocean bathed the room in soft blue light. Arthur led Alfred to the bed, which the King immediately laid across.

"Hold on, Alfred, at least take your boots off..."

"Mmm..." Alfred mumbled as he rolled over a little, not moving from his spot. As Arthur looked down at the King in his bed, he was suddenly very thankful that when he re-bought the house he had replaced his childhood bed with a far larger one.

Arthur let out an exasperated sigh and reached down, taking Alfred's foot into his hands.

"Come now, at least sit up a little."

Alfred complied slowly, and sat up a little, so that he was situated on the edge of the bed. Arthur smiled a little and shook his head as he leaned over and untied and unbuckled the heavy boot strapped to the King's foot. As he freed Alfred's foot from the shoe, he tossed it on the floor below and quickly reached over, repeating the process for the other foot. As Arthur tugged at the laces, he mumbled softly to himself.

"What am I going to do with you..."

Alfred's eyes lingered on Arthur in the dim light, taking in every ounce of Arthur's frame.

Arthur freed the other foot from the shoe, and just as he placed it beside the other one on the floor, he felt Alfred reach over and grab him by the wrist and pulled him towards him. Arthur had little time to be confused before his lips met Alfred's. It was just for a brief moment, but soon, Alfred wrapped his arms around Arthur's waist and pulled him closer to him and let their mouths meet again.

Arthur was swiftly pulled on top of Alfred, their lips meeting all the while. And as they kissed, Arthur moved legs to straddle Alfred's hips.

There was something different. Alfred, who was usually very slow to become demanding was suddenly kissing him so fervently that even Arthur felt a little overwhelmed. From the soft moans escaping his lips to the way he tilted his head to meet Arthur's perfectly, there was something different about Alfred this night. And the Queen was quick to enjoy it. The way Alfred moved his fingers across his waist ignited every single nerve across Arthur's skin, heightening every sensation in Arthur's body.

When they pulled away, they were both breathing heavily, and as Arthur opened his eyes to look at Alfred, he was met with an unfamiliar expression. Alfred's face was flushed, and the striking blue eyes from beyond his glasses were half lidded and clouded in an expression that Arthur had never associated with the King before. Arthur felt his heartbeat quicken as he stared back at the King below him, his own blood seeming to grow hotter in his veins.

Alfred didn't move his face from it's close proximity to Arthur's and instead moved his lips so that they lightly grazed across Arthur's.

"Arthur..." Alfred's voice came out in a low, airy whisper that sent goosebumps down Arthur's spine. Arthur swallowed, and slowly answered Alfred.

"...Yes?"

Alfred dared to move his face a mere fraction closer to Arthur's so that his lips brushed definitively past Arthur's as he whispered a single obscene request that caused all reason to slip from Arthur.

"...Fuck me."

Arthur's eyes widened as every single ounce of composure immediately rushed from his mind. A deep blush tinted Arthur's face from sheer shock and embarrassment as he tried to get a proper handle on the current situation, to no avail. Arthur was so internally flustered that he could only stutter out a single word.

"...What?"

Alfred pressed his lips back into Arthur's, silencing the Queen before he could inquire any further. Alfred ran his tongue across Arthur's lips, probing, and Arthur, willing, let his lips part, quick to lose himself to his own desires. Alfred kissed Arthur as if he were starving, and Arthur was fast to reciprocate, relishing the feeling of Alfred's unbridled want. Alfred pulled away and smiled a little into Arthur's lips as he moved his hands to travel down to Arthur's hips. Alfred gently rolled his hips into Arthur's, his erection already noticeable. Alfred whispered against Arthur's lips, his voice pleading, almost innocent.

"...you want to, don't you?"

Arthur almost felt dizzy. He couldn't think. He almost couldn't believe the level of lust dripping from Alfred's voice and it was all too arousing. Soon, Arthur could do little to ignore the throbbing arousal between his own legs as Alfred repeated the motion. Arthur let out a small groan at the friction. He screwed his eyes shut as he failed to suppress a moan. Arthur's eyes opened slowly his breath hitching in the back of his throat as he willed himself to speak evenly.

"Of course...I do. But..."

Alfred leaned forward and kissed Arthur again. As their tongues met yet again, Arthur could feel Alfred's fingers on his chest, unfastening the buttons down the front of Arthur's shirt. Alfred pulled away from their kiss and smiled warmly at Arthur.

"...Then don't be shy."

At these words Arthur completely let go of all of his inhibitions and allowed Alfred to tug Arthur's shirt off. As it cascaded to the floor below them, their lips connected again and Arthur repeated the gesture for Alfred, actively tugging at the buttons on his shirt, before freeing Alfred's torso of the clothing. The pair tumbled backwards in the bed, eagerly tugging away the remaining fabric between them, before tossing it to the ground and letting their lips meet again. With every touch he could feel both of them growing more and more impatient. He looked at Alfred's toned body, the large, King's tattoo stark against his skin. Alfred's cock was already standing at full attention, and Arthur's heartbeat quickened at the sight, feeling his own length growing to match Alfred's.

Arthur leaned close to Alfred, tracing his hand across the King's elaborate mark, while he brought his lips to the base of Alfred's neck where he nipped at a particularly sensitive bit of flesh. Alfred let out a small groan of pleasure as Arthur sucked at the flesh, bringing it between his teeth and leaving a prominent mark.

"Arthur..." Alfred moaned out the Queen's name as he felt Arthur repeat the process up the side of his neck until he reached the side of his ear. Suddenly, Alfred's body went rigid as he felt Arthur's hand close around his cock. Alfred let out a moan and closed his eyes as he felt Arthur slowly stroking his shaft, agonizingly slow.

Arthur smirked against the shell of the King's ear and whispered.

"Let's take care of this first, shall we..?"

Alfred trembled in pleasure under Arthur's touch and managed to get out a response.

"...Okay."

Arthur smiled and placed a kiss on Alfred's jaw. Slowly, Arthur lowered himself backwards until he was on his haunches at Alfred's hip bone. Alfred's cock was at complete attention and was already leaking with pre-cum. Arthur smirked as lust clouded his green eyes. He took the member into his hand and began pumping it slowly. Alfred stifled an impatient moan at the contact and looked down at Arthur. Alfred watched in anticipation, his heart pounding and the sight almost two much to bear. Slowly, Arthur eyes flitted up to look at Alfred's, and Alfred watched as Arthur slowly took him into his mouth.

Alfred hissed as he felt himself being engulfed by to hot, wet recesses of Arthur's mouth. Instinctively, Alfred's hips bucked impatiently. Arthur grabbed onto Alfred's hips and pinned them firmly, and possessively down into the bed below. Arthur smirked and slowly began bobbing his head up and down, running his tongue along a pulsing vein of the shaft and swirling his tongue around the head. Alfred tossed his head back letting out a moan of pleasure as he clawed at the sheets below. Fuck, it felt too good.

"Arthur...Arthur..." The King moaned out the Queen's name shamelessly as Arthur slowly picked up the pace, pumping the base of Alfred's shaft with his hand. Apparently pleased with the Alfred's reaction, Arthur quickened his speed until moans without pause began to slip from the King's mouth.

"Arthur..." Alfred's sentence cut short, his mind clouded with pleasure. "Arthur, let go...I'm going to cu—" Alfred's sentence died on his lips as he felt Arthur's tongue swirl around his tip mercilessly. Alfred felt the familiar clench in his core, and a blissful tingling sensation. Waves of pleasure began to wash over him and with no further warning, he came inside of Arthur's mouth, his hot seed spilling down Arthur's throat. Arthur swallowed ever drop of the precious fluid, before sitting back on his haunches, looking down at the spent King, slowly returning from the depths of pleasure.

Arthur crawled back beside Alfred's panting body, and placed an arm lovingly against Alfred's chest.

"...you alright?"

Alfred nodded lazily still trying to regain his breath.

Arthur ignored the fact that he was now painfully hard after blowing Alfred, and watched as he slowly came back down from his high. Alfred looked at Arthur and smiled blissfully. Alfred leaned forward and brought his lips to meet Arthur's kissing him gently before his kisses turned heated once more.

Alfred rolled over, so that he was hovering over Arthur. Alfred's eyes pierced down into the Queen below him.

"...Now you."

Arthur blinked before a blush began to work its way across Arthur's face, realizing what Alfred was suggesting.

"Huh?" Arthur said, trying to will the blush off of his face. He felt his own heartbeat quicken at the sheer thought, and he stuttered out a reply that completely contradicted his current desires. "...you...don't have to."

Alfred gently leaned forward kissing Arthur's lips again. Arthur melted into the touch as Alfred traced his hands across his body. Alfred moved his kisses across the side of Arthur's face, traveling down the side of Arthur's neck, all the way to his collarbone. Alfred pulled back, looking at Arthur and drinking in every detail of his frame, including Arthur's blushing cock that was painfully erect. Alfred then smiled and leaned forward, gently kissing the Queens' mark over Arthur's heart.

"Let me do this for you."

Any further protest from Arthur immediately died as Alfred proceeded to leave a trail of kisses down Arthur's body, almost worshiping him. Arthur trembled under the honest affection that Arthur had never experienced before. Arthur was incredibly used to getting sex. What he was not used to, however, was the sheer, gentle love that Alfred inexplicably showered upon him. And he was realizing now that he was incredibly weak to it.

Arthur trembled a little at every kiss that Alfred placed on his body, until Alfred had finally reached Arthur's hips. Alfred situated himself between Arthur's legs, and gently took Arthur's cock into his hands. Alfred mumbled something about 'never having done this before', and just as Arthur was about to tell Alfred that he really didn't have to, he felt himself being sheathed by a hot, wet mouth that made every other thought in Arthur's mind vanish completely. Arthur let out a moan at the sheer pleasure. Alfred slowly began bobbing his head up and down, mimicking what Arthur had done for him. Arthur sighed in pleasure as his hand reached down, his fingers threading through Alfred's blonde locks.

"Alfred..." Arthur moaned, the sensations growing indescribably pleasurable. "Alfred, that's lovely..."

Alfred was apparently motivated by the feedback, because he began to quicken his pace, bobbing his head faster, taking in more of Arthur's length into his mouth. For what Alfred lacked in experience, he more than made up for in learning, as he swirled his tongue, causing Arthur's hips to buck a little against his will. Alfred smirked and held Arthur's hips in place as he had done for him, and continued his work. Arthur's moans began to fill the small room. Arthur dared to look down and almost came at the sight of Alfred eagerly moving his dick in and out of his mouth. Arthur let out another moan and Alfred let out a short groan of approval. Even the vibrations of Alfred's throat on the underside of his dick made Arthur's toes curl.

"Nnn...Alfred, I..." Alfred quickened his pace, causing Arthur's sentence to cut off. Arthur's head was reeling as the pleasure became too much. Arthur threaded his fingers through Alfred's hair further. "Alfred I..." Arthur's hips bucked as Alfred held him in place and moved his mouth even faster. "...I'm going to cum.."

Arthur tried to push Alfred's head away, but an orgasm surrounded him all too quickly, and as he succumbed to pleasure, he came, his seed shooting down Alfred's throat. Alfred ignored the taste and milked Arthur's cock, drawing out the Queen's orgasm deliciously.

Arthur panted heavily, slowly coming back down from his high. As his senses returned to him, he turned his attention to Alfred.

"Alfred...!" Arthur leaned forward towards the King. "Fuck, I'm sorry, Alfred...! I tried to push you off, but..."

Alfred shook his head, and leaned forward, kissing Arthur.

"It's okay."

The kisses that followed completely reassured Arthur, as Alfred pressed his body closer to Arthur's, seeking out his warmth despite both of them being sticky with sweat.

Alfred was already hard again. Through their kisses, Alfred reached down and grabbed both of their cocks, pumping them together. Ar first, Arthur winced a little at the contact, the friction almost too much. However, Arthur's erection was fast in returning.

"Alfred..." Arthur gasped his name against his lips as he felt himself growing hard again in Alfred's hands.

Effortlessly, Alfred shifted his legs to straddle Arthur's hips. Arthur's hands traveled to the King's waist, as lust began to enter his mind again. He looked into Alfred's eyes, that like his, were full of want.

Slowly, Arthur brought his hand from Alfred's waist and offered it in front of Alfred. Alfred didn't even ask for further explanation as he took Arthur's offered hand into his own, and began sucking on the offered fingers, slicking them with saliva. Arthur watched as Alfred worked on his fingers, almost a little too similarly to how he had just given Arthur head. Arthur knew Alfred wasn't intentionally trying to be erotic, however that didn't stop the sensations from sending jolts of arousal coursing through Arthur's veins as Alfred's tongue swirled around the pads of Arthur's fingers.

Arthur removed his fingers from Alfred's mouth, and with the fingers thoroughly slicked with saliva, Arthur slowly brought his fingers lower. Alfred gasped a little as Arthur stroked the sensitive area behind Alfred's sac and found his opening. Arthur looked at Alfred, whose eyes were lidded as he waited expectantly. Arthur brought his voice to a whisper.

"...you sure?"

Alfred nodded quickly as he wrapped his arms around Arthur's neck. Arthur leaned forward and briefly kissed Alfred briefly before Arthur slowly pushed one of his fingers inside of Alfred. The King hissed and instantly tensed at the intrusion. His buried his face into Arthur's shoulder, and his arms tightened a little around Arthur.

"Shh. It's okay...relax..." Arthur whispered, giving Alfred time to adjust to the intrusion. Alfred nodded, and turned his head, kissing Arthur deeply to distract himself. Arthur was more than willing to comply, and once Alfred's insides had relaxed slightly, Arthur almost completely pulled the saliva-slicked finger out, before sliding it back in, much deeper this time. Alfred whimpered a little into the kiss and the foreign sensation, but did not tense up as much as the first time. Arthur slowly repeated the motion, and as Alfred got used to it, Arthur added another slick finger, stretching Alfred further.

Alfred bit his bottom lip and suppressed strange moans as Arthur continued the agonizing minutes preparation. It felt more strange than painful after the initial intrusion, and as Arthur moved his fingers in and out of him, it actually began to feel kind of nice.

After Alfred's body stopped resisting the two fingers, Arthur curled his fingers, searching for that one spot inside of Alfred that until then he had only ever fantasized of finding. Arthur hit it almost immediately.

"Nnn...! Arthur..!" Alfred suddenly moaned out as some strength left his legs. Arthur smirked and prodded the gland again and whispered coyly into Alfred's ear.

"...right here?"

Alfred let out another moan, unable to answer him, the foreign pleasure sending jolts of bliss through Alfred's body. He had never felt anything like this. It felt really good. Alfred finally nodded shakily. Arthur smirked, not needing to hear anything more. Arthur slid his fingers in and out of Alfred's heat, deliberately applying pressure to the gland. Alfred's moans grew in pleasure, and Arthur added another finger without Alfred even noticing.

"Ah..! Arthur...!" Alfred's body began to eagerly suck in Arthur's fingers as Arthur assaulted the gland mercilessly. With every stroke, Alfred's hold on Arthur grew tighter until suddenly, Alfred's body tensed all over. With a moan of the others name, Alfred came, his seed spreading across Arthur's abdomen.

Alfred leaned forward, his forehead touching Arthur's while panting heavily. His eyes locked with Arthur. Alfred's blue eyes were lidded, and although he had just come, his eyes were still clouded with lust. Arthur swallowed. He had no idea how tempting he was.

Arthur smirked as he grabbed onto Alfred and rolled over, flipping the King onto his back so that Arthur was on top of him. Arthur slicked Alfred's cum over his own cock and cautiously lined himself up with Alfred's entrance. Arthur looked at Alfred, searching his eyes to make sure that he still wanted this. Alfred wrapped an arm around Arthur's neck and pulled him close.

"Do it...please..."

Alfred didn't need to ask Arthur twice. He wouldn't be able to deny himself now that he knew Alfred wanted it...that he craved this. Arthur took a deep breath, then slowly pushed inside of Alfred. Alfred's eyes widened at the intrusion, and he clawed at the sheets below them, hissing out a short cry of pain. Arthur looked down at Alfred as he tried to adjust to Alfred's impossibly tight heat.

"Are you alright..?"

Alfred screwed his eyes shut and nodded. However, the tears in the corner of his eyes said otherwise. Arthur leaned forward and kissed Alfred gently. Despite Arthur's every desire screaming at him to pound deeper into Alfred, Arthur willed himself to simply kiss Alfred, allowing the King to adjust to his size. Slowly, Alfred broke the kiss and whispered against Arthur's lips.

"...move...Arthur, you can move..."

Alfred's voice was almost pleading, and without any further request, Arthur slowly began sliding himself in an out of Alfred. Arthur had to do everything in his power to keep from thrusting into the King without reserve. Moans unintentionally began to slip from Arthur's mouth as he slowly fucked Alfred. Arthur shuddered in pleasure. It all felt too amazing. Arthur proceeded with agonizingly slow thrusts as Alfred's moans slowly grew louder. Arthur angled his hips a little, attempting to rediscover that spot inside of Alfred that made him feel so good. After a few tentative thrusts, Arthur found it, producing an low groan from Alfred.

"Ah...Arthur...!" Arthur hit Alfred's prostate again as Alfred let out a moan of ecstasy. Arthur repeated the motion again and again, each time producing an increasingly profane moan from Alfred. After a few more thrusts, Alfred daringly began to move his hips to meet Arthur's, impatiently.

"Arthur...move faster..."

Arthur tossed his inhibitions aside and began and began thrusting into Alfred in earnest, moaning in delight at the audible ecstasy beginning to spill from Alfred's lips. Alfred let out a connected series of moans, the pain melting into indescribable pleasure.

"Ahh Arthur..." Alfred moved his legs to wrap around Arthur's waist, writhing in pleasure with each thrust.

Arthur looked down at Alfred in the grips of pleasure below him, and felt himself thrust harder into the Alfred at the sight. Slowly, Arthur reached down and grabbed hold of Alfred's cock and began pumping it in time with each thrust, and Alfred gasped at the new stimulation. He trembled under Arthur's touch, the pleasure growing too great, for him to process. Everything felt too good.

"Arthur..." Alfred struggled to speak, his mind overloaded with he waves of pleasure he was currently experiencing. "I-I'm so close...I,"

Arthur nodded, knowing that he too, wouldn't last much longer, and leaned forward, connecting their mouths in a desperate and hungry kiss. As Alfred's tongue danced over his, Arthur soon had no reign over the frantic thrusts of his hips, as he pounded into Alfred with reckless abandon. The sound of slapping flesh filled the room and was only drowned out by the creaking of the wooden bed and their own profane moans. Arthur felt Alfred's muscles contracting tight around his shaft, feeling Alfred approaching orgasm from the inside.

With each persistent thrust, it all became too much and Alfred could no longer contain his orgasm. Waves of ecstasy began to crash over him, and with an absolutely profane moan, he came full-throttle for the third time that night, releasing thick ropes of his cum all across their abdomens. As Alfred's muscles contracted around Arthur he wasn't far behind, and with the sheer sound of Alfred's moans, Arthur no longer wanted to control his own desperation to come. He embraced the waves of ecstasy as they began to crash over him. White spots began to dot his vision, and with a final thrust, Arthur came harshly inside of Alfred, feeling his cum fill the King below him, and when he thought he was done, even more cum spurted out. Arthur was reeling, the intensity of his orgasm greater than anything he had ever experienced, and overwhelming even him, he collapsed, completely spent.

Arthur gasped heavily, and as he finally came back down from his high, he opened his eyes and looked at the panting King below him.

"...Alfred..." Arthur whispered the King's name. Arthur slowly pulled out, his seed dripping from both him and Alfred and shifted off of the King to his side. Arthur gently reached up to brush some of the sweaty hair from Alfred's forehead. Concern began to flood Arthur's senses, afraid that he might have hurt Alfred in his fervor. Arthur leaned forward and gently kissed Alfred along his cheek, where some sweat had accumulated.

"...you alright, love?"

Alfred's face was flushed and his eyes were closed, as his breathing slowly returned to a slower rate. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at Arthur and smiled softly and nodded, words currently escaping him to describe what he had just experienced. He felt sore. But it had felt amazing beyond description.

Alfred lowly reached over and threaded his fingers through Arthur's sandy locks and slowly leaned forward, gently placing a kiss on Arthur's lips so fragile that he couldn't believe it. As he pulled away, Arthur's eyes slowly fluttered back open, to look into the abyss of Alfred's blue eyes that almost seemed to glow in the soft moonlight. In this moment, Arthur became aware that he had gone past the point of no return; he could not fathom loving anyone or anything as much as he loved Alfred in this moment, and he knew that if he ever lost Alfred, he would truly never recover.

"...I love you."

Arthur's confession rolled off of his tongue before he was even aware of it himself.

Alfred's smile grew wider and his eyes shone in pure bliss. He brought his hand to Arthur's where their fingers instantly intertwined.

"I love you too. I love you so much, Arthur." Alfred whispered, his voice failing to hide the happiness he was currently feeling.

The simple mix of emotions was almost overwhelming to Arthur. It felt unfamiliar to him, but he desperately didn't want this feeling to dissipate. Arthur leaned forward and kissed Alfred again. As he pulled away, he could feel exhaustion and sleep closing in around him. Arthur nuzzled close to Alfred, as his eyelids felt heavy. As they closed Arthur was instantly lulled to sleep by a final, whispered statement.

I love you, Arthur.

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The Valden sun beat down on the market square. Sweat was beginning to accumulate on Arthur's young brow despite his best attempts to remain in the shade. Arthur waited patiently by his father's cart in the bustling market square. His father had gone back to retrieve an item from their boat. They had been trading in Valden all week, and were set to depart that afternoon. His father had left Arthur to watch the stall for him and to watch over their unsold merchandise that had been packed away in wooden crates. While Arthur was used to helping his father and watching the stand, this day was an unusually hot day for early spring, and it was growing unbearable for the young boy.

Arthur leaned his head on the table and kicked his legs impatiently. Suddenly he sat up, trying to act more mature. He would be eleven in just a few short weeks, and he wanted to show his father that he was growing and more mature than his short height suggested. Arthur sat up and waited patiently for his father to return, despite the Valden heat.

Arthur tried to occupy his mind as he watched the crowds of people go by in the square, but quickly got terribly bored. Arthur hopped down from the chair he was seated on and walked to the back of the stand where he had placed his small bag on the floor. Hew rummaged through it, and quickly pulled out a thin chapter book. His father had taken him to Valden's local bookstore the day prior, and because Arthur had pleaded, he had bought him a new storybook. Eager to start it, Arthur wandered back to his chair and sat down, flipping the book open.

Arthur had recently discovered a love of adventure books, and indulged himself in his hobby whenever he got the chance. He had only got a few pages into the story about a knight going on a quest, but was already engrossed. So much so that he didn't even notice when a small group of older children walked up to his stall and stood in front of him.

"Hey."

Arthur looked up with a smile on his face, expecting it to be his father, but his smile immediately fell when he realized it wasn't him. Instead, he was met with the sight of three boys. One was short and wearing a hat, one was thin and wore an equally thin, menacing grin, and the one in front who had apparently spoken to Arthur, was large and plump, a mocking smile on his face. The three boys in front of Arthur looked older than him by at least a year or two. All of them were covered with dirt, and it was apparent that they had been playing somewhere dusty. And they smelled; as if they had been running around all day. Arthur crinkled his nose and tried his best to be polite, as his father had taught him.

"...Can I help you?"

The large boy leered at Arthur.

"Haven't seen you around here before."

Arthur felt a little unnerved at the boy's harsh tone. Nevertheless, he tried to remain polite.

"I don't live here. We just come here to sell."

The thin boy spoke up, his voice high and accusatory.

"So your family's outsiders."

"Outsiders?" Arthur cringed at the word, both hurt and confused. There was no hostile blood between any of the towns in Spades, and he didn't know why the child seemed so judgmental. Arthur spoke defensively, some emotion entering his voice.

"We aren't outsiders! We're Spadian just like you. We just come here to sell."

The smallest boy with the hat stepped forward, his voice harsh.

"Why don't you sell in your own town then?"

The large, round boy grunted in approval and grabbed Arthur's book from in front of him.

"What's this?"

Arthur quickly reached to grab his book, but it was swiftly taken away from him by the large, older boy. The boy cackled as Arthur's hands missed the book.

"Ha! Look at him! He's so slow."

"Give it back!" Arthur said angrily, standing his ground and attempting to sound much older than he actually was.

The large boy sneered.

"Fat chance, outsider." The boy's sentence dripped with malice, and he quickly turned on his heels. "Come and get it!" The trio of boys took off into the market, and Arthur frantically called out to them.

"Hey! Stop!" Arthur screamed as he left the stall and ran after them.

He heard the thin boy speaking.

"He wants us to stop!"

"Hey, you're right; he's so slow!"

Arthur gritted his teeth. He wasn't nearly as athletic as most boys his age and preferred mostly indoor activities. Because of this, he was indeed terribly slow in comparison.

Arthur's heart pounded in his chest. He really didn't want to leave the stall. He shouldn't be leaving the stall, that's exactly what his father told him not to do. Arthur clenched his fist. But he wasn't just going to let his new storybook be taken by these bullies.

The kids ran ahead of him, through the market square, and just when they were about to disappear out of sight, a flash of blonde ran past Arthur. Arthur watched as another boy bolted far ahead of him.

At first, Arthur didn't know what was happening. Then, the boy swiftly, and almost effortlessly tacked the larger kid to the ground.

Arthur ran to catch up. The other two smaller boys were standing farther away from where the incredibly fast boy had tackled the bully to the ground.

The large bully struggled under the fast blonde.

"Shit, it's the Jones kid!" The boy with the hat said.

Arthur turned to look back at the pair of boys fighting on the ground.

The 'Jones' boy spoke angrily down at the struggling larger boy beneath him.

"I saw you take it! Give it back to him!"

The bully struggled under the new boy's weight.

"As if!" He spat angrily up at the blonde.

The blonde boy scowled at the large boy and defiantly stepped on the hand holding the book.

"Ow! Fuck!" The bully shouted out a curse and released the book from his hand. The blonde got off of the bully. The round boy struggled to his feet and ran to catch up with his friends.

"You remember this, Jones!" he cried as they ran off, disappearing out of the marketplace.

The blonde boy reached down and picked up the book that had fallen to the ground and turned around. This was the first time that Arthur got a good look at him.

His hair was a shining golden blonde, and he looked far more athletic than Arthur. He was almost as tall as Arthur, but he could tell the way he carried himself that he was younger than him by a few years. And his eyes were a striking blue; Arthur likened it to the sea on a sunny day.

The boy walked over and held the book out to Arthur, a big smile on his face.

"Here! It's yours, right?" His voice rang out innocent, but confident.

Arthur looked at the boy, and reached out to take the book from him.

"...Thank you." Arthur finally managed to say, identifying that this boy wasn't another bully. Arthur looked down and surveyed his book. It was a little dusty from where it had hit the ground, but was otherwise unharmed.

"I saw them take it from you."

Arthur looked back up at the boy who had just spoken. He continued.

"Those boys are always looking for trouble. They always take things." The young blonde said matter-of factly.

"Oh." Arthur said, wondering why they had sought him out when he was just sitting there reading. Suddenly, Arthur went rigid. His stall. He was supposed to be watching his father's stall. Arthur whipped around to look back the way he came, but between the crowds and the curves of the square's walkways, Arthur wasn't sure were his stall was. As the blonde boy watched Arthur's frame, he spoke.

"Are you lost?"

Arthur swallowed, fighting the urge to cry.

"No. I'm not lost."

Arthur stared at the crowds and was trying to decide what he should do, when he felt a small hand slip into his. Arthur looked at his side, and the blonde boy beamed at him before tugging him along into the crowd of the market. Arthur wasn't sure what exactly to do, but with few better options, allowed himself to be directed along by the younger boy. The boy, seemingly unfazed by Arthur's worried disposition, spoke.

"Is your book about heroes?"

Arthur looked at the boy, whose blue eyes were shining brilliantly. Arthur thought for a moment.

"...I guess."

"Really?" The boy returned his attention to the path in front of him had he dragged Arthur along. "I like heroes! I have a lot of books about them. My mom reads them to me and Mattie."

Arthur tilted his head to the side.

"Mattie?"

The boy looked back at Arthur.

"My brother! He's little-er than me, by two minutes!" The boy said proudly.

Arthur blinked, realizing that he meant they were twins.

He allowed himself to be led by the younger boy. They maneuvered through the market square before the boy stopped suddenly, and pointed to a stall in the distance.

"That one's yours, right?"

Arthur looked up and then smiled as his father's stall finally came into view.

He looked at the younger boy and nodded happily. A relieved smile spread across Arthur's face as he ran back to the stall, still holding the other boy's hand.

Upon reaching it, he realized that his father was still not back yet. Arthur looked around, and everything was still there, and in place, as he had left it. Disappointed that he still had to wait for his father's return, Arthur wandered back to the back of the stall, and sat on the ground near his bag. The younger boy crawled under the table of the stall and walked up to Arthur. Arthur spoke.

"My father isn't back yet." Arthur said, the disappointment apparent in his young voice.

The smaller boy looked at Arthur's sad profile and spoke.

"Are you going to read your hero book?"

Arthur blinked at the boy across from him before looking back down at the book in his hand.

"I guess."

At these words, the younger blonde lit up and ran to sit beside Arthur.

"You should read it to me!"

Arthur looked over at the boy, ready to turn down the request from the boy he didn't even know, but the boy was looking at him with such an excited, hopeful expression. Arthur couldn't help but feel his own mouth pull into a smile.

"...Okay."

The young boy beamed and scooted close to Arthur, so that they were sitting side by side. Arthur felt his cheeks grow warmer. Arthur wasn't currently enrolled in schooling, and he had never read aloud to another child before. He wondered if he could do it as well as his father did for him. But by the way the younger boy looked at him expectantly, he suddenly felt like he couldn't go wrong. Arthur opened his book to the first page and slowly began reading.

"This is the story of a Spades' knight and his grand adventures..."

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Arthur quickly realized he really liked this boy's company. The boy waited on baited breath with every turn in the story, and got excited for the characters as if it were happening to him. He didn't even seem to mind if Arthur stumbled over a word or two, he just listened to him read, unfazed by the stumble completely. He had curled up to Arthur so close that his head was now completely on Arthur's shoulder as he read, but despite the heat of Valden's unusually hot spring, Arthur didn't mind. In fact, he found he really enjoyed it.

Just when they were about to turn the page to find out what happened to the knight and his dragon, Arthur heard a familiar voice.

"Art, I'm back!"

Arthur looked up to see his father approaching the stand. Arthur rose to his feet excitedly.

"Father!" Arthur said as he stood to greet him.

Arthur's father smiled warmly at his son, gentle crinkles forming at his eyes when he smiled. He spoke warmly.

"Are you ready for lunch?"

"Lunch!" The boy Arthur was reading to suddenly jumped to his feet, a look of shock on his face. "I promised mom I'd be back by lunch! I have to go!" He crawled under the stall table and turned to Arthur and beamed brightly at him. "See ya!"

Just as quickly as he had come, the boy took off from Arthur's table, running full tilt into the market.

As he ran off, a realization struck Arthur.

"Wait!" Arthur called after the boy's back, but it was too late; he had disappeared into the crowd. Arthur frowned, suddenly feeling strangely lonely. I don't even know your name.

Arthur's father whistled, shocked at the young boy's speed.

"What a spitfire!" He said, chuckling. He turned back to his son. "Did you make a friend, Arthur?"

Friends. Arthur couldn't remember the last time he had a friend. Arthur wasn't enrolled in any specific school at the moment, due to his father's work. He rarely met children his own age, and when he did, he had trouble interacting with them properly. Arthur didn't make friends, especially not this easily.

But as he thought about the boy he had met, he felt like they could be. Maybe.

Arthur turned to his father, a sad expression on his face.

"We forgot to ask each others names..."

Arthur's father chuckled lightly at his son's statement. He reached down and gently ruffled the boy's hair.

"Had that much fun together, huh?" He smiled warmly, his green eyes shining. "Don't worry Art. We come back to Valden a lot. And a kid like that, I'm sure you'll see him again."

Arthur looked up at his father and smiled. He was right. He already knew they would be coming back to Valden after his eleventh birthday in a few weeks.

Arthur looked out at the market as his father continued packing up the stand. Arthur smiled at the crowd. The hero boy. He laughed a little to himself. He really hoped to see him the next time they came to Valden to trade.

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Soft morning light filtered into Arthur's old bedroom in Linemell. Arthur slowly began to stir, and opened his eyes. He blinked slowly, his eyelids still heavy. He felt as if he had just had a dream...no...a memory? He felt like he had just dreamed about something that had happened long ago. Perhaps it was because he was in his childhood home. However, as he became more and more awake, the dream and the memory faded from his conscience, and soon, he couldn't remember what he had dreamed about. However, he remembered that it was a nice dream. And that he had met someone he really liked.

"Mmm..."

There was a soft groan beside him, and Arthur looked over at Alfred, who had lightly began to stir. He curled a little deeper into the sheets, and he let out a content sigh. Arthur smiled down at his partner, and still under his own cloud of rested bliss, he leaned down and placed a kiss on Alfred's cheek. Alfred stirred slightly again before his blue eyes slowly opened. He looked at Arthur and smiled.

"Morning." Alfred said, his voice still rough from sleep.

"Morning."

Alfred smiled wider and reached forward, wrapping his arms around Arthur's neck and pulling him close to him. He brought his voice to a whisper.

"...Could you do that again?"

Arthur smiled at Alfred coyly.

"Hmm...maybe."

Arthur leaned forward an gently kissed Alfred on the cheek before kissing Alfred's lips, lingering and gentle. As he pulled away and opened his eyes, Alfred's cerulean eyes were looking at him as if he was truly something precious. Slowly, Alfred's expression turned slightly sad, and he whispered a single sentence.

"...I wish we could stay here forever."

Arthur's eyes widened a little before Arthur too, smiled sadly."

"I wish that too, love." His smile quickly fell. "But we have to return to the Capital."

Alfred nodded slowly.

"Then...just one more time..?"

Arthur smiled at Alfred's innocent request, and slowly leaned forward, whispering out his response.

"As you wish..."

Arthur gently let his lips meet Alfred's again, hoping against all hope that he understood how much he loved him.

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The pair quickly washed and clothed themselves before sitting down to a small, simple meal at the table. They had bought some fruit from the market the day before, and Arthur was brewing a pot of tea. In the soft silence of the seaside morning, they both silently wished for another day in the blissful dream of their current reality. However, their dream-like moment was completely shattered all too soon.

The entire foundation of Spades seemed to shake violently. Alfred and Arthur braced themselves immediately, but everything shook so hard, that they feared that everything would collapse. Glasses fell from the cabinet to the floor, shattering, and the wooden house creaked and complained so much, that they worried if the house itself might collapse. Then, as soon as the shaking had come, it subsided, and everything fell eerily quiet. The pair of royals looked at each other, their hearts pounding. Then, suddenly, a new feeling overtook them. Something felt wrong. Very wrong. They both rushed to the door and opened it.

They looked out at the town below in horror. More than half of the town of Linemell was gone. As if a great fire had taken place, the buildings, the trees and the earth had all been rendered to black ashes...exactly like the land of Wildcard. Even the bright blue of the sea had been rendered murky along the coast in strange, dark splotches. A stale, magic-drained wind rolled through the freshly destroyed areas of land as dust stirred where lush trees and flora had once been.

Feeling the new lack of magic in the land, they turned to look at each other. Horrified, they knew exactly what had happened.

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Another Ace had fallen.

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Author's Notes:

-Phew! This was another really long chapter! Exactly 23,000 words! Between my animation job, and a fun-time game project, I had little free time, but this chapter mostly wrote itself, so I was mostly just along for the ride! I hope you all enjoyed it, despite its lengthiness!

-Alfred and Arthur can get pretty fluffy when left to their own devices...I love writing that, it warms my heart :D

-Ivan's got some big plans for Cards... O.o

-We met our local Jokers!

-We got to see Linemell, Arthur's hometown!

-DOMESTIC FLUFF SLAYS ME OHMYGOSH, prepare a meal with your significant other, I promise you won't regret it ;)

-Anyone else think that Alfred would be really great at making comfort food? I myself have never had bouillabaisse, but it always looks so comforting and tasty. Soups are great, my dudes.

-Apparently some people get more confident when they drink... Alcohol is a weird substance XD Always drink responsibly, kids ^^

-Well, that was a VASTLY smuttier chapter than I had originally planned (OAO) Apparently this is what happens when I write super late at night XD

-Sidenote: Consent is sexy

-I've always imagined Alfred and Arthur to be a rather versatile couple ^^ Hope you enjoyed some UK topping US with this chapter! \(*^w^*)/

-So they did meet once when they were younger~ ^^ Such a shame they forgot, but at least they found each other again, even if they didn't realize it!

-I too, was a tall seven year old... me and Alfred match!

-Our story is finally beginning to take its ascent into the final act...what will become of our heroes and the land of Cards?

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-Thank you so much for reading The Last Spade thus far! I generally have no clue if you all are liking these chapters, so if you enjoy this story, please let me know with a review! It motivates me SO much! (And thank you to the lovely, kind souls who have been leaving me reviews recently...this chapter is for you lovelies!)

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