Alfred looked up. There was the Spades Capital. Tall walls of tan, pure, thick stone surrounded the city. Several guards with spears could be seen on the top of the wall. Rising up from the barrier was the sight of the Castle. Well...the top of it really, the ancestors of Spades built the walls high. From where they were, Alfred could see only the three tallest towers of the Castle. Slowly the King could see the doors opening up.

Puffing his chest out, Alfred put on his best smile. He always had been popular with the common people and he used that to his advantage. He was so proud of his people, he generally liked being King.

The Queen, having felt Alfred shift a bit behind him, rotated around to glare. "Don't get so cocky and act like you're some big shot hero!"

Alfred just sent him a small glare in return before smiling again. Why was Arthur such a party pooper?! It got on his nerves. He started to wave to the people who had run out to see them. He spoke quietly, his slight anger very noticeable. "One, I am a hero to them. Two, you have no people skills. You might save my ass during meetings; I save yours went when the public is involved. Since the public is involved, I suggest you do as I ask. You have two choices. Copy what I am doing, or cuddle into my side, like a shaken person who needs his lover's touch." Alfred commanded. He knew which choice Arthur would make.

Arthur was at a loss for words. He knew that this was a setup, just for him, and he resisted the urge to slap Alfred for arranging it. Instead, he moved closer to him, cowering into his shoulder and side, and whispering "You owe me, you arse." He hid his face from the public, focusing on the warmth and comfort that the King forcibly, unlovingly, gave him.

The King only continued to smile and wave. Arthur was so predictable.

The smaller yet older male clung to him as if his life depended on it, and with a smirk, he leaned up closely and kissed the other's cheek. Alfred wasn't the only one with a plan.

Alfred gave an even bigger smile. His eyes turned a dark blue color. 'Oh, so Arthur wants to play a game does he?' Alfred ruled at games. 'Guess Arthur is going to figure out the hard way.'

Without stopping his horse, the taller leaned down and kissed his Queen on the lips. It was small but held a lot of 'passion.' The crowd went wild at this. Surely even the Clubs Kingdom, the most north and farthest away Kingdom, could here this commotion of celebration. Breaking the kiss, the King wrapped one arm around Arthur's waist. With the other hand he waved to the people. Night Runner knew where he was going.

Arthur gasped at the kiss that landed on his mouth and looked surprised when they broke away. He sat in shock for a while, hands turned and clenched into the younger's jacket. He was smarter than he looked! The smaller was expecting something like this but not so soon.

An evil yet clever thought sparked inside of him, and without hesitation, he grabbed the King's face down and connected in a kiss, this time with his tongue delving into the other's mouth, licking and moaning inside. He had to have him off of his guard by now, right?

'Not a chance,' Alfred thought as he kissed back with more skill than Arthur had. He used his angle and experience to dominate the other before breaking away. By this time, Night Runner had taken them into the Castle grounds. The air now much quieter, as citizens were not allowed on royal grounds without a summon from the high royal family. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Isabel, who had ridden ahead of them, and other royals starting to come towards them.

He faked a loud chuckle and said loudly enough so the others could hear. Hopefully, the royals would believe it. "So eager. Not now Arthur, later in my chambers." Alfred could play this game all year if he had to.

Arthur gasped, shaky and desperate. He was definitely acting when it came to being desperate, pawing at the other's clothes and hiding inside of his embrace. But even though he really was trembling a bit from the breeze that passed and the change in temperature, there was a skittish need inside of him that begged for attention from the handsome King.

"I-I can't wait until then," he whispered, pulling Alfred in for another kiss that he hoped was unexpected. Even he wasn't expecting anything; he was aching for his touch.

Now Alfred was pleasantly surprised. He smirked into the kiss. He let it run its course before breaking the kiss. He 'lovingly' put his hand on Arthur's cheek. Quickly so Arthur couldn't react, the younger dismounted his stallion. Slower, Alfred helped his Queen down in front of him before holding the smaller's hand.

"Not now babe, later. The royals are here," Alfred purred.

'Babe'? Arthur gulped and lost all function, leaning into the King for support His heart thumped, his blood drummed, his body trembled. He scolded himself for acting so weak and vulnerable- and to believe for a split second that he believed Alfred- but he couldn't resist. This was what he wanted, someone to love and care for him unconditionally and kindly and amorously.

The royals eventually got there. Most of them congratulated Alfred and all of them asked Arthur if he was ok. From what Alfred could tell most sounded extremely happy. Wither it was from Arthur returning or their job as Lords and Ladies being safe was up for debate.

Arthur acted civil with the royals and as calm and collected as he could, what with his erratic heartbeat nearly threatening to rip him to pieces. He answered their questions and put on a fake laugh, smiled, and acted as if he was okay now. Inside, however, he preferred it if they left. They seemed too fake and on the edge.

After about twenty minutes of this Alfred finally sent them away. He bid them to leave so that Arthur could recover in peace. Bowing the royals nodded and left.

The King smiled. He wrapped an arm around Arthur's waist. "Let's go to your room."

Arthur, thankful for the royals' departure, shuddered and moaned at Alfred's statement. "Why can't we go to yours...?"

Alfred looked down as he saw the royals enter the Castle. Finally the game was over. His dark blue eyes turned back to the normal lighter color. He suddenly remembered everything. Previously he was just so caught up in the game, not realizing it could hurt Arthur, who wanted to hear, feel, and see this more than anything. He quickly took a step back. The King quickly felt the guilt overwhelm him. "I will escort you to your room. Nothing else." He felt ashamed about the way he acted, as if Arthur was an easy slut.

Arthur frowned and stepped towards him. "Will you stay with me for the night?" He didn't want this to end; he had waited for three years for Alfred to respond to him.

The taller shook his head. "No, I have already done too much. This game of surprises is over Arthur."

The shorter blond looked down at the floor, his head spinning and his heart aching. He knew that all of this had been fake, an act, for so long. And, as always, despite Arthur's love for him, Alfred always hurt Arthur.

Sighing Alfred ushered Arthur back to his room. "I-I am sorry Arthur. This was not how I intended to spend your first day back. I went too far."

As they were walking several groups of people in various jobs bowed and smiled when they saw Arthur. Arthur didn't pay them any mind, and started to walk faster than before, trying to leave Alfred behind without letting him know. He didn't want to talk or see anyone. All he wanted was to stay in his room and relax now. He could talk to Yao tomorrow, and go back to dreaming about moments with Alfred like before. Back to being cynical, sensitive, stubborn, grumpy, picky, and plain Arthur.

Yet Alfred matched him stride for stride. His longer legs giving him an advantage over the other. "Arthur?"

Arthur ignored, speeding up even more. He would be alright, of course. He just needed to get away from the King. Eventually, they reached Arthur's room. Arthur did not make eye contact with Alfred. "You can finally go back to your room...that's whot you originally wanted, right?"

Alfred flinched. "What I want is forgiveness."

The shorter still didn't turn around to face him. "Well it looks like whotever effort you're putting in isn't good enough..." He started to turn the knob.

The King sighed. "Will it only be good enough if I love you?" It was a thought he had been thinking for a while.

Arthur flinched and faced him. "That would be wonderful. But it would be good enough if you don't get my hopes up or lie to me..."

The guilt returned twofold. "I wasn't lying, I was...playing. You started a game, I finished it." As soon as he said this Alfred felt stupid. That had to be the dumbest reason to mess with someone's feelings ever.

"You don't mean anything that you said to me before, all for a show. How is that not lying?"

The King looked down. "It's not it. We had to keep up appearances. You took it far beyond what I intended."

Arthur let the words sink in before finally speaking, this time in anger. The sadness was still there, but right now pissed off was an easier emotion. "So everything that happened, the kisses, saying to wait until we got to your chambers, the passionate kiss you gave me, the holding of my hand, calling me 'babe', the escort to my room, was all my fault?!"

Alfred gave him a look. "I am saying you started it, not that it's your fault. I know I have to keep up appearances!"

The Queen glared, all sadness disappearing from his side and tried to make himself look intimidating in front of the King. "Because I can completely control my feelings when my love interest offers me to snuggle into his side! You're just as dense as you were before! And by the way, in case you didn't realize it before, you are the reason I left, you stupid git!" He opened his bedroom door and walked through before turning and giving him a piercing stare. "You want forgiveness, yet I think you only want it to keep up an appearance, so if you don't mind, I will be in my room sleeping while you go have some fun with one of your whore maids!"

Slam!

It was obvious forgiving Alfred was not going to happen in a while.

Alfred flinched. He wanted to be furious at Arthur but he just didn't have the energy. Turning around Alfred went back to his room. 'He calls that controlling himself?! He was acting like whore!' The King bitterly thought. Once he got to his room, Alfred just fell on the bed. He gave a groan of appreciation to the pillows. He felt so stressed, it just felt great.

"My King?" A feminine voice said from the door way.

Alfred grinned as he picked his head up from the pillows. "Come in," he called out to the voice.

'Maids were so useful.'

Arthur instantly went to his desk, luckily finding an ink pen and a piece of parchment. Angrily, he started his first letter to America:

My dear friend,

It feels as if we have been apart for years. I miss you to an indescribable amount. Alfred was kind and paranoid when he greeted me, but now I wonder why I was ever sent away from you. Just a while ago, when we returned, he told me to act needy for a lover's touch, and now he blames me for acting like such. I'd much rather be with you, where I don't have to hide anything, I must be cautious whilst inside my Kingdom's high walls.

But to remove myself from the spotlight, how goes your love search with your own Queen? I hope everything is going smoothly. I would hate for us to both be failing in the love department. But I'm sure you will be much more successful than I am. Alfred and I do not like the same gender. While I dream of him, he dreams of maids and whores who beg for his touch. He is highly attractive, as are you, but he uses it almost wastefully.

I am afraid sleep is pulling me down. I will send Freedom with this note. She is quite the good girl, I must say. Illumi looks depressed; I do not doubt that he misses Patches. Hope everything is faring well with you, my dear America.

From, your Queen and friend,

Arthur

With eyes drooping close, he only managed to tie the letter to Freedom and send her off before collapsing against the table, fast asleep.

Yao frowned as he nodded to the guards at Arthur's bedroom door. He opened the door to find Arthur asleep on his desk. Sighing, the Jack walked over and shook him awake. If Arthur slept through the day, he would have a hard time getting back into schedule. "My Queen."

Arthur groaned but woke up anyway, rubbing his eyes to clear the sleep away. "Hmm?"

"You can't sleep all day, aru. It's bad for you."

"Ah...sorry about that." He rubbed his aching neck, covering his mouth to yawn. "Whot time is it?"

Yao gave a small smile. "It is just before dinner. There will be a small private dinner between all three high royals, aru."

The Queen of Spades shut his eyes with a sigh. "Of course, I apologize for sleeping so late. The trip must have worn me out."

The Chinese male nodded. "There was no need to worry. I planned to wake you at this time, aru. Now, if you don't mind, I need to talk to you privately."

"Good, because I also need to talk to you about something as well." Hopefully, Yao wasn't here to lecture, and was here to be someone to give advice.

The Jack gestured to the bed. Both went to go sit on it. "I suggest you start. I have a feeling you need it, aru."

Arthur nodded, giving a quick, thankful smile before he started. "Well, to begin, you know that I ran off to get away from everything for a while- a long while. I wasn't expecting to come back for maybe a few months, but I was taken by a King from another Kingdom. Kind, very hospitable to me, um...he wasn't rude and he didn't harm me, but he wanted to start an alliance, so he took me with him mainly due to the fact that he needed to test me to see if Spades was a good enough kingdom to become an ally. So, we did the test, and he- sadly- sent me back to Alfred, which I sadly dread because the other King was one of the kindest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting."

"Now, I get back to the shore where the soldiers and Alfred are waiting, and of course, the King reverts back to the charade that nothing is wrong and he was worried about me the entire time I was gone, but when we returned last night, he told me to act as if I was thankful that he was here, that he had saved me and I needed a lover's touch. Now, obviously, it's a bit difficult to resist that from someone who you adore greatly. So, we keep up the charade until after the nobles are gone, and then Alfred decides to go from kind and amorous lover, back to the 'I don't care about you in that way'. Which, I suppose for him, was alright, but then he started to blame me for making the move on him. As if I was the whore that asked for him to touch me and kiss me with a passion, while he was the one who suggested it and didn't have to play along to it."

Though out the story Yao just sat there and listened. Never encourage, interrupt, or question a ranting person. It will only help to make the situation worse. His calm eyes looked toward Arthur. "And?" Seeing the Brit flinch, the Jack realized he was too direct. "What I mean to say is, why are you telling me? To simply get it off your chest or for advice, aru?"

"I told you because you're one of the only people I'm able to trust. And I not only needed to get that off my chest, but also because Alfred says he wants forgiveness but his actions show the opposite. How do I handle that?"

Yao thought for a second. "You said that Alfred betrayed you, how?"

"Betray as in he said one thing but didn't follow up to it. How do I deal with this situation?"

The other grabbed Arthur's hand. The Queen looked desperate for an answer. "Change takes time. Alfred was more than likely trying but doing it wrong or got distracted in the middle of it, aru. Give him time, but see how the King acts, you are going to have to tell it to him strait or he will never understand what you want."

Arthur listened to Yao throughout the end of the given advice, before he nodded, looking down at their hands. Everything he had said was correct. He found it amusing almost ironic how Yao knew exactly what had to be done, and Alfred, the one at fault, did not. "I'll make sure to follow your advice and keep it in mind. Whot did you need to tell me?"

Yao smirked. "I am going to withhold that information because a new interest has picked my fancy. You said this Kingdom wanted an alliance. Who are they? This could be very good for Spades if we play our cards right."

The Queen nodded. "Well...it's quite complicated to explain, but...I had a rather nice experience with the Black Chess Kingdom and its King, America."

The Jack looked even more excited. "The Chess Kingdoms? They are legend! Yet America is a town in Spades, are you sure this 'King' wasn't pulling your leg?"

Arthur nodded. "Yes, I'm sure. I had a dream about the Queen- a bit of spying, if you will- and he referenced to the King as America."

Yao blinked. "Interesting, I take it your dream was magic inspired?"

"Yes, it most definitely was. It was completely pure; there was no darkness inside it."

The older seemed lost in thought. "The Chess Kingdom has legends about its numerous tons of gold. They are a very advanced society for being cut off from the rest of the world. Peace is rare but the people are used to it. Their entire system is dedicated to war. Myths say that for every one Chessman that died, their enemies lost ten or more."

"They do seem very powerful. America is very physically powerful. When I was being tested, he was not holding back, and he was tough."

The Jack nodded. "I will go to the library. Forgive me if I don't make it to dinner." Like most Jacks, Yao had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He loved stuff like this. It was his duty to be informed in as many things as possible.

Arthur gave a small smile and a chuckle. This was the norm; he wouldn't be surprised if he didn't take a break and slept in there. "I suppose that Alfred and I will be dining alone, then?"

"Yes, aru!" Yao bowed and walked out. "Have fun, aru!"

The Queen shook his head, trying to stay positive even though there was so much that he knew was going to go wrong with this dinner.

Toris and six girls came in. "We have come to clean and help you, My Queen."

Arthur gave a confused expression. "Is this not a normal dinner? There's nothing to prep for, I'll be quite fine on my own."

"We meant a bath. With oils and soaps, the road and sun are hard on skin," another servant added. "Not to mention, you were on a horse."

He looked away in embarrassment. "Oh. O-of course, if you would like."

The youngest servant smiled. She looked happy. "It's our job! We don't mind!"

Arthur looked at her; she looked too familiar. Was she another one of Alfred's toys? No, no, of course not; she was too young to be one. Was she going to be? Her eyes were a pretty grey-blue, and her hair was a lovely darker blond shade. She had to have at least caught the King's eyes, though.

He undressed himself down to his undergarments, and then went to the washroom. "Well...I'm ready when you are."

Toris and three girls of the original group went to him. The rest started to clean his room.

Toris bade the girls to get the oils. The bath had already been drawn and was fairly warm. "I will be leaving my Queen."

Arthur looked at Toris in confusion. What did that mean? "Leaving as in not working for us anymore?"

The male servant shook his head. "No, I just mean that I have to leave your bath to the girls. Since you've been gone, our schedule has been twisted around. So I must go clean some of the tower floors."

The older let out a sigh and nodded. "That had me nervous for a bit, Toris. You be careful, though, alright? Those heights are never fun to witness."

Toris smiled. "Thanks for the worry but all I have to do is sweep the floors."

Arthur nodded. "Of course. You work hard." He dug into the pocket of his trousers that were nearby, and pulled out a few gold coins, handing them to him. "Here you go. Because you're very faithful and hardworking."

The servant smiled wide. "Thank you! Maybe I could finally get Feliks a ride to the Castle!"

Arthur smiled at that. Feliks was Toris's friend from the Clubs Kingdom. When they escaped, they were separated. Somehow they found each other again through a mail mistake. The Pole was on a small island. It would take about 100 gold coins to take a ride from there to the capital. Most of the people in the capital tried to chip in when they could. Sadly Toris was a sickly being and sometimes had to use the money to pay for medicine. Alfred had offered a free ride, but Toris said it was a matter of pride. The nicer royals accepted his wish and only tried to chip in normal amounts. The others didn't help at all.

"That would be wonderful for you, Toris. If you would like, I could provide the transportation with you."

"No thank you, I want to do this on my own."

Arthur nodded, and rubbed the servant's shoulder. "Alright, Toris. You're a very good man. I'm happy to have met you."

The servant smiled again and stood up. Bowing, he slowly walked out the door.

Arthur sat against the top of the tub, testing the water to make sure it was at a reasonable temperature.

Seeing it was nice, he got in slowly. Then a knock came from the door. "My Queen? We are back with the oils."

Arthur sighed; "Thank you ladies, you can enter."

Three teenage girls walked in. They put the jars on the side of the tub and the youngest got the cloth. She started to wash Arthur's body while the other two were doing his hair.

Arthur smiled to them as a greeting, shutting his eyes and leaning his head back to let them do their job.

The oldest, a brunette, started to use oil to christen his head. A sweet smell filled the room. The middle servant, another blond, eventually spoke. "I-It's nice to see you again, my Queen."

Arthur opened an eye and looked at her with a kind smile. "Well, at least that's one person. Wish some people were as appreciative as you." These girls were simple servants who gossiped continuously, by what he had seen; if the word got out that Arthur wasn't being treated correctly, the source would be a bit obvious to some, but at least others would know.

The younger blond slipped into the tub to get Arthur's legs and feet. "I missed you as well! Lots of people did!"

The brunette laughed. "Yeah you missed him more than anyone."

The younger blond blushed. "Mei!"

Mei laughed louder. "Rachel!"

Arthur jumped when the girl, Rachel he believed she had been called, started to clean his legs "W-well, um...that's a bit surprising, considering- the King not missing me as much as you all."

Mei looked at him. "Really?" He turned to the older blond servant. "Sarah, didn't you say that Alfred never stopped working?"

Sarah nodded. "I am one of Alfred's maids." She paused as she blushed. "After you left, he forbade us to come in unless he wasn't inside. He said he wanted peace and quiet to work."

The Queen's eyes narrowed at her, bitterness rising inside of him and threatening to attack her. "I wonder why he did that." He looked at the three of them. "Whot else did he do while I was gone?"

The girls didn't even notice the sudden anger. Sarah closed her eyes in though. "Not much really, just work on getting you home."

Rachel, who was now washing his stomach, popped her fist above the water. "And he gave that speech to the Lords and Ladies. I heard that we got rid of a lot of spending and even set up a disaster fund."

Arthur shifted under Rachel's touch, not appreciating her being so close to him. "I doubt he did that for himself. The whole time he's been King, he's only cared about his appearance to the people. Most of his smiles have been after a large fight. He's too young to be in a position like his right now." He glanced up at Alfred's maid, curiosity running inside of him. "Have any of his other maids been with him since I've returned?"

The older blond thought. "Well, I think that Miranda was going to try to see if Alfred would let her in. His room is such a mess. We were also ordered not to touch his stuff while he was away. I hope he lets her in."

Rachel moved to Arthur's side. She slowly tilted Arthur forward to get his back. "I am sure that our King will prevail, after all he has a great Queen to help him."

"One," he gave a piercing stare to the older blond girl. "Do not go to him unless you are there to clean. No other reasons." He then looked to Rachel. "Two, the work of our King is not whot you think, in any and all forms." He glared at the maid. "Remember that."

Sarah blushed. She finally sensed Arthur's anger unlike the other two. "I will go then my Queen." She quickly bowed and booked it out of there.

Mei just watched her go. "I am sorry my Queen, lately she has had these mood swings. I will go fetch her." Then she left too.

Rachel tilted her head in confusion. "Those two are always acting silly."

"I'm sure they are." He watched the two leave, and then looked to Rachel. "I believe I'm good for now, dear. Thank you."

Rachel looked at him in confusion. "But I wasn't finished cleaning."

"I can finish myself, thank you." He smiled kindly at her.

The girl blushed as she pushed herself against him. "Are you sure? I won't mind helping."

Arthur gulped, and tried to shift away from her, but was trapped against the tub. "A-ah, no, I'm fine, thank you."

Rachel slowly put her hand on Arthur's thigh. "Really? There isn't anything I could help you with?" Her fingers were moving lightly across his skin. "I could be your own maid. I know what Sarah does, and I am offering the same to you."

The blond male shooed her hand away. "No, I'm sorry, I-I don't, I'm not into that, I'm sorry!"

Rachel gives him a small smile before slipping out of the tub. She was naked. "Everyone gives into to it eventually, even your King." leaning down, she gave a kiss to his cheeks. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me."

Arthur was silent, watching her dress with a blush. She wanted to seduce him! HIM! Arthur Kirkland, the Queen of Spades! This wasn't a dream; he was sure as he marked his pale arms with pinch marks. She had really wanted him! His heartbeat thrummed rapidly, and his hands shook. She had said Alfred had been giving into this kind of emotions. He must have been having fun with his maids. Of course; it already felt like things were back to normal and he hasn't even been back for that long: he would do all of the work, Alfred would have sex with the maids, and they would be as detached as ever.

But maybe Arthur could use Rachel to his advantage. Obviously, he'd make her aware of the situation at hand first before saying anything, but if he used her to act as his girlfriend to flaunt in front of Alfred, then maybe he could make him jealous and realize that he wouldn't be needing to look after him anymore.

"Rachel, wait!"

CC101- Bet you all weren't expecting that! The OC Rachel is Belgium in looks!