Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Alfred pulled Arthur up then let go. They started to walk towards the Castle at a slow pace, enjoying the feeling of being outside. The day was rather sunny but it looked like rain was a day away. Once the duo got to the entrance, Yao was waiting at the gates for them.

Arthur nodded at the Jack. "Yao, that was quite the interesting exercise.'

Yao smiled. "I overjoyed. You do every day."

Alfred had a blank face on. "Every day…" He repeated slowly.

The Queen looked more amused than upset. "I'd rather confess twenty questions about my whole life than fight with Alfred again."

Alfred nodded, "Me too, but we have to walk all the way out here? Every day?!"

"It's not too bad. I mean, sure it is a bit of a long walk, but we can just take a stroll instead of staying in the garden." Arthur suggested.

"I meant during the winter. I hate the cold," Alfred said pouting slightly.

"There's always inside, right? We can think of a way." The short blond looked at him with suspicion. "Unless you don't want to do this."

Alfred's eyes went wide and he started to wave his hands. "What? No! I just really hate the cold! I'm a summer baby! Really!"

Arthur nodded, that did make sense. The King had always hated winter. The Castle had a fire in every single fireplace during the winter and Alfred always wore thick furs. "Alright, that's true. When it starts to get chilly, we'll walk around the Castle, alright?"

Alfred nodded in return. It was only then he noticed something. "Umm...where is Yao?"

"Right he-" He realized as well that the Jack was once again gone. Almost instantly, he realized what he had done. "Goddammit, Yao!"

The Chinese man's laughter came from behind the doors.

The Queen frowned and tried to open the door, only to find it locked. "Bastard! Open the door!"

"No, aru."

"Yao, open this door, now!" He tugged on the handle, so much that his feet were sliding against the stone step. He wasn't very strong in his upper arms (his legs were where most of his strength was), but he still tried. "Open it!"

There was no answer.

Alfred watched as Arthur complained for a few minutes before setting off to the other side of the Castle.

"This is ridiculous," the Brit complained under his breath as he stomped off, anger bubbling inside of him.

"Arthur! Come back!"

"Make me! I'm not going to play games with the daft idiot!"

"Come on!"

"NO!"

"Arthur! I opened the door!"

Arthur rotated around in a furious and embarrassed manner. "Are you bloody serious?!"

Sure enough, Alfred was smiling from in between the doors. "Nope!"

"Well then let m- don't you dare close that door!" He ran to the door and grabbed the knob, but Alfred was much stronger and slammed it shut. "Alfred!"

The King laughed. "What's the magic word Arthur?" Alfred teased from behind the once again closed Castle doors.

"Just open the door and let me in!"

Silence.

He jostled the doorknob. "Alfred?" He knocked roughly on the exterior. "Alfred?!" When there was still no answer, he became frantic, one hand trying to pull it open and the other pounding against it with a firm fist. "Alfred! Alfred F. Jones, open this door now!" Then Arthur heard Alfred yelp and the door opened.

Rachel peeked her head out. "You can come in now my Queen."

The Brit smiled at her as he was finally allowed entrance. "Thank you, Luv."

The servant's face blushed red. "Of course," she murmured so he could hear. The she hurriedly went away.

He supposed she was still nervous about the whole ordeal. but dropped it. He also supposed she still was a bit sensitive, but ignored the issue.

Alfred was to the side of the door rubbing the left side of his head. "Who is she? I swear she came out of nowhere."

Arthur was silent, hands folded in front of him before he kindly and softly smiled at the other. He figured he should get the truth out now before anyone got hurt. "That was my girlfriend, Rachel."

The American's jaw dropped. It took a few seconds but it clicked. He shut as he gave a huge smile. "Is that the relationship you were talking about focusing on? Dude, she is H-O-T!"

The shorter laughed, blushing slightly. This was originally to make the King jealous, but it seemed that idea wouldn't have worked. "Yes, she is quite attractive. She's a very sweet girl."

Smirking, Alfred wiggled his eyebrows. "Well, if you ever want help..."

"Wha- n-n-no," He shook his head, face now a full scarlet. "I'm not going to! She's a few years younger than you are; I'm not going to do anything that serious with her!"

Now Alfred was plain confused. "What?" His eyebrows came together. "Is she just there for your amusement then?"

"Of course not! Alfred, not every relationship is there for just having sex! I just want a girlfriend so that I have someone to hug and kiss and comfort and do things I can't do with a friend. I don't want to use her for sex."

The taller held his hands up in surrender. "Ok, ok! I didn't mean anything behind that, I was just curious. I know not all relationships have sex. I just am glad you are happy now."

He nodded; "Understandable. I would be curious too. I apologize for, eh...getting a bit sensitive."

"It's fine," the American said, then he smirked. "But my offer still stands…"

Arthur rolled his eyes with a smile. "Ohh Alfred. I will not need your help, but thank you. I appreciate your kind offer."

Alfred nodded and started to walk off in the opposite direction.

The Queen, confused, ran to him in perfect time with his steps. "Where are you going?"

"To lunch silly! We missed breakfast." Alfred stated as he waved to some bowing servants.

"I knew that," he blushed. He had forgotten about breakfast AND lunch

Alfred laughed as the halls passed. "Suuurrreee."

"I did know that!" He shoved the other jokingly.

"And my shoes are made of gold!"

"Then I'll taller than you!"

Alfred turned around. "Nope I am taller then you short stuff!"

"I'm older!"

The two started walking towards the dining hall again.

"Well, I am more athletic!"

Arthur pouted. "I am too! At least, I don't have all of that cushion for the pushin' on my waist!"

Alfred whipped around, his face looking slightly angry. "Are you saying I'm fat?!"

"Not fat, I didn't say that." He poked at the other's side. "But you do have something here..."

Alfred hurriedly took off his waist coat, undershirt, and royal overcoat revealing his six pack and smooth stomach. "You call this fat?!"

"Alfred, I'm joking, relax!" Arthur, blushing and laughing, grabbed Alfred's shoulders and rubbed them. "I'm joking."

Alfred huffed and started to walk away from his Queen. He was hurt. When Alfred first got to the Castle, he put on some weight. One day he heard a rather harsh comment and swore to be fit. It hurt to think he didn't accomplish that.

"Wait, Alfred," the Queen called out, guilt rising inside of him. He had forgotten Alfred had put on some weight when he arrived, but it was burned off. "Alfred, I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to be hurtful!" Arthur stopped Alfred before he went into the private hall. "Alfred, please, answer me! I can't deal with it if you don't forgive me!"

Alfred shrugged him off and tried to go back in.

His arm gripped the American, and he forced him to stare down at him, unmoving. "I've already said I'm sorry, Alfred. Whot else do you want me to do?!"

"Leave me alone to cool down."

The Briton let the King go, and nodded. "Alright. I will."

"Thank you."

And with that Alfred left his Queen in the hall.

Arthur felt extremely embarrassed, running a hand through his hair. As much as he wanted to go to him and apologize and make things better again, Alfred wanted him to stay away from him for a bit to calm himself. He would do that for him, if it would make things better again.

It was then Arthur thought of something. When Alfred and he fought the most is when they were stuck together for a long time. They never got a chance to cool their tempers. Arthur looked away. Of course. It was so blatantly obvious now. They just got caught in the moment and couldn't control themselves most of the time. He felt ashamed for letting it get to him. Though Alfred was not blameless either. It would have to be something they work on, together.

The Queen walked into the room and sat in a chair that was far away from the King. The lunch arrived in front of him, and he ate in silence. He hoped that Alfred was okay, and not be doing anything reckless after this.

Yao watched as the 'fight' happened. He said nothing until the royals were gone. "Well, time for nap, aru."

The short blond looked over at him. "Whot does that mean?"

"While you gone, all the Card Kingdoms decided have a siesta. It reduce stress. However not mandatory, aru."

Arthur was silent in thought. It sounded like a good idea, even though naps were often for little children, maybe it would help. "Well, I suppose...it seems like a good idea."

Yao waved as he went to his room alone.

Arthur, exhausted, stripped down to his undergarments, Freedom sitting on the sill outside. Illumi snoozed on as the Queen let the falcon in, giving her a few pets before dressing to something more comfortable and nearly falling asleep on his bed.

Eventually a loud meow woke him up, Mudclaw was chasing around Freedom playfully. Freedom gave out a screech and hastily landed on Arthur's shoulder, shaking her head and pecking his ear. He laughed and gave her a few pets on her head. Mudclaw practically huffed and went to Illumi. She lay beside him, but the other feline was not awake. So she rested as well.

"How did she get into my room...?" Arthur quietly wondered, Freedom landing on his fingers as he turned to the door.

"I let her in," said a feminine voice.

The Queen smiled when the owner of the voice came into view. "And why would you do that, Lovely?"

Rachel smiled. "She kept complaining about not being let in. She is a Queen in her own right."

He chuckled; "She seems to be more of a Queen than I am."

The servant girl sat on the bed. "Why do you say that? I think you are a wonderful Queen!"

He shrugged, placing his hand on hers as Freedom left her perch. "No reason. How are things with you?"

"The usual," she commented. "Lots of work."

He nodded. "Of course. I have that silk dress for you, would you like it?"

Rachel smiled wide. "Yes please, my Queen."

Arthur walked to his closet, rummaging around a bit before pulling out the floor length, white silk dress that spread out the hem of the dress.

Rachel ran over and had a big smile. "I love it! Silk is so nice." She kissed his cheek.

He grinned. "I'm glad you do." He kissed her lips this time, gentle and sweet yet short, and pulled back. It was nice he found out, unlike the other kisses he shared with girls. "Would you like for me to help you put it on?"

She severely blushed. "Y-Yes."

Arthur pecked her cheek and started to work on her clothing, fingers nimble and smooth in movements.

She blushed deepened. Soon she was bare to him. "See anything you like, my Queen?"

Arthur, cheeks burning as well, looked her body up and down slowly. Inside, he felt dirty for doing this when his feelings were flat. She was a beautiful young woman but her naked body in front of him was having zero effect on him. "You're a very beautiful young lady."

She seemed to notice his dilemma. "Don't worry," Rachel murmured as she put his hand between her breasts. "One day, you might like this, and then I will indulge you all you want."

The shorter, frozen in fear, gulped at the position of his hand. "I-I'm not too comfortable doing this."

Rachel nodded and let his hand drop. "In time, I said."

His lips raised in a half-smile as he pulled the silk dress over her head and smoothed it down. "We'll see."

The servant hurried to the nearest mirror. "Oh! It's so pretty." She twirled around like a Princess.

Arthur smiled, standing beside her and intertwining their hands. "I pick out the best for those I care about."

Rachel kissed his cheek. "My wonderful gentleman."

He returned the kiss. "My lovely beautiful."

Rachel backed away. "Why don't you start getting ready?"

"Ready?" His eyebrows knitted together in puzzlement. "Whot do you mean?"

Rachel sighed. Ever since Arthur came back, he seemed to forget everything. "The meeting of the Lords and Ladies of the Royal Court!"

"Ah, right." He dug into his closet momentarily, throwing his shoes in front of his outfit, before he started to undress. "I assume you're going to be my escort, yes?"

Rachel shook her head. "To the Kingdom you are still married to Alfred. If you give reason to disbelieve that it could hurt the Kingdom."

Arthur cringed. He hoped that a few hours or so was good enough for Alfred to cool down and not be angry with him. "That is true. It's a shame. I would have loved to show the Kingdom that my heart just doesn't belong to my King, Kingdom and people." He finished buttoning his shirt, fixed his neckerchief, flattened his vest and overcoat, and turned to Rachel. "Well? How do I look?"

"You look handsome as usual!"

He smiled, his spirits lifted up if just a little. "Thank you." He took her hand and rubbed the top with his thumb before pecking it. "And you look as ravishing as usual."

She curtsied. "Good luck my Queen, I will clean your room."

He bowed in return, giving her one last beam before he walked out of his room softly and made his way to where the meeting would be.

The walk was not long. In the distance, Arthur could see many royals standing in the hall way. Arthur greeted them cheerfully, shaking their hands and grinning and being as polite as possible. In actuality, he wanted to know where Alfred was. The royals said he was already in the room.

The room was known as the Great Spades High Court. It was a large room, enough for the 39 royal families, their important people, the high royal family, and servants. The theme, as always, was blue, gold, and purple shades. It was an auditorium. The high royals held the middle of the room, while the royals were in the dark wooden desks the elevated as they went. The lower you were, the more power you had. There was a central podium for all to use.

He surprisingly found Alfred already on his throne. The three thrones were of different height and material. The Queen weaved his way through the crowd, and made it in front of the King. "Hello, Alfred," he greeted.

Alfred smiled. "Artie!"

Arthur let out a sigh of relief as he walked over to him and sat down beside him in his own throne. "You're good this evening, yeah?" He smiled; he really was relieved that he was in a good mood."

"The nap helped," Alfred said. "I just need some time to chill, ya know?" Truly, Alfred just needed a cool down. Sometimes he just got so frazzled, he immediately turned to anger.

"I agree," he nodded. "The nap did help..." He looked down at his fumbling hands, finally crossing his legs to place them on his knee. "I really am sorry, though, Alfred. I really wasn't thinking."

Alfred waved his hand. "Your fine, I over-reacted."

He gave a weak smile. "Thank you for forgiving me."

"There is nothing to forgive, Arthur!" Alfred responded with his normal smile. "Now will you call order to the court?"

It was the Queen's job after all.

Arthur was silent for a moment, and then nodded. "Of course." He reached over to grab the scepter behind him in between the two thrones and banged it loudly on the ground. "Order, please!"

The noise quieted down and the people got to their seats. Then Alfred stood up. "My Lords and Ladies, Spades is clearly the most powerful of the Card Kingdoms." He paused as there were some cheers. "But how long will that last through military power alone? I have news that our economy is falling and the overall population is down. We need something to be changed."

Arthur watched the people's reactions to the economic news. There were gasps and a light chatter in shock and disbelief, before it started to get noisy and some started to yell. The Queen slammed the scepter to the ground, and stood beside the King. "Remain silent and listen to your King!"

Alfred sent Arthur a smile as the noise quieted. "I have several ideas to fix this problem. What we need are public works to put more people into jobs, therefor more people pay are able to pay taxes which will just circle around. Will anyone volunteer to help us plan these events?"

No hands raised in the room. The Queen frowned; this was disappointing. Didn't anyone want to help? It was only an increase in people that pay, not an increase in the tax itself. Someone should have volunteered.

"This is a serious issue," Arthur spoke up, looking over the crowd. "We may be strong but we are lessening in power. Who knows where we will be in a few years? The Kingdoms of Clubs and Hearts are catching up to us in military power. The Kingdoms of Diamonds, although they are the weakest of the Kingdoms in military strength, have an economy that is almost three times better than ours. We must prove to the other three Kingdoms that we are powerful, that we can keep our status as the strongest and most powerful Kingdom. So now, who will show their support to prove to those Kingdoms that we are the strongest?"

Only two hands went up. Alfred looked at them. It was the Kirkland family and the Walker family from the east. "Thank you for volunteering. Now we will discuss the plans for which works to go through with. I believe my Queen, has the list." He went to sit down as it was not his turn to speak.

Arthur pulled out a neatly-tied scrolled up paper he had prepared. Standing up, he untied it carefully and pulled it away, holding it in his hands as he read down the list. "New roads for carts and carriages to travel on to get to the desired destination. Bridges that are in extreme need of repair. More hospitals in large towns, and stations on the road in case it is needed. Blacksmith shops to create supplies for the houses, new tools for those who work in the mine, carriages for travel, and weapons for newly-trained soldiers and the guards."

Alfred watched as the Lords and Ladies talked to each other. They looked anxious for lack of a better word. "I am personally in favor of new roads for the entire Kingdom. It puts an equal amount of work in all areas, it will bring down traveling taxes, and I am sure for many of you who travel, it will be a smoother ride."

"All of the opportunities listed were suggested, listed, and stated to help us and put us in a better position," Arthur said. "If they were to bring us down, then they would not have been brought to you."

A Lady from the Blake family stood up. "I support the road idea as well; travel is much easier even in snowy Clubs in winter."

The shorter blond nodded. "Thank you. Travel will be much easier if we can repair the roads. You can support or you can fall. We will not fall."

Eventually, after an hour of debate, the King and Queen got the much needed votes for the plans. Arthur, who had been seated back in his throne in fury and exhaustion from how many people were disagreeing with them, sighed. "Thank you. We strongly appreciate the support, and those who have, we promise to help support you in any way we can."

Alfred stood and spoke again. "Tomorrow we shall discuss what materials we use, how many people, and even taxes on using the roads so it pays for itself."

The Queen looked up to the younger male. "Is that all, my King?"

"As homework per say, each of you should bring your own ideas and plans for tomorrow!'

There were both groans and nods between the people; Arthur resisted laughter. They were almost like children. Arthur banged down his scepter and the court was dismissed. The older turned to the King with a slight smile as the chatter started up again. "Well, then...that was somewhat productive."

The older turned to the King with a slight smile as the chatter started up again. "Well, then...that was somewhat productive."

Alfred nodded. He felt so stressed but somewhat happy. "Yes, now we will just have to do everything else ourselves." He went back and sat on this throne.

"We're going to be working quite a lot if we want this to go well." He ran a hand through his hair. "I just hope we can get it all done in time."

The King nodded again. "Well, dinner will just be sent to our rooms tonight."

He nodded solemnly. "We can dine and work together, if you don't mind. It'll be easier."

Alfred thought a bit. Although Arthur said he would get over him, that didn't mean right away. If he said yes, it could lead Arthur on again. However no could either make it worse or seem as if Alfred didn't like him. After a minute of thinking, he made his choice. He just hoped it was the right one.

"Sure, why not?"

"Alright." He smiled kindly. "I'll just have to feed Illumi and Freedom, my eagle, and then I'll be over."

The younger nodded in understanding. Standing up he walked out with his Queen, then once they hit the door way, went back to his room while Arthur traveled to his own bedroom.

Arthur threw his overcoat on top of his bed, removed his top hat, and fed his pets as he said he would. He was a bit nervous that Alfred had hesitated, thinking that he would try something like last time. He didn't like Alfred in that way, not in that way anymore. They were there for work, and he would make sure that Alfred knew that.

He made sure his pets were in order before he gathered some important papers, a bit of extra, and an ink pen. He closed door fully on his way out, and made his way to Alfred's room.

As he was walking he noticed that Sarah, one of Alfred's maids, was walking in the same direction. She had a broom in her hand along with a duster. The Queen spared a glimpse at her, giving her a glare, before walking ahead. When Arthur got there, he heard arguing between Alfred and another person.

"You seem to have been failing," said Alfred's voice.

"I am sorry, but he is tough to crack." This voice was so soft and barely heard, Arthur couldn't tell the gender.

"You have a month," Alfred's voice seemed to warn the other. "Now get out of my sight."

Arthur kept waiting but no one came out. Curious, he knocked on the door. "Alfred?"

"Come in!"

Arthur carefully opened the door, looking past the door but not entering. "Alfred? Are you alright? I heard a lot of arguing."

Alfred shook his head. "Arguing? Arthur, no one is in here but you and me."

"No, you were talking to someone, I swear."

"Come in and look."

It was true; besides Alfred, it was now the two of them in the room. The Queen was dumbfounded, and it was near difficult for him to find the words. "I-I, you- but...I swear, you were talking about someone failing and how someone is tough to crack- don't lie, I heard!"

Alfred gave him a worried look. "Are you sure you're ok? I have been talking to Mudclaw a bit but nothing serious like that."

"I...never mind, it might have been someone else. Let's just get to work, please, yeah?"

Alfred gave a half-hearted smile. "You shouldn't work if you feel sick. I won't mind if you really don't want to."

"No, not sick, I'm fine. I might be imagining things again."

Alfred sighs, "If you're sure. Come sit over here by my desk table."

Arthur made his way to the table, setting the supplies on top and organizing everything.

Meanwhile, Alfred was gathering papers from his other desk in the corner. "These are the numbers for last year's taxes."

Arthur took the paper, sucking in his right cheek when he saw it. "This looks good. I feel sorry they're going to rise a bit."

"Not really, what I plan on is cutting funding to places we don't need. The more taxes come from the people who didn't work and will work. There are a few places where some people are cheating as well, I am sure." Alfred said getting another stack of paper. "These are the heads of the taxes and all the information we need."

"Alright." He shifted through the pack, eyes hastily skimming the papers.

"The one I am most suspicious of is the tax of grain in the west. It has gone up but there is no record of revenue increase on there."

He nodded. "Hm. Due to that, should we increase it despite that fact?"

Alfred shook his head. "I think we should talk to the person in charge of the tax, or one Lord Wold."

He rubbed his eyes. Was the conversation from before getting him off topic? "Fine."

Alfred jotted a note down. "Do you see anything?"

Arthur moaned. "See whot?"

Alfred looked up. "Anything unusual..."

"I...guess, I'm not sure."

Alfred leaned over and put his hand on Arthur's head. "You don't have a fever."

Arthur stared into his eyes, watching Alfred's every movements. "Who were you talking to...?"

Alfred blinked and leaned back. "I already told you, I wasn't talking to anyone. Well, if you don't count Mudclaw."

"Alfred, I'm not an idiot. I heard you talking to someone." He stood up in irritation. "I'm going back to my room. I'm tired."

The King frowned. "I have nothing to hide; you may search my room if you like. No one was in here."

"I'm fine. I'm just going to sleep for a bit."

Alfred looked out the window. It was only sunset. "You could use my bed. I'll let you sleep for an hour then wake you up."

"No, I don't want to. I'll be fine. I'll just retire to my room early." He placed his hand on the doorknob, but turned. "If you have anything to say, please say it to my face."

Alfred tilted his head. "Say something? I don't have anything to say except good night."

Arthur nodded solemnly. "Good night." He looked up at him one more time, and then left.

Alfred watched the door before going over the numbers in his head. 'This is going to be a long night.'

The Queen didn't bother to take off all of his clothes; he undid his neckerchief, slid off his shoes, unbuttoned his trousers, and collapsed on the bed. He just wanted to relax.

Illumi popped up on the bed and quickly following him, was Mudclaw. Arthur blinked; he didn't think that the cats followed him. Arthur didn't think anything of it, petting both cats. Freedom perched herself on his bed frame, as if protecting him. Illumi purred against his chest. Sighing, he shut his eyes. Was he going crazy? He heard talking but no one was there!

Maybe there was talking, maybe Alfred was lying. It went either way. He supposed it was nothing, just his imagination. After all, Alfred offered to let Arthur search his room! Not many guilt people would agree to that. He was also calm, and his behavior was the complete opposite of anxiety.

Slowly getting under the covers, the Queen curled up waiting to fall asleep. As soon as he was comfortable, he was completely asleep.

CC101- Hey guys! I finally did everything for this chapter. My mom flipped out on me and I was actually forced out of my house...

If anyone is on tumblr (a good third of you I guess), my url is ilovemyfatcat

Dear Cheese-kun,

Your story will be out but I have been sick and everything is just terrible at my house.

Love,

CartoonCouples101.