CC101- Hey guys! Sorry for the wait, I have had play and a bunch of other shit. This is the first time that I have got a chance to be on a computer not my iPhone in two weeks. Well, I must announce a message from my rp-partner LadyScarletofScaro. She says that she will write a one-shot for my 200th reviewer. Continuing on with the tradition of every 100 reviewers, she will do a story of your choice. I will take 300 reviews (if we get there).

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia.

Chapter Twenty-five: Of Traveling and Changing

It was at times like these when Alfred liked to be alone with his thoughts. So many things were going on at the same time; jumpled together, it was making his head spin and confuses the King more than anything he has had to deal with in the past. First off, Hearts was attacked and defeated by pirates at the heart of Hearts territory (no pun intended). Second, Peter insisted that he was in love with his Queen. Third, Yao was currently traveling to Hearts, known to be infested with bandits. Fourth, possibly war was coming to Spades. In all of his years of being King, he had only had to call for the army and navy once, when Hearts tried to capture more land on the western coast of Spades. The fifth and final reason for his uneasiness was Arthur's unknowing starvation. Arthur could have killed himself!

With that thought, Alfred glanced at the sleeping man. Arthur Kirkland was currently in a deep sleep with his mop of blond hair resting on Alfred's bicep. Color flushed Alfred cheeks. Arthur had previously loved him, but once they had that talk a year ago, the Queen had let go of that love. How did Arthur feel about him now? Peter insisted that Alfred loved his brother, and the American would agree up to a certain point. Yes, he did love Arthur but only as his best friend and Queen. Nothing more, nothing less. Just because Arthur made him feel happy and that everything was going to be alright with the simplest of words or touches, did not mean that it was love!

Convincing himself of their non-romantic feelings, the King thought of his other problems. Yao was not stupid, so he probably rounded up a few guards to escort him to Hearts. Arthur might have starved himself, but with Alfred help, the Englishman would gain the weight back. Hearts was attacked and rumor was that the ships were coming to Spades, making the Spadian people under risk of war. As much he did not want to bring war to his people, Alfred knew that at least preparations must be taken, just in case.

Looking out of the window of the carriage, Alfred saw that the sun was setting quickly. The royalty would have to spend the night nearby and then get up early to reach the Capital as soon as possible to call the Lords and Ladies into a session of the Royal Court. Then Alfred would announce his plans for measure to prepare for war with these pirates. Although Arthur controlled the navy, he was sure that his Queen would agree to most of the measure he had already thought up in his head.

Alfred, somewhat content with his thoughts, decided to wake up his sleeping Queen. The doctors told him that he should let Arthur sleep more often and eat more than normal. He wanted to let the other sleep, but he needed to speak out his thoughts and he trusted only Arthur to help him with this.

Arthur was awoken from his small nap with a light push on his arm. He barely opened his eyes when he felt the sun glaring into his eyes and grunted, rolling onto other his side to block the light out. However another shake of his body made him reopen his eyes to see who was interrupting his extremely important sleep! His whole body needed at least a week of sleep to even somewhat get back the energy that he needed.

Alfred laying down right next to him in the carriage bed. "Arthur, we need to talk about today."

The older sighed and slowly turned back around to face the younger male while throwing his right arm in front of his eyes to block out the painful sunlight. He knew that they would have another talk about his starvation and he was not looking forward to it. He simply had noticed anything! Sure he felt headaches and bodily pains but his childhood taught him that the pain would pass and to just push through the ordeal. Now Arthur had to make sure to eat more or Alfred would throw a shit-fit. "Very well, about what?"

"I've been thinking about the ship that attacked Hearts," responded the taller as he reached up with his injured left arm and closed the tiny "curtain" that covered the glass of the carriage door window.

"Oh," remarked Arthur as he lowered his arm down now that the sunlight that was shining on his face disappeared behind a dark purple curtain. He had expected to have this talk later, when they got to the Capital. "Whot about it?" He sat up and stretched his sore muscles with a groan.

The American's sapphire eyes appeared lost. "Who in their right mind would attack the Kingdom of Heart's navy? Hearts has the second best navy of the Kingdoms, right behind us. In fact, Spades barely beats them in numbers of warships in service. With a few exceptions, Hearts' history is filled with naval victories and conquests. Not to mention that these pirates also attacked Clubs' coastline."

"It could have been a rogue ship that wants to make a statement," pointed out Arthur. He looked at the dark wooden paneling covering the inside of the carriage insides, "Or perhaps it could be a spy ship from another Kingdom outside of the Card Kingdoms. Many other places exist, like that land to the east. You know the ones based numbers."

"The Kingdom of Sudoku?"

Arthur nodded, "Yes, that is the one."

Alfred shook his head. "But to attack at the heart of their Navy fleet?! It's suicide."

"I know." The Queen looked at the bed underneath him before glancing back at Alfred. "Perhaps it was an accident after all."

Alfred started to move his fingers up and down in a wave like motion on the bed. "But what if it is not just an accident? What if these pirates do come and attack here? Spades will go to war!"

Arthur smiled warmly and rubbed the top of Alfred's hand. "Don't worry, Al. I'm sure that it will not come to that." He was tired, but he knew he needed to comfort the taller.

The King presented a half smile at the smaller's reasurances. "This could mean trouble though. I already informed all the important people to watch out. What can we do after that?"

"Well for now, in case this is an unknown enemy, we should prepare ourselves at the shoreline in case they decide to come here," suggested the Englishman.

"I already sent a raven," Alfred said looking at his chest. He paused to collect his thoughts. "When I was still a commoner, my town was always the last to know of any news. It would take a month for news to reach, no matter the importance. One time, we were unprepared for a bandit attack that was heading our way. Thankfully, our militia was able to send them running as soon as we grouped together. Unfortunately, almost ten people were killed, including three children and one infant." Alfred started to shake as he grew angry. "Later we learned the truth, news came to all the surrounding town except us. Had we been prepared, it would never have happened!"

Arthur scooted closer to his King and brought him into a silent hug. He could see the fury in his friend, and he detested it extremely. It didn't suit him very well. He wanted to say he was sorry but Arthur knew that sorry would not bring back the lost lives of Alfred's former villagers. So he contented himself with physically being there.

Alfred was meant to be smiling and laughing at all times.

"I want to warn our people, but as monarch I have learnt many lessons during my rein. I don't want to worry the people every time there could be an emergency. It would cause people to panic and that's the one thing I don't want." Alfred rested his head on Arthur's. "Tell me what to do, I feel lost."

The smaller looked up at Alfred's closed eyes. "We will tell everyone that they are to train for battle . We want- no need more men trained in the military fields so that in case of this actually becoming an emergency, we can have the men ready. We do not have to tell them the real reason why the must train right away."

"However they still will panic then and on top of that they will distrust us if we don't tell them why!" Alfred argued, opening his eyes to glare at his Queen.

"We'll assure them. We can go by town and have a draft, take in fifty men at the most. We tell them we want to prepare. We'll have to start out small, though. Hopefully, they'll be able to stay calm."

Alfred pulled out of Arthur's arms. "A draft? That will make us even more untrusted!" He sighed at the other's innocence. It didn't surprise him though, Arthur was raised in a royal family in England. Members of any royal family didn't get drafted and then sent on the front lines. "Arthur, I understand what you are suggesting but you need to think about people's emotions too!" He sat up, his eyes filled with determination. "If you had a lover and suddenly a strange man that lives miles away told you that someone with more power than you commanded you to fight for a reason but then never tells you what that reason is; How would you feel?"

Arthur simpered. He never thought about it that way. "I see whot you mean, but I don't think the people would be panicked if we told them we had a shortage. I think that that's whot's best for them."

"So we lie, Arthur?!" Alfred turned from mad to furious. "I never thought of you as a liar."

The Queen smiled small, shocking himself that he was acting so calm. "It's not necessarily a lie. We're just not telling them everything."

Alfred narrowed his eyes. The American did not like the idea but he knew that Spades had to act somehow. "Fine, let me think about it."

"Alfred, I am the Queen of Spades, the representative of our people. I know whot I am talking about."

"Just leave me be." Alfred deeply sighed as he turned his head to look at the carriage door. They would always get like this! Somehow they would find a topic that they disagreed on. Then, it would turn sour because both of them were too bull-headed to back down. All he wanted was to have a good relationship with his Queen. His mind's eye could see it all! They were sitting down in Arthur'a rose garden. Then they would walk around the flowers, holding hands and laughing with each other! Alfred smiled at the idea. He wouldn't mind that.

His Queen frowned. "Alfred, you're..." Why was he switching from melancholy to dreamy so often?

Alfred seemed not to hear him as his smiles grew wider. He could feel Arthur's presence, could hear his accented voice, could feel his soft yet firm hands. His emerald eyes were bright with light and joy, and he had a gentleness nature and it almost seemed like he was too gentle, as if he would break at any moment. His smile was bright and beautiful, and it stirred Alfred's heart.

Arthur, however, was worried. "Alfred?" He touched his friend's uninjured shoulder gently and shook it slowly.

"Mmm?" The King hummed with a smile still on his face, not even opening his eyes.

"Are you alright?" The older asked quietly. "You seem...off."

Alfred opened his eyes and turned to gaze at Arthur again, "Just distracting myself."

"From...?"

"Everything really," Alfred stated. Sitting up, he slightly opened the carriage door to see dusk approaching. "Stop! Its time to make camp and prepare for dinner!" The King ordered, it would take time to build camp.

Slowly, their carriage came to a stop. A while later, their carriage driver opened their door, and Arthur slipped out first before assisting Alfred. The group was small, just a little under thirty men. Alfred waved off people as he went to go to the restroom.

Arthur watched Alfred until the younger was out of sight. Finding that there wasn't much to do for right now, the Queen started to feed the Night Runner and Flora. He always adored taking care of them, for some reason; they seemed to love him just as much. Still to young to travel with Arthur, Dash, a present from Alfred, was a lovely horse if a bit too rambunctious. Yet he cared for the young colt almost as much as he did for Flora. Flora even treated Dash as her own son, when ever they were in the same pasture or barn. Even despite the fact Dash had come from a ranch on the other side of the Kingdom, they had a strong bond. The Englishmen would have to give extra love and care to the young horse when he arrived home.

Arthur tied down Night Runner and Flora before looking around. Several men just finished raising the Royal Tent up. Once they were done with that, the men started to move in supplies, such as pillows to make up the bed for the King and Queen. In the extreme hurry to get to the Capital, most of the comfortable traveling supplies that Alfred usually brought were left at Despoint. Thanking the men, Arthur went inside the tent and almost threw himself onto the pillows. Although the carriage bed was convenient

When Alfred came back to camp, almost everything important was set up. Striding over to the largest tent, he walked in with a smile.

Arthur, who was still laying down on the pillows, opened his emerald eyes and grinned up at Alfred. "Hello again."

"Hello, you hungry?"

The Englishman chuckled as he put a hand on his stomach. "It feels like I haven't eaten in years."

"Well, good. I will get you to start eating more." Alfred frowned. "I heard what the meal will be and trust me we will need it as a hardy dinner. The meal is carp and gull's eggs."

"Strange. I've never heard of that combination before. Carp, I know is a type of fish, yeah? But gull's eggs..."

The King nodded. "It's a coast delicacy. Hard to get I guess, apparently gull's eggs are sweeter than chicken;s eggs."

"Interesting." The Englishman was silent for a while before looking up with a smile. "A-anyways, how is your shoulder?"

"Some what better,would you like to check?"

"Yes, just give me a chance to go retrieve the bandages, I left them in the carriage." The Brit left the tent as he finished his statement, and quickly made his way to the carriage to get the supplies. About two minutes later, Arthur swiftly returned with the bandages and other necessities. He started to remove Alfred's jacket and shirt almost instantly.

Alfred had to chuckle. The older didn't even have to think about what he was doing, it was almost robotic. Arthur was so used to changing his bandages; it was as quick as a hiccup. "You should have been a healer. You are being very calm and collected, even though you dislike the sight of blood."

Arthur laughed as he started to carefully peel off the bandages around the wound. "That's whot my mum used to say."

Alfred smiled wider. "You are very gentle and smart, I would bet my life you would do well."

The Queen could feel his cheeks burning lightly with a blush. "I always thought about it in the back of my mind. Maybe I should look into it a bit more when we get back to the Castle and after this pirate mess. Who knows whot could happen to us? Whether it be a terrible illness or something unexpected, it couldn't hurt to be prepared."

"I guess, but we already have trained doctors," reminded the King. "Because we need you as our wonderful Queen!"

Arthur rolled his eyes. Taking a wash cloth from the pile of medical items he brought into the tent, he poured cleaning alcohol onto the cloth. After, he slowly dabbed the cloth to the injury. "I'm sure it would be difficult for you to function properly without me." He tried to be gentle as the he cleaned the other's wound.

Alfred took a sharp breath whenever the pain got too much but the American refused to cry out. "Mmmm, can you imagine me working with one of your siblings?" He gave a deep, throaty chuckle.

The shorter held back a laugh at the ridiculous idea. "It would be complete mayhem if one of my siblings were Queen instead of me. I don't even think that Spades would be heading in the right direction like we do now."

"Me too," Alfred agreed, forcing himself to not release the groan of pain that was fighting to get out. "Me too."

Arthur swiftly finished cleaning the injury, and started to warp it carefully again with new bandages. "Does it hurt a little less now?"

Alfred shook his head. "No, its now just starting to close together. I hate scabs, they pull at my skin."

"I'm sorry," apologized the Queen. "I know that scabs are pain to deal with, but at least you know that the wound is healing and it won't get infected." Poking Alfred's chest, he warned, "And don't go picking at it Alfred. That will only make it worse. Understand?"

Alfred nodded his promise and said, "Let's just eat, I always feel better after eating a good meal."

"Of course," Arthur smiled as Alfred re-dressed him upper half and their dinner was brought in.

Alfred had a pained smile that fell when the servers left. "Smells great..." To be honest, the dinner rank of rotten fish, but it would have to do for now. The whole group needed a meal to wake up early tomorrow morning and head to the Castle at full speed.

Arthur grimaced at Alfred's face. "It does." He placed his plate on his lap and fixed his napkin on the ground next to him.

Alfred gulped. "Yummy..."

The Queen noticed his friend's discomfort, and looked up at the other with an amused smile. "The carp can't be that bad." England was an island, so he had fish at least once a week normally. "I thought you like carp. We had it at our wedding."

"I do like carp!" Alfred protested. The taller frowned but picked up a fork and knife. Cutting off a single piece, he placed the piece of fish in his mouth and began to chew. With a sour face, he swallowed. "Ugh... Try having it for three months strait!"

Arthur took a bite for himself and shrugged at the taste. "It's not too bad. Then again, I did grow up with fish as a main course of dinner."

Alfred continued as if he didn't hear Arthur. "Winter was always terrible! Even though Spades is the farthest south, winter snows still reach us. My villiage was always cold and always, always hungry!" Alfred complained as his stomach grumbled in remembrance of the pain. "There was never enough food to go around and every winter people would either die from being frozen or starvation." The King's hand with the fork clenched into a fist, twisting the metal with his super strength.

"Alfred," whispered the older. He always wanted to know about Alfred's commoner life, but it always seemed so gloomy and so he stopped asking Alfred questions about it. Cautiously he reached forward to rub the top of Alfred's hand, coaxing the contorted fork out of the King's hand. The Queen said, "I'm sorry. I know it must have been hard for you and."

Alfred held Arthur's hand once the fork left it. Ever since Peter's warning, he noticed that they held hands more often or maybe he was just looking to far into things. Before he died, Matthew did tell him that he searched for something that wasn't there. At first Alfred though his brother meant the cure for the younger twin's illness, but once Matthew passed, Alfred realized it meant for everything. His stomach jumped as if the carp suddenly came back alive. "I-I made it through, no worries."

"That doesn't mean it wasn't difficult for you."

Alfred smiled as he used his unoccupied hand to try the gull's eggs. He was extremely surprised at the taste. "They're not that bad!"

Arthur, now curious, took an egg for himself and bit into it. "Hm..." He twitched his nose when he swallowed. "You're right. They actually taste edible."

Alfred laughed. Arthur was so cute sometimes! "Would you like to have them at our dinner parties?"

"Maybe the carp, I think the people might be scared by the gull's eggs," commented the smaller male. "Perhaps we could serve it for the Lords and Ladies during break time or the other Royal Deck members at a feast."

"Okay, the next Deck Meeting we hold is in four years though. However the next one is in Hearts right?" Alfred said, thinking out loud. "Kiku might let us serve them."

"True." Arthur took another bite and swallowed before continuing with a smile. "If Yao suggested it..."

Alfred nodded. "Yes, but we have to bring him some..." He frowned a bit, letting the silence take over. There was something bugging him and he needed to get it off his chest. "Arthur?"

Arthur was gazing off to the side when he heard his name called, and slowly looked back at his King. "Hmmm...?"

"I was thinking about earlier..."

"Whot about earlier?"

"Our disagreement."

"Okay..." Slowly, Arthur began to rub the other's hand to comfort him.

Alfred took a deep breath. "I still disagree with you, so I think it will be best if Yao chooses. He will be back soon."

The Queen started to laugh. "Is that all?"

The King looked annoyed. "Yes!"

"You had me scared it was something else!"

The younger shook his head and started to finish his meal.

"Alfred..."

Said person looked up from his food. "Yes?"

The Queen stood up and went over to Alfred, giving him a hug once he was close enough. "I feel like you need it."

Alfred hugged him back. He felt Arthur move his plate to the ground and sit on his lap, so he put his hands on the other's back to steady Arthur. "Thank you, I feel better now."

Arthur chuckled. "Good," he placed his head to the crook of Alfred's neck. "I don't want my best friend depressed over something so trivial and small."

The King relaxed. "Mmmm, you are still comfortable."

"Still?" Arthur grinned teasingly. "I never knew I had stopped."

Alfred gave him a look and raised an eyebrow. "With how prickly you are? I am surprised."

Arthur laughed, and pulled Alfred closer so their chests were touching. "Then I'll never let my prickles and thorns touch you ever again."

"Mmmmm..." Alfred rested his head on Arthur's right shoulder. "I feel jealous of Rachel. She has the best pillow in all the Kingdoms!"

Arthur scoffed. "Are you calling me fat?"

"No, I am calling you comfortable."

The older blond sighed. "Well if I'm comfortable, then you're warmer."

Alfred hummed as he decided he liked this cuddling, "OKay."

The Queen sighed, the heat from his King nice and comforting to his chilly body. Today had been tiring and the energy he took from the tree had not been enough to sustain him. Even his nap from earlier wasn't enough. Slowly, he was lulled to sleep by the sound of Alfred's heart beat.

"Arthur?" Alfred said after awhile. When he didn't get a response, Alfred looked to see his Queen sleeping like a baby. Chucking, he slowly moved the smaller from his lap to the pillows that littered the floor. The taller made sure to wake the smaller as he placed a blanket over Arthur. Alfred quietly picked up the plates of half eaten foods and handed it to the guard just outside the tent. Once that was finished, Alfred blew out the lantern that lit up the royal tent and made his way into bed. Easing himself under the blanket with Arthur next to him, the America fell asleep quickly.

Alfred hated his guards. They made so much noise and woke him up during a wonderful dream! Although he couldn't remember what the dream was about, he knew that the dream had to do with being happy. Yawning, he looked around to see Arthur had curled himself into a ball, still asleep. "Stupid Queen." Getting up and pushing the blanket away, Alfred smiled. Slowly, Alfred shifted Arthur into a bridal hold and carefully walked outside. His shoulder hurt but Alfred ignored it. With a motion of his head, he gestured for the guards to open the carriage door. The bed was still down so the King carefully placed his best fried down on the sheets. After, he shut the door to the carriage and walked toward Isabel, who was riding on a horse towards him.

Isabel nodded in greeting. "My King." The colors of dawn made her brown hair shine.

"My Ace."

"We will be leaving soon. I have had the cooks make a meal to be eaten on the road for you. The guards and I have already eaten." She looked at the Royal Tent. "I let you sleep in. So make sure you and our Queen are ready on time."

"I thought I sent you to Seaport Watch." The King vividly remembered telling the Ace his command.

Isabel frowned. "I sent a raven ahead. I swore an oath to protect you, my King. How can I do that if I am miles away?"

Alfred rolled his eyes. "Fine, Arthur is sleeping. Has there any word from Hearts?"

"Not yet. I assume Yao is still making his journey. However, there seems to be another problem that we face."

The King looked confused. "Yes?"

"Up ahead, there is a drawbridge that alternates from up to down at thirty minute intervals to let the bigger boats pass through. We will need to be quick if we want to get past it on time and keep to our schedule."

"Shit," Alfred swore as he looked around. Taking out his King's Clock, he saw that they only had fifteen minutes to reach the bridge. Camp was only half taken down though. "It will take to long to pack everything by that time."

"I know. We must start now if we wish to make it. I have already started to give out the orders, if you do not mind." Isabel turned to look at the carriage.

"Thanks, but we will never make it."

"Even if we do not, we must start our journey now," protested the female.

Alfred rubbed his forehead with his right thumb and pointer finger, "And what about all of our stuff we still have here?"

"Tell the rest of the men to start to pack right now, help them if you will. I'm sure Arthur will not be happy if he wakes up to find out we are behind schedule."

"My shoulder only lets me carry light things." Alfred admitted. "Why don't we just wait for the next crossing? It will be like forty minutes."

Isabel sighed and led the horse away. "If you wish, my King. I will not be there to help if your Queen wakes up with a temper."

Alfred laughed. "I will gladly take the 'punishment'."

The Ace rolled her eyes, mumbling something under her breath as she trotted away.

The King looked around. Some men were cleaning up while the others were still eating their breakfast. With his arms still sore from carrying Arthur, he simply went to go find Night Runner. The majestic black stallion wasn't too hard to find; he was with Flora, eating some grass nearby the tree their were tied down by. A single servant was watching over the two royal horses.

Alfred waved the handler away once he saw the servant bow. "I'll get them, you help pack." After a 'yes, my King', the servant hurried away to help pack. Alfred moved over to his steed and began to pet Night Runner with his left hand. After a few seconds, he untied the rope that tied the horses down.

Night Runner snorted, walking beside Alfred as Flora nuzzled the King's hand and uninjured shoulder affectionately.

Alfred laughed "I missed you."

Night Runner pushed the female aside and practically toppled Alfred, as Flora started to search for food inside of the human's pockets.

The King backed away and hid behind a tree. "Oh, no you don't! Those biscuits are mine!"

The horses followers him, and seemed to have understood him, for they now searched for the aforementioned treat. However Alfred kept ducking behind trees. Arthur's pet had stopped in annoyance, but Night Runner continued forward. Alfred laughed as he let a single biscuit fall. Both horses stampeded to the treat, the male breaking it up so they could share.

The King smiled. "You guys play much nicer together than Arthur and I."

Flora raised her head and whinnied loudly . Night Runner scooted over the last bits of the treat to Arthur's horse, who lapped it up gratefully.

Alfred laughed and pet the stallion. "Good boy."

The mare snorted and started another search for biscuits, accidentally biting some of Alfred's jacket. Said person lightly slapped Flora's neck and pulled at the jacket. It ripped and all the biscuits fell out. Sighing, Alfred took the jacket off. Both Night Runner and Flora dove forward, eating the biscuits as if they hadn't eaten for years.

The human glared at them. "Gluttons..."

Flora stomped her foot with a sniff, and soon the snack was completely gone.

The King sighed again as he led them back toward the center of camp. "Let's go you, You, YOU... STUBBORN HORSES!"

Both mare and stallion followed him close, also staying by one another's side.

"My King? Are you ready to go now?" A voice from behind him asked.

Alfred turned to see who it was.

Isabel and her pale white horse, trotted over to him. "We're ready to leave when you are."

"Has it already been forty minutes?" Alfred asked shocked.

"It has not, but the servants and guards are prepared to depart when you are."

The King nodded, "Very well." He got on to Night Runner bare backed. "Let's go."

"What of Arthur?"

Alfred flinched. "He is sleeping... I don't want to wake him." He learned that lession awhile along with a knee-shaped bruise on his forehead. The American didn't need to relearn it again.

The Ace winked. "I'm sure he won't mind waking up in your arms."

The King looked at her. Isabel knew about the situation about Rachel, Alfred, and Arthur. "He would prefer to wake up with Rachel remember?"

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind either of you."

"Are you suggesting a three-some?" Alfred was flabbergasted at the thought.

Isabel laughed rather obnoxiously. "I don't know much about your personal lives, but I'm sure Arthur would take you over Rachel in his bed any day."

Alfred snorted in return. "Please, you are so wrong!"

"I'm sure~!"

Alfred looked at her funny,"As am I. Arthur and I are only best friends now."

She shook her head. "You two are so blind to each other; it's cute in a way."

Shaking his head, he asked, "And why, may I ask, are so interested about Arthur and my 'Relationship'?"

The Ace chuckled and went off ahead of him as the men started to move out once again.

Alfred galloped until he got next to the carriage. He took a peek inside the small window built into the door. It seemed like Arthur was still asleep. Sighing, Alfred stayed outside. Arthur was cranky when you woke him up during his sleep! The King rubbed his head in remembrance. He trotted ahead and stayed in front of the carriage not of the head of the group as the stories always said. It was stupid to leave your leader in plain sight.

Flora, even though there was no one riding her, trotted beside Night Runner faithfully. Alfred smiled and patted her head gently, taking a hold of her reigns. Tying the reins together, Alfred relaxed on his stallion. He slowly watched the scenery go by.

The trees were green yet losing their colors and height to prepare for the chillier weather. There was a slight breeze blowing by, and there was a peaceful serenity in the air that the King couldn't help but relax in. However, a glance at the path ahead left him frowning. There was a drawbridge in front of the road, and it seemed as if it was slowly starting to rise.

Alfred rolled his eyes slightly. He was right! HA! TAKE THAT ISABEL! He smirked when he heard Isabel curse under her breath. He bit his tongue to hold back his words.

Arthur was woken up quite rudely; he didn't remember much, such as where he was or how he had gotten there, but he was practically thrown into a rough material. "Fuck!" Disoriented, he looked around his surroundings.

It wasn't too hard to determine that he was in a carriage. The fabric and doors, as well as windows, he recognized. He stretched groggily and glared outside. He wondered how he had gotten in here, and who (it must have been Alfred, and he must have hurt himself in the process) but he wanted to know who allowed him to be in moving transportation without anything to stop him.

A soft knocking came. "Arthur? Are you up?"

The Queen let out an annoyed breath, and opened the door angrily. "Yes," he growled, rubbing his head where he had bonked it against the carriage. He first noticed that his 'husband' was missing his favorite jacket. "Where is your jacket?"

"Your horse ripped it..."

Arthur groaned and rubbed his eyes thoroughly. "I'm sorry, I apologize for her. She probably sniffed food. She can be such a glutton, sometimes."

Alfred grunted, "Took all my biscuits..."

Alfred," the Englishman chided. He presented a small smile, feeling his grumpy attitude lifted at the sight of his King in such a mood. "I tell you not to keep food in your pockets."

The King rolled his eyes, "But I get hungry easily! I hate bothering the servants if it for something as little as snacks!" He grumbled as he looked around.

"Don't be so grumpy." Arthur laughed quietly, taking the other's hand and rubbing it diligently. "You don't have the right person inside of you to be in a slump."

"Fine...but you are buying me a new jacket!"

"Of course, I will. As long as you can explain to me whot's going on here."

Alfred sighed. "We are waiting for the draw bridge to go back up."

Arthur scoffed, "And I assume that's why the carriage stopped, resulting in me smashing my head against the door?" He pointed at his right temple that was slightly red in comparison to the rest of his skin tone.

Alfred looked at the smaller's head. "Yes and ouch. You okay?"

"Of course. It's probably a small bruise or scratch."

Alfred nodded as he gazed at the area Arthur was pointed at, "Not bad at all. It is still red though, not black and blue yet."

"It hurts something terrible, though." The shaggy blond grimaced as he rubbed his forehead where he had been hit.

"Sorry," Alfred apologized as he held out his arm for Arthur to take.

"It's fine." The Queen stepped out of the carriage wearily, examining the area. "We do seem to be quite a bit away... Didn't you know of the drawbridge that was here?" He took Alfred's arm.

"I did," the King explained.

"How come no one listened?"

"Listen to what?" Alfred asked, hoping to get off of that subject.

Arthur sighed, "Listened to you. If you said you should wait, how come they didn't?"

"Isabel..."

The Queen rolled his eyes. "She's always stubborn, though."

"Like a certain Queen, I know."

Arthur scoffed before bursting out into laughter. "Oh yes, because I am completely stubborn!"

"You are though!" Alfred quipped back.

"When?!"

"You want a list? Alphabetical or chronological?"

"Chronological, thank you very much."

"Well, when I first met you, you attempted to force me to kiss your hand! A total stranger to me!" Alfred recalled from his first memory of meeting Arthur.

"Because it's gentlemanly, and I'm your Queen!" Arthur argued.

"You were someone I just met, I wasn't born into manners!"

"It doesn't have to be from manners, it's common sense!"

Alfred raised an eyebrow. "Really? Not to the common folks, to kiss someone like that is saying that you're courting that person."

"But it's your Queen! You should treat them with respect!"

"I was your King."

"You should have treated me a bit better." Arthur scowled, glaring off to the side. "I didn't feel very welcomed by you..."

"Me neither."

"Because you were first!"

"I guess..."

"Whot? That's it?"

Alfred nodded. He looked over at Arthur. "We both did something wrong to each other. It's in the past, and we cannot change what happened. We have moved on from that moment to a very good friendship."

Arthur was silent for a few minutes, seemingly in thought as he gazed into the forest, and then slowly nodded in agreement. "That's very true." He let out a sigh. "I'm sorry for being an arse to you."

The younger smiled, happy he was forgiven, "And I to you, Arthur."

"C-can, erm..." The emerald eyed man cleared his throat, sheepishly looking in the other direction.

Alfred let his arm fall and fully faced his husband. "Yes, Arthur? What is it?"

The Queen gulped, and stepped forward cautiously before wrapping his arms around the other, his cheeks glowing a bright red hue.

"A hug? That's all?"

"Shush, you, I'm apologizing."

Alfred eventually hugged back. "You're forgiven."

A small smile appeared on the shorter male's lips. "I'm glad."

"So, what do you want to do?"

"Stay here, sleep, and wait until we can get across the bridge."

"More sleeping? Well, okay..."

"You know that I will need more sleep Alfred. Food, drink, and sleep were the doctor's orders," reminded Arthur. The whole starvation things was taking on a greater toll on his body than he had expected. The Englishman didn't dare use magic in case he messed something up.

"I know, Arthur. May I stay with you?"

"Alright. That's good because you're so fucking warm."

Alfred wrapped his arms around Arthur's waist. "Let's just go to bed. Hmmm?"

Arthur yawned, nearly going limp at the touch. "Carry me?"

"No, you can walk, Arthur."

The Queen scoffed and jumped so that his legs wrapped around Alfred's hips, and his arms around his neck. "No, you can hold me."

Alfred snorted. "No, now get off."

Arthur huffed, latching on tighter. "Make me, Your Highness."

Alfred dropped his arms and started to walk toward the river. "Sure you want that?"

Almost instantly, Arthur panicked. "Fuck- gods, no, Alfred!"

"Fine, but you owe me," stated Alfred. "You owe me big time." He slowly made his way back toward the carriage, his arms under the smaller's thighs to carry him.

Arthur smirked. "Whot do you mean I owe you?"

"/I/ get to use you as a pillow!" Alfred stated happily.

"Is that all? I don't mind much, as long as it's just that."

A soldier opened the carriage door for them. Alfred stepped in and set Arthur on the bed. They both heard the door shut behind them as Alfred lay down next to his Queen. "What did you think I meant?"

"Honestly, I had thought you would've said something more disgusting or had me act as your personal maid for a day."

"Do I look like Francis?" Alfred asked slightly upset Arthur would think that. He was nothing like the King of Diamonds!

"Whot? Whot are you talking about?"

"Do I act like Francis?"

"No, of course not." Arthur looked confused. "Why would you ask that?"

"Then why would you say that?!" Alfred angrily questioned.

"Say whot?!"

"That I would make you do something like that!"

"I don't get whot you're trying t- oh, the maid thing?!"

"YES!"

The Queen hit his arm. "You git, I didn't mean like that! I meant as a personal servant!"

Alfred rubbed his arm. "Sorry, just go to bed."

Arthur let out a sigh. "Alfred..."

"Yes?

Emerald eyes looked up at blue before glaring away. "I'm...sorry..."

"Just go to sleep."

"...No."

Alfred flopped on the bed and opened one eye. "Why not?"

"Are you still pissed at me?"

Alfred thought about it. "Not really..."

"Then..." Arthur was silent before he moved to lay down beside Alfred. "I'll sleep beside you, I suppose."

Alfred rested his head on Arthur's chest. "Mmmm..."

"Something wrong?"

"Nothing really."

Arthur smirked with a chuckle. "Comfortable enough?"

"Yes, very."

The Queen smiled this time, eyes closing and hand running through Alfred's hair on instinct and dragging through it carefully. "Good..."

"Mmmm, night."

"Mhm..."

Alfred slowly slipped into sleep.

CC101- Amazingly, I typed up an extra 2,300 words to add to the original document for a grand total of 7,341 words in the twenty-fifth chapter! Anyways, thanks for all of your amazing support. Make sure to leave a review! Also, the next chapters are going to be rough with Alfred and Arthur's relationship. Things will seems happy but then change to wrong, terribly wrong, but as a reader you must push through the hardship to reach the happiness that is UsUk!

Reminder!

I have a new poll out so go and vote. ALSO, my rp partner LadyScarlettofSkaro will write a one-shot for my 200th reviewer!

Guest Messages:

(A requests for Guests to please give themselves a name, even it is just '4')

Dear Guests (both of you),

I hoped you like the next chapter! I have been working hard to write this chapter up as it is pivitol to the story. This shows the beginning of Alfred's change!

Love,

CC101