A/N: Sorry for the long wait. Bad news: My laptop is dead so all of the future chapters after the Jade Palace arc are probably gone (unless I can find my lost USB drive hehe). Good news: I will find some... Oh wait! Hetalia Season 5. Yup, that's a good one. Enjoy and thank you all for reviewing and reading.

You may not remember from Chapter 1, but Emilie (Monaco) was mentioned. Sergei is back! Sorin is Romania and Fasciano is Seborga. Sorry for the JeannexFrance filler for all of those who do not support this pairing. Happy (Belated) New Year!

Prelude to the Jade Palace

The stars shone brighter as the sky got darker, and they continued to sit there - enjoying the stillness and the beauty of the night. To be honest, Alfred appreciated Arthur's attempts to cheer him up with his horribly unsympathetic jokes. They make him laugh even though it was out of character for his king. The dark gloom invading his mind slowly dissipated as Arthur was kind enough to stroke his head. His head laid down on Arthur's lap, but he did not protest.

Arthur, with bad timing as usual, broke the relaxed silence with his infinite curiosity.

"Marie?"

Alfred groaned. "Yes?"

"What do you really feel about your girlfriend and her marriage?"

Alfred snorted. "First thing about helping somebody to get better is to not remind them about their issues." Arthur grimaced, realizing his mistake. He did not continue further in fear of stepping in another landmine. To have a small skirmish with his wife in the middle of nowhere is the last thing he would like to do.

Alfred sighed heavily. "Besides, she wasn't mine to begin with." The waterworks were working in his eyes. "She must be happy," he tried to reassure himself. "That's right. She found someone she really loved dearly, and this was for the best." He coughed awkwardly and rubbed the corners of his eyes, faking them as a little dust in his eye.

Arthur finished Alfred's last thought. "And maybe it's time to let go." Alfred sat up. Even though Arthur cannot see his face very well, he might see his pleading, helpless face, and pity is not what he wants.

Arthur put down his input. "But every heartbroken person knows that that is easier said than done." Alfred chuckled a bit as the swelling pain subsided a bit more. Arthur was right. Only time can tell when it is time for the dreams to stop haunting him. "Thanks for listening, Arthur." He beamed a smile, which made the latter look away for it was to bright for him to handle. He muttered shyly, "No problem. Love."

A cool breeze blew past them as they continued to aimlessly stare off into the night sky. The view was certainly breathtaking, and the ground upon which they lay actually quite comfortable. It was nice. That is, until a particularly chilly gust of wind tousled their hair. It was starting to get colder as the sky grew darker.

Alfred shivered and tried to shelter his body from the cold, blistering air. "Geez, it's getting cold. Let's go back to the Lapiz Castle, shall we?"

"Yeah, you're right. Let's go." Arthur offered his hand to Alfred, who gladly accepted it with a surprised face. Then the sudden realization of their particular situation hit them like a bullet to the head.

"…Wait a second…"

"M-Marie we're on a bloody cliff!"

"OH MY GOD ARTHUR WE'RE ON A CLIFF!" spluttered Alfred in horror.

They circled in a panic around the platform. The analyzed and brainstormed a solution to their predicament, and even though it is considered lucky to survive and not fall to their impeding doom, they are still stuck on a cliff in the middle of January.

"DAMMIT MARIE! This is all YOUR fault!" yelled Arthur, pointing an accusing finger at Alfred. "This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't run away!"

"M-me?! What about YOU?!" proclaimed Alfred. "I told you to leave me alone, but NOOOOOOO you came running after me anyways!"

"…Well YOU shouldn't have been out walking in the rain all by yourself with that pitiful face of yours!"

"I was FINE, Arthur! If you had just listened to me when I told you to leave me alone, then we wouldn't be in this mess. Don't completely blame the situation on me. Take some responsibility!"

Arthur turned around and faced the face of the wall, massaging his temples. Their bickering will not save them from hypothermia and freezing to death; time is of the essence. If one of them has to be the mature one, it has to be him.

He turned around to apologize.

"Sorry." Both of them widened their eyes for they said the same word simultaneously.

They pouted.

Arthur crossed his arms and harrumphed. "Sorry if I felt sorry for you and felt committed to comfort an ill-minded person." He was cross. Very cross. Seriously, one minute they were relatively hospitable to each other and in the next blaming each other as if they were the bane of their existence.

Alfred tugged on Arthur's sleeve. "Good God, what now Marie?" he snapped. Alfred grinned and looked up at the sky again. "I think we found our hero."

"What are you babbling about now, woman?"

"I think Kiku has found us."

In the midst of this "rare and sweet" circumstance between a husband and wife (not), their most trusted friend, Kiku, appeared in their hour of need, ready to save them from their rather dire situation.

"Ah! Your highnesses! People were rooking for you. I was afraid that you were dead. Is the princess awright?"

"Yes Kiku, Marie is fine." Arthur answered.

"Ah, good!" Kiku disappeared from view for a second. "Here….grab the rope. I'rr purr you up, your majesties."

"Haha! Thanks Kiku, you're the best!" exclaimed Alfred in a cheerful glee.

"Honestly, just be quiet will you?" said Arthur in annoyance. Alfred stuck his tongue out in rebellion.

Thanks to the leverage he got from Kiku, Arthur climbed up back to the blades of grass tickling his fingers. Behind Kiku were three horses, and he patted the raven-haired man in respect. "You never cease to surprise me, Kiku." The man bowed. "It is my pleasure."

"Hello? Missing somebody?" Alfred called out.

Arthur cocked one eyebrow. "I thought you refused to go first even though I was so insistent." He did not stop the teasing. "What's the matter?" Alfred turned beet red as he struggled to climb up. "Chauvinist."

"Feminist." Arthur retorted.

However, as the king observed his wife climbing closer and closer to the edge of the cliff, it was quite apparent that Marie was missing an important component of her life: her glasses. He extended his hand to Alfred as he approached the last foot of the climb. This act was not one of victorious power but as a helping hand. Alfred blinked and gawked, but then voluntarily caught the warm hand in his, slightly grateful for the assistance.

Once he straightened his back and tattered dress, he sucked in a breath. It was night, and he was utterly and completely blind. He hesitated to step forward and tried to walk properly. As a man, he will not ask for help as if he was a handicap!

Arthur shook his head. He would laugh but that would only infuriate his wife. "Don't be so stubborn." Not wasting one second, his hand slid in Alfred's.

Alfred bowed his head, embarrassed. He lifted his head and flashed a cheeky grin in order to laugh it away. "I'm afraid I'm as blind as a bat."

Arthur countered and smirked, "You should read more animal books for there is a definite difference between your blindness and a bat's blindness."

Alfred shrugged. "I've already accepted my curse." Arthur hummed a bit until he finally got the guts to do the unexpected.

He squeezed his wife's hand and gently intertwined their fingers together in a secure hold. In his charming accent and voice, he offered, "Then please, allow me to be the one to guide you back home. After all, it would be bad if my princess was to fall off another cliff or trip over a tree root."

Alfred twitched his eye. "Disgusting."

"What?"

The blonde-haired, blue-eyed man criticized, "Do you treat everyone like that? The prince charming scenario is so not appealing for Kiku."

Kiku protested, "I rike it."

"See?" Arthur pointed out, "He likes it."

Alfred pushed his face away from his. "I prefer the mean, sarcastic one than the one I've seen not long ago." Arthur got closer just to annoy him with a weird smile on his face. "No Arthur." His cheek pressed onto his and now he's making tattling noises. "Nooooo. Stoooop."

"Alright, alright. I'll stop. For now."

"Your highness," Kiku closed his eyes in a happy trance, "Your behavor right now is foony."

Arthur lightly punched Kiku's shoulder. "Is that bad?

"No."

Alfred returned the squeeze to Arthur and whispered thanks.

Arthur nodded lamely. "Stay close and don't go away from my line of sight." Alfred moved his head up and down as he listened to the verbose instructions of his guide and for today, the lighthouse of his storm.

This is not a happy marriage, Arthur thought, but at least we are pursuing it.

Right?

Sergei clicked his tongue in disapproval as he applied ointment onto Alfred's scratched face. He squinted his eyes in concentration. The battered boy's injuries stung as he rubbed his fingers along a cut, but Alfred paid no heed to it. He rocked his head in contentment because he was blessed enough to see his previous servant once more.

Sergei was done with the treatment, so he waved the boy away. He did not question Alfred's reddish eyes. The boy, in turn, remained fixed on his seat on the mattress.

He whined. "Sergei, I thought we were friends."

Sergei promised to be quiet. Arthur could be lurking in the shadows, listening to his words, meaning Alfred could make a misstep and endanger his life. "Marie, go on ahead and eat dinner. We'll catch up on matters later." Catching the hint, Alfred frowned and hopped off the mattress and opened the door. However, a figure swiftly appeared out of nowhere from above and suspended himself upside down from the door frame.

"Boo!"

"OH MY FUCKING GOD!"

"HEHEHE! Well, I didn't scare Sergei, but at least I got to scare someone."

A man with shaggy strawberry blonde hair, red eyes and fangs gave the frightened princess a toothy grin. But his grin disappeared when the hysteric princess resorted to ripping the mattress from its bed frame and swung it in full force at the man. It smacked him with impact, sending the vampiric man flying. He collided into the opposite wall and groaned.

"Sorin!" cried Sergei. He lightly shook the man in an effort to help him regain consciousness, but the one named Sorin was hopelessly knocked out cold. He looked at Alfred. "Did you always have this much strength?"

Alfred paled. He knelt down in a hurry. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Sorin groaned. "Oh my God, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." He fanned his face; his voice reaching a screech. "I'm so sorry."

"You knocked him out cold princess." Sergei stated, half-impressed, half-mortified. "Honestly, it was a silly prank. Did the mattress deserve such an ill-fated end?"

"Oh gosh. I'm so sorry."

Sergei laughed lightly - like the jingle of bells. "Do not worry. He'll live." He carried Sorin by the shoulders and let him slump on a nearby chair. "Gave me a fright, I'll give you that," he praised to the sleeping vampire-like man, "But I bet this wasn't what you had in mind." He had to withhold his laughter on that one.

"What's the ruckus?"

Emilie Bonnefoy, the Queen of the Lapiz Kingdom, approached the odd group in front of her, which consisted an unconscious nurse, a servant, and her little "sister". She fully understood the present situation. She lowered the her umbrella, which had the imprinted jewels of each kingdom: the Lapis Lazuli, the ruby, the emerald, and the jade.

Emilie was a woman who, unlike her younger brother, did not like getting a lot of attention and publicity. Even though, at least from the outside looking in, she seemed very innocent and tranquil, she actually had a dark side. You see, she was more like a behind-the-scenes-ringleader. In truth, she was in charge of the famous and "secret" underground casino district called Las Vegas. She was the one who pulled the strings behind this mysterious and intriguing black market. In this underground world, she is most recognized for her outward veneer and that infamous poker face of hers. What's more, she had a bit of a problem, an addiction you might say. Emilie was, unfortunately, a gambling addict. To make matters worse, not only did she run the underground casino district, but she was also, ironically, its best customer. Francis didn't seem to mind though, just as long as she didn't involve herself in any major political events.

Emilie's hard face and indifferent eyes softened when she saw Alfred. She embraced him regardless whether he was her "sibling" or not. "How many months has it been?" She rubbed circles on his back. Whenever she sees her real sister's face, golden and more beautiful than ever, she remembers this man's face, the one who sacrificed his life for her sister's happiness.

She saw the glaring red of his eyes. "Fasciano Biancheri!" she shouted out. An adult man with fair complexion rushed over to his queen. He took out a handkerchief and dabbed the sweat. He had copper hair and was wearing a casual white suit.

"Yes my fair lady?"

"Fetch my dear sister a wet towel for her eyes."

Her consort, so ready to please in two ways, quickly ran away to find a meandering maid.

Emilie escorted Alfred to the mattress and gently pushed him down. "Rest, my dear. You were busy. I can tell."

"Thank you, Sister Emilie."

"I am honored to be called that by you, Alfred."

Fasciano returned with the required towel, and as a return he got a kiss on his cheek, which was visible by the bold magenta of Emilie's lipstick. She instructed Alfred to close his eyes, which he did, and she covered them with the wet towel.

"This will help your eyes."

"Thank you."

"Do not thank me yet Alfred."

"Huh?"

"Be cautious of that raven-haired man who is beside you."

"How do you know Kiku?"

"I have my connections. You know I do." She toyed with Alfred's blonde bangs.

Alfred can envision her mysterious smile, that infuriating smile with all the answers to all the secrets. "Why should I be careful?"

"Because his ghosts are coming back to haunt him and I don't want you to get caught in the crossfire."

Alfred heard footsteps walking away from him, and then he heard new ones.

"Hey bro."

"Mattie!"

"Dang it. I knew you would recognize me."

"Are you lovin' it?"

"Sitting on my ass and drinking maple syrup all day? Of course." He ruffled his younger brother's hair.

"You look roughed up. Went hiking?" Matthew asked.

"Nah."

"Marriage problems?"

"Major marriage problems."

"Want to file a divorce?"

The two laughed as if they were never separated from the first place.

"I missed you so much, dude."

"Kumajiro misses you, too."

"Still ninja in the castle?"

"Where do you think the chef's famous flans run off to?"

They fist bumped. "I wish I can see you, but I'm not in good shape."

"Neither am I."

"Why?"

Alfred felt a tear drop on his cheek. He heard a hiccup.

Matthew's voice quavered. "Like I said, Kumajiro misses you, too."

"Francis? Where are you taking me?"

Marie's fiancé had her eyelids covered with both of his hands, adding a hint of fun and mystery to their nightly adventure. "You'll see mon beau tresor." said Francis as he gently guided Marie around the moonlit hallway. Neither said another word, until Francis stopped and lightly tapped a wooden door with one free knuckle. Marie frowned in frustration; the secrecy of this outing was making her a little bit unhappy. She did not like not knowing where she was going. Then she suddenly felt Francis's breath was next to the lobe of her ear.

In a sweet and tender voice, Francis breathed out, "Joyeux Anniversaire. Un anniversaire est juste le premier jour d'un voyage au soleil de 365 jours. Passe un merveilleux voyage (A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.)"
Marie felt her throat chock with emotion. He had always done this. No matter what, even during the war, Francis would somehow find a cheesy quote during her birthday and bake her one of his specialty cakes just for her. He then lifted his hands and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. Marie opened her eyes and blinked to adjust her eyes to the fluorescent light and saw Alfred standing at the center, wearing a spiffy suit with a bow tie and all. She blushed at his dashing presentation. Alfred began to walk closer to the pair and rapidly squeaked out a "Joyeux Anniversaire". Matthew couldn't make it because the medicine tonight was too strong for him, so he had to rest.

"Merci…Alfred," said Maire, as she gave Alfred a loving, tight embrace.

"Oh?" Francis sang in a sing-song voice. He place his hand on his chest. "But what about moi?"

"Merci, Francis!" Marie than grabbed Francis and pulled him into a group hug. The room in which they were in was not a very glamorous room. Plain, and simple with only the bare essentials. There was a table with a chocolate cake was on top, and a couple of presents. Francis enclosed his hand on a dainty box behind the chocolate cake and encouraged her to open the present. Her mouth was shaped like an "o", and her heart was overcome with warmth. She gasped as she opened the box and saw the beautiful ribbon inside, stitched and patterned in blue, white, and red stripes. Francis chuckled, saying that he knew she would like it. He took out the ribbon and fixed her shirt collar as he tied the present into a fanciful knot. She was getting emotional. "I-I- I don't know what to say… It's beautiful Francis…T-T-Thank you too, Alfred. I don't understand…"

Alfred said, "It's your birthday Marie. Not mine's. Too bad we can't do it on your actual birthday, since the kingdom will be celebrating 'my' birthday."

"Oh…boys!" she said in an airy sigh. Marie expressed her gratitude to the two men with a kiss on the cheek. The small birthday party celebration continued into the night as the trio consumed the chocolate cake, gossiped and exchanged good, old jokes in a merry circle.

In due time, Arthur had to eventually depart from the Lapiz Kingdom after a few days of partying and had to sail across the Eastern hemisphere to the Jade Palace. Even his line of bodyguards readied themselves as they patiently waited for Arthur's departure tomorrow. Only, it was unfortunate that his good friend Kiku would not be able to accompany him on his journey. Arthur had managed to swiftly pack everything that he needed or had to bring on his journey, within the contents of a few vintage suitcases. It wasn't long before his luggage was finally done and ready for their morning departure the next day. As he closed the latch of his last suitcase, his fairies flew into view as they courtly gave their adieus.

"Have a safe trip, Arthur!"

"Be safe. "

"Yes, and try not to get too upset with the Jade Emperor."

Arthur thanked them for their visit and told them that he would keep their advice in mind. They bid their last farewells, leaving Arthur alone with his thoughts for a while. Truthfully, Arthur was really glad to be leaving Lapiz Kingdom. His stay at the Lapiz Kingdom brought back remorseful memories from the past, but during his entire stay, he and Francis did not have a single encounter where they had pointed their guns at each other. It was a miraculous feat, and he could now boast this to both Roderich and Elizabeta, who would undoubtedly be very proud of him. So, in a way, Arthur supposed that his stay at the Castle had not been a complete let down. Yet, he did not want to stay longer than he needed to in this wretched place. He shook his head, trying to forget the terrible memories. His thoughts then floated back to Marie; she had acted strange.
For someone who had a birthday bonanza, Marie's frown was impeccably illustrating her dissatisfaction with the birthday bash that was specially set up by her kingdom. All she did throughout the entire event was to politely sit silently in her fancy chair, watching others enjoy themselves and only smiled when she had to. To him, it was unfair for Marie to idly stand in the sidelines. He had actually had a good time at the party. Food was excellent, music was pleasurable and the company was…tolerable, though the hefty amount of alcohol did help lighten his mood. He did feel rather guilty seeing her unhappy face from across the room as he enjoyed himself in her place. He felt that he had to apologize to her that night of the party three days ago, but Marie was indifferent and merely kissed the man's forehead to shut him up. If that wasn't strange, then nothing is.

However, if she wanted him to forget about the birthday issue, then he would do so.

"You're leaving tomorrow." Arthur didn't hear his wife enter the room and was taken by surprise.

"M-Marie! I... errr, didn't hear you."

Alfred smiled. "Glad to hear that my stealth skills have been improving. Kiku would have been proud." He looked at the packed suitcases. "I should have knocked." He knelt down to pick up a black tie Arthur missed on the ground.

"Yes," Arthur accepted the tie and fashioned it around his collar, "I must speak to Emperor Wang Yao."

"Nice."

"Indeed."

"Will it be a long trip?"

"Very."

"Then, should we go to sleep early? That way you can get an early head start tomorrow?"

"Sounds like a good idea to me, Marie."

"Alrighty then."

It's not a perfect marriage, but at least we are trying, said Alfred to himself. "Do you want to use the bathroom first, or me?"

Arthur, being the gentleman that he is, told his wife to go first and she, or rather he, did just that. They got ready for bed and entered the same bed together. Tonight, however, things were a little different. Instead of sleeping facing away from each other, Alfred turned over and face Arthur's side of the bed. "Arthur?" he asked attentively in a hushed voice.

"What is it, Marie?"

"Based on CQ Researcher, about 30% our Lapiz ships never return due to natural causes, pirating, and unknown disasters."

Arthur's voice was laced with sarcasm. "That's nice to know."

"As a captain of the ship, you have the highest chance of being killed if you were invaded."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "You learn something new everyday."

"And did you know-"

"Marie!" Arthur hushed Alfred with a finger to his rosy lips. "Quiet."

"But-"

"I get it. Don't worry. Your husband is a careful man. Now shut up and let us sleep like we originally intended to."

They fell asleep that night facing each other.

Alfred was not an early bird, so after he woke up to the swallowing darkness, he was surprised to see his alarm clock. It sat on the nightstand, just a little bit out of his peripheral vision, and it read six o' clock in the morning. Alfred blinked for a few minutes before conjuring the willpower to sit up and stretch his entire body length. He groggily tried to keep his eyes open, but was unsuccessful. After all, it was 6 o'clock in the morning and so he plumped back into the reclining bed after failing miserably to stay awake. The young man rolled around to cover his face with the pillow, groaning. He was super tired; it was way too early to be getting up, but his stomach begged to differ. The twinges and twitches of his tummy told him that it was time to eat. Alfred sighed in sadness. He had two chooses: one, he could roll out of bed and crawl to a maid for breakfast or two, he could lull himself back to sleep by counting sheep. He was in deep contemplation until his tummy roared viciously.

Number one it is then, Alfred groaned to himself. Sometimes a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.

He smiled happily as he headed towards the curtains to pull them away in order to see the shining morning sun. He glanced around the grounds of the Lapiz Castle, admiring his homeland. The young man then looked to the east and saw the brilliant, flying white sails of the ship that Arthur would be taking on his journey to the Jade Palace. Speaking of Arthur, despite Alfred's early awakening, Arthur was not in bed. It was not yet time for Arthur's departure, so Alfred inferred that the workaholic bloke had woken up extra early to go off somewhere to take a short jog. Alfred knew that he would be back to take a shower before he officially left.
The seagulls outside squawked merrily outside, enjoying the morning ocean breeze that allowed them to gently glide in the air. They flew high but almost seemed to perfectly blend in with the environment at the docks and the ocean. The sight was amazing. The boy couldn't remember the last time he had been to the ocean; if he were to guess, then it had to have been sometime during the month right before Matthew got ill. Alfred stared off into the far-off distance, but suddenly stomped away from the window and mumbled to himself, "Stupid Arthur. I want to go on a voyage, too."

The boy was willing to endure Kiku's one hundred lashes or swallow another bowl of Arthur's rancorous dishes to taste an inkling of the freedom and adventure that Arthur was about to have. Alfred's situation sucked, because being a princess is not really much fun. All he is expected to do is to quietly sit next to a window like some damsel in distress while various suitors come to woo her…or umm, him. Either way, it was downright boring.
Alfred is not like that. He wants to be an equal to Arthur, a human being that has its worth than following the caste system of society. Despite the extra training he has, Kiku was a very busy man who could only train Alfred when he's not gravely wounded or in the hospital, which happened many times thanks to the insurgents nearing the border between the Lapiz and the Emerald Kingdom. Peace has yet to be seen after the two years.

Alfred, getting incredibly bored and desperately wanting to find a distraction from his sad life, turned and walked towards the door. Maybe he could have a nice breakfast with Francis and Marie in their room, and take like they did a few nights ago. That was fun. But then the doorknob began to turn on its own. Alfred, who had recently became very suspicious of people who lurked behind closed doors (all thanks to that particular incident with Sorin), jumped back and positioned himself next to the doorway in a such a way where he could easily defend himself. The door opened and Alfred fiercely kicked at whoever was on the other side. Arthur, sweaty and cerise, dodged the raging foot.

"Blimey! Watch that foot, mind you?!" Arthur irritably slapped Alfred's foot down.

"Sorry Arthur, I thought you were a ghost opening the door for a second." Alfred smiled apologetically.

Arthur scoffed at his wife's comment, for he refuses to believe such things as specters. Instead, he urged the princess to sit on the bed and wait for him while he spruces himself.

"I'll take a shower first, and then we can talk, alright?"

"But I was about to go have breakfast!" whined Alfred.

"Wait! Eat that apple that I brought back for you." said Arthur with a voice that was more fierce than he had intended to use.

Alfred shrugged, guessing that since he now had something to munch on wouldn't be so bad. He sat crisscrossed on top of the bed as he dutifully ate the apple. Alfred figured that he might as well allow Arthur to entertain him for whatever reason. After hearing the squeaky knobs from the shower being turned off and the sound of the running water diminished, Arthur, wet hair and wearing nothing but a robe that was parted in a way that displayed a generous amount of his chest, walked casually to the bed and sat next to his wife as he dried his hair. After a few quick ruffles, Arthur smiled slyly as he began to speak.

"You know, Marie. You are an odd one."

"Oh boy, not this again!" thought Alfred. He frowned as he gibed, "I have heard."

"Honestly, I find it very strange." he paused his drying session to look right into Alfred's eyes.

This, however, only made Alfred deepen his frown. "My reasoning for finding you to be so odd…", once again Arthur paused for dramatic effect, though this time his eyes took a more seductive stare. "…is because you are not gawking at my bare chest. At time like this, it would only be natural for a woman like you to be beside herself after seeing such a…how do I put it? A normal woman would be absolutely lascivious after seeing such an alluring and arousing specimen like myself. Wouldn't you agree…princess?"

Alfred face-palmed. "I will not even give you a once-over. My king, you are simply hallucinating and narcissistic. Also for your information, I have seen enough chests for a lifetime."

"Actually Arthur, I have seen enough chests for a lifetime." Myself included. "So seeing them bores me. In fact, they have no effect on me."Unless you're a woman with big boobs.

"I see," said Arthur. His face clearly showed disappointment. He was hoping that Marie would blush a ridiculous shade of crimson and then die of embarrassment as she like a silly little schoolgirl. Seeing her squirm in embarrassment would have been quiet satisfying.

Almost done with drying his unkempt, uncombed hair, Arthur stood once again and walked over to one of the drawers. He pulled out a small, tiny jewelry box and threw it to Alfred, not looking at his princess for a second to see the reaction.

"Arthur," Alfred said warily, "What is this?"

"Can't you tell? It is a jewelry box." he said off-handedly.
"Of course I can see that." Alfred flipped the top open. "But why is there a ring there?"

"A husband gives his wife a ring when they marry, right? And you never had one, now that I think of it. So I figured you should have one, since you are my wife and all." Arthur reasoned.

"Lies!" Alfred exclaimed, "That was SO half-assed!"

"Watch your language. I would sincerely regret it if you were to transformed into an uncultured, foul-moth dimwit like Lovino."

"Hey! That's mean!"

"I thought you would have learned by now that I say things like that. My, are you slow."

He growled and tossed the jewelry box back to the green-eyed man.

"I don't need it."

"Why not?"

"First of all, I easily lose small trinkets like those."

Arthur was about to utter that a princess should not lose things, especially if they were small, irreplaceable ones, but Alfred continued on with his list of reasons.

"Second, I bet you bought me this because you pity me. I don't need that. Also, even if it was for some other reason other than our marriage, I think it is too late for me to accept such a materialistic object from you. I'm not one of your past chambermaids who you could just buy and do as you please!"

Alfred bit his lip in anger and refused to look into those green, judgmental eyes of Arthur. He was really pissed now. He was practically shaking in fury. "There is another reason, isn't it?" whispered Arthur in a cold, harsh tone. Alfred hit the final blow.

"You don't love me."

Arthur didn't even hesitate to reply.

"You are right. I don't."

"So why would you-"

"That's because this is merely protocol! Obligatory, practical and procedural! A ring is something that a husband is duty-bound to give his wife as a sign of marriage, correct? Rejecting such a thing should not be an option…but I can see your point. Even though this would normally be a private, personal matter, there is absolutely no purpose or motive for me to give you this ring. Nor would there be any kind benefit for me. I just happened to buy it, and I just happened to give it to you because the right timing happened to suit me. Though, I have not considered your feelings just like how you were saying now. For that, I am sorry. I am sorry you are not satisfied with the circumstances…but I will not take no for an answer!"

He got up to leave and left the ring on the edge of the bed. Before he closed the door, Arthur reminded Marie, "Remember to call that Antonio and Lovino so that they may dress and garnish you and take you downstairs to eat your breakfast." He then stared down his princess with that all-too-familiar natural straight, emotionless face of his. "I will leave in four hours."

There he goes again, Alfred thought sensitively, with his unexpected personality change.

The door was about to be shut but then Alfred spurted out, "Can I write you letters?" The door stopped abruptly, and Alfred clamped his mouth shock. That was a bad idea. No way would he accept-

It was a small whisper, so small that Alfred could have mistaken it as a breeze but he didn't.

"Yes. You may."

Then the door shut closed. Arthur left the room, rubbing his matching ring finger nervously while Alfred screamed into the pillow, spraying colorful language about his life, which is a total never-ending Shakespearean tragedy.

At that moment, his pillow was his absolute BEST friend.