Numbers of his Life

Story by: VeNgEaNcEoFrAiN

Disclaimer: Hidekaz Himaruya owns every personified country as well as this Cardverse AU ideas, I merely exploit his ideas for my own personal uses muahahah! Everything else is purely fictional, any resemblance to other stories is purely coincidental – I don't really know if there's a similar story around but this idea just popped up in my head so I decided to write it (all I can say is great minds think alike). Some fundamental ideas like how the pocket watch chooses the royalty in Spades is kept in this story. I would like to credit the person coming up with the idea but I think it'd probably be hard to track who started it. If you think I violated copyright laws, erm, I can take it down if you send me a mail or review.

Summary: Time is what chooses the royalties of Spade and the same Time chose Arthur in the 21st century universe as Queen. Will this Prof survive in that universe? Cardverse!AU USUK and other possible pairings.

Author's note: Hello from another long M.I.A! I swear my school is murdering me. Four tests every week is not fun T_T. Special thanks to hexa, Sebastian's Servant Felicia and my awesome friend, OldNewLife for the reviews! Took me so so so long to write this... Anyway, enjoy part II of chapter 4! Until the next time, toodles!

Chapter 4: World of Four

Part II: Coronation Ceremony

The light drizzle outside began to stop. The grey clouds were shifting apart revealing a clear, blue sky. Bright beams of light found its way through and lit the once gloomy palace. Arthur gazed at the beautiful shade of blue – the same as the eyes of his soon-to-be spouse. It then reminded him of his jovial attitude, trademark grin. It honestly made him smile.

"Your Majesty?" The voice questioned once more. Light taps of mildly rhythmic footsteps sounded from behind the lady.

"We're here to escort you, Your Grace." A man fully clad in knight's armor from head to toe got down on one knee. The red feather sticking out of his helmet fell forward as the man bowed respectfully. The Brit clicked the boots of his heels, hands trying to free the long coat from getting entangled in the turn. "Please lead the way."

Each footstep closer to the ceremonial hall was a footstep closer to sinking into this world. Each footstep down the corridor was a footstep closer to Alfred and this upcoming war. Each breath he drew became longer to ease the jitters he was now facing. Each blink of his eyes made memories of his twenty three years of life flash across his mind and how he had to put them aside from now on. Each moment that passed dragged on for too long. Arthur gritted his teeth in frustration as his fists gripped tightly onto the sides of his pants. He was careful not to leave and creases on it though – a kingdom's dignity was at stake.

The trio consisting of the Captain of Royal Honour Knights, his lady-in-waiting and him came to a halt in front of the door while two neat lines of seven knights each, fully clad in their armors stationed a couple of feet away from them. The clicking, clanking of the armor and the uniform trot of the troupe during the walk got stuck inside Arthur's mind. The environment was quiet and calm but not his heart. A light tap landed on his shoulder. Arthur jumped a little before regaining his composure.

"Relax, Your Majesty." A genuine smile which radiated warmth formed on his usually strict royal attendee's face. A little crease formed between his eyebrows as he frowned at himself, disappointed at losing his usual equanimity. "You'd do great, Your Grace." A similar smile was mirrored on the visible half of the Knight's face. Encouragement and support felt immensely comforting to hear. All Arthur had heard through the month were whispers and rumors about him. At least now, he knew the two people constantly by his side, other than the King and Jack, were the ones he could rely on. He felt relieved. It was like someone lifted that huge weight which was crushing onto his chest. He took the hands of both of them and gave them a tiny squeeze. His lips then curled up naturally. His smile at that point was one of feeling moved and glad for their faith in him. That smile morphed into a brilliant grin.

"Thank you."

A heartfelt sentence that made both his trustees' heart clenched in response. The thoughts going through their minds at that point were "I'm glad that he's our Queen," coincidentally. Being a Kingdom with its name synonymous with War, Spades had always believed that peace could only be achieved from conflict – an abstract concept that many misinterpreted. The fourth King and fifth Queen were murdered through a dark conspiracy born from such a twist in belief. The Kingdom needed a legitimate reason for starting or participating in a war. Nobles, lords, anyone with dark, contorted intentions, would manipulate the ideals of the court and royalty into one that was pro-war. And when the Kingdoms were at war, people suffered tremendously on either side. Families, friends, everyone important to anyone were lost. Those wars bred vengeance and hatred, throwing the world of Trumps into an unavoidable and vicious cycle. A war to end war – it was exactly like the World War which he'd extensively studied. Arthur disliked the idea, however hopeful it sounded.

Soothing music started to seep through the thick oak doors. It was a cue for the blonde to get ready to walk in composed and elegant. The first pair from the Honour guards unit behind him got to their positions by the door. Their hands nestled on the rose-decorated, gold handles. Arthur took in a few deep breaths to recollect himself. He couldn't help but feel his fingers getting a little cold and his palm a tiny bit sweaty through his white gloves. This rush of adrenaline through his veins made him feel uneasy yet ecstatic. "Alright, calm down, Arthur. Just follow what was rehearsed, you can do it." He thought closing his eyes and giving small nods to reassure himself as he held the wedding bouquet received some moments earlier from his attendee.

Beams of light shone through the small gap as the doors clicked open. The intensity increased as the doors parted wider to a full open. The Queen-to-be opened his eyes to a gorgeous hall. Sunlight was piercing through the painted Cathedral windows. Soft tones and hues of different colours merged as the light hit the ground. Two neat rows of pews with synchronized decorations of fresh blue roses, white laces and silk ribbons marked the sapphire-carpeted aisle. Many heads turned as the guests rose from their seats with respect, showing the delight of his arrival. The attention of the entire hall was on him. Arthur kept a straight face. He had his eyes fixated at one spot – at the end of the brilliant aisle, in front of the Jack and the priest, stood the grinning idiot. It seemed to help him calm himself down. The sides of his lips tugged into a graceful smile. The captain marched sternly a few steps away from him while his royal assistant was pacing her steps in sync with the captain.

As soon as they reached the distance to do a bow and curtsey to their King and Jack, both of them stationed themselves there. Arthur could've sworn how tempted he was to give a loud huff of breath when he finally stood in front of the altar. Alfred took Arthur's hand into his and gave the latter a gentle squeeze, as though telling him he's doing great. The King leaned over and whispered in Arthur's ear, "You look beautiful." The Englishman felt heat rising on his cheeks and around his neck while he stared surprised at the blue-eyed man. "You daft." He blurted out softly as his gaze shifted to the side. Alfred suppressed a snigger forcibly. The head of the Kingdom shouldn't embarrass himself especially on such an important date! Both Alfred and Arthur's attention focused on the priest behind the altar as the Jack cleared his throat audibly.

"Dear noble guests, friends, family, we have all come together to witness King Alfred and Queen Arthur's wedding ceremony as well as crowning ceremony. In the Bible, Paul wrote about love in its own way in his 1st book of letters to Corinthians Chapter 13. It states that love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love hears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away." The priest paused for a moment before getting interrupted.

"For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So no faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." Their eyes met when the verse was voiced out by Alfred. It felt so natural. Alfred's mouth and voice moved on its own. He didn't mean to disrupt the priest's verse readings. Oh crap…

"Yes, Your Majesty. Before I carry on the ceremony, is there anyone who object to the merging of the lives of this young couple. If there is, please voice your objections out now." A few murmurs and whispers came from the audience as people looked around checking if there was anyone objecting at all. Both Arthur and Alfred had their jaws locked in a grit in this sheer wave of anxiety.

"Well then, we shall proceed on with the exchange of vows. Please repeat after me, Your Majesty. Today, I, Alfred F. Jones, join my life to yours, not merely as your husband, but as your friend, your lover, and your confidant. With you I will walk my path from this day forward." The priest read what was on the paper while trying to keep a straight face.

"I, Alfred F. Jones, join my life to yours, not merely as your husband, but as your friend, your lover, and your confidant. Let me be the shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the companion of your life. With you I will walk my path from this day forward. We shall stride towards a better future for the both of us and for the Kingdom. Let me be the only one to love and care for you forever." The owner of the voice held a lingering gaze at his spouse-to-be. Those mushy words sent chills down Arthur's spine while that immensely emotional stare made him feel rather unnerving though in a good way. The taller of the pair managed to sneak a few additional sentences into the vow and made it sound so cheesy. It was convincing enough for the guests of foreign Kingdoms to believe though, he thought.

"Please repeat after me, Your Grace. Alfred F. Jones, you have filled my world with meaning. You have made me so happy and more fulfilled as a person. Thank you for taking me as I am; loving me, and welcoming me into your heart. I promise to always love you, respect you as an individual, and to be faithful to you forever. Today I, Arthur Kirkland, choose you to be my life partner, and commit myself to you for the rest of my life."

"Alfred, you have filled my world with meaning. You have made me so happy and more fulfilled as a person. Thank you for taking me as I am; loving me, and welcoming me into your heart. I used to be afraid of falling in love, of giving my heart away. How could I trust anyone to love me, to give me all that I wanted to give to them. I gave up until I met you. I realized how much we could share together. You have renewed my life. I promise to always love you, respect you as an individual, and to be faithful to you forever. Today, I, Arthur Kirkland, choose you to be my life partner, and commit myself to you for the rest of my life. Today, I'll join that life with yours." Arthur did his own improvising. He did his part of the wordless pact in showing they were a loving couple. Feelings he had now was perhaps part of an illusion he was seeing.

"The wedding ring symbolizes unity, an unbroken circle of which this marriage shall proceed. These rings emphasize the undying flame of love both King Alfred and Queen Arthur share. Today marks the confirmation of their vows made towards each other and the beginning of the royal couple's reign in Spadian history. May the Lord bless these rings and this merry couple happiness and joy. Your Majesty, in placing this ring on His Grace's finger, please recite your pledge to him."

"Arthur, this ring I give you as my personal gift and promise of love, trust and pride that you are my husband, my better half, my entire world. We'll wear these rings and show them off proudly so the world will know that you're mine and mine only and vice versa." Alfred slipped the metallic band decorated with unique cuts of increasing carats of sapphire arranged into an elegant rose that wasn't too protruding out, into Arthur's slender finger. The ring was something small yet stylish, complimenting the Queen's grace and grandeur. Small creases form on the leather glove as the ring sits comfortably on the Queen's finger. A genuine smile remained on the Spade King's face.

"Your Grace, after placing the ring on His Majesty's finger, please state your pledge to him." The priest said.

"What have I to give you, Alfred? The promise to take you as my one and only love from this day forward, to stand by your side, to listen when you speak, to comfort you when you cry, and to join your laughter with my own. A promise to love you with all I've got; the promise of a lifetime. Now, take this ring, and be my husband." Arthur mirrored the smile, taking Alfred's hands into his. He slipped in the well designed ring with mild difficulty. It was somewhat stuck at the proximal inter-phalangeal joint of his finger. Both men were trying hard making the ring fit while at the same time doing all they can to avoid showing their difficulty. "Grr, your fat fingers are getting in the way at such a wrong time, Alfred." Arthur hissed in a capped voice.

"Excuse me? I'm not fat! I'm just nervous and muscular. My fingers just expanded, okay?" Alfred retorted, whispering. Sapphire gems decorated the King's ring in a similar fashion as the Queen's. The design was a little more elaborate to emphasize the magnificence of His Majesty. With one last push, the ring forcibly settled on the Spade's finger. Both of them let out a small huff of air simultaneously. A single drop of perspiration rolled down the side of Arthur's head from the anxiety induced by the ring fitting. That dreaded feeling of something disrupting the flow of a major event was horrible to anyone. But, thank goodness it was settled rather quickly.

"Until now, King Alfred and Queen Arthur have spent each moment of their lives as separate individuals. But, from this day on, and every day after shall be shared and spent as one. By the power enthroned in me, I now pronounce you husband and husband." The priest continued his part of the recitals with a little pause for breath. A musing smile took over his expressions. "You may kiss your groom."

"Crap…" Both men thought in unison.

This part of the ceremony was skipped most of the times during rehearsals. It had slipped off both men's minds until now. Green and blue eyes widened momentarily in disbelief of how forgetful (or stupid) they were while mentally condemning their souls for such a misdeed. Slender brows slid into a frown. A pair of lips parted slightly to mouth words that weren't forming. Both parties directed their attention towards each other, eyes shifting nervously and shyly. Arthur gripped a little tighter onto his silken and laced bouquet of blue roses for comfort. He could feel his heart pounding against his chest and feel the loud beats in his ears. He could only imagine the same for the person standing in front of him. He was sure Alfred was beginning to perspire from the strained atmosphere of anticipation.

He got snapped out of his thoughts when two warm pools of heat touched his arms. A slight pressure exerted from the grip showed how nerve-wrecked the other was in the advances made. The idiot King had his eyes squeezed shut as he tried to lean in. That ridiculous facial expression he was making made Arthur pissed. How wimpy can the man be at times like this? It wasn't like he was that bad to give a kiss to. Feeling rather annoyed by the slow motions and the awkward atmosphere, the blonde balled his fist into Alfred's cape. He made sure he grabbed a good deal of fabric before jerking the wheat-head forward to meet his lips. Arthur could feel his partner's eyes snapping open in shock as the grip on his arm loosened slightly. Surprising enough, Alfred's lips were firm and felt moist despite the chapped appearance. The Brit's eyes rolled behind his eyelids as he felt the pressure on his arms coming back on. A strong, unyielding return of the kiss was accompanied by wet flicks of the tongue across his lips, performing small timid requests of permission. Arthur kept his eyes half-lidded checking his King's expressions. The latter wore a more relaxed, and something akin to a satisfied look with eyes closed in delight. Arthur smiled into the kissed. He parted his lips slightly to grant access to the foreign wet muscle. He gave a low groan when he felt a tingling sensation from Alfred's touch – both down his back and across the roof of his mouth. He felt himself getting pressed against his newly proclaimed spouse after they broke for air. Both figures fell into a protracted daze. Their minds seem to go blank as they observed the other's features. Alfred brushed a few stray strands of hair out of Arthur's face before resting his palm on the other's head. The latter leaned in to the touch while keeping his eyes locked with blue ones.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you King Alfred Kirkland-Jones and Queen Arthur Kirkland-Jones." A round of applause echoed through the whole hall as guests, nobles, royalty stood and clapped with respect and congratulations to the new couple. There were some cheering going on from the royal knights in the back row. Arthur could recognize all of them that often practice Swordsmanship and close combats with him. Alfred just laughed at the noisy bunch when they were asked to tone down their efforts of congratulating their King and Queen. The applause died off only after a few minutes when the Jack gained attention from his audience.

"We shall now proceed to the official Coronation Ceremony of our Queen, Arthur Kirkland-Jones." Yao announced wearing a serious look on his nearly porcelain face. His outfit had a little Ancient Chinese flavor to it. He wore a midnight blue top robe that ran down to knee length with long and wide-wrist sleeves. White piping lined parallel to any edges found on the robe. A pair of Celeste silken pants-robe hid under the outer layer. The middle piece of the fabric sat perfectly in between the top side of his legs. It seemed like a motif that extended from the white belt region. The design was of Spade shapes, vines, and swirly lines in black against a silver background. Two long streamers of white belt band dangled from the butterfly knot tied in front of Yao's waist. Towards the ends of the streamers were Spade shaped gems fixed into place. It was synchronized with the ribbons that held his long hair neatly in place. The entire outfit looked like a Xuanduan – a formal robe that the Chinese used to wear at a Confucian ceremony, Arthur noted.

A group of people wheeled in a large clock with much effort. The hands of the clock were frozen in place even as it was transported closer to the three royalty of Spades. The Hour hand pointed to the the roman digit five, the Minute hand towards one and the Seconds hand to the nine. The giant clock looked like a priceless antique that ceased to function. The golden edges were smooth around the exterior, no scratches and apparently newly polished. Arthur could almost see his reflection on the transparent glass face of the object. A gold chain latched onto the adjustment knob at the top. After seeing how the servants spend every ounce of their energy in pushing this thing in, Arthur really didn't know how he'd receive this heirloom. That thing was so heavy even Alfred couldn't move it alone.

"The Hand of Time is the Heirloom of the Queen of Spades. It will be presented to the new Queen after his recognition by the royalty of other kingdoms as well as nobles of ours. Your Majesty, please begin your confirmation." Yao bowed and excused himself. The King trotted up the steps and held out his pocket watch high enough for everyone to see its hands. "I verify that the King's Pocket of Time has chosen Arthur to be Queen. My Queen, please touch your heirloom then carry it." Alfred said as he gestured Arthur towards the 'Hand'. Arthur reached out his shaky hand and stretched it closer to the surface of the clock. The moment the clock registered his touch, a white ripple spread throughout the object. Blue-ish hues of light began beaming up from the roman numbers and the centre of the clock. By instinct, Arthur retracted his hand protectively, shocked at what was going on. The hands of the clock began to spin wildly in circles with increasing speed and intensity. The light beams shooting out, converged and diverged several times before forming six figures up in air. The Spade King and Jack immediately recognized one of them: The previous Queen of Spades.

"Young lad, a warm welcome to you in joining the Queen's Lineage of Spades. You seem like a good bloke, keep up the good work." A rather deep voice sounded from the first figure. A mask hid his face and he was clad in a black cape. He was the first Queen of Spades, the Mystery Man as the first King referred him to. "I agree, he's a fine man indeed." The second figure chuckled softly as she moved her hands to conceal her laughter. She wore a blue silken gown and held a scepter on her right hand. She was the second Queen, a graceful and gentle person who took extreme care of her citizens. She lived a long age and remained Queen even after the third King took over. The third figure observed Arthur with a pair of menacing eyes. She stayed quiet for a while before finally voicing out, "Too scrawny, he seems weak." The short-haired girl did gain a glare from Arthur. That was when she changed her mind. "I do like that fierceness in his eyes." She smirked through that visible eye not covered by her fringe. She was covered in iron plated armor from the neck down. She died two years during her reign in the Great War while protecting her beloved Kingdom.

The fourth Queen had a fantastic grin plastered on her face. Her hair was tied back into a ponytail while having neat fringes that hanged down the sides of her face. "I like you! I can feel that you're a nice person. Treat your King well!" The bubbly female had her eyes curved in delight. Arthur noticed she had a small medieval harp hung around her left shoulder. The fifth lady dressed like a hunter. She was carrying an ornamented bow of her size and a sling-full of arrows behind her back. The leather on her was also casted with iron to strengthen its protective capabilities. "Young man, the only advice is to fight or die. Don't regret whatever you do." The last figure smiled warmly at the Brit. She looked serene in her azure gown. "I'm glad. I'm glad you're the one to inherit this position. Please take care of my son." The Englishman's eyes widened. That was his dead 'mother-in-law' floating in mid-air and talking to him. It felt a little weird and awkward. It wasn't that weird with the other dead Queens since he believed in spirits and the fact that this world had magic just meant anything was possible. Well, what he never thought was meeting Alfred's mother. "A fine and well-groomed lady," He thought. "It was a shame she died of an illness."

"The six of us acknowledge this free-spirited chap as the seventh Queen of Spades." The only male announced their decision. "Any objections would be denying the magic that governs our Kingdom."

"Now then, please 'clock' the Queen." With a whizz, the light-projected figures disappeared from their positions. The giant clock ceased its glowing and returned to its frozen state. The audience began to rattle with noises from the amazement. It wasn't an everyday sight to see dead Queens conversing with their citizens and current royalty of other kingdoms. It was a rumor that wasn't well received by other kingdoms or within Spades. Not many believed in the Queens' spirits being bound to the Heirloom after their death. Feeling this moment of truth was definitely a shock.

Arthur's gaze fell upon the chattering audience. His heart skipped a bit when he realized the numerous pairs of eyes seemingly mocking him. He started to get slightly jittery from the mild 'stage-fright'. Although he was a lecturing Professor back at home, he'd always had that feeling whenever he started to lecture. It'd go away once he was in familiar grounds in his field of research. His emerald eyes started to dart around his surroundings as his ears picked up every murmur and whisper. A little nudge from his side distracted him from his thoughts. "Arthur? You alright?" A worried look spread across the King's face. A shook of the head gestured that he was fine. Arthur stepped towards the giant clock, slowly and steadily. He took a deep breath before placing his hands on the object. His fingers curled against the underside while his thumbs pressed firmly on the surface.

A drop of sweat rolled down the side of his cheek as he mustered strength to lift the heirloom. It was surprisingly light. Arthur was rather shocked when the excess strength backfired a little on him, flipping the clock vertical from its original position. After pausing for a moment, he turned it to its face position to the audience. The new Queen then focused and channeled some of his magic into the clock through a tiny keyhole at its side. He and the item began to glow in a light blue hue while the hands on the latter spun in response. The hands darted about before coming to a fixed position in relation to the royal trio's location. The Hour hand pointed between four and five, the Minute hand towards six and the Seconds at eight. Arthur looked towards his king who gave him a small nod of affirmation. He went ahead to place the heirloom back on its original stand.

"You all bear witness to the magic that the very Kingdom works on. Arthur Kirkland-Jones, please kneel in recipient of your crown and the taking of The Oath." Alfred's voice projected across the hall while Arthur took his position. With a knee on the ground, Arthur focused on the wheat head. His left hand rested comfortably on his left knee, propped up in the kneel while his right fist pressed against the ground for support.

"Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the People of the Kingdom of Spaces and of your Possessions and other Territories to any of them belonging or pertaining, according to their respective laws and customs?"

"I solemnly promise to do so."

"Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?"

"I will."

"Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of the Kingdom and the true profession of magic? Will you to your utmost of your power maintain in the Kingdom the beliefs established by the People?"

"All this I promise to do. I will perform and keep. Please look after me, God."

A simple yet elegant silver crown adorned with brilliant sapphires sat on royal blue cushion. Yao presented the crown reverently to Alfred. The latter then lifted the crown and set it carefully on the Brit's head. The fur lining forming a band around the base of the crown tickled the roots of Arthur's blonde hairs. The sensation was rather uncomfortable and he wasn't supposed to show it. He wore a suppressed smile as he turned to face the crowd.

Alfred took his hand and interlaced their fingers. "I, King of the Kingdom of Spades hereby, present unto you, Arthur Kirkland-Jones, your undoubted Queen of the Kingdom of Spades. Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service, are you willing to do the same?" His voice made a little echo that seemed to bounce off the ceiling. An orchestrated response was heard accompanied by bows from countrymen. "Your Grace, we pledge loyalty to you. May your leadership bring Spades to new heights."

Arthur casted weary glances across the hall – Lords, nobles, knights, commoners, merchants, they all looked menacing and suspicious. It was as if they harboured ill thoughts of seize the throne for themselves. It wasn't exactly false since the other two monarchs had warned him about the conflicted politics between different factions. For the past month, leaders of various factions had tried a diverse pool of bribery which obviously didn't work. His brows furrowed a little into a frown while having the thought of governing such a divided country when war is looming. A squeeze was felt on his hands. Arthur looked towards the source. His King had a brilliant smile plastered to his face.

"You'll do fine."

He reciprocated the smile back before resting his hand on the other's arm. Both of them looked forward to bright future they envisioned for their kingdom and took their first steps together. Applauses loudly sounded on top of cheers. Flower petals were thrown in the air to congratulate the new couple as they leave the hall. Soothing music accompanied their slow steps out. They continued down the corridors and into the beautiful royal garden where a Spade tradition was carried out. Alfred and Arthur picked two roses from the garden and tied their stalks into a knot. It signifies their marriage and how their lives are inseparable from then on. The King then places the roses into the fountain to mark the end of the ceremony.

Footnote: I do apologise for being naggy and draggy and making the story go so so slow. I actually envision the story to develop quick but it seems otherwise as I write... I'd try to be less naggy in the future. :/ Wedding vows and stuff are adapted from these wonderful webpages: http:/ www. buzzle. com/ articles /wedding -ceremony -script .html and http: /www .my wedding vows .com /exchange -of -rings and Wikipedia xD.