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.
Author's Note: I'd like to thank this person ScreamingInSilence for pointing out a mistake in my last chapter and her wonderful review! It brings me great joy to know people enjoy my story! The Dimensions thing about Spades lands and stuff branched out from the fact that I wanted a division for the lands in Spades. It was originally District but I changed it to Dimensions to add to the time/space division and the magical field to the Kingdom.
Sorry if I'm draggy but I like details and stuff so forgive me ; Well and of course all the other reviewers for taking time to write one! I hope you'd enjoy this chapter!
Part IV: The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend
"How are you doing, Arthur?"
"It's tiring though somewhat enjoyable. I'd say it's better than the strict routine for the past month." He made a bow towards his King. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Spades, I'm Arthur Kirkland-Jones, Queen of Spades."
A couple of hearty laughs echoed the empty hallway meant that he caught Arthur's half-hearted joke. Arthur couldn't help but smile at the situation. Both of them were trying to lift their spirits up for the long night ahead. Both were trying all they can to enjoy themselves for after tonight, the war politics would kick in. They'd be immersed into a world of bloodshed where pavements dye scarlet red from all the blood that was spilled.
"Hmm, we shall inject some enjoyment. Well then, may I have this dance then, my Queen?"
A hand stretched out in invitation while eyes connected in a fixated gaze. Arthur's lips curled into a smile. "It's worth dying for, my King." The soft music picked up in its amplitude and rhythm. Spotlights concentrated in the middle of the dance floor as the couple took their first steps towards it. Hand-in-hand, the couple walked down the stairs leading to the main room of the dance hall.
"Let's put our hands together for the first dance of the night by none other than the King and Queen of Spades!"
Enthusiastic applause echoed through the air. It definitely lifted some of the dreadfully serious atmosphere of earlier diplomatic exchanges between high-rank officials of all four Kingdoms. The couple ought to thank their people for that. How hyped up they were when they first found Arthur and the news of their new Queen. A royal position can never be empty for too long or any Kingdom would fall apart internally. Everyone was skeptical of the young King and the old Jack administration and predicted Spades to fall in less than a month. Miraculously, the pair managed to keep it up for half a year while searching for the 'long lost' – Arthur might add – Queen of the Kingdom. It was thought that a weak interior was what led Hearts want a war to claim Spades under its flag and greatly reduce its power and influence.
Arthur felt a squeeze on his hand by another. "You're dazing, Arthur. What's wrong? Tired?" The Spade King asked earnestly. "No, I'm alright. Thank you for your concern. Shall we begin?" A brilliant smile response was what he'd gotten. A bow followed by a curtsy. Hand on waist, hand on shoulder, hand in hand, chest to chest, they positioned themselves gracefully for the first step of the waltz. But the first step was never taken. Several loud shrieks pierced the air from behind Arthur. All the attention shifted to the lone dark figure standing in the limelight. Arthur looked to that direction. A pair of dark eyes glinted at him and a faint smirk formed on the figure's face. Brows crossed in the middle across both the King and Queen's faces. They'd never had this planned in tonight's programme. The uninvited guest raised his arm and pointed to the new Queen before breaking into a laughing fit. The laughter echoed through the halls ignoring any comments or verbal attempts of making it stop. But when it did stop, the figure bolted towards the Englishman with a clawed hand. Everything happened in a flash. All the guards of the night fell defeated and sprawled all over the floor and all Arthur could feel was getting yanked back, hitting the ground while his King jumped right in front of him fighting off the assailant.
"Get back, Arthur!"
His husband shouted while shoving the opponent off of him. Arthur snapped out of his initial shock, recollected his thoughts and managed to dodge the dagger thrown at him.
"Buy me some time, love." He said while doing a side-flip followed by a somersault to evade more daggers. He regained his footing in a relatively safer spot behind a beacon and began murmuring words to a spell. Bright specks of magic surrounded the trio, effectively creating a barrier from the rest that were present. The Jack was nearly bolting out of his seat at the table. But he was stopped midway when the King of Clubs grabbed his arm, smiled at him and shook his head slowly. Yao frowned before retaking his seat and looking on with worry written all over his face.
"How much more time do you need? I need a little hel-" Alfred blurted while countering those lightning fast claws. He was light on his feet, making the footwork look like a dance. "Oof, now would be a good time sweet heart!" Vines sprouted from the floor beneath, grasping at the assailant's legs and eventually its entire body. The figure flailed his clawed hand in attempt to break free. Yet the more he struggled, the tighter the translucent vines held. All three of the Spade royal assembly knew that no one would let the matter rest if they found out how easy it was for the assassin to infiltrate the palace. They needed a plan. With a mutter of a few more words to a spell, leaves started to sprout and flowers started to bloom on the vines. A familiar fragrance of their trademark flowers filled the hall. Arthur nodded to his King.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Nobles, Royalty. I hope you've enjoyed our small and unique surprise. We don't mean to startle you but as a Kingdom of novelty, we thought of showing something slightly different. The talent of our new Queen that is; and the partnership between our King and Queen." Yao stood up and announced. A white lie couldn't kill, right…? Surprisingly, the little 'feat' earned numerous praises and a rounding applause. Arthur gave bows to his audiences and the brilliant smile he was wearing charmed many. Alfred mirrored his actions, adding flying kisses in random directions. The now inanimate figure entwined by flowering vines became the new ornament in the middle of dance floor.
"We thank you all for the attention, the floor is now open to everyone. Do join in." The couple excused themselves before hurrying off gracefully to their Jack who already stood at a corner far from the main crowd.
"What was that? I don't recall it being in the programmes for tonight." Arthur whispered.
"Well, obviously it isn't part of the programme. He was out to kill you, aru." The raven head pointed at Arthur. "It's clear someone wants you dead." Arthur gulped. All his life he's been in the comfort of safety. He had never come any closer to a life threatening situation. And after being the Queen, he felt, first times weren't rare anymore.
"Yao, that thing isn't human. It's like a humanoid marionette, I'm sure someone has been controlling it till Arty's vines sucked the energy outta it. The manipulator shouldn't be too far away though." Alfred paused before his expressions turned into shock. "Marionettes are the favourite plaything of the King of Diamonds, isn't it…?
"No no, Alfred. Francis is on our side. Remember he supported your coronation and helped with your reign in these years. He can't be the one." The Jack was quick to rebut.
"Or maybe he is. Maybe he was eyeing our lands and in cahoots with Hearts. You'd never know."
There was a pregnant pause. All three of them looked at each other awkwardly, unable to explain the current situation.
"Argh, whatever it is, its aim is to sow discord amongst the Kingdoms, especially between Spades and Diamonds – to make us lose our ally. There are higher possibilities Hearts is involved in this. We need to check the guest list. Any name with association to any manipulator would be our prime suspect. And we should step up security." Arthur stated. He seemed calm as if he wasn't the target of the assault. Even if the fear of dying were overwhelming, the need to stay collected greatly overshadowed them. The other two present nodded and began dispatching knights off investigating the incident.
"They're after me. All the more I have to stay calm." When the realization sank in, Arthur's shoulders visibly tensed.
A hand grabbed his shoulder and pulled him into a hug. The response Alfred received was a slight jolt of shock. "Don't worry. I'm here. I fended that thing off didn't I?" The warmth seeped through into his clothes. It was soothing and much welcomed. He pulled away and locked eyes with Alfred. The serious face his King was making just made him smile. It's rare but certainly relieving for Arthur. "I know." He chuckled. "Hey now, what're you laughing at? I was worried, alright? And I thought you were scared, geez." The pseudo-American pouted.
"An act? Who am I kidding? It must be an act." Arthur thought. He shook off the thought and put on a smile. "Well, look at me. I'm fine, aren't I? We should be entertaining our guests, shouldn't we?" He led his King to the table where all the royalty of different Kingdoms sat.
"Magnifique! That was a good performance, mon cher!"
"I'd expect no less from the Kingdom of Spades."
"It was a splendid performance, indeed."
The responses from the three Kings at the table seemed normal. None of them seemed suspicious except the King of Clubs who was always mysterious and sneaky – in Alfred's words.
"I propose a toast to the new couple of Spades. To them, a life of happiness." The Clubs King paused staring straight at them with a slight smirk. "And of course, hope of a bright future. Cheers." The mocking stare made Alfred's cheek twitch. The blessings were dripping with sarcasm. So much, Arthur swore he would've pinpointed him as the mastermind if he weren't on neutral terms with the man. The royal couple then drank the liquor in their glasses. It wasn't the first time Arthur tasted the specialty wine of Dimension Three. But boy, was it ever so strong. He held his hand over his mouth to prevent spitting the remainder back out. He choked on the cooling and burning sensation down his throat and coughed violently into a napkin. "Arthur, what's wrong? Are you ok?" The wheat-head expressed his worry while rubbing soothing circles on the other's back.
"I-ack, I'm fine, love. Nothing to worry about." He tried hard suppressing the coughs.
"I apologise for my Queen, he's still not used to this wine." Alfred offered his silken handkerchief to Arthur.
"I recommend some Club honey with the wine, makes the flavor richer and sweeter. It'd be less dry to swallow." The hazel haired Queen spoke with a gentle smile. "I'll take that into consideration, thank you Queen Elizaveta." He reciprocated the smile keeping his coughs controlled.
"I recommend a tinge of cane sugar to add to that exotic taste. The flavours would entice your taste buds." The Queen of Hearts maintained a fixed smile. "I'll keep that in mind, thank you Queen Kiku." Arthur nodded slightly, acknowledging the statement. He noticed a small exchange of looks between both Queens – looks of genuine dissatisfaction. The brooding atmosphere had just gone a few notches more tense. The petite Queen of Diamonds watched on uneasily. Someone her age shouldn't be going through this at all if not for the death of the uncrowned predecessor. Sensing his Queen's discomfort heightening and to get her out of this sticky situation, King Francis asked the Clubs Queen for a dance.
Owing to traditions, whenever a member of the royal trio is asked for a dance by any one of another royal suit, they are obliged to return the invite. The King of Clubs invited Queen Lily, ignoring the imaginary daggers flying his way from the Jack. She gladly took his hand in hopes to escape gracefully. What that shocked the entire table and possibly the entire ballroom was that King Ludwig was asking the Spades Queen to a dance. Declining the invite would be foolish or perceived as an outright declaration of war. Everything Arthur says or does from now on would create a political and international tsunami. He had to take each step carefully. He was led to the dance floor where a polite curtsy started the dance. All eyes were on them. Both Alfred and Yao eyed the pair suspiciously. The King was rather skilled dancing. Swift movements and graceful maneuvers made it easy for anyone to follow his steps. Arthur was under the impression that he was an understanding man, willing to listen perhaps but all that was about to change.
"I'm particularly fond of your lovely palace." His partner started midway through the dance. "It'd be a shame to see it engulfed in flames." Arthur's mind froze from the statement – or threat rather – even though the rest of his body was still moving to the dance. He was speechless, not knowing what would be appropriate to reply. "I'm sure there wouldn't be a chance that such unfortunate events were to happen, am I wrong, Your Grace?" Arthur's lips drew into thin line. His emerald eyes stared fixatedly at the man in front of him. His brows slid towards the middle into a slight frown before carefully placing his response. "Certainly not, Your Majesty. I'm well aware of the things happening around me. Especially when it involves things belonging to me." He gave a disapproving scowl before continuing. "I'm certain you wouldn't want to feel the wrath of this Kingdom if anything were to happen. We are not the Kingdom known for war for nothing." He watched as the tall man narrowed his eyes on him. He gave a satisfied smirk, knowing he made his stand clear. The music piece gradually came to an end. The German King led Arthur off the dance floor only to exchange partners with the King of Spades. "Thank you for the delightful dance." The new Queen articulated each word dripping with sarcasm. Ludwig's expression took on a slight glower.
Alfred linked hands with the Brit, carefully observing the Hearts pair. There was an exchange of looks between them before the Queen whispered into his King's ears. The red Queen's lips curled into a sinister smile. The next waltz has already begun. The wheat head escorted his Queen for an official first dance, though it served a different purpose. "From what I see Ludwig isn't happy about whatever you did or said, so what exactly did you do?" Alfred started, interlocking his fingers with Arthur's.
"He tried to threaten me and our kingdom. I'm merely letting him know what my stand was."
"What was your reply?" He felt a squeeze on his waist as they spun around the hall. He noted that Alfred's expression turned serious. He wanted to hear exactly what the other said. "Since when was he a mother hen, worrying for his chicks," Arthur thought.
"The only thing I said was the truth and it's a subtle remark that we're no pushovers." Arthur answered. He was slightly sour over the doubt. His eyes looked past his partner's shoulders. "I assure you Your Majesty I've said nothing inappropriate or provoke th-..!" He wasn't really concentrating on his footwork and in a split second, Arthur felt himself being jerked towards the floor side-first. His right hand instinctively grabbed his partner's shoulder, hooking itself around his neck to break the fall. Just as he thought he hit the floor on his back, he felt a strong tug supporting his body from his waist. His eyes snapped open when he didn't even remember closing them. He found himself in an awkward position – Alfred hovered over him, arching his body upwards with his arm while his face mere inches away from Arthur's own. "Your Majes-..? Mmph!" To Arthur's surprise, the wheat-head leaned in for a chaste kiss.
"Just Alfred." He said after receiving some form of cheers from the audience.
"You-.. Alfred, I.. What are you doing?"
"Why? What does it look like I'm doing?" Sapphire eyes glinted with a tinge of playfulness.
"Publically displaying your affection?" Hints of pink spread across Arthur's face awkwardly.
"Mmm that too but I was doing a little experiment. I'm happy with the results." Alfred grinned before pulling Arthur back up to standing position and leading him off the dance floor. He knew he earned himself a quirk of a brow from Arthur but he chose to ignore it. Of this month knowing Arthur, Alfred found his Queen to be independent and intelligent, as if nothing can bring him down. But all that the blue King wanted was to tell his Queen to depend on him, to know he'd always be there. For all the wants he wished to say, he'd deny love being the reason. He described it as more like a responsibility – at least for now. Like Arthur, he was partly selfish, not wanting to get hurt when it was time eventually Arthur to leave. He didn't want his heart to break again from the loss of a loved one, and he knew it was the same for Arthur.
The night drew to a close as invited guests leave or retire to their rooms. Investigations of the unexpected 'guest' then follow suit. The guards tried to remove the marionette cautiously and under the care of several sorcerers. Though, just when the vines loosen, the marionette sprung into action and launched itself towards the Brit. He landed on his back quite heavily, having shoved out-of-the-way by his husband yet again while Alfred landed on his arm. And with quick reflexes, the Jack summoned his sword and engaged the hostile being.
"Arthur, can you stand?" Alfred asked concernedly before directing his following question to his knowledgeable Jack. "Why the heck is this thing still alive? I thought that thing's energy was sucked dry?"
"Argh, whoever that's commanding it must have a large reserve of magic to keep this puppet moving after so long, aru." Yao leapt backwards and muttered a few words. Weird characters seem to glow through his sword gradually and a magic circle encompassed the ground he was standing on. "Be gone." With a slash, the marionette stopped dead in its tracks and disassembled. "This time for real, the attacks should stop, aru. Is your back ok, ahen?"
"Argh, should be fine, no worr- oh blimey it'll hurt for a while." Arthur had one of his hands trying to ease the pain while the other held tightly onto the younger King for support. He noticed Alfred's expressions of worry. "Relax, it won't kill me. Bloody hell, it's only the first day as Queen and people are already after my life. Blast them all." Alfred and Yao exchanged looks in silence, understanding Arthur's complaints. They too, experienced such hostility and if not for the King of Diamonds, they wouldn't be standing here.
"Fuck! Oh for Christ's sake control your strength! You're hurting me!"
"I-I'm sorry I'm inexperienced okay?"
"Anything will do for now, I need this so badly."
"There better?"
"Mmmm, it feels good, Alfred. You're surprisingly, oomph, good, ahh."
"Of course, the hero must be good at anything! I'm awesome with my hands!"
"Right… Hey Alfred, move up a little more."
"Here?"
"No, ah-, to the left."
"What about here?"
"Oh yes! That's the spot…"
"Are you enjoying this?"
"It's amazing...!"
Surely anyone who overheard that conversation from outside the doors of the newlywed would definitely think they were doing the deed. A lively night for a young love seemed right. The guards outside their chambers blushed horribly from the seemingly love-filled night. But of course things weren't always the case.
"What did you think of the people tonight?" Alfred continued massaging his precious Queen's injured back. A small moan escaped the lips of the Brit. "All fur coat and no knickers, really. One moment they're all smiley with you, once they turn their backs on you they start to stab you in your back." Arthur sighed. "Ahh, but it's the same in my world. I'm really exhausted having to deal with such people." The Englishman felt the fingers on his back pause to his dismay. "I know how it feels but there'll always be people you can count on right?" He looked over his shoulder and caught his partner's smile.
"Yea." He mirrored the smile.
"Ahem," The Jack cleared his throat. "Am I interrupting something?"
"Yes you are, Yao. Who the hell enters the room of a newlywed couple on their wedding night?" Arthur scowled. He was clearly annoyed by the sudden intrusion that made those skillful hands leave his back. Yao quirked his brow, seemingly questioning the situation – no one was naked or at the very least half-naked. A slight blush formed on the youngest in the room upon realizing what Arthur and Yao were referring to. And when Arthur noticed the blush, his cheeks turned pink as well. "W-we… I just wanted some rest before tomorrow and Alfred's helping me with my back th-that's all." The Queen scratched the side of his face and stuttered uncharacteristically. "Don't you ever knock before barging in?"
"I do, aru. I'm about to knock the door down." The raven head snorted. "If the both of you weren't so indulged, you would've heard it." He folded his arms and huffed. Alfred scratched the nape of his neck and laughed nervously. "That aside," Yao frowned. "This is what we've got from the investigations. Seems like one of Francis dolls. But one that was reported missing some time back and Francis did make a big fuss of it."
"Right… So, give me a perfect explanation why it's after my life?"
The Jack thinned his lips before answering unwillingly. "Maybe your conjecture is right. Also, Clubs might be involved in this. Ivan forbade me to interfere with your fight. He might know something. I'm thankful though, at least we managed to fool everyone. But we'll gather more evidence for any accusations, aru. In the meantime, you should worry about how you're going to get the Spade marks for the unleashing of your full potential as King and Queen." The other two on the bed turned red almost immediately. The raven head sighed. "The night is but young. However, the court would demand results by the morning. Even if you can't do it, at least inform me of your plans before morning court tomorrow." Yao excused himself and left the room.
It was believed that the marriage between the King and the Queen would imply that the trust they had for each other should be high enough to grant both the full power of their positions. Marriage was more than the exchange of sweet words and beautiful rings. It entrusts the lives of both parties to each other. Unless the pact was broken before death itself, both royalty would die together. Also, the King and Queen cannot be too powerful before they learn to trust each other. If they lose their trust in the other, their respective powers decline as well. It was the Kingdom's natural way of avoiding internal conflict – one of the many reasons that would cause it to collapse. The Jack had a different way of gaining his power. It was to gain recognition from court through achievements and trust from the King and Queen. Although the system governing the kingdom wasn't foolproof, it had led Spades through centuries of history to date.
"Hey…" The blonde tensed when he felt the other put his hand over Arthur's own. "Do you remember why the blue Tudor Rose is our national flower?" Arthur nodded in reply. "Have you heard of the actual reason behind it?" This time, the Englishman shook his head.
"Did it ever occur to you that the youngest of the two families in conflict were in love? And that they couldn't be together because of it?" Sapphire eyes stared fixately at the fireplace at the opposite end of the room. "She was the third Queen and he was the fourth King."
There was a moment of gradual silence and only the crackling of burning firewood and light breathing could be heard.
"She died protecting the Kingdom in the Great War but she was," He paused before letting out a breath. "Murdered… The King's family tampered with the weapons. They used magic and made it impossible for her to survive her last battle. Her family was furious when the word got out." He continued. "When a civil war was on the verge of breaking out, the King took his own life. Those who didn't know would think he was escaping from the matter but he was a responsible man. He ceased the internal conflict and entrusted the Kingdom to his loyal Jack. The Kingdom was thrown into chaos temporarily but from the ashes, phoenixes rise, the new royal suit came to life."
"And so, to honor the warrior Queen who dared to love and the devoted King who followed his love, the rose which represented this love was named the national flower?" A thick brow quirked up in question, expecting an affirmative answer.
"There lies a story behind everything – like a flower as beautiful and sweet-smelling as the rose, hides events so deadly and conflict-laced. But the truths in these stories are merely perceived." Alfred gave a weak smile.
"Is this some part of a game we're playing? The more lies we make will only lead to a riskier situation. Guessing and entertaining ideas? That's tiring enough back at home." Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose, easing a small headache. "What exactly is the truth? How true is the truth?" Reading false fronts subconsciously was one of Arthur's most hated skills. He loathed how fake people could be at times.
"The truth is what you believe in and what our forefathers wanted to know. Let's turn in, shall we?" A warm smile accompanied the suggestion. "Gonna' be a long day tomorrow."
Perhaps he saw Alfred as escaping the topic but he knew some part of that was for his wellbeing or at least avoiding a possible argument. Alfred leaned in for a kiss and the Brit let him. Slipping his eyes close, he felt the pressure on his lips slowly diminish. "Good night, darling!" He pulled the covers over both of them and tucked himself into bed. Arthur sighed and stared at the calming ceiling. It'd be hard to fall asleep tonight, especially when you're sharing your bed with another person and tomorrow wasn't a day to look forward to. Well, he'd better start counting sheep.
"That was a job well done, Queen Elizaveta." A smooth voice aroused the attention of the couple present. "I wouldn't have done that as brilliantly as you did." A polite bow and a kiss on the hand by the owner of the voice were returned with a smart curtsy.
"You flatter me, Queen Kiku."
"Is it all done, Your Majesty?" The other present in the room asked with a slight authority.
"Everything is going according to plan, Your Royal Highness." The red Queen replied with a tiny smirk across his face. "Now, it's up to them to take the bite."
"It's a pity we do not have enough power; for the King and I do not see eye-to-eye on this matter." The figure adjusted his spectacles, setting it nicely over the bridge of his nose. "However, the heavens are on our side. Hearts is ever so generous in lending a hand to us. We'll forever be indebted to Ludwig's gratitude."
"And so will we to you. May our partnership be a success, Jack Roderich."
A toast was shared marking the alliance's beginning.
Footnote: Oooo, drama's finally unfolding? Stay tuned! Man I sound like some soap drama preview commentator. School's starting and I'll get !#$^&*()-ing busy yet again haha. I hope to be back probably by September. Don't want to keep my lovely fans waiting but duty calls. Anyway happy belated Independence Day, America! And happy Olympics! May the odds be ever in your favour. xD OH and did you hear? Season 5 of Hetalia got an all-clear! Woot! \o/
Hot damn, I never knew this story was included in one of the communities (The American and The Brit) whoever it is let me shout out a big thank you! I'm so happy! And for the 66 followers of the story thank you for sticking though with me! ;D I LOVE YOU ALL!