The king shook his head weakly as Alfred left the room. "It's too late now. I'm poisoned… Arthur… Come here." He reached out after seeing his son.
The two knights stepped away from the king, giving Arthur room. Francis bowed his head, how could he allow this to happen?
Arthur stepped forward and held the old man's hand. He gulped, was this really happening? "…f… Yes Father?"
"Arthur, you will make a great king. I believe you can do this right…" The king's voice was weak, he squeezed Arthur's hand.
"N… No! You're going to be okay! I'm not ready!" Arthur said.
The king released his grip on the prince's hand and cupped his face. "You can do this; you will lead us to peace." He then turned to Oliver. "Come here my son."
Oliver hesitated a moment before stepping forward.
"I want you to stand by your brother and help him through this. You are strong and smart, you are my son." He took both Arthur's and Oliver's hands in his own.
"… Alright…" was all he could say. "I will."
"Good. I'm proud of you, my boys." The king rested his head against his pillows, closing his eyes. Just then Alfred ran in, pulling a doctor along with him.
Arthur stared wide eyed. "No…No!" He squeezed his father's hand and the doctor put a hand on his shoulder. The young prince hung his head and closed his eyes. "Why?! Damnit!"
Everyone in the room bowed their heads in sorrow for their lost king. Alfred wanted to run to his prince and comfort him, but Francis stopped him.
Tears escaped from Arthurs eyes leaving small trails of salty liquid down his cheeks.
The king's grip slackened and his hands fell to his sides. The doctor bowed to Arthur before he pulled a white sheet over the kings paled face.
Gilbert turned to Arthur, "We need to prepare your coronation. We are on the brink of a war; we cannot be without a king." He looked to Francis. "We cannot allow Arthur to be alone; he is going to be their next target."
Alfred stepped forward. "I will stand by his side."
Arthur cast his emerald eyes to his knight sadly. "…Thank you."
Francis finally spoke up. "You are going to need more than just one guard." It was obvious Francis was distressed, he blamed himself.
"Of course," Oliver said. "We will have the funeral in the morning, the coronation doesn't have to be giant, but we should try to have it done within three days if possible.
Francis nodded. "We will have to hold a ball in your honor so you can make relations with the nobles."
Arthur nodded but didn't say anything. Everybody in the room exchanged glances. A few nurses entered and the doctor nodded. "… We're going to get him ready. You all may want to pay your last respects and leave."
Alfred walked up beside his prince and waited for him to finish paying his respects to his deceased father. He could see the small shivers that went through the prince's body. The knight wanted so badly to put his arms around the prince, to comfort him and tell him everything would work out, but he couldn't.
Arthur only stood there a moment before shaking his head and leaving the room quickly.
Alfred followed close behind. Once they were out of ear shot Alfred spoke. "Arthur… Are you alright?"
"… I'm fine." He muttered. "…I'm going to wash up then go to bed." It was only barely nightfall. "Wake me up if anything happens."
"Right… I will…" Alfred let out a sigh. "I'm sorry."
"What for? I'm fine." Arthur started up the stairwell and didn't look behind him. Francis caught up to Alfred. "… I'll help you tonight."
"Alright… They are probably still here waiting for a chance to get him…" Alfred said in a low voice as the two men trailed after Arthur.
"We should have three guards on duty at all times at least." Francis said.
"I know…" Alfred looked to his teacher and friend. "Francis… Are you alright?"
"Yes… I'm alright… but I failed…"
"You did your best though, there should have been others there to help you Francis. Don't blame yourself…" Alfred argued.
"… Of course…" Francis sighed. "We should turn our attentions to our new king. He will need our support with this."
"Right…" Alfred quickened his pace to catch up with Arthur. "I had a bad feeling about today, I couldn't sit still… I guess this is why… I should have known… we could have been more prepared…" He glanced around; the only person near them was Francis. He reached out and grabbed the prince's hand pulling him into a tight embrace. "I wish I wasn't right."
Arthur stood still for a long time as Alfred held him, feeling comfort from his hold. "Good lord, what am I going to do?"
"You are going to do what your father has said. You are going to lead your people to peace; you are going to become a great king… The greatest. I will be there by your side through it all. I believe in you." Alfred whispered.
"… But we're on the brink of war… It seems like Oliver supports it and… We haven't even sorted us out yet…" His eyes opened in realization that Francis was still standing there and he straightened pulling himself from Alfred's grip. "Francis…"
`Francis shook his head, a sad smile on his face. "You two need to be careful, Arthur is now the king."
"Not quite yet… But, Francis… Does this mean I have to get married?"
"Most likely. I'm sorry Arthur." Francis sighed.
"But…" Arthur glanced at his knight and let out a breath. "Of course… I knew this was coming anyway… How soon?"
"You won't have to just yet." Francis stated. "But sometime soon."
Alfred deflated just a bit, but he knew this was going to happen sooner or later.
Arthur nodded. "Right… A king must do his duty I suppose… and I will…." He turned and continued up the stairs.
Alfred sighed as they reached the prince's room; Arthur had already entered the chambers, shutting the door behind him. Alfred stood with Francis outside the door. "I'm going to go inside, if that's alright with you."
"If you wouldn't mind locking the window and scanning the room, that'd be alright." Francis said.
Alfred nodded and knocked on the door. "Arthur, I'm coming in." He heard Arthur mumble a sound that he assumed was permission to come in. Alfred entered the room, closing the door behind him; He checked the room for any persons then locked the windows. He turned to face Arthur.
Arthur eyed him and sighed. "Right then…" He reached for the door of his washroom. "What is it?"
"I just… I just want to be here for you… I can leave if you want…" Alfred looked at his feet and shifted his weight.
"…I know…" Arthur sighed. "I'm sorry Alfred… I'm being foolish."
"No, you're not. There is no need to apologize." Alfred protested.
"He's gone… Alfred… What… Why did we ever think…? Why did I ever believe maybe… We could've… Of course not… I'm a fool… I've always been."
Alfred walked up behind the prince, wrapping his arms around him. "I-I'm sorry. I love you, even if you have to marry, I will love you."
"I know… That's what hurts…" The prince closed his eyes. "Damnit…"
Alfred placed a kiss on the prince's neck. "Do what you have to do. I will be here standing by your side, no matter what choices you make."
"… They aren't my choices… Alfred… I… I'm completely sure now that… I love you…and… now… Father is gone… ugh… I just don't know…"
"I guess for now… All we can do is just keep moving… We don't know the future; we don't know what's going to happen." Alfred said, his breath tingling the prince's collar.
"I know… I just… need time… Thank you, Alfred…" He sighed and opened the door to his bathing room.
Alfred dropped his hands to his side. "… I know…"
"… Thank you again." Arthur didn't make eye contact before entering the washroom and closing the door. He stood in silence for a long while before realizing he hadn't ordered any heated water to be set up for him. He sighed, not wanting to disturb anybody; he went into the small room attached to his bathroom where a fireplace was kept for just this purpose. He added wood and began heating the water.
Arthur took a seat, crossing his legs as he waited for the water to be heated. While sitting there he felt rather pathetic and eventually hung his head, taking a shuttered breath. He didn't allow himself to cry though. After sitting in his own sorrows for a while, he decided the water was heated enough. He quickly undressed before sliding into the warmth of the water. "This is useless." He whispered to himself, and rubbed his eyes with the flats of his palms. "I'm going to be king soon… I can't mope like this."
He wrapped his arms around his knees pulling them to his chest, the only form of comforts were from the warmth of the water and the thought that Alfred stood right outside the door. He shivered despite himself. "I'm sick of this…" He mumbled, and then looked toward the door. "Alfred?"
"Yes?" Alfred said from the other side of the door. "What is it?"
"I just wanted to make sure you were still there…"
"I don't see the point in having a ball." Arthur complained to his brother. "It practically screams 'kill me.'"
"Well, it is tradition… I know it isn't the greatest of ideas, but you will have many guards with you." Oliver said, comforting his brother.
Arthur sighed, straightening the cloak around his shoulders. "We may be going to war… Tradition is… Oh, never mind."
Oliver smiled. "I know. You are not exactly the traditional type." He motioned his head towards Alfred.
"Oh, that has nothing to do with it… I just think this is more dangerous than it's worth, is all." Arthur sighed.
"Do you want them to think you a coward?"
"Of course not, but this is just… Oh never mind… I suppose I'm just making excuses since I'm not in a festive mood." The prince muttered.
"None of us are, but it gives everyone something to do to take our minds off of this tragedy." Oliver said.
"I suppose it is nice for the kingdom, hmm?..." Arthur sighed. "The people need a bit of relief but next thing you know, they will be asking for a wedding."
Alfred walked over to the two bowing formally. "Your majesties." He was dressed in fancy attire that fit his body perfectly. There were small plates of armor placed throughout the fabric to keep him safe if there was an attack. His hair was combed back neatly; save for that one strand that never did listen. He had a sword placed in a sheath at his side along with a dagger and other weapons. He was both beautiful and dangerous at the same time. "I hope your evening has been going well."
"I take it, it is time?" Arthur asked.
"Yes, pardon my intrusion." Once more Alfred bowed.
"You're fine… Don't be so formal." Arthur gave him a small sad smile. "We're not at the ball yet." He placed a kiss upon his knight's lips, not caring that his brother stood right before them.
Alfred blushed. "But your brother is right there."
"Oh… Did I not tell you he knows?" Arthur blushed.
"You didn't… He did…" Alfred said.
"I think I made it clear I knew when I said he was your whore." He flashed a fake smile at Alfred. "I'm sorry about that by the way."
"Yeah…" Alfred averted his eyes, he wondered if he'd ever be able to tell Arthur what Oliver had done. "I'm sorry Arthur; I will try not to be so formal."
"Well… Just when we're alone…" He sighed and pulled away. "We should go."
Alfred nodded. "I know. We need to go now." He took the prince's hand and gave it a squeeze before releasing it.
The prince smiled at his knight sadly and gave him one last kiss before leaving the room. "Are you coming Oliver?"
"Yes. I am." Oliver said as he straightened himself up. He watched his brother leave before heading towards the door, but instead of walking out; he suddenly grabbed Alfred by his collar and pulled him close speaking quietly but firmly. "Listen here Mr. Knight, I don't care if you two are in love, and if you do ANYTHING to hurt my brother I will end you. Got it?" He pulled the knight even closer.
"I won't hurt him. I promise." Alfred stepped back away from the older prince.
Oliver nodded before leaving to the ball room. Alfred followed close behind. The crowd was thick and it took Alfred a moment to locate Arthur, but when he did, he noticed he was surrounded by a trio of guards he had met long ago the day he became a knight in training. He sighed in relief and followed Oliver to him, but kept a wary eye on the other prince. Alfred walked over to the group with a smile. "Hey, long time no see."
They nodded at him. "Well, what are we to do when you're so important, hmm?" Feliciano said. She was older now, and Alfred was noticing she looked a lot less like a boy but wondered if she had ever developed breasts. If she did, it didn't show. He noticed Yao was missing from the group.
Alfred nodded. "Things have been busy. How has training been?" he asked, and then looked to Arthur with a smile.
The prince smiled back and winked before turning to face the group of knights. "Thank you all for being here tonight." He said hesitantly before laughing. "I can't believe you were all in training not too long ago, it's fun to see the whole group together again… but… Yao became the doctors apprentice, am I correct?"
"That's where he is? So I guess he must have had a talent with medicine, then?" Alfred smiled back brightly.
The others nodded. "He discovered that, shortly after you started training individually to be a bodyguard." Ludwig said before patting Alfred's shoulder. "It's good to see you again Alfred."
Oliver approached the group. "If we're finished with the reunion, we should being the festivities. The sooner this begins, the sooner it will be over."
"I couldn't agree more," Arthur answered.
"Sorry." Alfred said shrinking back from the group. "I'm glad he found his calling." He turned to Arthur a small smile on his lips. "I'm ready when you are."
Arthur sighed. "Well, you better be ready on your own, because I'm not." He smiled sheepishly. "But thank you." They made their way to the back of the ball room and the other guards assumed their positions at different points from around the room, some in high places with crossbows, (Feliciano never missed, it was a talent she had discovered, as well) and others hiding their weapons positioned around the room. The crowd parted and went silent as they walked through it and Francis approached from behind while Oliver positioned himself next to Arthur. Arthur sat down in the throne; he was sitting in the throne that was once his father's and Alfred stood next to him as his loyal guard with his head held high.
"Do you really think they would attack you? There are so many people here…" Alfred whispered to the prince, his eyes scanning the crowd for anything that looked suspicious.
"We can never be too careful. Crowds are easy to sneak a murder." The prince sighed; he too looked through the crowds of people.
Alfred glanced down at the prince. "I hope today is uneventful."
"Oh me too." Francis stepped forward, causing them to cease their whispers.
Alfred glanced at the elder knight; he has been on edge since that night, always wary about what has been going on around them.
Francis cleared his throat and spoke to the large group. "In the state of events, we find ourselves in need of a new king. Our beloved ruler has passed and seen his son, Arthur Kirkland, worthy of the crown. We would choose to recognize him at this time… We sustain Prince Arthur as ruler of this country, its protector, its servant. If there are any that oppose, manifest it at this time."
People looked around to see if anyone was willing to reject their new king. No one spoke a word against him. Francis smiled. "Then I hereby declare…" Arthur stood and stepped forward as Antonio gave Francis a silver pillow with the crown sitting atop of it. He took it and placed it on the prince's head and giving the prince a scepter after taking it from Gilbert. "Our new ruler, King Arthur!" He bowed down and so did the entire crowd, Alfred and Oliver got down on one knee, as well.
Arthur cleared his throat and held the scepter forward. "I vow on my father's blade to protect this country, to serve until the end of my days and to ensure the happiness for all." The crowd cheered and he allowed a sad smile to slop on his lips as he knew, he meant that with all his heart. Happiness for everybody… Except himself…
After people gave their congratulations to their new king, music began to play and people took partners and started to dance. It was a beautiful scene. The room was brightly lit by candle and torch; there was a wide variety of flowers arranged around the ball room. Men and women joined hands and danced, dresses flowing with every movement.
Arthur smiled at the scene before him. He looked over at Alfred. "It's not as awful as I thought it would be… Dad always liked these things more than me, and I must say they are more fun when I'm not forced to be a part of them."
"I have only been to one other ball… and I can't say I had much fun… It was your birthday, remember that?" Alfred whispered back to the prince. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, even if it is only a little bit."
"I do remember that… ha… that was… interesting to say the least." The prince replied.
"Yeah, very interesting, but it was also such an important day…" Alfred looked away, remembering the events that took place after and before the ball.
"Arthur smiled faintly. "Yes… Of course…" He looked around before reaching his hand over the arm of the throne and squeezing Alfred's hand, Alfred was standing close enough that nobody would really notice, and then he withdrew. "I thought about squeezing your ass while I was there, but I decided that wouldn't be a great plan."
Alfred straightened; a small blush crept onto his face. "Yeah… It probably is not the best idea, with all these people around and all." The boy smiled at his prince sadly, but as three women approached, he stood at attention. With a curtsy they waited for permission to come closer.
Arthur cocked his eyebrows and glanced around to make sure his knights were at the ready before giving permission. "Yes?"
The women smiled at him kindly, each one was rather beautiful. One of the girls spoke up. "Well, we were wondering if we could keep you company."
The new king cocked his head to the side. "I… Suppose that would be fine, but may I ask why?"
"Forgive me for being blunt your majesty, but you are the king now. We hope if you get to know one of us, there may be the possibility of courtship." The woman said.
Arthur stuttered. "I… My, that was indeed blunt… Forgive me, my ladies but… I will not be seeking any form of Courtship until this trouble with Gercio is put to rest." He smiled kindly. "You are all very beautiful; I am flattered by your interest."
"Forgive us." They each curtsied. "We understand you have a duty to your country first."
"Thank you." He smiled. "But please feel free to enjoy yourselves." He waved politely as they left and looked at Alfred. "Oh… My… Are people going to be that forward all the time?"
"I wonder if they will be…" Alfred looked away, his eyes following those girls.
Arthur sighed. "Why is it girls only think they are attractive when they show as much cleavage as possible? Oh, if only they knew… The only girl I find mildly appealing is Feliciano, and half the time I forget she's a girl at all." He looked at Alfred and sighed with a small smile, "What's the face for?... Jealous?"
"You see right through me…" Alfred ran a hand through his hair. "I should learn to deal with it… You are going to have to fine some woman to marry eventually…"
Arthur frowned. "… We'll see… Maybe there is a way around it…"
"Like what?" Alfred shook his head. "Remember, you are the king, you have to put your country before you and I." Alfred bit his lip and lowered his voice. "Sorry…"
"… I know but… Maybe… Oh, never mind it… Let's not think of it right now…" Arthur chuckled. "Or maybe we could dress you up as a girl."
"I would make one ugly girl." Alfred shivered at the thought.
"Oh I don't know." Arthur shrugged, smiling in a teasing manner at his knight. "All you'd need is a dress and something for your hair."
"My body shape isn't quite right… but maybe it would work… I'd do it if you wanted me to. I would do anything…" Alfred mumbled quietly.
Arthur laughed. "I was teasing… Buuut." His hand crept across his throne to reach for the other after checking his surroundings, but first he saw the signal. "Shit."
"What?" Alfred looked around and saw three flashes come from above. "There is an assassin here."
Arthur glanced around. "Let's try to keep it a secret; panic would only make a kill easier… How many flashes did Feliciano make with the mirror? Does he have a ranged weapon? Nobody else seems so have noticed anything peculiar."
"I saw three, which means the assassin does have a ranged weapon; I'm not too sure what kind yet."
"Damn. I'm an open target." Arthur cleared his throat. "How did a weapon like that get in undetected?"
"It must have been an inside job." Alfred glanced around high and low for any signs of the assassin. "Dance with me?" Alfred held his hand out to the prince.
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-Through the Loop