After much pleading on Alfred's part, Yao was kind enough to let both boys have the remainder of the week off from lessons to get acquainted with one another. Over the few days in which Arthur was all but forced to spend more time with the future King, he had come to acknowledge that he actually didn't mind being with Alfred. He was sweet in a simple- perhaps even foolish- way that made Arthur feel simultaneously protective of and superior to him, and really the only fault Arthur could find with him was that he was just so cursedly energetic all the time. Having never been much of one for rough-housing or athletics, Arthur found it perplexing that the moment Yao took the boys out into the gardens for a walk or to explore out of doors, Alfred would be up the first tree he could find or trying to climb over the stone walls that separated the castle from the orchards and pastures behind it. Worst of all was when Alfred would come charging at him and give him a quick prod with his fingers before running off again, yelling, "You're it!"
Arthur had been totally caught of guard the first time Alfred had done this, not understanding what the phrase actually meant or why he had been assaulted so suddenly. He looked to Yao, who was trailing a respectful, yet watchful, distance behind as usual, but the Jack provided no explanation other than to gesture that Arthur was supposed follow Alfred.
"Arthur! You're it!"
"And what does being "it" mean, your Highness?"
Alfred puffed out his already chubby cheeks dramatically. "Don't call me that! Now you have to be double it! Haven't you ever played tag before?"
Arthur shook his head. "I'm afraid not."
"Don't you have any brothers or sisters?"
"I have a much older brother, your High- Alfred, and much younger ones."
"So you didn't have anyone to play with?"
Of course Arthur had playmates. No one else could see them, but he had them. He wasn't sure how to tell Alfred that though, so he simply shook his head again, cringing at how pathetic it seemed.
Alfred didn't seem put out, though, smiling almost compassionately. "Well, I'll teach you then! Tag is where somebody is it, and they chase everyone else until they can catch someone. Then that person is it. Okay?"
"So, if I'm it, I'm supposed to try to catch you and then you'll be it and have to catch me?"
"Uh-huh! I used to play with Matthew all the time, but he's busy a lot now."
"Matthew?"
"He's my brother! Well, sort of..."
Here Yao cleared his throat loudly, forcing a laugh to cut Alfred off. "Your Highness, perhaps you should get back to your game. We will have to go in soon." Yao shot Arthur a look that clearly said that the matter of Matthew was to be discussed no further at the present time, and though Arthur's curiosity was more than sufficiently piqued, he said nothing else.
"Fffffine... Arthur! You're it." And with that Alfred dashed away through the garden, whooping and calling back to tease Arthur.
Half an hour and several bruises later, Arthur was bent over with his hands on his knees, panting as if he were about to have a heart attack. Alfred, seemingly still brimming with energy, was trying to climb one of the shorter trees in the garden. Carrying the jackets both boys had abandoned in their play, Yao, patted Arthur on the back as he walked by.
"Does he ever stop?" Arthur wheezed.
"No. Never. It can be quite a challenge to channel his energy, but I've found it best to let him have his fun this way. It does him good, as long as he is monitored." Arthur was a bit surprised at how lenient Yao was with Alfred's horseplay, given the Jack's regal and controlled facade; he had hardly imagined that a young prince would be allowed to run so wild.
Watching as Alfred made it onto one of the tree's low branches, Arthur dusted off his now filthy hands. Alfred was equally smudged, with one notable dirt streak running across his chin.
"Your Highness! Please be careful!"
Alfred had managed to hang himself upside down from the branch, holding on only with the crook of his knees and struggling to keep his shirt from falling into his face. "Look, Arthur! I'm a bat!"
Arthur laughed. "That's very funny, Alfred, but maybe you should get down before the branch breaks."
Swinging back up effortlessly, Alfred dropped from the branch, stumbling a little and hitting his knee. He looked at it briefly, a scrape of skin going red and raw, but merely brushed it off with a giggle and quiet "ow" before continuing on down the garden path.
"Does nothing slow him down?" Arthur asked, choosing to walk next to the Jack rather than pursue Alfred at his manic pace.
Yao laughed and shook his head amusedly. "Nothing that I can think of. He's strong for a child his age; he's never been ill, never shown much reaction to little pains and bumps. His Highness is rather... hearty. That is a blessing, considering the illnesses that caused his parents to pass on." Yao stopped walking and turned to look down at Arthur. "And how are you feeling, Arthur? I know we did not meet under the best circumstances, nor did we get off on the best foot, but it seems that you do not mind his Highness' company."
Arthur felt his cheeks get hot, and he looked down at his scuffed shoes. "I am feeling better, Jack, and I don't mind... that is... his Highness is..."
"Yao! I'm hungry!" Alfred had returned from his adventures, one of his boots now coming untied.
Checking his pocket watch, Yao nodded. "It is almost supper time, your Highness. But baths first." He glanced at Arthur with a teasing smile. "For the both of you, I think."
"Okay. But I'm too tired to walk back. Arthur! Carry me!"
"What?" Arthur barely had time to brace himself before Alfred had jumped on his back and latched his arms around his shoulders and his legs around his middle. Teetering for a moment, Arthur managed to regain his balance and adjust Alfred's weight.
"Do you really expect me to carry you?"
"Please? I'll give you all my carrots at supper!"
"Your Highness, you know I don't mind your play, but please don't hurt Arthur."
Arthur shifted Alfred's weight again until it was more comfortable. "Ah, no it's alright, Jack. This is fine. I don't... I don't mind."
There was something oddly comforting about the walk back. Arthur had rarely, if ever, had a day of play such as this one, and the feeling of being allowed to run wild was potentially addictive. Surely he would never be as free-spirited as Alfred, but Arthur was starting to realize just how little he acted like other children his age. He had always kept to himself, preferring safe, quiet activities that would never leave him sweaty and tired. Now, the growing numbness in his legs and arms, the happy, breathless sensation in his chest, and the growing feeling of camaraderie between him and Alfred made him wonder what other things he had missed out on.
Even Anne could tell that a change was beginning to come over Arthur. She remarked on his renewed spirits as she drew his bath, pinching his cheeks gently and laughing as they coloured. Arthur couldn't help laughing, too. Although the future still loomed in the back of his mind, he was finding comfort in the atmosphere of the present. There were a million things about his new life that Arthur didn't yet understand, but if the past few days of recklessness had taught him anything, it was that at 12 years of age he didn't need to worry so much about understanding.
And if his time spent with Alfred had taught him anything, it was that come what may, he would hardly be alone.
Arthur was given an extensive tour of the palace and the surrounding grounds. He came to learn that the reason his room overlooked the garden instead of being level with it was because the first level of the palace was actually underground when viewed from the front, but the uneven terrain made it visible from the gardens. The first level housed the kitchen and storage areas, as well as servants' quarters.
The entire palace was L- shaped with a stone wall and the arches through which Arthur had passed on the first day obscuring it from the view of the capital city. The centre point of the L was the palace steps, which continued into the grand foyer and the ornate blue-carpeted great staircase that branched off in two directions to the next level. At one end of the palace were the throne room, ballroom, music room, various parlours, the giant formal dining room, and the smaller, more intimate one where Arthur was used to going for meals. The other end housed all of the bedrooms and living quarters for royalty, and now, Arthur. Upstairs, there were a few guest rooms as well as an enormous library. Arthur looked forward to exploring it more fully when he was given time for independent study.
Besides the gardens that ran the length of the palace and extended to the stone wall, the stables and paddocks were situated near one end of the palace with a separate set of archways leading into the front courtyard and the city. Despite Alfred's pleas, they did not explore the stables much beyond Yao indicating their existence. A dirt road led beyond the stables to a break in the stone wall and the livestock pastures and orchards beyond. Arthur could see a barn and a small herd of cattle in the distance, and further up on the hills he could make out the white dusting of a flock of sheep. Yao led them through the orchard, pointing out the divisions where a new section of fruit bearing trees began.
The late fall weather meant that there were few leaves on the trees, but Alfred found a few stray pomegranates that had fallen in ripeness and been neglected. He carried his prize back to the castle excitedly that afternoon, and after supper both boys were treated to a bowl of the sweet, ruby seeds. Arthur had never had them before and savoured each delicious, juicy gem, while Alfred ended up having scarlet-stained lips by the time he was done. Even Yao found it amusing, though Arthur nearly died of humiliation when Alfred spent the better part of the half hour before bedtime trying to corner him and give him a kiss on the cheek to transfer the sticky colouring.
Arthur was afraid he would get lost in his new home; although the layout was simple enough, the winding halls between rooms were confusing and they all looked the same. He was glad that, for the time being, he was rarely left out of sight of one of the servants or Alfred and the Jack.
There was one detail of palace life that was beginning to irk Arthur, however. In all their strolls through gardens and orchard, Arthur had yet to see or sense a magical being with his Gift. He had thought he had seen a faerie, but he had been unable to turn fast enough to see as the bluish light flashed in his peripheral vision to be sure. He wondered if the magical folk were just hiding, used to years of neglect from the palace inhabitants, or if worse, and there simply were none living in the area. The idea that he would never be able to use his Gift again saddened Arthur deeply, but he didn't feel like he could express that grief. Yao knew of Arthur's abilities, but there was nothing he could do about the situation, and even if Alfred would be the more sympathetic choice of confidants, Arthur was sure he would laugh at him.
Despite their tentative friendship, this was one of many things Arthur was not willing to share quite yet.
Alfred wished that the week would never end, but soon enough he was back indoors for most of the day, reading and solving puzzles and listening to Yao lecture about the history of the Kingdom. It wasn't that he found his lessons boring, especially not now that Arthur had them as well, and Alfred understood that there was a time for work and a time for play and he would have to work hard to be smart enough to be King; he simply didn't like being cooped up inside all day.
Glancing over at Arthur, who was deeply invested in reading and taking notes on a few pages out of a poetry book Yao had given him, Alfred put down his pencil. He liked Arthur. Arthur was older, and therefore automatically much more interesting and wiser, and he came from a different part of the Kingdom, which made him exotic and exciting. Arthur talked oddly compared to the people Alfred knew at court; there was a strange lilt to his speech that Alfred found fun to try to imitate, though this usually earned him a glare from both Arthur and Yao.
Arthur was smart, too. He was only a little more advanced than Alfred in mathematics, but he knew much more about history and he could understand and discuss the legends and poems Yao assigned to him. Alfred was jealous that Arthur's handwriting was so perfect, too; more than once, Yao had made Alfred re-write notes or a composition because his penmanship was terrible. Noticing that Arthur wrote with his left hand instead of his right, Alfred tried to do the same in the hopes that that was what made his writing so nice, but all he succeeded in doing was producing chicken-scratch and getting ink smears on his parchment and hand.
It didn't bother Alfred that Arthur couldn't run as fast or climb trees as well; it didn't bother him that Arthur was odd sometimes and stumbled over his words and got red in the face. Alfred liked him just the way he was, and wanted to play with him as much as possible so that maybe Arthur would like him, too.
His playtime was greatly diminished, however as first signs of winter began to show themselves in frosted grass and rooftops and breath. He knew this month would be filled with extra lessons when all the other Jacks of the Deck Council began to visit for their special tutoring sessions.
Alfred enjoyed the time spent with the Jack of Diamonds the most because he only ever stayed for one week and his lessons were fun. The Jack, or Mr. Vash as Alfred had taken to calling him, was something of a combat and weapons expert, and while he had told Yao that he didn't think Alfred was ready to learn fencing or archery quite yet, Mr. Vash did teach him how to tumble and show him good exercises to do.
When Mr. Vash arrived, he set up his soft mats in the ballroom and made Arthur and Alfred stretch for a long time. Arthur seemed very confused by the exercises, and Alfred laughed a few times when Arthur would struggle to keep his balance or perform a stretch. Mr. Vash was very strict and shushed Alfred each time, giving stern, but gentle encouragement and guidance to Arthur until he could manage each task on his own. The boys were instructed to practice their stretches every morning before breakfast, and then made to run a few laps around the ballroom.
After a short break, Mr. Vash made the boys practice tumbling. Alfred could turn multiple somersaults without issue, but Arthur struggled to do even one.
"It's easy, Arthur! All you have to do is tuck your head down and roll over." Alfred demonstrated with a flourish, but Arthur's expression remained skeptical.
"Are you frightened, Arthur?" Vash asked softly going to crouch near the boy frozen at the edge of the mat. Arthur shook his head in affirmation. "It's going to seem scary at first, but you have to trust that your body will do this. All you need is a little momentum and some trust. Can we try that?"
"I'll try."
Alfred watched as Arthur teetered forward mostly onto the top of his head and rolled over ungracefully onto his side. It was funny, but Alfred cheered and congratulated him for succeeding.
"Sir, if you don't mind me asking, why are we learning to tumble?" Arthur sat on the mat, adjusting his clothing.
Vash sat down next to him. "It builds strength and flexibility in your body. Those are things you will need when I begin to teach you how to use a sword and a bow, and learning to focus mentally will help you when I teach you to shoot a gun. Does that make sense?"
Both boys nodded, though Alfred noticed that Arthur looked a bit glum. After they had been dismissed for the afternoon, Alfred asked what had made him so sad.
"I don't know if I want to learn to fight. I don't think I need to learn how to hurt people," Arthur replied, chewing on his bottom lip.
"It's like a sport though, isn't it? Fencing and archery and shooting targets are sports now, Arthur. I don't think Mr. Vash wants us to hurt people, so it's okay."
"It feels strange to me. If we are supposed to be royalty one day, shouldn't we focus on being peaceful?"
Alfred cocked his head to the side in confusion. "Are you going to be a King, too?"
Arthur's face turned cherry red and he slapped a hand over his mouth. "Ah! No! I... what I meant was that it doesn't seem like a very... courtly thing to do... and since we both live in court. I mean, you'll be King one day, so you'll be royalty, I just mean that since I live here... I misspoke."
For the rest of the day, Arthur didn't talk much to Alfred, and the young royal became concerned when Arthur resumed merely picking at his food and looking sullen. He thought maybe he was getting sick again, but Arthur didn't ask to be excused. He just moped through meals and sat quietly next to the fireplace in the study after supper, not even saying goodnight when Yao sent the boys to bed.
Arthur's mood didn't improve much in the next week when the Jack of Hearts arrived. Alfred hoped that maybe the crafts and artwork the Jack would teach them about would make Arthur feel better. The Jack of Hearts was an accomplished painter and sculptor, seeing as his Kingdom was the centre for culture and art. Alfred thought it was boring when the absentminded Jack (whose full name he couldn't pronounce correctly, so he just called him Feli) would go off on a tangent about his favourite paints or brushes or even food, but he liked the assignments he gave out.
After lecturing to them and showing them some famous still-life artwork, Feli had brought out an assortment of new art supplies including all sorts of paints, ink, charcoal and pastels. He placed an apple and bowl on the table in front of the boys with a smile.
"All I want you to do is draw what you see! You can use any colours you like, anyway you like! Just try it out and see what you come up with!" Whistling cheerfully, Feli sat down to draw as well, using outlandish colours and patterns.
Alfred wasn't very good at drawing, but he liked playing with the water colour paints and soon he had a red blob that looked vaguely like an apple and brown curve that resembled a bowl. He leaned over to see how Arthur was doing, just as Feli came over to check his work.
"This is very nice, your Highness! I think that with a little bit more practice and patience, you could be a wonderful artist! Now, let's see how Arthur is getting along... oh!"
Equally stunned, Alfred looked on as Arthur sheepishly handed over his paper. He had used an ink pen to create angry, sketchy lines all over the paper, but there was no denying that he had created a stunning drawing, detailed down to the grain of the wooden table and the texture of the apple and bowl.
"It's so pretty, Arthur!" Alfred leaned on his elbows to get a better look at the drawing.
"Yes, Arthur, this is magnificent! Do you like to draw often?" Feli cooed over the picture, eyes crinkling with his huge grin.
"Oh, no, not really. I mean sometimes a draw little things, but they aren't very good. It's not all that special, really."
"Nonsense, you draw beautifully! I am so excited to be teaching such talented students! Now, why don't we clean up and I think we are done for the day." Feli wandered off to rinse out brushes and pack things away, placing the drawing back in front of Arthur.
Arthur sighed heavily, and made to fold up the drawing, but Alfred reached out a hand to stop him.
"What are you going to do with it?"
"Probably just throw it out. It's rubbish anyway."
Alfred gawked in disbelief. "It's so pretty, though! If you don't want to keep it, can I have it?"
Shooting him an incredulous look, Arthur pushed the drawing over to Alfred. "If you want it. I don't understand why though; it's just a silly drawing."
Alfred clutched the paper tenderly to his chest. "It's not silly! You made it and worked hard on it and that makes it special, and even if you think it's rubbish, I love it and I'm going to keep it!"
He didn't understand why Arthur was laughing at him, but he was glad that he had saved the drawing.
"Wait! Arthur! You have to sign your name on it. All the really famous artists do that so you know it's theirs. Sign it!"
"I'm not a famous artist, Alfred."
"You might be, one day. You can be anything you want!"
A strange look came over Arthur's face, and his eyes drifted away from Alfred's face as if he were trying hard not to think of something unpleasant.
"What's wrong?"
Arthur shook his head, and took the drawing back, scribbling something in the corner before placing the drawing down gingerly. He gathered up some of the art supplies to help Feli pack.
"Thank you, Alfred, but I can't be anything I want. Even people like me have limitations."
Confused by what he meant Alfred watched Arthur go before turning to look at the signature on his drawing.
For Alfred,who is very sweet
Arthur Kirkland
Alfred made sure to stow the drawing away some place secret and safe in his room; he was going to keep it forever.
Of all the Jacks, Alfred least liked the Jack of Clubs. Maybe it was because he was even stricter than Mr. Vash and made Alfred call him "sir" or maybe it was because he taught music... and Alfred was an abysmal music student.
And the Jack of Clubs was always dressed so stuffily. It made Alfred feel itchy just to look at him. He wore funny looking glasses that perched on the tip of his nose, and Alfred hoped he would never have to wear something so ridiculous looking.
Alfred sat at the piano in the music room and plunked out the piece he had been practising in the weeks leading up to the Jack's visit. He had tried his hardest to learn it, but it never seemed to get any easier. Even the musical drills the Jack had made him do to warm up his hands were difficult despite Yao's consistently setting aside a time for Alfred to practise the piano every day.
Finishing the piece and then looking down into his lap sheepishly, Alfred waited for the Jack to reprimand him.
"Well, your Highness, you are not as far along as I had hoped you would be, but I can hear some improvement since last time, however small. I understand that you practise every day? I can admire that. Keep on working, and I'm sure you will have a breakthrough soon." The Jack nodded in dismissal, signalling for Arthur, who had been waiting his turn on the sofa, to come over. Alfred breathed a sigh of relief that that was all the Jack had to say as he traded places with Arthur.
"Arthur, is it not? It is a great pleasure to meet you, and an honour as well, since I know what has brought you to the House of Spades." The Jack inclined his head, and Alfred wondered what he meant and why it was making Arthur's face go red.
"It is an honour to meet you, sir." Arthur replied, voice cracking.
"The Jack of Spades has told me you play violin. Correct?"
"Yes, sir."
The Jack adjusted his glasses and retrieved his own violin from its case. "Then let's see how far along you are. We will do some exercises and then I shall ask you to play something for me."
Alfred watched and listened with fascination as the Jack tested Arthur's abilities. The sounds coming from the two violins were so pure and sweet that Alfred felt triply embarrassed by his own lack of skill.
"Who taught you to play, Arthur?" the Jack enquired as he searched through his case of sheet music.
"My mother, sir."
"She has done an excellent job teaching you the fundamentals. I think with my help you may become a fine violinist. Your technique is a bit lacking, but you have a good ear and play with heart. That is something that cannot be taught."
"Thank you, sir. I am eager to improve."
The Jack set some music on a stand before Arthur. "Look over this briefly and then try to play it. Don't worry about making mistakes, I just want to see how well you read."
Arthur's brow furrowed as he looked it over, biting his lip in concentration. He began to play, tentative but still determined. The Jack seemed pleasantly surprised by his ability and applauded gently when Arthur finished. Alfred clapped as well, smiling when Arthur looked over at him and blushed, scratching the back of his neck in happy embarrassment.
"I am quite, impressed Arthur. I will leave some pieces for you to look over and begin working on, and when I next return to instruct you, we can go over any questions or problems you have."
Unable to stay quiet any longer Alfred bounced slightly in his seat and chirped, "You sound really good, Arthur! I wish I could play like you!"
Arthur shuffled his feet shyly at the praise, but the Jack was quick to round on Alfred. "Frankly, your Highness, his ability is the product of hard, mindful work. Your practising is wonderful, but perhaps you could learn a thing or two about focus from Arthur. Who knows? Perhaps if you work hard enough to attain his level of musicianship, I can find a duet piece for you to play."
Alfred's eyes widened. "Do you mean that? We could play together?"
The Jack smirked to himself and gathered up his music cases. "If you show improvement, like I said."
"Then I'm going to work extra, extra hard to get better. I promise!" Alfred nodded his head once as if to say the matter was settled. The Jack and Arthur shared a knowing look, and then Arthur smiled at Alfred.
"I look forward to it."
"Do you feel alright, Arthur?"
They were out on their afternoon walk, but things were more tame than usual thanks to soggy ground caused by the past few days of rain. Instead of running about as usual, both boys were content to stroll along in the crisp, fresh air, bundled into thick coats, boots and gloves.
"I feel fine. I'm just exhausted from all the extra lessons." Arthur rubbed his fingertips into his cheeks, trying to warm them up, and Alfred mimicked him.
"Me too. The other Jacks have hard lessons."
"How often do they come?"
"Hmmm... every other month or so. They have to travel a long way so they don't come often. I'm glad or else we would have extra lessons all the time."
Arthur nodded. "I missed having time to do this... to just walk about outside."
"I missed it, too. I like being with you like this instead of in lessons all day."
Arthur stopped walking and turned toward Alfred, chewing on his bottom lip and stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Alfred? Do you like that I'm here? I mean, I know it must seem strange that I live here now, but did you ever stop to wonder why?"
Contemplating for moment, Alfred rocked back and forth on his heels. "I thought it was to be my friend, like you said the first day we met. So, of course I like you! You couldn't be my friend if I didn't like you." Alfred continued along the garden path for a moment before stopping and turning around again.
"Wait. We are friends, right? You like me too, don't you Arthur?"
Arthur looked down at his feet and sniffed. Alfred thought that maybe he was going to cry, but then Arthur was smiling at him, and even though it looked like there were tears in his eyes, he didn't think it was possible to be sad and smile at the same time.
"I... I like you, too."
"Good." Alfred reached out a mitten-clad hand to Arthur, and when the latter didn't take it right away, he grabbed his hand and dragged him along the path once more. Arthur wiggled his fingers at first, but soon he stopped fighting and just let Alfred hold his hand for the rest of their walk.
Alfred couldn't have been happier.
A/N: I apologize for this update being later than my usual schedule. I had finals and an audition, but now I'm off of school for a month and will be working hard to finish this before or shortly after the New Year. Thank you for reading and reviewing!