Warnings: Back to USUK and angst.

I do not own Hetalia or these characters, Himaruya has that honor.
Please enjoy.

Chapter 5: Five of Spades
House of Spades

~Marital Bliss~

Supper was dreadfully silent.

The two exchanged quick glances, Arthur looking at his husband much more than Alfred would.
If they met eyes Alfred would quickly drop his gaze to his food, which for some reason seemed so fascinating at the moment or he would offer a soft smile to the other as they ate.
Arthur as always shuffled more food about his plate, not bearing interest in eating, though of course he never ate much to begin with. Alfred and Yao always chided Arthur about eating more, but in general he hardly had an appetite, preferring tea and wine as opposed to a meal.

Silence joined by the shifting of forks and knives against porcelain plates was all there was due to order.
Protocols, everything was about protocol in the monarchy.
If they were in the presence of others they were subject to rules that have supposedly been since the beginning of all, even when it came to meeting your husband after being away for such time.

Once Alfred rose up, everyone must rise from their seat.
Arthur wiped his mouth with the cloth napkin, taking an extra second for himself before rising, knowing what was to come. Regardless if he was finished or not, Arthur would have to leave if he were summoned, which was alright with him considering he simply wanted more quality time with the other.
Locking feet underneath the table wasn't the same as embracing your lover.

Yao came to Alfred's side, bearing Alfred's sword in his arms that met together.
"Your Highness, was the meal most pleasing?"
Alfred took his sword, sliding the scabbard effortlessly in the slip of leather at his waist.

"Ah, yes, it was. I'm ready to retire for the evening."
He looked directly at Arthur, the expression on the surface a firm smile,
but it was enough to bring chill in the air.
"Let us go, My Queen."

Arthur took his arm with pride, nodding then followed Alfred's lead as they left the room.

The remainder of the court at the table bowed to their king, one hand over their heart as they watched him take his leave. Though the moment they were out of sight, there was a sigh of relief followed by a series of mumbles and groans under their breath.
Everyone in the household despised Arthur, knowing what he had done and they were frustrated with their King for simply forgiving him time and time again.

Alfred wasn't sure how much longer he could keep this charade going. In his heart he loved Arthur with everything he had, and in his mind he was perfect and beautiful, a victim of circumstance. He never asked to be queen, he never asked to be married to a King that would leave him as much as he did, yes, Arthur never asked for this.
So Alfred let it slide, he let Arthur cheat because it was the only thing that would occupy his time and perhaps serve as forgiveness in a life that Arthur had never chosen.
This is how Alfred saw his husband's choice to have affairs with Francis,
foolish but in sacrifice for love's sake.

They both went to their chambers, beginning their bedroom routine as always.
Their bath was already drawn and warm, the room more like a pool rather than a tub which sat both comfortably in the steam filled room. The whole floor was tiled with lapis blue, flecks of gold every so often to break up the monochromatic scheme; it was a lovely room, but one that Arthur seldom shared with his husband at once.

"I've already taken a bath." Arthur said, slipping out of his robes and opting for something more comfortable.

'Another attempt to hide your lie, right Art?' Alfred mused to himself, offering a shrug.

"I see. Alright, won't be long." Alfred replied, walking into the bath.
Arthur waited anxiously for Alfred from their bed, checking to see if the marks from the previous night were hidden enough with magical ointments.
Yes, good. I don't think they can be seen.

Arthur sighed to himself, knowing he was a fool for having gone through all this trouble.
He had lied to Yao when he asked if Alfred knew, to be honest he didn't know.
He still lied and hid his marks, but a suspicion would rouse either way once Alfred returned from a long journey, even if he didn't meet with Francis.
A fine mess indeed.

Though his lover was here, he felt his spirit was far and Arthur knew he was partly to blame.
Acting seductive and needy wouldn't be helping him much tonight, so he knew he would have to wait for Alfred to seek out his warmth.
Patience would be key tonight.

That night the royal couple laid together, enveloped within each other's arms underneath fresh sheets of their bed.
Tonight there would be no love making for Alfred could hardly keep awake long enough in the bath.
Alfred had done that journey without rest and as soon as he met with the pillow, he ended up breathing deeply and rhythmically, a sign he'd soon be fast asleep.

Nights like these were better than not having him home at all.
They were close, Arthur resting his head on Alfred's bare chest, listening to his beautiful beating heart.
"Alfred?" Arthur asked, checking to see if his love was awake.
Alfred groaned a yes, though he was very much asleep.

Arthur bit his lower lip, distress on his face as he watched the other sleep, even in the darkness.
"I love you and… I'm sorry. I promise to try, I promise just please don't leave me again."
That night he got no promises, but that night his plea did not go unheard.

Today he would make the best of circumstance and place a brave face on as he forgave Arthur and asked for forgiveness himself.
Once Arthur was ready, he approached the court, whispering to a guard to ask for permission to enter.

Alfred nodded, allowing to be approached to set eyes before his lovely Queen.
There was protocol to be followed, even if this date was just for the two of them; when one was in the presence of the courts,
no one was excused from protocol.

Arthur was quick to walk down the carpet woven with gold and the shade of lapis blue, bowing before the King's feet.

"You look lovely, My Queen." Alfred said, rising his scepter over his Queen, who could now look up at King Alfred.

"I'm glad the King has found favor in me." Arthur replied, his eyes shimmering with arrogance once Yao looked his way.

Yao cursed under his breath, wishing there was something more he could do so that Alfred would see what Arthur truly was. It wasn't until Alfred had addressed Yao that he finally drifted from his spiteful thoughts.

"Yao, I leave you in charge of affairs while I'm gone."
He told Yao, locking Arthur's arm with his own, the smile on his face bright. Yao looked at him with pity deep in his eyes, wishing that the King would no longer play the fool with him.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I wish you both safe passage."

'A journey? I thought this was a date.' Arthur mused, but kept his curiosities to himself.
He would receive his answer in due time and with patience.

Once the two were off, mounted in their carriage, Arthur switched seats so that he would be right next to his lover instead of across.

"Now I have you to myself!" Arthur said delightfully, letting his arms fall about Alfred's shoulder in an embrace, bringing him close.
"Where are we off to, you've been so secretive with me since this morning. Please tell me now."
Arthur asked with enthusiasm.

"Now, now, it's a surprise." Alfred teased, bringing the other close to him.

Arthur knew better than to press further for information.
"Fine then… -It's such a bother to have to go through such silly protocols to have you to myself.
Though it is nice to have you to myself for a while… even if it won't be much. " Arthur stated sadly.
"When do you embark again, My Love?"

"In three weeks to the Clover's Kingdom again." Alfred sighed in frustration.
"The terrain there is making the setting of rails difficult, plus the temperatures are something our steam engines aren't used to. I need to figure out a way to keep the water from freezing.
They don't have a skilled caster like you to help them."
He acknowledged the other, squeezing his hand tightly into his, gold bands meeting each other.

"Yes, isn't magic in that Kingdom banned?"
Arthur asked, knowing the answer, but all in the sake of conversation.

"Yeah, which makes it a challenge to run our machines there without it.
We're relying on pure steam power, which is taking a lot longer than I had anticipated,
but once it's done I should be home for a long while."

"I'd really like that." Arthur replied softly, pressing a soft kiss to Alfred's temple.

Arthur knew the importance of these steam powered machines; not only were they a form of income and power for the Kingdom of Spades, it was also a symbol of unity.
If the Kingdom of Clovers and the Kingdom of Spades could get along after the war not so long ago, then the whole Land would be in harmony and the rest would follow suit.
Then maybe Alfred and Arthur would be left alone, if for a little while.

"I've missed you love. Truly I have." Arthur said softly, resting his head against Alfred's shoulder.
The firm arm about Arthur's waist pulled the other in tightly, drawing him nearer.

"I know. I'm sorry to do that to you. I can't help it you know. I"

"They say: 'Distance makes the heart grow fonder.'
So you can be certain that I'm a doting fool over you."
Arthur stated with a nervous laugh, trying to mask the sorrow in his heart, failing miserably at that might you know.

It was almost sad how much irony was in play here.
How could you miss someone and yet, be able to effortlessly replace them for a moment of passion?
Alfred brought a calloused hand to Arthur's chin, lifting it up so that their eyes would focus on each other.

"Hey, today let's enjoy ourselves alright? It's just you and me, no one else. I promise."
These words brought a smile to Arthur's lips, his eyes dancing as they connected with Alfred's gentle blues.

No protocol would be absolutely lovely, but I suppose it can't be avoided, not while I'm with the King of Spades.
"Where are we going again?"

"You'll see in a bit, we're almost there."
Alfred reassured, shifting the curtain from the carriage window, revealing the forest and open meadows. This part of Spades was most lovely indeed and Arthur knew as he felt the energy in the air, they were in a most magical place.

Here the fae resided amongst man in this haven where magic lives in all, untouched by humans and yet living in harmony by them.
It was a sacred place that simply no one had access to, it was a duty of the royalty to protect it and Alfred was sure to guard such a place for him.
The memories they held at this place since the days of their youth stayed with them both and Alfred refused to sacrifice the possibility of losing more memories.

They stopped at a rural château, one that bore the distinctive colors of their Kingdom: blue tiled peaks, grand sapphire glass windows and light grey stone that gleamed white from the distance.
Though it was not nearly as grand or as modern as their castle in Spades, the château held its own charm. It held a rustic beauty as blue roses climbing over the old walls like ivy, trimming the painted blue shutters.

"Alfred…?" Arthur asked in a manner that seemed unsure, for this was too good to be true.

"Surprise: We're staying here for a few days!"

Arthur's eyes began to well with tears a wide smile breaking.
"You mean it?"

Alfred smoothed over Arthur's lower lip with his thumb before speaking.
"Yeah, I need time with my Queen, my lover, my everything and I won't have interruptions when I have a duty to your heart to tend to." He replied, kissing Arthur tenderly on the lips, Arthur returning the favor.

"Alfred…"
Smitten. Arthur was absolutely smitten by his charm.

It was amazing that it took so long for their love to bloom even after they had been wed, but now it was well worth it.
Enough so he would try a hand at fidelity, binding himself to one person for the rest of his life, earnest and true.

This place was a retreat for them both, it overlooked a lake in the front of the house and a drop off where a tall waterfall that led deep into a cavern poured into; said to be home to sirens, which Arthur forbade Alfred to venture in so far without him in case.
All in all, it was a lovely place with plenty of game to amuse Alfred and beautiful fields filled with fairies and magic for Arthur. However, that wasn't the only reason they loved this place; this place was meant only for them, only two maid servants present and they were restricted to the servant quarters for most of the day, only allowed to leave at Alfred and Arthur's command.
The guards that came with them would keep watch at the entrance of the household and would not be permitted to enter the home.

This meant that the two lovers had their house to themselves for the taking.

"I've wanted you to myself for quite some time."
Alfred admitted, grinding the other into the wall upon entrance to their sanctuary. Arthur let out a moan, feeling Alfred's enthusiasm with such vigor, sending shivers down his spine. Arthur let out a moan, tilting his head back which allowed Alfred easier access to his throat, pressing kisses all the way down, past the collar and whatever fabric was in his way.

"Alfred…" Arthur whimpered, wanting so much more than this, bringing the other closer by holding onto his shoulders with one arm, the other hand gripping onto Alfred's overcoat.
"Then have me." Arthur replied in shuddered yet desperate whisper. "Please have me."

-However in reality it was hardly this way, really far from it.
The two were in a large house, silence between them as Alfred made himself comfortable, leaving his things at the doors for the maids to tend to as he made his way to the back of the house. Arthur followed Alfred closely, both opting to change into different clothing as they took a walk in the glade by the house.

They took hands, Arthur following closely behind Alfred as he led him into the meadow, both seeking out their favorite place. It was the one place where Alfred could have sworn that he had seen a fairy.
"Darling, what's on your mind? You're never so silent unless something is on your heart. "

Alfred sighed in frustration in reply.
"Arthur we need to talk."

"Talk? Well we have all the time in the world now. Go on, I'll listen."
Arthur reassured with his smile, deceptively sweet enough to induce guilt.

Alfred intended to confront him, but it would be impossible here.
This was their haven that was reserved for happiness and to start off by poisoning it would be nothing short of sin. He hadn't the nerve to discuss the situation with him last night nor on the carriage ride, so how could he do so now?

"I feel like we're further apart even though we've been married for years." Alfred admitted.
"Tell me what to do. Tell me what to say to make this better."

Arthur's eyes wavered, shocked at the tone of determination in his shaky voice.
Arthur shook his head, biting his lower lip as he tried to avoid a proper answer.

"That's a lot to ask of me right now, Alfred."

"I know you've been thinking about us, 'cause I have too. Please Arthur; it's for both our sakes."
Alfred asked once more.

"I just… I would like you home more often, to have you to myself." Arthur admitted.
"However, I already know that it's impossible with the way things are. We've discussed this in the past: As long as your priority is your Kingdom we'll have to set our own feelings aside for a while longer."

Arthur's words were true and offered bite to them that dug deep into Alfred's soul.
There was so much pain on both sides, but Alfred couldn't find it in himself to resolve it. He needed to be strong, be the hero for Arthur a while longer.

"But it's just us right now Artie, no one else. What can I do now?"
Alfred asked, bringing a hand to Arthur's cheek, brushing it tenderly.
"I know I can't do much more at home aside from taking you away from there, but what more can I do?"

"You're doing what you can right now, Love.
With all the wisdom of a King, you're doing the best you can. I can't expect much more that that."

"Are you sure?"
Alfred asked, hesitant to accept Arthur's words for truth. They sounded as if they were wishful thinking and it was probably true; however it was better to simply accept it and move on.

"Yes, I'm sure." Arthur replied, placing a gentle kiss on the hand that drew him near, dropping it to his own.

'I have no other choice, not while I'm with the King of Spades.
You must stay strong and offer selflessness as a good Queen should.'

"Come now, let's not dwell on such sad things. You promised me just time to ourselves."

"Yes… I did." Alfred replied with a weary laugh. "Let's watch the river for a while." Alfred suggested.

"That sounds lovely." Arthur replied, eager to change the conversation.

Nothing more was said on the matter.
Nothing yet to be resolved or mended.

By ignoring the problem it was so much easier to get along, even though it was drifting them further apart.
The pain in Alfred's soul had yet to subside, but he was willing to keep from telling his true feelings a while longer.
If it meant that Arthur could be happy, perhaps this procrastination was worth it, at least for a little while.

A/N:
I'm a bit of a tease aren't I? I'm not even sorry (lawl).
I decided to go into how things work in the Kingdom of Spades offer a few explanations as to why Alfred is away so much and how he's feeling about Arthur cheating on him. Also as a bonus I wrote a fanfic in a different AU: "Staying Positive". Check it out won't you?

Thanks to Jade as always for editing and thanks to all of you that are following, faving and reviewing this story, it means a lot to me!