Author's Notes: All of the words just spilled out of this one that I had to cut a lot. WOW. ((That is a first)). But the beginning sort of does not make sense. *sigh* Whatever. Although it makes Arthur seem so weak and feminine like. Arg. Anyways...what did you think about the Nordics last chapter? Do not worry, they will be in more! Gosh, I love the Nordics! Have you seen them in Beautiful World? OMG so adorable. There's a little bit of DeNor in this chapter [one of my 5894088547329OTPS] but it is only hinted at /sadface/ As you can tell I am not very good at writing fluff or smut or anything for that matter. I am so greateful for everyone who added this to their favourites or alert list and especially reviewed! YOU ARE ALL WONDERFUL! Climax is coming up soon! *sighs* Finally, you know. It is going to be a year in April. I hope I get off my lazy ass and finish before then...There are only about four or five more chapters and maybe an epilogue. This has a prologue so why not have an epilogue, you know! It just seems to fit. *shrugs* We will see, I suppose, right? I am a very go-with-the-flow kind of writer :/

Warnings: Some language.

Disclaimer: I do not own hetalia or cardverse.

"What is it babe, I have to go?" Alfred asked when he noticed Arthur's hand was still entangled in his.

"I know but…we've never been away from each other for extended periods of time, and who knows how long it will be before you send for me," Arthur began, his face solemn and unreadable as he spoke.

"Yes, I know, but I have Mathias and you have the others to keep you company while you master your magic skills."

"What if…" Arthur swallowed. "What if I never see you again?"

Alfred held the emerald eyed blond close to his chest. "Don't say such horrible things," he whispered reassuringly "I will return. This I promise to you."

Arthur snuggled closer, burying his face into Alfred's tattered clothes. "What if the plan does not work? What makes you think my brothers will not slaughter you?"

"I told you a thousand times-"

"I do not want to lose you," Arthur stated bluntly, tears threatening to streak his rosy cheeks.

"You will not," Alfred said. He gave Arthur one last long and passionate kiss and a squeeze before mounting his horse.

"Be careful. I love you," Arthur said, albeit his voice muffled by his tears.

"I love you, as well," Alfred said. He commanded the horse to ride on, not once looking back; he knew it would be far too painful to see his prideful Queen crying over his absence.

"You really love Arthur, huh?" Mathias asked as the King's horse trotted beside his in steady gallops.

Alfred nodded, his fingers grazing over his King's watch with a longing and dazed look in his eyes. "Yeah. What about you? Anyone caught your heart yet?"

"Me? Nah," Mathias said with a wave of his hand.

Alfred smirked. "What about Lukas? He's into you," he said and nudged Mathias playfully in the gut with his elbow.

"Lukas?" Mathias asked with a raised eyebrow. "You really think so?"

"Look, I know so," Alfred said with a confident nod. If there was one thing the King was good at it was telling if two people were in love, and by the looks of it Mathias and Lukas definitely had feelings for each other.

"If this pulls through maybe I'll ask him."

"Don't you mean when it pulls through?" Alfred asked with a hearty laugh.

"Don't be too cocky," Mathias warned.

"Eh, why not? I'm a great actor," Alfred defended. "They will all think I just lost my memory, which is true. And today is some war meeting thing so if all of the other royals see me they cannot help but to keep me alive!"

"Oh yeah?" Mathias challenged.

"Yeah. And then I will be all heroic and save the day for the Kingdom, just like I had always dreamt!"

"Is that all?"

"And Artie," he admitted and smiled reflexively.

Mathias laughed wholeheartedly. "You've got some guts, kid. I didn't think you had it in ya, from all of those stories I heard about you. I'm actually proud to say that you're my King. Let us just hope everything goes according to plan."

Alfred sighed and raised his chin to gaze at the dawning sky. "Let us hope."

"Why have you called upon us on such a short notice?" Ivan asked skeptically. The green King was not one to take a liking to unplanned meetings, and to exemplify his annoyance at the new Spades royals his green laced boots were propped on the arrogantly on the meeting table.

"Yes, why did you call us?" Francis asked, his palm stroking the blond hairs on his goatee.

"Can we not mourn for our lost royals?" Connor asked, his eyebrow arched. "I did not think life has succumbed to such a low standard, even if we are royalty."

Elizaveta sighed, her fingers tracing circles on her pale temples. "Just get to the point already. We have very busy schedules, as you well know. We cannot keep having these meetings with nations we must take care of."

"Yes, yes," Iain said dismissively with a wave of his hand. "I suppose we should just be blunt with you. Now would be a perfect opportunity to tell you that we know who is behind the tragic death of our beloved royals."

The others gaped at those words, surprised at his proposal.

"How is that possible?" Francis asked. His slumped body erected at the mere thought escaping the red haired King's lips.

"It was that revolution, no?" Ivan asked with a frown.

Iain shook his head once. "I am afraid it is even worse. It was the Joker Kingdom."

"The Jokers!?" Ludwig asked with a snarl and a vein popped from his forehead. His white fists banged on the meeting table leaving a small dent at such accusations. "My brother would never-"

"Oh, we did not accuse your brother," Connor explained quite calm for the situation. "However, we are proposing revenge for our brother."

"Revenge?" Lili asked, her glittering eyes not once leaving her delicate hands ruffling the laces on her peace colored dress. "We are not children. Are you sure this is what is right?"

"I am afraid so," Iain explained dejectedly.

A guard rapped at the door. "Sire, there is a guest I recommend you shall see immediately."

Iain curled his lip, his calm demeanor now completely gone. "Can you not see that we are in the middle of a very important meeting? Be gone!"

The guard stood his ground against the King. "I think this matter is more important."

"What could be more important? I told you to leave!" Iain spat.

"Yes, your majesty," the guard's accented voice said and bowed all too solemnly.

"As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted," Connor started quite irritable. "We plan to attack the Joker Kingdom."

"Attack?" Feliciano asked and tired his arms around his King for protection.

"As much as I would like vengeance," Francis began with a swallow, "I do not believe this is what they would want."

"Not to be rude, your highness, but sending in troops would be genocide," Elizaveta began desperately.

"Not if we all band together," Connor explained with a devious smile. He slid a sheet of parchment out on the mahogany table. "I propose with all of our unique assets and qualities, we could defeat the tyrants of the Joker Kingdom."

"Do you think this is all necessary?" Ludwig hissed.

"Necessary?" Iain asked and threw back his head to laugh at the red clad King. "Of course the brother of a Joker speaks out against justice."

Ludwig's growled at the King of Spades.

"Our royalty has died. What if we were not here to take their place!?" Connor asked all too innocently.

Kiku looked over at Yao who has not dared to look up from the marble floor. "And what do you say about this?"

"I have nothing to say," Yao said robotically, his eyes did not dare falter from the white and black marble ground.

"See! This is proof that our country is tearing apart! The wisest man in the land cannot think straight. Spades must get vengeance, but I can only do it with your help." Iain slid the parchment closer to the other royals.

Before the other could answer, the double doors swung open, revealing an all too disheveled King of Spades. His figure was worse than Yao had ever seen, and possible the entirety of his eighteen years of life.

"Your majesty?" Yao asked looking at Alfred. His physique had slimmed down tremendously – his ribs were noticeable through his tattered silk robes – almost devoid of any muscles that budded on his sun kissed skin. His eyes were no longer its glimmering shade of oceanic blue, and instead were the color of grey stones. His expression was desperately unreadable, practically lost; he was definitely not the strong King that lived on in the others' memories.
"Please, you have to take me home. My brother," he pleaded, spitting out utter nonsense. His voice, too, was void of the energy the Spade King was once known for; and in its place was pure anxiety.

"You are alive, your highness?" Iain asked, panic rising with each syllable. He had not expected this variable when he calculated his perfect plan to dominate Cards.

"Who are you?" Alfred asked with his eyes dangerously narrowed. "And why are y'all keep callin' me your majesty and whatever?"

"Your highness," one of the guards called, rushing into the meeting room. His hands were on his knees and his breaths were quite labored as he continued "oh, King Iain! I am dreadfully sorry, but we turned around for a moment and he was out of our sights."

Iain waved him aside. "Nonsense." He stalked closer to Alfred and placed his hands on his slender shoulders. "Our King has returned."

"But he has no recollection," Vash pointed out, his arms locked diagonally across his torso.

"I don't know what y'all are talking about, but I need to go back to my brother," Alfred began quite panicked.

"Sit down, Alfred," Connor gritted and pointed to an empty chair at the meeting table.

Alfred obeyed.

"Shall I bring him to his chambers?" the guards asked.

Iain exhaled and rubbed his temples with his middle and index fingers. "While you are at it, prepare rooms for our other guests. We must rethink our plans."

"Of course, your majesty, come along King Alfred" the guard said. With a quick bow, Mathias exited the room with Alfred behind him.

To Be Continued...

I know that I usually do not write at the bottom but if you are confused about the 'plan' the two are talking about here is a quick summary: (It will be explained in further chapters)

Alfred-Pretending to have forgotten all memories of being a King (similar to previous chapters). He believes he will not be killed due to the fact that he poses no threat. He will reside in the castle and send word to Arthur to arrive before any troops are deployed or any alliances are made.

Arthur-With Lukas he is learning how to master his magic powers. When word arrives, Arthur will storm the castle (along with a small group he has been collecting) and, hopefully, overpower his brothers and reclaim the throne.

Mathias-The guard along with Alfred. He is working inside the castle and protecting Alfred.

Lukas-Teaching magic to Arthur.

Emil/Tino/Berwald-Gathering allies to help storm the castle when word from Alfred arrives.