Life became far better for the boys after that. Of course, things weren't easy. They were perfectly dreadful. What with Alfred having to "quit" the royal guards. That had gone down horribly. Alfred himself wasn't completely depressed, seeing as how he'd still be protecting his people, but his comrades were horrified.

"But Alfred! What about being an Ace?"

"You're the strongest man here!"

"No, stay! C'mon, Al!"

Alfred listened to them all, a mournful look on his face. These people were his friends. They were the people he'd trained with, ate with, cried to...He sucked in a deep breath. "Guys," he began, "It's been great being in the ranks. I'll never forget this place or any of the things it's taught me. I'll still see you guys around. I promise. Once a friend, always a friend. I promise I'm not giving up my dreams. I'm just changing perspectives. I'll still be working towards a goal, don't worry."

The soldiers all looked terribly sad and confused. "What's your new dream? Where are you going?"

Alfred smiled sadly. He couldn't lie to his friends. But he couldn't tell them the truth either. If he said he was going to be King, they would wonder what Arthur was. It would only be a matter of time before someone figured it out. Who knew what state the Kingdom would be in then. "You'll find out when I finish! I promise! You'll be so proud of me! And I'll do it the best I can, just you wait and see! This is my promise to you guys. No matter what crazy stuff happens in the future, I'm still loyal to you. I'll still do the best I can for you. Got it?"

The soldiers all started clapping. Though still confused, they were happy Alfred was still determined. They hoisted him up and started giving him their last goodbyes. "We'll miss ya, bud."

"Come back around and we'll have a quick mock-sword fight, alright?"

When Alfred left, his eyes were watering. His pocket felt too light without his badge inside of it.

He excused himself to his room for the rest of the day.

Arthur wasn't too worried. Alfred would need some space to adjust to his new life. Arthur understood that. Things were going to be slow. Change wasn't accepted well by the people of Spades. They liked tradition. They were proud of their history. Too proud. Arthur couldn't help but agree that sticking to the customs is easier. Yet, every time there has been a change, the end result has turned out to be grand. Change brings out new ideas and happiness. It brings people together and tears others apart. Spades was a pond. One half was warm, fish-filled water where people brisked happily and wondered at the plant-life. The other half was cold, murky water where snails and other bottom-feeders lurked. They peeked from behind the rocks and brown seaweed. They could not reach the top.

Change is what Spades needed to mi up the water. Instead of hot and cold, it becomes a pleasant warm. Plants spread. Animals grow. Life.

With his coronation coming in just a few months, Arthur was both excited and terrified for this change. Who knew what it would bring?

"Arthur," Yao said one day. "I have some good news." Arthur looked up from The Complete History of Jokers and raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"The Jack and Queen of Diamonds has been declared!"

Arthur almost dropped his novel. "What! At the same time?"

Yao chuckled, and handed Arthur a piece of paper. "Yes. It seems the two are siblings. The Jack is quite old to be crowned. He goes by the name of Vash, and he is twenty years old. He possesses the power to turn anything into gold with his touch. The Queen is very young. Twelve years old, actually. Her name is Lily. She can heal any wound, so long as it is not one of death."

Arthur blinked. "TWELVE YEARS OLD?" He shouted. "She is not fit to rule! How could Francis...I mean...this is..."

Yao frowned. "Arthur, you should be happy. Our standing ally has completed their Royals, and are now very powerful! Besides, as Queen, you will need to accept the differences in other kingdoms."

Arthur laid his forehead in his hands. "Oh!" Yao pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. "And this is for you. From King Francis. I believe it is an invitation to the crowning. You will go, as will I. It is our duty." With that, Yao strode from the room.

Arthur unfolded the piece of paper and carefully read the words.

Dear Eyebrows,

A little birdy told me everything. I think you know him. His name is Gilbert. Oh, this is wonderful! I can't wait to use this against you! Imagine the-

Well, I shouldn't give away my plans.

Anyways, I King Francis of Diamonds, cordially invite you to the Royal crowning of blah blah blah all that Royal crap I've been writing for the past three hours.

Also, bring your little lover boy or you will regret it.

Au revior, mon cher!

~Francis

Arthur scowled. Francis had hell to pay for this. So did Gilbert, Joker or not.

Super short, I know! But it looks like things might not go as slow as Arthur or Alfie want them to. Next chapter will be the coronation!

Also, sorry for not posting, but I was working on a Harry Potter AU USUK fic. Feel free to check it out. Someone requested it.

REQUESTS? You say! Yes! Requests! Just ask on my tumblr, and I'll be happy to write you something!

My tumblr, is of course, .com

Sorry for any mistakes! I'm American!

-Mallory