Of course, it would be fantastic to report that after Alfred and Arthur shared their kiss, they knew that they were completely in love and nothing could ever hurt their relationship e.g. dancing into the rainbow and getting married.
Unfortunately, if this were true, we wouldn't have much of a story, now would we?
Of course, every time Arthur looked at Alfred his heart beat a bit faster and he had to suppress a smile. But he was also constantly on edge. He was afraid of disappointing him when then were alone, and he was afraid of being together when they were with others. He couldn't look at him like that or touch his shoulder or give away that he was in love with him. Because the King (or in this case, Queen) fell in love with their appointed Royal. Not a former Royal Guard.
Alfred himself had no constraint. This wasn't too much of a problem, because it was quite possible for a ex-royal guard to fall in love with the future "King". Alfred had always been affectionate. No one batted an eyelash when he exclaimed "ARTIE!" and ran down the hallway to envelope the blonde in his arms. However, the rumors started spreading when Alfred "forgot" and pressed a quick kiss to Arthur's forehead one day. Of course Arthur went on quite the tangent, both right after the kiss and when they were alone.
"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL YOU TWIT? Do you want the whole damn kingdom to know!"
Through all of this, though, Alfred and Arthur managed to get along. Now that Matthew was an archer (Arthur finally remembered to appoint him) Alfred found himself spending more time alone. Matthew, of course, knew everything. Along with Francis and Yao. But besides that, people were left in the dark. Alfred couldn't stay in the future King's room because
A) That was Arthur's room so as not to raise suspicion. And
B) That would like, totally give it away, dude!
So Alfred was given an old Representative's room. It was at the very back of the castle in the West Wing (which was barely used). Alfred felt himself becoming increasingly lonelier as time went on. He actually looked forward to classes with Jack Yao, just because it meant seeing a familiar face. He learned about the other Kingdoms, traditions, proper etiquette, economy, trading, the list went on and on. It wasn't all bad, though.
Arthur was very busy preparing for his duties once he would be crowned. But every Friday night they would sneak up to the West Tower and just sit and talk (and kiss, sometimes. Francis would be proud.)
Tonight was one of those nights. Alfred excitedly brushed back his hair and rushed down the hall. He only went past one guard, a friend of his named Toris. Toris was the appointed guard of the West Tower. He was quiet and orderly. He was also quite smart. Arthur thought he had figured them out already, but he hadn't breathed a word. Alfred was extremely grateful to him for this. "Hey Toris," he smiled.
"Hello, Alfred. It's a wonderful night for stargazing." Toris replied.
Alfred laughed. Of course. That's what they were doing. "Sure is. Well, I'll see you 'round, 'kay?"
"Of course, Alfred," Toris smiled, and Alfred turned to run up the stairs. "Oh, but Alfred," Toris whispered, pulling him back. "Arthur is already up there. He looked a little worried." Toris pulled a blue rose from underneath his armor. It was a bit crushed, but still beautiful. "Here," he pushed the rose into Alfred's palm. "Give this to him."
Alfred's hand closed around it. "You know, then?"
Toris smiled, and began pushing Alfred up the stairs. "Have I ever introduced you to my cousin Gilbert? I think you two would get along."
He pushed Alfred up the first step before the blonde could reply.
Alfred rushed up the stairs. Toris knew? Well, he didn't seem freaked out! Maybe this will all work out after all!
Alfred smiled as he clutched the flower. Yeah, everything would go perfectly.
He reached the top of the tower. A faint breeze ruffled his hair. Summer was almost over. They only had until Spring to enjoy life before Arthur was crowned Queen and all hell broke loose.
"Artie," Alfred breathed.
The future queen was dressed in a purple cloak, a dark blue vest and a white button-up. His pants managed to cling to his thighs. He stood up from where he was leaning on the railing and smiled at Alfred. His smile was dull. "Hello, love."
"Artie...are you okay? You seem sad." Alfred strode over to him and pulled him into a hug.
"No, Alfred. I'm not sad I'm just...worried. I got this in the mail a few weeks ago. The crowning is in one week, now. I don't know what to do anymore. I suppose...you'll have to come..."
Alfred took the paper in Arthur's hands. It was embroidered with gold diamonds and sealed with the wax stamp of their ally. It had to be important.
"Here, I'll trade you." Alfred said, pressing the rose into Arthur's hand. The future Queen's expression immediately softened and a short blush appeared on his cheeks. Little did Alfred know, the blue rose was the national flower of Spades and it meant love in times of trouble, courage, and beauty in darkness. Of course Arthur did know this and he threw his arms around Alfred. "Thank you, love."
Alfred placed a kiss to Arthur's head, blushing. He'd have to give Arthur flowers more often. Arthur pulled back and Alfred read the letter. It was from King Francis. Alfred swallowed and read it.
"...Gilbert told him? Wha- And Lily! Yao told me about her. Isn't she like, twelve? That's gross!"
Arthur sighed. "Alfred, the Royals in Diamonds do not fall in love. That is only Spades."
"Oh. Right. I knew that!"
Arthur sighed. It was going to be a long monarchy.
Okay. The next chapter with be the crowning. I promise. Really. And it will be longer. I've just had a bit or writer's block lately. I will get back on track! Promise!
OOOH. I intoduced Toris! He's important. Pay attention.
Thanks for all the reviews and for reading! You guys rock!
Sorry for any mistakes, I'm American.
-Mallory