Arthur sat at the unevenly chopped wooden desk, rubbing his temples as he stared down at the map. The purple fabric of the tent rustled as the cold wind hit it. Men moved about outside of it, shouting orders, discussing the war, the clanking of their armor varying in noise.

"Nous allons mourir!" Francis shouted, ceasing the insistent pacing he'd kept up all morning. His shiny and unscathed chain mail clinked together as he approached the rough desk. "Diamonds is completely defenseless, the borders don't stand a chance! They're ransacking my home, oh mon dieu!"

Arthur sighed, and smoothed the map down. His eyes traced Spades borders. "Francis," he started, looking at one spot in particular. He swallowed harshly. "Stop you blabbering and get my Head Archer. His name is Sir Matthew. Quickly."

Francis looked down at the map, not appearing to have made the connection Arthur did. "Have you found something? What is it th-"

"Just go get Matthew!"

Francis rushed out of the tent. It was easier trying to track down a man he didn't know than dealing with a impatient Queen.

Once he'd gone back into the cold, Arthur stared down at the little dot on the map. It was an unimportant village, just a farming town that had little effect on feeding Spades. It was rather close to the Capitol, but it was right by the border. It was the only barrier that stood between Spades' fall and Club's entry from Diamonds.

It was also the village Alfred grew up in.

Arthur feared he knew exactly where both Alfred and Clubs were heading.

…

Alfred was determined to set things right. He didn't know what had come over him the past months, but he knew he had to fix it. Peter had somehow snapped him out of his trance, and he'd given him the courage to fix his mistakes. He loved Arthur. He loved him more than he'd ever loved anyone else. He cared for Spades, his country, his people, just as he cared for himself.

Knowing that he had been gone during a civil war put his heart on ice. What if it had fallen, and he was never told? What if Matthew, his brother, had fallen in battle?

Luckily, Alfred did not need to worry about Matthew, as Gilbert had promised he was safe, and had even sent him a letter. But the Joker had refused to reveal anything about Alfred's hometown, saying that "I can't tell you, it's up to fate!"

This is why Alfred rode so fast through the scattered towns and farms to get to his home. To the people that knew him before he even really knew himself. Ace seemed to sense where they were going, and he picked up the speed, his mane tickling Alfred's nose as the flew over the autumn country.

When it came into view, Alfred's heart leapt with the utmost joy. He was finally back where he'd started. Now he could fix everything. He could win back his kingdom and he could win back his love.

Alfred turned Ace onto the main road. No one was outside, which was strange. The fields were usually mid-harvest now, but they seemed untouched. Alfred shrugged it off. Their were far more important things to worry about then crops. He raced down towards his house, his thighs cramping to Ace's sides.

It still stood proudly, the ivy crawling up the western side, the field full of wheat, ready to see the reaped. But no smoke rose from the chimney, and the curtains were drawn. Hoof marks or two horses lead around the back, and the door was slightly ajar. Fear touched Alfred's throat for this first time since he entered the village, and he dismounted quickly, leaving Ace to catch his breath as he ran to the front door. He pushed it open, a hand on his belt as if he actually had a knife to fight with, were he to meet attackers.

A man in full armor was standing in the hall, staring at him with an amazed expression. Alfred didn't waste his time. He threw him against a wall and screamed in his face. "Who are you? Where are the people who live here?"

The man chocked under Alfred's strength. His green eyes bulged, and he wriggled. "K-king A-alfred..."

A shiver ran down Alfred's spine at the words. He moved his arm just enough to let the man take a deep breath. His brown bangs curled around his face as he lowered his head, gasping like a fish out of water. He coughed a few times before answering Alfred's first question.

"I-I'm...Toris..."

Alfred stepped back completely. Toris had been in the Royal Guard with him, back before all of the horrible things happened. Toris was short, though. His hair was longer. He didn't have stubble on his chin and his eyes didn't hold such a haunted look.

With a shock, Alfred realized that his country wasn't the only thing that changed while he was gone.

"T-toris?" He gasped, staring at the man who finally lifted his head to look at him. "Oh my—Toris! Man, I'm so glad you're okay!" Alfred pulled him into a hug. He was really tall now, possibly even taller than Alfred himself. Given, Alfred didn't see him much even before he left Spades. But it was still wonderful to know that one of his old friends was okay. Toris squeaked when Alfred grabbed him, but he eventually wrapped his arms around him and patted his back. "It's nice to see you too, Alfred, sir."

Alfred pulled back, still smiling. "But...I mean, I'm glad you're here, but where is every one? And why are you here?"

Toris bit his lip. "The village has been ordered to evacuate by Queen Arthur. I'm here with Sir Matthew to make sure everyone is out."

"Sir Matthew?" Alfred repeated. "You mean my brother? He's here?"

Toris nodded. "I'll take you to him. Besides, we have much to discuss."

…

After a similar reunion with Matthew, and great fawning over each other's health, the three men got on their horses and made their way down the main road. Matthew explained to Alfred about the goings-on of the war, of how the rebels were called the Dealers and how they were finally being pushed back. He talked about the damage brought on by the protests, the drought, and the many soldiers who switched sides.

"How...how is Arthur?" Alfred managed to ask. Matthew went silent, glancing at Toris for a moment.

"He was very hurt, Alfred. But now that the magic has seemingly worn off..."

Alfred cocked his head. "Magic?" He repeated. He tugged on Ace's reins, making him stop. Toris and Matthew stopped as well.

"Yes, the magic that made you fall out of love with Arthur. The Queen told me about the spell a while ago, after a battle...I assume Gilbert helped you break the spell?"

Alfred's jaw dropped. That's why he'd acted so strangely! He felt relief rush through his body. He'd never really left Spades or his beloved. He wasn't in his right mind.

Then fear gripped at Alfred's heart again. "Who cast the spell?" He demanded.

"Queen Elizabeta, of course! Alfred, are you telling me you didn't know about this?"

"I didn't even know I had a spell on me...I—oh my god! Arthur must have been so terrible, he must hate me now! I mean, I thought for sure he hated me but then I thought he might forgive me but now he must totally hate me!"

Toris pulled up his horse just beside Ace to lay a hand on Alfred's shoulder. "Alfred, sir. Two royals of Spades can never truly hate each other. But that won't stop Arthur from punching you in the face when we get back."

Despite Toris' attempt at good humor, Alfred was ringing his hand the entire way back.

Back to wherever they were going.

Hello! I have some serious writers block so I apologize in advance for the quality of this chapter. If anyone would like to beta it for me, it would be greatly appreciated!

I'm very very busy lately. I have to write a story for creative writing, and I'm starting a debate club in my school. I just don't have much time to write this, but I promise I'll keep updating ASAP!

Thank you all for your reviews!

-Mallory