Here's the second chapter- :)

CHAPTER II

HANDS OF TIME

"The heavens roared in recognition of the master they serve..."

The Fates had only one job. ONE BLOODY JOB. And that was to get a worthy arse down that throne for the Kingdom of Spades and suddenly it decides that it has to be a farmer. Oh bloody great. It wasn't about the whole farming thing. No, of course it wasn't. He could care less of what was the job of the chosen King... And it's not that he doesn't see progress in this child-he's the fastest to progress if he was left to judge BUT if it was for Spades... for the country he loves and adores more than anything else, he believes that it deserves better than this child.

Alfred. Nineteen years of existence. Pretty sapphires for eyes and dang, the most beautiful blond hair he'd seen in this earth. The eldest son of a farmer at the borders of the Spades was chosen as King and no matter how much Arthur wanted to wipe off that mark from his chest, it was no use. The fates had done their job and now left him incharge of the Kingdom and him of this guy's education in EVERYTHING. Oh, he did try to be polite. He tried to be the most obedient and understanding Queen to have existed in Spades but-

"Woah! You're a guy?!"

That ruined everything.

No, he ruined everything.

Like any of the four Kingdoms, Spades had its own uniqueness. After the bearer of the mark dies, only then will the mark appear one the successor. The successor can come from any class as long as he belongs to the Kingdom of Spades. Only one exemption existed through the years and that was the current Knave, Yao, who seemed to have inherited the mark of fate from his father, his predecessor as knave. The King was the one who sat on top of the monarchy followed by the Queen and the Knave and right now, the King was the last one to arrive in the monarchy. Fitting of the most important person here in this Kingdom.

It has been two years since Spades had seen a King upon its throne and the Kingdom rejoiced upon finding out that the King was found! They would only see their King on the balcony of the palace but that was enough... If only they knew. Only they knew what goes on inside the palace walls before they lay their eyes upon the monarch they all crave to see. Arthur could feel their excitement... even hear it!

"Do I really have to wear this?" asked the so called most anticipated King in all of Spades. It was the thirtieth time that he had said this as he was looking at the mirror. His voice was of inexperience and curiosity at the same time. A farmer of seventeen years and now a King by eighteen-Fate seemed to have a lot of surprises. He eyed himself properly in the mirror as he even twirled around like the child he was. Those ordinary clothes he had been wearing- those comfortable and thin long sleeves that were recklessly buttoned were now clean of any dir, buttoned properly and now made from high class silk. He had necktie over it and the coat of every King where the royal insignia was embroidered. On top of that, a robe of royal blue was attached to his back. Was he the same person? He felt like... somebody else and deep inside, it scared him.

"For the last time, Yes." Arthur said before pulling him down by the arm and gently putting the crown on top of his head. The young King merely complied to this gesture and bent his knees so he could lower himself and aid the Queen into putting the crown. One more thing that irritates Arthur was the fact that this so brat of a King he calls is taller than him by a few inches.

"Heavy..." Alfred grunted as he stood up properly once more before looking up as if to see the edge of the crown on his forehead if he did.

"It is quite heavy but I guess, you have to get used to it." Arthur said as he crosses his arms and steps back, examining if the crown wasn't going to fall off. It was the King's symbol after all and the worst thing anyone could do was drop it during his coronation ceremony. At least, Alfred had not proved himself worthy of such assumptions despite himself being quite... careless. Arthur hopes that he would rub off that annoying attitude of his eventually in the coming future.

"As heavy as the crown comes the responsibility, right?" Alfred said before Arthur blinked and was left to stare. Perhaps...he wasn't so annoying afterall. Perhaps... he understands what he has gotten himself into. Perhaps there was this tiny hope that being his Queen wouldn't be so bad. Arthur smiled a bit at the thought... "By the way, I don't see why you're not dressed for the occasion, Queen."

Ugh. Again with the horrid title. The smile vanished almost immediately before Arthur said, "King, I had my coronation two years ago- if you wanted to see me wearing royal ceremonial robes, you're two years late." Calling him by his title was so wrong in so many ways he didn't even-

"It's just weird, ya know. I'm all dressed up and you're not! Aren't you suppose to be the Queen or something?"

How dare he? Long Patience. LONG PATIENCE. He's just a child-a curious child to add to that and for now until forever you're going to be his parent so ease your nerves and calm down, he told himself. "Alfred, I am Queen but bloody hell, I thought I just explained why I'm not wearing those kind of clothes."

"You're cursing again!"

"Bloody hell. I am not! The reason why you're the one wearing those royal garbs is because you will be the only one presented to the people! I'll be wearing mine later for the ceremony or did you not listen to Yao? "

"Eh? I didn't hear anything about that."

Snap. Being calm was hopeless with this child! "I swear to the Fates, I'll call thunder and lightning on you if you don't behave you bloody irritating brat!"

"Yao! Arthur's being scary again!" Alfred said flailing his arms.

"BLOODY WHAT?! NOW LISTEN HERE LAD-"

"Queen, is that any way to behave? Our King is still confused... Can't you spare him your words of encouragement at the very least?" Yao sighed and looked at the two monarchs with a blank expression. Why did Alfred call him? Oh... it was because Arthur stops when this guy talks. Haha. Not funny.

Arthur grumbled under his breath. Words of encouragement his arse. Like, he'll give him that when he just irritates him all day long. He glared at the King with all the hatred he could summon but instead of jumping on him and strangling the living day light out of him, he managed to pull off a sweet and enchanting smile. "You'll do well. I know you will..." he said. Yao was one to step back with such words uttered. Ugh. Those words—All of them reeked with such sarcasm he couldn't even take even if it was from his friend ...He hasn't even heard Arthur speak in such a creepy way and intensity of sarcasm like that yet Alfred seemed not affected at all! Yao stared in disbelief. Does he know of the sarcasm or—

"See, Artie... You can be nice once in a while..." Alfred said with his bright grin that lay similar to the shinning sun.

Was he oblivious? Yes, Yao... goes for the second thought. The King was irritating... Yao and Arthur agreed on that. "WAIT, WHAT THE BLOODY HELL DID YOU BLOODY CALL ME?! "

Yao sighed as he merely stood guard by the balcony's door. There was in no way that he'll open that door and let the citizens see that the new King and Queen don't get along. This was now a duty he must hold in his lifetime-he dares not hope that this would be true but it seemed like there was no other way to subtract it from his responsibilities. "Aiya... could you both just shut up."

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The ballroom of Spades was often described as the starry skies of the four Kingdoms by how everything of light and dark mixed perfectly. Royal blue curtains adorn the glass windows which greatly complements the great white marble walls the gives light to the room. The royal insignia of the Kingdom stays strong behind the royal thrones at the opposite side of the main door. On the sides of the throne lie separate staircases from the second floor where the royal compartments were. The castle had a fairly traditional, outside were rock exteriors and the marbles for interior. The combination of the old and new rages in every aspect of the palace but what's most important was the ceremony to take place in the special room this throne room posses- the ceremonial room.

The ceremonial room was for special ceremonies held by the Monarchy. What goes on inside is never told outside of the room.

Unlike any other Kingdoms, the King of Spades' ability was shown to all of those in the monarchy. Arthur, the current Queen had performed his first spell there and certainly any monarch present upon that time was quick to raise their eyebrows. For a Queen of Spades to use the power of thunder and lightning... the person to be his King must surely be far stronger.

Now, here was the tricky part for Arthur was getting Alfred to be a nice and behave young man and follow instructions for once... He was sure Alfred had not seen such a number of people before at one place in a FORMAL gathering. " Listen, Alfred... You don't need to be worried. All you need to do is shake hands with them and- King? Alfred? Where the bloody hell are you? "

Oh dear. He was nowhere in sight. Who was the person to call in times like this? Yao. "Majesty!" Yao called out from the side as he gives him a note. Oh he had no time for these little notes but of course, he had to comply. It was the only way to communicate in formal parties so it won't be obvious that they are talking to each other about things going around. He took the small note and opened it.

Dearest friend of mine,

My humble apologies for I cannot attend such a matter at hand. I am currently facing such tasks that need my outmost attention at the moment. I hope you do not take this to heart and be this the way for our friendship to end.

My second of hearts shall be there to attend the ceremony in my steed. I pray to the Fates that you would be alright and worry less. Everything would go smoothly so, my friend, relax your nerves and be happy in this joyous occasion. Your Monarchy is now complete.

Kiku.

It was a very personal note and from the looks of things, Kiku must be quite busy himself for not coming. Arthur closed his eyes and looked at Yao. "His Majesty, have you seen him?" Arthur was suddenly calm after reading that letter. Well, who wouldn't be? The Queen of Hearts, the top suit, has expected that the gathering would go smoothly. They didn't have time for vanishing Kings.

"Is that him?" Yao asked as he pointed to the side where Arthur saw Alfred laughing. He was laughing along side with Francis and Lilian, the King and Queen of Diamonds. Arthur wanted to faint. Of all the people he had to bloody be with—why did he have to meet them first?

He could still remember his first visit to the Diamonds and meeting him a few years back. Francis was quite the spellcaster when it comes to his element. He had this enchanting aura that says he was different. If Arthur was explain, he would say that Francis was a hurricane that draws people to him without much of an effort. His charisma sways with the four winds and he could be very well someone's death. The mere movement of his fingertips commands the wind to brew and he'd seen it once... a person treacherous enough to question him in a second and was nothing more but shreds the next. The King of Diamonds was a powerful man. A very powerful man.

"Fates... Guide me." Arthur let out as he gathered his strength to approach the little circle. He made him way to their through the crowd, his smiling facade seemingly plastered on his face as he did. He prepared his little mouth to speak nothing but wanted words and not his infamous blasphemies of hell. Francis... The King of Diamonds. He didn't exactly get along with him. It seemed like his sole existence was to annoy Arthur since he had ever learnt to open his mouth. Arthur didn't know where he was from simply because he didn't care nor wanted to ask further of his origins but it didn't change the fact that his magic was much to be admired.

Yet now this silent wolf was very much disguised in sheep's clothing while standing beside this little fairy. What? He always had this fondness over the second Queen of Diamonds, Lilian. She was this bundle of innocence and sacred law; sweet and loving seems to be soul and gentleness her blood. She was a fairy of the four winds. She may not have the ability to use it but certainly, she has its aura of being protected by the sacred winds that protects Diamonds.

"Ah, Arthur..." Lilian said as she acknowledged his presence the moment he was merely four or five steps away. Her smiles were clearly that of a saint while she turned to him. She wasn't one to adore herself with the richness and daringness of her country, a mere simple dress of white and gold clod her body. Her sweet and gentle peridot eyes always had this welcoming gaze not exactly favourable to those who wanted to do her harm. She gentle bowed to him as he to her. No matter how young she was, she was the second most authoritative Queen to the Queen of Hearts. It was here the Francis' gaze was turned to him, a smile upon his lips.

"Oh hey, dude! I was getting by around and helping myself with some wine when I met Francis-" Alfred said. Clearly, if he knew Francis was the King of Diamonds, he would change his attitude right now, right? Arthur reminded himself not to expect any changes tho.

"He's the King of Diamonds, King." Arthur replied giving much emphasis to his title as if expecting him to be at least diligent into protocol. "And he's with charming Queen Lilian" He added before taking the lady's right hand and kissing the back of her palm. This earned quite an amused chuckle from her and a rare smirk upon Francis' face. Francis was a proud monarch, like any other and it was one of his pleasures to have his Queen properly treated.

Much to Arthur's demise, it was the same old grinning Alfred who didn't have a care of the world. Bollocks. The world couldn't go much worse than this. "Oh, hey that was unfair you didn't exactly told me you guys were from Diamonds. " Arthur lost hope. The sheer royal garbs and the insignia on the Queen's left hand was enough to say that they were the royals of Diamonds.

"Forgive us. I simply wanted to have a look of the person who have yet to be tainted of this monarchy~ They are quite rare afterall... right, Ar-Thur? " Francis said with a chuckle. A challenge. Arthur raised an eyebrow. How could he forget—He was a frog.

"I'm sorry. Were you speaking? I thought I heard a croak. " Arthur replied with a grin. Alfred was sleeve was abruptly pulled by the Queen of Diamonds. The intense atmosphere between Francis and Arthur was too much to handle, it seems. Even the air seemed to acknowledge that certain change as well- but Alfred cared nothing of this.

"Such good friends they are, don't you agree?" Alfred said with a soft smile. Dear Lord. Lilian didn't know if he said that because he was being cute or he was merely stating the obvious. Oh well, there was one thing clear. He was a great person to talk to and she wouldn't mind becoming friends with her. Plus, he's cute too. He's like this little brother, anyone would want to protect and do favours for.

Then at the corner of his eyes, he caught a glimpse of a green dress. Clubs? A lady... Alfred's eyes turned away from the arguing King of Diamonds and Queen of Spades to gaze at the beautiful and glamourous Queen of clubs. "Wow..." All hail the mighty Clubs indeed. Her stands demanded authority and by the way she walked in that daring gown, it's obvious that she wasn't someone to mess with. She was the embodiment of strength and skill. And is that a sword?

"I knew it. Those voices had to be Arthur and Francis..." she trailed off before flipping her long and curly brunette hair back of her shoulder. Alfred felt every word in his dictionary burned upon the sight of her and that's when he saw the mark of clubs upon her neck. The Queen of Clubs. The queen general of the Clubs who commands thousands of soldiers into battle. He couldn't help but feel nervous when her gaze was fixed upon him. "And you must be the King of Spades. Greetings from Clubs, I am Queen Elizabeta."

"Pleasure to meet you, your highness." Alfred greeted in some sort of timid way. Arthur caught this rare moment and decided to add it to his list of blackmail material. Yes, he did do a little blackmailing if he wanted something done more than anything.

"Just in time, Elizabeta. I was starting to worry that those two might just end up with more than words of curses." Lilian said chuckling nervously. Ah, she was a pure soul when she wanted to be.

"The pleasure is mine, young King and fret not I am here." Elizabeta said as if she was a heroine of Justice. Alfred's eyes sparkled at that. Elizabeta slowly approached the arguing monarchs with a smile. "My dears~! You both clearly are energetic tonight but let us enjoy the eventful evening...It's not every day that a King of Spades is crowned after all." She remarked and that earned a good time out. Alfred was instantly grateful towards her and-

"YOUR HIGHNESS LOOK OUT-!" yelled a server who had lost his footing and had the trolley full of drinks and it was towards one person, Arthur. Oh dear god. Right behind him was Queen Elizabeta and Queen Lilian. It would be a disaster if those drinks hurt them-He had that in mind but most importantly- his Queen would be hurt. From that moment Alfred gasped upon the sight he was seeing... everything was slow. Everything moving too slow. Every inch of Alfred was shouting that it wasn't normal to see things like this especially with his vision not exactly at one hundred percent at the moment but a voice in his mind rang.

Tonight, you'll meet the Monarchy of the Four Kingdoms. King Alfred, you are no farm boy now... you represent your Kingdom. If something goes wrong tonight... it might be taken wrongly so mind your actions.

Upon the desperate plea, Arthur gasped and looked behind him. Alas, disaster had struck. His mind was working overtime on what spell to cast but everything his mind flashes before them would not be quick enough to stop this so called disaster falling upon those behind him. He decided to thank the Fates for not allowing Kiku, the Queen of Hearts to come. Never will he allow his friend to see this nor will allow the Queen of Hearts to see this! He pleaded, shutting his eyes and absolute defeat...Let there be a miracle... Please...let there-

"Hands of time..."

A harsh roll of thunder was heard. Arthur opened his eyes and along with the others, it feasted upon the very sight. The ranging danger brought upon by the trolley was suddenly stopped midair centimetres when it was about to hit Arthur's body. "How..." he whispered carculating everything he could just to decipher how a thing could happen.

"Mother of Four winds..." Francis let out as his gaze was locked upon the King of Spades who was covered in the glow of mystic blue. Arthur widens his eyes in pure surprise. There upon his feet the circle of spade's insignia exists and around him were words of old. A spadian Clock of gold appeared in his hands but he merely glance at it as if it was the most normal thing to do.

"Hear me, thunder..."

Another roll of thunder was heard.

"Hear me, lightning..."

Lightning strikes outside the palace windows and Queen Lilian was only left to clutch unto her King's arm in fear of what may happen. On that note, Queen Elizabeta was rather left to gaze at such intensity. "Such Power..." She whispered before looking at Arthur who was clearly mesmerized by the very uttered spell and he hates to admit it but... he was mesmerized of Alfred.

His clear blue eyes were nothing of the skies like before instead it was like that of a demon which had awakened from a long slumber. The intensity of how lightning struck outside was overwhelming. It was like the skies were rejoicing being called by the child King in the palace of spades. Each monarch, most especially of Spades felt the shiver of danger upon their spines, like it was a warning that now, finally, the King of Spades, had come forth and taken his throne and power from Fates hands.

Outside the palace walls, the elders who had seen the familiar gliding lightning in the skies once more couldn't help but smile. "Long live the King of Spades..." they would whisper as they rejoiced with bliss upon their mind. The doubts upon the child King was set at ease as they saw how the heavens' thunder and lightning conquered the skies. Truly- the Kingdom of Power has risen. The Kingdom of Power had a King. A worthy King.

"Heed my absolute order and comply... annihilate which threatens to hurt my company. I am your master... STRIP IT GONE FROM SIGHT! "

In a matter of seconds the trolley was gone. Not a hint of dirt lay present anywhere as most of the royals stood motionless. Even Yao was left to stare and Arthur had only snapped out of his senses when he Alfred took his hand. "Dude, ya alright? " He asked in such a worried tone.

"Y-yes..." Arthur answered as he once again met those blue eyes he knew. Fates, was this really a King of spades? Why did he felt so afraid all of the sudden. The whole room was rendered speechless until there was slow clap by the side.

Alfred raised his head and saw a tall man clad in green. He was holding a rod of ruby and gold and the smile of no kinder than a demon in display of a child. "Marvelous, indeed. I suppose we have just witnessed the power of the Spadian King. There will be no need for further witnessing of his Power." The King of Clubs approached slowly and obviously the atmosphere became more tensed. "Greetings, King of Spades. I am King Ivan of Clubs... I thank you for saving my Queen from such a dangers. " He said calmly. Alfred didn't know why but he didn't like that smile nor that greeting. Of all the people who greeted him, this King, why did he felt so uneasy with him? Instead of pointing this out he merely held out his hand and return the same smile.

"King Alfred of Spades, my pleasure."

In the Kingdom of Hearts, a figure smile as he felt a strong shiver. There was no doubt about it now. The King of Spades had taken his throne and the sheer amount of his power was overwhelming enough to make him drop his quill. "Interesting..." he whispered before looking outside the window and setting his hand upon the glass. "The balance is set..."

To be continued...