Hello! I know it's been a huge while! Like I said a lot of things came up but what's important is now, I'm back and ready to update these stories.

CHAPTER VI

"MOEBIOUS"

"Be careful of what you wish for…."

Alfred opened his eyes gently as he knew the site before him even before he had closed his eyes into this pretence of a slumber he had done. A darling sleeping face he had grown to adore and crave to see every night… He must really be going crazy for even wanting to see this. Carefully, he placed a hand upon those pale cheeks and carefully studied those close eyelids which held those wonderful green eyes. Soft breaths escaped those agape pink lips of his as the slumber had seemed to take him for a peaceful rest; Alfred's eyes grew still and softened at this. Why…Oh why did he grow so fond of his Queen? Wasn't it forbidden to be like this? Yes, it was but he was like a spider caught in this web of continuous pretence and desire. He lied just to see this face. He should be punished severely yet why doesn't he regret it? He told the Queen that if he sings, he would fall asleep and as much as he disagreed, the fooled Queen complied on his silly request. How can he sleep if the person he adores in all of his life lay with him, holding him and singing him a lullaby? He would be silly to let that opportunity pass. He would be silly to let this go… but he pretended to be asleep, merely to leave his mind to be at ease and to satiate his hungry heart to seek out every affection Arthur could give him. "Please don't be so kind…" The King of Spades begged in a soft voice as he caressed those cheeks lovingly. "If you don't… I won't be able to control myself anymore and be selfish and steal you away." He knew those words were treason against the Fates for they have willed that love and affection be forbidden for those they have chosen to sit in the realms of power and authority yet he wanted to say them to Arthur…. He wanted to express just how much he wanted to have him and protect him.

"But Queens are to be sacrificed all the time."

King Ivan once said those words and he knew them well as every King have written it upon their books yet he was a King who doesn't want to share his Queen. A selfish King who wanted everything perhaps, King Ivan was right…. He was greedy. In chess or in Kingship- in every way he breathes and lives his life, he was a greedy person. He wanted to steal away the Queen from his people. Ever since he had come to know of the ritual the Queen of Spades is obligated to do- there only rest one thing in his mind: I will not let him be one those Queens.

"Give me the power to protect this person…"

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Blast it all.

He knew it.

Arthur bloody knew it was too good for the King to be serious around him. It was always like that! Yao gets the "Kingly" person from him and he gets the child out of the King. Where was Yao when he needed him?! Yao who should be the one talking to his King so he could have his work in peace- at least, that was who Yao was aside from being the almighty knave of the Kingdom.

"Please, Arthur~! I wanna see your clock! I was told it was a lot different from mine-" Alfred even puts his pocket watch on the table as if it was a trade for trade thing. "See?" Arthur blinked several times. He had seen the King's spadian pocket watch in books but to see it up close—it was a Fate given chance! "Ha! You can't hide your clock now! You saw mine already- so in exchange you have to show me yours!"

Tricky bastard and his negotiating ability! How did he even got that comeback? No, where did he got that comeback?! "YOU BLOODY WANKER! YOU DISTURBED ME IN THE MIDDLE OF MY WORK JUST BECAUSE OF THIS SILLY MATTER-"

"Artie—Sweetheart, nothing's a silly matter when it involves you~" The King even winked at him. Now that was unfair. He can't just be stupid and be adorable at the same time! He was even calling him by his weird nicknames again! He had to look away from that sight so he could regain his fuming anger and dismiss his embarrassed-tainted cheeks.

The twin symbol of the Spades, the Spadian clock, can only be at the possession of the King as its counterpart, the Queen's clock, can only be at the possession of the Queen; it can only be drawn if there was trouble for the Kingdom to solve and not just by mere curiosity! Both of them holds their magic and serves as mediums when it comes to spell casting.

Though when it comes to how it works, the Spadian Clock is far superior despite its size. To others, it may just be an ordinary pocket watch. It will not emit not transmit magic like how it does when the King holds it. It is synchronized with the time depicted in Clock Tower of the Town Square, which tolls every six hours—for that alone; it is called the "time for the living." Each toll has a meaning though… and it is said that the King is the only one who could decipher its meaning.

"BLOODY STOP IT WITH THE NICKNAMES!" "Darling, I won't stop until you show me what I want~" As his cheeks burned crimson, Arthur snapped his finger and alas, the three foot tall round watch dropped on top of the King's head out of his sheer annoyance of him. "OH THERE IT IS. LISTEN AS IT TOLLS YOUR BLOODY DEMISE, YOUR MAJESTY!" Arthur remarked as he was greatly twitching in anger, no, more like in irritation!

As for the Queen's clock, the sheer size makes it impossible for it to be carried around thus it stays in one place. It is up to the Queen where that place would be. The time it holds goes far slower than that of the King's Clock described as the "time for souls."

"That hurt!" The King said in protest as he rubs the area where the wondrous Queen's clock has hit him rather hard. Arthur, on the other hand, just let out sigh and crossed his arms. Yes, he doesn't regret what he had done and that expression curved unto his face would clearly say that the King was lucky to be only experiencing this pain or else—

If there was one thing that the King of Spades does surprisingly well every time, it would be annoying his Queen by the mere sound of this voice or at least to many that's how it looks like. To Arthur, however, it is what it is supposed to look like. No one must know… No one must even have a hint that he was smitten, that he adores, that he was in love with this King before him. It was treason enough to the fates to have these feelings of affections and to let others know of it…He has a clear memory of a Kingdom that had once fallen almost into ruins because of these 'silly' feelings he had lay hidden in his heart and mind. "Now, that's your fault for being so persistent!"

There was silence after that which was enough to make Arthur's attention to be shifted upon the King he had physically hurt just to hide his barely hidden affections. He was now sitting on the floor as he was looking, no, seemingly examining the clock he had in his hand and the clock Arthur had called forth. His gaze clearly resembled the sheer curiosity one would have when before such sacred objects.

"Arthur…" The King called out as he stood up without even sparing him a glance.

Now, that has gotten his attention even more as he attempted to walk towards the King who had called him by his name with no hint of teasing or jest whatsoever. It was almost surprising as to how both of them would change their way of thinking when they would sense each other's authority. For Arthur, personally, he thought that it is weird but he dared not voice it out loud since this seemingly serious King is someone who just comes around once a blue moon in his dictionary.

"Your clock doesn't look damaged. So I wondered why… It is said that our clocks are connected; given by the fates to mark the bond the King and Queen would have but then my pocket watch has been acting strange for a few days now; what of yours?"

Now that he had been asked like this in such a way, Arthur couldn't help but be silent for a moment, thinking of his answer. Strange? "Enlighten me… of how 'strange' your clock has been acting."

Alfred kept his pocket watch back inside his pocket before facing his Queen. "It tolls three times in four in the morning and four in the afternoon since a week ago. It's not broken nor has it experienced anything that would break it. It has always been on my coat's inner pocket every since it was given to me at the coronation ceremony."

It tools thrice at four o'clock? The King's clock was only suppose to toll at the sixth and twelfth hour of the day so then why would it toll thrice at four? Arthur looked at the Queen's clock and that's when he remembered how one time it tolled. He couldn't remember the time it exactly tolled but he was sure he was having tea when he heard this sound of a large bell, almost a gong of some sort, being struck. Was that the Queen's clock? But how come? The Queen's clock does not toll! Wait… that's not necessarily true. Arthur's eyes widen in acknowledgement of this. "One moment." That was what the Queen of Spades said before rushing to one of the shelves in his study- the shelf where the past Queens had their legacies written in old paper and ancient writings only known to Spades.

He had read this happen in one of his predecessor's journals. Now, if only he could find which one it was… Which one… Which one? "King, what sound did you hear?" he asked as he was busy looking through the books he had in front of him. He had to find it no matter what or at least know what that signifies.

Alfred, who had taken the seat available by Arthur's table, puts a hand over his chin. "It was of a large bell. Like, it was being struck or something by a hammer… or a gong. It's somewhere between those sounds." He answered truthfully before leaning back on the seat. "What are you looking for?"

Then it was the same. "I might know what that means…" Arthur said as he climbed the ladder to get the books on the top shelf. "Now if only I could—Aha! Here it is! Alfred, it was said here that—WOAH!" Arthur couldn't continue as he'd lost his balance. Oh Fates, he was prepared to fall on the carpeted floor before he felt himself elevate. He opened his eyes and saw the King smirking.

"You're always frantic about those books…." Alfred said as he dismissed the magic circle below his footing. It had come to a point that he didn't even need to stand in performing spells- What did he expect from the ruler of the Kingdom of Power?

Arthur closed his eyes in annoyance before sighing. "Set me down, please and to stop time because of this is silly, don't you think?"

"It is not. I don't want my queen to be hurt." Alfred said before walking over to him and taking his hand. There, he pulled him down from his suspension in the air and Arthur landed on the floor easily and gracefully.

"Time magic can give your body a heavy price- a heavier price than that of lightning and thunder manipulation." Arthur looked at him with an all knowing gaze given that he knew this stuff since he was from a family of spell casters.

"Nothing's heavier than the price of having a hurt Queen when you're the King of Spades, the Kingdom of Power." Alfred defended with a smile. It was a discussion of Ego versus knowledge. The discussion between the King and Queen of Power, indeed, it was. Of course, it wasn't the thing they were going to talk about so the topic was set aside. Nevertheless, Arthur wouldn't admit that his heart skipped a bit when he heard that from him. He felt flattered but then again, it was hidden the façade of a serious monarchy who hated his title when in fact now, it was a little bit conflicted with it. "So what did you find so worth of your fall?"

Arthur set those words aside before opening the book he had upon his hand. "It's the journal of Her majesty, Queen Nero. The thirteenth Queen of Spades." He muttered slowly as he searched through the pages. Thank him for his good memory! He could win an award for remembering which monarch it was—but then again, he had read those books over a dozen times from the moment he had become the Queen in an attempt to understand his role in the Kingdom. It just so happens that this Queen's journal contains a record of how everything happened during the Great War. Was this an omen? Arthur shook his head against that thought. 'Don't be crazy. It won't happen again-That would be weird since it only happened because of the Hearts being manipulated by a false Queen and there was rebellion and many more- 'He thought to himself but nevertheless, the idea did shook him up.

No one wanted that.

13th day of the Ninth month

Dearest Diary of mine,

I have fallen into confusion once more and had referred to the other Queens about a queer phenomenon that had struck me and the King. I know it is to be top secret but then again, I have been told to consult the others by my Knave because of his lack of interest, saying it was just one of ways to get him into my chambers. I have never been so humiliated in my life! It is sad I tell you! No one wanted to listen to me because I was a former prostitute.

Rumors go along the palace walls as if I was a plague that had entered the palace. It is not even my fault why I am here living this lavish life just because of a mark upon my leg.

The Queen's clock that has been under my protection has begun tolling for an unknown cause. I have asked the Queen of Hearts and she was more than nice enough to listen. The joy of having at least one, listen to me! I've inquired her about the King's Clock as well and she told me to listen carefully. It will tell me of what indicates.

It wasn't much but it was still something to go by.

Both Arthur and the King of Spades had read those lines and couldn't help but stare up to each other, not even disturbed by their predecessor's profile-It seems like it wasn't the first time when the fates went a little crazy on choosing who to sit on the throne. "King, what time is it?" Arthur asked as he looked at his clock.

"A few minutes before four o'clock-"Alfred said as he glanced over his pocket watch and nodded. It was the perfect time to listen to those sounds. As far as they were concerned so both of them stood there in silence; waiting, anticipating, judging what sound may emerge from their symbols in that given time.

In a few more moments, there it was. The sound of a huge bell was what Arthur heard from his clock! It was only once but for sure he heard something as if the sound was telling him something… If he wasn't wrong… Well, that gentle sound could only tell him one particular word. "Grace?"

"You too, huh?"Alfred let out before looking at his Queen; both of them seemed to just have gotten out of a trance.

"I got to hear only the word 'Grace.' What about you?" Arthur asked as he shifted a bit and placed his hands on the table. "What the bloody hell does that mean?! Does the Queen of Hearts have some sort of dictionary for these?!"

It has gotten him even more confused! To his surprise, the King of Spades laughed merrily. "Don't just stress yourself over this, Artie~" Alfred said with a wink. Yes, that remark came from the same person who had brought the problem in the first place. He wanted to ask what he had deciphered from the sounds he had heard but then again that was all set aside by a particular and familiar annoyance he had for him!

"You were the one who bloody brought the dilemma in the first place!"

"Really? Oopps~ Sorry, Babe!"

Arthur couldn't restrain his anger now and slammed his hands on the table, glaring at the King. Poor him. There he was finally thinking that he had hoped of talking to the King everyone seemed to be so impressed by and he goes bonkers on him. Who was he kidding?! "YOU BLOODY GIT!"

"Wait—"Alfred dodged the book flying his way. "YIKES. CALM YOURSELF, QUEEN!"

"DIE."

Was it weird that he felt something else were behind Alfred's words other than pure nonsense-?

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Yao knocked upon the door where the most powerful man in the Kingdom of Spades sat as his gaze was locked on the folders and books on the table. "You absolutely show no mercy, Yao."He whined as the Queen of Spades stood at his right, seemingly guiding the King into getting the paperwork on the go. Yao was wearing his navy blue cloak and had his ponytail tied higher than the usual…Ah, it was the get up he would wear whenever he was sent on a mission.

Seriously, who would a schedule everything to proceed like he was there despite his absence? Yao was the only person Alfred knew who would not let a mission affect his line of work. How can the man even plan so well ahead like that?! He knows they were the Kingdom of Time and Power but come on, they didn't have to prove that literally, right? Then again, they were talking about Yao- a person who had it longest in the palace walls compared to Arthur and him.

He had mentioned that he was an acquaintance of Arthur and the Queen of hearts. Those words alone were enough for anyone to know what kind of attitude he would have. Someone who judges everyone silently and just explodes when they are at their limit like the Queen of Hearts and someone who just loves to do their job like there was no tomorrow, in short, Arthur. If he was friends with them then for sure he must be both.

"I can't have you lazing around because you gave me a mission, your majesty."

"I good touch if I do say so myself."

'That's right gang up on me your workaholic douches!' Alfred shouted in his mind as he practically leaned back and just glared at Yao who clearly had the gaze of a winner. "Alright, since you're here, I guess you've already done what I've requested of you two days ago."

"A 'Grace Alden' your majesty? I think I have heard of such a name before but why conduct an investigation about the said person?" Yao asked as he looked at the King who had his back turned against him.

"You could say that it is what willed to be by the fates… my pocket watch and Arthur's clock tolls that name every four o'clock and I swear to the fates, I'm about to go crazy with how that message has been delivered to me. "

"You mean, this Grace Alden could be a number or better yet-"

"Yes, the long forgotten Ace for the Kingdom of Spades. I do not know anything about this person so before summoning her here in this palace; I want you to make certain that all is clear."

"Understood and if you don't mind me asking, how did your visit to Clubs went?" Yao asked as he looked at his King, eyes questioning as it was locked on him alone.

"Ivan and I do not and will never get along."

"Whoever said you have to get along?"

Alfred blinked several times at this and stared at Yao. "What? I-I thought..."

"If you do not get along then you do not. I'm not saying you should, that would be out of the question. Ivan is proud, after all, too proud for the matter and you're not as different. It cannot be helped that you can see different perspective of things." Yao said before sighing. "Even twins do not get along. You could say that both of you are too similar to be different of one another. At one glance, you know each your weaknesses and strengths that's why you don't get along... "

"Queen Kiku and I do not also get along... is that also an indication that we are too similar to be indifferent?"

"His Majesty, the Queen of hearts, is too different to be similar. He values heritage, you value what comes of heritage. "

"And what of King Francis and I...?"

"King Francis values differences which you value as well. He learnt that part the hard way in his reign but it gradually helped... you, on the otherhand... I doubt you will. You're too stubborn to accept change. "

Alfred cannot say more of this matter. "Harsh, Yao. You are harsh. For certain you already know of what happened in Clubs yet you want me to tell you straight in the face. I say, how mean.." "I only want you to speak up. Don't think you are being noble by not saying a word. Thinking that no one can understand is enough to say that you are the one mean. If you want something done, you have to let those around you know what you want and that involves the Queen of Spades."

"I'll heed this advice you have and involve him in court."

Yao blinked several times before looking at the young King strangely. "King, we are not even talking about the court."

"Eh?!"

"Aiyah. One word about the Queen and you go somewhere else- King, concentrate!"

Alas, Yao pulled out another folder from his cloak. "There's a portrait of her there along with all the information you need to know about Miss Grace Alden." Yao began before taking his cloak off and setting it on the arm of the chair available. "Miss Grace Alden is an adopted daughter of a well known blacksmith, Regulus, in the Southern district of Spades' Capital. She is currently seventeen years of age and working under the guidance of the same master who had adopted her. She can use sword, spears…almost any weapon but then again, I have seen her fought with a sword."

He had fought her with a sword, hadn't he? It was obvious since Yao hardly compliments someone who wasn't worthy of it. "And how may that even be proven?" Arthur just have to ask and Yao rolled up his sleeves to show a bandaged arm. Well, that was quick. He couldn't believe it! Yao was the one who taught him how to fight and now he was injured?!

"A little scratch, your majesty, I assure you and this is what she claimed to be an accident." The Knave said with a slightly amused face inclined with a sly smile. Accident or not, it is amazing how she could land her blade on him when he, the King of Spades, took several months to just master a technique. Arthur gulped before approaching Yao and started healing his wound with a little magic. "May I continue?"

"You bet!" Alfred said as he stood up from his seat. Goodness, he was excited to meet this lady whom had managed to land a scratch on Yao!

Yao sighed and allowed his wounds to be healed by the Queen and his friend. "No criminal record whatsoever. Her mark is upon her upper part right arm- Lastly, classified as the Ace of the Kingdom of Spades under your monarchy, Sire."

That was enough to make Alfred smirk and certainly boasted his curiosity into a maximum. Only a few chosen Kings and Queens had seen an Ace into their monarchy and he was fortunate to have one? Was this a blessing or some bad luck?

An ace was a monarch and a member of the council, the protector of the monarchy and the medium between council and the three monarchs...In the documents of Spades, the Ace was the one who protect and serve their kingdom through means of military strength. All other information about the position is mysteriously hidden even away from the King's authority.

A few Kings have stated that the presence of an Ace varies from the situation at hand and some even barely knows them at all. They were these people who were shrouded with darkness and Alfred was the type to want everything in the light! He wanted everything explored! "It would seem like our King is thrilled?" Yao asked as he removed the bandages and thanked the Queen for healing his wounds.

"Very much thrilled, if I do say so myself."

"Good, because I've summoned her to come to the palace and meet the numbers currently, present." Yao said with a smile so innocent it could burn anyone.

Alfred sweatdropped a bit at this before looking at his Queen. That's right, he gave Yao a hint last time that he would slip whenever he would hear the Queen's name even title! It just shows just how he loves him but that doesn't mean everyone needed to know. He had to keep it hidden or else… "Queen, .what do should we expect from this Ace of ours..?" In all honesty, he just wanted to hear Arthur's voice once in a while in talks like this specially since Yao can be too serious to talk to!

Despite the seriousness of the King, the Queen mustered a soft smile. A smile everyone knew dangerous. "For me, she should hold herself well. She must embody the ideals of the Spades and be proud of it. Afterall... we don't want a protector who posses as an outlaw" he said as he leaned back on his seat and crosses his leg over the other.

Alfred couldn't help but chuckle at what the Queen said. If there was one thing that Arthur has to offer in meetings, it was his bluntness in talking. He was a negotiator by blood and by any judgment, what he said was the hardest to do- embody the Spade's ideals.

"What you say is true, my Queen...however we mustn't pressure our new Ace so early...who knows what may happen..."

"Be careful what you wish for, your majesties…" Yao muttered and for sure that got Alfred to snap out of his thoughts.

Just what does Yao mean when he said this?

To be continued….

Moebius: watch?v=SiGyzOjaFXI