AUTHOR: Crystal

22nd of November, 2014 - Between the Hearts

The Spades sovereign's gaze softened and his cerulean eyes shone with warmth as he opened up to the King of Hearts through a letter.

"This might surprise you, but the truth is I have loved you for years, Lord Arthur." His writing was clear and the hand that held the quill was firm and steady. At this moment, Alfred couldn't think of anything or anyone else besides his profound love for the fellow monarch.

"I'm sure of the feelings that occupy the core my chest. I have faith in us and trust that we are meant for one another. Each time I see you, I feel more alive, stronger and happy."

A smile formed on his lips as he continued. "You reside in my thoughts. Everything about you is an inspiration to me; your unshakable decisiveness when you handle important issues, the beauty of your manners and the depth of your thinking. I dream of holding you and kissing you in the sunlight that brings joy to the gardens of your Kingdom and under the soft moonlight that guides my troops through the dark."

It took Alfred quite long to convey the love he felt for his closest ally. Sure, there was some risk in this decision and yes, he couldn't be absolutely certain how the King of Hearts would respond to this personal letter. But years of silence and many nights of tears had filled the young ruler with a boldness that seemed unstoppable and couldn't be contained. Alfred always missed his beloved counterpart whenever they parted after a private meeting or joint celebration.

Arthur once told him that he didn't think himself capable of falling of love. His heart, the insignia of the Kingdom, belonged to the people that he ruled. Alfred still remembered that the fellow King had uttered the words with tears welling up in his eyes.

"Arthur, I believe you are wonderful and brave; no matter what you think about yourself, I'm sure that you are capable of loving. To love means to take a great risk…I know that well. My Kingdom and its power often thrive on solitude. But for you, I'm willing to lower my shield and build a bridge towards you. I don't know if you'll accept this. But I still feel a strong urge to try." He breathed in and out softly, loosening his grip around the quill pen to pause for a moment.

"I see a lot of love inside you. I see a man setting his priorities as a King. You care about your people. You have a heart that's beating for the realm…And here, I wonder, will it ever beat for me too?"

Alfred closed his eyes, remembering an old conversation that they had. He recalled the way Arthur stared into his blue eyes, as though he searched for a reflection of his own feelings into the gaze of the younger King. Alfred was surprised and thrilled, but remained calm on the outside. He hoped that if Arthur recognised that he himself was capable of love, he would also be able to recognise the love of his counterpart too.

"Your people will always consider you a great King. So do I. But I also see the man underneath the role of the monarch. Your chest is not empty of emotions and your heart is not made of stone."

He still longed for the light touch of Arthur's hand, reminiscing the way the King of Hearts caressed his cheek. There was a gentle expression on Arthur's face that day… and it seemed to harbour unspoken words which Alfred needed to hear.

" You will be safe with me and I'll be safe with you… I only wish to cherish you, Arthur. To love you and be loved by you."

Alfred occasionally gave the impression of someone who could go on in his life without the need of romantic love, but he had already embraced his strong feelings for the allied King. Spades had a warlike core and so did its prime champion. He knew what it meant to win or to lose. He could recognise strength or weakness and face either of them with decency.

It wasn't easy to tell how Arthur was going to respond to this confession. But Alfred had no intention to back down.

He signed the letter with confidence and a warm smile that often prompted Arthur to smile back…