AN: I went back and fixed all the grammar, misspellings, and typos. :) Thank you guys. Also in Chapter 11 it especially needed it the most.

"Prince Alfred of Spades!"

Alfred walked down the hall and up to the steps before the throne. The room was completely filled and decorated. The smell of food making his mouth water. He turned and looked towards the door and then in the crowds. Looking, searching for Sakura.

"Wang Yao, Jack of Spades."

The short Asian man stepped through a set of doors on the left. Of the room and people began to stare. He was now wearing a heavier cloak and it dropped to the floor.

"Queen of Spades, Arthur Kirkland."

Arthur came out of a door on the right and kept his hands together. They were sweating. He gulped quietly and was trying to maintain an air of confidence. Looking around he noticed everyone staring. He looked at Alfred who was staring back.

Taking his place on Alfred's left, they were asked to kneel. All of them did.

"Do you, Yao Wang, swear to forever honor the country and beloved kingdom of Spades?"

"I will"

"To watch over and protect all of the districts, including the house?"

"I will"

" Do you proclaim your name as the mark that will leave a permanent ink mark on soul protecting the royals of your time?"

"I will"

" To regulate trade and to be there for the Royals and protection of them at all times?"

"I will."

The High Jack smiled down at his apprentice. "Rise, in the name of the Kingdom of Spades, I now step down from my ranking and thus dub thee, the new Jack of Spades."

There were a lot of clapping and then it died down as the king then began to approach his son.

"Do you, Alfred, promise to always guide the kingdom with your wisdom, given to you since birth?"

"I promise."

"Do you promise to always take the good of the people into mind and to always put them first no matter the cause?"

"I promise." He choked on those words. He was just so happy that this was finally happening and subconsciously grabbed hold onto Arthur's hand. Who didn't protect. A sudden warmth came from there and he looked down to see he was gripping his marked hand.

"And finally, do you promise to always care for your queen and to produce an heir?"

Alfred looked to Arthur who kept his gaze ahead of him. He watched as his fiancé's neck gently bobbed when he swallowed. He looked into his full very compassionate eyes. "I promise."

Something odd came over him as he stood and had to tear his gaze away from Arthur.

"Well then now with my blessings, I thus, pass down my crown unto you, so that you may guide this kingdom, while I soon prepare for my rest and step down from the throne, giving you, all the power of the King of Spades."

A larger crown was placed on his head and removed from his father. His old princely one was set down on a small velvet pillow behind them.

The High Queen then stood up and walked to Arthur.

"Arthur Kirkland. An eight. A peasant blood, do you swear to govern the well being of the country and Kingdom of Spades with your life, and to guide and yet also make the kingdom grow, thrive, and yet have peace?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear your loyalty to the Kingdom and the King?"

"I swear."

"And finally, do you swear to try your hardest to either produce and raise an heir for the good of the younger generations and the ones to come with your legacy?"

Arthur hesitated. "I swear."

"Then I hereby renounce my position as the Queen and therefore knight thee purified by royal blood,". She gently held the ceremonial sword that the High Jack pulled from the High King's side. Gently tapping Arthur's soldiers. "The new Queen of Spades."

The room was silent until the sword was put away and the High Jack cleared his throat. "You may all rise". And they did. "You now have your Kingdom!" The people yelled out Ina roar of applause, cheers, and yells.

Once the cheering died down the High Queen spoke. "Now if you would all go out to the main courtyard, there are seats by the fountains." The people rose and began to chatter again and leave.

Alfred swallowed nervously and looked around the room, spotting Sakura who smiled at him. Yao elbowed him and that prompted an 'ow' from the King. "What?"

"Pay attention. King Francis would like to speak to you before the wedding. Don't worry, Arthur and Joan are going to their places."

Alfred sighed and looked by the thrones to francis who was trying to quickly finish up his wine. He nodded once and approached him. Francis smiled. "Ah, finally Alfred. I needed to speak to you."

"Yes, I heard." Alfred avoided eye contact and fixed his cuffs.

"You seem off Alfred, are you alright?"

There was no answer.

Francis looked towards the quickly emptying doors. Then he sighed, " Alfred you know I know you best out of your family than anyone else here, et I know when I see that you are troubled. Plus, I know love quand I see it. What's wrong mon ami?"

Alfred sighed and slumped against a half wall besides the thrones. "I don't know what to do Francis. ...I have loved Sakura for almost four years now... Well going on four in a month..."

Francis raised a brow. "Je sais, I took you into town too~. It was a shame that poor Sakura turned out to be a heart, non?"

Alfred laughed softly. "Yeah... But ...Well I don't know..." His shoulders sank. "I am afraid. She has been acting really strange and I thought Ludwig may be hurting her. Though the way she hangs around him..."

Francis laughed loudly. "I know you two were good friends, mais I do know this makes no sense. I 'Abe seen them togezer on mon visits to Hearts. I 'aven't seen such a relationship be so common. Zem again it is so strange. ". He shrugged. "Zey may be more political mais they love each ozer."

Alfred's chest tightened. "Y-yeah...I wish she would just talk to me... Maybe I can ask Arthur-"

"Non!" Francis yelled. Then composed himself once he had shocked Alfred enough. "Alfred...mon question from earlier. If you 'ace any feelings for 'im at all, keep your private life out of 'is!"

Alfred sighed and nodded. "Alright."

"Bon. Maintenant, I'd love to chat avec toi, mais you 'Abe a wedding to get to." Francis handed his now empty glass to a passing servant and gently patted Alfred's shoulder and escorted him to the doors.