"Finally clear off the boarder with Matthew, the troops made camp and gathered around a fire. Alfred sighed and poked at his food.

"Don't worry Al...I'm sure there is an explanation..."

Alfred smiled sheepishly. "I could have helped...my magic... It could have-"

Matthew gave Alfred a stern look. "Alfred. No. Don't you think like that. You know it only can work within the hour and in both cases you weren't able to do it. Stop blaming yourself. We should...we should probably contact Clubs...ask your Jack. Let's go back to the palace and work things out."

"Mattie-! Arthur was in there- I can't just-"

"You can and you will...for the sake of Spades. You told me that war has been declared on your kingdom by diamonds...and you and hearts are definitely not on good terms. Clubs is our only hope..."

Arthur was shoved to the floor with a loud gasp of protest.

"Just take these bloody things off of me! You said they didn't work with magic! I ...how could you...I didn't..."/

Sakura looked to Ludwig.

"They channel your magic so that we can control them. It is a rather new invention really. You can't use your own magic unless commanded. It's a new level of hypnosis." Ludwig answered and inspected them, only to be punched in the face.

Ludwig recoiled in pain before covering his nose.

"Don't fucking touch me! In the name of Spades I will-"

"You'll what?" Sakura interrupted. "Your precious King left!"

Arthur knew better, the kingdom always comes first.

"Unfortunately the king of hearts seems to driving himself into madness through the 'best interests of the people.'...I thought this only happened to Clubbian Kings...no offense."

Alfred sat at the table talking to the House of Clubs, occasionally looking to Matthew and Yao who nodded encouragingly.

Eliza sighed and then looked to Ivan with concern. So he continued for her. "It's an old magic. Something you may not have learned in your schooling of magic, given the sudden death of your Father's predecessor...it's a magic that can transfer...like a walking disease. It makes its way through the Kings of Cards like a ghost. A curse given by the first Joker...an old myth..."

"Alfred sighed and reclined into his chair.

Eliza continued. "Regardless we cannot go to war with you over hearts."

Alfred glared and then sat up, "Why not?! We helped you to get your Jack-

Roderick interrupted him. "And we thank you for that; nonetheless, that wouldn't be in the best interest of our kingdom and they probably won't support us. We owe Ludwig a huge debt."

Alfred growled and crossed his arms. "The debt of killing Gilbert?!" He snapped.

Eliza narrowed her eyes. "Enough! Hearts is no longer a threat to us, and there is no formal declaration upon you. We refuse to be a part of the conflict. We are also aware that your kingdom has no intent on backing us in a possible war with Hearts."

Alfred interrupted her, "that's because j wasn't even king yet!"

"You are Spades when you become King! Your kingdom also didn't and still don't help us during the famine!" Roderick retorted /

Alfred stood, "it's not like we can! Our own country-"

Yao gently touched Alfred's shoulder. "Enough. This is supposed to be a discussion with bothQu end present any how. However, Clubs, we must know of your motives concerning the war with Hearts and Diamonds. Are you planning to deliver aid to either kingdom?"

Ivan stayed quiet and gave Yao an icy look.

Eliza stood. "We shall be going. Best of luck to Spades." She left the room followed by the other Clubbians. Ivan stopped to glance at Alfred through the corner of his eyes, Alfred did the same, then he left. Alfred waited until the door was closed before he picked up a glass and thee it at the door. "DAMMIT!" He shouted.