"Months passed as the war started. It was hard, since the queen on the chessboard was already taken prior to the game, thus Hearts had the upper hand. There was still no word from the House of Diamonds, but their soldiers marched along side the vibrant reds and pinks.
"Yao stayed at the castle to ensure the safety of the kingdom. Matthew accompanied Alfred, being the Ace and all. "I think we should move our troops around to drive them into the center, if then-"
Matthew shook his head. "We are outnumbered...sure you rule over the largest kingdom, but Clubs is the most populous...and they've been aiding Hearts through military supplies..."
They sat around the fire, Alfred grunting quietly and then rubbing at his chest.
Matthew sat up a bit straighter. "Al- does it hurt?" He asked in alarm.
Alfred shook his head. "Yeah...damn I wish I could see him..." He bit off a piece of meat from his skewer.
"Your majesty! A letter!" A man on horseback approached Alfred. The morning air was cold and stiff. The castle was quiet. They had called off the war to put it on standby for the holidays. That and it seemed Sakura was actually rumored to have been in delicate condition. Though this was only a rumor. Snow littered the area. It had officially been six months since that day with Francis. Since he saw Arthur. He stood and thanked the messenger. Looking at the date his heart tugged. Well, that marks a month since his own Father's death. A heart attack due to the stress of war. 'I'm such a disappointment.' Alfred sighed and then tore open the first letter. Green.
Yao stood up and was quick to approach his side. "What does it say?"
Alfred's eyes narrowed, then he chuckled. "They dare ask for aid from Spades..." He folded the letter up and shoved it into his pocket.
Yao hesitated before speaking and looked to the High Queen. "In these circumstances, I believe that Ivan can pull through if an invasion were to occur during the season. Though helping would gain an ally in this ordeal..."
Alfred contemplated before nodding, and before much could be said, the holidays were suddenly halted at this declaration. The war must go on.
Reaching the shores of Clubs, it was a complete mess. Another tug at his chest. "Arthur!"
The Queen glanced at Alfred, thus missing when Ivan blasted him with his own magic. Arthur yelled and then shot towards an unsuspecting Alfred, who dodged. He ran to Arthur and glared at Ivan. "Arthur!"
Arthur swallowed nervously. "Alfred- no! Don't come any closer!" He begged and backed up. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry...!"
Alfred glanced down at the braces on the other's wrists, hesitated, then put his hands up defensively. "Arthur-". Then suddenly there was brightness. Alfred let out a yell of pain before smashing into the cold snow. He shuddered and struggled to push himself up. His soldiers quick to help him. Matthew and Eliza stared and glared at Arthur, causing him to run away in fear.
Alfred was taken to the Clubbian palace to be treated.
Alfred groaned upon awaking, his head was sore, he tried to sit up but hands were quick to help him. "Relax Alfred..."
"Eliza...?" He squinted his eyes. "Dammit- you all..."
The doctor smiled. "You're awake! Good! How do you feel...?"
Alfred looked around the room. He blinked again, trying to clear his eyes. Everything was blurry. "I...what happened...? I ...I can't see..."
"Yes, it appears that blast of energy did a small number on you. It's only minor, but at least you're still alive...though you'll need to be wearing this from now on..." Something small and metal was handed to him. Alfred glanced down with pleading eyes before he slipped them on. Eyeglasses.
Eliza invited Alfred to tea, a few months have passed again. No other attempts had occurred. Hearts had grown quiet, though that didn't stop the watches. Alfred needed to calm down, tea would hopefully help.
The beverage made his chest tighten and he rubbed at his chest as he, Ivan, Yao, Roderick, and Eliza went over the war plans.
"It's those bracelets he's wearing..."
Alfred glanced up at the door where Matthew guided Francis inside. He stood in shock. Francis has physically aged, it seemed, as depression hung over him like a cloud.
Francis cracked a smile. "I owe you an apology."
Alfred glanced at Matthew.
"He's here without knowledge of Heats." Mathew described. The Diamond King nodded.
"We are slowly fixing up what is left of our Kingdom since it went under Heart's rule..."
Alfred nodded and gestured to an empty seat. "So...any word on why they've ceased attacking?"
Francis crossed his arms. "Not a clue...as far as I know it is because they are planning...so we might as well do the same...my Ace's lover, is the brother of the Jack of Hearts. Apparently Feliciano let it slip about the bracelets. If we were able to find out how they worked, then maybe we could ...
Alfred nodded. "Alright...thank you Francis..."
Arthur groaned as he sat up, red wasn't his color, by it was all he could wear given he didn't get to take luggage with him. He looked to his hand and rubbed the Spade mark.
The door opened and a maid guided him to the dining room. It wasn't as though he was being treated like a prisoner, but due to Arthur's disposition about being seen in such clothing.
"Guten Morgan." Ludwig greeted as the house are their food.
Arthur poked at his silently before beginning to eat. It's almost laughable, this damsel in distress situation...if only he could remove his bracelets. They had to come off right?
Sakura sighed and then looked at Ludwig who gave her a warning glance.
Alfred stared at the ceiling removing and putting his glasses on again. He frowned and sighed, sitting up abruptly and grabbing his sword. Something didn't feel right.
The sound of footsteps echoed in the large room before he jumped out of bed, throwing the covers aside.
His sword met a throat and he stood confidently.
"Woah woah! Take it easy! Not that you could kill me that is.~"
Alfred squinted his eyes and then opened them in shock once his eyes had adjusted.
"You should totally see your face right now!" The Joker began to laugh.